Staff Picks Movies/TV
September 2024
Minding the Gap
Rockford, Illinois creates a center for three young men growing up under familial struggle saved by skateboarding. Though Minding the Gap presents affecting moments ruminating on trauma, the documentary never loses the spirit of the skater community. Following the boys into adulthood, viewers consider the past’s influence, both the troubles that deepened us as well as the saving graces. This Oscar-nominated documentary amplifies an urgent and distinctly Midwest coming of age story.
Recommended by: Elle Lynch, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Documentary
The Long Game
It’s 1957 in southwest Texas. Five young Mexican American caddies are formed into a high school golf team. This true story tells of the many obstacles and discrimination these young men and their coach had to work through to train and compete as a team. You want these young men to succeed and be confident in who they are. It’s an inspirational story, complete with follow-up on the real-life people portrayed in the film.
Recommended by: Barbara Kandel, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
March 2024
Dr. No
Special Agent 007 is sent to Jamaica when two British government agents disappear. James Bond soon finds Dr. No, a scientific genius, building a machine that could destroy the U.S. space launch. This first in the James Bond films is sorely lacking in gadgets but not in car chases, beautiful women or beautiful scenery. It’s a great beginning yet so very tame compared to the modern-day James Bond films. It remains a classic in a great series of 007 films who have seen many actors play James Bond. Sean Connery is featured in this film as the first James Bond.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Library Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Gojira
Superstitious villagers of Odo Island fear the ancient legend of ‘Godzilla.’ The monster becomes awakened by an H-bomb test and soon begins to terrorize Odo Island and also Tokyo. It’s great to revisit this classic film as ‘Godzilla Minus One’ and ‘Godzilla x King Kong’ are finding new audiences in theaters. I enjoyed this film with my family of many generations.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Library Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
December 2023
1913: Seeds of Conflict
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction, Documentary
August 2022
Barakamon
Have you ever been hit with artist’s block? Sei Handa definitely has and he’s at his last wits end. With his artistic career as Japan’s youngest professional Japanese calligrapher spiraling down after a violent outburst, Handa has been sent to Goto Islands in a last hope attempt to be able to redeem himself after his incident. Finding himself in rural Japan in a tight knit community where everyone knows everything about each other will he ever be able to regain his sanity again?
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Movies/TV
July 2021
The Message
Posted in: Movies/TV
December 2020
COBRA KAI: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Revisit ‘Karate Kid’ characters as they navigate life 30 years after that infamous karate competition. Successful Daniel owns a car dealership. Johnny has been less successful and takes on new students upon re-opening the Cobra Kai dojo. It can’t be all about two guys and how they thought their high school days were the best. There is so much more! Daniel and Johnny’s children, who are in high school, have their own storylines which helps set a good story pace. Great karate scenes at Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do studios bring back great memories of the movie franchise. Familiar friends and evil characters also emerge in this saga, plus a season 2 cliffhanger leave us looking forward to Season 3 which is due out in early 2021. This is a binge worthy series for your holiday break.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services, Shelver
Posted in: Movies/TV
The Brokenwood Mysteries: Series 1
Meet Detective Mike Shepherd, new to small town ‘Brokenwood’, who is called in to help solve the murder of a local man in an episode titled ‘Blood and Water.’ The dead man’s history is tied to a hit and run victim from ten years earlier which further intrigues Detective Shepherd. Brokenwood police, along with Shepherd’s new assistant Detective Sims, believe the visiting detective is a bit quirky. He loves country-western music on cassette tape, talks to the deceased victim, and has a 1971 classic car which he defends from a distraught man with a rifle. The New Zealand wine country setting is beautifully highlighted in each episode. Series 1 contains four episodes and all are movie length. If you have completed most or all of Midsomer Murders or Death in Paradise TV series and enjoyed them, this series might just be your next binge. It has seven seasons for you to enjoy. Also available on Hoopla.
Posted in: Movies/TV
November 2020
Supernatural
Posted in: Movies/TV