Category: Reviews: B-D

From IMDb: A documentary film that tells the story of young people leaving their home country to try their luck somewhere else. Back to the Fatherland opens 6/14. FF2 review coming soon!

Documentary filmmakers Gil Levanon and Kat Rohrer explore the current state of Israel and its connection to the outside world in their film Back to the Fatherland. Their honest efforts fall short as the story gets muddled within a poorly constructed structure and moments of questionable politics. (AG: 1/5 stars). Review by FF2 Intern Anika… Continue reading ‘Back to the Fatherland’ a muddled portrayal of Israeli expatriates

From IMDb: A normal father’s family life is turned upside down when his son discovers he has another family. Being Frank opens 6/14. FF2 review coming soon!

Being Frank, directed by Miranda Bailey, is a feel-good comedy about college-bound Philip, who, fed up by his strict, emotionally distant father, sneaks out during spring break with his friend Lewis and accidentally discovers his father’s biggest secret. Shocked and conflicted by his father’s second family, Pat becomes an unwitting accomplice to the lie. Will… Continue reading Spring break goes terribly wrong in ‘Being Frank’

Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes, directed by Sophie Huber, showcases the history of Blue Note Records, home of many groundbreaking jazz musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. Filled with clips and photos of the artists at work and underscored by their electrifying music, this film is a worthy tribute to the iconic… Continue reading ‘Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes’ certainly goes above and beyond

Directed by Gail Mancuso, A Dog’s Journey is the sequel to A Dog’s Purpose, a hit feature in 2017. Part 2 continues the story of Bailey, a dog who reincarnates as many different breeds to save a girl’s lost soul. While the film has a heartwarming conclusion, it gets there through a series of tragic… Continue reading ‘A Dog’s Journey’ is Sweet but Overly Heartbreaking

From IMDb: Story of a mentally ill young man attempting to come to grips with his haunting past by seeking solace and understanding in the unfamiliar Eastern culture of Thailand. Bardo Blues opens 5/3 in NYC. FF2 review coming soon!

During the 70’s and early 80’s, the Bronx was burning. The documentary, Decade of Fire, explores the history of this chaotic time, delving deeper and uncovering the many factors that have put the Bronx at risk. (KAC: 4/5) Review by FF2 Intern Katharine Cutler Vivian Vázquez Irizarry is a Bronx native. As a child, she… Continue reading DECADE OF FIRE (2019): Review by FF2 Media

From IMDb: Pamela B. Green’s energetic film about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché is both a tribute and a detective story, tracing the circumstances by which this extraordinary artist faded from memory and the path toward her reclamation. Be Natural opens 4/26. FF2 review coming soon!

From IMDb: One man’s art. One woman’s unexpected path to healing. An American woman’s emotional quest to find the art of her Polish-Jewish great-grandfather, lost during World War II. Chasing Portraits opens 4/26. FF2 review coming soon!

From IMDb: Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. The Curse of La Llorona opens 4/19. FF2 review coming soon!

Stephanie Wang-Breal’s documentary, Blowin’ Up, speaks of a unique judicial system that helps female victims of sex trafficking (mostly Black an Asian) get back on track with their lives. It’s not only inspiring but insightful. Judge Toko Serita is dedicated to helping women get a second chance at life in a Queens courtroom. One of… Continue reading ‘Blowin’ Up’ an insightful look at broken criminal justice system

The Brink, directed by Alison Klayman, documents former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon’s efforts to align with far-right world leaders and spread his nationalist agenda around the world. The film is expertly nuanced in position, and although it might appear to give Bannon the attention he loves, it succeeds in undermining him at every… Continue reading ‘The Brink’ Reveals Bannon’s True Character through Cinéma Vérité

Directed by Heddy Honigmann, Buddy is more than just a movie about dogs; its emotional depth and respect for the subjects propels it miles above its peers. Buddy takes a long look at the special relationship that people have with their dogs. (KC: 4.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Katharine Cutler Buddy is an emotionally intense… Continue reading BUDDY (2018): Review by Katharine Cutler

Erica Beeney co-writes with director Rupert Wyatt, creating a sci-fi thriller with the help of a stellar cast, including John Goodman as William Mulligan, a Chicago police officer tasked with fighting an invading alien force. For fans of the impending-doom genre or those willing to dissect the political commentary, Captive State could be captivating. For… Continue reading ‘Captive State’: Another Gloomy Envisioning of Dystopian America