It is definitely safe to say that documentaries about famous people, always leave us with a sense of want, and with good reason. Simply because, those documentaries are about as comprehensive as they come, so they tend to quickly move about from one point to the next, and that can bring about quick reflections on their work, which we hold near and dear to our hearts, and their lives… which we are eager to learn more of. So, we do indeed wish they could give us more, but we also understand, creatives only have a small window in which to tell these life stories, and they do the best job they can with what they have available.
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But now and again, you run into a documentary that manages to tell a comprehensive story that satisfies. Courtesy of an exploration that finds something special to latch onto, something that captivates the viewer about a celebrity in a manner they didn’t know was possible, and those are special and worth celebrating and it just so happens, that Viaplay is now home to a documentary in that vein. For recently, Like Tears in Rain, debuted upon the network, and this story about the life and times of Rutger Hauer, a wildly popular actor, manages to leave us feeling satisfied by doing something that is rarely done in documentaries. In that, it worries less about his career, and focuses intently on the man that Rutger Hauer was, away from the cameras.

Courtesy of home video footage and intimate conversations with people that knew him best. To help us really see Mister Hauer in the raw. Wherein we learn about the gentle nature he carried, how much he valued honesty and family, and how he was always eager to preserve memories. All of which shows us a side of him, that we never knew existed because he was so incredibly private and enigmatic in life. Which is also explored here, specifically the why. Since we come to learn that Hauer was that rare creative that was eager to separate his movie career from his personal life. To maintain a sense of sanity and to preserve what he cherished and that brings about a fascinating and honest look at his life, one that is extended into the exploration of his career.

In fact, it is quite lovely that this story maintains that raw honesty regarding his many, many years in Hollywood. Since it helps to remove the mystique of the industry and helps us to learn that Rutger faced ups and downs like anyone else. Plus, this story does make sure to spotlight the biggest moments in his career in a meaningful manner, and it speaks to their impact upon him and the landscape of film, for his influence is undeniable. Because he was indeed a deeply talented actor that tapped into aspects of the human condition in a manner that will forever remain a mystery because he was a force of acting nature.  A true natural that just knew what to do and when to do it, and that lesson, and this exploration of his life brings about… an utterly amazing and utterly refreshing documentary.

For this one really does defy convention and does not feel as though it is designed to please the masses and touch upon as many points as possible. It’s simply about a man, and what made that man tick. Which this story accomplishes in a beautiful manner, and it makes this a must-see for certain. Because it really does give fans of Rutger everything they’ve ever wanted, but it also provides cinephiles a different perspective on a man that had a huge impact upon the industry. But most important of all, this comprehensive look at a magnificent life and magnificent talent ensures that his memory will not be lost, like tears in rain.

When we think of spy stories in just about any capacity in popular culture, the word ‘epic’ immediately comes to mind and rightfully so. After all, the spy story is always grandiose and magnificent. Since they take us around the globe with a fascinating spy that carries a unique persona. Who is tasked with navigating geopolitical problems and stunning villains to keep the world safe, and that formula has worked so well, courtesy perhaps of the James Bond/007 franchise, that it has become the standard. One that truly is about as enjoyable as it gets.
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But it does leave one to wonder if and when the genre will attempt to do more in an era where every genre is working to reinvent itself. Because the times are changing, and how we consume stories is changing our expectations of them, and if a genre doesn’t adapt to this revolution, it could be left in the dust. But thankfully, renowned writer David Koepp and renowned director Steven Soderbergh have teamed up to help propel the spy genre into a new age of storytelling. Courtesy of their new feature, Black Bag, which does in fact… manage to reinvent the spy genre for a new age. All by doing something simple. In that… this story scales down the adventure to offer up something intimate. 

A feat that it accomplishes by way of a crisp story. One that introduces us to a power couple named George Woodhouse and Kathryn St. Jean. Who do indeed work in the spy industry and yet, still manage to thrive as a couple. Which George attributes to outright honesty with one another in a business that deals in lies. But their love and their future are suddenly in doubt. Mainly because, critical data to a critical weapon has gone missing, and it doesn’t take long for all signs to point to Kathryn betraying her oath and betraying the foundation of her marriage, to be part of an operation to sell that weapon to the highest bidder. Which prompts George to resort to drastic measures to uncover the truth and salvage his love if possible, and his plan to find answers, will change the landscape of so many lives, since such a quest will require the participation of their coworkers/friends.

