PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY (2025, doc)

December 2, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. “The needle in the arm.” That’s how Paul Anka describes the will and the need to carry on after all of these years. How many years, you ask … well, he’s the only singer/songwriter to have a Billboard charting song in seven consecutive decades. Paul Anka is now 84 years old and documentarian John Maggio shows us that Anka is still going strong, still touring, still writing songs, and still loving what he does.

The Canadian born Anka came to the United States with $100 in his pocket and almost immediately signed a recording contract. Not long after, he had his first number one hit, “Diana”, and became part of the new wave of teen idols with Pat Boone, Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Darin. This was on the heels of the legendary Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Dean Martin. Musical tastes were evolving, and one thing that stands out in this documentary is Paul Anka’s ability and desire to evolve. When the British Invasion hit (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, etc), Anka transitioned from teen idol to renowned songwriter, actor, and international entertainer.

Director Maggio chooses wisely in putting Paul Anka front and center and walk us through this fabulous and unique career that began in the 1950’s and continues today. Anka is direct and charismatic and honest as he walks us through the various phases. How fascinating that one man has written over 900 songs, recorded more than 130 albums and sold more than 90 million units. How many songwriters can say they have had their songs recorded by Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Jackson, and even Doja Cat, Justin Timberlake, and Drake? And that’s just naming a few and leaves out the highly familiar theme song to “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”.

What’s truly remarkable is that Paul Anka’s career would be documentary-worthy if it only covered his personal career (which began at age 15) of performing on stage (which he still does). Sure, he’s the guy who wrote “My Way” (at age 25), but hearing Anka tell the story behind the song is a thrill. Anka is matter-of-fact when discussing his first divorce, as well as the challenges of balancing family life with the career. He seems humble when discussing his accomplishments with Frankie Avalon, and serious when informing us of his commitment to health all these years. This remarkable man continues to live a remarkable life … and he’s done it ‘his way’.

Premieres on HBO on December 1, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

YOU GOT GOLD: A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE (2025, doc)

November 25, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. “Celebration” is the best description and an apt title for this film from Michael John Warren. It’s not a profile of the great songwriter, John Prine; however, it’s most certainly a celebration of his immense and unique talent. And who better to celebrate and pay tribute than some of the musicians and songwriters who have been so influenced by his work?

In October 2022, a couple of years after Prine passed away from COVID complications, a two-night concert event was held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. More than seventy performers lined up to go on stage and pay tribute to the legendary songwriter. Most performed Prine’s songs, while some performed their own originals which they didn’t hesitate to mention were influenced by Prine’s astounding style of telling stories grounded in reality. His was true Americana music, and these performers were proud of their connection – whether it was decades long like Bonnie Raitt, or more recent like Kacey Musgraves.

A steady stream of well-known performers take their turn on stage to pay their respect through music. Just a partial list includes: Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovitt, Brandi Carlile, Steve Earle, Bob Weir, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakim, and Jason Isbell. One of the surprising highlights was I’m With Her performing “Unwed Father”, but of course my favorite moments were clips of John Prime himself. We see archival footage from 1978 Austin City Limits, and then a clip from 1980 where Prine performs the touching “Hello in There”. And don’t worry, we are treated to Bonnie Raitt (with help from Carlisle) singing “Angel From Montgomery”.

Many of the performers, including son Tommy Prine, gather on stage for a finale which smoothly transitions to a clip of John Prine singing “Paradise”. Someone states John Prine’s music is “good for the soul and the ear”, and it’s clear we “miss you in the morning light like roses miss the dew.” Balloon drop.

Opens in NYC on November 28, followed by a nationwide release.

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE SHUFFLE (2025, doc)

November 25, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Which pro football team had a hit song that reached number 41 on the pop charts and was awarded a gold record? Well, if you were around in 1985, you probably know it was the Chicago Bears and their song, “The Super Bowl Shuffle”. Director Jeff Cameron (“Hard Knocks”) in partnership with NFL Films proceeds to tell us more than we ever cared to know about the team, the song, and the video.

The film opens with the 12-0 Bears headed to Miami to play on Monday Night Football. As Jim McMahon says, that “was not our night”. The perfect season was no longer possible after Dan Marino and the Dolphins won 38-24. The nugget of information that makes this interesting is that it was the day after this game when the Bears were scheduled to film their music video. You can imagine the mood of the team had changed. Willie Gault knew linebacker Mike Singletary was key to uniting the guys and keeping to the commitment.

