This week I finally got around to watching Michael Moore's first documentary film Roger & Me from 1989. It was interesting to see how Moore's witnessing of the decline of his hometown of Flint Michigan was the trigger point for his transformation into an ignorant, rude, and manipulative clownboat.

I have now seen all six of Michael Moore's films and I love his brand of entertainment and the impact he has had on documentaries in general, but in almost every case he has done more damage to his cause than help.

I have been scouting around the interwebs looking for lists of critically well regarded documentaries and noticed an absence of any really useful guides. The IMDb Top 50 is not particularly helpful as many are not available on DVD, and there are not enough votes to form a meaningful index. Perhaps the best list I found is the GreenCine's Official 50 Best.

Other related lists include the documentaries that have done the best at the Box Office and the heavily criticised International Documentary Associations list of 25 Best (thumbs down from me).

This got me thinking about my own favourite docos, so I have gone through and tagged all of the documentaries that I have seen since my records began. You can now see those that I recommend and a few I consider essential viewing.

In Bruges (2008) - Something entirely fresh in the British gangster genre. Colin Farrell in perhaps his best role. A witty script with dark comedic tones and cracking dialogue. I loved it.   Recommended

Recount (2008) - An all star cast of limp wristed liberals lined up to have an over dramatic whinge about how Al Gore lost the 2000 election. The made for TV quality makes this seem more like a self parody at times (an over serious Spacey doesn't help), but the true life story is compelling watching as this was a fascinating historic event.   Average

The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005) - To me, Johnston's music is not appealing, and at times truly awful. This would have made an even better mockumentary were it not a true story. I did feel sorry for him because it seems every single person in his life has exploited him. But the story is indeed fascinating and watching this doco did lead me to immediately pick up me guitar - so it gets credit for being inspiring.   Recommended

Roger & Me (1989) - Michael Moore is not interested in an honest debate. How ignorant and rude can one person be. On the basis that in journalism omission is equal to a lie - Moore did film an interview with Roger Smith and left the footage out - I have no other recommendation than to avoid this film.   Avoid

Control (2007) - I had fears and low expectations going into this biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis - my main concern was that it couldn't be done respectfully. I was well wrong, this is masterful filmmaking. Even if you are not a fan of the band, this film is worth seeing for the stunning black and white cinematography alone.   Recommended

Smart People (2008) - You know a film is in trouble when it uses music so heavily that the film becomes indistinguishable from a trailer. Here is a film that covers old ground on the dysfunctional family theme - it's meant to be an intelligent comedy drama but just feels tired and dreary.   Avoid

Manufacturing Dissent (2007) - Documentarian Debbie Melnyk attempts to distinguish the fact from fiction in the life of Michael Moore. The main focus is on Roger and Me and the early years in Moore's career. There is nothing particularly new here as most of the criticisms are already well known, but the films does succeed in highlighting the many ways in which Moore uses manipulation both in his films and his life in general.   Average

King Corn (2007) - Documentary about two friends who grow an acre of corn in Iowa to highlight the rise in everyday usage of corn in the United States. It wasn't a spectacular story, but gets points for not pushing an agenda - the balanced approach was refreshing.   Average

The Onion Movie (2008) - Fans of The Onion satire will find something to like here - but the truly great moments are few and far between. Originally filmed in 2003 and only recently released to DVD after being shelved due to poor test screening.   Average

Get Smart (2008) - Oddly, this series adaptation felt the need to change genres from its origins as a spy comedy to action adventure. This is ultimately a wasted opportunity to play off the clever satire and one liners that made the TV series great.   Avoid

Hard Candy (2005) - A revenge thriller that is more of a character study than the clever psychological cat and mouse tale it wants to be. The performances are ok, but it was all too scripted for my liking.   Average

The Dark Knight

I feel compelled to comment briefly about the film that is currently sitting at #1 on the IMDb Top 250. It's a minor masterpiece within its genre, but not a brilliant film, and at some point sanity needs to prevail because hysterical fanboyism is the only reason 100,000+ IMDb voters checked 10/10.

Before I dive into the hating, here is what I liked. The IMAX scenes were visually stunning and easily the highlight for me - particularly the sweeping shots over Gotham (Chicago) and Hong Kong. I would love to have seen the whole film shot in this format. Ledger's performance as The Joker was faultless, but I don't see an Oscar nomination coming from it, although who can comment until they see the competition? (Well, everyone it seems!) Finally, the film did succeed in finding the appropriate balance between the length of action sequences and the passages that move the film forward. It was well timed, despite a somewhat muddled plot, and the visual style was near perfection.

But I need more, so here are five things that The Dark Knight gets marked as 'can do better' on my report card:

1. There is nothing either original or fresh about the story the Nolans have concocted. It's just a series of superficial moral dilemmas strung together with some very well choreographed action sequences. It is nothing like the dark and fascinating journey that Batman Begins was.

