2022 OFFICIAL Movie Watch List

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.01.22 RE-watchability: 3*** (out of 5) Commentary: A film that begins awkwardly and ends awkwardly as it tries to tell a complete story while leaving out the whole "start at the beginning" part. That's so overrated anyway. Everyone knows the best way to tell a story is to begin with the most interesting part and weave in the sorted details of both the back story and the eventual ending. No matter how hard it is for some viewers to keep up with.

This is still a solid doc about a (all too common) scam in the art world (which seems to have a new one every week). It delivers the goods with the story and interviews but manages to annoy with the structure of said story. (i.e. start at the beginning).

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.02.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: A slow paced thriller that gives the characters a bit of time to develop before throwing the ending at you is a nice change of pace. This one does exactly that. Now while I'll admit I had the ending figured out from the moment I read the synopsis but I did not know how they'd pull it off. It all made perfect sense. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this thriller.

Watched via: Tubi Date: 01.03.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: If Superstore were a movie about high school basketball then this would be it. The title is obnoxiously long but the film is not. It's basically a bunch of interconnected (but still seperate) stories playing out simultaneously during a basketball game. Much like Superstore it's filled with silly sight gags that matter nothing to any of the overall plot(s). But add to your enjoyment because of the silliness.

It's one of those films that is so subtle with the humor that much of it you'll laugh about later. Like the lady with the knitting who "films" the game on her old RCA VHS camcorder that never seems to follow the action. It's even funnier now that I think about it again.

I see that the rating for it is just a 5.8 (as of this writing) which surprises me but also doesn't. Subtle humor such as in this film is not everyone's cup of tea. I liked it. But many others may think it boring. And I can see that argument. But I'd happily watch it again. Good stuff. Entertaining AF.

Watched via: Digital Copy Date: 01.04.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: I've always truly loved the Muppet movies starting with the 'Muppets Take Manhattan' in the mid 1990's. This one is a fantastic addition to that legacy. A timeless tale told in a new way with just enough changes to make it fresh. Both the human talent and the Puppeteers deserve kudos for a job well done. It's both hilarious and heart warming. Of course I'll watch ANYTHING with Gonzo and Rizzo as the stars. They crack me up just looking at them. So yes I LOVED it.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.05.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: you watch this movie and the thing that kept popping into my head was why are they not using flashbacks to illustrate the fight between the girls that led to one of their deaths? turns out the answer was simple, REALLY fucked up and hilarious. I'm not gonna ruin it for you (surprisingly). Though that was merely a backdrop to the crazy parents slowly but surely losing their minds as they try desperately to cover their daughters awful crime(s). I think it deserves better than the current IMDb rating (5.8) but not by much. I enjoyed it but I can see how many people wouldn't.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.05.22 RE-watchability: 3.5**** (out of 5) Commentary: This "feature" barely qualifies to even be on this list as it's under an hour long (but only by a minute or so). But it's so well done that it leaves you craving more. It's too bad the production couldn't have added 30 minutes to the runtime and include more of the stories that were merely mentioned in passing or the ones that, no doubt, had to be left on the cutting room floor. I'd be up to hear those. Excellent film anyway.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.05.22 RE-watchability: 3.5**** (out of 5) Commentary: A stellar look at what really happened behind the scenes of TV's most iconic classic sitcom. Hosted by the real life children and told through the lens of home movies never before seen by the public. This is good stuff. Yes the most of the stories are well known but the kids commentary on the subjects is definitely new and worth the price of admission alone.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.06.22 RE-watchability: 1.5* (out of 5) Commentary: My god what a boring mess of a film. It resembles a poorly made educational film you'd see in college that tries to explain a topic but fails because by the time it's over you're asleep. I'm not even sure how I made it through, to be honest, it's that boring. I figured, judging by the synopsis, that I'd learned something new. Nope. Too bored to really pay attention after the first 45 minutes.