Mix Engineer Fred Breitberg is interviewed and spills a bit of trivia when he lets us know that the song was adapted from “The Kingfish Shuffle”, part of “The Amos ‘n Andy Show” (from the 1950’s). It was Jovan CEO Dick Meyer who had the brainstorm for the music video, and his surviving spouse lets us know that was her in the referee uniform blowing the whistle in the video (another bit of trivia). Sportswriter Rick Telander provides some perspective on the times and the impact of the Bears and video … they were media stars.

We do get to go behind the scenes (on set) as the video is filmed, and it’s pretty funny to watch these sports giants struggle to get the dance steps down. Poor Leslie Frazier is crowned the team’s worst dancer and takes a bit of grief from his teammates, as you would expect. Then we see Walter Payton and Jim McMahon superimposed over the team portion, as they both skipped the initial filming. Was the team challenging karma by recording the video prior to qualifying for the Super Bowl? Or were they just confident? Either way, Singletary firmly believes the project led to a deep bonding with teammates that never would have happened without the video.

This was the MTV era and the video (VHS) and record (45 rpm) went viral – well what was considered viral in the pre-internet days. The team raised over $300,000 for Chicago Community Trust (a charity) and ultimately lost the Grammy to a fellow from Minneapolis that went by the name Prince. After the Bears trounced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, it left us wondering if the lyrics were misleading … it certainly seemed like this team really was there to start some trouble. A final piece of buried trivia that the film uncovers is that the Patriots actually responded with a video of their own. No one seemed to notice.

Debuts November 25, 2025 on HBO

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Posted by David Ferguson

TRAIN DREAMS (2025)

November 20, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Is there such thing as an ordinary life? If so, what does it look like? Writer-director Clint Bentley and co-writer Greg Kwedar have collaborated twice before – first on the underrated JOCKEY (2021), and then on SING SING (2023), the latter of which they received Oscar nominations for writing. For this latest, they have adapted the late Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella for the big screen, and the result is one of the most soulful films we’ve seen.

The story follows Robert Grainier, and evolves into a character study running cradle to grave. After a rough childhood, though not one necessarily unusual for the late 1800’s, the adult Robert is portrayed by Joel Edgerton (a career best performance). Robert is a quiet man who works as a logger. We see him on crews that clear forests, build bridges, and lay railroads for a country that is rapidly developing. His jobs during logging season take him away from home for extended periods of time. This is never an issue until he meets Gladys (Felicity Jones). These two fall deeply in love and are clearly soul mates. A terrific scene finds the giddy and hopeful couple laying rocks on a riverbank to map out the foundation of the log cabin home they are to build. The two in love become three when baby Kate arrives. Robert’s extended time away from home becomes more challenging, yet he manages since he now has a reason to return.

Although Robert rarely speaks while on jobs, narrator Will Patton and the individual scenes tell us much about him and the interesting folks he works alongside. William H Macy plays Arn Peeples, an old-timer who is not only the dynamite expert, he’s also the on-site philosopher (acting as a life mentor to Robert). Other standout supporting characters include Clifton Collins Jr as an unfortunate soul, Paul Schneider as a bad luck apostle, John Diel as one who teaches us the importance of boots nailed to a tree, and Kerry Condon as a forester who shares a sense of loss with Robert. It’s Robert’s loss that becomes the heart of the story and sticks with him for the balance of his years.

Tragedy turns Robert into a hermit, a heartbroken hermit. His titular dreams sometimes have a hallucinogenic feel as they come in flashes. Some of this revolves around his regret for not doing more to stop the mistreatment of a Chinese man, Fu Shang (Alfred Hsing) on the railroad crew. He’s haunted by that event. Of course, Robert’s other dreams take him back to childhood or recall Gladys and Kate. When it seems that Robert can’t sink any lower, a local Native American store owner named Ignatius Jack (Nathaniel Arcand) selflessly offers support, kindness, and friendship. The sequence reminds us of the humanity that exists in all of us … and that there’s a fine line between offering kindness and needing it.

