View Date: 1/23/10
This program, presented by the history channel, is one in a series of shows detailing important events or people in history. This particular one was about Lincoln, as seen in the title. It goes into details that are generally not well known about our nation’s 16th president, from his early years through the Civil War.
I’m a big Civil War buff, so I enjoyed learning other aspects of the president serving during its course. The show was rather dry, and I had a hard time keeping my attention focused at times. But overall, it was very much what I expected.
10 words or less: Interesting facts presented as a history show.
Showing posts with label Documentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Documentary. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Forgiving Dr. Mengele
View Date: 10/17/09
This documentary is about a woman who was in a concentration camp during WWII. She and her identical twin sister came to the attention of Dr. Mengele, the Nazi doctor obsessed with human experimentation. As she and her sister were twins, they were spared from automatic gassing because he was particularly interested in experimenting on twins. Instead, they were submitted to a different type of torture and almost died at the hands of a man sworn to protect life.
The woman at the core of this movie was very vocal in her opinions, to the point of preaching with how many times it was described throughout the movie. I enjoyed hearing the story of her history, her twin's history, and the basics of how she lived her life after the war. However, it really got into detail about her life after the war and how she came to forgive the doctor for the atrocities he committed. Parts of that were interesting, but too much time was spent watching her repeat the same story incessantly.
10 words or less: Good idea, bad execution.
This documentary is about a woman who was in a concentration camp during WWII. She and her identical twin sister came to the attention of Dr. Mengele, the Nazi doctor obsessed with human experimentation. As she and her sister were twins, they were spared from automatic gassing because he was particularly interested in experimenting on twins. Instead, they were submitted to a different type of torture and almost died at the hands of a man sworn to protect life.
The woman at the core of this movie was very vocal in her opinions, to the point of preaching with how many times it was described throughout the movie. I enjoyed hearing the story of her history, her twin's history, and the basics of how she lived her life after the war. However, it really got into detail about her life after the war and how she came to forgive the doctor for the atrocities he committed. Parts of that were interesting, but too much time was spent watching her repeat the same story incessantly.
10 words or less: Good idea, bad execution.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Revolution OS
View Date: 10/10/09
This documentary provides the story of the development of the computer operating system Linux. There are interviews with the original creators of the operating system, as well as the developers of free software sharing. Specifically, the software developed to counteract the consumerism and profit quest of Microsoft.
I felt that this film was very preachy about the horrible big business methods of other software companies. It was dry and rather boring. I think the only people that would really enjoy this movie were major computer guys and those anti-big business.
10 words or less: Won't be watching this again.
This documentary provides the story of the development of the computer operating system Linux. There are interviews with the original creators of the operating system, as well as the developers of free software sharing. Specifically, the software developed to counteract the consumerism and profit quest of Microsoft.
I felt that this film was very preachy about the horrible big business methods of other software companies. It was dry and rather boring. I think the only people that would really enjoy this movie were major computer guys and those anti-big business.
10 words or less: Won't be watching this again.
Ballerina
View Date: 10/17/09
This documentary followed the lives of 5 Russian ballerinas during different stages of their careers. It gives a peek into the most famous Russian dance school. It also looks into several dance troupes, ballerinas striving to become prima ballerinas or at least principals, and dancers at the peak of their careers. Finally, we get to see the struggles encountered by a principal dancer who is trying to come back from injury.
I found this film fascinating. I have loved dance for years, and took lessons a long time ago. The film was really able to get across the struggles of a dancer, and shows that to achieve the ultimate levels in this field, huge sacrifices need to be made. It then updated us on the careers of the five main dancers, which I enjoy in a film.
10 words or less: An interesting look into a grueling lifestyle.
This documentary followed the lives of 5 Russian ballerinas during different stages of their careers. It gives a peek into the most famous Russian dance school. It also looks into several dance troupes, ballerinas striving to become prima ballerinas or at least principals, and dancers at the peak of their careers. Finally, we get to see the struggles encountered by a principal dancer who is trying to come back from injury.
I found this film fascinating. I have loved dance for years, and took lessons a long time ago. The film was really able to get across the struggles of a dancer, and shows that to achieve the ultimate levels in this field, huge sacrifices need to be made. It then updated us on the careers of the five main dancers, which I enjoy in a film.
