A sampling of reviews for some of the films written, produced and directed by Jonathan Blank.
Sex, Drugs & Bicycles
An award-winning feature documentary about the Netherlands — and whether social democracy is the nightmare we’ve been warned about.
“When you consider the United Nations study that ranks Dutch kids as the happiest in the world (while adults rank sixth, well-ahead of 18th place U.S.), the Netherlands must be doing something right, and Blank’s generally breezy film, packed with playful Monty Pythonesque animations by Fiely Matias, effectively sums up the contented mood.” — Michael Rechtshaffen, LA Times
“Sex, Drugs & Bicycles really is about sex, drugs and bicycles with the implication throughout the documentary that the more you have of each, the happier you will be… Directed, written, edited and whatever by Jonathan Blank, whose sense of humor is most like that of Michael Moore, this doc moves forward like a stiff dose of amphetamines with a love for Holland that might make you think that Blank is high on Ecstasy… With snappy and often hilarious animation where Blank morphs into Rembrandt, Sex, Drugs & Bicycles lauds, among other things, the four+ weeks of holiday that the Dutch are required to take, even getting paid for their extra month off. A-” — Harvey Karten, New York Film Critics Online
“For anyone who still believes documentaries are dry and boring, the cure is Sex, Drugs & Bicycles from Jonathan Blank. Entertaining and informative is a terrific blend as Mr. Blank uses interviews, statistics, and animation to contrast the Dutch way of life with that of the good ol’ United States of America.” — David Ferguson, International Policy Digest
“What Sex, Drugs & Bicycles made me realize is that the Netherlands is such a happy place because they are free. Nothing seems to be taboo to the Dutch… This film is done in a seemingly comedic way that does not make it just another boring educational documentary. It is effortless to watch and enjoyable. 8/10” — Chris Salce, Film Threat
“Sex, Drugs & Bicycles is an important documentary for the moment because during this time of crisis, we, as Americans, need to consider how our system is failing and how we can make it better for everyone… When America’s healthcare system and labor laws and practices are compared to the Netherlands, it becomes obvious that social democracies are not hellscapes. In fact, adopting some of these policies may help Americans live healthier and happier lives.” — Zachary David Rogers, Film Inquiry
“Blank takes us through the current setup with regular comparisons to the USA, which doesn’t come out on top, for anything, in a light-hearted and humorous way… Sex, Drugs & Bicycles is a funny and quick way to look at another countries setup and how that compares. 4 stars!” — Mark OC, OC Movie Reviews
Sex, Drugs & Democracy
An award-winning documentary that takes a provocative look at morality & politics in Holland.
“A seductive documentary about Holland, which permits prostitution, abortion, pornography and marijuana use, has banned capital punishment and handguns, and has the lowest prison rate in the world, not to mention low rates of crime, abortion, teen pregnancy and drug deaths. The movie argues that many laws governing personal behavior cause more crime than they prevent.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
“Provocative… The film marshals impressive statistics to suggest that a climate of freedom and tolerance reduces crime and addiction.” — Stephen Holden, The New York Times
“Blank’s intriguing documentary, Sex, Drugs & Democracy, offers an uncensored tour of the nether parts of the Netherlands. The sources, articulate and well pedigreed, are convincing.” — Rita Kempley, The Washington Post
“This indie film, which had a successful art-house run, spotlights Holland, where nothing seems taboo… It’s a compelling picture of tolerance. Everyone will come away with a broader perspective on the human condition.” — Catherine Olson, Billboard
★★★★ “The movie challenges people to examine their freedoms and limitations.” — Bob Fenster, The Arizona Republic
“Young people everywhere are really going to vibe on the movie.” — Geoffrey Macnab, Moving Pictures
Anarchy TV
An original comedy.
KRON-TV“A wild, crazy and twisted comedy!” — Jan Wahl, KRON-TV
“Jonathan Blank and Philip Craft’s script is funny, but it’s the performances that make this film stand out. Alan Thicke is excellent as the evil televangelist… Full of music and whacked out performances, Anarchy TV turns the establishment on its ear with a biting screenplay and scathing satire.” — Brian Matherly, Jacksonville Film Journal
★★★★ “Finally, something good on TV… It has more laughs than some big screen successes.” — Charles Tatum, eFilmCritic.com
Wired for
Entertainment“Keeping the spirit of Frank Zappa alive!” — Meredith Ducote, Wired for Entertainment
Collecting America
A humorous look at the baseball memorabilia collecting frenzy.
“(3 ½ stars)… Producer-director Jonathan Blank’s fascinating investigation of the multibillion-dollar baseball memorabilia business. “Collecting America” is first-rate reporting and an absorbing mix of interviews with industry entrepreneurs, execs, dealers, players, fans and sportswriters, along with footage of conventions and ball games.” — Joseph Gelmis, Newsday
“Blank’s funny, informative documentary is fast-paced, beautifully combining interviews with dealers, fans, market analysts and Hall-of-Famers. It’s exceptionally well edited and even handed.” — Bruce Eder, Video Magazine
“A fascinating, provocative documentary which provides a humorous view of how a childhood hobby has grown into a $10 billion market.” — Ian Rowe, Harbus News