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Reviews
Beyond Human Nature (2023)
A Must See True Crime Doc
Beyond Human Nature is an excellent true crime documentary that will more than satisfy any true crime doc viewers itch for a complex story, and the nuance between innocence and accusation. Masterly, and skillfully this doc puts you right into the mystery surrounding the death of Tom Monfils. What is also great is that it is a documentary so well done, that this isn't just a movie for documentary viewers, or true crime fans, but for anyone looking for that surprise watch that will have you questioning everything, and keeping you in suspense of what is going to happen next. It is 'beyond compelling'.
The documentary handles more than extremely well telling all sides of the story, leaving the viewer unsure of which side to take.
Beyond Human Nature tells the interminable true crime story of 6 paper mill factory workers who are convicted of killing their co-worker by tying him to a large weight and dumping him into a huge vat of liquid pulp. The incident occurred in 1992 and the defendants, now referred to as the 'Monfils Six' are all convicted of the conspiracy two and a half years later in 1995. This case has dominated the headlines in the Green Bay, WI area for 30 years. 30 years later we are still asking, was this a horrendous crime? Or, was this a suicide mistaken for foul play?
Leading up to the horrendous incident, the deceased Tom Monfils made several anonymous calls to the police department to report on an employee, Keith Kutska, that he thought was stealing large amounts of product from the company. The two also had a dispute on how the company was going to approve work hours going forward which would in essence, affect their income and livelihood. Those accused of stealing were at risk of losing their jobs over the stolen equipment and product - and these jobs were very coveted union jobs with large pensions in which you would be set for life. After the anonymous calls were made to the police office, accused Keith Kutska was able to obtain copies of the voice recordings, through a lapse in police procedure. On the day of the incident Keith Kutska was able to play these recordings to his co-workers showing that Tom Monfils was the rat trying to get him and others fired.
Was it murder? Was it suicide? How much guilt lies at the feet of the Green Bay Police Department by wrongly releasing the anonymous voice recordings?
What is also outstanding is how the story-tellers are able to tell all sides of the story. The viewers are left to make their own determinations. The film-makers do not show bias and it is still up in the air what the final answer is, despite all of the circumstance that is there to be considered, along with all the twists and turns.
Further, fans of the series 'Making a Murderer' will love the folksy, aww shucks personalities of the up North Wisconsinites that are interviewed in this film. This true crime story, can draw heavy comparison to that series as the events took place approximately 10 years prior and 40 miles away from the famous netflix series. This is the O. G. Making a Murderer.
I was able to view this movie as it played to a packed house at the Milwaukee Film Festival in which EVERYONE was on the edge of their seat.
I cannot recommend this film enough. It is a must-see!
Apples, Oranges, Lemons & Limes (2022)
Endearing
Apples, Oranges, Lemons & Limes is a more than worthy effort by writer/director Pat Mitchell. It spins a spirited and enjoyable story about Hen, a man who suffers social anxiety, who runs into his Middle School crush at a college-aged party. The love interest, Natalie, is having a bad night in which her date has ditched her for another woman. The film handles well the theme of social anxiety while we learn more about the characters as a hint of romance seems to fill the air as Hen agrees to walk Natalie home from the party. The acting here is terrific, natural, and engaging as Hen and Natalie's connection sparks the question "why were they not friends before"? Further confrontations allow the audience to truly walk in each character's shoes as we suffer and heed with their anxiety. A prodigious and appealing labor of love from filmmaker Pat Mitchell.
Dark Shadows and Beyond - The Jonathan Frid Story (2021)
A Delicate and Redeeming Portrait
Dark Shadows and Beyond - The Jonathan Frid Story is a delicate portrait of the star (the aforementioned Jonathan Frid) of the late 1960's day time serial 'Dark Shadows'. The show maintained a large cult following due to Jonathan's sympathetic portrayal of his vampire character, Barnabas Collins. Typical of the time was to portray monsters as just that - monsters. Instead Frid's performances dug into the psyche of having to commit heinous acts for self preservation. The archival footage shows the commitment and exceptional care the actor went through to create a one of a kind character.
Many times actors won't know which role is going to be their career defining role - so what is so fascinating here is how Jonathan perfected his craft while embracing Barnabas Collins as his generational defining character. All the while, Frid was an exceptional classically trained actor, first obtaining notice for his Shakespearen roles.
The documentary does an excellent job of taking us through the actor's entire life and career while remaining exceedingly engaging and offering insider insight into the extraordinary life of an extraordinary human.
Even viewers not familiar with the show 'Dark Shadows' will be extremely entertained and appreciate the detail of this defining biographical doc.
Pocket Mouse Protector (2022)
A Hoot! One of the best times I have had in theater in a long, long time.
Pocket Mouse Protector is an unrelenting hilarious sex romp that will leave your sides splitting from start to finish. The story's main protagonist is an affable loser that is trying to save a colony of an endangered mouse species who have taken up residence on nearby undeveloped land on the verge of being turned into a resort. Despite Larry's advances towards his insatiable wife, the marriage is pretty much over and his wife, Mary, wants Larry to take a newfound experimental virility treatment to spark any remaining glimmer in their relationship. Of course, Mary tells her lover Barry to get the same treatment. This puts Larry and Barry on a crash course together in the unexpected - that the treatment has an unforeseen side effect - they are now only attracted to men. Tying it together is that the doctor behind the virility treatment is also the owner of land where the endangered mice habitate.
What's equally hilarious and poignant is the attention given to the 'nature vs nurture' question, as we all know that there isn't such a thing as a drug that will turn you gay. By turning this joke on its head, the statement of 'who wouldn't want to be gay?' gives a refreshing and full of life attitude that adds to the enjoyability of this adventure. Even more fun is how the envelope is continually pushed throughout with each encounter being more over the top than the last. The writing here is as cutting and witty as any film in recent memory.
I was able to catch this at the Seattle Film Festival where it won Best LGBTQ Film.