The stakes are not exceedingly high here, as Micheal Fassbender has a day job. But once it gets going, its actually quite an enjoyable watch, as it shows you essentially what it is like to race in Le Mans. Also includes lots of 1st person footage from the car, which makes it a pretty exciting watch at times. So for people who both A. Like Micheal Fassbender and B. Like racing in any way, they will probably enjoy this. (I do not watch any professional racing at all, simply enjoy most racing movies I have seen....this does a great job showing kindof what it is really like.) The sound is also extremely good, and really gets you into the action...it kept my attention and made me keep watching...even if we know Fassbender doesn't "need" to win to have a life.
Reviews
21 Reviews
90's nostalgia, humor, and heart
2 July 2023
This is worth watching just from the 90's nostalgia as theres lots of clips of commercials back then and it really brings you back into that time. As a kid who watched this show I think on re-runs in the mid to late 90's on saturday mornings...I loved the nostalgia. But even better is getting to know who the characters were behind the camera which was probably the most interesting thing about it. It also shows you how the show was made and all the funny stories that go into that, as well as the drama that happened as well. Excellent doc, and the pacing is extremely good and keeps you watching.
Loan Wolves
(2022)
Decently done doc on the Student Loan topic
20 December 2022
This film had a slightly comedic tone, akin to "the Daily Show" investigative pieces, but still addressed serious aspects of the issue. The humor was great at times, amongst a topic that can be boring, but at the same time, it loses some of its power, in staying in such a comedic tone, on such a serious topic. So I think the doc "Fail State" is overall better on this topic, and much more powerful.
It was definitely worth watching however, and it even has a "Who-dunnit" mystery within the narrative arc of the film, in trying to figure out who exactly...was responsible for the 1998 provision that made student debt impossible to discharge in bankrcupty. That made me want to keep watching, and the payoff was worth it. There are only about 2 moments that made me feel emotional in the film though, as it stayed to that comfortable, comedic tone, and could have been more powerful, if it delved deeper into how damaging student loans are to borrowers lives. The reveal to the "Who-dunnit", and one particularly distressed borrwers story, were those only moments of catharsis as a viewer, which is where this film struggles, on such a serious topic.
Definitely entertaining, and enlightening though...and absolutey worth seeing for anyone effected by student loan debt, or generaly interested in the topic. 8/10.
It was definitely worth watching however, and it even has a "Who-dunnit" mystery within the narrative arc of the film, in trying to figure out who exactly...was responsible for the 1998 provision that made student debt impossible to discharge in bankrcupty. That made me want to keep watching, and the payoff was worth it. There are only about 2 moments that made me feel emotional in the film though, as it stayed to that comfortable, comedic tone, and could have been more powerful, if it delved deeper into how damaging student loans are to borrowers lives. The reveal to the "Who-dunnit", and one particularly distressed borrwers story, were those only moments of catharsis as a viewer, which is where this film struggles, on such a serious topic.
Definitely entertaining, and enlightening though...and absolutey worth seeing for anyone effected by student loan debt, or generaly interested in the topic. 8/10.
D.B. Cooper: Where Are You?!
(2022)
Very interesting and worth watching
20 July 2022
I think the downvotes are a bit odd, as people are convinced they know what happened and then fault the documentary for not agreeing with thier conclusion or preconcieved culprit. I agree with the documentaries premise and think its definitely possible they have solved the case. It's also just very interesting for anyone interested in the case, at all. Furthermore...the people disparaging it, and even in the episodes, who doubt the conclusion, have a vested interest to do so - to admit that they solved the case - means that they can no longer make money off of talking about "Who Was D. B. Cooper ?" So I find it funny the people giving it negative reviews when no one knows for sure, and if it is correct...than all the other people saying it is incorrect...would be out of out of a job pretty much. It is definitely plausable, and I think its at least #1 or #2 in top theories of what happened in the case, and definitely interesting and worth watching. (Also, there is another very strong reason they present for why the case was not "solved" officially" which they discuss in depth.....and is also extremely plausable.)
The Invisible Pilot
(2022)
Definitely worth seeing
20 April 2022
The 1st episode introduces this guys life, and the characters in his life. Can't give away spoilers but its absolutely worth seeing the 2nd + 3rd episodes (the entire series is 3 episodes)...as he was involved in quite the scandal. Reviews based on only the first episode make 0 sense, as they haven't even seen 1/3rd of the story. It was really interesting, and anyone under a certain age probably doesn't know much about these incidences so it was very fascinating to see. The relationship to his family is also interesting and is the undercurrent to the series, but the stuff he is involved with is more in episodes 2+3 so they should be watched. Incomplete otherwise.
