The Amazing Johnathan Documentary

I watched this movie this past weekend at the Boston Independent Film Festival. The entire theater full of people received it so well. The energy in the theater was palpable and you could tell everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. It had a PERFECT mix of mystery, comedy, poignancy, and wonderful story-telling. Ben Berman absolutely nailed this film given his many obstacles and dilemmas while filming. It was funny, entertaining, interesting, and just an overall wonderful watch. I'm giving it a 10 out of 10. There is nothing that could have been done any better.

Bravo, Ben!! I tried to find your email address to write you a direct message, but this is the best I could do. Amazing job at your FIRST EVER FEATURE FILM! You nailed it.

Much of this doc *is* very interesting on the surface. The story of a terminally ill magician who likes to smoke crack? Sign me up! And, perhaps, its meta commentary on the documentary artform and its significance among a deluge of reality-based content is the most interesting element. But the climactic confrontation interview between the principles (director and subject) comes off poorly, and derails all emotional force in the final act. Both men feel like they're acting and neither are actors; the only thing that's clear is that they desperately want the latter to be true. The audience doesn't know what to believe, and not in an interesting, mysterious way. It's rare that "too cute for its own good" is too cute for me, but this one hit that (unfortunate) sweet spot.

Spoiler Alert: This is not a documentary about the Amazing Jonathan, this is a movie about a film maker's attempt to make a documentary about the Amazing Johnathan. People are giving this movie low reviews because it feels like a bait and switch when halfway through the film the focus changes from what we assume are the Amazing Jonathan last days to the director's Ben Berman's plight as a documentary maker. If you go into the film with the understanding that this is not a film about the Amazing Jonathan, you will enjoy the film much much more. The producers would have done a much better job if they had just named it Not The Amazing Johnathan Documentary.

Tantamount to walking into the 'Hall of Mirrors' the local {annual} state fair, usually held early fall, in virtually every hometown-city USA, and then, w great expectation & abject certainty, spending the next 15-20 minutes, in search of a common-denominator, (before that inevitable carnival-barker appears & shouts.... This Way Folks......This way to The Exit!

Admittedly, although there were a number of jumping off spots, littered throughout this film & met w the temptation to act accordingly... There exists (in all candor), an intrinsic & worthwhile redeeming value, for those that, make the approx., 90-minute time-investment {e.g. Leaving w a deeper understanding & compassion, for experiencing & connecting w humanity}. ...No Foolin'.

This documentary is a trick. A complicated truck with plot twists around every corner. Watch with an open mind and prepare to be entertained.