This beautiful film will undoubtedly remind many of the works of Terrence Malick, mostly thanks to the connection between life and nature. One of the messages conveyed is that the deeper one loves, the more painful loneliness can be when it arrives. Life and death make up the cycle as evidenced by majestic trees being cut down to build houses and bridges. Kerry Condon’s character has the film’s best line, “The dead tree is as important as the living one.” Beauty and harsh reality are as connected as art and tragedy. Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso uses creative framing throughout the film, while composer Bryce Dessner perfectly captures the essence – with an assist from Nick Cave’s song, “Train Dreams”. For those seeking emotional depth and philosophical meanderings, this film from Clint Bentley is tough to beat. And if that’s not your thing, just enjoy the beauty of nature.

Begins streaming on Netflix on November 21, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE SESSION MAN (2025, doc)

November 20, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. This sounds less like a music trivia question and more like a trick question: Who played with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Jefferson Airplane, Harry Nilsson, Joe Cocker, Jeff Beck, Badfinger, Art Garfunkel, Graham Parker, and on solo albums by all four Beatles? Of course, if you are a fan of music from the 1960’s and 1970’s, you likely know it’s not a trick and the answer is the amazing and talented keyboardist, Nicky Hopkins.

First time director Michael Treen provides a platform for musicians and performers to pay tribute to “the legendary Nicky Hopkins.” And what they do is gush over Hopkins’ talent. Perhaps the best compliment given is that Hopkins was never the star – he just made the song better. And by ‘the song’, it refers to the fact that he played on more than 250 albums by various bands and musicians. Hopkins was the studio musician extraordinaire. He even periodically played live shows, and Treen includes some clips of Hopkins performing on stage.

As a child prodigy, Nicky studied classical music and later transitioned those remarkable skills into other genres. Treen includes various clips of a 1991 interview with Hopkins, so that viewers better understand the reserved personality of this keyboard genius. Beyond the input from the musicians who worshipped his ability, we hear from his widow who clearly adored him. It’s here where we learn of his drug abuse, alcoholism, and subsequent rehab. And by this time, we are quite aware of the lifelong health issues accentuated by Nicky’s early onset Crohn’s disease … the complications of which contributed to his too-soon death at age 50.

Hopkins may be best remembered for his contributions to fourteen albums by The Rolling Stones, and I always think of him when I hear “Revolution” by The Beatles. Only this year was Nicky Hopkins finally inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. He can now forever be remembered as the musician who just made the song better. In fact, it’s mentioned that Hopkins believed he was Frederic Chopin reincarnated … who are we to argue?

In UK cinemas beginning November 21, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS (2025)

November 19, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. I’ll begin by admitting two things. First, I don’t watch many romantic-comedies. Second, I do understand why the genre is appealing to so many. That second point seems especially true around the holidays when emotions run high and the Hallmark channel peaks. Netflix is joining in the fun with this latest from writer-director Mark Steven Johnson, who in 2010 explored the genre with WHEN IN ROME. Not one to shy away from gorgeous settings, this time Johnson takes us to Paris, France.

Minka Kelly (“Titans”) stars as Sydney Price, an ambitious executive whose boss is finally giving her an opportunity to close a big acquisition. Usually relegated to sourcing the deals, she views this as her chance to take the next step professionally. One added benefit is a trip to Paris, which leaves her sister Skyler (Maeve Courtier-Lilley) holding her to a pinky-swear to spend one night sightseeing, rather than working. Once at her gorgeous hotel, Sydney takes a walk to one of the iconic Paris bookstores. It’s here where she gets her meet-cute with Henri (Tom Wozniczka, “Slow Horses”).

Of course, we all know the formula. He’s charming and handsome. They flirt. Will they or won’t they? He turns out to have a surprise identity. They have their ups and downs, including a couple of misunderstandings. All of this happens concurrently with Sydney competing for the purchase of the champagne company owned by Hugo Cassell (Thibault de Montalembert, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, 2022). The fun really begins when Hugo invites Sydney and the other bidders to his stunning Chateau Cassell. The others are fronted by French local Brigitte (Astrid Whettnail, “The Missing”), German Otto (Flula Borg, THE SUICIDE SQUAD, 2021), and wildcard Roberto (Sean Amsing, “Parked”). Brigitte is conniving, while Otto is stiff and calculated (and believes DIE HARD is a tragedy since Hans Gruber dies), and Roberto is a party animal and son of a billionaire … and provides most of the film’s comic relief.

Sydney and Henri get a flirty, sparkling evening ride on the giant Ferris wheel, as well as a light show under the Eiffel Tower. The setting and sights are breathtaking – both Paris and the Chateau. Despite the formulaic approach and lack of any real suspense, the film serves its purpose by delivering a love story with some laughs in an incredibly romantic and stunning setting. Just remember that “Champagne isn’t just a drink, it’s a celebration”, so “taste the stars” (and don’t dig too deep).