Watched via: Paramount+ Date: 01.07.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: An engrossing doc about a debate that has raged (off and on) over the years. Are breast implants safe? The film plays out as it's central character decides to have hers removed (i.e. explant). We then learn the history of the product. The film seems to desperately want a full-on condemnation of the practice but can never uncover enough evidence to do so. The closing interview with Dr. Rose is so illuminating as he reveals yes he believes some women do have adverse effects from implants. But among the thousands of women he's performed surgery on only a hand full have reported serious medical issues that can be directly attributed to the implants themselves. Very interesting. But none too surprising. Excellent doc.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.08.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: A rose colored glasses look back at the founding of the company that made slime cool. The stars and the power players that made it all happen are here to fill in the details about the series that changed our world. Too bad they never touch upon any of the more interesting details of the stories. Like why was Salute Your Shorts cancelled after only 26 episodes? And what about the involvement of one Dan Schneider? Among many other topics (loses half a * for that). This doc left a lot to be desired. But it's still well produced and serves as a video love letter to both the people who created the magic and the ones who simply loved it.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.09.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: I'm addicted to documentaries. Just the truth. But I'm especially in love with ones like this that let me visit a world I've always been intensely curious about but never had the time to fully explore. Getting to know the drivers and the stories that make the races more interesting. This doc did that, and more, and told the history of the world's first all electric racing series. It earns every point of that 6.8 (as of this writing) IMDb rating. Recommended.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.10.22 RE-watchability: 2** (out of 5) Commentary: Here's a doc that had tons of promise but pissed it away in it's silly quest to cram as many stories into a 90 minute runtime as possible. Instead they should have focused solely on the mother/daughter hiking adventure and what they went through. That would have made for an interesting movie. But what we got was clips of the ladies as they struggled across the forbidden wasteland in between unrelated stories of people living in remote locations (can anyone explain what the fuck that nun story was all about?). I was looking forward to this one but after watching it I hve to admit I was rather let down. While the story telling is good it's the fact that we never got enough of any of the stories to satisfy my taste. Stick to the base story about the ladies hiking and it would have been much more enjoyable. For me.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.12.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: A doc that recounts the incredibly true tale of who actually co-created The Batman way back when. The film cleverly lays out the story in a pretty straight forward fashion that kept me on the edge of my seat. It will you too. It's well deserving of it's currently fantastic IMDb rating (8.0 as of this writing) and probably should be a bit higher. Check this gem out.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.13.22 RE-watchability: 3*** (out of 5) Commentary: A solid, if unspectacular, entry into the sub-genre of sports history docs. Well made but the constant jumping from one side of the story (from men to women) resulted in large parts of the sports history being left out. While they did cover the most famous name of all, Steve Prefontaine, he wasn't mentioned at all for the first half of the film, though his story was told eventually. Several other stories were built up to be important before being concluded with a passing comment later in the film (this is very frustrating to say the least). Still it's an enjoyable, though largely incomplete portrait of the history of running.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.13.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: A movie about a trending national topic that's because a passion case for right wing homophobes who like to brag about how much their hurting trans kids by passing these soon to be obsolete laws banning them from playing sports. It's an eye opening inside look at a world most have never been. It's also not a black and white issue. This doc makes that very evident. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.14.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: The only thing I knew about Amy Winehouse before watching this was she died young due to a drug overdose and she had once been a huge star. This cheaply made film resembles an extended TMZ episode but is actually a pretty darn good film. It's too bad the budget was so low they couldn't afford to have former family and friends speak on the tragedies that lead to Amy's untimely end. Still enjoyable and informative.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.14.