GIVE ME A WORD: THE COLLECTIVE SOUL STORY (2025, doc)

July 6, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. There’s just something kind of cool about a band whose first number one hit single is entitled “Shine”, and here they are 32 years later still touring and taking the time to participate in a documentary. Cinematographer and Music Videographer Joseph Rubinstein has put together an intimate film that allows the band members to tell their story using their own words. The result is that we see a group of guys who get along well, and also seem to be good dudes that we wouldn’t mind getting to know.

Collective Soul exploded onto the rock scene in 1993 with “Shine”, and then opened for Van Halen and played Woodstock 1994. Rubinstein has based this documentary on the band’s recording session at ‘Graceland West’, Elvis Presley’s former Palm Springs house. The setting is a nice touch since this isn’t a typical ‘band-records-album’ documentary. The real treat here is that we gain insight into the band’s beginnings, including co-founders and brothers Ed Roland and Dean Roland recalling their parents’ influence – Dad was a Minister of Music at a Stockbridge, Georgia church. We also learn the band’s name was swiped from Ayn Rand’s novel, “The Fountainhead”, and we hear from each of the band members on the many losses and personal issues and challenges confronted along the way.

The band’s lineup transitions over the years are discussed head-on by leader Ed Roland, and as one would expect, he claims the current group is the best yet (They certainly appear to coexist better than many bands). In addition to Ed and Dean, the other members get plenty of chances to speak their mind: bassist Will Turpin, lead guitarist Jesse Triplett, and drummer Johnny Rabb. While confidence abounds with band members who are clearly talented, the minimal ego on display is quite refreshing.

Special segments feature Dolly Parton recalling how her version of “Shine” won her a Grammy, while Ed chuckles that the band has never even been nominated. Sammy Hagar comments on touring with the band, while Mickey Thomas is shown singing backup on a song. Mr. Thomas then wows us with an a Capelo version of “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”, a song he made famous as part of the Elvin Bishop band in 1975.

A portrait of Elvis hangs on the wall in the house as the band talks, rehearses, and records. In a tragic moment, the death of Lisa Marie Presley is announced while the band is in one of the houses she grew up in. Collective Soul has earned six gold or platinum albums and seven number one singles over the years, and even today, they are a band that continues to ‘Let it Shine’. Other bands should take note.

Releases on July 8, 2025: VOD, DVD, Blu-Ray

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE LAST CLASS (2025, doc)

June 26, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It seems somewhere along the way intelligence has fallen out of favor. However, I continue to be fascinated by deep thinkers who share their knowledge and ideas. One such man is Robert Reich, and this documentary from Elliot Kirschner provides a worthy look at a man who has not only been an integral part of United States politics for decades, he has also spent 42 years as what he terms ‘a professional teacher.’

Mr. Reich has served in the administrations of four U.S. Presidents: Ford, Carter, Clinton, and Obama. Many disagree with his politics, yet what sets Reich apart is that he welcomes disagreements and debate … and experienced quite a bit of both as Secretary of Labor from 1993 through 1997. For those who stand opposed to his political views, you should know this is an intimate look at the man, not his political beliefs. Specifically, filmmaker Kirschner follows Reich during his final semester as a professor of “Wealth and Poverty” at Cal-Berkeley. The class has approximately 1000 students, bringing his career total to around 40,000 students whom he has taught.

We see him teaching in front of the auditorium’s massive screen, and we see him being interviewed in his office … an office that’s more of a museum of his career, filled with memorabilia of a life well lived. Reich states that he has but two goals for his students: encouraging them to think critically while questioning everything and finding a way to improve the world. In a moment of naked truth, he admits his frustration with the typical students who absorb data and then regurgitate for a grade. He views emotion as a necessity.

Reich, like most of us, worries about the dangers of misinformation. His graphs detail the ramifications of inequality and a lack of engagement. Reich is 79 years old and is a published author many times over. A genetic disorder limited his physical growth, contrasting sharply with his world class mental development. He’s an extremely thoughtful man, whose first class of the semester blasts “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, while the final class features warm applause from students who likely won’t appreciate what they’ve been fortunate enough to experience until years later.

