Movie Review Sunday

The Captains – 2011 (NR)

Netflix says: In the Star Trek entertainment universe, the list of actors cast as Starfleet commanders remains short. William Shatner -- the player who initiated the role -- interviews a raft of other "captains" in this affable documentary, which he also directed.

Matt says: William Shatner showed a small clip of this during his one man show, “Shatner’s World”. In it, he is interviewing Patrick Stewart about choosing to play a role that he knows will be the defining role of his life. Star Trek already was a huge franchise before Stewart signed up. Shatner, Nimoy, and Doohan tried to flee from it, only to be drawn back in again and again. The others milked it (and still milk it) as much as possible. Stewart knew this when accepting the role as Picard and Shatner was curious why Stewart would chose to sign his identity away. Stewart simply says (I paraphrase), “I was fine with it then and I still am now.” Shatner has a revelation and admits, for the first time, that he’s actually completely fine with it too… finally. It was such an awakening for Shatner that he was compelled to make it one of his life changing moments in “Shatner’s World”. This movie has several of these moments. It’s poignant, in a way, seeing the actors reflect on the difficulties of having a brutal filming schedule that effected their social lives negatively, the instant assimilation into a cult universe, and what being a “captain” did and has done to their lives. They bond and relate, some times uncomfortably (Brooks doesn’t seem like he wants to be apart of it at all and keeps changing the subject and Mulgrew is obviously annoyed by Shatner as a person). Mostly, it’s an aging Shatner trying to find answers from others that he never could come to terms with himself. As with “Shatner’s World”, this makes it one of many of his ego trips (yes, those links are to his 5 autobiographies… 5!). But, you know, in his old age they’ve become more about soul searching more than anything. So, keep in mind that you should take it with a grain of Shatner brand© salt. The big picture is worth Shatner’s larger than necessary ego (though, I actually enjoy that aspect of his personality). It’s an interesting watch for Shatner fans and Star Trek fans alike. For others, there may be a little to take away, but not enough to make it feel worth while. 3 1/2 stars.

Dark Days – 2000 (NR)

Netflix says: Documentarian Marc Singer trains his camera on a group of homeless people who live in an abandoned New York City railroad tunnel. At night, they retreat underground, where they have a sense of community that many surface dwellers would envy.

Matt says: “Dark Days” not only is a fascinating documentary about a city of homeless that live in the Amtrak tunnels of Penn Station, it is also a representation of a change of times. The film explores a shanty down that existed deep in the darkest recesses of the tunnels. Industrious homeless not only found solstice from the harsh streets there, but took it to the next level by wiring electricity, setting up running water, and by building plywood homes. By the time Singer chooses to film it, the running water is gone, but the small town is still highly populated and wired with juice. He focuses on a few of the more entertaining (and less drug addicted) of the individuals. Crack is a big problem, and though they are still trapped between worlds, a few of the people rose above it. When Amtrak finally decides to out the homeless for liability issues, local homeless organizations help with the transition and the result is inspiring. The reason I say it represents the times is that this was released in 2000, a year before the beginning of a post 9/11 NY. After the twin tower disaster, more than ever a place like this could not exist. Much like “Give Me Shelter” ushered in a new public awareness in the 70s, “Dark Days” seems to do the same by ushering in the end of freedom in a post 9/11 US. I would say that, in the year 2000, seeing this would be a pretty typical documentary experience. But, seeing it now twelve years later makes it feel that much more powerful. 4 stars.

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold – 2011 (PG-13)

Netflix says: Intrepid filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) directs this entertaining, bitingly ironic documentary, which scrutinizes the pervasive marketing, advertising and product placement practices that have become de rigueur in the entertainment industry. Cheerfully using the proceeds gleaned from product placement within this film to finance it (and underscore his point), Spurlock reveals the corporate power that saturates both film and television.

