Reviews
by George Vernadakis -- Multichannel News, 5/25/2009 2:00:00 AM
KICK LIKE A GIRL
(HBO, Thursday, May 28, 6 p.m)
Kick Like A Girl tells the deceptively simple story of a third-grade girls’ soccer team. But despite its light touch and brevity, the documentary touches on important issues surrounding gender, equality and the value of teamwork. That the film manages to do so while remaining entertaining and without preachiness is no small feat. HBO viewers who tune in with their kids will find the time well-spent.
Social worker-turned-filmmaker Jenny Mackenzie had coached her daughter Lizzie’s team, the Mighty Cheetahs, for two undefeated seasons when she decided to put them in the all-boys division. The Cheetahs quickly dispel any assumptions that the boys are a shoo-in, as the girls put their team spirit to the test and win.
Narrated with surprising humor and intelligence by 8-year-old Lizzie, Kick Like A Girl delivers a message of opportunity and fairness that resonates well beyond the soccer field.
— George Vernadakis
MR. PRINCE
(Ovation, Saturday, June 6, 8 p.m.)
Ovation raises the curtain on a weeklong salute to Broadway with the original documentary Mr. Prince, which chronicles the life and work of stage producer/director Harold Prince. For fans of the theater, the film offers a welcome opportunity to hear from several Broadway luminaries as well as from Prince himself.
For more than four decades, Prince has been one of Broadway’s greats – as director of shows such as Sweeney Todd, Evita and The Phantom of the Opera; and as a producer on legendary musicals including West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof.
Among those singing his praises are composer and frequent collaborator Stephen Sondheim, and performers Joel Grey, Angela Lansbury and Chita Rivera. But for viewers unfamiliar with Prince’s work, the docu offers little insight into what makes it so innovative. More tribute than profile, Mr. Prince is an affectionate and well-deserved salute to a Broadway legend.
— George Vernadakis
