Staff Picks Movies/TV

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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

This documentary movie, offers an illuminating look into the history of Palestine. Starting from the year 1913, historians are sat down and interviewed about different aspects of Palestinian civilization and how it changed during the waves of Jewish immigration to the region. The interviews are accompanied by brief re-enactments of important discourse, by notable leaders and residents, that led to the ongoing situation as we see it today.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Service Clerk

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

Anthony Quinn, one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, plays the leading role in a film that will take you back 1500 years to the Arabian Peninsula and how Islam was born. This international film was nominated for best original score at the 50th Academy Awards. I highly recommend this movie for those who have little or no knowledge about Islam, one of the leading religions in our time with two billion followers worldwide.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk

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.

Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services, Shelver

Posted in: Movies/TV


November 2020

Supernatural

 Dad’s on a hunting trip and hasn’t been home in a few days is the line that starts it all. Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester embark on a road trip to find their father saving people, hunting things that go bump in the night along the way. But this show is more than that, it is about family ( in all its forms), life, death, and the supernatural. This is definitely a binge worthy series!
Recommended by: Jenna Schwartz, Adult Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Movies/TV


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