Streit's: Matzo and the American Dream

"Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream" is a documentary film written, directed and photographed by Michael Levine. As its title indicates, the film is the story of the Streit family and their baking of this traditional Passover food for almost 100 years. Starting in a tenement building on Rivington Street in downtown Manhattan, it is also the story of enterprising Jewish immigrants and their realization of the American dream. Still using equipment and processes dating back since the beginning of the company’s existence, the film tells the story through the eyes and ears of the now 5th generation owners and their dedicated employees. The film, as is the case where the director and writer are one and the same, is badly in need of editing and could easily have been made into a shorter presentation rather than the 75 minutes it took to tell the tale. Nevertheless, the film documents the plight and perseverance of the new immigrants and their attempt to succeed in what for them was truly the land of opportunity. I give the film 2 stars because., as entertainment per se, it has no depth nor is it able to hold the audience's interest for too long but, as a piece of history, it must be highly regarded for it imparts information to all of us who have either eaten or heard about this cardboard-like bread substitute that observant Jews eat each Passover holiday.

Born to be Blue

"Born to be Blue" stars Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo in this film written and produced by Robert Budreau. This is the story of Chet Baker, the famous jazz trumpeter who in the mid 20th Century captivated jazz audiences and fellow musicians until his consumption with heroin destroyed him. Although the film moves at a rather slow pace and is unevenly edited, it nevertheless serves as a vehicle for Mr. Hawke who gives an extraordinary performance as the ill fated musician. It also gives an insight into the music business and the lives of those who lived and played in midtown Manhattan where this music genre found its life and audience. I give the film 2 and ½ stars and recommend it especially for those who were aware of and listened to this great talent.