In A Dream

In A Dream (Jeremiah Zagar, 2008)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DOCQ=8, DOCP=8 / It's All Scribbly To Me

Scale K=3, Scale L=2, Scale M=1, Scale N=1

Documentary, Biopic, Art, Complex Relationships

This is the story of Isaiah Zagar, the renowned mosaic artist. The film is focused on identity and love and the complexity that relationships entail when an artist has a family. Strangely enough, the story didn't engage me as I had hoped. Perhaps the non-linear and artistic editing that makes the film interesting and beautiful didn't work as a narrative. I found myself being drawn away.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Get On Up

Get On Up (Tate Taylor, 2014)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Biopic, James Brown, Music, Drama

A fantastic journey through the life and career of the legendary James Brown. I enjoyed the interweaving narratives of Brown's childhood and pivotal moments in his career, the imaginative camerawork, and playful use of "asides" to the audience. You get a real sense of who James Brown was, how his upbringing and society during the 1930s and 1940s defined him, and why the many defense mechanisms he needed overpowered him in his later life. Great music, fun watch.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Broadchurch Seasons 1 & 2

Broadchurch Seasons 1 & 2 (Chris Chibnall, 2013-2015)

Click here for the basics

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=4 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=2

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=4 / Average Snack
Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=2

Television Series, Drama, Crime, Investigation, Complex Relationships, Mystery, Thriller

A great detective series from the BBC. Interesting and well-developed characters, inventive artistry, and excellent narrative. While I enjoyed the story line of season 1 more, I was intrigued by the way the writers wove together plots and backstories in season 2. Many of the episodes are brutal and emotionally heavy, but that's to be expected in a crime show. Marvelous performances by David Tennant and Olivia Colman.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Fed Up

Fed Up (Stephanie Soechtig, 2014)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DOCQ=8, DOCP=8 / Genius

Scale K=3, Scale L=4, Scale M=4, Scale N=3

Documentary, Food, Obesity, Politics, Health

It's frustrating and deeply disheartening to live in a society where industry is better looked after than people, where money for a few always seems to be valued more highly than health and happiness. My views about this serious food and health crisis in our culture haven't changed after watching Fed Up but they certainly have been enhanced. I, of course, have gotten more upset and angrier.

You owe it to yourself to watch this film if you have kids. You should watch this if you intend to buy groceries from a store. Seriously, folks, education is the only way to any meaningful change.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here