The Outsider
(1979)
Surprisingly good
19 December 2021
This is one of the better films on the IRA struggle I have ever seen, despite its age. You also get what looks like a film shot on location in Belfast from the 70's, which surprised me in that it looked like a warzone. Other later films on the subject cannot quite capture the setting as this film does wonderfully. The plot is complex, the acting is good, and it is pretty intense, and overall very well done. For anyone that likes the IRA subject matter it is definitely worth seeing, and one of the best films on that subject that is for unknown reasons, not well-watched.
Penguin Town
(2021)
Making nature shows fun
4 July 2021
I don't often watch them as they are too serious, but Patton Oswalt as the narrator makes this pretty light and funny, and easily watchable. It has beautiful cinematography of the animals and setting in South Africa, and does have serious moments too. You learn a lot about the penguins, and it deals with a lot of the behaviors of the animals, and follows penguin "characters" and family's which also keeps it more entertaining as opposed to the unattached style of most nature shows where there is no character to root for.
So basically the penguins need to spend some months on land in this town in South Africa, for mating and nesting purposes so there is a fair amount of humor, and wonder, with penguins wandering around a town. It then gets into the obstacles they face and gets you engaged and wanting to see what happens next, so a very enjoyable and informative watch.
So basically the penguins need to spend some months on land in this town in South Africa, for mating and nesting purposes so there is a fair amount of humor, and wonder, with penguins wandering around a town. It then gets into the obstacles they face and gets you engaged and wanting to see what happens next, so a very enjoyable and informative watch.
Allen v. Farrow
(2021)
Fascinating and chilling - disregard 1 star reviews
8 March 2021
It seems as if many of the 1 star reviews were made before the show even aired (?) or after only 1 episode. Episode 3 aired last night and delved into the facts of the case and the investigation ...and it is very damming for Woody Allen and shows how the things that were done in 1992, likely would not have happened if it occured in 2020. It also refutes numerous problems with the findings, as well as showing how only 2-9% of victims "make up" a story...meaning about a 91-98% chance that something happened. I believe Woody Allen has already been cancelled essentially by most of Hollywood, but many people do not know this story and he is apparently still using his power and influence to buy 1 star reviews. Trying to silence the opposition - which is exactly what this documentary is about. It is similar to the unsettling feeling of the Micheal Jackson documentary which also had people trying to rail against it. It is absolutely worth seeing, is well done, and is thought provoking in how the events of that time are seen much differently from the lens of 2020. (Not in 1992 in which Woody Allen controlled the narrative, and seemingly everything about the case.)
After Porn Ends 3
(2018)
Just OK - does not take a realistically critical look and focuses on those with a positive experience
31 January 2020
I liked the original After Porn Ends, and the 2nd one was OK, and this one..was about the same as the 2nd, or maybe even a little worse, as it was a bit slow at times, but still somewhat interesting, if you like to hear about the history of porn performers during their careers and such.
Mainly, the film isn't even talking about post-porn as much as the film is just talking about each performer talking about their careers and the "good old days" mostly. Probably 60% of the film, a majority..is just talking about their past times during their careers. Which is definitely interesting if you are a fan of porn history, or of learning about performers lives. But it never actually spends much time looking at performers lives present day. Just a sit down interview with each, where they mostly talk about the good times they had. Only 1 of the 6 or so performers even really had a negative experience overall, and still ends their story in a positive. There are undoubtedly many girls who had negative experiences from porn, who are now broke, or regret it, or worse (dead/overdose etc.) and the film never explores a full scope of peoples lives after porn, pretty much just putting a too-positive spin on it.
Beyond that, as it doesn't delve into anything that deep, or troubling, it gets somewhat boring as people are just reminiscing again, on good times they had. As I enjoy this genre and subject, I found it watchable and somewhat interesting, but..is not a good film per se, as it is directed by a former/current performer themselves, so the director is likely too close to the subjects, and does not take a critical unbiased look at the industry really. If you enjoyed the first two films in the serious though, it is worth seeing, if you specifically like learning about the state of porn and performers in the 80's/90's/2000's.
Mainly, the film isn't even talking about post-porn as much as the film is just talking about each performer talking about their careers and the "good old days" mostly. Probably 60% of the film, a majority..is just talking about their past times during their careers. Which is definitely interesting if you are a fan of porn history, or of learning about performers lives. But it never actually spends much time looking at performers lives present day. Just a sit down interview with each, where they mostly talk about the good times they had. Only 1 of the 6 or so performers even really had a negative experience overall, and still ends their story in a positive. There are undoubtedly many girls who had negative experiences from porn, who are now broke, or regret it, or worse (dead/overdose etc.) and the film never explores a full scope of peoples lives after porn, pretty much just putting a too-positive spin on it.
