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| Movie Review: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill Alternate Title: Born to be Wild
Story: This is a delightful
documentary about the life of aging hipster, wanna-be rock 'n roller,
Mark Bittner as he followed his bliss and accidentally
became the caretaker, provider and historian for a flock of cherry-headed
conures of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Film maker Judy
Irving lovingly films both the parrots and Mr. Bittner. There
are times when I am not sure who I am more interested in, the birds
or the man. Ms. Irving manages to touch upon all of the issues most conservationists,
birders, environmentalists and nay-sayers might raise. The answers are
not dogma but are easy to digest .I was enthralled throughout the film
and fell for every bird and each bird's tale. If you like birds, interesting human characters or just want to see
a film that touches the heart, check this one out. Acting: Not applicable in a documentary but I did
think the parrots were award winning. Predilection: I like all animals.
Critters: Of course there were parrots and their
nemesis, the red-tailed hawk (yes, the same species as our own NYC hero,
Pale Male).
Food: Bird seed was featured as was some fine Italian
fare.
Blatant Product Placement: A good plug goes out to
the beautiful City of San Francisco.
Soundtrack: Sweet
Opening Titles: A panorama of the City and a flock
of the flying wild parrots.
Visual Art: The birds were beautiful enough for me.
Theater Audience: A small flock of bird lovers.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 3
Squirm Scale: Some of the injured birds can make
one squirm.
Predictability Level: There were a few surprises.
Tissue Usage: I did shed a few tears.
Oscar Worthy: Perhaps a feather or two in the film
maker's cap.
Soap Box:I could prattle on and on about the illegal
pet trade and the harm that the introduction of species does to indigenous
wildlife, but you probably have already heard that sermon from me before.
Nit Picking: No nits to pick or feathers to pluck.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen if you can. You can
also read a wonderful book called Elsewhere in the Land of Parrots
by Jim Paul that features these birds.You could also
check out freeparrots.net if you want to read more about parrots. If
you travel to Brooklyn, you can see a flock of wild Monk Parrots that
have taken up residence around the Brooklyn College area.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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