2. The Rachel Dawes character fails to engage. Maggie Gyllenhaal does not have Katie Holmes' vulnerable demeanor and the whole romance subplot is flat. A lot of pyrotechnics but not such much chemistry.

3. Partly due to the failure for the romantic interest to spark, but also due to the editing, no part the transformation of Harvey Dent is believable. I simply did not buy it. The whole subplot could have been saved for the final installment in the series where the appropriate level of back story could be filled in.

4. There is no strong singular story arc to follow - Batman Begins was great because the origin story was very strong and it brought you on the journey. The central theme In The Dark Knight, that evil is within all of us, is not brought out well because it is fighting with the noise from the many other themes.

5. Despite the many subplots there is very little intellectual complexity and certainly nothing left to contemplate once the credits rolled. For me this is the mark of a great film - when you walk away and see humanity through new eyes.

I guess I was expecting too much from a comic book adaptation. Where Batman Begins left me wanting more, The Dark Knight tainted my appetite for the final installment.

The Dark Knight (2008) - Christopher Nolan follows up his franchise revival with a lengthy rollercoaster ride where the visual distractions make it worth your time, but the destination is somewhat unfulfilling. Strong performances as expected from Bale and Ledger. See it on IMAX.   Recommended


The Darjeeling Limited (2007) - This is not an essential Wes Anderson film, but the elements are all there for fans of his work. Particularly of note is that this is the first time he has gone beyond emotional baggage to overtly explore spirituality (on some level) and will no doubt reward future viewings.   Recommended

Charlie Bartlett (2007) - The comparisons with Wes Anderson's brilliant 'Rushmore' are inevitable (and even a little Harold and Maude), but this is a pale imitation. It's an ambitious effort and there is a lot to like, but it fades toward the end and just becomes another offbeat high school drama.   Average

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) - Sidney Lumet is often hit or miss, but this one about a family heist drama has been dubbed a return to form. Generally great performances if you ignore Albert Finney.   Recommended

Severance (2006) - A team building weekend turns into a Eastern European slasher fest. Not a genre I love, and a bit of a wildcard in my viewing queue, but this one was watchable.   Average

The Chumscrubber (2005) - Sometimes I persevere through films that a clearly not going to offer a payoff. This dark satire on suburban life is a good example of this. Though interesting in concept, it fails to show sincerity and ends up exemplifying a Hollywood story that tries too hard to be indie.   Average

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) - Fun but forgettable popcorn film - I guess I was expecting more true to life characters after all those great Apatow films recently. Mila Kunis was the only real highlight.   Average

Croupier (1998) - Dark and alienating crime drama about an aspiring writer (Clive Owen) who attempts to write a novel about his night job as a croupier at a casino.   Recommended

Hancock (2008) - Conceptually very good, but poor execution and a wayward storyline drag this modern superhero tale way down.   Average

So for the record, it is a funny joke to sign someone's pseudonym up to the electoral register. It is not a funny joke for that person to then register you as a volunteer for the Green Party. Touche indeed, but not the end of that saga.

It's been a busy few weeks. I'm pretty happy to have the shortest day behind us - I'm sure more meaningful updates will resume shortly. Until then, here is the recent viewing list...

Be Kind Rewind (2008) - Michel Gondry makes must see cinema and with this film he has brought to screen a clever homage to the act of film making itself. While not everything works in this Jack Black lead comedy - it is creative in every sense.   Recommended

Stripes (1981) - Bill Murray and Harold Ramis play a couple of life's drop outs who enter the army in this Ivan Reitman directed cult comedy from the early eighties. It's not particularly funny anymore, or cleverly written, but does showcase some great actors early in their careers.   Average

Sex and the City (2008) - Putting aside the shallow and vulgar nature of characters, the film itself is disjointed and plotless. I would like to give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is a deliberate portrayal of the emptiness of materialism - but I don't know that this occurred to the writers.   Average

The Accidental Tourist (1988) - The Lawrence Kasdan stylings are very much of the eighties - twenty years on this approach comes of as being both artificial and melodramatic.   Average

Venus (2006) - One of the more interesting British films I have seen lately. Peter O'Tool is great playing a veteran actor and his encounter with a teenage girl in a Pygmalion type story.   Recommended

Kung Fu Panda (2008) - Solidly entertaining animated martial arts comedy. The door is open for a far superior sequel - it's a franchise with plenty of potential.   Recommended

Death Proof (2007) - Tarantino's latest has all the dialogue and style you would expect. I still got that cultural cringe anytime Zoe Bell (as herself) was on screen, but nothing I couldn't overlook.   Recommended

Domino (2005) - Tony Scott goes so far over the top in a style over substance action film that the result is almost incomprehensible. I'm not a Keira Knightley hater, but this was the most annoying narration I have ever heard in a film.   Avoid

The Professionals (1966) - Good pacing, action and comedy balance make this one of the all time great westerns. Everything I love about the genre.   Recommended

Best New Music in 2008 (The first half...)

I know for a lot of people the debut album from Vampire Weekend will feature high on their list of musical discoveries for 2008. I haven't quite been able to connect to that bouncy alt. rock but there are plenty of other great releases from the first half of the year.