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: An interesting doc that was basically shot in the span of five days. Documenting the preparations for one of the few ballet shows ever directed by a woman (yes it's ANOTHER industry dominated by white males). It's a show intended to highlight where ballet is going. A mixture of dance styles with traditional ballet as the backdrop. I enjoyed it as I knew next to nothing about the industry before this and after I felt like I was much more knowledgeable. A good film, like this, will do that.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.15.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: For me this was a long awaited watch as I only became aware of this film (like most others) when it received a nomination for Best Doc Feature at the 2021 Oscars. It's definitely a most unusual doc that some might say is scripted because it's THAT good. It's also an odd feature as it's about an older man (mid 80's) voluntarily entering into a retirement home to try and unearth evidence of alleged abuse. The fact that he finds none is really not relevant as the movie is much more about the characters the man encounters. It's a touching portrait of people who've been mostly forgotten by their families (that's typically why people place relatives in nursing homes) and yearning for love and companionship. The current IMDb rating (7.6) is accurate and it's definitely worthy of the Oscar nom it received. Great stuff.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.16.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: 95% of the fans of Joan Jett probably will not know the extent of the impact of her career. I certainly didn't till I watched this doc. My main exposure to her music was through the movie, the Runaways (which is excellent), but now having watched this I can include myself amongst her fans. She has my mad respect. This was also an excellent with some insightful commentary and great stories about the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. Watch The Runaways and then watch this for the REAL story.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.17.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: Remember the old series on TLC called, "Untold Stories of the E.R."? If that series became a movie and didn't use actors and scripts this movie would be it. Following the daily trials of an understaffed, woefully under funded emergency room at a major urban hospital. The stories are gripping and the people featured are fascinating. This film ain't rocket science but sure is a nice slice of life.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.18.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: Another teen "sex" comedy that wants us to feel all romantic about the two leads when it's rather obvious the two have little chemistry. Still, despite a rather accurate IMDb rating, this was a fun film for the first hour or so. Then it became a game of will they or what they and that got old. It's like he's in love with her but when she falls in love with him then he's suddenly NOT in love with her anymore. Then she realizes she doesn't love him after all. What? While it has it's hilarious moments the story ultimately falls apart at the end due to unimaginative writing. Should have been soooo much better.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.29.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: Here is a story not about a man named Jed but about a family that lies through their teeth to protect their idiot son. He was allegedly an early member of the legendary group, Anonymous, and ran a server for the whistleblowers to upload files onto. Or did he. The family claims they were being harassed by the U.S. government because of a USB memory stick and the secrets with in it. Problem is, like most conspiracy theories you need actual evidence to prove any allegations and they never have that. (though if you're a Trumper or visitor to gateway pundit you don't need that you just predicting it'll be true until it blows up in your face. Then you pretend it never happened). The is well made, better than most fictional dramas, and should be seen just because it's that entertaining. Recommended.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.20.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: Not every superstar on a downward spiral can be saved like Scott Hall or Jake Roberts. Some had been on a perpetual downhill slide for two decades and refused help from all takers. Like Chyna. Who typically then blamed the person for her own failings and cut them out of her life. This film is so sad but illuminating as to what ended up happening to one of the greatest female wrestlers ever. The movie itself contains shocking revelations about both Chyna and the producers. And relives one of the dumbest moments in wrestling history when Triple Big Nose (HHH) claims that because he's a father now (I feel sorry for that kid) he can't see Chyna being elected to the WWE Hall of Fame BECAUSE his kid might find out Chyna did porn. Yet they just elected a guy (undeserving) that used to play a PIMP on their TV with real whores following him to the ring. The stupidity, jealousy (of HHH/Stephanie) is astounding and pathetic.

