Documentary: Religulous- 2008

Politically provocative talk show host Bill Maher skewers the current state of organized religion in this hot-button documentary that derives its title from a blend of the words "religion" and "ridiculous." Making stops in Jerusalem, the Vatican and other holy destinations, Maher travels the world to talk to believers from a variety of faiths to find out why they're so sure their religion is right -- and why they're so certain others are wrong. (Netflix.com)

Grade: A

This is actually the second time that I've watched this. The first time I watched it I was VERY closed minded, didn't want to hear what Bill Maher had to say, didn't think that his jokes were that funny, and overall, gave it a "C". This time, I watched it with a more open mind, decided not to take everything he said so seriously, or personally, and more than anything, listened to the information, and, subsequently, gave it an "A" this time, weird, eh? This is one of those movies that may shock, may infuriate or even make you sad, IF you let it. More than that, it is the complete examination of religions around the world, and their histories, as we know them. For information alone I thought it was great, but more than that, it was a journey WITH Maher, where we as viewers are learning these things for the first time together, and honestly, I think that made it more enjoyable. He wasn't "preaching" his beliefs (or lack there of), we are learning, and examining together. Great watch, lots to learn, but, MAY make you mad.

Social and Cultural Documentary: What Would Jesus Buy- 2007

Taking on rampant American consumerism with a focus on Christmas shopping, the Rev. Billy (Bill Talen) and the Church of Stop Shopping go on a cross-country journey to save citizens from the Shopocalypse in this hilarious documentary produced by Morgan Spurlock. Reminding shoppers of the true meaning of Christmas, Reverend Billy exorcises demons at Wal-Mart's headquarters and preaches his message at the Mall of America and Disneyland. (Netflix.com)

Grade: A+

This was a REALLY great look into how "spend happy" we can get as Americans, ESPECIALLY around the holidays. With his alter-ego persona Reverend Billy (Bill Talen) holds demonstrations, and mock church services that point out just what we've been fed through the media, personal tradition, and society to believe about holidays and spending money in general. His look on this epidemic is truly eye opening, and literally caused me to look at myself, and my own financial situation a little closer, and not just take things like spending a little money here and there so easily for granted. Although his persona is a preacher, the satire behind it, and the comedy of it, causes it (surprisingly) to NOT come off preachy, believe it or not! This is well worth the watch, and I think it may just make you take a little harder look at what you're spending your money on!

Documentary/Gay & Lesbian: Prodigal Sons- 2008

In high school, Kimberly Reed was male, a straight-A student and captain of the football team. But since leaving his rural Montana hometown, he's become a woman -- and a filmmaker whose documentary could not be any more personal. Half the story involves her attending her high school reunion as a transgendered female; the other half involves reuniting with her siblings, including her estranged adopted brother. (netflix.com)

Grade: A

I originally saw a segment about this movie on Oprah, and when I came across it on netflix I decided to check it out. The whole idea behind the documentary, and the intimate and personal side of it was very compelling, and incredibly interesting. This was just a very up-close and personal look into the life of this woman, and her family relationships, as well as her brother's. This was made very well, and is well worth the watch, in my opinion.

Documentary: The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made- 2004

An entertaining look at some of the truly terrible moments in film history. This documentary consists of clips from what many believe to be some of the worst movies ever to make it -- or not make it -- into theaters. Laugh through scenes from "Howard the Duck," "Plan Nine from Outer Space," "Attack of the Crab Monsters" and "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," as well as many others. This really is the best of the worst! (Netflix.com)

Grade: C-

This movie was a pretty wham-bam, thank-you-ma'am look at 50 "bad" movies, most of which I'd never seen before this documentary. It was a nice try, that's for sure, but there was absolutely NO substance to it. This movie basically took small clips from these "bad" movies and counted backwards from 50, no commentary really, or any actors/directors commentaries, or really any explanation of WHY they were bad to begin with. Watch at your own risk, but don't say I told you to!