Matt says: Morgan Spurlock is at his best when he comes up with a good idea and lets the rest fall naturally. In “Super-size Me”, he decided “hey, what would eating McDonalds for a month do to me?”. The rest was gold (and a film everyone should watch). In this, he takes on advertising in the media. In fact, going totally meta, he made an entire movie about advertising in film by getting advertising for the film. It’s a fascinating look at the science and business behind big companies utilizing our entertainment to manipulate us directly and indirectly. Yet, even though his methods are done with tongue planted firmly in cheek, the ending made me nauseous… and I think that would’ve made Spurlock proud. While he never directly attacks anyone like other documentarians, Spurlock does already have an opinion. And though everyone is guilty until proven innocent, unlike other documentarians he still gives them a chance to prove themselves innocent. It’s this that makes me enjoy his films so much. “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” becomes a monstrosity at the end, therefore proving Spurlock’s point, and it happens all by him playing the game at hand. It’s not a happy ending, but it’s an eye opening one. That it happened just by Spurlock doing what all media does already makes it that much more effective. In it Ralph Nader says that the only way to escape advertising is to go to sleep… little does he know that even that won’t be safe in the future. 4 stars.

American: The Bull Hicks Story – 2010 (NR)

Netflix says: Since his tragic death from cancer at age 32, comedian Bill Hicks's legend and stature have only grown, and this unique documentary tells his story, blending live footage, interviews and animation to fill in the details of a life cut short. A comic's comic and unflagging critic of hypocrisy and cultural emptiness, Hicks was one of a kind, a Lenny Bruce for the late 20th century, and few are more deserving of this in-depth biographic treatment.

Matt says: Bill Hicks must’ve made a pact with the devil. At an early age, he was in the right places at the right times enough to propel him into stardom. In the 16 years that he did stand-up, he did the entire gambit: young up-and-comer, popular star, burn-out, redeemed vet, and finally, dying an early death. His stand-up, to me, was always hit or miss. He would have great moments of observational humor, but then would get all preachy (much like George Carlin). Sure, what he said made sense, but I wouldn’t call it “comedy” in the purest sense… it became a sermon. I’m not saying I didn’t like his stand-up, I actually enjoyed it very much, but in watching it viewers need to keep in mind (like with Carlin) that it comes with a healthy heap of holier-than-thou bitching. But, that’s judging the man, not the documentary about him. The film itself is put together much like a collage: photographs are manipulated into seamless animation, live footage and personal film intertwines throughout, and voices from those who knew him best narrate. It works at times, but doesn’t at others. Even though I wasn’t thoroughly impressed with the design, I still found it to be more than informative and there were plenty of rare clips to make it worthwhile. If you’re curious about Hicks’ life, I’d say check it out… he was a smart, funny man who had deep insight into the bullshit we all feed each other. If you just want to see his stand-up, rent the collection of his stand-up specials, “Bill Hicks Live”, as this is pretty light on comedic bits. 4 stars.

The Parking Lot Movie – 2010 (PG-13)

Netflix says: Over the course of three years, filmmaker Meghan Eckman tracked the comings and goings of a solitary parking lot in Charlottesville, Va., chronicling the lives of the attendants who were working there. This inspiring documentary is the result. Hanging tough as they navigate the range of human emotion -- from hope to frustration, from a sense of limitless possibilities to stagnation -- the film's subjects embody the pursuit of the American Dream.

Matt says: Continuing my summer of movie requests: "The Parking Lot Movie" suggested by Dan Broxon.

