Trouble With The Heights More Proof Of The Power Of Indie Flicks

Courtesy: Viva Pictures

Viva Pictures’ crime drama, Trouble in the Heights is an interesting movie.  This is not exactly what one would think about when one thinks about crime dramas.  And it’s also not the standard shoot-‘em-up action movie, either.  Rather than letting itself descend into the standard action subgenre, Writer/Director Jonathan Ullman offers audiences a story that is a deeply emotional piece that will instantly pull in audiences and keep them engaged right to the end of the story’s roughly ninety-minute runtime.       

The story at the center of Trouble in the Heights focuses on the theft of drug dealer Nevada’s (Raul Esparza) ill gotten money by main character Diego’s little brother Javy (Antonio Ortiz) and his friend, Robby (Cruz Santiago).  Because of the actions of Javy and Robby, Diego (Rayniel Rufino) is forced to make some tough decisions.  Those tough decisions only make this hard working man’s life even more difficult, especially in finding out that his girlfriend Ana (Alexandra Metz) is carrying his child.  Diego’s personal struggles both as a result of his brother’s actions and news that he gets from Ana make him a sympathetic and far more believable character than any of the anti-hero stereotypes from other closely related crime thrillers.  Because he is such a believable character, audiences will find it so much easier to root for him.  And because viewers will find it so easy to root for Diego, they will in turn find themselves becoming increasingly engaged in the overall story right to its surprise conclusion.

Ullman’s writing and acting on the part of Rayniel Rufino in Trouble in the Heights are both important parts of the movie’s success.  Just as important to its success was its general lack of violence.  This may come across as a minor factor.  But one would be remiss to ignore this factor.  While guns are brandished, not a single shot is fired and not a single drop of blood is shed throughout the course of the story.  The most extreme level that the violence reaches comes early in the story when Nevada has two of his men throw Robby over a bridge in front of an oncoming train for having stolen his money.  The actual act is never actually shown.  But it is understood that this is what happens to Robby.  Aside from this vile act, the only other extreme included in Trouble in the Heights is the movie’s coarse language.  The language is obviously not suitable for younger viewers.  But it helps to make the characters and story that much more believable.

The general lack of violence, the solid acting of Rayniel Rufino, and writing throughout Trouble in the Heights help to make the movie stand on its own feet against the endless flow of fare more violence and sex laden movies within the crime drama/thriller genre.  There is at least one more factor that viewers should take into account in considering the movie’s success.  The movie’s cast in general has plenty of acting chops under its belt.  But none of the cast members are major name stars.  Case in point: Dominic Colon.  Colon plays Diego’s friend, Junior, which is a small role.  Colon is known largely for his role of Manny Spamboni on PBS’ re-imagined take on the classic educational show, The Electric Company.  He has also had roles in the hit movies, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, August Rush, and We Own The Night just to name a few.  Keeping in mind that the cast is largely unknowns, they have collectively put on performances that play their own role in the overall success of the story.  This, along with the story’s other previously mentioned factors makes Trouble in the Heights a surprisingly interesting movie within the annals of recently released crime dramas/thrillers.  It turns out to be a movie that is deserving of at least one watch.  It is available in stores and online now.  It can be purchased online via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF7FGOM/ref=s9_csaiv_gw_p318_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1AEJPXX8M7XCJ271FKKV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846.  A trailer for the movie can be viewed via YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flqzhEXyNdI.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Bailey’s Latest Adventure One Fun Roundup For The Whole Family

Courtesy: Entertainment One/Engine 15 Media Group

The latest release from Engine 15 Media Group’s Adventures of Bailey series takes the beloved Golden Retriever down south to the Lone Star State in a mix of young love and literal puppy love and a madcap canine caper.  A Night in Cowtown centers on a bumbling criminal that accidentally steals an elderly woman’s dog named Felix after losing Frankie, his boss’s dog.  The theft happens as a result of a case of mistaken identity.  This leads to the intertwining stories of young love between Bailey and Trixie, and that of his teenage owner, Abbi (Christine Galyean) and Marc (Mason Dye).  The resultant hunt for Felix offers plenty of laughs and warm moments for the whole family.

