Michael Jacobs Movies
- 2009
- Add Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement to QueueAdd Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement to top of Queue
Oscar and Emmy-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. narrates this dramatic look at the people who raised their voices in song against racism and inequality. Change was in the air, and it was the singers and songwriters of such unforgettable melodies as "A Change is Gonna Come", "Blowin' in the Wind", and "People Get Ready who helped give the Civil Rights Movement it's anthems and soul. Hear firsthand accounts of how the Mississippi Freedom Riders used music to summon courage in the face of great danger, reflect on the brutality of enforced segregation with Billy Holiday's haunting ballad "Strange Fruit", and watch as the seeds of change that were planted in the 1960s blossoms in the music, politics, and culture of the decades that followed. Extensive interviews with Quincy Jones, Chuck D, Isaac Hayes, Gladys Knight, and others combine with never-before-seen historic footage to offer an absorbing account of a time of unprecedented social transformation. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Gossett, Jr.
Filmmaker Bill Guttentag takes a closer look at the atrocities committed by the Japanese after Nanking fell to the Imperial Japanese Army in 1937 with this documentary that was inspired by Iris Chang's novel The Rape of Nanking. Compiled from over 700 hours of footage including news-reel footage, interviews with survivors and soldiers, and staged readings, Nanking was financed in large by millionaire Ted Leonsis, who had read Chang's obituary and subsequently been prompted to read the author's best-selling account of the massacre. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hugo Armstrong, Rosalind Chao, (more)
- 2007
A Pentecostal minister with no experience as a filmmaker receives a divine vision instructing him to shoot an epic science fiction film based on the biblical tale of Joseph, and documentary filmmaker Michael Jacobs follows every step of the tumultuous film production that follows. As tension on the set rises and the production experiences a series of disheartening setbacks, Jacobs catches charismatic minister-turned-director Richard Gazowsky and his loyal flock as they strive to see their vision reach the silver screen. Set to be shot on 70 mm film and described by the ambitious director as "Star Wars meets The Ten Commandments," "Gravity: The Shadow of Joseph" aspires to truly biblical proportions. Now, as the impressive but inexperienced cast and crew travels to Italy and prepares to shoot their epic on state-of-the-art film equipment, the production hits an unforeseen hitch as the 100 million dollars promised to them by German investors fails to materialize. With rumors of Satan's mischief soon being whispered among the members of the congregation/crew, the pastor remains resolute in his vision and determined to conquer any and all obstacles that stand in their way. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Ever since Junior High, Gina (Marla Sokoloff) has been carrying on a pen-pal friendship with Seth (Patrick J. Adams). Now fully grown, Gina is a journalist living in Boston, while Seth is a toy-company executive. When Seth shows up in Beantown for a conference, one would think that he'd be looking forward to being interviewed by Gina, whom he's never seen--and that Gina would feel the same way. Trouble is, self-conscious Gina has for all these years been sending along pictures of her friend Ellen (Lindy Booth) in her letters to Seth, while Seth has been sending pictures of his friend Matt (Jonathan Cherry). Terrified that Seth won't like her if he finds out what she really looks like, Gina sends Ellen in her place for the interview--while Seth, suffering similar fears, prevails upon Matt to impersonate him. Given this set-up, and taking into consideration the title of this made-for-TV movie, no one should be unduly surprised by the outcome of the story! Christmas in Boston made its ABC Family channel bow on December 14, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A decade after wowing critics with his debut feature Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King, director Jeff Feuerzeig finally delivered his sophomore effort -- a documentary about the life and music of singer/songwriter Daniel Johnston. Using archived film clips and recordings with newly shot footage and interviews, the film paints a detailed and honest picture of the tortured genius. The Devil and Daniel Johnston premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, (more)