This was an interesting documentary. On the surface, it's the story of a bunch of too-smart-for-their-own-good guys who end up working at the most hip parking lot in VA. They are all either artists, philosophers, poets, or just wacky hipsters. The owner of the lot has an affection for those types and, through suggestions and introductions to friends-of-friends, hires nothing but slacker geniuses. Underneath the surface you have a great commentary on what constitutes "work". These guys are in a job, and when it comes down to brass tacks, work is work and that's what it is. My philosophy has always been: "If work was supposed to be fun, it would be called 'fun'... as in 'Honey, I wish I could go to the park with you and the kids, but I have to go to fun today.'" The guys who are hired to run the lot thought they were getting into an easy gig but realize that, when it's all said and done, it's still a job. It's inescapable... you have to work and work can be tough. The stories of their daily woes are humorous and will strike a chord with all those who have had a blue collar job to make a few extra bucks. They bide their time in more than creative ways and have an affection for the lot they are hired to police. It's bitter sweet in a way, but not sickenly so. I thoroughly enjoyed it... from the fact it's in a location I have worked in and visited often, to the empathy I felt for being in a low paying blue collar situation with like minded people, to the fact that these are genuinely good guys with big hearts and a strong work ethic... even though it's just a fucking parking lot. The documentary gets 4 stars; the feeling you get watching it gets 5.

Wordplay – 2006 (PG)

Netflix says: From the masters who create the mind-bending diversions to the tense competition at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, Patrick Creadon's documentary reveals a fascinating look at a decidedly addictive pastime. Creadon captures New York Times editor Will Shortz at work, talks to celebrity solvers -- including Bill Clinton and Ken Burns -- and presents an intimate look at the national tournament and its competitors.

Matt says: We all have the things we geek out on: some watch sports, some make model airplanes, and some, like myself, geek out on movies. “Wordplay” is about crossword puzzle geeks. The thing is, crossword puzzles cross over personalities to be a geeky hobby that anyone can enjoy. The bulk of the movie is the build up to the national tournament, with interviews with the players, makers, and even some celebrities (Jon Stewart, Ken Burns, Bill Clinton to name a few). There’s a smattering of history about crosswords and, the most famous of all, the New York Times crossword puzzle. When the tournament comes up, you’ve already picked your favorite. As the three finalists go head-to-head, it does get a bit tense, including a defeat that will make you cringe as much as the players did. “Wordplay” is what “Word Wars” tried to do, but without all the social awkwardness. The film itself is deftly made with expert editing and enough graphics to keep you engaged (watching people do crosswords isn’t usually a spectator sport). Overall, it’s a fine, light documentary about a fun national pastime. 4 stars.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston – 2005 (PG-13)

Netflix says: In his second film, former commercial director Jeff Feuerzeig tackles the documentary format, introducing the world to Daniel Johnston -- a reclusive musical genius now in the throes of manic depression. Blending up-to-date footage with home movies, archival material and rare audio, Feuerzeig creates a dizzying -- and heartbreaking -- portrait of a man whose inner demons are taking over, one delusion at a time.

Matt says: I’m a huge Beck fan, having collected his complete library from his earliest tapes to his latest albums. His early, 4-track work dazzled me the most. It was Beck, alone with a guitar, droning on about emotions, characters, and nonsense. I thought it was genius then and I still love it now. When renting this movie, I had no idea who Daniel Johnston was and had never heard any of his music. Boy was I surprised to heard that his music sounds just like Beck’s early works… but Daniel came about 10 years earlier. Beck was heavily influenced by Johnston, there’s no doubt. And rightly so, Daniel Johnston’s music is brilliant singer/song writer, minimalistic gold. But, Johnston’s story is a tortured one. After a fairly normal upbringing, his manic depression kicked in, and his life became a constant battle with his inner demons. This is reflected in his music and the constant audio recordings of his life he kept. The film uses Dan’s audio tapes, home camera footage, and interviews with his friends and family to tell the story of his decline into depression. It’s a poignant look at the life of an artist. The film itself is a decent documentary, though it’s put together a little manic itself. I guess it’s a fitting way to present the subject matter, but it’s choppy and disorientating: scenes cut quickly, camera work is overly shaky, and everything jumps around. For a movie that clocks at almost 2 hours, it’s a bit much. Yet, you can’t help but be intrigued about Daniel’s story. It’s the dream of every inspiring musician, but it all came to Daniel with a high cost. He’s still around, playing live occasionally, and controlling his issues… but the road to today was a rocky one. The movie inspired me to explore Daniel’s music, which I believe was part of its intention. It’s a great subject, presented in not the most professional way, but worth the filmmaking faults. 3 1/2 stars.

