The unexpected success of the Hotel Marigold films gave rise to the belief that there is an audience for films starring veteran British actresses who have been sidelined to small cameo roles. However they cannot stand alone on skills of the sublime talent in front of the camera alone, there needs to be a decent … Continue reading
This very affectionate look at the creation and the longevity of this classic Broadway Musical examines why Fiddler on the Roof resounds way beyond the orthodox Jewish community that it was set in. In this his third documentary filmmaker Max Lewkowicz talks to all the principal players who were responsible for turning what seemed … Continue reading
It is such a pity that Universal Pictures got there first as Despicable Me would be the perfect title for the new Hulu documentary on the obnoxious conman Billy McFarland the fraudster behind the Fyre Festival debacle. With two competing films just released that set out to dig out the truth behind the biggest rip-off … Continue reading
Veteran Australian filmmaker Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy) has evidently taken some 25 years to adapt the the bestselling novel by Madeleine St John to the screen. The result is a decidedly old-fashioned comedy drama that highlights the gentle world of Sydney in 1959 with just a hint of a message about the settlement … Continue reading
Rock star documentaries often gain their drama from the self-destructiveness of their subjects. Fame magnifies personal flaws too brightly and the star gets burnt out. This one, by Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman, is lovingly different. The Linda Ronstadt seen here has a soccer mom like determination to do things well. When tragedy strikes, … Continue reading