The story behind this latest of Bailey’s adventures is a pretty simple one to follow.  And much like many of Engine 15 Media Group’s other releases, this story too offers some slight Christian undertones.  During one scene, audiences find Ski Bidwell (Mark Hanson) in a small church, holding Felix, and contemplating his personal future.  This is the only moment throughout the course of the movie’s near hour and a half run time in which any religious imagery is presented.  This is actually a very good thing for church groups as it keeps the story from being too preachy.  It offers the remainder of its time to plenty of moments that make it a fun, family friendly movie that is worth the occasional watch.

While A Night in Cowtown is not a major motion picture, it holds its own with Disney’s releases in its Buddies franchise.  Sure, the dog’s mouths don’t move with the Bailey movies.  But other than that, Bailey’s latest adventure has just as much heart as Disney’s Buddy movies.  Its production values, cinematography, and acting are at about the same level as the aforementioned series.  Rick Shew, Trey Bumpass, and Christine Galyean have all returned for this third installment of the series as are Kenzie Pallone and Liz Franke who just happens to be directly related to director Steve Franke.  That so much of the cast from the series’ second installment has returned for this film is largely to credit for the on screen performances.  The performances from the cast are but one part of what held this direct-to-DVD movie together.  Its cinematography was just as nice as the series’ previous installments.  David Pinkston headed up the movie’s cinematography.  He is the series third head of cinematography.  And while each movie has now had someone different heading up that department, the shooting for this movie was just as solid as that of the previous installments.  That leads to the movie’s production values.  These are just as positive as everything else that went into bringing this installment of Bailey’s adventures to life. 

Any viewer that is a fan of Disney’s Buddy movies or PBS’ classic series, Wishbone, will enjoy Adventures of Bailey: A Night in Cowtown.  It isn’t as well known as the previously mentioned movies and series.  But young viewers will enjoy this movie (and the previous adventures of Bailey) just as much as them.  Its cast does a good job in its own right.  The camera work, production, and scenery are just as good, too.  All said and done, for a straight-to-DVD feature, it’s an enjoyable feature.  It will be available in stores and online next Tuesday, May 21^st.  It can be purchased online via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Bailey-Night-Cowtown/dp/B009X66EP2/.  The Phil’s Picks Facebook page is also giving away three copies of the movie on DVD this week for three lucky fans.  Fans need only “Like” the Phil’s Picks Facebook page and write on the page’s timeline, noting that they want to be entered in the drawing for a copy of the movie. 

To keep up with the latest news from Entertainment One on its latest releases, fans can go online to http://entertainmentone.com/home.  And to keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, fans can go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always get the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Mystery Of Eels An Unexpectedly Interesting Feature From PBS’ Nature

Courtesy: PBS

Documentarian James Prosek notes in the closing moments of the new PBS Nature documentary The Mystery of Eels that it’s good that some things remain a mystery.  Taken in the context of the moment, this makes sense.  In the case of this latest feature, it doesn’t do much in terms of eliminating the mystery around eels.  But it does present these largely misunderstood creatures in a much more positive light, thus generating more respect for them as part of the world’s ecosystems.

The Mystery of Eels clocks in at nearly an hour long.  Over the course of the feature, audiences see different groups of people around the world and the different views that different cultures have regarding the eel.  From being revered for their capital value in Japan to a means of living in another region and being held in high regard as past relatives in another culture, viewers see just why the eel is so important.  There are those who would look at this episode of Nature as coming from something of an environmentalist standpoint.  It is true that there are some slightly activist leanings here.  But when it comes to the case of eels, this can be forgiven much as the case is with sharks, bats, and other animals in danger of being wiped out.  Just as sharks and bats have bad reputations, so do eels.  Misconceptions have been made by cartoons and television in general.  But as one will see in this program, the views that people have about eels are just that; misconceptions.  They learn that eels mean humans no harm, and that they are just as important to the world’s ecosystems.  This is something very valuable especially for younger viewers to learn and just as important of a reminder for older audiences.

