TABLOID

July 24, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. Truth is often stranger than fiction. But what happens when the truth is elusive? Well Tabloid demonstrates how little the truth matters … strange is still strange! Master documentarian Errol Morris serves up his most ‘whacked out’ profile yet.

Mr. Morris has described his work in documentary films as falling into one of two categories: ‘Completely Whacked Out’ and ‘Politically Concerned’. The latter category includes his brilliant films The Fog of War and The Thin Blue Line. The ‘whacked’ category includes Fast, Cheap & Out of Control and Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A Leuchter. I highly recommend any and all of these.

 This latest subject, Joyce McKinney, may not be immediately familiar to you. In 1977, she became infamous as the key player in the British tabloid storyline named “Case of the Manacled Mormon”. She was accused of following a Mormon missionary to the U.K., kidnapping him, handcuffing him to a bed, and using him as her sex slave. To really understand the story, one must realize the lack of knowledge that the British press had towards the Mormon church at the time. They truly viewed it as a cult.

Ms. McKinney has never stopped her accusations that the Mormon leaders created a cult environment, and brain-washed both men and women. Her stance is a huge part of why her story, or stories, are impossible to take seriously. Her story is that she and Kirk Anderson fell in love and the church forced them apart by shipping Anderson off on a missionary trip to England. Mr. Anderson has refused all interview requests since his release, but he claimed he requested the trip to escape the obsessive clutches of Joyce.

The amazing thing that I noticed while watching this film is that I didn’t really care about the truth. Even the filmmaker, Mr. Morris, doesn’t seem to care about the truth. The fascination is with the personality of the enigmatic Joyce McKinney. Her direct interviews are mesmerizing. When she states “a person can tell a lie so many times that they believe it’s true“, we have to laugh outloud. Her stories are so convoluted, yet told with such conviction.

 I certainly don’t wish to spoil the entertainment value afforded by her first person story telling, so I will concentrate on the presentation by Mr. Morris (pictured, left). He seems to really enjoy the tabloid approach and uses graphics and imagery to add detail and structure. His use of the score is highly effective and quite unusual for a documentary. He provides the stage for this former Miss Wyoming to perform. And perform she does!  Her most famous quote will give you an idea of her personality: “I loved him so much that I would have skiied naked down Mount Everest with a carnation up my nose if he asked me to.” 

You will notice I have been purposefully vague.  The impact of the movie will be much greater the less you know about the details.  For comparison purposes, I have nothing. My first thought was a train wreck. Then a circus side show. Neither of those do justice to this unique story of a most unusual woman presented by a visionary filmmaker. All I can say is, you must see it to believe it … or not.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: like me, you enjoy practicing amateur psychology – we couldn’t ask for a better challenge than Joyce McKinney!

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: the thought of listening to one more con artist, regardless of how entertaining she might be, is just more than your Reality TV mode can handle.

For a well written article on the entire story, click on this link to read what Mike Dash had to say in 2009 for The Charles Fort Institute:  http://blogs.forteana.org/node/68

For a taste, watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

PAGE ONE: INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES

July 17, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. Let me start by saying that you need not be a newspaper expert, reporter or reader to appreciate the points discussed in this documentary from Andrew Rossi. These key points include the battle of print vs social media, the need for true reporting, and the sustainability of the venerable institution that is The New York Times.

There is some argument given towards what constitutes journalism, but for me the real guts of the matter boils down to our absolute NEED for investigative reporting. I have always given value to bulldog reporting as a checks and balances for our system. Maybe, just maybe, our public officials and corporate leaders will toe the line if they are being watched. Sure, we can all rattle off a long list of when that hasn’t been the case, but I truly believe, having reporters following and snooping does make a difference in the actions of those in charge … and even if it doesn’t, it certainly makes a difference in the accuracy and depth with which their actions are written about.

 The filmmaker has been given substantial access to the media desk inside the newsroom. We even get to sit on a portion of the morning meeting where the senior editors decide what the lead stories will be. Personally, I would have loved a couple more hours of just that! But just as fascinating is how Bruce Headlam manages the media news, and in particular, star reporter David Carr. Mr. Carr is a hardened reporter with the spectacular ability to cut directly through to the important point and focus on the details, verify those details, and then summarize in a concise, understandable manner. We see this in full glory with his handling of the crisis and scandal at the Chicago Tribune under Sam Zell‘s banner.

