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Top Picks: 'Listen To Me Marlon' on DVD and Blu-ray, the 'Tides Near Me' app, and more top picks

'A Very Special Year,' by Thomas Montasser reminds us why books matter, the film 'Top Spin' is charming because of its teenage subjects, and more top picks.

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SHOWTIME
Listen to Me Marlon is a documentary directed by Stevan Riley. It shows the beginnings of the legend - ary Marlon Brando’s career as an actor as well as his struggles originating from difficult relationships with his parents.
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COURTESY OF FIRST RUN FEATURES
In the film Top Spin , directors Mina T. Son and Sara Newens follow three young table tennis competitors as they attempt to make it to the 2012 London Olympics.
  • By Staff

Legendary actor

Listen to Me Marlon is a documentary directed by Stevan Riley. It shows the beginnings of the legendary Marlon Brando’s career as an actor as well as his struggles originating from difficult relationships with his parents. The film sheds light on his greatest successes as well as his deepest doubts. While Brando soon questioned his craft, it also becomes clear in the movie what acting meant to him and what Brando meant to the history of moviemaking. The movie is available on Showtime.

Beach trip

Want to head to the beach but don’t have a tide chart handy? The app Tides Near Me finds the tidal information for shores nearby so you can plan your excursion accordingly. It also has information on when the sun and moon will rise and set, making sure you’ll be arriving for the most beautiful vista possible. The app is available for free for iOS and Android.

Charming bookstore

In the book A Very Special Year, by Thomas Montasser, protagonist Valerie has to look after her aunt Charlotte’s bookshop after Charlotte suddenly disappears. Valerie builds relationships with neighbors and customers and finds herself enjoying the work, and when an intriguing stranger appears in the store, she realizes that she is in for an adventure. “A Very Special Year” reminds us of why books still matter and how they can transform our lives and build bridges between people and cultures. 

Interesting history

The podcast History Extra examines topics of the past as diverse as the Battle of the Somme, the Jewish ghetto in Venice, and cricket in South Africa. The podcast also includes discussions with authors and is produced by BBC History Magazine. You can find it at http://www.historyextra.com.

Teenage athletes

In the film Top Spin, directors Mina T. Son and Sara Newens follow three young table tennis competitors as they attempt to make it to the 2012 London Olympics. The movie is charming because the teens are so radiantly intense about the sport. “Top Spin” is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

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