Film Review: Revenge Of The Electric Car (2012)

'Revenge Of The Electric Car' (20 July '12) // Words: Saam Das

'Who Killed The Electric Car?' asked documentary filmmaker Chris Paine back in 2006, with a particular focus on the complete destruction of the first mass-produced electric powered vehicle, the General Motors EV1. Well, the electric car is back with a vengeance and Paine has returned to helm a new documentary championing his favoured form of more environmentally friendly automotive transport.

Film Review: Mission To Lars (2012)

'Mission To Lars' (UK Release: 8 June '12) // Words: Saam Das

The name Lars Ulrich is revered and reviled in music circles - his outspoken comments have led to ridicule on the internet and the Metallica documentary 'Some Kind Of Monster' portrayed him in a less than favourable light. However, he still has his fans. Including one Tom Spicer, who lives in a Devon care home with his Fragile X syndrome. 'Mission To Lars' charts the journey to meet his idol.

Preview: Shut Up And Play The Hits [LCD Soundsystem Documentary]

'Shut Up And Play The Hits' (2012) // Words: Saam Das

James Murphy disbanded LCD Soundsystem in 2011, ending on one triumphant night at Madison Square Garden. Directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace were on hand to document the before, during and aftermath of the experience in 'Shut Up And Play The Hits'. There is life after death. Watch the trailer below.

Short: Fascinating 24 Minute Documentary - 'Lift'

Words: Saam Das // Photo: marcisaacsfilms.com

It's kind of weird (but also kind of nice) that a 2001 documentary by Marc Isaacs has gone viral over the last week or so. That's the beauty of the internet. The documentary itself has a rare beauty, an increasingly compelling exploration of human behaviour in London a council block lift. I was sceptical that it'd retain my interest over 24 minutes but it sure did.

Watch: Free Sundance Festival Documentary - 'Redford Sent Us'

Words: Saam Das

This is the full uncut release of a documentary that "grabs a chaotic look into the chaotic experience that is the Sundance Film Festival from the perspective of an average blogger", directed by Anthony Meadows. It features interview snippets from the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Malin Ackerman, Kate Mara and members of the 'Animal Kingdom' cast. As well as John Cooper, director of the festival, and a whole host of movie bloggers.

At only 70 minutes in length, I think it's well worth a watch (embedded below) but I guess as a blogger myself, I'm probably more interested in the subject material than most. Plus there's a great rap about Steven Seagal about twenty minutes in.

BBC iPlayer: Anvil! The Story Of Anvil (2008)

Words: Saam Das

'Anvil! The Story Of Anvil' (2008)

Director: Sacha Gervasi



SYNOPSIS:"At 14, Toronto school friends Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. Their band Anvil went on to become the 'demi-gods of Canadian metal', releasing 1982's Metal on Metal, which influenced a musical generation including Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax.

All those bands went on to sell millions of records but Anvil's career would take a different path - straight into obscurity. But Lips and Robb never gave up on their childhood dream and kept rocking, always believing that one day Anvil would taste the success that had so long eluded them.

The film follows Lips and Robb, now in their 50s, as they gear up to record their thirteenth album, This is Thirteen. Coping with increasingly impatient families, crippling mortgages and the effects of old age, they know this is their last chance to really make it." (bbc.co.uk)