I, Tonya

I, Tonya (2017)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


I didn't actually realize Tonya was from Portland until watching this. I knew of her, and heard of things as they happened with the Olympics and the entire scandal with Nancy Kerrigan. Beyond that, I suppose I was young enough at the time that not much else stuck. Certainly didn't know or realize the significance of her being the first woman to land a Triple Axel in competition. The story itself, I found interesting. The excessive cursing and the actions taken much of the time, I found disturbing. Overall, it's a troubling story that has more low points than high points.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the story of how Queen came to be and the making of their hit song, Bohemian Rhapsody. It goes beyond this to when the band broke up and ultimately comes back together just in time for a big show. Beyond their music, I hadn't actually known anything about the band itself, so it was interesting. Documentaries aren't usually my thing, except apparently when dealing with music.

Planet Earth

Planet Earth (2006)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not the most exciting documentary ever, but it is still interesting. Each episode focuses on another area or dimension of the earth's existence and its inhabitants. Not as in depth in the animal relation as other documentaries like Animal Planet, but then I wouldn't expect that given the names. Still gives you something new to learn and entertaining for the evening.

Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Wild Horse, Wild Ride (2011)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was nothing like what I expected it to be. Given to me as another "horse movie" for my collection, I was surprised to find this is more of a documentary. After the wild mustang round up, volunteer trainers have 100 days to work with their randomly drawn animal before competing in a Mustang Makeover competition. At the end of the competition, all of the mustangs go up for adoption. Even the trainers must bid against the general public if they wish to have a shot at keeping their equine companions. While I admire the variations in training exercises, and it is highly impressive how far these animals can come in a mere 100 days, I also find it rather sad that the trainers must part with the animals at the end of the exercise even when they clearly have formed a strong bond that they wish to keep with the animals. That risk alone could be heart breaking for some trainers, though I imagine it is still joyful if they have the assurance of the animal going to a good home. Overall it is a fun and enlightening documentary to watch, especially if you also happen to love both horses and riding yourself.