Today, we like our news spoon fed to us in 20 second sound bites. So we find our favorite websites and we scan the headlines, which themselves are scans of news stories. My favorite moment of the movie occurs on a discussion panel when David Carr holds up a printout of the home page of a news “aggregator”. Moments later he makes the point that without real reporters and news teams (like the NYT), this aggregator’s home page would look quite different … he then holds up that same home page with 95% of the stories cut out because their source is a real news organization.

Some attention is paid to Twitter and other social media outlets. This seems to be finally accepted by reporters as being effective for two things: a delivery system for information and a grapevine with lightning speed. Of course, no verification is required for a “news” story to hit Twitter, and therein lies its limitation.

 We get interviews from both Gay Talese and Carl Bernstein on the importance of news reporting. Evidence is provided through mentions of the Pentagon Papers, Wikileaks and Watergate. Judith Miller and Jayson Blair are topics that embarrassed and did significant damage to the industry … but changes were adopted to (hopefully) prevent re-occurrence. The News of the World scandal is too new to have made the film, but it certainly would have added a fascinating subtext to it.

The bankruptcy trail of so many newspapers is discussed, along with the possibility of this happening at The Times. Personally I wish more detail had been provided on the survival strategy of this institution. Since the release of the film, there has been a change in the Executive Editor position. Bill Keller, who is featured prominently in the morning meetings, has stepped down and been replaced by Jill Abramson. Ms. Abramson is charged with driving and building online presence and revenue. We should all be wishing her success as the world is a better place with The New York Times.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are questioning whether we benefit from news reporters OR you believe Twitter gives you all the scoop you need 

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: TMZ fufills your need for hard-hitting news

the film’s trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

June 27, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. This time it’s the darkness of Chauvet Cave in southern France, which was discovered by accident in 1994 by three spelunkers, including the cave’s namesake. Discovering a “new” cave must be incredibly thrilling. But what about one that houses the earliest human cave drawings ever found?

The French government quickly recognized the importance of this find and installed an electronic metal door to seal off the cave to all but a few scientists who spent years carefully mapping every square inch of the cave. Protecting the air and the type of intrusion will, hopefully, protect the 400 or so wall drawings. These drawings are beautiful and cause the imagination to run wild. We see animals similar, yet different than those we know today. Why is there a difference? Well these drawings have been dated to 32,000 years ago! Thousands of years prior to any other human drawings previously discovered.

Director Werner Herzog and his crew are given limited access and are severely limited on the type of equipment they can use. They are confined to a very narrow walkway and are not allowed to touch the drawings. In fact, these limitations work to provide an ethereal look and feel … it’s as if the flickering torches of the original artists are guiding us.

Mr. Herzog is well-known for his unique voice and approach to filmmaking. If you have seen his Fitzcarraldo or his documentary Grizzly Man, you understand what I mean. Here, he spends much time narrating what could have been, speculating on the inspiration, and wondering why so little proof of humans exist here. We see a footprint and some palm prints, but really the drawings are the only sign of human intrusion. Instead fossil remains of cave bears and other wildlife are present. Then again, it has been at least 20,000 since the cave was sealed by a natural rock-slide.

 I am sure this will show up on the History Channel and an argument could be made that TV would have been the proper display for this piece. I will say that the big screen does allow for greater appreciation of the artwork, even if some of the interviews come across as filler and the pacing is quite slow. As for the epilogue featuring a French nuclear reactor and and the introduction of warm waters perfect for breeding mutant albino alligators that “may someday reach Clauvet Cave”, I say … oh, Werner.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are a dedicated anthropologist, archealogist, paleantologist, spelunker OR would like a glimpse into an ancient world that you will probably never see first hand.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you appreciate the historic significance of this find, but would just as soon check out the website

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Posted by David Ferguson

BUCK

June 25, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. I made a point to attend the opening night of the film as its subject, Buck Brannaman, was slated to hold an audience Q&A after the film. Unfortunately, he was running a bit late, so we only got a few minutes of his time. Still, this remarkable man made an impression … an impression of authenticity and realism. He may perform a “show”, but his is no “act”.