In select theaters beginning June 27, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF (2025, doc)

May 22, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Even the title is a form a trickery. First of all, there was no Pee-wee Herman other than the character portrayed by Paul Reubens. Secondly, much of what this documentary presents is not from Pee-wee, but rather from Paul Reubens ‘himself’. And it goes directly to the point – the public adored Pee-wee Herman, while Paul Reubens was a bit more complicated. Documentarian Matt Wolf (SPACESHIP EARTH, 2020; the excellent RECORDER: THE MARION STOKES PROJECT, 2019) presents a two-part documentary for HBO that strives to clarify the line between man and character.

Paul Reubens died of cancer in 2023. Prior to that, he sat for 40 hours of recorded interviews with Matt Wolf, offering perspective on his career, his background, his motivation, and his self. While we see Reubens speaking directly to the camera quite a bit, Wolf utilizes a treasure trove of clips and photographs, as well as other interviews to paint the full picture of how the man and character came to be so closely associated.

PART ONE details Reubens’ influence from children’s television shows like “Captain Kangaroo”, “Howdy Doody”, “Kukla, Fran and Ollie”, and “The Little Rascals”. It’s because of these programs that from an early age, he wanted to be an actor … and was convinced Lucy and Desi were his real parents. Art School (with classmates David Hasselhoff and Katie Segal) drew him to performance art, and also led to his first serious romantic relationship with Guy. Reubens eventually decided to focus on his career, and described himself as out and then back in (the closet), since he was able to “pass” (as heterosexual). We see clips of him performing on “The Gong Show” and with The Groundlings, including Phil Hartman and Laraine Newman … which is where he laid the foundation for the Pee-wee character. Clips from “The Dating Game” proved Pee-wee had appeal.

The commitment to the Pee-wee Herman character was a career choice, and it’s fascinating to learn that actress Shelley Duvall recommended Tim Burton to direct PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (1985). The story behind the bicycle is a gem, and the film jump-started the career of both Burton and Pee-wee … errr … Reubens. Reubens admits to his ambition and willingly hiding behind the Pee-wee alter ego.

PART TWO focuses on the iconic stardom of Pee-wee Herman in the 1980’s. Building on the popularity of the first film, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” was developed as a 1986 children’s TV show, in the vein of those that so influenced a young Reubens. There was even a Pee-wee doll that became a best-selling gift. Reubens explained that beyond entertainment, his goal with the show was to make inclusion the “norm”. He wanted a place where all kids felt they belonged. Laurence Fishburne admits he didn’t “get” Pee-wee, but needed the work and gladly took the job as Cowboy Curtis. BIG TOP PEE-WEE (1988) followed, and may have been the last enjoyable moment for Pee-wee/Reubens to bask in the spotlight.

After years of living an extremely private life, his 1991 arrest for indecent exposure at an adult theatre instantly changed his life. ‘Playhouse’ re-runs stopped immediately, as did sales of the doll. Paul Reubens’ mug shot became a meme … early 90’s style. Unfortunately, this wasn’t his last public scandal, yet remarkably, Reubens was able to create a second half of his career as a character actor and voice actor – with only a few additional roles in the Pee-wee Herman suit.

The documentary includes clips of his parents and an interview with his sister, as well as input from directors Tim Burton and Judd Apatow. Reubens explains the inner turmoil of having his creation, Pee-wee Herman, be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while Reubens himself has not. Towards the end of the film, Wolf plays the self-recorded audio that Reubens recorded the day before he died. Although he discusses his desire to bring joy to the masses, we can’t help but question the failed friendships along the way. And though Paul Reubens may very well have been a creative genius, we must finally ask, “I know you are but what am I?”

Premiering on HBO on Friday May 23, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

DEAF PRESIDENT NOW! (2025, doc)

May 15, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It was 1988, and when this group of students proclaimed, “We will be heard!”, it took on additional importance. The anger of these students represented 124 years of repression. Student protestors were from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. It’s the only university for deaf students, and its history dates back to the time of Abraham Lincoln.

Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, 2006) collaborates with deaf actor-turned-filmmaker Nyle DiMarco to bring us the story of how the commitment to cause led the students, the University, and the nation towards real change. Although the film covers just one week, it effectively uses input and recollections from five key players. In other words, we get the ‘then’ (via archival footage) and the ‘now’ (modern day interviews).

Jerry was clearly the emotional leader … the guy who fired up the crowd through his passion. His passion shows even today as his memories come flooding back. Greg was the Student Body President, and his more reserved personality likely made him a more acceptable spokesperson. Bridgetta, a former high school cheerleader, used her energy to generate the rhythm of the crowd, while Tim did not hold back in addressing Ms. Spillman, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees … she doesn’t even bother to learn American Sign Language (ASL). Her clueless and obstinate approach to defending the board’s decision to bypass two qualified deaf candidates in order to name yet another hearing person as University President comes across as absurd and even a bit cruel.

The structure of the film is exceptional, blending the past with the present. Surprisingly, enough archival footage exists (even 37 years later) that we get a real feel for the commitment of the students and the manner in which the protests were carried out. It’s especially telling to hear the four demands made by the students: name a deaf President, resignation from the Board by Spillman, transitioning half the Board to half deaf members, and no reprisals for the students. All quite reasonable. With Spillman having stated something along the lines of ‘Deaf people are not ready to function in a hearing world”, we are provided a blunt testimony to her beliefs and possibly, the general sense of society at that time.

I King Jordan, a school professor, is interviewed and explains his unusual trek during the week … one that ended with his becoming President of the University (a position he held for many years). The film provides us with clips of Greg’s key appearance on “Nightline” with Ted Koppel, and a heartbreaking story about “broken ears”. Two years after this event, Congress passed the Americans with Disability Act – a stunningly short number of years ago. An odd segment is included with a quick overview of Alexander Graham Bell’s desire to “fix the deaf”, but we realize it’s not the deaf that need fixing. The film leaves us feeling a great deal of respect for these leaders, and might leave you chanting, “Deaf Power!”

The film will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 16, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

ADA: MY MOTHER THE ARCHITECT (2025, doc)

May 9, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Fourteen years spent teaching advanced degree architectural students at Columbia led to her being denied tenure, so Ada Karmi-Melamede did what any self-respecting and incredibly talented architect would do … she quit the job and bet on herself. It’s a bet that has resulted in numerous high-profile projects in her homeland, Israel.

Ada’s story would likely remain an untold secret if not for her daughter, Yael Melamede. Yael directs the film, but more importantly, masterfully directs her mother Ada into opening up about her life and career. It’s not an easy path for either woman, as Ada left her family to pursue her own career and passion for architecture, a step much more common for fathers than mothers.

To quell any doubts as to whether this is just a family member attempting to create publicity, or whether Ada’s work is deserving of such a tribute, one need only view some of her most famous projects: the Supreme Court of Israel, the Ben Gurion Airport, and the Open University of Israel. And beyond that are her contributions to New York: a master plan for Con Edison and a housing competition on Roosevelt Island. Should you need more, we see accolades from famed architects Frank Gehry, Keith Frampton, and Mose Sofdie. Despite her lack of widespread acclaim, Ada Karmi-Melamede is truly one of the most accomplished architects in the world.

Adding intrigue, this documentary is not just about a talented architect. There is also the personal element which finds a grown woman striving to find connection with her mother … a mother who admittedly didn’t possess typical motherly attributes. One is a woman who longs to know more, while the other is a woman who tends to balk at saying much about herself, her life, or her reasons. Seeing the defensiveness fade away is quite something, and a tribute to daughter Yael for encouraging the connection. We learn much about her childhood, the family, the influences, and the life each had without the other.

Ada is most comfortable talking about her profession. Her pencil versus computer segment strikes a chord, and when she reacts to a tour guide’s description of her work, the moment is priceless. We begin to understand her passion when she discusses the Parthenon, and the shots of her own projects leave no doubt as to her influence. Ada’s feelings on current Israeli politics are crystal clear, and the segment on “Time” provides a life lesson for everyone.