Which is a plot that truly brings forth a scaled back and intimate spy drama. One that is focused on a concept that is rarely explored in the genre, love. Because more often than not in this genre, spies shy away from love and do their best to not maintain connection. Out of the belief it will cause harm and/or bring about complications in their lives. So, to see a pair of spies that are also a couple, who don’t try to murder one another at every single turn, is refreshing, and adds unique stakes to the story, and that alone is worth the price of admission. But this story has so many more refreshing concepts to offer us beyond a real love affair injected into the world of espionage. 

For really, the story is focused heavily on George and Kathryn and their inner circle, and that also scales down this world in a fascinating manner. Because it means the story doesn’t feature some bombastic villain, and a third act showdown for the ages in a mountain getaway, where the world’s population is at risk. It instead provides us with unique moments that deeply explore the life and times of spies, and who they are and what they do when they aren’t traversing about the globe. A move that genuinely humanizes these characters like never before and in a way, makes them supremely relatable. Which isn’t something we find often in this genre, since the superhero specter of 007 is another big standard for this genre.

But what is equally as important regarding the characters, is that they come to life through some stunning performances from a cast that features hyper-talented up and comers, alongside some outright screen legends, and all of them… own every single second they are on the screen with riveting performances that you crave more of. All of which brings forth, a magnificent must-see feature. One that truly grabs hold of you from the get-go and never loosens its grip. All courtesy of a spy story that is genuinely unlike anything else in the genre, and takes you places hopefully the genre will continue to go, thanks to this revolutionary and invigorating feature.

When we think of pioneers in the world of politics and journalism in the United States of America, we think of men. After all, there have been forty-seven presidents, and not a single one of them has ever been a woman, for some reason. Not to mention, it is men that we think of when it comes to how modern news was shaped. Since it was Walter Cronkite that had some incredible things to say about the moon landing in 1969, and Dan Rather was someone who truly brought the news to the masses in a unique manner that was digestible and engaging for folks that tuned in on a nightly basis. 
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Which is why, it is so very important to champion stories about women that happened to be pioneers in those fields as well. Because all are created equal and there are indeed women in journalism and women in politics that have done revolutionary acts that have indeed changed the landscape of both industries in our world and that is why, a new PBS feature is of note. Because Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, is a documentary that looks at a woman that managed to influence and shape both, not that long ago. And in doing so, shattered the glass ceiling so that other women could find their way into the political scene and leave their mark on journalism, and what makes this documentary so worth our while… is the comprehensive nature in which it presents Liz’s life.

For we come to learn in this story about her humble beginnings in Texas, where she was born to a family of go-getters and pioneers that pushed for equality and for women to be heard and that clearly influenced her to become a journalist. Wherein she was able to showcase through her incredible work that lifestyle reporting was nothing more than a handout to women, and that she and others could report the news just fine. And her incredible work brought her into the orbit of one Lyndon B. Johnson. An up-and-coming senator who would go on, to becomes President of the United States through hard circumstance. But his relationship with Liz, allowed for her to work at the White House, and shape the landscape of D.C. like never before, and beyond, when she returned to private life.

All of which gives rise to a powerful story about an everyday citizen that saw a chance to make great change to her industry and make it better with fresh voices that offered new perspectives. Not to mention, she saw a chance on how to elevate communication for a president and the first lady and help them to campaign and use those same skills to shape politics down the line. So that other fresh voices could be heard, and new leadership and ideas could come into play, and that is absolutely worth celebrating, for several reasons. The first is the obvious one, in that, this is a story that finally tosses out the narrative that only men can shape the world of politics and journalism.

But more importantly, this documentary makes it clear… that they have not and never will be shaped by just men. For clearly, equality is key to the success of both industries, and the more stories we share like Liz’s, the more people will come to understand that it takes all of us working together to make industries better, to make politics more than the partisan nightmare it currently is, and that makes this a documentary that all should see, all should celebrate, and show to as many people as possible. To inform folks why equality matters but also… to showcase an important life. One that had a huge impact on two cornerstones of our modern world, all because Liz Carpenter asked the most important question of all… why not me?

