FATHER SOLDIER SON
Over the span of a decade, this astounding portrait of an Army vet trying to raise his two sons in the aftermath of being wounded in war undoubtedly has its share of sacrifices and struggles, tragedy and triumphs. We see first hand how brutal the effects of war can be for not only the person wearing the battle scars, but for the family at home, leaving both questioning if it’s worth it and at what cost. On top of that, directors Leslye Davis and Catrin Einhorn are unbiased while they have us grappling with what patriotism and masculinity looks like through the eyes of Sgt. First Class Brian Eisch. This excellent, emotionally effective documentary reveals remarkable truths of those living in this harsh reality. The Eisch family serve as a heavy reminder that there are countless soldiers out there whose days of combat continue long after they return home.
HOME GAME
This new bang-up docu-series is for all sorts of sports lovers. Providing a worldwide look at unusual, violent, and dangerous sports, each of the eight episodes shine a light on a team or event and the participants putting their bodies on the line. The Philippines, Italy, Scotland, the Congo, and even Texas – these are just some of the places we get to discover and experience their unbelievable sport of choice. Along the way, we get to soak up a little of their community and way of life in which tradition and pride is imperative.
Narrated by Mark Strong, all of the episodes are around 20-30 minutes and they could actually afford to be a little longer. These are glimpses into fascinating regions that capture our attention, though perhaps not our full appreciation with so little time spent there. Even so, this show is destined to make you a fan of voodoo wrestling, racing water buffaloes in flooded rice fields, rugby with bare-knuckle fighting, and some knock-down polo where scoring and a dead goat go hand-in-hand.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES
I don’t know about you guys, but Unsolved Mysteries is something I never thought I needed back in my life until I actually saw that it was back in my life. I’m here to say it – this franchise is still the greatest cold case series of all time.
They even have a remixed version of the classic theme song and all. I would’ve liked to have seen them dip more into the supernatural stuff, but the cases they went with had their fair share of eerie vibes. And, hey – at least we get a UFO episode in this season.
Unsolved Mysteries is creepy, engaging, and a heavy dose of nostalgia for those of us old enough to remember that first run.
DOWN TO EARTH WITH ZAC EFRON
I have a newfound appreciation for Zac Efron – one that I never thought I would have. This guy is out here traveling the world, eating the local fare, and searching for a better life. It’s far beyond your average travel show as we see Efron and his buddy Darin searching the globe for healthier sustainable living.
I’ve never watched a show that had me thinking about the type of water I drink -and- wanting to try dung-smoked steak at the same time. Efron has a certain every-man appeal to him, and the message behind this show serves as a bit of a wake-up call for all of us to think outside the box a little bit.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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