Capitalism: A Love Story – 2009 (R)

Netflix says: Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism's roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008's global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America's greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.

Matt says: Michael Moore is an interesting fellow. I’ll give him props for exposing the crap that we get fed to us and blindly follow… but, you know, I just don’t like the way he does it. His “documentaries” are one sided arguments that pander to self-minded people. And the result of this, to steal the perfect phrase from Bamboo Nation’s review on Netflix, is nothing more than righteous indignation. Moore’s “documentaries” tend to follow the same pattern: express a liberal idea that does have negative consequences and injustices, show how the downtrodden are being effected by these negativities with a sad song (preferably from the 60s), point the blame at a bunch of untouchable corporate giants, make a humorous (but useless) attempt to confront those giants, mention something about Flint fucking Michigan, cut to a few shots of President G.W. Bush looking confused, show an example of average blue collar working folks making small victories against the injustices, show a black and white “how it could have been” hindsight montage, and then close with a smattering of hope. It’s the combination to a middle-aged liberal’s heart strings. Yet, again to quote Bamboo Nation, “you're mad as hell, but you don't really know what you're supposed to do about it.” Moore is never clear cut with his solutions, omits the other side of the argument, and no one watches his films that aren’t already in agreement with him. To me, that seems like a waste. Now, with his name being synonymous with “that holier than thou filmmaker who makes anyone who’s not liberal look like an asshole”, no one but those he’s preaching to will benefit from the parts of his “documentaries” that are actually informative. It seems like the wrong way to go about it. If he was smart, he would start producing documentaries (notice no quotation marks this time?) that are informative, concise, anonymous, and not filled with conjecture, conspiracies, and asinine publicity stunts. Keep in mind that in this review I am only judging the film and the way Moore made it, not the core messages which usually merit attention. “Capitalism: A Love Story”, as a film, gets 2 1/2 stars.

Hands on a Hard Body – 1998 (PG)

Netflix says: At a Nissan dealership in Longview, Texas, 24 people gather around a brand-new "Hard Body" pickup truck in a test of human endurance: Whoever can stand upright the longest with his or her hand on the truck will drive it home. This unique documentary captures the next several days of lunacy, laughter, heartbreak and deprivation the contestants endure in hopes of winning the truck, alluding also to their financial and social reasons for competing.

Matt says: Most of you have seen parodies of this contest or have heard of a similar one. For those who haven’t, basically you stand next to a fully loaded truck with at least one hand on it. If you lift your hand, lean, squat, or take off the glove on the hand that’s on the truck, you’re disqualified. Last one left wins the truck. It’s an amazing test of will, strength, and sanity. As you watch people leave one by one, you also watch the remaining contests battle with trying to maintain their composure and keep from making that crucial mistake that will disqualify them. When it comes down to the last two contestants, it’s just a waiting game to see who slips up first. Believe it or not, it is a very dramatic documentary. No one knows how brutal it will be until they actually get into it and as the days and nights roll on, you watch the contestants deteriorate into shells of themselves. This has been out of print for a while, but there are copies floating around the internet. In fact, this movie has become infamous in the Netflix community as they have had it available to wait for with an “unavailable” tag since Netflix has existed. For those with Netflix accounts, check out the comments section to have a good chuckle and other member’s frustrations. If you can track “Hands on a Hard Body” down, I recommend checking it out; it’s a interesting watch… but not worth the $100 that Amazon sellers want for it. 4 stars.

