dhunsber Reviews

Forks Over Knives (2011)

A Case Could Be Made - Most Important Documentary Ever

[10/10 · 27 July 2010]

I saw this film at a screening in Philadelphia on July 26th.

Most of us understand by now that the typical Western diet is not ideal. But this film explains that, in early clinical studies and scientific research, the overwhelming evidence points to some specific things we eat that are slowly killing us. It also explains that there is a way to eat that you will very likely live long and well. This movie is as simple as that, and as complex as that.

Traveling along with some of the pioneers in this field, you get to really see how obvious the approach they support is to them, and probably should be to us. You also get a "taste" of what this movement is up against. I get the sense that this film's point is to show the Dr.'s who were screaming: "Why isn't anyone listening to us?" and giving them a chance to say, "Hey everyone, here is what we have been saying for 20 years, and here is our clinical and scientific proof, now go ahead and tell us how we are wrong."

Most of all, it is very well done. I really enjoyed how well the stories intertwined, as well as some terrific graphics. Some of the personal stories, for me, were the most convincing.

Every once in a while, a documentary comes out that is just in the right place at the right time to become must see and force social change. I believe in 10 years, people will be talking about this film as the moment when America and Europe finally "Got It". I cannot imagine that this will not be an early favorite for an Oscar for Best Documentary.

New Year's Rotten Eve (1994 Video)

Well Done

[10/10 · 30 August 2007]

First, I am a Howard Stern listener since 1988. I am proud to say that his show makes me laugh out loud a couple times a day, minimum.

Not only was this a perfect parody of a pageant from the 80's and early 90's, it is packed with laughs. The opening Michael Jackson skit is VERY VERY funny. Many of the skits were more timely, like the Ted Danson/Whoopi Goldberg bit. Does anyone even remember that he showed up to the Friars in black face?

My favorite was the Sienfeld song, "At Seventeen". Again, would people even remember that he dated a girl who was still in high school at that time?

For as "free form" and loose as Howard can be, this is a tight show. It moves quickly and is loaded with laughs. If you are not a Howard fan, you are either not smart enough to bother with him, or you are missing the greatest show/performer in the history of entertainment.

The Groomsmen (2006)

A true 10 out of 10 - A+++

[10/10 · 25 November 2006]

Full disclosure, I loved every one of the films Ed Burns has written/directed. I'm not blind to the fact that Burns and I are about the same age and from the same part of the country. My friends and I are in closer tune with his themes, etc.

But there is something bigger going on here:

1. Burns ability to make such great films on such small budgets, is like the team in baseball with the lowest payroll making the playoffs. He does more with less. I couldn't believe that this one was 3 million which I found out after watching.

2. He gets more out of actors than most directors. The Groomsmen is an example of that. A lot may have to do with the long shots of scenes that are amazing. Actors can actually act and he lets them be "the talent" as much as he is as w/d.

3. Funny and dramatic and deep and loving and special. All his films have this, but Groomsman is "extra" all of these things.

In this already special body of work Burns has, Groomsman stands out. I loved them all, but this one is special. See it right away.

One other thing.... When the film ended the first thing I thought was that Donal Logue should win an Oscar for his performance in this film. I was happy when watching the director's commentary that Burns raved about his acting. Everyone in The Groomsman was great, but he was superb.