Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea

Plagues & Pleasures is a top-notch social documentary with a cast of characters (and I mean characters) that will certainly keep movie-goers amused and engaged. But there is a substantial historical component to the film that hipper fans of historical docs will be drawn to, too. The Salton Sea itself was created by man by mistake, and evolved -- indeed, continues to evolve -- unlike any other conventional place. In fact, I could not help but think that this movie was recording the progress of some twisted, super-sized laboratory experiment that used real people, instead of mice. Trust me, this all makes for fascinating history. I highly recommend this film.

Another example of how you just can't make this stuff up. Salton Sea provides fascinating insights into characters we don't get to interact with on a daily - or even lifetime - basis. Their struggles for a peaceful, healthy, rewarding lifestyle may mirror many others, but their circumstances are truly unique.

Living on an environmentally-challenged site that witnessed large-scale natural and unnatural alterations requires an unusual perspective. And that perspective is captured quite well in this film. Not something we're treated to on "extreme makeover" reality TV.

Plus, how can you not love the John Waters narration?

I've watched the Salton Sea doc twice. I enjoyed it on several different levels. It was an eerie and exceptional sociological document. It illuminated a quirky, interesting and little known part of California history. And it was timely as far as the decline (and the 'fashion') of support for environmental issues. The film resonated with me for several days after viewing. That's more than I can say for most. This is a unique and interesting film. A strange testament to the highs and lows of development, and the fighting fringey independent spirit of desert culture - it enhanced my perspective on the people of the region. It's well worth watching.

Hot Dang that doc was good! Makes me want to pack up my golf cart, bargain with the Landman about a plot of sand, then celebrate my dusty turf acquisition over a beer and sun-dried Tilapia with Hunky Daddy. Maybe even share a smoke with....everybody. The filmmakers did a great job of historically documenting the man made lake, cumulating in a the man made mistake, which ultimately put the Salton Sea on the map as an unconventional tourist resort. The doc captures the rise and demise of this desert oasis turned environmental time bomb as told through some memorable local residents. Brilliant. Great use of graphics too. I liked the use of historical footage and photographs, and some camera effects used to 'age' some new footage.

As someone who grew up spending every summer and holiday at the Salton Sea with my grandmother who lived there for over 30 years, I couldn't believe how this wonderful film made me feel like I was right back there again. The film makers captured everything real and true about this beautiful place and while wanting to cry, it made me laugh at the same time. I can't thank Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer enough for making this film, the sea needs more people like them to bring it back to the way it was. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe, you'll hide your eyes, you'll feel like you're there and you may fall in love with the place that time forgot.

I agree with the person who said this film should be a required viewing for all California politicians!