When I did the Worst of the Year back on Thanksgiving, I mentioned that 45 made the "Best Of" countdown.
By taking a look at some of the genre-specific titles, I want to give some last minute love to some of 2013's best that might otherwise miss out on a Top 20, 15...10 listing but deserve a shot at one last mention on this page.
Just in case.
So without further ado, here's the documentaries that enthralled me this year. Many are still streamable on Netflix, Amazon Prime, other websites or running on cable.
Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy -
Starting things off with a fairly comprehensive look at the Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise. It's a fond, and fun, look back at the little budget horror film that reinvigorated the horror genre, then quickly devolved into parody. Freddy Krueger instantly became a pop culture sensation, and the rest, as they say, is history. It's been a long time since I've visited any of the original Elm Street films, but even the worst was better than the pale relaunch that lacked any of the style and substance from the original series. New interviews with about 95% of the cast and crew makes this pretty much THE comprehensive look back at Elm Street. And I must confess, A Nightmare on Elm Street was always creepiest when they were living a nightmare and didn't realize it, then JOLT, they were awake. Kept the movie audience on our toes!
Moving from horror, to interesting PBS series comes:
Nova- My Life as a Turkey -
I had no idea what to expect in this little charmer about a man who raises wild turkeys from birth and the interesting things he learns from them along the way. Turkeys are very smart birds, and you will run the gamut of emotions in this little hour long look into the life when man becomes one with nature. He teaches the birds as they grow, but they both end up learning from one another. Uplifting, yet ultimately sorrowful, it's still very much worth a look.
One that keeps things light, and reminds us why The Tonight Show as an institution will never go away...
American Masters: Carson-The King of Late Night-
There was only one Johnny Carson. I was lucky enough to catch the last few years of his career as I was growing up. I'd often stay awake for the monologue, then out like a light. This documentary offers a mostly comprehensive narration of Carson's career using bits of old audio and many interviews with those that worked alongside him over the years. He was invited into everyone's house weeknights, and the longer he's been off the air, and the more imitators to the crown have come (and gone), the more lasting his legacy really becomes.
Switching gears, time to give the WWE some love...
CM Punk: The Best in the World
The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect
WWE: Top 25 Rivalries in History
WWE For All Mankind: The Life & Career of Mick Foley
All four are solid productions, and all worth a viewing to professional wrestling fans. The WWE is really hitting their stride at putting out high quality documentaries on their wrestlers, and it is a welcome look at the lives of these guys who give their all to entertain the fans on a nightly basis. I think that even the casual fan, or non-fan could watch any of these documentaries and begin to see the passion that these guys have for what they do, and why the fans love to watch.
Yes, even if it's fake.
:)
So from guys dressing in tights, to guys dressing in red...
Becoming Santa -
A fun look at what it takes to become a Santa by attending an actual Santa school. The best part, the documentary also interweaves a history of Santa Claus throughout the narrative. Very entertaining look at the holiday, and would totally recommend you watch it...next holiday season.
;)
Finally, we go back in history to World War II!
Nova: 3D Spies of WWII
Secrets of the Dead: Churchill's Deadly Decision
Garbo the Spy
Two are great, informative pieces about World War II history that you may not be that familiar with. Both are engaging and very entertaining.
However, hands-down, the best documentary would have to go to Garbo the Spy. It's such a "truth is stranger than fiction" story, you just can't make this stuff up. Yet, that's exactly what he did, and he fooled the Third Reich, consistently. Highly recommended if you ever get the chance to watch any of them.
Tomorrow, things get a little scary...
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