Understanding the importance of the eel in various cultures is interesting in itself.  Understanding that they are not just the monstrous creatures that have been caricatured by the media is even more important and interesting.  And that is exactly what audiences will understand in this feature.  Audiences will see here that there is no electricity shooting off of the body of an eel.  And while they are carnivores, they have been proven to be anything but the killer creatures that they have far too often been made out to be.  Rather, they are quite tame.  As viewers will see late in the program, they are so tame that humans in one part of the world are able to go up to them in their natural setting and run their hands along the body of the fish.  These same people see the eel as the spirit of past relatives just as Native Americans have seen certain animals as the spirits of their past relatives.  Who would have ever thought that an eel could play such an important role in the culture of a given people?

While some peoples of the world hold the eel in high regard spiritually and religiously, others still use the fish as a food product.  Because of that, they see the importance of protecting eels, as they are being overfished.  Prosek takes viewers to the Catskill Mountains and to Japan to examine the importance of the eel in both regions and what is being done to protect them and help them flourish.  As odd as this may seem, it is truly an eye opener and will create a wholly different view on this misunderstood fish just as with the understanding of its cultural importance.           

The Mystery of Eels is one of the most interesting episodes of PBS’ long-running Nature series.  Eels have a bad reputation.  And maybe that’s why it has taken so long for someone to come to their defense, so to speak.  But it’s a good thing that someone finally has.  Because James Prosek has done so, viewers will hopefully now see that much like other misunderstood creatures of the world, these creatures deserve just as much respect as any other creature.  They may not be the most beautiful or graceful.  But as this documentary feature shows, they are creatures that are just as important to the world as any other.  And understanding this will hopefully create more understanding and respect for the eel.

The Mystery of Eels will be available Tuesday, May 21^st.  It can be ordered direct online via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=19729726&cp=&kw=the+mystery+of+eels&origkw=The+Mystery+of+Eels&sr=1#Details.

To find out more about this program and all features from PBS’ Nature series, audiences can “Like” the Nature Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PBSNature.  Audiences can also get the latest Nature news on the program’s official website, http://www.pbs.org/nature and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PBSNature.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

K-9 Fun For Dr. Who Fans New And Old

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Park Television productions

Any pure blooded fan of Dr. Who’s canine companion, K-9 (I am not a dog!)–Sorry, he had to interject, there—is back at last.  K-9: The Complete Series has been made available for audiences in a four-disc set thanks to the good people at Shout! Factory and Park Television Productions.  The twenty-six episode series ran from October 31, 2009 – November 2010 in the U.K.  And now younger audiences who may only know Dr. Who through its more recent re-incarnation on BBC and BBC America will be introduced to this classic Dr. Who character.  In turn, it could lead those same audiences to gain interest in the more classic Dr. Who series.  On the same tip, it could re-ignite the love for the classic series that fans of that series once had while also generating interest both in this spinoff and in the new Dr. Who franchise.  So while it may have only lasted a total of twenty-six episodes, K-9: The Complete Series is a valuable addition to the library of any fan of Dr. Who.

K-9: The Complete Series was originally aimed at younger audiences during its original run overseas.  And while it was aimed at younger audiences, it’s still a fun show for any fan of the seminal sci-fi series.  Fans of the original series will like this updated take on the companion to The Fourth Doctor’s (Played by actor Tom Baker) robotic companion.  Actor John Leeson reprised his role once again for this series.  And yet again, he was the right choice for the job, as he showed that he had just as much chemistry with a new generation of companions (ba-dump-bump-bump) as he did with the original doctors.  He even got the chance to be a little bit edgier than he would have had with K-9’s previous incarnation, since he is working with a group of teens in the setting of late Twenty-First century London.  That more edgy side will especially entertain younger audiences.  And it may be just as entertaining to some older audiences that are more familiar with the original K-9.  They will even be impressed with his updated look, which is explained away through the plot element in the very first episode, ‘Regeneration.’  This instance of K-9 sacrificing himself isn’t the first time that the robotic dog has done so.  Long-time Dr. Who fans will recall that it has done this before.  And just as interesting is that this is one of very few references made to the original Dr. Who series made anywhere in this specific spinoff.  The only fleeting references made to the original series (including in the bonus “Interview with K-9” feature) are a result of broadcasting and distribution rights, allegedly.  But that is not entirely an issue as this series is certain to garner enough interest in that franchise to lead to a younger generation giving that franchise new life.

