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Ex-Death Row Prisoner Rickey Jackson & Director Matt Waldek Discuss Their True Crime Doc "Lovely Jackson"

Ex-Death Row Prisoner Rickey Jackson & Director Matt Waldek Discuss Their True Crime Doc “Lovely Jackson”

When it comes to true crime, there are thousands of documentaries, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably seen a lot of them. There’s one new documentary headed your way that is different, more profound, and more emotionally charged, Lovely Jackson. In the documentary, the life and wrongful incarceration of Rickey Jackson are explored. Rickey was convicted of murder while just a teen and sentenced to death before his sentence was commuted to life in prison three years later. He spent the next 39 years fighting for his freedom. You see, Rickey was innocent, and the only thing that tied him to the crime was a lie told by a 12-year-old boy, who eventually recanted his statement. Rickey was convicted without evidence and even had a witness tell the police he wasn’t the man. But still, Rickey spent the majority of his life in prison until the Ohio innocents Project came to his aid. Finally, he was set free. Lovely

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 13, 2022
True Crime Documentary 'Lovely Jackson' Premiering At Justice Film Festival

Review: If You Watch One True Crime Doc This Year Make It ‘Lovely Jackson’

Can you imagine being sentenced to death, having it commuted, only to spend 39 years facing the brutality and real horrors of prison and knowing that you are completely innocent? That was the reality for Rickey Jackson, prisoner A144-061. In the new documentary Lovely Jackson, we are introduced to Rickey and the hardships he experienced for many decades. Lovely Jackson is not your average true crime film. We rarely see through the eyes of someone who has experienced so much suffering at the hands of a failed justice system. You may be wondering how an innocent man found himself in such a situation, the state’s entire case hinged on a statement made b12-year-old-old, and it was a complete lie. Rickey waited for thirty-nine years for him to tell the truth. You would think Rickey would be bitter, but no. Somehow he remains kind and found forgiveness for the man who almost put him in the electric chair. I wasn’t sure

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 11, 2022
Review: Apple TV's "Prehistoric Planet" Is A Must See Docuseries

Review: Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planet” Is A Must See Docuseries

I have watched a lot of documentaries about dinosaurs; I am a colossal dino nerd and proud of it. Judging by the trailer for Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planets” docuseries, I knew I was in for something good. I was wrong; what I got was something far beyond “good,” it’s incredible! Narrated by David Attenborough, who has long been the voice of the BBC and many scientific documentaries, series, and specials, “Prehistoric Planet” rolls back the clock 66 million years to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. With a combination of CGI and filming, the stunning docuseries explores the locations the beasts once called home. The first episode is titled “Coasts” and takes viewers to coastal lands and islands where we see a family of T-Rex, giant turtles, and more. The next episode takes us deep into the “Desert,” where dinosaurs struggle to survive. Next Prehistoric Plant delves into the “Freshwater” before giving us a glimpse into “Ice Worlds,” and finally, the

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 7, 2022
Documentary 'Pennywise: The Story of IT' Finally Scores A Summer Release

Documentary ‘Pennywise: The Story of IT’ Finally Scores A Summer Release

It’s been over 30 years since the 1990 mini-series adaptation of Stephen King’s “IT” debuted, and still, it remains dear in the hearts of horror fans. This July, the highly anticipated new documentary Pennywise: The Story of IT will delve into the story and its making, premiering this Summer. The documentary was co-directed by John Campopiano (Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary) and Christopher Griffiths (Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser) and produced by Gary Smart (Dark Ditties Presents). It takes an in-depth look at the mini-series as well as its infamous villain, Pennywise, and the impact it made on culture. It features exclusive interviews with many cult classic’s key players, including cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the iconic killer clown Pennywise and director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. It also features behind-the-scenes footage and more. Pennywise: The Story of IT opens in select theaters and arrives on

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 5, 2022
True Crime Documentary 'Lovely Jackson' Premiering At Justice Film Festival

A Lie Leads To A Wrongful Conviction In New Clip From True Crime Doc ‘Lovely Jackson’

