5. The Fold
www.thefold.tv
The Fold is the point where the Twilight Zone and soft-core porn meet. I like the artistic freedom that the internet gives directors. Internet series' like Young American Bodies take full advantage of the freedom's in what they can show. This series is definitely for an older crowd. Basically, there's a time-travel machine invented by a guy with Asperger's who just wants the machine so he can go back in time and have sex with Joan of Arc. His CEO father, who is funding the project wants to stop sex from ever happening through the use of the machine. There's plenty of comical sex, though it's never particularly graphic. There's a woman who's super power is being able to see people's fetishes by looking at them. And a phenomenon called the "World Wide Orgasm." Put it all together and... hilarity ensues.
"SEE IT!"
4. Mad Men
I don't think I can say anything about this show that hasn't already been said. Set in the early 1960's business world, the viewer becomes so immersed in the time period. It's all perfect, the alcohol, the cigarettes, the clothes, the hairstyles, the conservative attitude. It's set in that crucial time period where Nixon was voted out of office and JFK voted in. Everything is spot on. No one is always good or always bad. I feel sympathy for characters I don't even like because they're portrayed from so many different angles. The dialogue is snappy, original and always pleasant to hear. After all, the great conversation makes the shows and films. I wonder how much things really have changed since that time. All the sexism the male charters have towards the females seems absurd and kind of comical from a 21st century perspective. But I can't help and wonder about how much of it is still present today.
"If you're not watching this yet, start right now."
3. Be Kind Rewind
I'm not a Michel Gondry fan. However, I am a big fan of the music video work he did with Bjork many moons ago. His surreal visual style and effects worked for me in that setting but not in a film setting. I think his visuals are interesting but a little unimpressive and too zany the majority of the time. The concept behind Be Kind Rewind is that Mos Def and Jack Black play buddies who work at a video store. One night during some crazy stunt, Jack Black becomes magnetized and erases all the tapes. Since the original owner of the store has left them in charge they decide to re shoot all of the movies through their interpretation. Their versions start gaining notoriety but they eventually get caught in a legal battle over copyright. I feel almost entirely neutral about it. I liked Melanie Diaz, she's good in everything.
"Meh."
2. Religulous
Bill Maher's documentary was entertaining but hardly educational. I don't think that anyone would have his or her opinion swayed by seeing this. My main criticism is that I got too much of what I didn't want. For instance, he interview some men at a "Truck Chapel" who didn't really have anything insightful to say, it seemed like an excuse to get some laughs. I could have used way less wackos and idiots whom I almost felt bad for because of how much they were ridiculed whether they realized it or not. I know that sometimes it's hard for a documentary to present its subjects seriously especiall when they are saying things that are ridiculous but it can be done: see Jesus Camp. It also gave me too little of what I wanted. Bill only takes to the educated people very briefly, the Vatican astronomer which he interviewed about science had much insight as did a Catholic priest that he talked to outside the Vatican. He also brought up the topic of the clash between the liberal Dutch community and conservative Muslims in that area. That was interesting, Bill! He seemed to be so worried about how religion would bring our demise yet he glossed over the most convincing arguments. I don't care about how absurd Scientology and Mormonism are. I already know. People can believe whatever they want, it's fine with me as long as it isn't forced on anyone or used to justify hate. My Grandmother attends church regularly and it means something to her. The thought of someone mocking my Grandmother's beliefs to her seems insanely cruel. On top of that, the long rant at the very end seemed a little too tacked-on-last-minute though insightful.
1. Crawford
It's showing for free on Hulu. Go watch it.