While there is little to no reference in K-9 to Dr. Who, it doesn’t necessarily need a link to the aforementioned sci-fi hit as it manages to succeed on its own thanks to the show’s writing staff and those behind the show’s production and costumes.  The show—one part Torchwood, and one part Men in Black—starts out as a grouping of stand-alone episodes.  But even when it does start to become a serial, it still manages to maintain its balance of comedy for younger audiences and action for all audiences, thus keeping audiences engaged throughout every episode.  The show’s writers are to be commended for this.  Everything leads up to a number of revelations that no one would have seen coming.  For all the enjoyment that K-9: The Complete Series offers, it’s sad that it only lasted twenty-six episodes.  The final minutes of the series finale were predictable.  But that’s not a bad thing.  If anything, it will leave audiences who have made their way to those moments wish more episodes had been written, as it leaves the door wide open for even more adventures.  One can only hope that perhaps one day those episodes will happen, and when they do, they will be given more opportunity both in the U.K. and here across the pond in the United States.  Until then, audiences finally get to enjoy all twenty-six episodes offered in this collection any time that they want beginning Tuesday, May 7^th.  It will be available both in stores and online.  It can be ordered online via the Shout! Factory store at http://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node/216940. 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Wild Kratts’ New DVD Even More “Wild” Fun For Families

Courtesy: PBS

Martin and Chris Kratt are back again with another new DVD that’s loaded with fun for the whole family.  This latest DVD features two more episodes for parents and kids to enjoy.  It also boasts a pair of activities that parents can do with their kids or that teachers can use in the classroom.  One of those activities offers kids the chance to make their very own passport.  The other, a bat box project, is more closely relevant to this latest DVD.  It teaches kids and adults like how to build an actual bat box and where to best place them in order to offer bats a place to live.  Also included is a link to a website that teaches about a fungus that is killing off the bat population.  Together with the two episodes included in this latest disc, it makes for more fun for the whole family.

The first of the two episodes included in this disc is titled “Rainforest Stew.”  Sounds like an odd name, yes.  But it’s this episode that is most closely linked to the bonus family friendly bat box building activity.  “Rainforest Stew” teaches in large part, the importance of how every member of a given ecosystem works together, and the impact that the loss of even one member of said ecosystem can have.  The lesson is taught when the Kratt brothers have to go up against Gourmand once again.  This time they have to stop him from trying to make a “rainforest stew” from animals in the rainforest.  Of course, the brothers Kratt come out on top.  The episode as a whole continues that tradition of offering plenty of entertainment and information for audiences.  And there is also the continued original animation style that sets the show completely apart from other animated and CG-based shows out there.

Gourmand isn’t the only villain that Martin, Chris, and their friends have to face off against in the Kratt brothers’ new DVD.  They also have to face off against Zach Varmitech again. This time, Zach is after a rare Black Jaguar in South America.  Chris and Martin have to intervene and protect the young jaguar from Zach as he intends to use it for his own evil reasons.  Just as with “Rainforest Stew”, “Shadow: The Black Jaguar” offers audiences even more entertainment and information expertly balanced.  The show’s writers are yet again to be commended as young viewers especially won’t even know that they are learning about biology through this episode.  They learn about the difference between dominant and recessive traits in this episode.  That this lesson is made so viewer friendly is more tribute to the work put in by the show’s writers to keep kids entertained while also teaching lessons that could be referenced in the classroom.

