Hello folks! Most of y’all know that we love documentaries. And one day I said to myself “I really should share a good documentary when I come across one.” So that’s how Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation came about.
But first, I have a disclaimer of sorts. I am not an experienced critic so these posts will not be reviews of a documentary but more of a suggestion of one that I have enjoyed watching. Of course everything is subjective and all docs aren’t for everyone. With that said, let’s go over my criteria I use before I recommend a documentary:
What makes a good Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation?
- I Have to be Engaged in the First Five Minutes: This is a must. I have started and turned off many docs in the first five minutes. In my experience they don’t get better… period.
- Subject Doesn’t Matter: Some of the best docs are about things I normally would have no interest in. Which means I check out a LOT of them.
- They Need to Tell a Personal Story: People are the central factor in a good doc. The more interesting, or even more odd the person, the better.
- No Main-Stream Historical Themes: No Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc. types. If you want this stuff, turn on the History channel.
- The Day After Test: If I think of the film at least once the day after watching a particular doc, then it is worthy of my suggesting it.
So, with that being said, here is my first Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation:
One evening I searched Netflix for a good documentary to watch. Because I enjoyed it so much I knew I wanted Lynne to see it the next night. Normally, I watch docs before encouraging Lynne to watch since for her, to sit through a whole movie, she needs a few facts about why it’s really good. Let’s just say she watched it in full.
The documentary is titled Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
I’m making this my first Docu-Mendation simply because I wanted the first one to be light and fun.
I found it on Netflix and when I was done watching, it hit on all five points of my “What makes a good Mr. Basketmaker’s Docu-Mendation.”
Normally I wouldn’t have ever watched this film. But my number two on my criteria list is “Subject Doesn’t Matter.”
The subject: a Jewish Hollywood agent.
Now, if you know me, you know I’m not a big fan of Hollywood. I can’t believe I gave this one a chance but I’m glad I did. The array of talented people that Shep Gordon touched throughout his life will keep you riveted. It’s a feel good doc and that goes a long way for me.
To view the film trailer click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYmIElhB0Ys
And finally, please leave some comments, good or bad, as it will only encourage me.
Doc on!
Eric, I love documentaries too. I watched the trailer and this looks fabulous. How could it be bad when it is a Mike Myers film???? I will watch and let you know but it looks like a definite thumbs up! Too fun. Cannot wait for the next Docu-mendation.
Pat