Netflix Rental Reviews

The following are movies that I have rented from Netflix in the last two weeks. If you haven't tried Netflix yet, what are you waiting for? It is one of the top 5 innovative uses of technology in the last 50 years! Read more about it at: Netflix.com. They have over 40,000 titles in their DVD library!

The Great American Songbook, 2003 (Tobi says: "5 stars out of 5")
This great documentary that originally aired on educational television uses rare and never-before-seen footage. Singer-pianist and musical historian Michael Feinstein hosts an informative look at the composers and lyricists who wrote America's standards from the 1890s through the mid-1950s. Cabaret singer, Mary Cleere Haran co-wrote this fabulous documentary.


You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story, 1990 (5 stars!!!)
In the world of music, Cole Porter's sophisticated wit and musical talent are legendary. This fascinating documentary hosted by Bobby Short chronicles the life of the unique songsmith through rare photographs and archival footage, as well as through revealing interviews with those who knew him best. Highlights include performances of Porter's songs by Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman, and Judy Garland.


Broadway & Hollywood Legends: The Songwriters: Kander & Ebb / Alan Jay Lerner, 2003 (5 stars)
This looks as though it was filmed in the 1970's for Canadian TV and appears to have been a series on songwriters with several episodes produced. Kander and Ebb, who composed the songs for the Broadway shows "Chicago" and "Cabaret" appear on stage together and sing all of their magnificent hits. Note: Jo Sullivan Loesser once said in an interview "Composers usually sing their songs better than anyone else. They tell you what they want you to here in that piece." After hearing Fred Ebb sing "New York, New York" I totally agree with her. In a separate segment Lerner, who was responsible for the unforgettable tunes of the movies "My Fair Lady" and "Gigi" appears with several performers who present his awesome repertoire.


There's No Business Like Show Business, 1954 (5 stars!!!)
Ethel Merman...Need I say more! Irving Berlin provides the tunes for this engaging musical about the singing and dancing Donahue clan as they ascend to stardom on the vaudeville circuit during the genre's last hurrah.
My only complaint is that the studio, Twentieth Century Fox, who transfered this to DVD had "No Business" plastering Marylin Monroe on the DVD packaging. She appears in a minor supporting role in the movie, but manages to have her image not only on the front of the DVD cover, but everywhere else including the main menu.


Chutney Popcorn, 1999 (4 stars)
With Indian traditions on the one hand and modern New York City values on the other, Chutney Popcorn is a provocative comedy that shows you can find family somewhere between the two. To read more about this movie, go to the Internet Movie Database. Nisha Ganatra stars and directs her first major movie release.


This was not a Netflix rental. A client lent the DVD to me.

"The Story of the Weeping Camel" (5 stars!)
This unique documentary released in 2004 follows a Mongolian camel that's rejected her newborn white colt. Throughout her difficult delivery, the camel is aided by a family of shepherds, who instantly notice the mother's rejection and make valiant efforts to warm the mother to her child. (Running time: 87 minutes)

If you love music and/or if you love your mother, you must see this movie. It is set in Mongolia and the few words that are spoken are in Mongolian. English subtitles are available, but you really don't need them. This is a great movie to watch on Mother's Day with your Mom. Warning: 2 or 3 hankies required!