Syria Behind The Lines A Powerful, In-Depth Investigation Of The Syrian Civil War

Courtesy: PBS

Tensions in the Middle Eastern nation of Syria seem to be at an all-time high. Allegations recently came to light that President Bashar Al Assad’s regime used chemical weapons on its own people.  This is just the latest black eye for the war ravaged nation.  As the unrest in the country continues, PBS examines what is at the heart of this bloody feud and the effect of the conflict on both sides in the latest episode of Frontline, Syria Behind The Lines.

Frontline: Syria Behind The Lines is a deep and powerful look at a conflict that has raged for years in this Middle Eastern nation.  It shows the devastation brought on by both the Syrian rebels and those fighting for the Al Assad regime in the war.  Just as interesting to note as the human cost of the war, is the view that people on both sides of the war have towards involvement in the war by Westerners.  One side notes that it wants the country to be the way it used to be although it fights on the side of Assad’s regime.  On the other side, viewers are presented with those fighting for freedom and democracy in Syria.  The juxtaposition of the peaceful Syrian countryside to the devastated city streets and walls is just as powerful a statement made by film maker Olly Lambert.  Both sides obviously want peace.  Yet neither side wants to work toward peace.  This can only mean that the only way the city will be as peaceful as the countryside is for no one to remain in Syria’s Orontes River Valley.

The revelation of the seeming price of peace in Syria is painful.  And the sentiment regarding intervention by Western nations is sure to generate just much discussion among viewers as the topic of the war itself and whether the United States should be involved in this conflict.  The recent allegations that the Al Assad regime used chemical weapons on the rebels will only heighten that discussion along with the consideration of political tensions on Capitol Hill.  Seeing the violence firsthand that has ravaged Syria brings home just how much pain and loss has been created as a result of the ongoing war.  It is made obvious that the war is rooted deeply in religious and political beliefs much like so many conflicts throughout human history.  This adds one more angle for discussion among both casual viewers and experts and talking heads.  Keeping all of this in mind, viewers can’t help but agree that those behind Frontline have succeeded once again in maintaining the program’s positive reputation with this feature.  Frontline: Syria Behind The Lines will be available next Tuesday, June 25^th.  It can be ordered online direct from the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=20299416&cp=&kw=syria+behind+the+lines&origkw=Syria+Behind+The+Lines&sr=1.

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Deer Documentary An Interesting Release From PBS

Courtesy: PBS

The deer is one of the most beautiful and graceful of nature’s creatures.  While urban sprawl has drastically increased throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the population of deer has actually increased as well.  And as the deer population in North America, so have the opportunities to document the lives of these beautiful creatures.  Suburban residents, semi-professional naturalists and even professionals alike have had plenty of opportunity to document the behavior patterns of deer as humans and deer increasingly cross paths.  Thus audiences get another enjoyable episode of PBS’ series of animal adventures, Nature, titled, The Private Life of Deer.

The Private Life of Deer is quite the interesting look at an animal that is so visible each year across every part of the country.  As it shows and notes on the back of the DVD case, deer are quite visible across the country.  But as it reveals, these seemingly simple animals are far more complex than anyone might have ever thought.  It points out that they are quite the social animals.  One of the most interesting facts of which viewers will take note comes early on in the program.  Narrator Howard McGillin notes indirectly that urban sprawl has actually created ideal situations for deer.  This is, as is noted, because it provides plenty of food for deer as they will eat pretty much any plant life, including that which grows in backyard gardens.  It’s gotten so out of hand that suburban residents have had to resort to putting up fences high enough that deer can’t jump over them.  Apparently that doesn’t seem to work, as footage included in the program shows.  There are other interesting facts included in this episode of Nature that audiences will enjoy discovering such as the social interaction of deer.  Viewers will find interesting that it’s not only bucks that literally butt heads with one another.  The doe go head to head, too.  Just as interesting is the early note of communication between deer.  In particular is the communication of warning between deer by the simple twitching of the deer’s tail.  Who would ever have imagined something so simple could mean so much?  It is one more of so many amazing facts that viewers will learn in watching this documentary.

