As previously announced, Michael Moore's new documentary measures the impact that corporate dominance and greed, and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world. The documentary, set to release theatrically on October 2, now has a name: Capitalism: A Love Story.

Asked why he's elected to do a 'love story,' Moore commented that it's time he focused on 'relationship film.' "It will be the perfect date movie," he quipped. "It's got it all -- lust, passion, romance, and 14,000 jobs being eliminated every day. It's a forbidden love, one that dare not speak its name. Heck, let's just say it: It's Capitalism."

Overture Films will release the film domestically, and Paramount Vantage will distribute it to the rest of the world.

(PHOTO: Michael Moore. Courtesy Michael Moore).

It's pure coincidence that Soul Power, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte's verite replay of one of the world's most famous music festivals, opens theatrically as the public's awareness of popular music's importance has been brought to fevered pitch by the untimely death of Michael Jackson, his star-studded memorial and the posthumous release of Trials and Triumphs of the King of Pop.

Jackson isn't a featured player in Soul Power, nor does the film focus on his contributions to popular culture, but it does provide another compelling point of view about why we are so in love with popular music.

Soul Power presents the extraordinary galaxy of music superstars who gathered in Zaire in 1974 to perform in concert with the "Rumble in the Jungle," promoter Don King's crowning pugilistic event that pitted Muhammad Ali against George Foreman.

That three-day international celebration of music certainly set the record straight about the power of soul, while the boxing match made sports history. Soul Power's thrilling footage of James Brown, B.B. King, Celia Cruz and other music titans (many of whom inspired and influenced Michael Jackson, by the way) on stage and off would be enough to make this film a must see for music lovers, but Levy-Hinte also taps cultural commentators such as George Plimpton, Stokely Carmichael and festival promoter Hugh Masakela to place the celebrated gathering of talent into its cultural and political context.

Soul Power releases bi-coastally on July 10 in select theaters in New York and LA. Unfortunately fans in the heartland and around the world will have to wait until distributors find funding for a Soul Power roll out, or the film finds its way to a television air date, online streaming and/or DVD. Meanwhile, you can watch the trailer and read my review.

(PHOTO: James Brown in 'Soul Power.' Courtesy Antidote Films).

The August 11 release date for the new Michael Jackson documentary, The Trial and Triumph of The King of Pop was timed to ride the wave of interest intended to crest with the superstar's much anticipated, already sold out final tour. Now, it seems, the 76-minute film will serve instead as another loving memorial to Jackson, and as an upbeat view of his extraordinary talents and turbulent life.

Directed by Pearl, Jr. (who also helmed Behind the Scenes at the Michael Jackson Trial in 2005), the forthcoming film focuses on the brighter aspects of the superstar’s persona, and attempts to explain his outlook on life and the behavior that‘s been at the root of so many questions people have had about him.

In announcing the DVD's release, Rock City Entertainment President and CEO Wilson Ebiye said, “We want to unpreserved his legacy of love and kindness that is evident in his music. Our goal with the documentary was to clearly establish the fact that Michael Jackson was found not guilty of child molestation in a court of law.”

The Trial and Triumph of The King of Pop features appearances by Kanye West, Jermaine Jackson, Tom Mesereau, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Jon Voight, Fantasia, Mo'Nique, Aphrodite Jones, Linda Deutsch and others who were within the superstar's sphere.

Again, the release date is August 11, but meanwhile, you can watch the trailer or order the DVD.

(PHOTO: 'The Trials and Triumphs of the King of Pop' Poster Art. Courtesy Rock City Entertainment).

Legendary French filmmaker Agnes Varda's autobiographical documentary, The Beaches of Agnes (Les Plages d'Agnes) releases theatrically July 1, 2009 at Film Forum in New York.

Varda's cinematic memoir is a brilliant 'menage' of archival footage, photo montages and reenactments along with some extraordinarily inventive elements that deliver Varda's recollections and musings on her life, loves and art in as a complete package of compelling impressions.

At age 80, Varda has a lot to tell, and she recounts her story with a panache that's both intoxicating and inspiring.

Watch the trailer and read my full review.

(PHOTO: Agnes Varda On The Beach. Courtesy Cine Tamaris).