The inspiration for, and technical adviser on, the film The Horse Whisperer, Buck Brannaman explains early in the film that a horse views a human tossing a saddle on his back much the way he would view a lion attack. Such is the manner in which this man makes his points to the eager and often doubting horse owners who attend his clinics. Buck then proceeds to win over horse and human alike with wit, strength, character, kindness and zen-like psychology.

 First time documentarian Cindy Meehl does a decent job of presenting the similarities of horse training and child-rearing. Buck’s philosophy stems from the earlier work of Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt, but is further influenced by the less-than-stellar parenting tactics of his father. Buck and his brother Bill (stage name Smokie) were child rodeo stars who performed rope tricks under the firm hand of their dad. It is clear from the footage that they feared their father. In an unlikely twist of fate, the boys are rescued from the abusive environment thanks to the actions of a football coach and deputy sheriff. To fully understand the brave actions of these two men, one must take into account the normal custom in rural America of minding one’s own business. These men didn’t do that and Buck was given a new life.

 Watching a quick clip of the “old” horse training techniques really brings home Buck’s more gentle and understanding style. He stresses the importance of considering the horse and being clear with one’s affection and intentions. His flag waving and lead rope actions can win over a horse in a short time. The surprising part is that the horse’s owner learns every bit as much as their horse. Buck is clear in that the issue with most “problem” horses can be tracked right back to the owner. The same can be said for most problem kids. Just as he says trying to bribe a horse with carrots and sugar leads to a spoiled, unresponsive horse, the same argument can be made for that type of parenting approach.

The frustrating part of the film is that it doesn’t really climb inside the head of Buck. We see a glimpse of a man who has overcome childhood atrocities, but we also see a man who loves his family … yet spends months at a time away from them. We see fire in his eyes as he addresses a horse owner who has the gall to keep 17 studs in her pasture. It’s obvious he fights his own demons towards those who mistreat animals, yet as he lectures we wonder if his care is really for the horse more than the person. It was also strange that no real mention of his brother was provided in the film. We could say it’s none of our business, but the film brings up the issue of childhood and then leaves us hanging on the brother.

 Truly the inspiration to Buck’s turnaround is his foster mother. She lights up the screen as she talks about Buck as a child and cracks wise with her observations and the telling of a joke. Her love for Buck is obvious and we hope he realizes just how fortunate he is to have had her in his life.

This is an inspirational man who is making a difference in the lives of people and horses. He has overcome childhood obstacles to make the world a better place. His cowboy philosophy is pretty simple. Everyone carries some darkness and baggage, and we can all make our own choices on whether to let that affect our value and enjoyment in life.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are a parent, soon-to-be parent, may some day be a parent OR you are a horse lover OR you enjoy inspirational stories from “regular” people

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you aren’t open to a few life lessons from a real cowboy

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Posted by David Ferguson

FORKS OVER KNIVES

May 18, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. Don’t show up for this documentary expecting Morgan Spurlock or Michael Moore. This one offers little entertainment value. But then, that’s not the objective of the filmmaker, writer Lee Fulkerson. Mr. Fulkerson provides the polar opposite of Spurlock’s award-winning Super Size Me, where Spurlock ate McDonalds fast food at every meal for a month, Mr. Fulkerson rejects our typical animal-based and processed food diet for plant-based whole foods.

This test is conducted under the watch of Dr. Matthew Ledderman, who along with his wife, run all pertinent blood and medical tests, and then proceed to teach Mr. Fulkerson how to shop, cook and eat in an entirely new way. The goals are weight loss, increased energy and a reduction of prescription drugs.

This film plays more like a PBS special or a film for medical class, as it pounds the viewer with data and information and studies and examples. A few doctors are interviewed and only minimal input is obtained from the “other” side.

 The film gives the impression that Mr. Fulkerson set out to prove his point, much like Dr. Esselstyn and Dr Campbell give every indication that their goal is to prove their own points. The famous China-Oxford-Cornell study has received some heat over the years, but regardless, it seems very clear that WITH PROPER GUIDANCE, a plant-based whole food diet affords many benefits to the human body when compared to the animal-based and processed food that have become so prevalent in the U.S.

