Swiss documentary filmmaker Christian Frei follows war (and other horrors) photographer James Natchwey to several troubled regions. Outstanding portrait of an important artist / photo-journalist and his work.

Official Site: http://www.war-photographer.com/en/
Official Site of James Nachtwey:  http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/War_Photographer/60032414?trkid=496624
 
Ryan Gosling is brilliant as a Neo-Nazi Jew.

Official Site: http://www.palmpictures.com/ppalmdv3057.html
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The-Believer/60022966?trkid=1660

DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND

6/27/2011

 
Lucy Walker, one of my favorite documentary filmmakers, somehow gained access to the Amish right of passage called Rumspringa, when teens are relieved from the constraints of their religion. (The Amish have an edge on other cultures: they do what's best for the survival of the group.) Brief, evocative and informative look at a sociological phenomenon.

Official Site: http://www.stickfigureproductions.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Devil_s_Playground/60026445?trkid=496624
 
American New Wave drama starring Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, Scatman Crothers, photographed by László Kóvács, directed by Bob Rafelson set in Atlantic City. What I love about this and '70s films in general; long takes with one camera which allow the actor to act, and the viewer to relax and become engaged with the characters who drive the story. The need for constant editing, narration and explanation of what's going on is absent. I could deliver a long feminist analysis, but that's another blog: just enjoy Jack, Bruce, Ellen & Atlantic City!

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_King_of_Marvin_Gardens/672598?trkid=496624
 
My dad served in the Korean War, and after watching Tae Guk Gi (the South Korean flag) I understand why he refused to talk about it. What a mess... Engaging, violent story of two brothers and a nation torn apart by war. Lots of horrific battle scenes. Too many cuts, but one of best, if not the only film I've seen on the subject.

Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/taegukgithebrotherhoodofwar/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Tae_Guk_Gi_The_Brotherhood_of_War/70012788?trkid=496624
 
From the brilliant mind of Vincent Bugliosi: a funny, well-written, scathing denouncement of both Christianity and Atheism. The Agnostics Handbook.

Official Site: http://divinityofdoubt.com/

ORGASM INC.

6/21/2011

 
Fascinating look at Big Pharma's attempt to manufacture a malaise: Female Sexual Dysfunction.

Official Site: http://orgasminc.org/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Orgasm_Inc./70119450?trkid=496624

HARAKIRI (1962)

6/21/2011

 
Probably the greatest Japanese screenwriter, Shinobu Hashimoto, contributes to a brilliant anti-authoritarian, anti-samurai masterpiece. If there's room for only one subversive samurai movie in your library, make it Harakiri.

Official Site: http://www.criterion.com/films/743-harakiri
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Harakiri/70036293?trkid=496624

THE MECHANIC

6/19/2011

 
Under-appreciated, satisfying actioner starring bad ass mofo Jason Statham and junior bad ass mofo and more Ben Foster. Short in length, action packed, violent, Louisiana locations: what more could one hope for?

Official Site: http://www.themechanicmovie.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Mechanic/70136075?trkid=496624

THE GREEN HORNET

6/17/2011

 
Jay Chou isn't bad ass enough to be Kato, Christoph Waltz's role is under-developed, and Seth Rogan is still Seth Rogan. There's a few laughs. Michel Gondry succeeds in elevating the script above the average bromance humor action film. Sony did the rest: over 230 million worldwide.

Official Site: http://www.thegreenhornet-movie.net/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Green_Hornet/70117699?trkid=496624