True View Reviews

Film Review: “American Animals” is an Unbelievable True Story You May have Missed – Watch Now!

By Liz Lopez

Rating: A

Often times, we read that a movie is “based on” some real events and so it is to be anticipated that some of the events/action is a dramatization. From the very beginning of the feature film written and directed by Bart Layton (“The Imposter”) there is a title card that clearly tells the viewer this is a real story. At that very moment, I sat back to learn about a crime and drama from an unexpected “community” that absolutely has the knowledge and intelligence to have known better. This is not just “another heist film” – not a remake, nor a sequel – this is about four Kentucky university students that plotted an art theft from their own college library in a very amateur way – the Rare Collections books! I highly recommend viewing the film not only for the story, but the format that the director uses to relay it, including both actors and the four former students.  Read more »

By Mark Saldana 

Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars)

Between 1963 and 2001, Fred Rogers entertained and educated via his television programs which not only instructed children about the world around them, but also fueled their imagination and creativity.    Morgan Neville’s documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal the real Fred Rogers, a humble and intelligent Presbyterian minister-turned television host.  Rogers eschewed a church pulpit for a television studio where he could reach the world’s masses and spread his messages of love, magic, education, and acceptance of all kinds of people.  The film offers audiences a candid and insightful look at this genuinely beautiful soul who touched the hearts of not only his colleagues, but also his audience members who tuned in regularly.  Neville’s film is not only a well-made documentary, but it is also an extension of Roger’s love and is a pure reflection of the soft-spoken, cardigan-wearing man himself. Read more »

By Mark Saldana 

Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)

On December 17, 2004, four childhood friends attempted to steal several highly valuable books from the Transylvania University Library.  This story and the events prior to and after the theft form the basis of this true crime film directed by Bart Layton.  Layton intercuts his dramatic reenactment of these events with interviews with the real people. The resulting feature movie makes for a crazy, but facinating, compelling and highly entertaining piece of heist cinema.  And the superb performances by the cast make the experience all the better. Read more »