 No attention is given to cigarettes or exercise as this film is totally focused on nutrition and it’s effects. There is also some information provided in regards to the governmental subsidies of corn crops, and meat and dairy farmers. This leads our filmmaker and many others to presume that the government is not necessarily interested in what’s best for us or school kids’ lunches. In fact, it appears both sides have a bit of self-interest at stake.

I would encourage everyone to see the film and educate yourself so that you can make the decisions that are best for you. Consult with multiple doctors and nutritionists. No one can argue with the goal of reduced disease and minimal drug intake … the big question is what’s the best way to achieve this.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are looking for information and data as it pertains to plant-based whole foods

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: there is absolutely no way you are giving up your cheeseburgers and T-Bones!

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD

May 1, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. This is billed as “a documentary about branding, advertising and product placement that is financed and made possible by branding, advertising and product placement“. My issue with the movie is that it’s not really ABOUT anything! It’s really more of a “How To Raise Money For Your Movie By Selling Advertising”.  It does have some funny scenes and provide a glimpse into how open to suggestion the marketing leaders of companies have become.

Morgan Spurlock hit the big time in 2004 with his Oscar-nominated Super Size Me, in which he filmed himself eating only McDonalds food for a full month. The difference in that movie and this one is that previously, he did much research and explained to the viewer the significance of cause and effect of junk food. In this most recent film, he promises insight into the abundance of product placement in the entertainment world, but really we get only a mish-mash of images and scenes.

 The segments can be divided into these categories: conference room presentations, celebrity talking heads, industry experts, and Mr. Spurlock’s own ruminations. Each of these segments are entertaining … heck some are laugh outloud funny … but in the end, we are left holding an empty bag. We have no more understanding of product placement than when we started. What we do have is a better feel for how desperate companies are to find new ways to advertise their products.

Some of the products featured in the film are: Hyatt, Jet Blue, Mini Cooper, Merrill shoes, Sheetz (gas and convenience) and of course, Pom Wonderful – the 100% pomegranate juice whose President and Owner ends up spending $1 million for above the title sponsorship. Some of the talking heads include Ralph Nader, Noam Chomsky, Paul Brennan and Donald Trump. We get brief chats with film directors Peter Berg, Brett Ratner and Quentin Tarantino. Throw in a couple of lawyers, musicians and some industry experts and you get the impression that Spurlock did just enough to qualify this as a documentary.

 I have spent some time thinking about this and I will stick to my conclusion. What the movie doesn’t do is provide any insight or detail into what drives product placement in entertainment. However, the movie does a decent job showing us how presentations are made to advertising managers at companies, and it leans heavily on Mr. Spurlock’s often-hilarious viewpoint of situations (Mane & Tail shampoo). When you get right down to it, isn’t this just a glimpse at one segment of capitalism? When you have a product to sell, you are constantly looking for the most effective way to advertise that product to potential customers. Sorry, that’s not insight, that’s just Marketing 101.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you would like a peek at how advertising presentations are conducted OR you just want to enjoy Mr. Spurlock’s oddball observations

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are looking for real insight into the product placement techniques that have invaded movies and TV shows

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Posted by David Ferguson

BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

April 12, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. Admittedly, my fashion sense is limited to jeans, a t-shirt and tennis shoes. I would not be one’s first choice to discuss the industry of fashion photography. However, that’s not what this documentary is really about. Instead of focusing on the photographs of Bill Cunningham, director Richard Press shoots the man at work and in life … the two being indistinguishable for Mr. Cunningham.

If you aren’t familiar with his name, you are not alone. Bill Cunningham has a long running NY TIMES page where his photographs are displayed. He also has a feature called “On The Street”, where he records commentary on his photographs – this can be heard on the website. Still, none of that tells you much about this man.

 The film opens abruptly with video of Cunningham at work. He is alternatingly riding his bicycle and sprint-walking as he weaves through the sea of taxis and humanity in downtown Manhattan. His trusty camera is always around his neck as he continues his quest for discovering fashion on the street … fashion sense in the working people of the city. His eye is sharp and quick. We never know what he will hone in on. Maybe a never-before-seen winter coat, a flamboyant hat, or even a pair of heels that a woman is sporting. The man is over 80 years old and his eye and mind still quickly process what he deems worthy of notice.