10 words or less: An interesting look into a grueling lifestyle.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
American Meth
View Date: 10/1/09
This documentary explores the methamphetamine problem taking over many areas of the country. We learn about the reasons for the increase in meth use, and “meet” meth users/addicts. The movie looks into why meth is more popular in certain areas than others, and interviews people both in the scene and impacted by the drug's local effects.
This was a rather dry representation, and I have seen better. It was interesting to see some of the towns hardest hit by this particular drug and hear from the local teens of those areas. But I wouldn't recommend it.
10 words or less: I've seen better.
This documentary explores the methamphetamine problem taking over many areas of the country. We learn about the reasons for the increase in meth use, and “meet” meth users/addicts. The movie looks into why meth is more popular in certain areas than others, and interviews people both in the scene and impacted by the drug's local effects.
This was a rather dry representation, and I have seen better. It was interesting to see some of the towns hardest hit by this particular drug and hear from the local teens of those areas. But I wouldn't recommend it.
10 words or less: I've seen better.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Modify
View Date: 10/16/09
This film was a documentary regarding body modification. It covers the commonly-viewed aspects of body modification, such as tattoos and piercings. However, it also covers other topics that many people do not consider body modification, including plastic surgery and body building. It consisted of interviews with many people involved in the body modification business, including customers, doctors, and people who undergo the modifications.
The filmmaker interviewed the cat man and the lizard man who, if you have seen any shows on tattooing before, are very well known. They also interviewed the “fathers of body modification”, those people who created many of the techniques used in body piercing, hanging from hooks, and intense temporary and permanent piercings. They also interviewed the people who developed various subdermal implants, electrocautery, and cutting techniques. Also covered were sex change operations and more extreme alterations such as tongue splitting.
Now, I have watched many shows about body modification and tattooing in the past. However, this was different in that we saw actual completion of rather extreme procedures. It was very much like a car wreck for me; it was so gruesome, I couldn't do anything but watch. I cringed through most of the film due to the extremely graphic nature of the procedures shown. I have never seen these alterations actually performed on film, and was enthralled to say the least. I have had piercings and tattoos myself, but the people showcased certainly have gone to extremes.
10 words or less: Caution to the weak-stomached viewer.
This film was a documentary regarding body modification. It covers the commonly-viewed aspects of body modification, such as tattoos and piercings. However, it also covers other topics that many people do not consider body modification, including plastic surgery and body building. It consisted of interviews with many people involved in the body modification business, including customers, doctors, and people who undergo the modifications.
The filmmaker interviewed the cat man and the lizard man who, if you have seen any shows on tattooing before, are very well known. They also interviewed the “fathers of body modification”, those people who created many of the techniques used in body piercing, hanging from hooks, and intense temporary and permanent piercings. They also interviewed the people who developed various subdermal implants, electrocautery, and cutting techniques. Also covered were sex change operations and more extreme alterations such as tongue splitting.
Now, I have watched many shows about body modification and tattooing in the past. However, this was different in that we saw actual completion of rather extreme procedures. It was very much like a car wreck for me; it was so gruesome, I couldn't do anything but watch. I cringed through most of the film due to the extremely graphic nature of the procedures shown. I have never seen these alterations actually performed on film, and was enthralled to say the least. I have had piercings and tattoos myself, but the people showcased certainly have gone to extremes.
10 words or less: Caution to the weak-stomached viewer.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dangerous Living
View Date: 10/15/09
This is a documentary about homosexual culture in countries where it is not now accepted, focusing primarily on the developing world. During the 1990's, several countries had vibrant homosexual cultures, even in the Muslim world. Yet this increased exposure also lead to governments enacting new or harsher laws and other punishments against gays and lesbians.
This gave a very interesting view into a lifestyle that, for many, has become visible and even accepted. There are plenty of people in the USA that do not accept homosexuality, but they do not (yet) go to the extremes that other countries do. This film, at times, portrays homosexuals as the modern day Jews in the persecution to which they are exposed. These people are persecuted, raped, and killed for being who they are.