The facts taught about deer through this episode of Nature are interesting in that they prove that most people do not know as much as they might perhaps believe about them.  It’s another plus for PBS’ hit series.  Just as impressive as the facts revealed through the program are the general structure and cinematography of the episode.  The structure was such that it was simple for any viewer to follow.  What’s more, it easily keeps viewers engaged as it transitions from one topic to another and maintains its simplicity through each segment of the episode.  The cinematography was just as impressive as the segments themselves.  Watching the deer make jumps over the tallest of fences as first hand witnesses describe their disbelief will in itself leave viewers in disbelief.  That’s because the deer don’t look like they should be able to jump that high.  It’s already known that deer are good jumpers.  But the ability to jump over a six-foot high fence is incredible.  Equally incredible is the footage of the elusive “ghost deer.”  This deer is so called as it is an albino deer.  As is the case with any albino animal, the “ghost deer” is extremely rare.  So having the opportunity to see it even on film is still an extraordinary experience, especially so close-up.  There are so many other wonderful cinematic moments that work with the presentation’s overall structure.  Viewers will find their own favorite moments throughout the near hour long episode when they order the brand new DVD, which is available now in the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=20029976&cp=&kw=the+private+life+of+deer&origkw=The+Private+Life+of+Deer&sr=1.

Fans of PBS’ Nature can keep up with all of the latest news on the show when they “Like” the official Nature Facebook page and website at http://www.facebook.com/PBSNature and http://www.pbs.org/nature.  Fans can also keep up with the latest news and more on the show from the official PBS Facebook page and website at http://www.facebook.com/pbs and http://www.pbs.org.

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From Dust To Dreams A Concert Dream Come True

Courtesy: PBS

Las Vegas is typically known by its nickname, “Sin City.”  The other “city that never sleeps” is dominated by gambling, girls, and much more.  Because of that reputation, few people would ever associate the famed city with a center for the performing arts.  But there is in fact a center for the performing and cultural arts in Las Vegas now in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.  Thanks to PBS, audiences that weren’t able to be in attendance at the celebration of the center’s opening can now re-live the concert event any time that they want.

from Dust to Dreams: Opening Night at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts chronicles the celebration held in honor of the center’s opening.  What can be said of this performance but it was an impressive show from a who’s who of the music and entertainment community.  Performers the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Mavis Staples, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and more than can be named here took part in the two-hour long celebration of the arts coming to Las Vegas at long last.  Host of the Tonys and star of CBS’ How I Met Your Mother served as emcee of this presentation.  What’s interesting to note about his presence in this performance is how much different it was in comparison to what audiences have become accustomed to from the actor.  This isn’t a bad thing, either.  If anything, it only serves to heighten the enjoyment of the overall presentation.  Add in expertly mixed audio and video, and audiences get what is in retrospect one of the best live recordings of 2012.

The very first thing that can be noted of from Dust to Dreams is that it opens and closes in fine fashion.  The opening number performed by trumpet player Arturo Sandoval.  Sandoval’s performance was an outstanding opener for the two-hour event.  His control over his instrument shows the result of his years of training.  This is especially the case when he hits the final high note of his opening number.  Far too often, some overzealous performers hit high notes in songs, thinking they sound good.  But in reality the performers in question are blasting out the notes, resulting in a very harsh sound.  That wasn’t the case with Sandoval’s performance.  His performance got the energy flowing and set the bar for what was to come through the rest of the show’s performances.

The performances that follow that of Sandoval hold the bar quite well.  Whether the medley of songs from Man of La Mancha and West Side Story, the classic country of veteran artist Willie Nelson, or even the more rocking sounds of John Fogerty, this show spans the musical spectrum and will entertain audiences of all ages and musical tastes.  Adding to the enjoyment of the concert is the presence of emcee Neil Patrick Harris.  Yes, Harris was more subdued in his hosting duties here than as host of the Tonys.  But this was an entirely different event.  Even the performers had their time on stage limited as there were so many performers.  What’s more, Harris did offer his share of pretty funny jokes when he was on stage.  Audiences need to keep this in mind in considering his performance as emcee of this event.  In doing so, those same individuals will enjoy the laughs that Harris shares when he is on stage.

