DVD Reviews

Sleep Dealer:
Futuristic independent film set in the not too distant future when the border between the US and Mexico is completely sealed. However, Mexican labor is still utilized in the US by connecting worker’s bodies to the internet where they control robots operating in the US. Drone aircraft sent from the US take care of any dissent (sound familiar?).
Recommended

Front Line- Bush’s War:
2008 report updates all the latest fraud and criminal behavior by the Bush administration in its unwarranted attack and occupation of Iraq. Watching this reinforced my opinion of government as merely a collection of insane, power mad gangsters.
Recommended

Yes Man:
Moderately funny comedy starring Jim Carrey. It’s worth watching for the upbeat, positive reinforcement to live life as if the world’s a playground and be careful not to pass up on the opportunities life offers.
Recommended

Gypsy Caravan:
Very enjoyable documentary that examines and follows gypsy musicians from north India, Macedonia, Romania, and Spain as they tour and perform in the US.
Recommended

Frontline- The Storm:
The program details the failure of federal responders to the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.
Recommended

Shrink:
Kevin Spacey stars as a psychiatrist who suffers intense grief after a personal tragedy, while being recognized as an expert author on “happiness.” Good story and acting.
Recommended

Witch Hunt:
This documentary examines the wrongful convictions of numerous individuals for child molestation during the early 1980’s in Bakersfield, CA. Some of the individuals stayed in prison for as long as twenty years before being released. An excellent representation of government abuse of power.
Recommended

Blindsight:
Inspiring documentary that follows several blind Tibetan children as they attempt to climb the challenging, treacherous area around Mt. Everest.
Recommended

Two Days in October- American Experience:
PBS documentary looks at two days in 1967, during the Vietnam War, where an ambush killed 61 US soldiers and began to turn the tide of public opinion against the US involvement. Occurring at the same time were growing protests at the University of Wisconsin where police-initiated violence began the long string of violent protests against that war.
Recommended

Sugar:
HBO produced movie follows a fictional baseball player from the Dominican Republic as he chases his dream of playing professional ball in the US.
Recommended

My Country, My Country:
Interesting documentary takes a look at the first Iraqi elections in 2005. The film makers focus on a Baghdad doctor (and city councilman) as he runs for office and encourages his friends, neighbors and patients to vote.
Recommended

The Conscientious Objector:
Fascinating documentary about Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Okinawa during World War II. His feats of heroism and compassion were downright supernatural.
Recommended

Swimming With Sharks:
1994 film starring Kevin Spacey as an abusive boss in the movie production business. Superb acting all around and a great look at just how far people will go (and fall) in their quest for power and money.
Recommended

Desperate Man Blues:
Very enjoyable profile of Joe Bussard, who has spent a half century collecting and preserving American music from the 1920’s and 30’s and brags of a unique, priceless collection of 35,000 records. It’s inspiring to watch a man thoroughly enjoy what he is doing while performing an invaluable educational service to the public.
Recommended

Frontline- Ghosts of Rwanda:
This 2004 program follows the events of the Rwandan genocide, 10 years earlier. Part of the reason for the origination of the United Nations was to prevent the reoccurrence of events, such as the holocaust. Yet, this organization’s indifference and incompetence allowed just that to happen.
Recommended

Weeds, Season 1-4:
This Showtime comedy, armed with a witty script and first rate comedy acting, knows no boundaries as it follows the life of a widowed mother who takes up selling marijuana to support her family. The multiple plots are quick moving and never allowed to get stagnant or repetitive. I would only criticize the program’s incessant hang-up with sexual promiscuity, but maybe that’s because it takes place in California. The series has a definite anti-state sentiment, poking fun at drug laws and their arbitrary enforcement, and in later episodes even takes on “illegal” immigration.
Recommended

Respect Yourself- The Stax Records Story:
A very comprehensive overview of the history of Stax Records of Memphis, TN. This company produced some of the great soul artists of our time, including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. and the MG’s, and Johnny Taylor. While Motown was Hitsville, USA, Stax Was Soulville, USA. The rise of Stax paralleled the era of the civil rights movement, inspiring blacks toward the liberating direction of economic empowerment. Lots of great concert film clips are included.
Recommended

Loose Change 9/11- An American Coup:
The documentary raises many interesting questions about the events of that day and considerable doubts about the conclusions drawn through “official” investigations. Anyone with an open mind concerning the truth about 911 should view this.
Recommended