Is there anything worse than being punished for a crime you didn’t commit? Today, we have a new clip from Zodiac Features’ new biographical true crime docu-thriller, Lovely Jackson, the feature directorial debut from filmmaker Matt Waldeck, p.g.a. (“I See You”) ahead of its world premiere at the iconic American Black Film Festival on June 17th. Lovely Jackson is a boldly cinematic epic journey that begins in tragedy, hopelessness, injustice, and death but ends in triumph, beauty, and new life. Focused on America’s longest wrongfully held exonerated prisoner, Rickey Jackson, returns to the actual prison where his 39-year journey of survival began in 1976 and guides his younger self from death row to freedom while facing his real-life accusers along the way, along with critical assistance from The Ohio Innocence Project. Lovely Jackson is a shocking and moving true story about perseverance through the darkest and most hopeless of circumstances that begins in violence and ends with love. This documentary

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 4, 2022
Shudder Unveils Poster For Horror Docu-Series "Queer For Fear"

Shudder Unveils Poster For Horror Docu-Series “Queer For Fear”

In celebration of Pride Month, Shudder has just released the first poster for their new four-part docu-series “Queer for Fear,” which delves into the history of queer people in the horror and thriller genres. From Executive produce, rs Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal”) and Steak House (Launchpad) “Queer for Fe,” a Shudder Original, will debut this Fall. From its literary origins with queer authors Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Oscar Wilde to the pansy craze of the 1920s that influenced Universal Monsters and Hitchcock, through the “lavender scare” alien invasion films of the mid-20th century and the AIDS obsessed bloodletting of 80s vampire films, Queer for Fear re-examines genre stories through a queer lens, seeing them not as violent, murderous narratives, but as tales of survival that resonate thematically with queer audiences everywhere. The docu-series features interviews with series consultant Renée “Nay” Bever (“Attack of the Queerwolf” Podcast co-host), Mark Gatiss (Co-Creator, Writer & Actor, Sherlock and Dracula on BBC), Kimberly Peirce

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 3, 2022
Jack Osbourne & Jason Mewes Hunt Bigfoot In New Discovery+ Special

Jack Osbourne & Jason Mewes Hunt Bigfoot In New Discovery+ Special

Jack Osbourne is no stranger to the supernatural. For most of his life, he’s studied the paranormal, confronting hauntings, demons, and entities. But one thing he has never tackled is the world’s most mysterious cryptid – Bigfoot. Intrigued by the lore, Osbourne is taking his friend, actor Jason Mewes (“Clerks,” Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), on a remote quest to find proof of the infamous beast in the new two-hour discovery+ special Jack Osbourne’s Night of Terror: Bigfoot, launching Sunday, June 26. Together the duo venture into northern Idaho’s secluded backwoods to figure out if Bigfoot is genuinely an undiscovered creature of North America’s wilderness or simply an age-old legend run wild. For years, both Osbourne and Mewes have been curious about the existence of the legendary beast also known as Sasquatch and Yeti. Is it real or not? And what can be made of the various sightings, evidence, and reports people have captured over the years? Theories abound,

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 27, 2022
Season 15 Of "Ancient Aliens" Lands On DVD This July

Season 15 Of “Ancient Aliens” Lands On DVD This July

The fifteenth season of HISTORY® Channel’s long-running out of this world series “Ancient Aliens” lands on DVD this July. Featuring narrator Robert Clotworthy and producer Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, this season of the hit series examines formerly secret government reports about unexplained events around the country and the world, along with ancient relics believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. “From prehistoric stone monoliths and sacred temples to dragon gods and time travelers, this season explores ancient technology and timeless relics that span the globe and the galaxy. As the government shifts from denial of the existence of extraterrestrials’ presence on Earth to releasing their extensive — formerly secret — reports on unexplained phenomena, there is a growing belief that aliens may not be visitors from other planets, but perhaps creatures from our own future. Do these findings reveal alien origins or the origins of humanity? “Ancient Aliens: Season 15” lands on DVD on July 19, 2022, from Lionsgate.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 25, 2022
Apple TV Brings Dinosaurs Back To Life In The Five Night Event "Prehistoric Planet"

