CG 219106's Recommendations
When We Left Earth
Follow the 20th century's space race all the way to the moon -- and beyond -- in this incredible, comprehensive six-part documentary series narrated by Gary Sinise. Chronicling America's space program from the early days of the Mercury project to the era of the space shuttle, the sensational series features eye-popping footage from a host of various missions, plus in-depth interviews with NASA astronauts and engineers.
The Cats of Mirikitani
Filmmaker Linda Hattendorf becomes an integral part of the action in this heartfelt documentary about her efforts to help aging Japanese-American artist Jimmy Mirikitani get off the streets of New York City and make peace with his complicated past. As she and Jimmy sift for long-lost relatives and even revisit the internment camp where he was forced to spend several years during World War II, Hattendorf hauls her camera along to capture every moment.
The Life of Mammals
Naturalist David Attenborough hosts this fascinating documentary about the earth's most diverse species, from the tiny pygmy shrew to the gargantuan blue whale. Humans -- who are mammals, of course -- also come under scrutiny in this series, which may be Attenborough's finest.
Sorrell and Son
Returning home from World War I, Capt. Stephen Sorrell (Richard Pasco) finds his marriage crumbling in this epic British miniseries based on Warwick Deeping's best-selling novel. After Sorrell's wife leaves him, he labors at a series of menial jobs to provide security and a better future for his son (played by Paul Critchley as a boy and Peter Chelsom as a young man). Miranda Richardson and Stephanie Beacham also star.
Cranford
Academy Award winner Dame Judi Dench leads a stellar cast in this top-notch BBC miniseries adaptation of the classic novels of celebrated Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell. Stage and screen veterans Imelda Staunton and Eileen Atkins also star this complicated portrait of a group of women inhabiting a town wrestling with modernity and the inevitability of change.
The Island on Bird Street
Amidst the Nazi occupation of Poland, 11-year old Alex (Jordan Kiziuk) is separated from his family and finds shelter in an abandoned house. Kept company by a mouse and comforted by his father's (Patrick Bergin) promise to find him, Alex finds strength by reading Robinson Crusoe . With a loft as his secret-hideaway home base, Alex puts his survival skills to the test while dodging the Nazis. This award-winning drama is based on a true story.
The Private Life of a Masterpiece: Masterpieces 1800 to 1850
Learn the fascinating stories behind three paintings from the first half of the 19th century: Francisco Goya's The Third of May 1808 , Eugéne Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People and Hokusai's The Great Wave . Discover how Goya used drawings by authentic witnesses to depict a real firing squad; how Delacroix's masterwork influenced the Statue of Liberty; and how Hokusai's print won him adulation far beyond his native Japan.
Gossip Girl: Season 1
When former queen bee Serena (Blake Lively) returns to New York's Upper East Side from a stint at boarding school, her old friend Blair (Leighton Meester) fears she'll lose all of the status and popularity she gained during Serena's absence. The once-close friends become bitter rivals, and their struggles for power are broadcast to the entire school thanks to Gossip Girl's blog, which always has the scoop on the juiciest info.
C.S. Lewis & The Chronicles of Narnia
As author of the revered Narnia chronicles, C.S. Lewis is a legend in literary circles. But the story of how this one-time atheist eventually became one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity is almost as fascinating as his imaginary world of lions, witches, wardrobes and children. This biographical documentary traces the author's spiritual journey and the literary legacy he left behind, presenting a portrait of a complex mind.
Arrested Development: Season 1
Arrested Development follows the adventures of the dysfunctional Bluth family after patriarch George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor, in an Emmy-nominated performance) is hauled off to jail. Responsible son Michael (Jason Bateman) takes over, but even he's no match for his crazy siblings and sharp-tongued mom. Jessica Walter, Portia di Rossi, Will Arnett, Tony Hale, David Cross, Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat co-star in Fox's critically praised sitcom.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Seasons 1 & 2
Irreverence is the cocktail of the day for three slacker friends who own an Irish pub in the city of brotherly love. Despite the changing sociopolitical landscape, egocentric trio Mac, Dennis and Charlie cling to their blue-collar, macho attitudes in this sharp-edged comedy series that sends up racism, gun control and other taboo topics. The show's creators, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day, star as the self-involved pals.
Seinfeld: Seasons 1 & 2
See how NBC's famous show "about nothing" -- one of the most popular sitcoms of all time -- first became "must-see TV." Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) leads the Manhattan foursome that also includes frustrated George (Jason Alexander), sometimes-shrill Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and, of course, Kramer (Michael Richards), Jerry's big-haired, eccentric neighbor with a knack for unique entrances. Keep an ear peeled for your favorite catchphrases. ...
