Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

For the longest time, disability has been underrepresented. Now, a full-length documentary shining a light on disability is here. The disability community finally gets the representation its been looking for from "Hollywood". What makes this documentary the perfect portrayal and representation of disability is the authenticity and appreciation the directors have for disability. 

It is one of the best films to depict and showcase disability in a way that we can be proud of and appreciate even more than ever before. This film is a remarkable and groundbreaking achievement in film and getting the path set on the accurate and authentic portrayal of disability that we crave. 

Directors James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham make an extraordinary film. LeBrecht, who has Spina Bifida, knows just how to portray disability as it should be. The directing duo does an amazing job of making a film that actually captures the real and authentic picture of disability as a whole. I have no doubt this film will be a wake-up call to Hollywood and show them that this is how disability should be shown. 

Famed composer Bear McCreary scores this film. McCreary makes a score that is as lighthearted and jubilant as the film as a whole. His jubilant score is of blue-grass and honky-tonk qualities. 

One of the biggest things facing disability in the media today is representation. With films like this, disability in film and television can be just like this. But if only Hollywood listens, we won't get anywhere. This film, however, is at the forefront of accurate disability representation in film and television.  

Poster Courtesy of Netflix

Rate: A 

Directors: Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht

MPAA Rating; R (for some language including sexual references)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination and institutionalization. Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp "for the handicapped" in the Catskills, exploded those confines. Jened was their freewheeling Utopia, a place with summertime sports, smoking and makeout sessions awaiting everyone, and campers felt fulfilled as human beings. Their bonds endured as they migrated West to Berkeley, California -- a promised land for a growing and diverse disability community -- where friends from Camp Jened realized that disruption and unity might secure life-changing accessibility for millions.

SCORE: A Film Music Documentary (2017)

It is one of the most essential pieces of a film. The film score. It's like the buns on a burger. You need something to hold it together for stability. That's what film scores do. The hold the movie in perfect balance-(Or at least try to). No film that I have seen would ever be as successful without the music. It just wouldn't be the same. The effect of the film would be minimal. I personally think that a film cannot work with out a score. This film documents the blood, sweat and tears that composers have to endure with making the perfect score.

Some of cinemas most well known music makers such as: Hans Zimmer, Tom Holkenborg(Junkie XL), John Williams and Danny Elfman reveal their experiences as renowned film composers and what challenges they face on their films. Director Matt Schrader, erects a film unlike any other. For those who are curious enough to know about the process of composing film music, this film has all the informative aspects you will need.

Every time you watch a movie, you can't help but feel some emotional connection to the score. That is what they intended to do with audiences right? I know I do. Especially when I watch films with Zimmer and Williams scores. They draw you in like you wouldn't believe. They make the films more exciting as if the film is alive.

You can't go inside a cinema thinking you don't feel some kind of reaction from the scores. Because if you say no, you're lying to yourself. This is a unique genre of music that stretches beyond the cinema scope and to the lands off screen.

Film scores are what make up the background of the film. They are essential in ways that make their films all the more meaningful. That's what makes this genre of music, element of film, and the curators so special, is that they all have the power to make a film spectacular. We have to owe it to these incredible maestros. Otherwise, our cinematic experiences would be completely different.

Rate: A+

Photo courtesy of Gravitas Ventures 

Spielberg (2017)

When you think  of a Steven Spielberg movie, what first comes to mind? "Jurassic Park. ET? Jaws?" Whatever it is, he has made an impact on your cinema experience.  He is considered the greatest director who's ever lived. Rightfully so. Famed director Steven Spielberg, has spanned some 40 years in the film industry. with some critically acclaimed and controversial films. He is no doubt mine and millions of others favorite directors.

In this tell all, Spielberg unloads the secrets and drawbacks to his illustrious career as one of the most celebrated film directors of our time. It is unreal to see with all its fascination. This film is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen and possibly the best movie of 2017 for me. (Sorry Baby Driver).

What makes this film so unique, is the beauty and joy that he brings to his stories and how he came to be. Director Susan Lacy, crafts a special film that those who've followed him from his earlier days, will find sentimental value. From close friends, family and fellow Directors, their insight to this cinematic artistic genius is truly inspiring. Especially with the commentary of Spielberg himself.

All the while, this film acts as a motivation for future directors and anyone who wants to be in the film industry-(like myself). It does so well in the emotional impact it has on viewers. This film is truly remarkable and touching in ways that I wanted to learn more about him and crave his advice so deeply.

Photo courtesy of HBO

Rate: A 

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.