Robert Moss Movies
- 2002
Directed by Ralph Torjan, this documentary profiles the life of self-proclaimed shaman Carlos Castaneda. Castaneda's LSD-induced visions and other explorations of "non-ordinary reality" helped him develop a devoted following during the late '60s and early '70s -- so much so that he would find himself on the cover of Time magazine in 1973. Though many people dismissed Castaneda as a fraud, an equal amount followed his teachings religiously; however, several prominent believers mysteriously left the Castaneda enlightenment scene after his death in 1998. This production offers a variety of interviews with believers and decriers alike, and implements a wealth of psychedelic computer animation in an effort to impart Castaneda's hallucinogenic nature. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Amy Wallace, Fern Andra, (more)
- 1996
One of the last and yet most vital of the African American a cappella groups, The Persuasions have been spreading their good news since 1970. This documentary features performances of the group and interviews with surviving band members as they tell their fascinating stories of the trials, tribulations and joys of life on the road. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary looks at the enormous contributions made by Asian peoples in the development of North and South America, contributions that go beyond the stereotypical notions that the Asians were but laborers, launderers and owners of exotic restaurants. Filmmaker Loni Ding, takes a rather freewheeling approach to showing the extent of Asian diaspora was important in establishing the countries, quickly jumping between past, present and future to create more of a provocative impression rather than and endless stream of historical facts. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Otto Waalkes is a goofy looking and very popular German standup comedian, who has also directed, written and starred in a number of very silly films in which he plays a bumbling, wacked-out Frisian. Frisians are to "regular" Germans what Newfoundlanders are to other Canadians, the Irish are to the English, etc. In other words, they are the regular butt of jokes about how clueless they are. In this particular film, Otto travels the globe to save Frisia from being paved over by the German military-industrial complex. This involves his visiting the set of Miami Vice, interfering with Steffi Graff at a tennis match, etc. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Volkmar Kleinert
Will movies like this ever stop being made? Like its dozens of predecessors, Lauderdale is worth watching only when the requisite bikini babes flounce past the camera. Darrel Guilbeau and Jeff Greenman are among the thousands of lascivious collegiates who descend upon Fort Lauderdale during Spring Break. Michelle Kemp is one of the many objects of Our Heroes' close scrutiny. At least no one gets killed in Lauderdale; in this respect, art improves upon life. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Darrel Guilbeau, Michelle Kemp, (more)
- 1964
In this wartime espionage drama, two incarcerated safecrackers are released to help Naval Intelligence steal classified Japanese documents following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The documents are hidden in the Japanese embassy in Lisbon. Once there, the crooks learn that the papers are worth a bundle so after the mission is completed, one of the thieves attempts to steal them for himself. He ends up killed by their Lisbon contact, who absconds with the documents himself. He too gets killed and the Navy finally gets the papers. Meanwhile the other safecracker is caught by the Japanese and held captive on a ship. When it is torpedoed, the thief is saved and receives a presidential pardon for his heroism. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