Opens in NYC on May 9, 2025, and in LA on May 15, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

BORROWED TIME: LENNON’S LAST DECADE (2025, doc)

May 1, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Documentarian Alan G Parker is not the British director Alan Parker who was twice Oscar nominated (MISSISSIPPI BURNING, 1988; MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, 1978), but he is the same Alan G Parker who has directed numerous music-based documentaries, including projects on The Sex Pistols, The Beatles, Status Quo (I’d like to track down that one), and KISS.  As the title makes clear, his latest work is a focused look at John Lennon’s final years in New York, leading up to his murder in 1980.

When we think of John Lennon, we tend to associate him with three things: The Beatles, Yoko Ono, and his being murdered in cold blood outside The Dakota, his NYC residence. Parker’s film focuses on the 1970s after John and Yoko moved to New York. Through interviews and archival clips, we get the sense that John was constantly attempting to discover who he was, post-Beatles era. Whether he was a husband, a father, an activist, or a recluse, one thing seems certain – music was vital to his existence. In fact, he was in the planning stages for a tour to support his “Double Fantasy” album in the days before he was gunned down. Some of those involved contribute here.

Lennon fans are the target here, and even though I just watched and reviewed Kevin Macdonald’s ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO just two weeks ago, the numerous interviews on display here are still interesting, providing personal insight into the man. These interviews are with folks like Tony Bramwell, Ray Connolly, and Phillip Norman, and include friends, musicians, journalists, and other industry sorts. Most of the recollections are personal in nature, though based in the professional world of music. There is a sense of awe as each explains their connection to the icon. What’s missing is any sampling of Lennon music.

We gain insight into the planned tour (and the next album), plus some details about May Pang and “the lost weekend”, his legal row with Paul (“How do you Sleep?”), and the drug use. There is also quite a bit regarding Lennon’s struggle to obtain his Green Card, and the challenges of being dad while bearing the weight of being a former Beatle. Parker includes the now infamous street interview of gum-chewing Paul McCartney who was still somewhat in shock immediately after his lifelong friend’s death. We also see Ringo and George appearing on a talk show sharing their thoughts. For many, this doc will prove to be a bit too long and filled with too many personal recollections, yet Lennon fans will always accept a bit more on the man who continues to fascinate so many years later.

Opening in UK cinemas on May 2, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII (1972/2025)

April 24, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. No one familiar with Pink Floyd would expect a conventional concert film from the band. So how about a live concert from the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii, the city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.? And just for fun, we’ll have the band playing to an empty arena … no fans allowed. Now THAT is a Pink Floyd concert film.

Adrian Maben’s film was first released in 1972, and has had subsequent video releases since, so it’s likely most Pink Floyd fans have seen the film in one form or another. However, it’s time to watch again – only this time in a remastered 4K version that looks and sounds great. The beginning of the film shows all of the band’s equipment being set up (and yes, they had challenges with running enough electrical power to the area).

If you aren’t sure, this is the post-Syd Barrett lineup with Roger Waters on bass (and gong), David Gilmour on lead guitar, Richard Wright on keyboards, and Nick Mason on drums. In keeping with the times, we often see Gilmour and Wright going shirtless, scraggily hair on Waters, and sandals for the Italian sand. Also making his way around the band and equipment is Peter Watts (father of actress Naomi Watts), the band’s stage and sound manager.

It’s quite a visual to see the band and all the high dollar equipment set up in the middle of an empty majestic relic of the past. Songs played in the amphitheater include “Echoes” (split into two pieces), “A Saucerful of Secrets”, “One of These Days” (mostly Mason’s drumming), and then add-ons include “Careful with that Axe, Eugene”, “Mademoiselle Nobs” (with canine vocals), and “Us and Them”. We get some limited interviews, but the only real insights gained are: Mason likes pie without the crust, and the band readily admits to much arguing (no surprise there).