Apple TV Brings Dinosaurs Back To Life In The Five Night Event “Prehistoric Planet”

The new Apple TV+ five-night event documentary series “Prehistoric Planet,” from executive producers Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton, and BBC Studios Natural History Unit (“Planet Earth”), will transport viewers 66 million years in the past to discover our world — and the dinosaurs that roamed it. Debuting globally on Apple TV+ from Monday, May 23rd through Friday, May 27th, with a new episode daily, the series is presented by Sir David Attenborough and set to an original score by multiple Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. The stunning series combines award-winning wildlife filmmaking, the latest paleontology learnings, and state-of-the-art technology to unveil the spectacular habitats and inhabitants of ancient Earth for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. “Prehistoric Planet” presents little-known and surprising facts of dinosaur life set against the backdrop of the environments of Cretaceous times, including coasts, deserts, freshwater, ice worlds, and forests. From revealing eye-opening parenting techniques of Tyrannosaurus rex to exploring the mysterious depths of the oceans and the

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 19, 2022
Filmmaker Joe O'Connell Discusses His Documentary About Rondo Hatton & Bob Burns

New Documentary ‘Rondo And Bob’ Delves Into The Lives Of Two Horror Icons

The award-winning documentary Rondo and Bob, centering on Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) art director Robert Burns and his obsession with cult actor Rondo Hatton, will be released on streaming platforms this June. Robert A. “Bob” Burns is a significant name in horror, known for his work on Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, Re-Animator, The Howling, and Poltergeist. From a young age he showed signs of being a genius and could create complex designs all in his head, draw detailed cartoons and create outrageous puns. In high school and college he studied drama, which he later utilized in films including Confessions of a Serial Killer. While attending the University of Texas he edited the “Texas Ranger” humor magazine and discovered Rondo Hatton, a former Tampa, Florida, sports reporter, who contracted acromegaly, a condition that caused his face, hands and feet to grow out of proportion to the rest of his body. It caused the former athlete and

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 10, 2022

More from Documentaries

Ex-Death Row Prisoner Rickey Jackson & Director Matt Waldek Discuss Their True Crime Doc "Lovely Jackson"

Ex-Death Row Prisoner Rickey Jackson & Director Matt Waldek Discuss Their True Crime Doc “Lovely Jackson”

When it comes to true crime, there are thousands of documentaries, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably seen a lot of them. There’s one new documentary headed your way that is different, more profound, and more emotionally charged, Lovely Jackson. In the documentary, the life and wrongful incarceration of Rickey Jackson are explored. Rickey was convicted of murder while just a teen and sentenced to death before his sentence was commuted to life in prison three years later. He spent the next 39 years fighting for his freedom. You see, Rickey was innocent, and the only thing that tied him to the crime was a lie told by a 12-year-old boy, who eventually recanted his statement. Rickey was convicted without evidence and even had a witness tell the police he wasn’t the man. But still, Rickey spent the majority of his life in prison until the Ohio innocents Project came to his aid. Finally, he was set free. Lovely

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 13, 2022
True Crime Documentary 'Lovely Jackson' Premiering At Justice Film Festival

Review: If You Watch One True Crime Doc This Year Make It ‘Lovely Jackson’

Can you imagine being sentenced to death, having it commuted, only to spend 39 years facing the brutality and real horrors of prison and knowing that you are completely innocent? That was the reality for Rickey Jackson, prisoner A144-061. In the new documentary Lovely Jackson, we are introduced to Rickey and the hardships he experienced for many decades. Lovely Jackson is not your average true crime film. We rarely see through the eyes of someone who has experienced so much suffering at the hands of a failed justice system. You may be wondering how an innocent man found himself in such a situation, the state’s entire case hinged on a statement made b12-year-old-old, and it was a complete lie. Rickey waited for thirty-nine years for him to tell the truth. You would think Rickey would be bitter, but no. Somehow he remains kind and found forgiveness for the man who almost put him in the electric chair. I wasn’t sure

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 11, 2022
Review: Apple TV's "Prehistoric Planet" Is A Must See Docuseries

