I love a good mockumentary, whether via film or tv. Christopher Guest, I bow to you, for such laugh-tastic classics as This is Spinal Tap and Best in Show. And I applaud myself for seeing you on that plane from JFK once and not disturbing you like the crazed fan that I could be.
I recently attended a fun event at The Paley Center for Media in celebration of Parks and Recreation, now in its sophomore season on NBC Thursday nights. I must agree with critics that it is much improved from its abbreviated first season, and applaud NBC for sticking with it. Starring SNL veteran Amy Poehler, the series is a mockumentary sitcom in the vein of (and with some of the creators of) The Office, another favorite (albeit aging) show of mine. It centers around the parks and recreation department of the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana, and is a sweet and funny love letter to city governments across the land. My friends in the local parks and recreation department enjoyed attending the event with me, so I'm taking that as another ringing endorsement. Check it out for an ensemble cast and writing that is coming together nicely.
I am also enjoying the freshman season of Modern Family on ABC Wednesday nights. This mockumentary about a wacky and diverse family has become quite popular this season, striking a fine balance between comedic and relatable family situations.
Check out both shows for a light-hearted television salute to the documentary form.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Anvil!
This decade was a Golden Age of docs if you ask me. 2009 saw its share of terrific films, but one in particular still resonates with me as not only my favorite documentary this year, but my favorite film, period.
Anvil! The Story of Anvil, recently was the big winner at the International Documentary Association Awards. Canadian musicians and BFFs Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner, have been chasing the dream of music stardom since they were in their teens, but bad decisions and unlucky breaks have plagued them all the way. The film follows their attempts to make a new album, "This is Thirteen" (signifying their 13th album), and finally make it big. Think This Is Spinal Tap, but in real life.
The director, Sacha Gervaci, met Anvil and toured with them when he was a teen, never forgot their determination, and was amazed upon reconnecting with them that they were still at it. The story of how this documentary was made and distributed is a movie in and of itself.
I saw this film back in April to a packed theatre - by the end, I don't think there was anyone who didn't want to personally try to make their dream a reality. I just wanted to give them a hug. The band played their rousing "Metal on Metal" song from their first album live after the screening, and the place went nuts.
Go see this film - it is truly the most uplifting and spirit-raising film, and well on its way to being a doc classic. Here's hoping the next decade of docs is half as good.
Anvil! The Story of Anvil, recently was the big winner at the International Documentary Association Awards. Canadian musicians and BFFs Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner, have been chasing the dream of music stardom since they were in their teens, but bad decisions and unlucky breaks have plagued them all the way. The film follows their attempts to make a new album, "This is Thirteen" (signifying their 13th album), and finally make it big. Think This Is Spinal Tap, but in real life.
The director, Sacha Gervaci, met Anvil and toured with them when he was a teen, never forgot their determination, and was amazed upon reconnecting with them that they were still at it. The story of how this documentary was made and distributed is a movie in and of itself.
I saw this film back in April to a packed theatre - by the end, I don't think there was anyone who didn't want to personally try to make their dream a reality. I just wanted to give them a hug. The band played their rousing "Metal on Metal" song from their first album live after the screening, and the place went nuts.
Go see this film - it is truly the most uplifting and spirit-raising film, and well on its way to being a doc classic. Here's hoping the next decade of docs is half as good.
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