The writers behind this wonderfully entertaining show did an outstanding job of mixing entertainment and information in both of the disc’s featured episodes.  And the artists behind the show continue to play their own part in making Wild Kratts stand apart from all the other kids’ shows out there today, both on PBS Kids and on mainstream television.  This all comes together to make this latest DVD just as enjoyable as previous Wild Kratts DVDs.  The bonus activities included on the disc make this new disc even more enjoyable.  Parents, kids, students, and teachers alike will especially appreciate the “Bat Box” activity.  It teaches how to build a “bat box” that bats can use for a home away from home of sorts.  And thanks to the link included in the activity, everybody can learn more about a fungus called “White Nose Syndrome” that is killing bats.  There is also a listing of books and other websites that parents and teachers can use to help learn even more about bats and their impact on different ecosystems.  The information on the page raised via the link explains in depth what “White Nose Syndrome” is.  It’s definitely interesting, and will interest viewers, too.  As in depth as it is, it’s still easy enough for the average viewer to comprehend, and then understand the importance of trying to help the bat population in one’s own region.

As one should be able to note from all of this, while this new DVD may boast only two more episodes, those two episodes  alone have more than enough entertainment and educational content to please both adults and children alike.  The same can be said of the bonus activities that can be accessed simply by putting the disc in one’s computer and opening by going to “My Computer.”  By the time kids and their parents—or teachers—have taken in everything that this disc has to offer, they’ll agree that it’s proof that one should never judge a book—or a DVD—by its cover.  It is available in stores and online now, and can be ordered online direct via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Decoding Neanderthals A Good Companion To What Makes Us Human

Courtesy: PBS

Decoding Neanderthals is a welcome companion piece to the recent release of What Makes Us Human? from PBS’ NOVA ScienceNow.  This recent episode of NOVA was released to DVD in late March.  It expands greatly on the concepts raised through the previously mentioned program.  It keeps the concepts discussed simple enough for casual viewers to understand, too.  It does this through interviews with scientists and academics as well as filmed segments used to help illustrate the concepts discussed.  Among the concepts discussed in this program are: what is believed to have actually happened to Neanderthals, how Neanderthals survived the ice age, and the effect of Neanderthals’ fate on modern humans.  Decoding Neanderthals isn’t What Makes Us Human? But considering that it expands so well on the aforementioned program, it is a program that any student of the anthropological sciences will appreciate, as will even the most casual viewer.

Decoding Neanderthals picks up pretty much right where What Makes Us Human? left off.  The latter of the two programs discussed how physical and natural factors set us apart from Neanderthals.  The connecting thread though, is that of genetics.  Where What Makes Us Human? offers a casual glimpse at the genetic connection between modern humans and Neanderthals, Decoding Neanderthals goes into more depth, explaining that genetics has proven that perhaps humans didn’t wipe out Neanderthals, but actually interbred with them, thus leading to the eventual assimilation of Neanderthals into the much larger population of humans that originally came from Africa.  It’s just one concept on which this program expands from the prior program.  Of course, the genetic sciences are just the tip of the iceberg that makes this episode of NOVA so interesting.  Students of the social sciences will appreciate this program in its discussions of Neanderthals’ use of makeup and even social behavior such as burying their dead.

Scientists and academics interviewed for this program reveal in their discussions that Neanderthals actually used makeup and other items of personal decoration.  Even more interesting to note is the theory that just as sports fans use face and body paint at events, so did Neanderthals use face and body paint to determine who was friend and who was foe.  This could perhaps serve as more proof of the genetic interbreeding of Neanderthals and humans as such a behavior would have been passed down through that interbreeding.  The same can be said of the discovery of what is believed to be a burial site for Neanderthals.  That they would take part in such a social behavior as we do serves as even more solid proof that said theory of interbreeding has even more ground on which to stand.  And along with the expanded discussions on the tools used by Neanderthals, viewers get in this episode of NOVA, a program that answers a lot of questions about mankind’s past.  It’s a piece that crosses scientific lines, resulting in a product that makes for a wonderful addition to any college level biology and anthropology course as well as the home library of anyone that has even the most fleeting of interest in this subject.  It’s available now on DVD and can be ordered online at PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Rise Of The Drones Good For Any Military Enthusiast