Premieres on Netflix on November 19, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS (2025, doc)

November 16, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Why do 95% of schools have lockdown drills? Why are active shooter defense products a $3 billion industry? Why do thirty states allow teachers to carry firearms? Well, the answer is pretty simple and is clearly stated by one of the students interviewed: because more of us care more about our gun rights than the safety of children. That’s one of the heartbreaking points that comes from this documentary by co-directors Zackary Canepari and Jessica Dimmock.

We see shelter shutters designed to block visibility on classroom windows. There are robotic dogs meant to sound the alert and keep students safe. A demonstration shows how a table turns into a bullet proof body shield – meant for those without access to the mobile type. Gun violence has become so normalized and expected that we now run drills for students as early as kindergarten … leaving teachers and parents to explain to kids that can’t yet read why they need to be quiet and take cover.

How to survive an active shooter in America means teachers go through gun training and run drills on how to protect themselves and students. And you thought Algebra was stressful. Some of this is incredibly realistic and all of it is quite serious and focused – we can tell by the facial expressions, both young and old. The stated goal is to create muscle memory in case action is ever needed. One of the students mentions that the drills for shooting are similar to what one might do for tornadoes or hurricanes (and we note how those are natural disasters as contrasted with human-induced).

Archival footage of previous school shootings is shown, and we never adjust to the looks of panic during these clips. We even get a glimpse of the Edge video game, produced by the Department of Homeland Security … yet another way to reach kids and instill the importance of preparation. It’s unlikely any drill of video game can replace the shock and terror of a real shooter event. At least we hope not. While all of this is painful and heartbreaking to watch, the real world is such that these products, tools, and drills play an important role. “Thoughts and Prayers” may be one of the most overused phrases these days, but this documentary is a sobering reminder of what our society has become, and what our teachers and students must endure.

Premieres on HBO this Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE MERCHANTS OF JOY (2025, doc)

November 15, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. The thing I love about documentaries is that so many tell stories that might otherwise not be told. Quite often, we don’t even realize there is a story to be told, which is the case with this latest from Celia Aniskovich about selling Christmas trees. If you’ve ever strolled the streets of Manhattan in December, then you know there’s no place like NYC at Christmas. Maneuvering through the mass of people becomes more challenging thanks to the street vendors lining the sidewalks selling Christmas trees. And there’s the story.

It turns out there are groups that own the tree stands. They are referred to as “the Five Families”, and each has found their own path to the sidewalk. The film introduces us to the five groups … well technically to four of them, as one (the largest), only appears via phone recordings instead of an on-camera interview. Each of these ‘frenemies’ recounts their own story: NYC Trees, Uptown Christmas Trees, the NY Tree Lady, and Greg’s Trees.

Aniskovich allows these stories to unfold in a naturalistic way (leading us to believe that quite a bit was edited out of the final version). Big Greg started his business at age 21, and now his son, Little Greg, has joined him. They also operate stands for roses and pumpkins in order to have business year-round. George (NYC Trees) was previously employed by Big Greg, and is quite a hustler in his own right – adding a carnival to his bag of tricks. Jane and George are from Vermont and have run Uptown Christmas Trees for 49 years. They are transitioning the business to their daughter Ciree, and have quite a colorful business motto! Heather is known as the NY Tree Lady, and despite a periodic show of nerves, she seems successful and quite charitable in her treatment of others.

These folks and their stories are so interesting that we don’t even feel a void with the refusal of big time Kevin Hammer (100 lots) to join in the documentary festivities. We hear about trade secrets and turf wars and mafia involvement, but mostly we hear from real people doing real work. It’s a bit surprising to learn of the emotional stress, but they each seem aware that they are selling moments in time and Christmas spirit … one tree at a time. Aniskovich was inspired by Owen Long’s article “Secrets of the Christmas Tree Trade” (The Epic Magazine & New York Magazine), and leaves us with Jane’s motto, ‘Sell the %^&&*(# tree!