I applaud the people featured in this film. They are living their lives in the wake of violence and persecution. Yet, with every news story that is released, more people come out and expose themselves to the same possible actions.
10 words or less: The cruelty in human nature astounds me.
This is a documentary about homosexual culture in countries where it is not now accepted, focusing primarily on the developing world. During the 1990's, several countries had vibrant homosexual cultures, even in the Muslim world. Yet this increased exposure also lead to governments enacting new or harsher laws and other punishments against gays and lesbians.
This gave a very interesting view into a lifestyle that, for many, has become visible and even accepted. There are plenty of people in the USA that do not accept homosexuality, but they do not (yet) go to the extremes that other countries do. This film, at times, portrays homosexuals as the modern day Jews in the persecution to which they are exposed. These people are persecuted, raped, and killed for being who they are.
I applaud the people featured in this film. They are living their lives in the wake of violence and persecution. Yet, with every news story that is released, more people come out and expose themselves to the same possible actions.
10 words or less: The cruelty in human nature astounds me.
Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State
View Date: Completed 10/15/09
This was a rather detailed series presented in 6-parts about the history of the most infamous of all Nazi concentration camps of World War II. It originally aired on PBS, and is very typical of a PBS documentary series. It provided the history of this particular camp, as well as a general history of the ethnic cleansing aims of the Nazi regime. There were interviews with survivors as well as guards. The prisoners were not only of Jews, but included Polish political prisoners and Hungarian and Romanian gypsies.
While very educational, this series was also very dry. I had trouble staying awake through a full episode, and don’t think I actually made it. I also wound up not watching the interviews with experts regarding current genocide actions that were discussed after each episode. While this won’t get a glowing review from me, it is very good for history buffs, particularly those interested in WWII or the Holocaust in particular. Just make sure to allot enough time to watch.
10 words or less: Educational but dry.
This was a rather detailed series presented in 6-parts about the history of the most infamous of all Nazi concentration camps of World War II. It originally aired on PBS, and is very typical of a PBS documentary series. It provided the history of this particular camp, as well as a general history of the ethnic cleansing aims of the Nazi regime. There were interviews with survivors as well as guards. The prisoners were not only of Jews, but included Polish political prisoners and Hungarian and Romanian gypsies.
While very educational, this series was also very dry. I had trouble staying awake through a full episode, and don’t think I actually made it. I also wound up not watching the interviews with experts regarding current genocide actions that were discussed after each episode. While this won’t get a glowing review from me, it is very good for history buffs, particularly those interested in WWII or the Holocaust in particular. Just make sure to allot enough time to watch.
10 words or less: Educational but dry.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Bigger Stronger Faster
View Date: 8/22/09
This documentary is about a family in which the sons are athletes. Of the three sons, two regularly use steroids, while the third, who is also the filmmaker and the youngest brother, had tried them. The film proceeds to show the a history of performance enhancer use as well as drawing the viewer's eye to the personal side of steroid use. It also tries to show both sides of the story of banning performance enhancers: why they have been banned and why people will risk suspension from their sports to use them.
I thought that this was a decently-made film of a rather journalistic nature. In that I mean that both sides of the story were told. Because of the personal use by the filmmaker as well as the family history, I could have understood if there was a bias, but none were obvious. The personal stories made it more relatable, and seeing other family members' reactions to finding out about the use was particularly enlightening.
10 words or less: Personal stories, yet shows both sides of doping.
This documentary is about a family in which the sons are athletes. Of the three sons, two regularly use steroids, while the third, who is also the filmmaker and the youngest brother, had tried them. The film proceeds to show the a history of performance enhancer use as well as drawing the viewer's eye to the personal side of steroid use. It also tries to show both sides of the story of banning performance enhancers: why they have been banned and why people will risk suspension from their sports to use them.
I thought that this was a decently-made film of a rather journalistic nature. In that I mean that both sides of the story were told. Because of the personal use by the filmmaker as well as the family history, I could have understood if there was a bias, but none were obvious. The personal stories made it more relatable, and seeing other family members' reactions to finding out about the use was particularly enlightening.
10 words or less: Personal stories, yet shows both sides of doping.
