Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror may be the the definitive time warp on the history and legacy of the cult hit, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the stage musical that preceded it, The Rocky Horror Show. Produced by World of Wonder (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts) and from the perspective of director Linus O’Brien (the son of Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien), the documentary works in a linear fashion; starting with…
Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas, Hotel) directs Megadoc, a feature-length fly-on-the-wall documentary about the making-of Francis Ford Coppola’s polarizing self-funded epic Megalopolis. The doc proves that cinephiles and critics alike weren’t the only people puzzled by last year’s movie – everyone featured in Megadoc is trying to make heads or tails of Megalopolis, including Francis Ford Coppola. The documentary is as much about Megalopolis as it is about collaborating with Coppola. The interviewed cast and crew are ecstatic to be…
I recognize Jamie Elman from the Canadian cult teen comedy Student Bodies, and I remember Eli Batalion making me laugh with his tech comedy Appiness. But, I had never watched their efforts on YidLife Crisis, a web series created and starring Elman and Batalion that explores and celebrates Jewish culture through sketch comedy. After finding an audience online, the duo have since adapted their observational humour for live stage shows. Despite having a passion for their heritage, they’re…
Charles Grodin was a fascinating performer and public figure. While occasionally disarming his stoic presence for his audience, the actor always appeared to have more personality and tricks underneath his tough exterior. In Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause, documentarian James L. Freedman (Glickman) attempts to pinpoint the core of Grodin’s strengths, and his persistence to always be fair. The doc also follows his career as an actor, producer, director, talk show host, and activist….
Approaching Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie as a newbie is an odd choice by me. However, the comedy duo have been in the pop culture limelight for decades, and have become synonymous with stoner comedies. Hell, they practically invented the sub-genre. I figured I’d knew enough to hang with these pals for their last outing. Except, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie isn’t necessarily a “Cheech and Chong comedy”. Instead, it’s a documentary about the duo disguised as…
Surly lawyer Glenn “Joseph” Feldman is certain that a former business partner was profiting from a hidden stash of stolen Nazi gold. In fact, Joseph’s infamous conviction becomes detrimental to his career and personal life, and has brought on a defamation lawsuit against him by his old friend. His skeptical and inquisitive daughter, Alex, wants to help bring closure to this chapter with some tough love and some outsider expertise. Billie Mintz’s documentary looks slick…
Thank You Very Much is, most likely, the closest audiences will get to understanding comedian/performance artist Andy Kaufman. With his first documentary since 2002’s Making Marines, and having a prominent background in directing for television since then (including Netflix’s children’s show Waffles + Mochi), Alex Braverman shows competence as a returning documentarian. He also exudes confidence when trying to unpack the uncomfortable genius of Kaufman’s routines and many personalities. Though the film itself occasionally takes on…
The understanding that animals in their natural habitat lead a healthier life than caged and displayed animals is, I hope, a generalization that everyone can agree on. Even though this is safe to assume, seeing comparative footage of these two examples can act as such an eye-opener. In Lucy: The Stolen Lives of Elephants, activist/filmmaker Fern Levitt exhibits this same comparative method to educate viewers on the controversies of captured elephants. As a launchpad for…
By: Addison Wylie Last Summer, audiences were treated to the Canadian coming-of-age sports drama Backspot. Despite functioning at a glossy sitcom level, the indie was still a sufficient way to address serious topics for teens such as anxieties, competition, and family conflicts. Curl Power covers similar topics only, this time, their packaged as a documentary. Curl Power is a superior movie and an inspiration for teens (notably high schoolers) enduring the same issues expressed in Josephine Anderson doc, but…
When he was at the top of his comedic and creative form, the New York Times ran an article accusing comedian Louis CK of indecent sexual behaviour involving a number of women who were coerced into his lewd activities. The comic was seemingly paying the consequences for his actions, and his victims finally had a collective voice. However, there wasn’t much longevity for justice. Louis CK reacquainted himself with success through independent endeavours, supported by…