Steroids Vs. Tightrope Walking Vs. Air Guitar Vs. Donkey Kong
March 17, 2009 • 6:00 pm • POSTED BY Jon FrumanOver the last 3-4 months I’ve found myself more interested in watching a documentary than a movie. All in all, I feel that I get more out of an information driven story than 90 minutes of punching and/or crying. It’s hard to argue that watching John-Claude in Kickboxer, Seth McDermott in Airborne, and Roddy Piper in They Live isn’t an awesome experience; however, watching a dude tightrope walk across the Twin Towers is much cooler if not mesmerizing. That said, here are some of the better documentaries I’ve seen over the past few months (or even year) that I recommend for everyone to view.
What’s more American than steroids? Not much! Remember, “if you’re not first, you’re last” here in America and this documentary has the facts to prove it. This film takes an in depth look at Steroid use in America and the affects they have on sports, the youth of America, and users. Recommended for any gym rat, athlete, or avid sports fan.
There isn’t much that is more exciting than watching a person tightrope walk from one side of Notre Dame to the another. What about walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia while traffic is passing below. How about that same person walking from Tower 1 to Tower 2 in New York City. Watching Philippe Petit tightrope walk in the most dangerous of situations is breathtaking, but listening to the planning that went into making it all possible just might be more interesting. 3/4 English, 1/4 Subtitle, 4/4 awesome!
Whether you can pop and lock or not, this documentary will send you out the club this coming weekend. The best break dancers in the world come together for the annual competition held in Germany. You probably won’t be able to keep up with these dudes, but watching the well thought out choreography and individual moves is awesome. An additional sub story about a son’s quest to earn his father’s honor only makes this film that much better. Also half subtitled, but well worth the read.
Did you know that original arcade video games can run out of memory and what’s known as a killscreen occurs? I didn’t until I watch two guys competing to become the world record holder of Donkey Kong’s top score. This documentary is really well thought out, featuring a hero, villain, wise men, and a bunch of dorks. No subtitles here, just a bunch of awesome and a guarantee that while you might not know who Billy Mitchell is, you won’t be able to stand him after you watch this.
While this might be one of the most creepiest documentaries I’ve seen in quite sometime, it’s still very interesting. This one’s definitely not for everyone as it focuses on the Golden Gate Bridge being one of the most soughtafter placing to commit suicide. The film includes interviews with the loved ones which took the jump, an interview with a teenager lucky enough to survive a jump, and video of actual jumps. Depressing throughout, but informational if you can handle it.
Are you interesting to know who is in charge of deciding if a movie is PG-13, R, or NC-17? If so, watch this doozy. Director Kirby Dick devises a master plan to revile the hidden identity of the MPAA rating board. He then submits his film to that same rating board for a rating, which he clearly doesn’t receive. An interesting take on censorship in America and how it’s…well…nonsense.
It’s no surprise I’m ending this post with one of the best. Similar to Planet B-Boy this documentary follows the air guitar competition through the United States all the way to the annual contest held in Finland. Most find this idea brilliant or ridiculous, clearly it’s both. Entertainment at it’s finest, not to mention you’ll want to either enter next year’s competition or attend it.
Still many more documentaries to come, let’s consider this Part 1 of an endless number of possible updates. Please leave comments with some that you’d recommend to us.
I love documentaries. The agency should have one as a side project. That would be awesome.
i agree that man on wire is great! oh the crazy french!