Exit Through The Gift Shop – 2010 (R)

Netflix says: Amateur filmmaker Thierry Guetta's project to chronicle the underground world of street art takes a fascinating twist when he meets Banksy, an elusive British stencil artist, in this Independent Spirit Award winner for Best Documentary. Unimpressed with Guetta's footage, Banksy takes over filmmaking duties while Guetta reinvents himself as a street artist and -- much to Banksy's surprise -- instantly becomes a darling of the Los Angeles art scene.

Matt says: Oscar nominee for Best Documentary is a fascinating looking into the world of street art. However, it’s the premise that makes it stand out from your normal documentary. Basically, a guy who loves to film things (Guetta) starts filming his relative doing street art. Through him he meets the major players in the graffiti movement and eventually meets the most famous of all: the illusive Banksy. Banksy takes over the filming, turning the footage into a movie about Guetta’s transformation into an artist himself. The thing about Banksy is that he is a serial anti-establishmentarian. His artwork transcends normal street art in its daring, symbolism, and playfulness. Because of this, there’s speculation that most of this movie is just another piece of created art and was mostly staged. Just as his (her? their?) identity is vialed in mystery, so is the actual truth behind the movie; only the players know for sure. Although the movie isn’t entirely about Banksy, it is Banksy, whomever that may be. 4 stars.

The Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years – 1988 (R)

Netflix says: Featuring concert footage and interviews with stars and fans, the second of director Penelope Spheeris's documentaries about the Los Angeles music scene focuses on heavy metal, the raucous genre that has provoked controversy since the late 1960s. With her penetrating questions about sex, drugs, money and gender politics, Spheeris examines the lives of rock idols Ozzy Osbourne, Paul Stanley and Steven Tyler, as well as those of their devoted fans.

Matt says: Penelope Spheeris follows up her punk rock documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization” with this entry on the hair metal headbangers of the 1980s. She pretty much has a free pass to interviews, concert footage, and behind the scenes of some of the most popular (and not so popular) hair metal bands of the 80s. The bands range from up-and-comers, the newly popular, and the old hats who influenced the genre. As opposed to the punk rock “fuck everything” attitude, hair metal was about excess. I think that was the attraction I had to it as a youth. The young members of these band need just learn a few power chords, dress in spandex, and tease their hair to ridiculously large proportions, and suddenly they’re surrounded by women, booze, drugs, and money. All that hedonism shows in their interviews. The best example is of Chris Holmes fully clothed in a floating pool chair, drunk as crap, with his mother sitting pool-side. It proves how destructive that life style can be. The rest of the movie ranges all levels of fame (and non-fame). There’s a 40 year old Paul Stanley in bed with scantily clad 20 year olds, an Ozzy Osborne interview where he is actually still able to form semi-coherent words, and great interview clips with Iggy Pop, who had been there/done that, but was smart enough to learn from his excesses. Spheeris loves her subjects and it shows. It almost seems that she’s a wild life filmographer following around amazing animals that can answer her questions. Seeing this 23 years after it was made, it’s all pretty ridiculous. A lot of these people believed, through the words of record execs, the media, and the fans, that they were immortal beings revolutionizing music. Little did they know that most of them would be playing county fairs and working at Chuck E Cheese in just a few years. 4 stars.

Best Worst Movie – 2009 (NR)

Netflix says: Most people don't set out to produce a horrible film, so how exactly does it happen? This documentary about 1989's Troll 2 -- often referred to as the "worst movie in history" -- attempts to answer that question. Director Michael Stephenson, who, as a child, starred in the ill-advised horror flick, delves into how an Italian filmmaker, some unwitting actors and a dentist-turned-cult movie icon joined forces to spawn this dubious achievement.