The performance of host Neil Patrick Harris and that of the show’s performers make from Dust to Dreams quite the enjoyable live recording.  One would be remiss though, to ignore the importance of the show’s audio and video mix.  Going back to the show’s opening number by Arturo Sandoval straight through to the show’s closing number, the audio and video have been expertly mixed.  There are some songs that absolutely soar throughout the course of this program.  And then there are other, more subtle pieces that were captured so well.  Whether one has a home surround sound theater or not, one can still experience so much.  Those that do have home theater systems will appreciate the performances even more.  That’s because the picture will look crystal clear on an HDTV and the sound will sound just as clear.  This is especially true for those with surround sound.  It is these aspects that make the overall presentation on this DVD so enjoyable.  In retrospect, it makes this collection of performances one of the best live recordings of 2012.  From Dust to Dreams is available now.  It can be ordered online direct from the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=13233132&cp=&sr=1&kw=from+dust+to+dreams&origkw=from+Dust+to+Dreams&parentPage=search&searchId=1374600.

Fans of PBS and its programming can keep up with all of the latest news, releases and more from the network online at http://ww.facebook.com/pbs and at http://www.pbs.org.

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Ghost Army One Of The Greatest Generation’s Greatest Stories

Courtesy: PBS

PBS’ latest WWII documentary, The Ghost Army is another of this year’s best documentaries.  While it will not be available until next Tuesday, June 18^th, its release was still quite well timed with the recent passing of last week’s 68^th anniversary of D-Day.  There are so many stories that have been told about the members of “The Greatest Generation” as they were so properly termed by former broadcaster Tom Brokaw.  Sadly, as each year passes, there are fewer and fewer members of said generation left to share the stories of WWII.  One can only wonder how many stories will never be told because of this.  Thankfully though, PBS has managed to recover what is perhaps one of the least told stories of WWII with this new release.  It is one that regardless of whether one has an interest in war history, art history, or history in general, will appeal to so many audiences. 

The Ghost Army is on the surface one more story of WWII.  What makes it so special is that while there are so many stories that have been told, the story of the Ghost Army has not been told nearly as much as others.  That is because as members of the then secret military outfit noted, their operations were kept classified for some four decades after the war ended.  So while some books have been written on the group of soldiers, little else has been created or even published about this group of men.  That being noted, the stories shared by those that served with the Ghost Army will amaze any viewer.  It’s incredible to believe that this group of soldiers was able to outsmart so many Nazi divisions with just speakers and a bunch of inflatable weaponry and vehicles.  It’s so incredible in that for decades mankind has marveled at how advanced the Nazi forces were in terms of their military technology in comparison to the United States.  The Ghost Army didn’t need all of the high tech rockets and other tech to hold off the Nazi forces.  It’s a true statement to American know-how and creativity.

Speaking of the creativity of the Ghost Army, art lovers will appreciate this program as it notes that many of the men that staffed the Ghost Army were in fact artists.  It was because of their talent as artists that the Ghost Army was able to pull such acts of deception over not just the Nazi forces, but their own forces, too.  At one point, narrator Peter Coyote notes that an airfield built by the Ghost Army was so convincing that an American recon plane landed and was summarily told to get out of there, so as to not blow their cover.  That is a tribute to the talents of all involved from brainchild to reality.  And as viewers will learn in the show’s closing minutes, many of those same men came to be some of America’s best known and respected individuals in the worlds of art and fashion.  On a side note, it should be noted here that some of the unit’s men had some real talent with a pencil and pen.  That’s revealed through drawings and etchings crafted by the men during trips to Paris.  Parents should note that these drawings in question do contain at least some slight nudity.  One drawing does reveal a woman’s breasts under a very sheer negligee.  It’s just one of a handful of drawings that some older audiences might not think appropriate for younger viewers to see.  So parents and teachers should use their discretion here.  Sure the stories connected to the drawings will have viewers laughing.  But the drawings themselves might be a bit much for some viewers. 

The stories shared by the members of the Ghost Army are quite eye opening and impressive to say the least.  Just as impressive is the understanding that the simple use of theatrics was able to hold off so much of the German army.  And to learn that certain members of the Ghost Army went on to become highly successful in their art and fashion related careers is even more incredible.  There is one more factor in The Ghost Army that makes it an impressive documentary.  That factor is the original footage taped through operations conducted by the once top secret military outfit.  The footage helps to fully illustrate what the Ghost Army did and the impact of its operations.  It helps to pass on what is perhaps one of the most incredible stories of the Greatest Generation for a whole new generation (and generations to come).   All of these stories and revelations shared in The Ghost Army prove even more, the value and importance of public broadcasting.  The program will be available next Tuesday, June 18^th.  It can be ordered online direct via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=20299476&cp=&kw=the+ghost+army&origkw=The+Ghost+Army&sr=1.

