C_R_Saxby

To be sure, this isn't the most Earth-shatrering documentary. Much of the footage is derived from previously-aired interviews and news specials on the eponymous convicted killer created several years ago (think 90's and early 2000's). Moreover, much of the "home movie" footage contained therein is similarly lackluster in that very little of it seems to be of Aileen and/or her family, (but of unrelated people and places splashed across the screen during voice-over sequences instead).

No, there's not much new here for the eyes. The film's novelty pertains more to its themes surrounding the additive, compounding effects of trauma and abuse, as well as the narratives and injustices only visible after 3+ decades of retrospective analysis. Such important, highly relevant themes may be hard for victims of crime to stomach. Still, their lessons must be shared. Until we create more inclusive, compassionate, and egalitarian social conditions, such gut-churning, difficult-to-understand personalities will surely be created again, and we'll be forced to ask ourselves once more: Does capital punishment really help anyone?

As an example of documentary film making, 'The Alabama Solution' is a top-notch effort, containing excellent first-hand accounts and well-researched material, culminating in a cogent narrative allowing the viewer to draw their own conclusions. An expose of the American penal system within the eponymous state, its devastating portrayal of the frequently discompassionate, hypocritical actions of the Alabama government (and the squalid, violent, sorely ineffectual penal institutions they operate) will leave your jaw agape. BE WARNED: This is not an easy watch, as several authentic, unredacted documents and images depicting powerful beatings and disgusting living conditions abound. Still, it's a necessary watch for anyone hoping to garner a better understanding of such institutions and just how far short of the mark our well-intentioned (if ignorant) leaders fall, even with an ostensibly moral mandate and billions of dollars at their disposal.

In short, this is a harsh, gut-wrenching look at the atrocities within the American prison system, one that serious documentary aficionados will find edifying and satisfying essential viewing. Watch and be painfully enlightened.

In our brave, new, big-data world, replete with videos and narratives created by every kid and his dog, it can be hard to know what's real and what's artificial. 'True Haunting' plays on this ambiguity by combining ostensibly true (or based on true) paranormal stories with dramatic recreations told by fairly convincing "real people". True: the gimmick is easy to identify, and if one goes into the experience expecting definitive proof of the afterlife, they'll be sorely disappointed. Still, there's value in the tall tales contained within this creepy anthology series: Entertainment value and good, well-woven story value.

If one can do with this series what's required of all fantastic narratives (namely, willingly suspend their disbelief) they'll likely find the experience highly entertaining and bone-chillingly fun.

In summary, this is a reasonably well-acted, well-written and well-told bit of television, one that'll make the hairs on the back of your neck stand erect (if you let it). This viewwer had loads of fun watching it, anyway.