Matt says: I’m not the only one who fell in love with Troll 2. It’s actually has a small cult following and deservedly so. Now, did it deserve an entire documentary devoted to it? Depsite what I said in my review of it, no, not really. However, fans of the film will like seeing the personalities behind those involved and how different groups enjoy the film. The best part is when they go to Italy and interview the director, who adamantly defends his work and sites the deep symbolism in it. When he gets to the states for a series of showings, he enjoys the attention, but boy does he take offense at those who bad mouth his baby. The film becomes poignant when the dentist who played the dad goes on tour to horror and sci-fi conventions. After being a star at the viewings, he realizes that outside of the cult following it’s not a very popular movie. He becomes humbled by seeing the washed up actors from past “A Nightmare on Elm Street” movies and others who seem to be still milking their short times on film. “Best Worst Movie” is not as much about the movie “Troll 2” itself, but more about the fans, the small burst of fame for the amateurish cast, and how the actors and actresses are really really appreciative that the movie’s not a complete and utter embarrassment anymore. 3 stars.

Scared Straight! – 1978 (NR)

Netflix says: Peter Falk hosts this groundbreaking documentary that won an Oscar and eight Emmys in 1978. The film follows 17 juvenile delinquents who are taken inside a maximum-security prison and brought face to face with the "Lifers," a group of hardened convicts who describe their nightmarish prison life in gruesome detail in an attempt to scare the teen lawbreakers into going straight. Also includes the follow-up program Scared Straight! 20 Years Later.

Matt says: I saw this at some point in my youth, but don’t know how old I was at the time. All I remember is that it was a big deal because it was presented on one of the big three major networks uncut. It always stuck with me, that fear of being in prison with those scary motherfuckers. The film opens up with interviews with several of the juvenile delinquents. They’re cocky and matter-of-fact about their crimes as they mug for the cameras. After going through a metal detector and trying out a cell, they get shuffled into a room where they’re sat in front of a group of convicts. The convicts then proceed to tell them that, if they end up in prison, they will get raped, cut, beat-up, lead a miserable existence, and possibly get killed. I tell you, there’s nothing scarier than having a hardened murderer’s face inches from yours screaming at you on how he wants to put his penis in your rectum. The dialog is harsh and terrifying, but extremely amusing now that I am an adult. One of the guys, I swear, must’ve been the inspiration for Samuel L. Jackson’s character in “Pulp Fiction”… he sounds exactly the same and the dialog is eerily similar. After all the rectum and penis talk, the filmmakers interview the kids again, who are understandably shaken. Sure prison sucks, but for a pretty mouthed, blonde haired teenager, it would be ten times worse. The DVD I saw contains “Scared Straight! 20 Years Later”, in which they revisit some of the kids and convicts to see where they are today (well, in 1998 when it was filmed). It’s interesting to see the effectiveness of the program and what happened to those involved. Over all, and excellent documentary and a decent follow up. 4 1/2 stars.

The Atomic Cafe – 1982 (NR)

Netflix says: A chilling and often hilarious reminder of Cold War-era paranoia in the United States, this film artfully compiles newsreel footage, government archives, military training films and 1950s music into a singular cinematic experience. Also covered are Washington's Communist witch hunt, the historic trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, and the sagely prophetic comments of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Matt says: I am currently reading a non-fiction book written in the mid-1950s for a school paper. Every time the author mentions his fears of the atomic bomb, I feel a little distanced from the material. I forget how gripped in fear the world was throughout the cold war. I had to re-watch this to gain a piece of the nuclear sentiment that was lost when Russia went bankrupt and the Berlin wall fell. Every time I see this movie it entertains and gives me the shivers. It’s not “often hilarious” as Netflix says in their summary. If anything, the footage of 1950s families buying bomb shelters and hiding under beds comes off as amusingly naive… but not hilarious. The movie opens with the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki told through news clips of political figures, one of the pilots that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, and footage of the explosions and the aftermath. It’s horrifying. The destructive force of “the bomb” is as inconceivable as death itself; without fully experiencing such horror could one even know the full impact of its power… and by then its too late. To see the explosions on film and the scale of the destruction is exhilarating and frightening. What follows is the cold war politics and fears in a post-WWII 1950s America. The old “duck and cover” educational films, paranoia, and propaganda will make you chuckle with hindsight at the futility. The film itself is nothing but a mash-up of historical segments and is a perfectly comprehensive time capsule. Living in a post 9/11 America, everything feels very familiar: just replace Communism for Muslim, atomic bomb with terrorist, and “duck-and-cover” with airport screenings and you will see that we really haven’t progressed as much as a nation as you might think. A must watch, if not just for the history, then for how the media and government controls the populous through fear and how that fear can agitate the very thing that’s trying to be prevented… ok, I’ll step off my soap box now. Most of all, the film is chock full of amazing sound bites that would enhance any trance techno album. 4 1/2 stars.

