"Confessions From The Grassy Knoll" DVD / "I Shot JFK: The Shocking Truth" DVD / "Spooks, Hoods, & JFK: The Shocking Truth" DVD

Trio of conspiracy theory documentaries

The whole labyrinth of conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 is a thick and mysteriously impenetrable one. I don't profess to knowing much, and it would take a lifetime of research to even gather a serious, well-educated opinion on just what happened that fateful day. Covert involvement by organized crime and the US government itself (perhaps with the participation of the mob) have been implicated for decades, but there's yet to be any 100% verifiable and accurate resolution, and I doubt there ever will be.

Nonetheless, these three independent documentaries all strive to present a different side to the story, with mixed results. Most well-rounded is "Confessions From A Grassy Knoll", which covers the widest scope, and features the most input from supposed insiders and sources. It's also the most entertaining and professionally-produced, with plenty of newsreel footage, photos, and interviews.

"I Shot JFK" is based around an intense prison interview with James Earl Files, who, before his death, confessed to the murder -- immediately throwing into question the truth behind the accused murderer Lee Harvey Oswald's role in the whole plot (if there was one). Files was a charismatic fellow, for sure, and many of his claims were seemingly very accurate despite the FBI's assertion that he wasn't "credible". At the least, this is an entertaining and inspiring interview, and it makes an ideal second part to the previously-mentioned "Confessions From The Grassy Knoll" release.

"Spooks, Hoods, & JFK" takes a different side, and is based around an in-depth interview with CIA operative and mob associate Chauncey Holt, who died a week following this interview. He brings a series of experiences and associations to the forefront in his version, and encompasses world powers, the US government, and more mafia connections. A lively film, this one feels like an old instructional film, with dry narration. It's an intriguing look at some other possibilities, but, as with any films of this ilk, it's all down to what you want to believe.

Overall, these are some fascinating documentaries, perhaps to be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak, but interesting nonetheless.

MVD Visual

JFKMurderSolved.com

Thrive: What On Earth Will It Take? movie trailer

An essential documentary, touching upon everything from alternative energy to alternative food sourcing to just plain common sense. The entire 2 hour film can be viewed for free via youtube or at the website linked below this trailer. Entertaining, informative, and inspiring!



Thrive Movie

"Elvis Found Alive" CD

A clever marketing tool to coincide with the release of the film of the same name, this is a set of "15 new recordings" from the King. Here, we are treated to Elvis-styled covers of The Police ("Every Breath You Take"), Michael Jackson ("Wanna Be Startin' Somethin"), and Garth Brooks ("The Dance"), among others. By my ears, this is a novel and fun set of impersonations, staying fairly true to the traditional, classic Elvis sound. He updates "his own" classics like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Blue Hawaii", even. The electro-tinged version of "Hawaiian Wedding Song" is pretty awful (even painful), and the closer, "Elvis Is Back Rap" proves that this release is firmly tongue-in-cheek. A novelty, at best, but a fun and playful one. (MVD Audio)

"Elvis Found Alive" DVD (director: Joel Gilbert)

Purporting to have located the real Elvis, now living under witness protection in California, infamous director Gilbert here "interviews" the man (with face obscured) about his life before and after his supposed (staged) death. Citing his involvement with the DEA and the Feds in defeating the "Communist" plague and the anti-American sentiments of the far left in the 60's and 70's, "Elvis" here explains it all. Thankfully, it's a fairly well-done historical look at the King, and Gilbert has tons of fine archival footage and photos to share.

Sure, this is a mockumentary of sorts, and Gilbert is easily attempting to stir sensationalism in favor of sales. That's a given. The voice of "Elvis" is far too measured and steady, being far too close to the real man's young days, and his stammering is rehearsed as well. A real conversation would not normally be as clean. So, I have serious doubts. This is an obvious hoax.

As a documentary with a novel twist, "Elvis Is Alive" is perfectly fine. Sure, some die-hard Elvis fans consider this some kid of sacrilege, but I found it rather fun. (MVD Visual)

"Nazi Hunters" 2xDVD

This fine documentary series traces, through a combination of archival footage, modern interviews, and dramatic recreations, the processes that led to the ultimate capture of 9 former Nazi war criminals, many taking refuge for decades in South America. Through 8 episodes, devoted "Nazi hunters" tell of their heroic, dangerous, and off-the-radar attempts at tracking and, ultimately, bringing to justice some of the men responsible for the thousands of murders in concentration camps during World War II.

Described here in detail are the plots to capture infamous names like Klaus Barbie and Josef Mengele, as well as others less known, but equally as heinous. An engrossing series, well-suited for conspiracy theorists and historical fans. I enjoyed just about all of this one. (Cineflix/MVD Visual)

"Zenith" DVD (director: Anonymous)

An intelligent and provocative indie cyberpunk sci-fi with superb performances by leads Peter Scanavino and Jason Robards III, "Zenith" operates on a couple of layers. It follows the lives of father and son, presented parallel, as they intersect and attempt to interpret a not-too-distant future where conspiracy theory (and controlling secret interests) are the truth and reality.

This is a stylish and conceptual film, and one I can easily see being a cult favorite in the years to come, given the right promotion and attention. Definitely worth a look or fans of gritty future noir. (MVD Visual)

"Julian Assange: A Modern Day Hero? Inside The World Of WikiLeaks" DVD

This simply-packaged DVD had me slightly discouraged at first. I mean, 3 hours examining a man who I knew little about? No worries. This turned out to be an engrossing and informative (and unbiased) documentary on the effects and intentions of the publicized (and maligned non-profit) WikiLeaks project, and its figurehead, Australian computer hacker Julian Assange.

Providing a necessary "full disclosure" on often classified and top-secret government dealings and documents, Wikileaks exposes truths, be them good or bad, and endeavors to (at great personal risk) set the information free upon the world. Corporate greed is also a target (and rightfully so), as WikiLeaks has also brought to light some illegal dealings behind closed doors of some of the world's largest banks and corporations. Not surprisingly, WikiLeaks has been assailed by legal sharks, shadowy government-funded groups, and "black suits" in retaliation for these information "leaks".

Assange is the primary subject here, and a large part of this DVD consists of presentations he gave in recent years in front of international media and live audiences. This is fascinating conspiracy theory stuff, minus the theory. Simply put, Assange and his team of hundreds of journalists, transmedia artists, and anonymous donors strive to make the world a more transparent (and honest) place. This DVD is a perfect primer, and deserves an even wider audience. I say broadcast this on prime-time national TV. Ah, to be idealistic. Anyway, this one's essential viewing for modern-day thinking heads. (Blow Whistle Blow Films via MVD Visual)

WikiLeaks