 Anyone wanting more information on The Ghost Army and any other PBS program can get all the latest and more online at http://www.facebook.com/pbs and http://www.pbs.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.

Cuban Missile Crisis Documentary Another Interesting Piece From PBS

Courtesy: PBS

Early in 2013, tensions between North and South Korea almost reached a head, with the United States’ almost becoming involved.  That moment left many wondering if the world was once again on the brink of war.  Thankfully that didn’t happen.  There is an irony to this as not long before the buildup in the Koreas happened, PBS released a documentary about another moment of human history in which the world also nearly reached all out war.  That moment was the now infamous Cuban Missile Crisis.  And now thanks to Cuban Missile Crisis: Three Men Go To War, a new generation can hopefully learn from the past and keep a moment such as this (or another situation such as with the Koreas) from happening again.

Cuban Missile Crisis: Three Men Go to War is more proof of the value of public broadcasting.  This near hour long documentary is an unbiased look at the political tensions of the time and how they almost led the “Doomsday Clock” to strike midnight.  The documentary presents the building tensions through interviews with those that were very closely connected to everything that happened.  Most interesting is that among those interviewed for the documentary is the son of Nikita Khrushchev, Sergei.  What makes his inclusion in the program important is that it offers a new perspective on this truly important moment in history.  His commentary shows that the feeling of the then U.S.S.R. being the bad guy went the other way.  The feeling in Russia was much the same about the U.S.  Interestingly enough, this came right around the time that the space race had started, too.  Tensions between the two nations were already high as is because of this.  So add in talks of military buildup, and tensions increase even more. 

The commentary on the part of Sergei Khrushchev is just one commentary that makes this documentary so interesting.  Other academics and high ranking military officials are also interviewed for the program, adding to the program’s interest.  The commentaries combine with the actual audio footage of then President Kennedy discussing with his advisors, a plan of action concerning how to react to actions by Cuba and the Soviets make the feature all the more hard hitting.  Also added in to the feature is footage of events directly tied to the crisis.  This footage will take viewers back to this pivotal moment in which two of the world’s went toe to toe.  The footage, the audio recordings, and the interviews all come together to make this documentary a piece that is a very good fit for any high school and even introductory level college history class.  It’s just as enjoyable for any history buff that wants a brief overview of this important period in history.  It is available now and can be ordered online from the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=15506546&cp=&kw=cuban+missile+crisis+three+men+go+to+war&origkw=Cuban+Missile+Crisis+Three+Men+go+To+War&sr=1.

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NOVA Sure To Start Discussions With Inside The Megastorm

Courtesy: PBS

PBS debuted earlier this Spring, a new episode of its hit science program, NOVA that is a good fit for the start of the annual hurricane season in Hurricane Sandy: Inside the Megastorm.  Being that this year’s hurricane season starts tomorrow, June 1^st, what better time for audiences to check out this episode?  Hurricane Sandy: Inside the Megastorm is an interesting look into what was the single most destructive storm of the 2012 hurricane season.  It offers viewers a first-hand look at the destruction caused throughout New York and New Jersey through those that were affected by the storm.  It also uses interviews with professionals and academics to explain what exactly led to the creation of what would eventually be termed, “Frankenstorm” because it hit right around Halloween.  In connection, the discussions on whether or not global warming played a role in its power is certain to become a point of contention as they seem to counter one another.  Despite noting discussions on what can be done to better protect ourselves from megastorms, those discussions are in fact extremely brief.  Luckily, everything else that went into this program more than makes up for that lack, leading this episode to be another interesting feature from NOVA.

The majority of the roughly hour-long feature on Hurricane Sandy is spent telling the story of Sandy’s creation to its aftermath.  Most interesting to note here is how those in the Northeast largely played it off because of the ineffectiveness of Hurricane Irene, which hit the New York region in 2011.  This is the same mentality shared among so many throughout the East Coast and Gulf Coast to this day.  But obviously that view has changed as a result of Sandy.  The sights of flooding and the stories of the lives affected by the storm will move any viewer; sometimes even to the point of tears.  This is just the tip of the iceberg.  The very brief discussion on the European hurricane models and how they, too were ignored makes the story of this originally unassuming storm even more interesting.  Viewers will take interest in the note that officials with NOAA had themselves ignored European models that had months prior predicted Sandy would in fact make its fateful Westerly turn and head straight into the heart of New York and New Jersey.  This adds interest in that Americans rarely—if ever—hear anything from forecasters in the U.S. about European models versus American models each year.  Perhaps this could be the point of discussion in a later episode of NOVA.