Visit the official website for ‘Shaking It Up: The Life and times of Liz Carpenter’ for the official PBS airing schedule of this important documentary.

Is it definitely safe to say that the action feature has found its rhythm in the 21st Century, after spending the end of the last one, experimenting with what makes an audience happy when it comes to explosions and car chases and the like. As it turns out, the formula to a successful action flick is simple. In that, it needs a character that fits the mold and can throw down and blow bad guys away but is also likeable and relatable on some level. And our hero needs to be thrust into a situation that is big, but not too big, that really only they can solve and as long as those elements come into play, whatever happens in between Is just fine by the audience’s standard, and it has led to some satisfying action stories over the past twenty years.

But that does leave one to wonder, if action films will ever take the time to experiment with the formula again and bring forth new stories that snag our attention in ways we never thought possible. Because that really did bring about a unique sense of fun and helped to carve out a future for new stars of the industry, since they truly shined with such unique material. But above all, it just reminded us that this genre can be silly and fun and more than explosions and blood and guts, and well… it just so happens that yes, action movies can indeed be experimental and fun, and still be enjoyable and comfortable. For proof, well then look no further than the brand-new action feature from Paramount Pictures, Novocaine. Since this magnificent new film shakes things up with an action story that is exciting and new.

A feat that it accomplishes by introducing us to one Nathan Caine. Who is a bank manager that leads a simple and supremely safe life. He goes to work, and after, he heads right home to game with his only friend, Roscoe, and in between that, he avoids hitting any objects or touching anything that might be too harmful. Not because he has experienced some hideous trauma that’s made him afraid of life, but because… of necessity. For he suffers from a rare condition that prevents him from feeling pain and all of this is designed to ensure he makes it to another day. But the arrival of a new teller at work named Sherry, who catches his eye and his heart, changes all of that in amazing ways. For now, Nathan feels as though he should live a little since there are real joys to be found in the world, and he also believes… that he should risk everything when Sherry is kidnapped in a robbery of his bank. For she truly has helped him find himself and helped him to feel alive, and the least he can do is use his unique abilities, to save her from harm.

All of which gives rise to a magnificent action film that truly does freshen up the concept without stepping away from what makes this genre great. Because Nathan is indeed a guy we can relate to, and the same goes for his inner circle, and he of course… finds himself in the midst of big action sequences that feel grounded and are just epic enough, but in a different manner. Because of that lovely twist, one that is genius to say the least. Because Nathan is a hero with little to lose since he cannot be stopped by the hurt that would stop any of us, and that leads to a sense of invincibly and bravery that is uplifting for certain, and also cringe-worthy in a good way. Since stuff that would normally make a regular person scream means nothing to Nathan, but seeing him be hurt in some epic ways, definitely makes one groan, and draws one into the story further. Since the viewer in a way, feels that pain for Nathan.
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But while that game changing twist alone is worth the price of admission, there are more wonders to be found in this film. Because it also an action feature that has a lot of heart and harbors a lot of intelligence. Since it is filled with subtle and beautiful messages. Such as what it means to let loose and live in the moment, and the power of love and how that can offer healing. But it’s lovely that this film speaks to how we should celebrate what makes us special, and never once hide away from it. Because who we are and what we are made of, adds value to this world, and that’s perhaps the best message of all in this film, one that still has more majesty within its framework. Because it’s also delightfully funny and fun when it needs to be, and it also harbors some amazing performances.

Courtesy of a cast that is made up of familiar faces and up and comers galore. But while it is great to see Matt Walsh (Detective Coltraine), Betty Gabriel (Detective Mincy) and Jacob Batalon (Roscoe) steal some scenes with comedic timing, and see Ray Nicholson (Simon) and Amber Midthunder (Sherry) add emotional gravitas to the story, it’s Jack Quaid (Nathan Caine) that leads the charge here. For he offers up incredible balance and range, which sells the gravity of every single moment in a magnificent manner and truly brings together, what is in many ways… a revolutionary action film. For this one showcases how the genre can grow in years to come, courtesy of a magnificent and original story that celebrates the human condition, while wowing us with some stunning and unique action sequences that truly take our breath away.