This American Life: Season 1
Ira Glass's public radio show makes the transition to television with its focus intact (and netting three Emmy nods in the process), telling uniquely American tales through anecdotes and personal reflections. Glass, director Christopher Wilcha and the rest of the crew spent six months on the road compiling these stories, which take viewers from Iowa's pig farms (where the "perfect" swine is being bred) to a Chicago hot dog stand.
Generation Kill
A platoon of young but highly trained Marines leads the charge of American forces during the 2003 Iraq invasion. This HBO miniseries highlights the many challenges faced by the soldiers on the front lines, such as distinguishing civilian from enemy. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, James Ransone, Stark Sands and Jon Huertas, this realistic portrayal of the Iraq War is based on a nonfiction book by Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright.
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley
Highlights of Chris Farley's most memorable performances from the early days of his appearance on SNL through his career. Loud, boisterous and out of control, Farley will keep you laughing long after the show is over.
Northern Exposure: Season 2
New Yorker Dr. Joel Fleishman (Rob Morrow) is lured to Alaska by the chance of paying off his medical school bills. But it takes a while for him to warm to the town's feisty mayor/pilot Maggie (Janine Turner) and ex-NASA millionaire astronaut Maurice J. Minnifield (Barry Corbin). Throw in Joel's problems adjusting to the severe weather cycles, and each episode in this second season provides a wealth of rich, appealing humor.
Speaking Freely: Vol. 4: Chalmers Johnson
Writer and professor Chalmers Johnson warns of the dangers of American imperialism, a trend evidenced in the presence of U.S. military bases abroad, the passage of the Patriot Act and the executive branch's use of military force. The outspoken author of Blowback , The Sorrows of Empire and Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic predicts that the fall of the so-called American Empire is imminent.
The Last Detective: Series 4
In the fourth season of this mystery series, bumbling British detective Constable "Dangerous" Davies (Peter Davison) still isn't getting much respect when it comes to the types of cases he's assigned. But in a welcome twist, his wife (Emma Amos) has agreed to take him back. This season also includes guest appearances by Kenneth Cranham of "Rome," Roger Daltrey of the Who and BAFTA-nominated actor Leslie Phillips.
Dumb and Dumber (Unrated)
Dumb and Dumber gets even dumberer in this unrated version that includes additional material that was left out of the original film, plus a retrospective documentary about the making of the movie. The now-familiar story follows the high jinks of Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and his best friend, Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), who set off on a cross-country journey to return a suitcase full of cash.
Spirit of the Marathon
Six runners from vastly different backgrounds train for the 26.2 miles of glory that comprise the famed Chicago Marathon. Along the way, filmmaker John Dunham provides an informative account at the centuries-old race. Vintage film clips and thoughtful interviews fill out this heartfelt portrait, which also includes appearances by legendary runners such as Dick Beardsley, Paula Radcliffe, Bill Rodgers, Toshihiko Seko and Grete Waitz.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Hosted by Ben Stein, this controversial documentary examines how pro-intelligent design scholars and scientists are often chastised, fired or denied tenured positions by those who believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. Nathan Frankowski's film explores how scientists who believe in God are oppressed and how the acceptance of evolution may have played a role in the formation of organizations such as the Nazi regime and Planned Parenthood.
Wild China
This six-part series from the BBC uncovers some of the most exotic and uncharted natural habitats hidden within the vast and diverse topography of China, including Yunnan's forests, the Tibetan plateau, the Silk Road and the Mongol steppes. Through high-definition and other cutting-edge camera technologies, the footage presented here captures stunning wildlife sequences, along with a plethora of breathtaking landscape photography.
Dexter: Season 1
Playing a sympathetic serial killer may sound like a stretch, but former "Six Feet Under" star Michael C. Hall pulls it off neatly in this Showtime drama about a likable forensics expert who channels his violent tendencies by killing miscreants who've avoided punishment. So harmless is Dexter Morgan's (Hall) demeanor that neither his girlfriend (Julie Benz) nor his sister (Jennifer Carpenter) has any inkling of his extracurricular activities.
My So-Called Life
Along with launching the careers of star Claire Danes (who won a Golden Globe in the series' first and only season) and Jared Leto, this teen drama series garnered a loyal cult following before its cancellation after a mere 19 episodes. Centering on the whip-smart yet angst-ridden Angela Chase (Danes), the show portrays a realistic view of the ups and downs of teenage life in 1990s suburbia.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Based on J.K. Rowling's first novel, this film weaves a magical tale. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has lived under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house his whole life. But on his 11th birthday, he learns he's a powerful wizard -- with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths ... and about the villain who's to blame.
