Brendanbeseth Reviews

My Run (2009)

Great Documentary

[7/10 · 24 October 2009]

I saw this documentary at the Austin Film Festival and really enjoyed it. It will change the way you live. It's the story of Terry Hitchcock, who lost his wife to cancer then raised his kids by himself. After the kids were grown he decided to run seventy-five marathons in a row to raise awareness for single-parent households. Once he decides to run the marathons, the story really takes off. You see how hard it was for him. He was already in his late fifties when he decided to do it, and he had a bad heart. The fact that he never gave up, no matter what was put before him, is what makes the documentary so great. It shows you that if you really put your mind to something and believe in yourself, you really can do amazing things.

Back Home Years Ago: The Real Casino (2003 Video)

Very good look at the real mob

[10/10 · 2 June 2008]

This documentary looks at the mob differently than the normal, Hollywoodized, glamorized view. The best part is an interview in it with a real gangster. The guy's drinking and smoking a cigar and his face is obscured because he doesn't want to be murdered for what he's talking about. This guy is the real deal, a real thug. And the dialogue with him is fascinating. This documentary is great for anybody seeking the truth.

In Hollywood these type of guys are made to appear good and cool, but this documentary shows that usually they're just completely nuts. There's another great part in this where the filmmakers interview a store owner who didn't want to give the mob any protection money. This man is an Italian who never wanted anything to do with the mob. His point of view is a very interesting look at the dichotomy that exists for many Italians living in America.