Life + Debt - Reaction

A simplistic documentary about the effect of globalization on Jamaica. Although it purports to cover the evils of the IMF, all it really shows is some of the negative effects of reducing barriers to trade on some of Jamaica's industries like bananas and dairy. This documentary feels naive to me, as it mentions clothing giants starting outsourcing to Jamaica, fast food restaurants opening stores, and increasing tourism but doesn't mention the effects of these on Jamaica's economy. How many people do they employ? Very one-sided, emotional, and anecdotal, and, as such, not very persuasive to me.

West Bank Story - Reaction

A terrific, tongue in cheek, short musical comedy about forbidden love in the context of the Middle East conflict. At times, a spoof of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. Filled with catchy tunes and great costumes, it feels like an over-the-top Hollywood movie with high production values (even though it was apparently made on the cheap). A web page for the film describes how much work the director and writers went to in order to keep the entire film (plot, costumes, jokes, actors' backgrounds, etc.) balanced. Includes political commentary on the effectiveness of building a wall.