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Aggressives
View Date: 8/21/09
This documentary is about butch lesbians, particularly those who choose to dress masculinely. Those profiled tend to take the more dominant (traditionally masculine) role in their relationships. Several were living as males, and some competed in the masculine divisions of shows. The filming followed them through several months, and did a follow-up some time later.
As is often the case, I found some of the stories much more interesting than others. But in general, this film just couldn't hold my attention. I had a really hard time getting through it, and had to force myself to keep watching.
10 words or less: Just couldn't keep my attention.
This documentary is about butch lesbians, particularly those who choose to dress masculinely. Those profiled tend to take the more dominant (traditionally masculine) role in their relationships. Several were living as males, and some competed in the masculine divisions of shows. The filming followed them through several months, and did a follow-up some time later.
As is often the case, I found some of the stories much more interesting than others. But in general, this film just couldn't hold my attention. I had a really hard time getting through it, and had to force myself to keep watching.
10 words or less: Just couldn't keep my attention.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Stripped
View Date: 8/19/09
This is a documentary about the exotic dancing business. The filmmaker decides to try stripping to make some extra money, and goes along with some of her stripper friends. Throughout the course of the movie, you get the backstory of 5 or 6 strippers, how they got into the business, and if they want out. It goes behind the scenes at various clubs, and even talks about the money that can be made and how the amount changes depending on how long you have been in the business. It also describes how a stripper's perspective on various aspects of life, such as money, men, and relationships, changes during their time in the business.
I thought this movie was OK. The quality of the filming was mediocre, and the camera work reminded me of the trailers for The Blair Witch Project. The story seemed to jump around quite a bit, and not in a good way. Actually, I thought the most interesting part was finding out what had happened to each of the girls featured after the filming was complete, and not all were happy stories. Overall, an OK glimpse into the world of strip clubs, but not recommended.
10 words or less: Shoddy film making made this hard to watch.
This is a documentary about the exotic dancing business. The filmmaker decides to try stripping to make some extra money, and goes along with some of her stripper friends. Throughout the course of the movie, you get the backstory of 5 or 6 strippers, how they got into the business, and if they want out. It goes behind the scenes at various clubs, and even talks about the money that can be made and how the amount changes depending on how long you have been in the business. It also describes how a stripper's perspective on various aspects of life, such as money, men, and relationships, changes during their time in the business.
I thought this movie was OK. The quality of the filming was mediocre, and the camera work reminded me of the trailers for The Blair Witch Project. The story seemed to jump around quite a bit, and not in a good way. Actually, I thought the most interesting part was finding out what had happened to each of the girls featured after the filming was complete, and not all were happy stories. Overall, an OK glimpse into the world of strip clubs, but not recommended.
10 words or less: Shoddy film making made this hard to watch.
Everest: Beyond the Limit, Season 2
Completed: 8/17/09
This show is the second season of the Discovery Channel series that documents one team's expedition to Mt. Everest. Some team members returned from the previous season in another attempt to conquer the mountain. Additionally, you met several new team members who's goal is to proceed into an area where no living creature can survive for long.
It was very nice to see some familiar faces again and really root for their success. It was also nice to see that Russell, the team leader, truly sticks to his word and does not let someone proceed up the mountain if they are not physically able to do so. His convictions, as explained in the bonus shows, are what make his team the safest way to conquer Everest. He may seem like a hardass sometimes, but everything he does is to protect his clients and his team.
10 words or less: A new season is starting in December. Can't wait.
This show is the second season of the Discovery Channel series that documents one team's expedition to Mt. Everest. Some team members returned from the previous season in another attempt to conquer the mountain. Additionally, you met several new team members who's goal is to proceed into an area where no living creature can survive for long.
It was very nice to see some familiar faces again and really root for their success. It was also nice to see that Russell, the team leader, truly sticks to his word and does not let someone proceed up the mountain if they are not physically able to do so. His convictions, as explained in the bonus shows, are what make his team the safest way to conquer Everest. He may seem like a hardass sometimes, but everything he does is to protect his clients and his team.
