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Reviews
The Last Shift (2020)
The race thing is so old and played-out, but
This story was written with a quill (or disposable Bic) not a sledge hammer. While it has the predictable white = bad, black = good thing happening, the story is actually new (to me, on film). Growing up, going through my first part-time jobs, I always ran into older people who unaccountably had the same responsibilities as I did. I didn't necessarily pity them, but I was curious about them. This film gives "that guy" some dimension, a life. I also like that the younger character can get in cross-ways with the law without being a thug. That's probably a lot more common than we know. It's not a story to change your life, but it is a thoughtful piece all the same.
The Family I Had (2017)
A Very Well-Made Documantary
I see that some of the reviews rate this film a bit low, but they are only making judgements on the people being profiled. They are not reviewing film.
The documentary is very-well put together. There is not a wasted shot, no repetition, and no filler material. The bridging animation is relevant and apt - utilizing the artwork of the main subject. The story is compelling, tragic, and so coldly horrifying that it would not be accepted as a work of fiction. It's just too awful.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)
Stunningly Inaccurate
I was in the process of reading two biographies on Madame C. J. Walker (one, by her granddaughter) when this series was released (I was writing a research paper). I waited until I turned-in my paper before I watched this show, so it would not color my opinion. I am really glad I waited. Other than the names of Sarah, C. J., and Lelia (and there are hair care products involved) there is practically nothing historically accurate about this series - which is a shame. Madame C. J. Walker's actual story is one of the greatest American success stories I've come across. There was no need to simply fictionalize it. The soundtrack is jarringly anachronistic. Each episode has a flimsy fantasy-style unifying theme. The Walker family (and Booker T. Washington's family) should seek legal recourse for this insult. I gave it a few stars because it has the redeeming value of being a possible Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode. I was mocking it out loud to the before the first episode was over. Spend your time with one of her biographies. You really can do without this dumpster fire.
No Clue (2013)
Always clever, always funny, never offensive
I discovered Brent Butt's Corner Gas, Hiccups, and Corner Gas Animated just this year. Being in Texas, there's not a lot of Canadian programming that comes my way. No Clue is a fresh and funny take on the film noir genre. The "detective" isn't necessarily bumbling, he's just out of his depth / element. While I don't need my entertainment to be squeaky clean, it is refreshing to find something that makes me laugh without having to be offensive.
Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (2016)
Funny From Beginning To End
I watched the original show in the 1970s - and I discovered this when looking-up the original online. The trailer looked funny, so I ordered the DVD immediately. The movie does not disappoint. I rarely laugh out loud (or sit through an entire movie for that matter). This was great: funny, clever, goofy ... I wouldn't mind seeing more, but they'd have to step carefully - this first effort is too good to be dragged-down by a mediocre sequel.
Death of a Nation (2018)
An important film for all US citizens to see
I first became aware of Dinesh D'Souza 20 years ago when I read his book, "The End of Racism." As an immigrant to the US, he had nothing to gain or lose by writing his book on the unique problem (causes and perpetuation) of the black / white issue(s) in the US. Since the book was 766 pages (with the most impressive bibliography I've ever seen in a work I read for leisure), I could not get anyone to read it. I left it with my parents for a dozen years and they never touched it.
D'Souza was not a household name until he angered the wrong person ...
As a teacher, I know first-hand that public school is left-wing indoctrination. I see it in the books I'm made to teach from and I hear it in the "history" class I sit-in on daily (I have a colleague who is also an immigrant and a good teacher [he's just saturated in the left-wing message. At 24 years my junior, there are things I've lived-through that he only knows by the "official" left-wing rewrite]). It also doesn't take long to notice that teachers who are on-message with vituperative anti-male, anti-white, anti-American points of view have a freedom of speech. Those of us who are off-message have no voice at all (unless you enjoy spending quality time at the unemployment office).
In "Death of a Nation" the names, locations, and events are familiar to all US citizens who had the benefit of reaching adulthood without a cell-phone planted firmly in the middle of their face (keeping left-wing propaganda flowing 24/7). The difference between this film and what we were taught in school: the motivations and political parties are illuminated to reveal who upholds the US constitution and who undermines it.