Beyond that, as it doesn't delve into anything that deep, or troubling, it gets somewhat boring as people are just reminiscing again, on good times they had. As I enjoy this genre and subject, I found it watchable and somewhat interesting, but..is not a good film per se, as it is directed by a former/current performer themselves, so the director is likely too close to the subjects, and does not take a critical unbiased look at the industry really. If you enjoyed the first two films in the serious though, it is worth seeing, if you specifically like learning about the state of porn and performers in the 80's/90's/2000's.
Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh
(2019 TV Special)
Funny but also moving
3 January 2020
Its a combination of him doing a live stand-up, after recovering from a mental health issue over a long period of time, mixed with documentary footage of him showing us his childhood home, talking to his mom, some of his day to day life etc. He is definitely funny in the stand-up and the slice of life portions do a good job of showing his life and helping to tell his complex and moving story...all the way from his childhood. I really liked it, for what it says on mental health, while also being strong enough on its own comedy wise. Probably one of my favorite of the comedy specials from HBO in some time.
Any One of Us
(2019)
Scary but inspiring.
2 November 2019
This follows a professional BMX'er in his journey from a bad high profile accident...to possibly getting some degree of recovery. Some of the best footage is go-pro footage when he is struggling with various things, but then it is also inspiring to see his progress. It also talks to a bunch of other affected people, who were injured in a variety of ways..to give you a more full perspective of conditions people may also find themselves in.
Overall, a very good documentary, and definitely recommended.
Overall, a very good documentary, and definitely recommended.
Emergence
(2019–2020)
Stranger Things Rip-Off
25 September 2019
If you have seen Stranger Things, then this show is pointless. Maybe for common viewers who don't have Netflix the show might have some point to watching it. For anyone familiar with ST, its pretty much the same exact tone and set-up, except with lesser writing, actors, story, music...everything.
Its a poor attempt by ABC to try to rip-off the popularity of Stranger Things and I guess they couldn't think of anything better to put on 1 for 1 hour a week. I would rather see any original idea...than an inferior ST clone on national TV each week. In fact, just show Stranger Things.
Its a poor attempt by ABC to try to rip-off the popularity of Stranger Things and I guess they couldn't think of anything better to put on 1 for 1 hour a week. I would rather see any original idea...than an inferior ST clone on national TV each week. In fact, just show Stranger Things.
Calum Von Moger: Unbroken
(2019)
Interesting day in the life
29 August 2019
This is about Instagram reality fitness "guy"...Calum Von Moger. I remembered seeing him in another doc so I figured I would see how this one is. Its pretty interesting showing how his life has been going since the last doc gave him some exposure, but the negatives are that it never really presses him in terms of his psyche or other things as it seems the filmmaker is friends with him. so for instance it seems he may get lonely, as he seems alone in his house and travels a lot, but it never once questions his love life, and how any of that goes, which seems very odd in a 90 minute documentary about solely this persons life. I think it sugar-coats things a little bit, so, as a piece of art, its not amazing, but as a somewhat entertaining look into the guys life, it is somewhat interesting, and as he seems like a genuinely nice guy, you are rooting for him to comeback from his setbacks. It was also funny....when certain events occur, when he should have learned from past mistakes, so...when he talks about the ills of social media, and other issues, is when the film is the strongest, and...hopefully he learns such things, but based on his behavior it seems likely he will injure himself again in some way.
Overall: nothing amazing artistically but a likable person and an interesting watch.
Overall: nothing amazing artistically but a likable person and an interesting watch.
Screwball
(2018)
surprisingly light doc on doping
19 August 2019
I really enjoyed hard-hitting docs on Lance Armstrong, and the olympic doping scandals, but...this is not that film. This is a silly take on the subject where the narrated action is re-done..with kids dressed up in adult clothing re-enacting the action. It is humorous and makes the doc easy to watch and helped keep my interest. but I feel the filmmaker was probably too close to Bosch, in getting his cooperation, and therefore....never really examined the darker side of his behavior, and mostly gives him a pass. It also goes light on A-rod and pretty much..just highlights that baseball is just ...a game. Not life or death, nor criminal, but just..a game. I feel when someone cheats to get 400 million dollars in contracts..its a serious offense, so...I would have liked a bit more of a harder hitting take on the subject. But it was definitely decent, and an odd-type of documentary with humor that makes it easy to watch, and effective in its own way.