Pink Floyd was always willing to experiment with sounds and sights – here we get some early graphics and effects, including volcanic lava. This film offers a look into those early 1970’s years, and there are even some segments filmed inside the studio for the classic album, “The Dark Side of the Moon”. Certainly, the film helps make sense of the superb lyric, “The lunatic is in my head”.

In theaters and in IMAX beginning April 24, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

NEIL YOUNG: COASTAL (2025, doc)

April 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Over his 60-year career, Neil Young has proven to be one of a kind. As an incredibly talented songwriter with an instantly recognizable singing voice, he’s also acclaimed for his guitar playing. Few musicians have cut a wider swath of diverse music than the Canadian-born Young. His success began in the 1960’s with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. A solo career with two amazing albums (“After the Gold Rush”, “Harvest”) took him to new heights in the 1970’s, followed by some hard-rocking tunes with Crazy Horse. Since then, he’s kept fans guessing as to what style each successive record would feature.

He has also dipped his toe into directing movies, and the most recent one I saw was MOUNTAINTOP (2019) directed by Young’s nom de plume, Bernard Shakey. The film was an interesting look at the uneasy process of Young and Crazy Horse collaborating on a new album. This time out, Young/Shakey is not directing. Instead, it’s Neil’s wife, actress Daryl Hannah. She spends most of her time behind the camera, though we do catch a few glimpses of the SPLASH (1994) star. She gets full credit for the crisp black-and-white look of the film.

It opens with Neil Young writing in the sand as the waves flow in and out. It’s a reminder that writing is his true gift, and this occurs just as he’s undertaking a short tour on the west coast. Each show will be held at an outdoor venue … including the stunning amphitheater, The Ford. Thanks in part to COVID, this is Young’s first tour in four years, and his son Ben joins him for one leg of the tour. As the miles go by, we eavesdrop as Neil and his Silver Eagle bus driver, Jerry Don Burden, chat about a few topics … including Howard Hughes.

The conversations aren’t particularly interesting (and neither man appears to be wearing a seatbelt), but we do gain some insight that Young’s activism remains in place as he hopes the crowd will understand the meaning behind his song, “Love Earth”. A later singalong reinforces this. Of course, Young’s blistering “Ohio” in 1971 solidified his voice on social topics.

Beyond all of that, this film, and most of Neil Young’s career, has been about the music. In these beautiful venues, Young digs deep into his catalog for some rarely (maybe never before) played live songs. His musicality is expressed through many guitars, a piano, a reed organ, and his ever-present harmonica. This solo act is something to behold, and it raises another question: has the renowned curmudgeon softened? This appears to be a kinder, gentler Neil Young. He even serves up playful banter with his audiences. Perhaps recovering from a brain aneurysm has caused this, or maybe it’s the steady presence of his wife. Either way, it’s a good look for the 79-year-old musical genius – the one who sips tea from a Willie Nelson porcelain mug.

In theaters for one night only on April 17, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO (2025, doc)

April 10, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. So why did John Lennon and Yoko Ono leave England to live in New York? This film provides the answer. Where did they choose to live? The film provides the answer. Why did John perform his only full post-Beatles concert in 1972? This film provides the answer. Why did they become so politically and socially active during those first 18 months in the States? This film provides the answer. And if you ever wondered how John felt about American television, well you guessed it … this film provides the answer.

Where did all of these answers come from? Well, Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald (ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER, 1999; THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, 2006; MARLEY, 2012) co-directs with Editor/co-director Sam Rice-Edwards and they focus on a very brief timeline, so that we might better understand John Lennon and Yoko Ono. You might think you know all you need to know about this famous couple, but the filmmakers, along with Producer Sean Ono Lennon, ensure that you see and hear clips you haven’t seen or heard before.

Much of this is centered around John’s only full post-Beatles concert in 1972, entitled “One to One”. Its purpose was to raise funds for kids through Willowbrook State School. And that’s not the only storyline about a kid – it turns out, one of the reasons John and Yoko moved to the states was her hope in reuniting with a long-lost daughter named Kyoto. It’s just one of the elements of the film that makes this much more of a personal story than simply a recap of celebrities. 