10 words or less: A new season is starting in December. Can't wait.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Survivorman
View Dates
Season 1: 8/16/09
Season 2: 8/29/09
This is a series about a man, Les Stroud, who sets up various scenarios to survive in the wilderness for a week at a time. Usually he is not provided with any supplies outside of what would be available based on the scenario that was set up. For example, when he set up a motorbike running out of gas in the desert of the western USA, he had a utility tool and his motorbike.
This is a very enlightening series that can give many really good survival tips. He demonstrates several different ways to catch food, start a fire, and find water over the course of two seasons. My only comment is that watching the whole series in a short amount of time, it tends to get repetitive. At times it somewhat seems unbelievable, even though it is obvious that he is really out there.
10 words or less: Good show, but not all in a row.
Season 1: 8/16/09
Season 2: 8/29/09
This is a series about a man, Les Stroud, who sets up various scenarios to survive in the wilderness for a week at a time. Usually he is not provided with any supplies outside of what would be available based on the scenario that was set up. For example, when he set up a motorbike running out of gas in the desert of the western USA, he had a utility tool and his motorbike.
This is a very enlightening series that can give many really good survival tips. He demonstrates several different ways to catch food, start a fire, and find water over the course of two seasons. My only comment is that watching the whole series in a short amount of time, it tends to get repetitive. At times it somewhat seems unbelievable, even though it is obvious that he is really out there.
10 words or less: Good show, but not all in a row.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Word Wars
View Date: 7/25/09
This film is a documentary about professional Scrabble players. It focuses on approximately 4 players, while featuring others. The players come from all walks of life, some living in abject poverty while others keep day or night jobs. Yet all study for hours every day trying to memorize words in hope of winning the national championship. The movie counts down to this competition, featuring practice rounds and other tournaments along the way.
I think my favorite part was watching the folks play in Central Park, who are actually really competitive. All of the players shown compete in timed events such as chess matches. One player in Central Park refuses to play in tournaments, but has beaten nationally ranked players, yet they don't have the same egos. Some of the players are rather geeky, but others are very “normal” people who just really like to play Scrabble.
10 words or less: Interesting to watch people do what they do best.
This film is a documentary about professional Scrabble players. It focuses on approximately 4 players, while featuring others. The players come from all walks of life, some living in abject poverty while others keep day or night jobs. Yet all study for hours every day trying to memorize words in hope of winning the national championship. The movie counts down to this competition, featuring practice rounds and other tournaments along the way.
I think my favorite part was watching the folks play in Central Park, who are actually really competitive. All of the players shown compete in timed events such as chess matches. One player in Central Park refuses to play in tournaments, but has beaten nationally ranked players, yet they don't have the same egos. Some of the players are rather geeky, but others are very “normal” people who just really like to play Scrabble.
10 words or less: Interesting to watch people do what they do best.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Children of Chabannes
View Date: 7/20/09
This documentary is about a group of children sent to France during the Second World War to protect them from the atrocities of the Holocaust. Most of these children never saw their families again. The children were educated and assimilated into the culture of this very small farming village. The teachers made sure to work with the children to perfect their accents and become as strong as possible to give these children the best survival tools they could provide.
The film was narrated and produced by the daughter of one of these amazing children. The truly unbelievable part is that, of the hundreds of children involved and the German influence on France, only 6 children were lost. This is wholly due to the organizers and teachers of the school, who cared for these people as children and did not see them solely as Jews. They risked their own lives many times to protect their charges.
Many of the children involved remained in France after the group was separated due to increasing German presence in their area. Others emigrated to the United States or Israel after the war. As such, the piece is partially subtitled and partially in English. This may make it difficult for some viewers. However, it was a truly fascinating piece, not only the descriptions by the surviving children, but through the recollections of the teachers as well. The excerpts from the diaries of the principal and the scrapbooks of the school children were incredibly enlightening, and highlighted not only the danger faced, but also the everyday life of the children.
10 words or less: Maybe not for everyone, but an interesting film.
This documentary is about a group of children sent to France during the Second World War to protect them from the atrocities of the Holocaust. Most of these children never saw their families again. The children were educated and assimilated into the culture of this very small farming village. The teachers made sure to work with the children to perfect their accents and become as strong as possible to give these children the best survival tools they could provide.
