film & television reviews from Philip Bahr focusing on a gay male gaze | gay film | gay movies | gay television | LGBTQ perspective | classics | indie | television reviews
Apologies to my classic movie followers. I do love a good black and white film. You know that. But I am finding myself getting a bit bored with the sequel to The Thin Man. Released in 1936, After the Thin Man finds Nick and Nora heading back to San Francisco by train with Asta. They arrive and surprise, there’s a murder. I know I am going to be labeled way too delicate, but the boozing and the animal treatment bothers me. I know, I know. 85 years ago. Let it go and just enjoy the ridiculousness of the film. Enjoy the comedy. Eh. I didn’t laugh that much. And I wanted to let Mrs. Asta out of her dog kennel and give her an actual name. I know, I know. Lighten up. I try, really I do. And I adore Myrna Loy so much I want to name a future pet after her. But for the actual film and the sequels? Sorry Dash. I think it’s time for me to bow out. 2 out of 5. Next.
After The Thin Man is currently available streaming on various platforms for a rental fee or free on disk from your local public library.
Haters gonna hate, but I have to say I love the first season of the dog groomer competition show, Pooch Perfect. Yes, it’s a formulaic American competition show. Yes, there are corny elements to it. But in the end, the groomers take care of each other in a similar vein as the Great British Baking Show and for that reason along with my love of dogs, I got hooked on Pooch Perfect. Hosted by actor Rebel Wilson and featuring trio of celebrity judges, Lisa Vanderpump, groomer Jorge Bendersky and veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris, this doggone show proves if there’s a hair dye out there, someone will use it to create a magical beast. Silly fun with a huge heart, I got hooked on this sweet little show and even shed a few tears over the eight episode arc. 3.5 out of 5.
Pooch Perfect is an ABC television series that currently streams on Hulu.
What an incredible feeling witnessing the emergence of creativity from a young person. Wildlife photographer and filmmaker Tomas Koeck and his mother MaryJo worked at the library for several years. MJ’s an incredible children’s book author and illustrator. And her son’s focus hasn’t fallen far from the family tree. Tomas – remarkably still in college – created a 10 minute short film, Sentinels of the Boreal on the Boreal Forest and the animals – particularly the birds who inhabit the largest forest in the world. From YouTube,
The boreal forest is the largest piece of forested wilderness in the world. In the Americas, it stretches from Maine to Alaska and is a prominent biome in Europe and Asia. This forest is home to many different species of wildlife such as moose, warblers, and even wolves. Yet few of these species can capture the mystique as one of the most elusive animals in the world, the great gray owl.
Join me, Tomas Koeck, as I take those who view this piece on a tour of what makes the boreal forest so special and why one should fight for the survival of this massive forest.
This film was produced with the support of the Sacred Heart School of Communications, Media and Arts. This film was sponsored by Tamron USA, Sacred Heart SCMA, Milford Photo, and the Undergraduate Research Institute. This film was supported by Canon USA.
I fell hard for The Pack, a formulaic Amazon Prime competition show. Why? Because it had dogs in it of course! And some of the good sportsmanship of The Great British Baking Show. Lindsey Vonn proved decent as host with her gorgeous and pampered Cavalier Lucy in tow. The challenges kept my interest. The format became rote. But it was my love of dogs which ushered me through the 10 episodes to the conclusion and winner. A nice diverse group of people and dogs. Incredible locations all over the globe. And a dog for every kind of human. All of that adds up to a fun, carefree, competition show which I am certain has been renewed for another season. Meanwhile, check out The Pack for a barking or in the case of Dixie – howling good time. 3.5 out of 5.
The Pack: Season 1 currently streams on Amazon Prime.
I loved watching My Octopus Teacher, a new Netflix nature documentary
directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. It stars Craig Foster, who also produced the film. The film captures a year Foster spent with a wild common octopus. Foster followed the octopus for most of the octopus’s life (Wikipedia).
The best part about this film is the underwater photography which took ten years to finish. Kudos to underwater cameraman Roger Horrocks for his gorgeous glimpse into the undersea world of this fascinating creature.
Now the full disclosure. I fell asleep during this show. I often fall asleep during things, but rewind and pick up where I dozed off. This time, we decided not to backtrack or actually finish the film. I often talk about editing and brevity in film. Normally I am begging filmmakers to keep their work under 100 minutes. In this case, the film could have covered the subject in 20 minutes. However since I was initially attracted to the film and loved the underwater cinematography, I give this a 3 out of 5 because the gist of the film is breathtakingly beautiful and the idea behind comparing ourselves, our lives to other living creatures’ lives is a remarkable step in the right direction of how we can better take care of the entire planet and ourselves.
