Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Something to Watch While it Snow and Blows


The weather out there has been miserable lately.
Mother Nature teases us one day with a little sunshine, then just as quickly she yanks it all away and throws this slushy snowy mess at us.


If you're anything like me you've spent a fair bit of time curled up under blankets watching your computer screen. I've been leaning more towards documentaries lately, mostly because there have been some amazing releases, but also because I’m not tough enough yet to brave any happy endings. 

So here are a few ideas if you’re stuck on a Wednesday night with nothing to watch.
  • Beware of Mr. Baker
Ginger Baker is a wild, mad drummer. He is not a nice guy, but he’s lived a hell of a life.


  • Searching for Sugarman
You've probably heard of it if you've been in a record store lately, or watched the Oscars. In case you haven’t, don’t look it up. Just watch it. It’s an incredible story. Actually, don't watch the trailer, just watch the doc. 


  • 56 up
All the previous episodes are available on YouTube, but if you start with the latest installment you'll be just fine. This laughs in the face of what we call reality Tv today. In 1964 UK producers selected a bunch of 7 year olds from different backgrounds and asked them a bunch of questions. They have been following up with them every 7 years since. 




  • Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God
This is by no means easy to watch, but it is worthy of your time. I am not a religious person, and I have no agenda here. It is a painful story about some very brave survivors. It is also a damning examination of the institution that has allowed this sort of thing to happen time and time again.  “Jesus wasn't afraid of humanity, we shouldn't be either”. 



  • How to Train Your Dragon
You know when you’re watching a movie alone and you catch yourself laughing really loudly? That happened a few times during this.