Courtesy: PBS

PBS’ Rise of the Drones is a fitting documentary for anyone that has any interest in military warfare and the technology associated therewith.  It is an aptly titled piece, as it follows the course of events that has led to the increasing presence and use of drones both in the military world and that of “international affairs.”  It does this by explaining the history of spy planes; from the famed U2 to the equally famed SR-71 Blackbird, audiences see first-hand how the military and specific government agencies have used specific technologies with the times, all the way to the current era.  Before anyone begins to think that any agenda might be being pushed here, viewers can be assured that there is no bias in this near hour long documentary.  The roughly fifty-two minute program (not counting end credits) presents both the good and the bad of the increasing presence of drones around the world.  Military buffs and historians will also appreciate the use of actual footage of the SR-71 Blackbird and the U2 to illustrate where military technology was and the direction in which it may well be headed increasingly in the very near future.

For all of the good that drones have proven to our nation’s armed forces and government agencies, they are not without their faults.  And as viewers will see in this unbiased feature, the concerns with drones are not many per se.  But they do give reason to be concerned.  One of the main concerns raised in the program is that of personal privacy.  The concern is raised that as easy as it would be to biud even a small drone in one’s own garage, how long would it be before ordinary citizens are using drones to invade one another’s privacy, the potential military misuse aside.  Also noted as a concern is the fact that drones are robotic.  Yes, they serve a certain amount of good.  But as is the case with any machine, they are machines first and foremost.  So where a live pilot could take evasive maneuvers if need be, a drone is handled by an operator that could be half a world away.  This could lead to reduced reaction time and thus the potential shooting down of a drone.  This is exemplified in the recent ordeal that the military had when a U.S. drone somehow fell into Iranian hands.  One side said the drone was shot down.  The other disputes that, stating that an internal error within the drone caused it to go down.  In short, whereas drones may be expendable, the use of them comes with just as much risk as the use of a real pilot in dangerous situations.  And drones, as noted, are not always accurate.  Viewers will see stories taken straight from the headlines in which drone strikes on innocent civilians have led to international incidents.  Even with the most advanced technology, this is still an issue.

The concerns raised over the use of drones that are noted here are fully justified.  And while they are justified, those in favor of using drones have just as much of an argument.  Those arguments are also pointed out, again showing the programs total lack of bias.  Those in favor point out the comparison of training time for drone pilots versus that of pilots who actually sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet.  The time to train for “piloting” a drone is far less than that of an actual pilot.  Also indirectly noted as a positive, is the amount of time which drones can spend in the air.  Whereas fighter jets have to refuel after a given amount of time, certain drones can actually stay aloft as long as thirty-five hours without coming down or re-fueling.  There is also the impact on the human cost.  An increase of drones being used means less chance of pilots and soldiers being killed both on the ground and in the air.  Keeping this in mind and comparing it to the positives discussed in the program, it’s easy to see this is a discussion that is certain to go on for the foreseeable future.  It’s sure to create discussion among both casual military enthusiasts, among politicians, and those familiar with drones.  The political points raised on both sides make it an equally interesting addition to any college level political science course, too.

As one can already see from the pros and cons of drones listed in Rise of the Drones, drones are a good tool that can be effectively used in order to protect America from its enemies.  But it no drone is perfect.  It is not an ends, but more a means to an end perhaps.  If the discussions raised on both sides aren’t enough to interest viewers, then the animations and actual footage of the SR-71 Blackbird and the U2 will add to the program’s interest level.  Together with the discussions raised, this footage makes Rise of the Drones a program that any military and political enthusiast will want to watch at least once.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

NOVA ScienceNow Latest Another Enjoyable Episode

Courtesy: PBS

NOVA ScienceNOW is one of the best series that PBS has.  Whereas NOVA is more documentary style programming, NOVA ScienceNOW is more accessible to average viewers.  Host David Pogue introduces topics that would have otherwise been presented mainly as a documentary in NOVA, and makes it easier to understand in this series, thus really making science fun.   And the program, What Makes Us Human?  Is proof positive of that fun.