Action
(2019– )
An interesting look at mostly legalized gambling in the US
30 June 2019
The series does show people flaunting money, but it also shows some of the same people losing big bets. Its a pretty neutral look as it shows the highs and lows, and doesn't sugarcoat betting, and doesn't demonize it either.
If you are at all interested in exploring the betting world, I would definitely recommend it.
(note the first episode deals with introducing the characters and talking about the economics and current legal standing, but if you watch the 2nd-4th episode it gets more into some of the hardships for some of the characters, which was just as interesting, and made it more balanced.)
If you are at all interested in exploring the betting world, I would definitely recommend it.
(note the first episode deals with introducing the characters and talking about the economics and current legal standing, but if you watch the 2nd-4th episode it gets more into some of the hardships for some of the characters, which was just as interesting, and made it more balanced.)
Worth seeing
12 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is interesting and most of the negative reviews seem to be people with a "Mark Zuckerburg" viewpoint - that robots pose no threat to humans, while..Elon Musk fueded publicly with him on twitter about this and has...a completely opposite viewpoint.
The film is very interesting, and definitely worth seeing if you are interested in the subject matter. Also the creepy robot narration makes it kindof spooky and atmospheric..and makes you think a bit more. The ending is not completely clear, but in getting there it shows a lot, including how asimov's rule on AI...was probably already broken for the first time in human history.
Very interesting, and definitely worth seeing.
The film is very interesting, and definitely worth seeing if you are interested in the subject matter. Also the creepy robot narration makes it kindof spooky and atmospheric..and makes you think a bit more. The ending is not completely clear, but in getting there it shows a lot, including how asimov's rule on AI...was probably already broken for the first time in human history.
Very interesting, and definitely worth seeing.
Too Stupid to Die
(2018)
Funny, but not as good as Jackass...
1 December 2018
The guys in Jackass are too old to be doing that stuff anymore...(and some RIP.) So these guys are doing it for them. It is VERY similar and would be better if they made it more original in some way, but the fact that its in Indiana and not the suburbs of PA is a minor enough difference right there that makes it a bit interesting.
The characters aren't quite as funny as the guys in Jackass either, and again...its not very original. But if you like Jackass at all, it is good for a few laughs,and not a terrible show as some 1 star reviews are saying. (Jackass probably also had plenty of 1 star reviews...)
It would benefit if they maybe branch out and travel to other places and try new things..and try to make it more original and less a copy of Jackass, but its not a 1 star show either. (So the characters in Jackass could go other places and mess with people on the street pretty much anywhere and it would be funny...these guys aren't quite as talented in that way so it relies on the stunts more, and some of them aren't that funny per se.)
Overall: if you like Jackass you will probably enjoy it at least a little, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.
The characters aren't quite as funny as the guys in Jackass either, and again...its not very original. But if you like Jackass at all, it is good for a few laughs,and not a terrible show as some 1 star reviews are saying. (Jackass probably also had plenty of 1 star reviews...)
It would benefit if they maybe branch out and travel to other places and try new things..and try to make it more original and less a copy of Jackass, but its not a 1 star show either. (So the characters in Jackass could go other places and mess with people on the street pretty much anywhere and it would be funny...these guys aren't quite as talented in that way so it relies on the stunts more, and some of them aren't that funny per se.)
Overall: if you like Jackass you will probably enjoy it at least a little, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.
It Will be Chaos
(2018)
An interesting look at the migration problem Europe is facing, although not heart poundingly compelling throughout, definitely worth seeing.
2 July 2018
We see the exploration of a boat accident which caused the deaths of a few hundred africans trying to land in Italy and this is juxtaposed with a Syrian family trying to get across Europe safely at the height of the Syrian conflict. there were some compelling moments for sure, atlhough it did not maintain that throughout. But it was definitely worth seeing if you are interested in this subject matter, and brings up a number of interesting points.
Solidly good, but not great documentary. Definitely worth seeing though. (there wasn't ...that much..."chaos"..as the title would indicate, but there were enough compelling moments to make it worthwhile.)
Solidly good, but not great documentary. Definitely worth seeing though. (there wasn't ...that much..."chaos"..as the title would indicate, but there were enough compelling moments to make it worthwhile.)