Winnebago Man – 2010 (NR)

Netflix says: This entertaining documentary explores the phenomenon of Jack Rebney, who became an Internet sensation after a grainy, nearly 20-year-old video of him furiously swearing up a storm while filming a Winnebago sales video made the rounds online. Traveling to a mountaintop, filmmaker Ben Steinbauer tracks down Rebney -- who's become known in underground circles as the "Angriest Man in the World" -- and tries to discover what makes the loner tick.

Matt says: If you haven’t see the original viral of Jack Rebney, check it out here before continuing (warning, LOTS of F-bombs): Jack Rebney RV sales men (full video). The video actually predates the internet and has been passed around circles for years until finally uploaded to YouTube. Filmmaker Ben Steinbauer apparently had a worn copy on VHS for a long time and the idea of Rebney’s character fascinated him. “Winnebago Man” plays like a Michael Moore documentary: Steinbauer puts himself on a quest to find Rebney, narrating his progress with same speculative tones as Moore. He explores viral videos, people who have seen this particular video, and eventually tracks Rebney down. What follows is a highly entertaining look at an intellectual, jaded man and his distain for the video which brought his notoriety. Rebney is definitely a complex character and Steinbauer pretty much lets him have free reign to spout his views with a venomous tongue… yet Rebney is as difficult a force to deal with as he comes off in the original viral video. It’s like watching a new rider try to tame a wild stallion; Rebney kicks and throws as much as he can and Steinbauer seems to be holding on for dear life. Touching at times, and hilarious at others, “Winnebago Man” was surprisingly better than I thought a movie based on a viral video would be. Well, I guess it’s time to give “Fred: The Movie” a chance, too. Let me check a “Fred” viral first to see what I’m getting in to… hmmm… ok, he’s talking with a high voice, now some hip hop… oh, and now the voice again… on second thought, no, I wouldn’t watch that shit if it came with free blowjobs and buttermilk pancakes. As for “Winnebago Man”, it gets 4 stars.

Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills – 1996 (NR)

Netflix says: Shedding light on the legal system -- and on the media machine that often demonizes the accused -- this gripping documentary follows the notorious West Memphis Three, a trio of boys arrested for the murders of three children found in a creek bed. Appearing on many critics' year-end Top 10 lists for 1996, this film from directors Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky also won the National Board of Review's prestigious prize for Best Documentary.

Matt says: Comprehensive documentary follows the brutal rape and slayings of three eight-year old boys and the ensuing trials of the three teenagers accused. The movie starts with a summary of the murders and then trials take up the bulk of the rest of the film. Multiple interviews and candid footage of all six of the involved parties family members opens up the massive scale of how something like this can effect a community. Everything is woven in a way to make it engaging. Everyone, from family, to attorneys, to local television news anchors, have their roles displayed. The lengthy courtroom dialog is broken by interviews and footage and only the key moments of the trials are presented in order to keep the film to pace. The content is disturbing (including graphic photographic evidence of the murders), but the real life drama, the professionalism of the filmmakers, and the expert editing holds you until the end. No matter what you think of the case, it’s a well made film deserving of a viewing. Word of advice, do not read any articles, news blurbs, or other reviews of this as it’s much more of a nail biting experience without knowing the outcome in advance. Ironically enough, the day after this arrived in my mailbox, the case gained more media attention due to new evidence… I’m not going to give spoilers, I just recommend reading up on it after you watch this. And, no, that’s not Rosie O’Donnell on the DVD cover… it’s actually one of the teenagers. 4 1/2 stars.