Review: Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planet” Is A Must See Docuseries

I have watched a lot of documentaries about dinosaurs; I am a colossal dino nerd and proud of it. Judging by the trailer for Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planets” docuseries, I knew I was in for something good. I was wrong; what I got was something far beyond “good,” it’s incredible! Narrated by David Attenborough, who has long been the voice of the BBC and many scientific documentaries, series, and specials, “Prehistoric Planet” rolls back the clock 66 million years to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. With a combination of CGI and filming, the stunning docuseries explores the locations the beasts once called home. The first episode is titled “Coasts” and takes viewers to coastal lands and islands where we see a family of T-Rex, giant turtles, and more. The next episode takes us deep into the “Desert,” where dinosaurs struggle to survive. Next Prehistoric Plant delves into the “Freshwater” before giving us a glimpse into “Ice Worlds,” and finally, the

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 7, 2022
Documentary 'Pennywise: The Story of IT' Finally Scores A Summer Release

Documentary ‘Pennywise: The Story of IT’ Finally Scores A Summer Release

It’s been over 30 years since the 1990 mini-series adaptation of Stephen King’s “IT” debuted, and still, it remains dear in the hearts of horror fans. This July, the highly anticipated new documentary Pennywise: The Story of IT will delve into the story and its making, premiering this Summer. The documentary was co-directed by John Campopiano (Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary) and Christopher Griffiths (Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser) and produced by Gary Smart (Dark Ditties Presents). It takes an in-depth look at the mini-series as well as its infamous villain, Pennywise, and the impact it made on culture. It features exclusive interviews with many cult classic’s key players, including cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the iconic killer clown Pennywise and director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. It also features behind-the-scenes footage and more. Pennywise: The Story of IT opens in select theaters and arrives on

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 5, 2022
True Crime Documentary 'Lovely Jackson' Premiering At Justice Film Festival

A Lie Leads To A Wrongful Conviction In New Clip From True Crime Doc ‘Lovely Jackson’

Is there anything worse than being punished for a crime you didn’t commit? Today, we have a new clip from Zodiac Features’ new biographical true crime docu-thriller, Lovely Jackson, the feature directorial debut from filmmaker Matt Waldeck, p.g.a. (“I See You”) ahead of its world premiere at the iconic American Black Film Festival on June 17th. Lovely Jackson is a boldly cinematic epic journey that begins in tragedy, hopelessness, injustice, and death but ends in triumph, beauty, and new life. Focused on America’s longest wrongfully held exonerated prisoner, Rickey Jackson, returns to the actual prison where his 39-year journey of survival began in 1976 and guides his younger self from death row to freedom while facing his real-life accusers along the way, along with critical assistance from The Ohio Innocence Project. Lovely Jackson is a shocking and moving true story about perseverance through the darkest and most hopeless of circumstances that begins in violence and ends with love. This documentary

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 4, 2022
Shudder Unveils Poster For Horror Docu-Series "Queer For Fear"

Shudder Unveils Poster For Horror Docu-Series “Queer For Fear”

In celebration of Pride Month, Shudder has just released the first poster for their new four-part docu-series “Queer for Fear,” which delves into the history of queer people in the horror and thriller genres. From Executive produce, rs Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal”) and Steak House (Launchpad) “Queer for Fe,” a Shudder Original, will debut this Fall. From its literary origins with queer authors Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Oscar Wilde to the pansy craze of the 1920s that influenced Universal Monsters and Hitchcock, through the “lavender scare” alien invasion films of the mid-20th century and the AIDS obsessed bloodletting of 80s vampire films, Queer for Fear re-examines genre stories through a queer lens, seeing them not as violent, murderous narratives, but as tales of survival that resonate thematically with queer audiences everywhere. The docu-series features interviews with series consultant Renée “Nay” Bever (“Attack of the Queerwolf” Podcast co-host), Mark Gatiss (Co-Creator, Writer & Actor, Sherlock and Dracula on BBC), Kimberly Peirce

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 3, 2022
Jack Osbourne & Jason Mewes Hunt Bigfoot In New Discovery+ Special

