“Pamela, A Love Story”(Netflix)”The Short Game” (Netflix)

The Pamela of “…A Love Story” is Pamela Anderson, former Playboy Model and star of the 1990’s “Baywatch”. If, like me, you never watched the series, then you might remember her from the big sex tape scandal associated with her and her(then)husband Tommy Lee of Motley Crue. Now in her fifties and wiser, she has returned to her childhood home in rural Canada where she tells all to video biographer Ryan White. Although “deep” is not the word that comes to mind, Anderson’s charm and down- to- earth likability keep the movie from tabloid sensationalism. The film doesn’t intentionally explore the differences between performative sexual behaviors and personal ones. But Pamela Anderson’s career trajectory is a case study worth discussion. So, once again, Dear Readers, send in your thoughts and comments.

Those of us who cannot recall “Baywatch” may have an easier time remembering Art Linketter’s (and a later Bill Cosby one–oy)cloying “Kids Say the Darndest Things” . The Netflix documentary “The Short Game” teeters on this but thankfully has much more going for it. I never thought I would voluntarily watch anything about golf, so I was stunned to discover that I love this film. Seven and eight year old golf fanatics cum champions compete in a world event, but it’s really about so much more than golf: cultural influences, the nature of obsession, parent-child relationships, and more. Unlike “Surf Girls Hawaii” which one nycynic reader felt had a phony ring to it, “Short Game” doesn’t hide the tensions, the neurotic parents or the potential negative impact of competitions like this.

Side Note: “Moving On”, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin’s latest movie has received mixed reviews from established critics. Reader, Giorgia, hated it. I haven’t seen it. should I watch it? Review it? Anyone out there want to comment?