Mostly Sunny
(2016)
Decent documentary
16 January 2017
Apparently the director had a falling out w Sunny over the film,so i was expecting something at least mildly interesting, and it was. It was quite slow at times though so i cant rate it too highly, and it honestly just made me feel bad for the woman known as Sunny Leone as she comes across as much less intelligent that i thought, as she appears to be just another dumb girl from porn trying to cash in on her 15 minutes of fame,however she can. Most of the things she talks about is how she is able to make money and did porn to make money and she rarely says anything intelligent. After seeing the film I honestly feel kind of sorry that her life seems that empty and that there is nothing.. behind the facade. I do not think whatever fame she has will last much longer as she is pretty much just a good looking girl who is good at dancing, who happened to do porn,and happens to be from India at a time when they are just realizing what internet porn is. Beyond that she shows no actual talent or intelligence so i will say the film was decently interesting to see the veil lifted a bit and see how banal this persons life is. (She does seem like a nice person however, but.. acting is probably not her thing.). This is probably why she did not like the films true portrayal of her...as there isn't much of anything beyond the facade.
Teacher of the Year
(2014)
Good Mockumentary
20 May 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie, but I actually liked it a lot. One of the better "Mockumentary" style films I have seen, and possibly one of my favorites.
Basically Keegan Micheal Key is hilarious as Principal Douche, and the other supporting comedic actors keep it funny, but at the heart of it is a very good story with some depth too which made me want to find out what would happen next. As a "Mockumentary" though it is not a typical style comedy with typical style jokes every minute. It has some serious moments, but plenty of funny stuff too. Making it one of the better Mockumentaries in many years in my opinion.
Do not expect a typical film and let it take you where it will go, very funny and really well done.
Basically Keegan Micheal Key is hilarious as Principal Douche, and the other supporting comedic actors keep it funny, but at the heart of it is a very good story with some depth too which made me want to find out what would happen next. As a "Mockumentary" though it is not a typical style comedy with typical style jokes every minute. It has some serious moments, but plenty of funny stuff too. Making it one of the better Mockumentaries in many years in my opinion.
Do not expect a typical film and let it take you where it will go, very funny and really well done.
Hollidaysburg
(2014)
Slightly disappointing
1 November 2014
I watched both this, and "Not Cool" to officially do the "Chair" experiment, and neither film was great, and neither film was terrible either.
After seeing the trailers for both I definitely had much higher hopes for "Hollidaysburg" over "Not Cool".
In the end though the film was nothing amazing as the trailer might suggest. It really wasn't that funny, I didn't feel much chemistry between the leads, and it was a little bit slow and awkward, but not in a good way.
It did have some moments though, it was shot nicely, and I did really like the music. Beyond that it was just OK. The best part about it though would be how it captured the FEELING of being home on break and some of that drama, which is the only thing the film really did well, and did better then "Not Cool" in that regard.
Beyond that though "Not Cool" was silly, but had a few jokes and actually surprised me a little after I Watched it in that I actually did care about the characters a little by the end, and that film had a few moments as well. (I also though felt no chemistry between the characters in Not Cool for the most part as well.) "Not Cool" was also not particularly funny after the first 10 minutes, and not a particularly good film either.
So, bottom line, "Not Cool" gets an OK 5, and Hollidaysburg gets a slightly better, but still "OK" 7. Thats about all I can give it, as neither film was great, but they both had some decent moments and some (occasional) laughs. Hollidaysburg's FEELING of thanksgiving break was much more authentic then "Not Cool"s though and that was the difference for me.
Definitely no masterpiece, and better then "Not Cool", but that really isn't saying much. It was OK.
After seeing the trailers for both I definitely had much higher hopes for "Hollidaysburg" over "Not Cool".
In the end though the film was nothing amazing as the trailer might suggest. It really wasn't that funny, I didn't feel much chemistry between the leads, and it was a little bit slow and awkward, but not in a good way.
It did have some moments though, it was shot nicely, and I did really like the music. Beyond that it was just OK. The best part about it though would be how it captured the FEELING of being home on break and some of that drama, which is the only thing the film really did well, and did better then "Not Cool" in that regard.
Beyond that though "Not Cool" was silly, but had a few jokes and actually surprised me a little after I Watched it in that I actually did care about the characters a little by the end, and that film had a few moments as well. (I also though felt no chemistry between the characters in Not Cool for the most part as well.) "Not Cool" was also not particularly funny after the first 10 minutes, and not a particularly good film either.
So, bottom line, "Not Cool" gets an OK 5, and Hollidaysburg gets a slightly better, but still "OK" 7. Thats about all I can give it, as neither film was great, but they both had some decent moments and some (occasional) laughs. Hollidaysburg's FEELING of thanksgiving break was much more authentic then "Not Cool"s though and that was the difference for me.
Definitely no masterpiece, and better then "Not Cool", but that really isn't saying much. It was OK.
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