The film was narrated and produced by the daughter of one of these amazing children. The truly unbelievable part is that, of the hundreds of children involved and the German influence on France, only 6 children were lost. This is wholly due to the organizers and teachers of the school, who cared for these people as children and did not see them solely as Jews. They risked their own lives many times to protect their charges.
Many of the children involved remained in France after the group was separated due to increasing German presence in their area. Others emigrated to the United States or Israel after the war. As such, the piece is partially subtitled and partially in English. This may make it difficult for some viewers. However, it was a truly fascinating piece, not only the descriptions by the surviving children, but through the recollections of the teachers as well. The excerpts from the diaries of the principal and the scrapbooks of the school children were incredibly enlightening, and highlighted not only the danger faced, but also the everyday life of the children.
10 words or less: Maybe not for everyone, but an interesting film.
Monday, July 27, 2009
J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life
View Date: 7/17/09
This was a documentary special aired by ABC right after the latest Harry Potter movie was released. A film crew worked with Jo Rowling during the time she was finishing the final Harry Potter book. Interviews were also conducted during this time frame. They reviewed her childhood, her time living on welfare, and the process of writing her famous books. They also discussed the loss of her mother and other happenings that greatly influenced her writing.
The show was OK. Even with how big of a fan I am, I probably wouldn't watch this again. I have seem many better shows about the author, and many better interviews. It felt kind of choppy and haphazardly put together.
10 words or less: Watch the Biography Channel episode instead.
This was a documentary special aired by ABC right after the latest Harry Potter movie was released. A film crew worked with Jo Rowling during the time she was finishing the final Harry Potter book. Interviews were also conducted during this time frame. They reviewed her childhood, her time living on welfare, and the process of writing her famous books. They also discussed the loss of her mother and other happenings that greatly influenced her writing.
The show was OK. Even with how big of a fan I am, I probably wouldn't watch this again. I have seem many better shows about the author, and many better interviews. It felt kind of choppy and haphazardly put together.
10 words or less: Watch the Biography Channel episode instead.
Friday, July 17, 2009
An Evening With Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder
View Date: around 7/10/09
As mentioned in the title, this was the second DVD set of Q&A sessions with the director Kevin Smith. He is best known for his movies including Clerks, Mallrats, and Dogma.
Basically, Kevin Smith gets up in front of auditoriums full of people, mostly college kids, and answers their questions in a rambling sort of way. Included in the answers are other stories about his life which he was reminded about by the questions. In this particular 4-hour collection, he spoke in Toronto and London.
I had originally watched the Toronto show streaming on Netflix back in March. It was just as good as I expected, so I made sure to add the second portion, London, to my DVD queue. If anything, it was better than the first half. I am still laughing about some of the anecdotes, such as his favorite sexual euphemism and when his daughter walked in on he and his wife having sex. Many of the really cute stories involve his daughter, such as when she discovered the word 'bullshit'.
Jay and his mom were both present. I have to say, Jay gives a pretty crappy interview. I don't know if it was his history of drug abuse or his generally laid-back personality, but I enjoyed more of his antics when he wasn't actually talking.
Overall, I had yet another enjoyable evening watching Kevin Smith do what he does best.
10 words or less: A must for any Kevin Smith fan.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Civil War Combat: America's Bloodiest Battles
View Date: 7/11/09
This is a History Channel series about, obviously, civil war combat. When I first saw the title, I expected it to be about the bloodiest battles that every civil war buff knows about and cover them in their entirety, namely Antetim and Gettysburg. Rather, this series covers a very small part of those epic fights to explore the bloodiest individual attacks of the battles. It also focused on just a few key regiments from each side of the battle.
The series made me really feel the horror of the war. The re-enactments were well done, and you could practically feel the ammunition strikes and bayonet run-throughs. And they did something that I always like by letting you know the fates of the key participants after the battle. That is, if they survived.
10 words or less: Good viewing for a civil war buff.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Decisions That Shook the World
Completion Date: 7/1/09
This History Channel documentary series provided an interesting look at three crucial presidential decisions that changed the course of American history.
