Music & Musicals
Africa Unite
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Africa Unite

2008
This documentary tribute to legendary reggae icon Bob Marley centers on the Marley clan's 2005 visit to Ethiopia, in which they perform a live musical salute to the family luminary, with more than 300,000 fans in attendance. The film also includes never-before-seen footage of Marley, along with a soundtrack full of his studio hits and appearances by the likes of Danny Glover and matriarch Cedella Marley Booker.

Directed by:

  • Stephanie Black
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Alvin and the Chipmunks Scare-riffic Double Feature
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    Alvin and the Chipmunks Scare-riffic Double Feature

    1999
    Irrepressible chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore star in a pair of wacky animated features. In Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman, Alvin's vivid imagination stirs up suspicions about secretive new neighbor Mr. Talbot. In Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein, the trio finds themselves locked inside a theme park, where mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein re-creates his famous monster -- and strikes fear into the three little mischief-makers.

    Directed by:

  • Kathi Castillo
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Across the Universe
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    Across the Universe

    2007
    In this musical mix of live action and animation featuring songs by the Beatles, Liverpool dock worker Jude falls for Lucy on an excursion to America in the 1960s. But when Lucy's brother is drafted, Jude and Lucy take a stand as anti-war activists.

    Directed by:

  • Julie Taymor
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind
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    Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind

    2003
    Joni Mitchell's career as a singer-songwriter and painter is extensively profiled in this in-depth documentary, which originally aired as part of the PBS American Masters series. Take a look at this prolific artist as she reflects on a career that spans decades and includes some of the most influential music of that era.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Lacy
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    The Fall of Fujimori
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    The Fall of Fujimori

    2006
    Ellen Perry's true-life political thriller documents the reign of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, a man who ran on a ticket to fight poverty but whose rule was ultimately marked by violence, corruption and controversy. With promises to restore stability and crush terrorist insurgents, Fujimori won popular support -- and the 1990 election -- but his administration eventually dissolved under the weight of political abuses and scandal.

    Directed by:

  • Ellen Perry
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Beastie Boys: Video Anthology
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    Beastie Boys: Video Anthology

    2000
    The Beastie Boys Video Anthology set features 18 videos; over 50 multi-angle segments; more than 40 remixes by dozens of DJs (many created in 5.1 Surround exclusively for this release); lyrics; commentaries; world premieres; and more bass than you can shake a stick at. Videos include: Intergalactic, Shake Your Rump, Gratitude, Something's Got to Give, Sure Shot and more.

    Directed by:

  • Tamra Davis
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    The Spartans
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    The Spartans

    2004
    Of the various Greek city-states, Sparta was distinctive because of the rigorous military regimen it ingrained in its people; this presentation documents the history of one of the most fascinating societies in ancient times. The program examines the militaristic, collective and organized social construction assembled by the Spartan people, from the culture's humble beginnings and rise to greatness to its ultimate demise.

    Directed by:

  • Melanie Archer
  • rating:3.7.png 3.7 Average Rating


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    Eddie Izzard: Live From Wembley
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    Eddie Izzard: Live From Wembley

    2009
    Cross-dressing British comic and Emmy-winning actor Eddie Izzard takes the stage before a massive crowd at London's famed Wembley Stadium, where he unleashes a torrent of his trademark wry and rambling observations on life's little absurdities. Leaping from one topic to another as the spirit moves, Izzard takes on everything from the perils of visiting the dentist to hair-care strategies of the mythical monster Medusa.

    Directed by:

  • Sarah Townsend
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


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    Real Genius
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    Real Genius

    1985
    In this favorite '80s film starring a young Val Kilmer, some highly intelligent students are recruited for an advanced science project. What they don't know is that the data will be used by the military to develop a lethal weapon. Two of the students (Kilmer and Gabe Jarrett) team up to finish the project, but when they learn the military's secret, the geniuses plot revenge.

