by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to the Buried Treasure of the Streaming World! This series takes a month’s worth of content at a time and sifts out the buried treasure that exists on all forms of streaming. These films most likely fly under the radar, but now it is time to shine that spotlight on them and give them the attention they truly deserve. Time to dive in, shall we?
Woooooo! Becoming Ric Flair (8/10) – Peacock
Is there a bigger name in professional wrestling than Ric Flair? There are only a few other wrestlers who go up on the Mount Rushmore of wrestling. The new Peacock Original documentary, Woooooo! Becoming Rid Flair, is an engaging and emotional journey that dives into the mind of this legendary wrestler. We see that journey that took Richard Fliehr and saw him become “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. There are some deeply raw and emotional moments, as well as fun anecdotes from the road. An impressive set of commentators, plus the words of Flair himself, make for a memorable experience.
Retrograde (9/10) – Disney+
What happened when the United States finally pulled out of Afghanistan? Most Americans probably could not tell you. We moved on from this endless war, but the country was changed forever. The National Geographic documentary, Retrograde, shows the struggle of the military and government left in power as they fight back against the Taliban. We see the men who face great adversity as they try to lead this fragile nation. We see the damage done to those fighting on the front lines. This impressively made film offers up night vision action and raw footage of the horrors of it all. It is a documentary you will not soon forget.
A Night of Knowing Nothing (8/10) – Criterion Channel
Is A Nighy of Knowing Nothing a documentary? Is it poetry? Can it be both? This film is a mix of fictitious poetic letters written between lovers that all the audience sees in the activism and revolutions of the people living in tyranny and oppression. It certainly sounds like quite the experimental arthouse film. This is an engaging and enthralling mix of dream, anxiety, violence, and hope. The balance between raw footage of people being oppressed and the beautiful words of these letters is quite impressive. This is not going to be a film for everyone, but it will certainly leave a lasting impression on those who take the leap.
Le Pupille (8/10) – Disney+
Are you looking for some new holiday traditions when it comes to viewing experiences? Disney+ always seems ready to provide new content that the whole family can enjoy and hopefully will stick around as a new tradition. This little French short film has a recipe to become just that. It is the story of minor rebellion, as a group of young girls try to stand up to the rules and regulations of the nuns who watch over them. This is a gorgeous little film full of spunk and charm. It’s a warm tale that will make a great addition to your holiday viewing in the years to come.
Dio: Dreamers Never Die (9/10) – Showtime
Are you ready for some mandatory viewing? If you are a metal fan out there, head on over to Showtime right now and make sure you experience the life and times of Ronnie James Dio. This rock documentary is top-notch, as we experience the impact and scope that one singer made on the metal music landscape. Whether it is Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, or Dio, the music that this man created is legendary. We see behind the curtain, and learn so much about The Voice of Metal from his wife, friends, former collaborators, and other legends of the genre. This is an impressively made and expertly told rock doc that is worth your time.
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