A Complete History of My Sexual Failures - Movie Poster

A Complete History of My Sexual Failures

3.0 Anthony Macali

Indy filmmaker Chris attempts to interview his ex-girlfriends to find out why they dumped him.

It's difficult to ignore such an amusing title. This documentary starts promisingly, our lovable loser aggravating some of his past liaisons with the help of his mother. There is a definitive point about half-way that marks the passing of this premise. Chris has to resort to stunts to fill the remainder of the running time, some guiltily hilarious, though most are pathetic. The only genuine moments feature the girl our filmmaker was to marry. These are also the dullest. This film is quietly amusing in the first half, and a disappointing failure in the second.


A Crude Awakening - Movie Poster

A Crude Awakening

4.0 Anthony Macali

A theatrical documentary on the planet's dwindling oil resources.

This film is terribly powerful because it affects everyone. There is no end to the list of products fuelled by oil, and such a spoiled lifestyle of abundant cheap energy will come to a conclusion sooner than you might think. An irritating flaw in this feature is the simple and repetitive structure, a small hindrance among the wide number of interviews and facts that enlighten us on how fossil fuels have been very good to us; but that all good things must come to an end.


American Teen - Movie Poster

American Teen

3.5 Anthony Macali

A documentary on seniors at a high school in a small Indiana town and their various cliques.

All the stereotypes are covered in this down-to-earth documentary, allowing every audience member to find a teen they can relate to. Our young protagonists are a mature lot, providing good material for the camera. As you could imagine, there is plenty of angst and drama, and while most of it is probably staged, it's still fun to experience vicariously. "American Teen" is ultimately about confronting new chapters in our lives, and is definitely worth a look.


Anvil! The Story of Anvil - Movie Poster

Anvil! The Story of Anvil

4.0 Anne Murphy

At 14, best friends Robb Reiner and Lips made a pact to rock together forever.

This compelling rockumentary shows the travails of best friends still together in a heavy metal band after 30 years and 13 albums. "Anvil" infuses the reality of playing to empty stadiums with the dream of what might be possible with the right record label. At the start the audience can't help but laugh at these aging, bumbling, rock dudes living the ordinary life. However, as their story unfolds the central figures are revealed as funny, despairing, humble, passionate and dogged dreamers. The spirit triumphs and the sniggering stops.


Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey - Movie Poster

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

3.5 Anne Murphy

Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon but few people know his creator, Kevin Clash.

It's passion more than puppet that is central to the tale captured in "Being Elmo". The puppeteer's sense of purpose is extraordinarily powerful; from childhood he knew with certainty what it was that he wanted to be when he grew up. His purpose while pursuing his goal is nothing short of awe inspiring. As documentaries go this one is as warm as it is magical. It's affirming to see that good things happen to good, hardworking, people. Tickle me pink.


Bill Cunningham New York - Movie Poster

Bill Cunningham New York

4.0 Anne Murphy

A cinematic profile of the noted veteran New York City fashion photographer.

"Seek beauty, and you'll find it", says the subject of this captivating film biography. The documentary spans the lifelong career of a delightfully eccentric and passionately obsessive follower of fashion. The film-maker almost becomes a private detective following his subject, a lively photographic journalist who is dedicated to the singular pursuit of capturing the style of people out on the street. As unassuming as the photographer is, he is undeniably one of the who’s who of the New York fashion scene; the challenge is keeping up with him. Run-a-way success.


Capitalism: A Love Story - Movie Poster

Capitalism: A Love Story

4.0 Anthony Macali

An examination into disastrous impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans.

"Capitalism: A Love Story" is a compelling perspective of America's social system, often highlighting its evil... at times literally. The greed driving some institutions is sickening (and legal), as the film covers the history of the American government's economic reform that perpetrated the great financial crisis. Amongst the criticism and hard facts are some genuine heart-felt moments, which work well to destroy any notions of opportunistic America, and inspire the lower and middle classes to fight those controlling all the money and the world.


Catfish - Movie Poster

Catfish

4.5 Anthony Macali

Filmmakers Ariel and Henry document a story involving Ariel's brother, Nev, a 24-year-old photographer, and Abby, an 8-year-old girl contacts Nev via Facebook.