While this episode serves as a starting point for a deeper discussion on European hurricane models versus American “spaghetti models”, the discussions on whether or not global warming played a role in Sandy’s size and destructive power are sure to become even more of a point of contention among viewers, whether citizens or professional meteorologists.  Viewers should know that the program does in fact note that a Nor’easter did play a role in the storm’s size and strength.  That fact is not ignored here.  But later in the program, individuals are interviewed to discuss the role of global warming on Sandy and potential future storms.  Those that pay close attention will note that the discussions tend to contradict one another. At first, it is noted that there is no definitive link between global warming and the size and strength of storms, nor their frequency.  In almost the same breath though, those same individuals note that there is a connection between rising atmospheric temperatures and water temperatures, which are in turn, linked to the decrease in ice at the polar ice caps, rising ocean levels, and rising water temperatures thus causing an increase not so much in the quantity of storms, but in their power.  The discussions in question are even more in depth.  This is just a quick overview.  But from this alone, it certainly seems that the discussions included here are very contradictory and are certain to be a point of major contention.  Is this a good thing or a bad thing?  The answer to that is sure to be rather contentious in itself.  Because of that, it’s just one more factor that makes Hurricane Sandy: Inside the Megastorm a program that anyone will want to see, whether casual viewer or a professional within the “weather industry.”  Hurricane Sandy: Inside the Megastorm is available now.  It can be ordered online via the PBS store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=17355946&cp=&kw=inside+the+megastorm&origkw=Inside+The+Megastorm&sr=1. 

To keep up with the latest news from NOVA, fans can follow the show on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NOVAonline and at http://www.pbs.org/nova. 

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.

Secrets Of The Viking Sword Another Interesting Addition To PBS’ NOVA Series

Courtesy: PBS

Vikings seem to be rather popular right now thanks to History Channel’s series centered on the legendary figures.  Though there has always been quite an interest in the Vikings because of all the stories that have been passed down through popular media.  Now thanks to PBS, audiences get at least part of the legend surrounding the Vikings cleared up in Secrets of the Viking Sword. 

Secrets of the Viking Sword takes viewers into the rich history of the weapon of choice by the Vikings.  It notes that while many Vikings did in fact use axes in battle, it was only the best of the best that used the sword.  There are those that have criticized this NOVA feature for not going into more depth about how the Viking sword was created.  The complaints range from why there was no explanation as to how the desired heat was achieved to make the initial steel for the sword to why one sword needed multiple layers of metal whereas the Viking sword didn’t.  How the Vikings reached the ideal heat is in fact explained indirectly.  It is explained through a demonstration by a modern day sword smith who creates a sword out of carbon steel.  He creates a kiln of sorts based on a model of what the Vikings would have used.  It is explained that the kiln is closed off at the top and vented at the bottom.  Herein lies the explanation behind how the ideal temperature was reached for their swords to be crafted. 

The complaint regarding why a sword such a Katana needed multiple layers versus the Viking sword is answered in connection to the heat needed to craft the sword and the process used to create it.  Obviously the Vikings did something very right, as it’s shown how a good true carbon steel sword was able to bend without breaking in the heat of battle.  As the narrator notes here, most Viking swords were in fact not used for offensive combat, but for defensive combat.  They were generally not used sword against sword.  Rather, they were used more often than not, to hit shields and break said shields down.  This is perhaps why Viking swords needed fewer layers of steel than perhaps a Katana.  So that complaint regarding this feature is negated, too.

Having rebutted both of those complaints and explained at the same time parts of what made this feature so impressive viewers will also find interesting in watching Secrets of the Viking Sword just how important the sword was to the Vikings.  As one individual interviewed for the feature notes, it was so important that there were in fact counterfeits made, even back then.  And just as today’s counterfeits are of inferior quality to the originals, so were the swords.  The counterfeit swords were not made the way that the originals were made, thus leading to them breaking in battle.  That in itself is a rather interesting cultural note concerning these blades.  It shows the value that the blades had to the Vikings.  And it’s just one more of so much that viewers will learn by watching this roughly hour long feature. It is available now and can be ordered via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=15301706&cp=&kw=viking+sword&origkw=Viking+Sword&sr=1. 

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. 

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.