Documentary: This Film is Not Yet Rated- 2006

Kirby Dick's provocative documentary investigates the secretive and inconsistent process by which the Motion Picture Association of America rates films, revealing the organization's underhanded efforts to control culture. Dick questions whether certain studios get preferential treatment and exposes the discrepancies in how the MPAA views sex and violence. Interviewees include John Waters, Darren Aronofsky, Maria Bello, Atom Egoyan and more. (Netflix.com)

Grade: A+

This was REALLY interesting and funny! This was just a totally cool look into what we, as movie viewers, rarely think about, and largely take for granted. Who knew that the entire rating system for America's movies was so intertwined with politics and morality, and all done behind a curtain of secrecy. For most of us, we watch the movies that we want to, and probably don't pay much attention to what it's rated, I mean, even in this blog I've never mentioned what a movie was rated, because to me it's irrelevant. But it's interesting to know that so many good movies are being completely shut out of the industry because they couldn't get a "respectable" rating, and for reasons that are not legitimate! There are not set in stone structures to determine a movie's rating! This was just really interesting, and WELL worth the watch! Check it out, but NOT with kids in the room! :)

Documentary: Tyson- 2008

From director James Toback comes this documentary feature about the trials and triumphs in the life of famed boxer Mike Tyson. From his salad days with promoter Don King, to his infamous ear-ripping match against Evander Holyfield, to his sexual assault conviction, this film, made with the cooperation of Tyson himself, was culled from more than 30 hours of fascinating interview footage of the notorious heavyweight champion. (Per Netflix.com)

Grade: A+

This was a very interesting, and intriguing insight into a totally different side of Mike Tyson than the public has ever been shown before. Behind his "tough guy" outer crust, lies a normal, emotionally charged man. Angry at times, fragile at times, family man, friend, lover, all of the sides that make up a human are examined and exposed in this documentary. It was put together and edited beautifully, and was a very revealing documentary, and honestly, such a profoundly personal look into someones life is always worth the greatest respect.

Crime Documentary: Very Young Girls- 2007

Enter into the life of teen prostitutes, and their struggle to leave their pimps, and "the life" behind. This is an incredibly intimate look into the inner thoughts of these young girls who have been forced into this lifestyle, and sexually exploited.

Grade: A+

This was not only informative, but actually very sad. Not only did this movie show the girls' individual struggles through their attempts (mostly successful, but not without "relapse") to leave their pimps, after years of brain washing, but it showed the power of the human spirit, and the fact that these young women so desperately want something better in their lives. This movie REALLY makes you re-evaluate your impact in the world, and I wish that there was something I could do to help.

Documentary: American Movie 1999

This is a movie chronicling the life of Mark Borchardt, during the making of his first feature film, "Coven". This is an intimate look into the life of a man persuing his dream, and the friends and family that help to make it a reality.

Grade: A

This was an interesting, yet sometimes slow moving, look into Mark's life. Although the topic of the documentary is the making of "Coven", we delve deeper into his personal life, and the troubles, and sacrafices he faces in order to complete his movie. This was pretty good, it was entertaining, and kept me interested.

Documentary: Nerdcore Rising 2008

Do you know what nerdcore is? Well, if you want to find out about this subculture music scene, why not find out from the creator of this genre himself, MC Frontalot. This movie fallows MC Frontalot, and his band, on their first tour. Going from one small club to another, playing for small, but dedicated crowds, the band shares their experience.

Grade: A

I think this might be my first documentary review, and I'd like to say that they all will receive an 'A', I mean, how can I judge someones life? I can't. Anywho, this was interesting. If you've ever heard of MC Chris (MC PeePants on Aqua Teen Hunger Force) you'd kinda get the idea. This genre of music is typically sung in a hip-hop/dance style, by a nerdy white guy, singing about things like Star Wars, video games, D&D, and other "nerd culture" stuff. Personally I enjoy Nerdcore, and thought the movie was funny, and an interesting look into their lives.