So I made it through one episode of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness on Netflix. It wasn’t just the subject matter which frankly I have no interest in watching. I met enough Joe Exotic types in Atlanta during the actual 80’s. No thank you. My real objection is this style of documentary film making which ends up being all about the train wreck. Documentaries are riddled with possible issues of bias. But when you purposely manipulate the subject matter through film and editing, it just doesn’t ring true of anything other than sensationalism. Perhaps if it was about someone else, about something else, I would laugh along with the rest of the country (#1 right now on Netflix). But I just don’t have the stomach for it. I keep thinking I’m being catapulted back to Backstreet in Atlanta circa 1984 and I’m being approached by someone in a Members Only jacket and a dyed blonde mullet. Asking me out. Shiver. 2 out of 5. Next.
As Betty White turned 98 this weekend, Betty White: First Lady of Television made its way from PBS to Netflix. This hour-long documentary covers the miraculous career of one of our truly great television comedians. Betty started out in radio, transitioned to television as producer and star of her own television series, had not one, but two iconic television roles – Sue Ann Nivens and Rose Nylund, as well as a resurgence of her career in the past 15 years with more television roles and films. And if humanly possible, White’s monstrous career can easily be usurped by her lifelong activism for animal rights. What a truly remarkable human being. Watch Betty White: First Lady of Television and be prepared to laugh in awe. 5 out of 5.
Watched the amazing documentary, Life in the Doghouse about Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, a couple who have opened up their hearts and home to rescuing dogs. When you first start the film, you may think, are these guys dog hoarders? Then you see the meticulous care and cleanliness they give to each and every animal as well as their home. They’ve rescued and placed 10,000 dogs in 10 years. Horse jumping trainers by trade, Danny and Ron have focused their rescue placement on the horse community to great success. The love these two have for each other and the passion they have for their life’s work, well to say it’s inspiring is an understatement. If everyone in the world did what these two guys do, we’d have a planet full of beautiful, productive, loving human beings. When you need a pick-me-up, check out Life in the Doghouse. Danny and Ron’s story will make your heart sing. 5 out of 5.
Life in the Doghouse currently streams on Netflix.
Another creative, niche web series picked up by Netflix, Solvan “Slick” Naim’s It’s Bruno explores the love between man and dog, in particular when the man hates humans and only loves his dog. Malcolm lives in Bushwick, a Brooklyn, NY neighborhood riddled with gentrification. He adores his cute rescue dog, Bruno. The series follows the two on their daily adventures. I watched three episodes. The only reason why I didn’t continue was the implied violence. There are several moments where Malcolm grabs a broom handle and goes after people he doesn’t like. They never show the actual hitting, but it’s implied and turned my stomach. I know, I know. There’s violence everywhere. I’m not sure why but this particular form felt unnecessary to the story. I think it would be enough for Malcolm to be pissed off at life and human beings in general. However that’s just me. If you like short urban tales of super cute guys and their dogs, check out It’s Bruno. 3 out of 5.
Are there triggers in film and literature which make it impossible for you to enjoy? Then check out Does the Dog Die – “crowdsourced emotional spoilers for movies, tv, books and more.” With over 50 categories including a dog dies, there are spiders, someone vomits, needles/syringes are used, and so much more. Genius idea.
I loved watching My Octopus Teacher, a new Netflix nature documentary
So I made it through one episode of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness on Netflix. It wasn’t just the subject matter which frankly I have no interest in watching. I met enough Joe Exotic types in Atlanta during the actual 80’s. No thank you. My real objection is this style of documentary film making which ends up being all about the train wreck. Documentaries are riddled with possible issues of bias. But when you purposely manipulate the subject matter through film and editing, it just doesn’t ring true of anything other than sensationalism. Perhaps if it was about someone else, about something else, I would laugh along with the rest of the country (#1 right now on Netflix). But I just don’t have the stomach for it. I keep thinking I’m being catapulted back to Backstreet in Atlanta circa 1984 and I’m being approached by someone in a Members Only jacket and a dyed blonde mullet. Asking me out. Shiver. 2 out of 5. Next.
As Betty White turned 98 this weekend, Betty White: First Lady of Television made its way from PBS to Netflix. This hour-long documentary covers the miraculous career of one of our truly great television comedians. Betty started out in radio, transitioned to television as producer and star of her own television series, had not one, but two iconic television roles – 
Watched the amazing documentary, Life in the Doghouse about Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, a couple who have opened up their hearts and home to rescuing dogs. When you first start the film, you may think, are these guys dog hoarders? Then you see the meticulous care and cleanliness they give to each and every animal as well as their home. They’ve rescued and placed 10,000 dogs in 10 years. Horse jumping trainers by trade, Danny and Ron have focused their rescue placement on the horse community to great success. The love these two have for each other and the passion they have for their life’s work, well to say it’s inspiring is an understatement. If everyone in the world did what these two guys do, we’d have a planet full of beautiful, productive, loving human beings. When you need a pick-me-up, check out Life in the Doghouse. Danny and Ron’s story will make your heart sing. 5 out of 5.
Reel Charlie 