In this latest presentation from NOVA ScienceNOW, Pogue asks the question, what is it that sets humans apart not only from other animals, but from our ancient ancestors.  He examines our differences from the noted categories first by studying the factors that made early humans and Neanderthals different.  This first investigation is a wonderful tart to the presentation.  Audiences will laugh out loud as Pogue is first turned into a Neanderthal by a group of art students.  The makeup and prosthetics used to turn Pogue into a Neanderthal were based largely on a discussion that Pogue had with a scientist who has studied the cranial differences between humans and Neanderthals.  This mix of entertainment and educational content are just the first step in the enjoyment of this feature.  Viewers will also love watching Pogue try his hand at making a primitive hand axe. 

From the ability to make primitive tools and natural adaptations, Pogue notes more factors that set us apart from both Neanderthals. One of those factors is the ability to communicate vocally.  He examines how something as simple as a bone and the ability to laugh set us apart from our Stone Age ancestors.  This is examined through the comparison of the “vocal abilities” of baby primates and baby humans.  As Pogue notes, who doesn’t love the sight and sound of a baby laughing.  Footage of babies laughing in various situations from YouTube are included to help highlight this portion of the discussion on what sets humans apart from the rest of the animal kingdom.  Again, something as simple as this make this feature much more relatable and accessible to audiences, and thus more enjoyable.

The content of What Makes Us Human? makes it another wonderful addition to PBS’ Nova ScienceNow series.  On a more level, the manner in which each section of the feature is separated is another positive.  Rather than just going from one topic to another, the near hour long feature—it actually runs just over fifty-three minutes not counting credits—is broken up using slates introducing each section.  These momentary breaks make the program that much easier to follow for audiences of all ages.  And it is also another way in which the Nova offshoot separates itself from its “parent” product yet makes itself just as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable.  Along with the viewer friendly content, it shows once again the value of not only Nova ScienceNOW but of programming in general on PBS.  This program is available now online and can be ordered via the PBs online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Henry Ford An In-Depth Look At The Life of An American Auto Pioneer

Courtesy: PBS/Liberty Mutual Insurance/Alfred P. Slaon Foundation/National Endowment For The Humanities/CPB/WGHB

PBS’ documentary on auto pioneer Henry Ford is an interesting piece for anyone that has or has ever had any interest in the history not only of Ford but of the auto industry.  Its release was rather well timed what with the American auto industry trying to make a comeback after the troubles that the industry has had in recent years as a result of the economy.  While it is somewhat lengthy—it clocks in at two hours—it offers a glimpse of a man that likely few have ever known.  And it has something that will any car enthusiast will find interesting.  It offers an in-depth look at Ford’s life from his early childhood living on a farm to his later years.  Audiences will see Ford as a man who was driven throughout the better part of his life.  He wanted to be the best in the game both in business and even in racing.  Because of his drive (no pun intended), he was also a very shrewd businessman.  Audiences will be shocked to learn that as driven and respected as he was, Ford apparently started going downhill later in his life.  He began to show anti-Semitic leanings.  And his family life started to take a hit, too as he got older.

The story told through this documentary is enlightening for anyone that has any interest in the history of America’s very first automobile industry.  It even includes an item of interest for fans of auto racing, too.  As noted early in the documentary, Ford actually raced his car in the nation’s very first auto race in Michigan.  It notes that he won that race in a come-from-behind win after the car of one of his competitors broke down.  From there, he would go on to a handful of other wins, and would later incorporate Ford Motor Company.  This goes back somewhat to the recent discussions in NASCAR centered on the new “Gen 6” car as it was made to look like street cars so as to encourage buyers to go out and buy cars on Monday that win races on Sundays.

