Match in a Haystack is a documentary set in Ukraine that could be the perfect double bill with Checkpoint Zoo, which was recently released in select theaters. Denver-based filmmaker Joe Hill, whose background is journalism, documents the journeys of three women from one of Ukraine's top contemporary dance troupes. In the wake of the extensive Russian …
Tag: documentary
FlixChatter Review: FOLKTALES (2025) – a wondrous, uplifting documentary showcasing students learning survival skills in the Arctic wilderness
I saw this documentary back in April at MSPIFF, and I’m sure glad I saw this on the big screen. Great documentaries pull you into a world you might not know much about, thanks to firsthand and in-depth storytelling and stunning visuals. That’s the main appeal of Folktales, as it tracks the experiences of a …
Documentary Review: MY MOM JAYNE (2025) – Mariska Hargitay’s cathartic deep dive into her mother’s legacy and letting go of a long-kept secret
I have to admit that I’ve never actually seen a Jayne Mansfield film, so I’m not at all familiar with her work. When I think of Mansfield, I always think of her iconic photo with Sophia Loren at a Beverly Hills dinner that even got its own Wikipedia page! I went into this documentary with …
Documentary Review: WICK IS PAIN (2025) – the agony and ecstasy of bringing the iconic ‘John Wick’ action franchise to life
Few movie franchise deserves a documentary treatment, but the journey of the John Wick action series from independent film to billion-dollar franchise is an intriguing one. Wick Is Pain is such a perfect title, which was borne out of a remark director Chad Stahelski made to its star, Keanu Reeves, more on that later. Stahelski …
MSPIFF Feature Documentary Reviews: 2025’s Jury Award winner CHECKPOINT ZOO + Audience Award winner THE LAST JOURNEY
The MSPIFF just announced this year's award winners, which you can read about here. I just started drafting my reviews of these two documentaries when the news dropped, so let's just say I'm thrilled with the selections! Checkpoint Zoo Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv used to be one of Ukraine's favorite animal sanctuaries, but it ended …
International Women’s Day Special Double Reviews: VERMIGLIO and MAESTRA – two wonderful films directed by women
Happy International Women's Day!! At FlixChatter, I’m all about celebrating female filmmakers every day, not just on special occasions. But this weekend, as March 8 falls on Saturday, I want to take it up a notch and shine a spotlight on some amazing films created by women from all over the globe for this significant …
Documentary Review: Music By John Williams (2024) – a heartfelt and delightful tribute to the maestro who has composed the soundtrack of our lives
John Williams was trending yesterday on Twitter and I immediately feared the worst. Thankfully the maestro was trending because James Gunn posted a motion poster of his upcoming Superman Legacy movie using a slowed-down version of Williams’ iconic score. Williams’ Superman score is one of my favorite scores of all time, certainly at the top …
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