Once

Title: Once

Synopsis: In this charming contemporary musical, a street musician in Dublin strikes up a friendship with a migrant street hawker, and the duo ends up composing and recording a series of songs over the course of a week that mirrors their burgeoning romance. (Synopsis via Netflix.)

First Impressions:

• Yes this is considered a musical, but it's definitely NOT your average musical. There's no breaking into song for no reason or choreographed dance numbers.
• It's a sweet, romantic story that's completely non-Hollywood. Talented musicians and thoughtful songs drive the story without sicky-sweetness or cliches. 
• This movie is low budget and it doesn't matter. It's another solid example of "big-budget not required."

In A Nutshell:
Likable characters and great music with a sweet yet realistic plot. This is as close to a musical and a romance movie as Mr. R will get. It's a gem that is ddefinitely worth watching.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

Title: Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

Synopsis: Focusing on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path -- including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables -- that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health. (Synopsis via Netflix.)

Watch the trailer.

First Impressions:

• Transformation stories are always intriguing. Love that this documentary evolved on its own to include another person because of a chance meeting. That story line was even better than the original focus.
• The use of animation to tell back story and explain more science heavy things was well done but it was a little "cutesy".
• Interesting man on the street sound clips. Even when people admit that what they eat is bad for their health, they still continue eating that way. It makes you wonder how do you change their knowledge into action?

In A Nutshell:
Inspiring stories of self-transformation. Even if you are in good health this documentary makes you realize the importance of taking control of personal health and well-being. Maybe we all could use a re-boot. Green juice anyone?

District B13

Title: District B13

Synopsis: Produced and co-written by acclaimed filmmaker Luc Besson, this stylized action thriller is set in Paris 2010, where the government has fenced off the city's ghettos, the most dangerous of which is District B13. Teaming up to infiltrate the lawless sector, an elite-unit cop and a reformed vigilante put their lives on the line in a gutsy attempt to retrieve a stolen nuke and thwart a terrorist attack by the city's most powerful gang. (Synopsis via Netflix)

First Impressions:

• It's kind of a French take on "Escape From New York".
• Yes, this is a typical action movie filled with the expected action movie cliches and a so-so plot. What it does have is fast paced action that grabs your attention. Think of it as a Hollywood action movie with a little more visual originality and style. 
• The Parkour stunts are incredible! The fight choreography is a blast.

In A Nutshell:

If you're a fan of action movies we recommend grabbing a snack and watching this one. Don't over think it, just enjoy the ride. (Even if you're subtitle phobic, don't worry, you can still follow along without having to read every word.)

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Our first official split-decision!

Title: Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog

Synopsis: When he's not busy breaking the law or trying to get close to his secret crush, Penny (Felicia Day), supervillain wannabe Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris) boasts about his exploits via his Internet video blog and dreams of defeating his nemesis, Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion). Conceived during the 2008 Hollywood writers' strike, Joss Whedon's quirky musical comedy originally debuted as an online miniseries. (Synopsis via Netflix)

Watch the trailer.

First Impressions:

• If you are not a fan of musicals (like Mr. R) then this won’t work for you, just walk away. If you don’t mind a little song and dance (like Mrs. R), then this is quirky, goofy and fun. Who knew these actors were decent singers?
• It’s a full dose of typical Joss Whedon sense of humor. It’s not supposed to be fancy or polished.
• The one thing we could agree on: NPH is awesome!

In A Nutshell:
We already know that the web offers a great space for creative, low-to-no budget projects that circumvent the Hollywood thing. There are lots of people that have been creating great web-based content for years, even before the writer’s strike. While we (well Mrs. R, at least) enjoyed this Whedon creation, there are plenty of other projects with good writing and style that deserve viewing too.

Chasing Sound

Title: Chasing Sound

Synopsis: The remarkable true-life story of electric guitar legend and rock 'n' roll icon Les Paul unfolds in this feature-length documentary that originally aired as part of PBS's "American Masters" series. Chronicling Paul's rise from poverty to eventual rock royalty, the program features interviews from many of his big-name admirers. (Synopsis via Netflix)

Watch the trailer.

First Impressions:

• Sure you already kind of know he's an remarkable figure in music history, but this documentary shows you just how important he is to music both past and present. And, you've got to love that he still is playing out in NYC.
• Loved seeing the old footage and photos. Kitschy but cool.
• Even if you are not a big fan of his style of music, you can still appreciate what he's done for modern music. 

In A Nutshell:

This documentary is worth a watch, especially if you are a musician. His innovations and amazing skill cannot be denied. And, next time you pick up that electric guitar, just know that Uncle Les made it all possible.

The Trip

Title: The Trip

Synopsis: Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors -- handily named Steve and Rob -- who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo's penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England. (Synopsis via Netflix)

Watch the trailer.

First Impressions:

• If you don't enjoy British comedy, this isn't the movie for you. 
• The cinematography of the British countryside was beautiful. And while the food only plays a supporting role in the movie, it's a nice vehicle for the dialogue.
• Overall the banter and friendly, rivalry between the two main characters was fun and witty. At the same time it also offers insight into male mid-life crisis.
• While enjoyable, the movie often dragged and felt a bit too long.

In A Nutshell:
Not bad. Can't say we'll jump at the chance to watch it again, but there were wonderful moments set against a beautiful backdrop that made it worth watching.

Beer Wars

Title: Beer Wars

Synopsis: Anat Baron ushers viewers into the backrooms and breweries of the ultra competitive beer industry and reveals what it takes for independent brewers to compete with the corporate giants who dominate the business. With a background that includes a successful career as a Hollywood producer and a stint as the general manager of Mike's Hard Lemonade Co., Baron is uniquely suited to tackle this subject matter. (Synopsis via Netflix)

Watch the trailer.

First Impressions:

• As beer lovers we had no idea just how difficult it is as a craft brewer to get the product to consumers. It certainly gives insight into the inner workings of the beer industry. 
• This movie is entertaining and interesting, but definitely could have had more "bite". Let's just say there is a lot that can be said about greed and power and, yes, even politics when it comes to beer. 
• The most enjoyable part of the documentary was following the stories a few small brewers. You can see who is in it for a true love of beer. For the people behind a company like Dogfish Head you can feel their passion and it makes us love them even more.

In A Nutshell:
If you like good beer (and if you have to ask what's good beer, then maybe this movie isn't for you), you'll probably enjoy this documentary. And next time your looking to indulge in some sudsy goodness, be aware of impostors and seek out the craft brewers.