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The Tillman Story Trailer
Very few films spark my interest months in advance. Last year when Sundance announced they will be screening a film about Pat Tillman in the 2010 Sundance film fest. I was hoping and praying I was able to get into one of the screenings. But, no such luck. I had to wait. And wait I did. Now the film is in limited release in San Francisco. So, I had to go the first night.

This documentary by Amir Bar-Lev tackles a very difficult issue on many levels. Fratricide is a latin word meaning “to kill brother”. In the military we call it “blue on blue”. Commonly referred to as “friendly fire”. There is nothing glamorous or heroic about such an act. No one is able to escape the pain of “Blue on blue”. Whether you pulled the trigger or you are the family of the victim. It is a sad but, true occurrence of war. But, nothing hurts more than when the government you are fighting for hides the truth from everyone. And that is exactly what the “Bush” administration did to the Tillman family.

As many know Pat was a professional football player. And after the tragedy of 9/11. He felt compelled to put that on hold. To do what he felt was right. He joined the U.S Army to become a Ranger and help the government fight a war on terrorism. Pat refused to do media interviews. And refused a military burial if he was killed while serving. Pat’s fear of the government using him as a PR pawn. Unfortunately came true. While in Afghanistan. Pat’s Ranger platoon was told to split into two serials. One would move forward to the objective. The other was to escort a broken down HumVee back to another village. (Which in my opinion and proper procedure is a no-go.) Somewhere along the way serial 2 turned around and tried to link back up with serial 1(Pat’s serial). Once serial 1 reached their objective. They heard mortar rounds and a fire fight behind their location. Serial 1 knew it had to be serial 2 caught in a fire fight. So, Pat grabbed his fire team and headed up the mountain to get a better vantage point. What happened next was what all soldiers fear. “The fog of war” getting shot at by your own team. And this is where Pat’s life was taken.

Although everyone there knew that this was a fratricide. They were told not to say a word. And what the government did from this point is beyond words. This documentary examines the life of Pat and his family’s struggle to expose the truth.

Very few people in my opinion should be labeled a hero. But, Pat Tillman is one who is deserving of such a label. I highly recommend this to everyone. This is not about “Right-wing” or “left-wing”. It is about what is right and true. And if it is a painful truth. All need to be told so. This is a

We all watched “March of the Penguins”. Now prepare yourself for “AvaToad”. A 3-D journey through the Australian continent. As the infestation of the Cane Toads becomes overwhelming.

Director Mark Lewis released a documentary in 1988 called “Cane Toads: An unnatural history”. And now he catches up with these ever growing (Population) toads. This documentary is enlightening and witty. The 3-D aspect lends a lot to it. Not sure if there is a market for this film. But, well worth checking it out.

I knew nothing of this film. When I received a email from the Sundance Institute. Stating a surprise Documentary to be screened at Sundance. I jumped at the opportunity. And what I discovered was brilliant.

Sundance announced the surprise documentary was to be “Exit through the gift shop”. Now I still knew nothing at this point. Then I overheard many conversations about this Bansky fellow. So, I felt the need to find out a bit. Not too much. Wanted to go into this feeling surprised. And I was.

The documentary starts off with Terry Guetta a France native living in L.A. Terry filmed everything. I mean everything. Then on a trip back to France he followed his cousin “Invader” a well known street artist. Terry found the rush of street art addicting. So, once back in L.A. Terry filmed another famous street artist Shepard Fairey. Now Terry was now looking to film the greatest street artist ever. Banksy! After Banksy and Terry finally met. Their friendship blossomed. Allowing Terry to film the mysterious Banksy. As the film progresses Terry’s film making  subsides. And he has the “Bug” to become a street artist himself. Now as Banksy turns the camera on Terry. The film changes direction and reveals some interesting facts and faults.

I will leave the storyline there. I wouldn’t want to give away the whole documentary. The artwork and the story is engaging. The documentary is thought provoking and honest. A must see for all.

Food, Inc Trailer
With the tagline “you will never look at dinner the same again.” I must completely agree! This not an eye opening film about our food industry. It also opens our eyes to how our Government is willing to turn a blind eye. I personally have strong views on America’s diet. This documentary only enlightens me more to why America is obese. Certainly we all blame McDonalds. But, watching this you will know why. Having Eric Schlosser author of “Fast Food Nation” Narrate. Only helps director Robert Kenner get his point across. This documentary is a must see. Hopefully you will all rent this. And perhaps by doing so. Make a change in our food industry. Make going “Green” a lifestyle.

Tyson Trailer

Love him or hate him. Mike Tyson has an intriguing story to tell. This documentary on the infamous heavy weight champ is all that and more. Directed by James Toback. The award winning director peels back the layers of this controversial icon. Leaving you in some way sympathetic. You get the opportunity to watch a young “Iron Mike” express his love for the “sweet science”. You also get the opportunity to see not so “Iron Mike” lose his cool. Imagine that? I highly recommend this documentary. A must see for fight fans and non-fight fans alike! A big F-YA to this documentary.