LBJ signed into motion several key civil rights laws that progressed our society on a national front. Kennedy is remembered as the Civil Rights president because he had planned to enact these laws prior to his assassination. LBJ made the crucial decision to proceed with Kennedy's plans, even though his record indicated that he would generally not support them. Unfortunately, LBJ's legacy is overshadowed by our entrance into Vietnam and the aftermath. However, even months before his death, LBJ continued to work for civil rights.
Reagan's support of the Star Wars program, however underfunded, was a decisive offensive stance toward foreign policy. Even though the program is remembered as a failure, it did provide other countries the opinion that the US would attack if provoked. The program also intimates that the Star Wars program was key in the fall of communism and the breakup of the USSR.
Finally, the program discussed FDR's decision to arm England prior to the US's entry into World War II. Doing this outright was illegal, so he found ways, such as bartering, to provide support to England. Even with the loopholes he found, much of what he did was borderline illegal, and thus he did not notify the American public until after he did them. His ultimate goal was to support another nation to delay the US's entrance into the war as long as possible. He knew that if England fell, the US would have no other choice but to enter the war. Once Pearl Harbor happened, the American public did not have a problem in general declaring war on Japan, but still had issues declaring war on Germany. FDR did his best to protect the interests of the US, and to protect the US's position in the world.
This, like many other History Channel productions, was very well produced. It helped remind me about moments in our country's history that are sometimes forgotten because they are overshadowed by other events taking place around the same time.
10 words or less: Well-produced and educational.
This History Channel documentary series provided an interesting look at three crucial presidential decisions that changed the course of American history.
LBJ signed into motion several key civil rights laws that progressed our society on a national front. Kennedy is remembered as the Civil Rights president because he had planned to enact these laws prior to his assassination. LBJ made the crucial decision to proceed with Kennedy's plans, even though his record indicated that he would generally not support them. Unfortunately, LBJ's legacy is overshadowed by our entrance into Vietnam and the aftermath. However, even months before his death, LBJ continued to work for civil rights.
Reagan's support of the Star Wars program, however underfunded, was a decisive offensive stance toward foreign policy. Even though the program is remembered as a failure, it did provide other countries the opinion that the US would attack if provoked. The program also intimates that the Star Wars program was key in the fall of communism and the breakup of the USSR.
Finally, the program discussed FDR's decision to arm England prior to the US's entry into World War II. Doing this outright was illegal, so he found ways, such as bartering, to provide support to England. Even with the loopholes he found, much of what he did was borderline illegal, and thus he did not notify the American public until after he did them. His ultimate goal was to support another nation to delay the US's entrance into the war as long as possible. He knew that if England fell, the US would have no other choice but to enter the war. Once Pearl Harbor happened, the American public did not have a problem in general declaring war on Japan, but still had issues declaring war on Germany. FDR did his best to protect the interests of the US, and to protect the US's position in the world.
This, like many other History Channel productions, was very well produced. It helped remind me about moments in our country's history that are sometimes forgotten because they are overshadowed by other events taking place around the same time.
10 words or less: Well-produced and educational.
Sister Helen
View Date: 7/4/09
This is a documentary about a nun who runs a sober-living home for men. I believe the home is in New York.
Sister Helen was a Benedictine nun in her late sixties who joined the sisterhood after her sons and husband died. She was also a former alcoholic, and chose to help other addicts improve their lives. Although she was, as she describes, and old Irish woman, she was feisty, had an incredibly foul mouth, and could keep those men in line.
I thought that the documentary was OK. You could tell that it was not put together chronologically because Sister Helen's hair keeps changing colors, but otherwise the production was OK. It was an interesting story, but not my favorite on the subject.
10 words or less: Interesting story of a hard life.
This is a documentary about a nun who runs a sober-living home for men. I believe the home is in New York.
Sister Helen was a Benedictine nun in her late sixties who joined the sisterhood after her sons and husband died. She was also a former alcoholic, and chose to help other addicts improve their lives. Although she was, as she describes, and old Irish woman, she was feisty, had an incredibly foul mouth, and could keep those men in line.
I thought that the documentary was OK. You could tell that it was not put together chronologically because Sister Helen's hair keeps changing colors, but otherwise the production was OK. It was an interesting story, but not my favorite on the subject.
10 words or less: Interesting story of a hard life.
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