Jack Osbourne & Jason Mewes Hunt Bigfoot In New Discovery+ Special

Jack Osbourne is no stranger to the supernatural. For most of his life, he’s studied the paranormal, confronting hauntings, demons, and entities. But one thing he has never tackled is the world’s most mysterious cryptid – Bigfoot. Intrigued by the lore, Osbourne is taking his friend, actor Jason Mewes (“Clerks,” Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), on a remote quest to find proof of the infamous beast in the new two-hour discovery+ special Jack Osbourne’s Night of Terror: Bigfoot, launching Sunday, June 26. Together the duo venture into northern Idaho’s secluded backwoods to figure out if Bigfoot is genuinely an undiscovered creature of North America’s wilderness or simply an age-old legend run wild. For years, both Osbourne and Mewes have been curious about the existence of the legendary beast also known as Sasquatch and Yeti. Is it real or not? And what can be made of the various sightings, evidence, and reports people have captured over the years? Theories abound,

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 27, 2022
Season 15 Of "Ancient Aliens" Lands On DVD This July

Season 15 Of “Ancient Aliens” Lands On DVD This July

The fifteenth season of HISTORY® Channel’s long-running out of this world series “Ancient Aliens” lands on DVD this July. Featuring narrator Robert Clotworthy and producer Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, this season of the hit series examines formerly secret government reports about unexplained events around the country and the world, along with ancient relics believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. “From prehistoric stone monoliths and sacred temples to dragon gods and time travelers, this season explores ancient technology and timeless relics that span the globe and the galaxy. As the government shifts from denial of the existence of extraterrestrials’ presence on Earth to releasing their extensive — formerly secret — reports on unexplained phenomena, there is a growing belief that aliens may not be visitors from other planets, but perhaps creatures from our own future. Do these findings reveal alien origins or the origins of humanity? “Ancient Aliens: Season 15” lands on DVD on July 19, 2022, from Lionsgate.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 25, 2022
Apple TV Brings Dinosaurs Back To Life In The Five Night Event "Prehistoric Planet"

Apple TV Brings Dinosaurs Back To Life In The Five Night Event “Prehistoric Planet”

The new Apple TV+ five-night event documentary series “Prehistoric Planet,” from executive producers Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton, and BBC Studios Natural History Unit (“Planet Earth”), will transport viewers 66 million years in the past to discover our world — and the dinosaurs that roamed it. Debuting globally on Apple TV+ from Monday, May 23rd through Friday, May 27th, with a new episode daily, the series is presented by Sir David Attenborough and set to an original score by multiple Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. The stunning series combines award-winning wildlife filmmaking, the latest paleontology learnings, and state-of-the-art technology to unveil the spectacular habitats and inhabitants of ancient Earth for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. “Prehistoric Planet” presents little-known and surprising facts of dinosaur life set against the backdrop of the environments of Cretaceous times, including coasts, deserts, freshwater, ice worlds, and forests. From revealing eye-opening parenting techniques of Tyrannosaurus rex to exploring the mysterious depths of the oceans and the

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 19, 2022
Filmmaker Joe O'Connell Discusses His Documentary About Rondo Hatton & Bob Burns

New Documentary ‘Rondo And Bob’ Delves Into The Lives Of Two Horror Icons

The award-winning documentary Rondo and Bob, centering on Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) art director Robert Burns and his obsession with cult actor Rondo Hatton, will be released on streaming platforms this June. Robert A. “Bob” Burns is a significant name in horror, known for his work on Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, Re-Animator, The Howling, and Poltergeist. From a young age he showed signs of being a genius and could create complex designs all in his head, draw detailed cartoons and create outrageous puns. In high school and college he studied drama, which he later utilized in films including Confessions of a Serial Killer. While attending the University of Texas he edited the “Texas Ranger” humor magazine and discovered Rondo Hatton, a former Tampa, Florida, sports reporter, who contracted acromegaly, a condition that caused his face, hands and feet to grow out of proportion to the rest of his body. It caused the former athlete and

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 10, 2022
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