Man On Wire

3.5 out of 5 Stars
I recognize that this was a well done, well made, and well shot documentary (nominated for an Oscar this year). And it did, indeed, hold my full attention up to a certain point. I've always appreciated extreme stunts and I was swept away by Philippe Petit's adoration, awe, and absolute need to experience his stunt at the World Trade Center -- especially since he was obsessed with the idea before the towers were even built. I even enjoyed the reenactment sequences -- I enjoyed it enough to give the documentary 3.5 stars. Still, something about the 'heist film' nature of the documentary made me feel as though I was watching something scripted. I've never been of a fan of the 'we've got a heist scheduled and we're gonna pull it off' genre (such as Oceans Eleven). Still, I'm glad I saw this documentary. But overall, it didn't really appeal to *me* personally.

Girlhood (2003)

3.5 out of 5 Stars
An honest, strong and ultimately hopeful documentary following 4 years in the lives of Shanae and Megan -- two teenage girls struggling through coping with the situations and hardships life brought them at an early age. This is both a story of innocence lost and the hardships young girls face at a young age in today's society and the behaviors they resort to. It's a story of families and trust and betrayals and tolerance. It is both heart breaking and enlightening.

Zoo

3 out of 5 Stars
Incredibly poetic cinematographry -- a very well made 'documentary' (though most of it uses actors) about an extremely disturbing and upsetting subject. I see why this film garnered such a reaction at Sundance and also received honors. At times I was queasy, at times I felt peaceful watching the images of the Washinton Mountains, but mostly, I felt like taking a shower when it ended to cleanse myself of watching 1 hour and 20 minutes about such an upsetting topic.

American Teen

2.5 out of 5 Stars
I really wanted to like this documentary. I thought Nanette Burstein had a wonderful premise, compiled a group of completely interesting teenagers, and found a town that had 'high school documentary' written all over it. But the documentary itself felt so forced and whatever point Burstein was trying to convey ('stereotypes of high school students a la the Breakfast Club 20 years later) but I expected Burstein to take more risks. The most interesting 'characters' were the girls -- Megan and Hannah (and Hannah's blonde friend). So much more could have been done with this -- Hannah and the family issue of manic depression and Megan and her sister's death. I thought it was extremely brave of these kids to appear in the documentary. I also thought it was interesting that, except for Hannah, none of the kids seemed 'bored' with small town life or seemed to have interest in breaking away.

Autism : The Musical

4 out of 5 Stars
A truly honest and fantastic documentary. I hope Elaine Hall continues gaining enough funding to keep the Miracle Project running! Though I was disappointed that the only children pictured in the film were a) upper middle class kids and b) (with the exception of Elaine's son) the kids were all very high functioning. I found the difficultly in the parental relationships very insightful -- loved that the film captured the difficulty raising a child with disabilities has on marriage. Though the documentary seemed very very edited (ie. no way was what was shown the 'first' rehearsal, more like the 8th or 9th!). I wanted to see the entire musical. Perhaps that can be found in the bonus footage.
Enough of me being critical. These children are beyond delightful and inspiring.

Sicko

3 out of 5 Stars
This documentary made me want to move to Paris and have the government pay for someone to do my laundry after I give birth to kids. But before my ultimate move to Paris it solidified my vote for Hilary in 2008.

Arctic Tale

2.5 out of 5 Stars
2.5 stars for Queen Latifah's soothing voice lulling me into a semi sound sleep on a long flight from Tokyo to Atlanta

My Kid Could Paint That

4 out of 5 Stars
Wonderful and well done documentary that left me feeling sad and confused. It was a real life example (in some ways) of what John Waters expressed in 'Pecker'. Whether or not young Mara was 'coached' or 'helped' by her father doesn't take away from the fact that her art is different and new. I mean, really. Even if her dad verbally assisted her, it was still Mara holding the brush and producing large, 'popping' canvases that are both innocent and intriguing. As an early childhood educator, I paint with young children all the time and I have never had a student of that age with such steady motor skills, brush strokes, or color choices. And I do believe that Marla painted 'Ocean'. Would I buy her paintings? The question is, do art collectors buy modern art because they truly love it or because it is a 'must-have', like a Birkin bag? It's like a case of 'I have it and you don't.' I'd absolutely go to an exhibit of Marla's work. Just as I'd go check out any modern artist. Because no one can answer the question 'What is modern art?'. I've seen art painted in blood and art painted with feces. I've seen photo exhibits that more than push the line of pornography. So how is the 'gimmick' of Marla (being a 4 year old painter) any different? Even the fact that a documentary was made and she created a small scandal in the art community says something.
The documentary made me feel especially sorry for her mother, who came across as the antithesis of a stage mother. She struck me as really genuine and concerned about her children. I feel bad for the children to have been unknowingly put through such publicity, but I don't think that was ever the parents' intent and I also believe that they really did put the money into Marla's college fund.