Once again, none of those words do justice to this man or his story. He lives, well did for 50 years, an incredibly humble life in a studio apartment within the confines of Carnegie Hall. Yes, as the film takes place, he is among the last of the remaining residents of the great hall. We learn management has determined that the few residents will be moved out of the building and relocated to other apartments nearby. Office space is needed.  History be damned!  We meet one of the other residents … the fascinating “Duchesss of Carnegie”, Editta Sherman. She has lived there for 60 years and it has been her home and photography studio. She made her living shooting celebrities and we catch a glimpse of her amazing work … including a short video of her dancing in the 60’s – filmed by Andy Warhol! Ms. Sherman’s space is palatial compared to Cunningham’s. His small studio apartment is crammed with metal file cabinets, each loaded with decades worth of photographs and negatives … a priceless history of New York fashion. His bed is a twin mattress held up by books and crates – no kitchen, and a community bathroom. “Humble existence” is an understatement.

 We learn from Mr. Cunningham that his work is divided into three parts: his street work, fashion shows, and charity events. He makes it clear that celebrities bore him and he is much more interested in how the everyday person uses fashion in their real life. Still, early on, we get comments from Vogue editor, Anna Wintour about how Cunningham’s eye impacts the fashion world. She gives him much credit. We also get quickies from Tom Wolfe, Annie Flanders and even Brooke Astor to see how easily Cunningham fits in with the upper crust, despite his connection to the street. There is even a segment in Paris where he is honored by the French Order of Art and Letters … and he “works” his own event!

 But it’s the street where he is most at home. He says he is on his 29th bicycle … the first 28 were stolen. He states this with the same enthusiasm that he shoots his subjects. The man is a constant smile and quick with banter, yet we learn just how alone he really is. When asked about his friends, family, lovers … he momentarily breaks down only to regroup and express his love for what he does – it’s not work, it’s pleasure.

By the end, it’s clear that while so many people respect the man and his work, no one really knows him. He lets his pictures stand as the testament to decades of documenting the colors and patterns and style of New Yorkers.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you want to see someone who loves their work and lives for the moment.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are looking for any real behind-the-scenes trade secrets in the fashion industry.  This is a story about a man and his work.

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Posted by David Ferguson

GASLAND

January 29, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. This is Josh Fox‘s Oscar nominated documentary on the effects of natural gas drilling known as fracking. The film deserves your attention because it is a frightening look at how huge companies and the government can work in conjunction on projects that clearly put citizens at risk. I realize that last sentence sounds like Chicken Little yelling “conspiracy”, but the details of the film will give you pause.

Can you light your tap water on fire? If so, chances are good that you are within range of natural gas drilling. Our government somehow agreed to allow this practice to remain exempt from the clean air and clean water laws. If brown water comes out of your faucet, then you already know what I am talking about.

 Mr. Fox is from Pennsylvannia and that’s where the cross-country story begins. He is concerned about his neighbors, the environment and our drinking supply. Clearly an enormous amount of chemicals are used in this drilling process. Clearly these chemicals seep into the wetlands and water supply of neighboring areas. Clearly too many people are looking the other way. The only thing not clear? The water near these drilling sites.

No mystery why this is allowed. The almighty dollar. It is cheaper for these companies to “pay off” the backwoods citizens than it is to not drill. Not sure how you decide the payoff when your kids are being poisoned and the damage to the water sources continues.

The film itself is a bit amateurish and sometimes the camera work is downright awful. But the point here is not to make a beautiful film. It is to educate … to awaken people on just what is at stake with these dangerous procedures and lack of regulation and safety requirements.

The most painful piece was when the EPA executive was interviewed and he said that his agency must be directed by the government to check into allegations made by citizens. They have no authority to move on their own. If this is true, it’s just one more instance of a bass-ackwards policy that needs to be reviewed. I encourage everyone to see this. If they aren’t drilling in your area currently, it won’t be long now.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: natural gas drilling is already occurring in your area OR you drink water

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you prefer to stick your head in the sand and pretend the government will take care of you OR you believe companies can be trusted to put the good of people over the drive for profit.