    Directed by:

  • Martha Coolidge
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


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    Eric Clapton: Live in Hyde Park
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    Eric Clapton: Live in Hyde Park

    1997
    Eric Clapton is on a tier of his own in the world of music. A guitar genius who elevates songs he sings to classics, he's even more impressive onstage, as seen here in this live June 1996 concert at London's Hyde Park. With his signature aplomb, Clapton runs through some of his most memorable and iconic hits, including "I Shot the Sheriff," "Old Love," "Every Day I Have the Blues," "Have You Ever Loved a Woman?" and "Wonderful Tonight."

    Directed by:

  • Julia Knowles
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


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    Orgasmic Birth
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    Orgasmic Birth

    2008
    Challenging conventional Western ideas about childbirth, this documentary explores a more natural approach to birth with the belief that, for most women, the experience can be an ecstatic one containing both pain and pleasure. Filmmaker Debra Pascali-Bonaro follows 11 couples employing this innovative approach as they go through the process of birth. Numerous birth experts, including Dr. Christiane Northrup, provide enlightening insights.

    Directed by:

  • Debra Pascali-Bonaro
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


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    Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
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    Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

    2009
    Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) are back, along with their careworn manager, Dave (Jason Lee), and this time they have competition: The Chipettes (Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler), hired by Dave's nemesis, Ian Hawke (David Cross). Cameron Richardson, Zachary Levi and Wendie Malick also lend their voice talents for this good-time live-action/CGI sequel.

    Directed by:

  • Betty Thomas
  • rating:3.6.png 3.6 Average Rating


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    Amreeka
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    Amreeka

    2009
    Eager to provide a better future for her son, Fadi (Melkar Muallem), divorcée Muna Farah (Nisreen Faour) leaves her Palestinian homeland and takes up residence in rural Illinois -- just in time to encounter the domestic repercussions of America's disastrous war in Iraq. Now, the duo must reinvent their lives with some help from Muna's sister, Raghda (Hiam Abbass), and brother-in-law, Nabeel (Yussuf Abu-Warda). Cherien Dabis writes and directs.

    Directed by:

  • Cherien Dabis
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Prokofiev: War and Peace
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    Prokofiev: War and Peace

    2004
    Soprano Olga Gouriakova sings the role of Natacha, while Nathan Gunn lends his lush baritone to the part of André in this Paris National Opera production of composer Sergei Prokofiev's interpretation of the literary classic War and Peace. Written as Adolf Hitler's Nazis were invading Prokofiev's Russian homeland, the story's themes take on added weight in an opera heavy with emotion. Maestro Gary Bertini conducts the orchestra and chorus.

    Directed by:

  • Francesca Zambello
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen
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    Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen

    2009
    Directed by longtime star of independent German cinema Margarethe von Trotta, this reverent biopic chronicles the fascinating story of 12th-century Christian mystic and scientist Hildegard von Bingen (Barbara Sukowa). Despite living in an era when women are proscribed from preaching and interpreting scripture, Hildegard believes that the visions she experiences are a gift from God that she must reveal -- even at the risk of condemnation.

    Directed by:

  • Margarethe von Trotta
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye
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    The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye

    2011
    Featuring home movies, interviews and more, this documentary chronicles the deep love between visionary musician Genesis P-Orridge and his wife, Lady Jaye, a couple devoted to "pandrogyny" -- using plastic surgery to make themselves look alike.

    Directed by:

  • Marie Losier
  • rating:3.5.png 3.5 Average Rating


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    Now and Then
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    Now and Then

    1995
    Waxing nostalgic about the bittersweet passage from childhood to puberty in this tender coming-of-age tale, four childhood girlfriends -- Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha and Roberta -- recall the magical summer of 1970. During their walk down memory lane, they reconcile experiences with boys, secrets, bullies and more. Lesli Linka Glatter directs; Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Cloris Leachman, Thora Birch and Christina Ricci co-star.

    Directed by:

  • Lesli Linka Glatter
  • rating:3.8.png 3.8 Average Rating


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    Now and Then (1995)
    A heartwarming movie about four childhood girlfriends who, in adulthood reunion, relive their experience of the life-changing summer of 1970, including a mystery death, divorce, standing up to the boys, first kiss, and the meaning of true friendship. Each explores her unique identity amidst family and friends. Beautifully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
    - Frances   
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