The film also works as a snapshot of the era. President Richard Nixon (one clip shows him sporting a maroon blazer), extremist Jerry Rubin, “The Mike Douglas Show”, Dick Cavett, Attica, Andy Warhol, and Billy Graham all have their moments. The attempted assassination of George Wallace is shown, as are numerous TV ads, TV series clips, and some news reports. The Vietnam War and Watergate are featured, yet somehow Allen Ginsburg reciting an ode to wiping one’s rear-end nearly steals the show.

We’ve all seen clips from Lennon’s One to One concert, and here they are remastered and sound terrific. “Instant Karma”, “Hound Dog”, “Cold Turkey”, “Imagine”, “Give Peace a Chance” are all shown, but it’s the scorching version of “Come Together” that really stands out. Of course, we are subjected to Yoko’s onstage banshee screeching … though thankfully near the end of the film, she gets a more heartfelt chance to actually sing.

During the film, the contrast with Nixon is obvious. John and Yoko are sincerely committed to peace, love, and justice, while Nixon’s politics for power stands opposed. The recreation of John and Yoko’s small apartment in the Village is quite something to behold – and remarkable when compared to the photographs and archival footage. When John describes his early obsession with TV as ‘a window into the world’ and a replacement for the fireplace of his youth, we gain even more insight into the man known mostly for his music and quips. In 1973, John and Yoko moved from the small apartment in the Village to the swanky Dakota building. His wish for the couple to be remembered as “two lovers” comes closer to reality with this film. Some of their home movies (with Sean) are played as the runtime ends.

In IMAX theaters on April 11, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

THANK YOU VERY MUCH (2025, doc)

March 28, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been more than forty years since cancer took the life of 35-year-old Andy Kaufman, and we still don’t know how best to describe him: actor, comedian, illusionist, performance artist, prankster, or something more bizarre. It’s like no one knew ‘the real Andy’, and whether that was his intent or not, that’s the feeling we are left with after watching this bio from Alex Braverman.

Despite often stating that he was born on an island in the Caspian Sea, Andy was actually from Long Island, and Braverman describes what was truly a turning point in young Andy’s life. He was incredibly close to his grandfather … theirs was a special relationship. When he died, Andy’s parents decided to tell young Andy that the grandfather took a long trip. This feeling of rejection and abandonment changed the boy’s personality and perspective. It also formed the structure of his career – misdirection and trickery – a way to mess with reality.

Braverman includes input from many of Andy’s contemporaries, friends, and associates. We hear from Danny DeVito, Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Marilu Henner, Laurie Anderson, and Garry Shandling (first name often misspelled as Gary). We also hear from Andy’s dad, who confirms the mistake regarding the grandfather’s death, Andy’s longtime girlfriend, and his friend and writer, Bob Zmuda. We even hear from his college friend who claims to be the ‘real Latka’, the inspiration for Andy’s beloved character in “Taxi”.

A treasure trove of archival clips reminds us of some of Andy’s most memorable performances, as well as some we’ve not previously seen. His initial performance at The Improv is complemented by a memory from the club’s renowned owner, Bud Friedman. Andy’s stint on “The Dating Game” remains stunning, and we even get a clip of his 1975 screen test for SNL … where on the first episode he did his “Mighty Mouse” bit.

Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi played a role in helping him get clean, and we learn how important his Carnegie Hall appearance was to him. Along the way, there were some baffling moments. His Elvis impersonation. The whole Tony Clifton phase. Reading “The Great Gatsby” on stage. Each of these had their detractors, but it was Andy’s wrestling – first with women – and then his confrontation with Jerry Lawler, that had folks wondering if he was slipping from reality.

Andy was often so far “out there”, that when he visited a healer in The Philippines, many wondered if his cancer was simply the next prank. Braverman’s film drives home Andy’s desire to make people laugh AND squirm (one or the other was not enough). He was truly a visionary and performance artist, and the documentary gives him his due.

Opens in theaters on March 28, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

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