Two Documentaries and a "New Low"

Waiting for Superman

This is a must see documentary for anyone involved in public schools -- students, parents, teachers, administrators -- that's you. Already bought by Paramount, it will come to your hometown theaters (probably next Fall.) Directed by Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth), it tells a clear story of the problems plaguing the U.S. public school system and shows some examples of schools that are getting it right. The statistics are appalling, but the film refrains from too much finger pointing and gives credit where credit is due.

Drunk History: Lincoln and Douglass

We saw the Tesla and Edison short yesterday, here's another volume that screened before New Low. Will Farrell as Lincoln, Don Cheadle as Douglass and Zoey Deschanel as Mary Todd Lincoln. All narrated by a drunk. Need I say more? There are three Drunk History videos on YouTube - search "Drunk History" and enjoy.

I met the two men responsible for Drunk History in the lobby.

In reaction to criticism that they have strayed from their original mission, Sundance has added a new category this year called "Next." This category is dedicated to truly independent (low budget, homegrown) films. This next film defines that category.

New Low

Written, directed by, paid for and starring 25-year-old Adam Bowers; this love triangle story with a total loser leading man is charming. Filled with self-deprecating humor and awkward moments, you can't help cheering for geeky Wendell. Filmed in five weeks on borrowed equipment and starring all his friends (who got paid in pizza and gas money), it never feels amateurish. I would love it if this film became a cult classic. Here's the director (on the left) and his friends:

Last Train Home

This documentary gives a glimpse at the lives of the millions of migrant workers in China. It follows one family, where mom and dad live in the city, while their mother takes care of their children at home. The trials of living apart become very apparent as the parents travel home for an annual visit each Chinese New Year Holiday.  Filmed over three years, the movie paints a very intimate portrait of the Chinese culture, the pitfalls of their economy and the challenges facing the next generation.