The Botany of Desire (2009)

Featuring: Michael Pollan. Director: Michael Schwarz.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Nov. 20th so act fast!

I really had no idea how fascinated I was by plants until I watched this documentary on the relationship between plants and humans. I actually want to start a garden now. Not that I ever would. I've always been more of a carnivore. Plants leave me alone and I leave them alone.

At least that's what I always thought. Apparently, certain plants have survived and thrived because of their dependence on humans. They focus on the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato in this movie and show the drastic impacts we've had on those plants and the impacts they have had on us. It all sounds really bland I know, but if you like learning about random stuff this is a very well made and interesting documentary. I enjoyed it and so will you, even if no one would ever call you Dr. Greenthumb.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 11/20/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I thought it was going to be erotic. It wasn't.

Is it artsy? No, despite how the cover looks it is not artsy. It's just about plants, straight up.

What stood out the most to you? Everything really, I never knew agriculture could be so fascinating. That and the weed pants looked really pretty, not that I do that stuff, anymore.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A curious one, I really learned a lot.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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Nature: Wolverine: Chasing the Phantom (2010)

This movie was a complete disappointment! Instead of being filled with non-stop action and cool mutant powers they just followed animals around. However, once I settled down and figured out it was a program about actual wolverines instead my favorite X-Men character I had an enjoyable enough time.

All kidding aside, this was a pretty cool little documentary about the lives of wolverines. Apparently they are rather understudied. I can't ever recall seeing them in a nature program, and I watch a lot of nature programs. They're a pretty interesting animal, if hard to track down. Plus the way they run looks really funny and that makes me smile.

If you enjoy nature programs from time to time you'll probably enjoy this one. It's also kind of funny to laugh at the researchers because they make studying the wolverine sound completely hopeless. If you feel like getting in touch with nature without leaving your couch, queue this baby up.

Click here to add this documentary to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/25/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I like nature, even though I never leave the city.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? Listening to people who seem to have unhealthy obsessions with wolverines.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Outdoorsy but too lazy to go outside.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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