Premieres at DOC NYC on November 14, 2025 and will stream on Prime Video beginning December 1, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

NOUVELLE VAGUE (2025)

November 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Like most who obsess over cinema, I went through my French New Wave phase. Actually, binge is likely more accurate since the phase has yet to end. I’ll always make time for Truffaut, Godard, Chabrol, Rohmer, Varda, and Demy. American director Richard Linklater clearly shares this fondness as he releases this homage on the heels of BLUE MOON, his other superb 2025 release. Co-writers on this film are Holly Gent, Laetitia Masson, Vincent Palmo Jr, and Michele Petin … two of whom have previous collaborations with Linklater.

While Linklater shows us the many faces and names of those behind the movement, most of this story focuses on Jean Luc Godard and his quest to make BREATHLESS (1960). Godard is played by relative newcomer Guillaume Marbeck and the trademark sunglasses. Godard is a film critic turned writer turned director. In fact, we hear him repeat, “I have to direct”, seeing as his goal to direct his first feature by age 25 has already been missed. He talks reluctant and skittish producer Georges de Beauregard (Bruno Dreyfurst) into financing the film by claiming Francois Truffaut (Adrien Rouyard) and Claude Chabrol (Antoine Besson) had co-written the script. Both men had successful films under their belts with THE 400 BLOWS and LE BEAU SERGE, respectively, so the producer viewed his risk as minimal.

Already a star at age 21, Jean Seberg (a terrific Zoey Deutch) finally agrees to join the cast, as does amateur boxer and new actor Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin). Linklater does a nice job in recreating the haphazard manner in which Godard worked. Of course, there was no script … other than what he wrote each morning over breakfast. He was after spontaneity, and this caused a clash with Seberg. Much of how he worked would be considered guerilla filmmaking, and it’s interesting to see how the cast and crew react to Godard’s ‘genius’.

Along with the music, Linklater and cinematographer David Chambille capture the authentic look and feel, and it serves as a tribute to the era, including ever-present cigarettes. The French New Wave, and especially Godard, offered a new vision for cinema. Their impact on future filmmakers cannot be overstated, and Linklater’s passion for the movement for cinema is obvious. He surely hopes the film inspires others to explore the revolutionists from the Wave that shook the foundation of cinema … even if “it’s no CITIZEN KANE”. Just keep in mind what Godard says, “All you need for a movie is a girl and a gun.”

Releasing on Netflix on November 14, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

REBUILDING (2025)

November 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t see the fire. There is no need. We see the aftermath right along with Dusty as he takes a deep breath and surveys what’s left of his multi-generational ranch. We are also there as he auctions the cattle that he can no longer tend to. Without the assistance of any significant early dialogue, writer-director Max Walker-Silverman (A LOVE SONG, 2022) ensures we understand the man that Dusty is.

We can’t help but feel the pain when we see another person suffering, yet when they are dealing with total devastation and the loss of everything they own, we are simply at a loss as to how to react or help. Josh O’Connor has turned into one of the finest actors working today, as evidenced by his roles in “The Crown”, EMMA (2020), and CHALLENGERS (2024). In what may be his finest work yet, he perfectly captures Dusty, a quiet, proud man soul-searching for a way forward.

Dusty’s ex-wife Ruby (Meghann Fahy, “The White Lotus”) looks for a way to help him re-connect with their young daughter Callie Rose (Lily LaTorre, RUN RABBIT RUN, 2023), while Callie Rose’s grandmother Bess (Amy Madigan) understands the proud man’s pain and offers strength and support while she can. Watching Dusty and Callie Rose together is quite moving, and we find ourselves mentally urging things to work out.

Finally allowing himself to accept some assistance, Dusty moves into a FEMA trailer and takes a temporary job on a highway crew holding a traffic sign. He mostly ignores the neighbors … a small community of those who have also lost everything … until one of these neighbors, Mila (Kali Reis, CATCH THE FAIR ONE, 2021) manages to draw Dusty into the group. It turns out misery really does love company, and these neighbors offer support to each other while bonding over a devastation that we all hope to never experience.

Wi-fi at the local library, a blue barn, a job in Montana, a family death, a fizzled bank loan, and the high-severity burn that means no crops for up to 10 years make up the harsh reality of Dusty’s situation. Walker-Silverman includes a few memorable lines of dialogue (this is not a big talky movie), ensuring that we viewers are deep in thought. Beginning again is terribly difficult, and these folks merely try to find moments of joy amidst the sadness. What they never lose sight of his hope … and hope sometimes appears in something as simple as a sprig of growth. The film’s subdued approach acts to make it all the more impactful.

In select theaters November 14 and opening wide November 21, 2025.

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Posted by David Ferguson

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