Reel Paradise

Rating: out of
Released: 2005
Directed by: Steve James
Cast: Documentary John Pierson, Janet Pierson

This is a documentary by the director of HOOP DREAMS about independent film guru John Pierson (and if you haven't read his book SPIKE MIKE SLACKERS AND DYKES, head over to Amazon and order it).

Pierson and his family move to Fiji and run a movie theatre, showing movies, for free, to the locals.

The film is a lot of fun, following the reaction of the locals to the films (they LOVE the JACKASS movie) and his family dealing with island life.

The best part comes when Pierson returns home from a showing, to find his home robbed. The confrontation with his Australian landlord (and his chief suspect) makes the film a must see.

A very interesting look at the importance of movies no matter in what country.

Reviewed by: Jim Magovern

Jan 01,2007