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Posted by David Ferguson

INSIDE JOB (2010)

November 21, 2010

 Greetings again from the darkness. What documentary director Charles Ferguson and writers Chad Beck and Adam Bolt deliver is an emotional expose’ into the faces behind the financial crisis and a quick education on the basic causes. This is not an in-depth thesis put together by a Harvard economist … though as we learn, there may not be as much value in that as we once assumed! My emotions ranged from sadness to anger to disgust. There are even moments of laughter as these blatantly arrogant types weakly attempt to defend themselves – at least those courageous enough to submit to an interview.

 The point the filmmakers clearly set out to prove is that the mess was a collaboration of politicians (including Presidents), Ratings Agencies, Investment Managers, leaders of Banking giants, the Federal Reserve, the Boards of Directors from Financial Services conglomerates and once sacred Academic leaders. The film asks the question: “Who can we trust?”. The answer is, unfortunately, NO ONE. What we can do is learn, demand changes and hold accountable those responsible.

 The film gives a brief outline of derivatives, CDO’s, the mortgage mess, and how the Ratings agencies’ “opinions” led directly to the demise of many jobs, nest eggs, and long-standing companies. The other thing it clearly shows is how these Financial giants profited GREATLY from the failure of many individual investors. In fact, they purposefully withheld information and misled the general public into making investment decisions that knowingly stood no chance at success for anyone but the Investment firms.

Since distrust of politicians and corporate types has been rampant for years, I believe one of the most disappointing revelations was the pulling back of the curtain on the Academic world. Those thought to be unbiased analysts and commentators have been exposed to be highly paid consultants for the very people manipulating the markets. Ouch.

 It is important to note that no President goes untouched here – from Reagan forward. If you believe Obama to be above this mess, you would be mistaken. Much of his official financial advisory group is composed of the very same players responsible for the deceit these past few years. Think things are going to change? The film states we are living with a “Wall Street Government”. Those in charge clearly bring truth to the words “Greed is good”. They have no sense of right and wrong. They give no consideration to making the world a better place. What matters is how much better can they make their own life. The segment on Lehman executive Richard Fuld summed it up best. His day was planned so that he only had 3 to 4 seconds exposure to real people … his daily steps from his limo to a programmed elevator whisking him away to his private world.  I dare you to see this and not be outraged.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF:  you would like a crash course on the crash

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you subscribe to the notion that “ignorance is bliss”

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Posted by David Ferguson

CATFISH (2010)

October 23, 2010

 Greetings again from the darkness. A brilliant piece of marketing for what actually plays like a film school project, Catfish can be analyzed from many perspectives. What I can’t do is put any of those perspectives in written form without taking away from the marketing gimmick of not letting someone tell you what happens.

Make no mistake, this is not a thriller by any stretch. It’s not even particularly well made as a film. It is, all skepticism aside, a documentary made by some 30-ish guys from a Manhattan loft office. Their film is based on interactions with a Michigan family after they receive a painting of one of their web-posted photos. The artist is an 8 year old girl named Abby. The New York photographer is Nev Schulman.

Nev and Abby begin corresponding through Facebook. The correspondence spins off to include Abby’s 19 year old sister Megan, and their mother Angela. What is unclear is whether Nev and his filming cohorts (Ariel and Henry) are as naive as they appear or whether they smell a real story. Either way, they continue on with the back-and-forth until a real cyber-romance blossoms between Nev and Megan.

Next, we find our boys in Vail for work and they decide to “stop by” Michigan on their way back to New York. And don’t we all just love surprise home visits from strangers? What follows is the core of the film and some insight into human nature. The reactions of all parties may surprise you, but there are no major plot twists involved if you have been paying attention.

There were only two ways this “mystery” could go and neither is all that interesting. What we really see is that … SURPRISE … there are lonely people out there. There are naive people out there. Neither of these type of people are necessarily bad. I believe this film is every bit as insightful into the real Facebook as The Social Network. The only difference is that movie tells the story of those who built it, while this one tells the story of those who use it.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: watching naive and lonely people boost your own self-esteem OR you want to know how Facebook is really being utilized.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: Facebook is a foreign language to you OR you will kick yourself after falling for a crafty marketing scheme

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Posted by David Ferguson

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