Documentaries of 2016

Seems like art really does imitate life because 2016 was the year of documentaries. Recently I've had a keen interest in the genre. Here are some of my current favorites.

Weiner (Showtime)
Weiner follows controversial congressman Anthony Weiner as he goes through, not one, but two sex scandals while running for public office. Twitter-d**k pics and bulges no one intended to see are exposed across the internet as Weiner runs for NY Mayor and also battles multiple accusations of being unfaithful to his wife, Huma Adedin, Hillary Clinton's aide. 

Amanda Knox (Netflix)
This Netflix Original follows American exchange student Amanda Knox as she describes, in her own words, how she was convicted of murdering her roommate while studying abroad in Italy in 2007. Is she guilty or innocent? You decide after watching--no one is deciding for you.

13th (Netflix)
This doc is definitely going to get your blood boiling. 13th takes an in-depth look into the corrupt and racist U.S. prison system. Slavery may have been abolished many years ago, but 13th will show you the modern-day equivalent.

Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (Netflix)
An in-depth look into Tony Robbin's cult-like conference that changes millions of lives a year. His events costs hundreds of dollars, are held all across the world, and sold out every time. Take an inside look into one of his sessions as he guides people from despair to triumph. You might learn a thing or two about yourself too. 

The Cuba Libre Story (Netflix)
A TV-mini series that takes you through the history of Cuba from it's 400 year old rule under Spain to it's place under America's control in the 21st century. 

The Crown on Netflix

The new Netflix series The Crown just debuted all 10 episodes of the first season. I was skeptical about it at first but was determined to watch the first episode. Let's just say I was not very productive the rest of the weekend. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, as I finished the season in just a matter of three days.

The Crown tells the real life story of how a young 26 year old Elizabeth becomes the queen of England. Queen Elizabeth is 90 years old today and still rules the monarchy. There has been many controversies and misfortunes along the way. The entire series takes places in the 1940's into the late 1950's. While each episode leads into the other, each one stands on its own. Each episode showcases a different dilemma or scandal the monarchy was faced with in it's early reign of Queen Elizabeth.

Claire Foy is beautifully casted as Queen Elizabeth. Her supporting casts lets her shine. John Lithgow plays Winston Churchill very appropriately. Lithgow humanizes a man which stood out as one of the most stern and brash leaders of the 20th century.

The Crown is dialogue heavy and not a lot of physical action. But at the same time, the series will keep you captivated, as it's stunning to see the inside of Buckingham Palace and other sets. The set and costume designing was done astonishingly also. You can see how much effort and time went into creating each outfit and set design.

The Crown will hopefully be nominated this upcoming awards season. It's best you watch it now.

SEE IT!

Netflix's Special Correspondents

Netflix recently premiered an original film starring Ricky Gervais and Eric Bana entitled Special Correspondents. Just when you thought they couldn't release anything worse than Adam Sandler's The Ridiculous 6, they surprise us with another flop. 

Special Correspondents was written and directed by the star himself, Ricky Gervais. It tells the story of fearfull and gutless sound engineer, Ian Finch (played by Gervais) who is sent on special assignment with the handsome and talented radio journalist Frank Bonevelle, Eric Bana, to war-torn South America. But when Ian mistakenly loses the tickets and passports they are forced to hide in NYC and pretend to be on site. Their jobs are at risk if they should return without the story. 

While this film was categorized as a comedy, I don't think I chuckled once. The film bordered on unwatchable. I couldn't help but cover my eyes and cringe at the humorless one liners and terrible acting. The story line was boring and way to predictable. Special Correspondents is a great example of what's wrong with Hollywood these days, no originality and quality but still pushing out anything that seems to stick.

I enjoy Ricky Gervais's humor normally and I really tried to make an effort this time but he completely failed. Eric Bana on the other hand is not meant for comedic roles at all, and should stick to drama. There were a couple nice surprise celeb cameos byAmerica Ferrera and Raul Castillo (HBO's Looking). What a shame they had to play such menial roles with terrible accents. I guess it was another failed attempt at comedy.

Please save yourself the time and do not watch Special Correspondents. 

SKIP IT!

Marco Polo (Netflix)

I am really excited to see Netflix's latest original series Marco Polo set to premiere December 12. The 60 minute series is based on the explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th century China. The new show seems to have it all; intriguing dialogue, action packed fighting, and passion-filled sex scenes.

Marco Polo will be played by 24 year old Italian-born Lorenzo Richelmy, a fairly new face with few credits to his name.

Check out the trailer on Youtube:

House of Cards, Season 2 Premiere

Yesterday was the official red carpet premiere of House of Cards season 2 held at the Directors Guild of America in the heart of Hollywood.

The entire cast was there including stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, opened the night with a quick introduction. He was followed by House of Cards creator, Beau Willimon, who announced the show is already gearing up for season 3. They are a few weeks into the writing process and hope to release it around this time next year.

The first episode did not disappoint and was filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement. I can't wait to see the rest of the season. 

Molly Parker makes her debut this season as Congresswomen Jacqueline Sharp

Constance Zimmer, who plays Janine Skorsky (Slugline Reporter)

 Sakina Jaffrey, who plays Linda Vasquez (President's Chief of Staff)

A tweet from President Obama

House of Cards and Orange is the New Black

I have been out of commission for awhile. I took some time off to travel. I lived abroad for a bit. While that was a great experience I definitely missed American film and television. 

I have recently signed up with Netflix. So I thought I would highlight a couple TV series that are worth watching if you’ve got the time.

I just discovered the amazingness that is “House of Cards.” Kevin Spacey has proved once again he is an invigorating actor who has a strong presence in every role he plays. He brings the character of Frank Underwood, a Congressman, to life embodying the epitome of what politics is today; cheating, lying, and clawing your way to the top. The entire cast is riveting and the plot twists keep you wanting more. The series is not a lot of action but mainly dialogue driven. I would say “House of Cards” is a modern day “West Wing.”







Season 2 will be released February 14, 2014. 


I was hesitant about “Orange is the New Black” at first but after just a couple episodes I became hooked. The series is about a “good girl” whose past catches up with her when she has to serve time in a women’s correctional facility, for international drug pedaling in her former years. Piper Chapman, played by Taylor Schilling, is forced into a crazy new world that will make you laugh, cry, and gasp at what really goes on behind bars. The cast, of mainly women, is one big dysfunctional family played very cohesively given the in-your-face racist and sexist sentiments. Although mainly a dark comedy the series touches on serious social and political issues we face with incarcerated people.





Season 1 is entirely available on Netflix right now. No news on when season 2 will be released. Speculation hints a new season may be released early-to-mid 2014.