In The Future - Black Mountain
Their self titled debut album from 2005 somehow slipped by my rader, but this followup of rousing indie rock already has me checking back for more. Watch for this one on end of year lists.

Third - Portishead
After 11 years Portishead return, still relevant and original, with everything we have waited so long to hear again.

Attack and Release - The Black Keys
I've never really gotten into The Black Keys, but this seems to be a change of direction with an almost Gorrilaz like sound at the hands of producer Danger Mouse.

The Age of the Understatement - The Last Shadow Puppets
I really don't like Arctic Monkeys, but the side project from Alex Turner and the Rascals' Miles Kane, known as The Last Shadow Puppets, is some nice indie rock. With a late-'60s/early-'70s sound, it's been described as a Scott Walker and David Bowie-inspired collaboration.

Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nick Cave and company return to the big sound for their 14th album - it's a continuation of brilliant form.

Volume One - She & Him
Country-folk artist M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel assemble some simple melodies with great hooks.


Also worth a listen...

Devotion - Beach House
Dreamy and disembodied indie rock.

Changing Of The Seasons - Ane Brun
Wistful songs from Norwegian singer/songwriter.

Halfway To Fivepoints - Anna Ternheim
Follow up album of great piano-driven songs from Swedish singer/songwriter.

Mountain Battles - The Breeders
This Steve Albini produced fourth album from The Breeders may actually be their best work.

Just A Little Lovin' - Shelby Lynne
Not for everyone, but some beautiful covers that pay homage to the late Dusty Springfield.

13 Blues for Thirteen Moons - Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band
Still putting out that cathartic experimental artistic expression.

19 - Adele
Proclaimed as the next Amy Winehouse.

The Hungry Saw - Tindersticks
Tindersticks continue a prolific run of music, this may well be their best. For fans, this one will not disappoint.

In Ghost Colours - Cut Copy
Still getting into this one, but looks to be a rewarding listen.

Jukebox - Cat Power
A continuation of Chan Marshall's introspective Southern-bred indie rock.

Rockferry - Duffy
Great voice - and then there's those Bernard Butler influenced grandiose string-laden ballads.

Seventh Tree - Goldfrapp
Worth a mention, though not as innovative as earlier efforts.


Finally, a note about the best albums of 2007 - when I went through and picked out my favourites for the year I discovered that despite some great releases, none of them met my criteria for being "Essential". Since then I have discovered what I now believe to be my favourite album of 2007 - so for those catching up, go forth and check out Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago. It's a gem.

In The Shadow of the Moon (2007) - Remarkable documentary featuring surviving crew members from NASA's Apollo missions telling their story in their own words.   Recommended

El Cid (1961) - Clocking in at over three hours this epic tale of Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz (Charlton Heston), still comes of pretty well despite the years. A great example of how Hollywood epics were once made.   Recommended

¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!! (What Have I Done To Deserve This) (1984) - I'm still to find a film from Almodóvar that I didn't like. He captures life like no other director - and in this instance a dysfunctional family in Madrid that descend into an absurd situation comedy.   Recommended

A Passage to India (1984) - The great David Lean's last film deals with colonization in India in the early 1920s. It falls short when attempting to evoke the mood and tension that are required - and you really feel every minute of the 163min runtime.   Average

21 (2008) - This film is a complete mess. Supposedly a fact-based story about six MIT students who got rich off card counting. A documentary would have been far more engaging than this contrived offering.   Avoid

Lucky Number Slevin (2006) - This is a great little revenge flick with a big cast. But it's flawed, and a few of the cast bring baggage that ultimately drags down the overall effect. Still worth a look though.   Recommended

Just the film log this week. With Queen's Birthday weekend coming up I promise to post something a little more interesting in the next edition!

Eastern Promises (2007) - David Cronenberg continues his run of well crafted films that encapsulate his unique vision. This time a tale of Russian organized crime in London with Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts in lead.   Recommended

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) - Like its three predecessors - it's all just contrived nonsense, but the action pulls you along and this time around the FX and action sequences take a big step up. There is a lot packed in, but the real reason to watch is simply to see the saga continue.   Recommended

Horton Hears a Who! (2008) - Captures the spirit and good humour of the Dr. Seuss book and one of the better films in the genre to come along in the past few years.   Recommended

Waitress (2007) - OK, so I only watched this because Keri Russell has some strange appeal to me (I'm not alone on this). But this is a fun, quirky, and easy watching drama/comedy. All that, and I like pie.   Recommended

Exils (2004) - A road movie from French writer/director Tony Gatlif captuiring a couple returning to their parents birthplace in Algeria. Nicely shot, but not enough to keep me fully engaged.   Average

Bloody Sunday (2002) - Director Paul Greengrass had a career breakthrough with this film dramatization of the Irish civil rights protest march on January 30, 1972. Shot without sentimentality and rendered in handheld documentary style that creates a genuine sense of realism.   Recommended