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?
Doctor Who Am I (7/10) – VOD
Who is that one creator that you think ruined a franchise? What is even more fascinating is when said person — in this case Matthew Jacobs — returns to the forefront and tries to reconnect with the fandom who has turned on them. That scenario is tackled in this new documentary centered on the Doctor Who fandom. We see the effects of the American Doctor Who film, and the backlash that was levied on its creator. But this documentary is full of soul and heart, as we see Jacobs go on an emotional journey to find peace of mind and reconnect with such a passionate group of people. This might not be your standard documentary, but its personal tale brings it up another level.
Reggie (9/10) – Prime Video
Are there any baseball players with bigger personalities than Reggie Jackson? This new Amazon documentary takes the audience into the life and head of this controversial yet legendary player. We see him interview his former peers about the state of baseball and the era that they played. This film is not satisfied with just being a good and engaging biopic. Jackson takes us on a journey into the prejudice that he experienced, and the remnants which unfortunately still exist today. If you are a baseball fan, this is a must see. If you are not, the moral conflicts and timely themes make it worth your experience.
Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (8/10) – VOD
Did you know that pinball was banned across the United States at one point? Stupid logic and scapegoating can go a long way to create idiotic laws and absurd scenarios. Luckily, the tale about how this was overturned is quite an engaging experience. This new biopic looks at Roger Sharpe (Mike Faist), the man who turned the tide. There is a clever story structure and narrative device as the tale is told by a fictionalized version of Sharpe later in his life. There is great meta humor and plenty of clever narrative devices. But it is the talented Faist who offers up a charismatic and empathetic turn as Sharpe, who must go on this journey of passion as well as romance, which works to surprising effect.
Jethica (9/10) – VOD
Have you ever been stalked before in your life? Trust me… it is not a fun time. Do you know what would make it considerably worse? If your stalker is an unstoppable ghost… yeah, that will do it. Jethica is one of the strangest ghost stories I have ever seen in the best way possible. It is one of the most unique thrillers you will see on VOD. There is a hefty amount of offbeat, dark humor as well, as it has plenty to say about stalkers and abuse. This little film takes its protagonists into the darker places in life, while also subverting the mixture of genres that it tackles. The cast is made of young, talented actors who kill it in every scene. Whether it is bone-chilling or oddly funny, this will certainly get a reaction out of you.
Cracked (9/10) – HBO Max
What is a short film able to accomplish with so little time? In the hands of the right person (like rising star director Lin Que Ayoung), there can be so much said. This film might clock in at only 15 minutes, but it packs so much emotion. Ayoung swings this personal tale like a sledgehammer, as it tackles deeply troubling abuse and trauma. But that is not all. There is perfect balance as we see young love budding, while each must tackle more abuse than most adults with ever process in their whole lives. This is a passionate and emotional ride that is in a pitch perfect little package.
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