Never has a film captured the simple day-to-day tidings of social networks as well as "Catfish". Through pure happenstance, the film monitors a new relationship form, brilliantly blending the interaction of modern media in a series of clever montages. As characters delve deeper the tension builds, gradually creating a sense of dread as we ponder what could only amount to be a frightening conclusion. This documentary will astound everyone online and confirm the fears of many others.


Cave of Forgotten Dreams - Movie Poster

Cave of Forgotten Dreams

4.0 Anthony Macali

Werner Herzog gains exclusive access to film inside the Chauvet caves of Southern France.

Enter the "The Cave of Forgotten Dreams" and your world will be shaken. The walls are lined with stirring visuals, from bison and leopards to horses as clear as the day they were born. The fact these paintings are over 30,000 years old simply defies belief, marking a passage of time that pales our existence. There are a number of questionable guests filling the running time, but it's a joy to share in their wonder and commentary of such a dazzling discovery. This historical documentary is haunting and undeniably breathtaking.


Countdown to Zero - Movie Poster

Countdown to Zero

2.5 Stefan Bugryn

An intensive look at the atomic bomb, from its history, to where it's at now, and where its heading.

Much like any other documentary, if you don't have an underlying interest in the subject matter, you won't engage with the narrative. This is no different for "Countdown to Zero". There are tidbits of interest, but there's probably not enough 'wow' factor to suck everyone in. Lucky for some, what could have been a harrowingly complex story full of jargon and gobbledygook has been simplified for a wider audience. But if you don't like bombs, then you just don't like bombs. Stay for the countdown if you want.


Draqulia - Italy Trembles - Movie Poster

Draqulia - Italy Trembles

3.0 Anne Murphy

An investigation on the management of 2009 L'Aquila earthquake by the Berlusconi government.

"Draquila" is a political documentary using satire to present an astounding story of corruption and mismanagement. The film airs few voices other than that of the comical narrator, giving the impression of a potentially lopsided view. Too much is made of mocking the Prime Minister, and the nuances of the bureaucratic lampooning are a little lost on an audience outside of Italy. It becomes a little tiresome rather than rallying support for the people still homeless after the earthquake or exposing the ongoing calamity of government. Audiences tremble rather than quake.


Every Little Step - Movie Poster

Every Little Step

4.0 Anne Murphy

Follows the plight of real-life dancers as they struggle through auditions for the Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line".

This documentary is eminently worthy of a big screen season. Dancers take centre stage and give their all to showcase their talents, competing for an elusive 'call-back'. Their performances are determined and gritty. The audience can't forget the production is real, with dreams, tears and joy laid bare as auditions progress. "Every Little Step" is exhilarating to watch with life imitating art imitating life. Broadway that's better than Broadway.


Exit Through The Gift Shop - Movie Poster

Exit Through The Gift Shop

4.0 Anne Murphy

The story of how an eccentric French shop keeper and amateur film maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy.

Is "Exit Through the Gift Shop" documentary or mockumentary? Cleverly constructed and provocative, the film is absorbing as 'documentary', but the tongue-in cheek acerbic tone deftly tilts the balance back to 'mockumentary'. This creatively told story manages to be both an homage to street art and, at the same time, a caustic commentary on the mainstream art world - cynical to say the least. Viva la revolution, as long as you do the required thing and exit through the gift shop.


First Love - Movie Poster

First Love

4.0 Stefan Bugryn

Three young girls share their love of the waves as they make a trip to Hawaii.

This film is a hidden gem. As the title suggests, you fall in love with these young playful girls as you follow their inspiring passion for surfing. You get swept up in their carefree attitudes, and it really does make you want to pick up a surfboard and hit the waves! It is stunningly shot, where every shot looks like a masterpeice. It almost feels like a young girls scrapbook, where even the soundtrack and editing add to the lively tone. Don't miss this one.


Food, Inc. - Movie Poster

Food, Inc.

3.5 Anthony Macali

An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.

"Food, Inc." is stuffed with facts we already know, but confirms our suspicions in the most graphic of ways. Personal insights into industrial battery operations are particularly shocking, as it brings free-range to the fore without forcing it down your throat. The film's centre is confusing as it delves into the politics of farmers and seed patents, but still paints the picture of the greedy conglomerates. It rallies a response by rightly raising the question: do we know where our food is coming from? Unhealthy food is the cheapest, and if we want to eat well, it's up to us to drive the demand.