It's still a fine doc that serves as a reminder about the ravages of mental illness and constant drug abuse. We miss you, Chyna. FUCK YOU HHH.

Watched via: DVD (Samsung) Date: 01.20.22 RE-watchability: 1.5* (out of 5) Commentary: A doc with no narrator can sometimes be a good thing but not in this case. The story of the infamous Sex Pistols punk rock band is told by the band members themselves and boy is it hard to follow. This is a tough watch due to the sometimes indecipherable accents, seemingly unrelated detours that feature home video footage of the band rambling incoherently. And the most annoying thing had to be the surviving band members appearing in black outs for some reason. Are they that ashamed? Pretty sure this is a straight donate.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.21.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: I expected more from an Amazon Studios production than this. It was still a fun movie with a story that I enjoyed but there was plenty missing. Most glaringly, the voice cast, with exception of Selena Gomez, is all new and sub par (and Gomez wasn't all that great). Still it was nice to see the old gang back together for another fun filled adventure. I'm not sure if a 5th outing is a good idea at this point but if they make it I will likely watch.

Watched via: Hulu Date: 01.22.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: A personal journey of a young girl trying desperately to overcome her surroundings, a unexpected pregnancy and crime all around her to graduate high school. It's a darn good doc that explores what life is like for inner city youth in St. Louis during the Michael Brown case. Though I found the ending a bit contrived and hard to believe it was still nice to see anyway.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.24.22 RE-watchability: 2.5** (out of 5) Commentary: Another movie that loses it's way about halfway through when the initial tension of are they gay or not runs it's course. The writers spend an exorbitant of time obsessing over a stolen bike and in the end it makes little to know difference to the plot (not does any of it make a lick of sense). Personally I enjoyed the first 50 minutes or an hour of it and then the stupidity started. The ending was especially silly. I won't be adding this one to my permanent collection and cannot recommend it.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.24.22 RE-watchability: 4**** (out of 5) Commentary: A wrestling based animated film that has a pretty solid story, some gorgeous animation and lots of LOL moments. you can't really go wrong with watching this one with the kiddos. Or, like me, watching it because it kept popping in your suggestions. Recommended.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.25.22 RE-watchability: 1.5* (out of 5) Commentary: So halfway through this doc we find out why it was made: Peter has a drinkin' problem and wants to kill his crazy self and invites a film crew to document it all. Yeah that's what a sane person would do. Most of the rest of the film is Peter yammering on and on about topics unrelated to anything else in the film. We are left to surmize that Peter's three wives and kids left because of the drinking but this is never confirmed as the kids/wives are mentioned only a few times with no elaboration to explain anything. UGH. I'd rather pretend I never watched.

Watched via: Amazon Prime Date: 01.026.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: An important doc that illuminates a part of LGBT history that most people have either never heard of or forgotten about. I enjoyed it even though it did give me the feeling I was watching an episode of Nick News from the early 2000's instead of a film. The film surely didn't win any awards but it does present the story in a pleasing tone with some insightful interviews. Ones that are surprisingly frank at times. Enjoyable despite some small drawbacks.

Watched via: HDD (Digital Copy) Date: 01.27.22 RE-watchability: 3.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: A darn good silent film about a couple running from the law and other bad guys. The love story is pretty under played and pops up out of nowhere (there is no sexual tension between the leads) but it actually does work pretty well once the focus is placed on it. The ending took a little bit for me to wrap my mind around but I came to the conclusion that it was probably the one that made the most sense for the plot. If you like silent films check this one out.

Watched via: HDD (Digital Copy) Date: 01.28.22 RE-watchability: 4.5*** (out of 5) Commentary: A truly funny teen out-all-night flick starring a bunch of unknowns. But boy you wouldn't know it by watching. Good enough to make the movie interesting, endless one-liners (almost all of which are funny), relatable characters that actually grow a little during the journey and a satisfying ending (that's not even a little bit of a surprise). The first half of the film is especially funny as Nina (the hilarious Izzy Weaver) steals most every scene while drunk. And yes the second half does slow down a little with Nina being hungover it allowed for all the characters to get some screen time. I am not complaining.

I went into this movie with the simple hope of it being good because it's been a while since I saw a movie like this. And I was rewarded with a hilarious, heartfelt and ultimately very satisfying movie that will be added (immediately) to my re-watch list. Good stuff. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.