Ford’s life and his influence on America and its economy is eye opening in so many ways as seen through this program.  Making it even more interesting is the inclusion of actual photos and video of Ford’s life and accomplishments.  They are excellent visual aids that help to move the story along over the course of its two-hour run time.  Audiences get to see firsthand, footage of the workers on what would become the country’s first assembly line and pictures of the nation’s very first race.  Also included are pictures of the very first two-seater created by Ford (essentially the country’s very first sport coupe).  The pictures and footage of Ford later in his life are just as interesting to see as those of the empire that this once great man had created early in his life.  The images and footage together fit very well with the story told by various academics to make a story that anyone with an interest in the auto industry will enjoy.

From the garages of America’s auto enthusiasts, to the garages of NASCAR, and from the assembly lines to conference rooms of today’s auto industry, Henry Ford will interest anyone who has anything to do with cars.  Because of its history, it’s a tool that could even be used in the classroom for anyone studying auto technology or related courses at colleges and tech schools across the nation.  It is available now to order online.  It can be ordered direct via the PBS online store, http://www.shoppbs.org.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Cold Warriors More About Wolves Than Buffalo

Courtesy: PBS/Canon/CPB/WNET Thirteen

PBS’ latest documentary from its Nature series is exactly what audiences would expect from the series.  Cold Warriors: Wolves and Buffalo is a beautifully shot work that takes audiences into the Canadian wilds that while it’s somewhat unbalanced in its content, is still worth viewing at least once.  The title of the latest entry in PBS’ Nature series is misleading, considering that the bulk of the feature is spent not so much on the relationship between buffalo and wolves, but on the wolves’ social and hunting habits.  In the feature’s defense, it can be said that what saves it is its stunning cinematography and equally beautiful backdrops as well as the subtle notes of the wolves’ habits.  The program was filmed in the Wood Buffalo National Park.  The aerial shots of the park are stunning to say the least.  Audiences get glimpses of the park both during its winter months, covered in snow, and in its warmer months.  Seeing the buffalo herds and the wolf pack moving along the terrain is especially interesting from the air in that audiences will note the tracks in the ground.  They may not be, but they come across as the same tracks that both followed in the snow.  Equally interesting to note is that while some of the wolves will help divide and conquer a herd, others stick close together, even travelling in a line both when hunting and simply travelling.

The backdrops and cinematography incorporated into Cold Warriors are both impressive.  They carry the roughly hour long feature on their backs.  Thanks to these aspects, the feature’s lesser aspects are made more bearable.  The program’s title leads one to believe that its focus is on the seeming relationship between the two groups.  But documentarian Jeff Turner openly spends more time on what he dubs the “Delta Pack” of wolves that he is tracking than on the buffalo, thus somewhat negating any concept of a relationship between the two groups of animals.  The manner in which the two groups are portrayed makes the buffalo come across as little more than prey for the wolves.  He doesn’t really spend any time focusing on the social habits of the buffalo.  And while Turner makes note of man’s potential impact on both groups early in the program, audiences don’t even get any of this discussion until late in the feature’s final minutes.   Given, the packaging for this feature does note that the focus would be on the wolves.  But that being the case, the feature’s title becomes rather misleading.  For all of this, it does still have its merits.

Cold Warriors is not the best of PBS’ Nature series.  Though, it is worth at least one watch.  As already noted, the cinematography and setting are both beautiful and stunning.  They do so much to move the special along.  They are just part of what makes this feature interesting.  Also interesting to note here is the wolves’ behavioral patterns. Their ability to communicate specific messages with very specific howls is an eye opener.  Most people would think with a casual glance that a howl is a howl.  But as Turner shows in his footage, that’s anything but true.  He shows that a single howl can bring together an entire group of wolves to help hunt for buffalo.  It’s proof of very intelligent behavior.  We as humans like to believe that we are the smartest beings on the planet.  But the “Delta Pack’s” ability to communicate in such fashion is yet more proof of the intelligence of other animals.  This along with Turner’s shooting style and the backdrops make Cold Warriors a presentation that any nature lover should see at least once.  

Cold Warriors is available now.  It can be ordered online now at http://www.shoppbs.org.  Audiences should note that being a nature program, some scenes may not be entirely suitable for some viewers.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks.wordpress.com.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.