Maxed Out – 2006 (NR)

Netflix says: With sobering facts and black humor, this thought-provoking documentary unveils the consequences of our collective addiction to debt -- including its contribution to the vanishing act of a once-robust American middle class. Investigating both Americans' personal debt and the government's growing national debt, the film explores the staggering financial burden we live with every day and sheds light on the contemporary financial industry.

Matt says: Utterly depressing movie takes a fascinating look at debt, and more specifically, credit card debt. The documentary is put together well, with just enough editing and media clips to break up the interviews and sound bites. It does slant to the left, focusing on those who have suffered from drowning in debt and the sleazy tactics the credit card companies use to milk you of every cent. I thought about it, and really you can’t make a documentary about credit card debt without slanting a little to the left… it would be a short movie if you didn’t. However, it does show bias and needs to be watched with an open mind. On the subject of debt, it’s insightful and frightful, with some black humor to break up the seriousness. I recommend seeing this, especially if you like to use your plastic to make purchases; it will open your eyes. But, and this most important, also watch it knowing that the creators were in partnership with ACORN, so you have to ignore the less than subtle left-wing propaganda. Oh, and make sure to stick it out through all the credits at the end; there’s a bit more after they’re done. 4 stars.

Impaler – 2008 (NR)

Netflix says: Never before has there been a gubernatorial candidate quite like Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey, a self-proclaimed Satanic priest, Hecate witch and vampire. This documentary follows Sharkey's well-publicized bid to become Minnesota's governor in 2006. In addition to promoting the interests of farmers and veterans, this third-party candidate also advocated more controversial ideas such as the impaling of lawbreakers.

Matt says: Lower middle class attention whore runs for governor of Minnesota. Aside from the fact that the guy is a total delusional jackass, the documentary itself is put together very poorly. The single $200 camera work is horrible, the sound goes from too loud to too soft, the media clips they find are pulled straight from YouTube, and the music is distracting crap. I’ve seen more entertaining and well put together episodes of “Cops”. The thing that really churns my stomach is that these rednecks that bite each other and drink each other’s blood (more than likely just for the camera), talk about their “pagan” beliefs (that include showing off their Hot Topic bought satanic gear and hanging a crucifix? on their town house wall), and boast about impaling criminals and hiring the mafia to take on drug dealers… have two children. They have kids! You have to take series of tests to drive a car, yet any mentally unstable dick can reproduce. I feel so sorry for those children and would only hope that Minnesota Department of Family and Protective Services saw, or will see this, and give those kids a proper home. The movie seems to have been made only to feed his ego and give him a forum to spout his asinine ideas. I wouldn’t be surprised if he funded it himself (which is believable from the production values). The good thing is that the media took him and his campaign as the joke it is… which would totally change my entire opinion of Sharkey and his wife if I thought they were smart enough to propagate a hoax of this scale (he claims to have a PHD in Political Science, so is it possible?). Unfortunately, I believe it’s not the case and the guy and his wife are just douches. After 30 minutes of hearing him ramble his egotistic drivel, my head started pounding and I had to turn it off…

…and then I read a few Netflix reviews. They all said to stick it out until then end as it gets more poignant and interesting (and there’s twists!). So, I bit the bullet and dove back in to give the movie review the justice of finishing the movie first. Yes he’s delusional and yes he’s a jackass… but there’s much much more that comes to light at the halfway point of the movie. That’s when it shines as a documentary. The production and music seem to get better and it turns into a profile of pathetically unstable man, how his mental deficiencies were brought on, and how they effect those closest to him. I was all ready to give this the coveted “0 star” rating… but not this time. If you can make it through the first agonizingly painful 45 minutes (like I almost didn’t), you will be rewarded with an intense final 30 minutes of revelations. 3 stars.