The Beach Boys is, without a doubt, a seminal band in the history of Rock & Roll. “The Beach Boys and the Satan” is a fascinating and absorbing German documentary in which the filmmakers not only present aspects of their work and legacy, but also connect this band with Charles Manson, whose tribe was responsible for the brutal assassinations of Sharon Tate and others on August, 1969. Through interviews with several players, including Brian Wilson – the so-called band’s brain –, we learn about the relation between Beach Boy Dennis Wilson – who tragically died in an accident – and record producer Terry Melcher, who at one time lived at 10050 Cielo Drive, site of the murders. The DVD has plenty of music and, in a very creative way, documents the bands career, especially the classic “Pet Sounds,” giving us a starting point to explore their music and history. (Germany, 1997, color and B & W, 59 min)

I don’t know about you, but, when it comes to the Olympics, the one event that really catches my attention is the marathon, which I consider to be the most grueling of all the sports, and it takes a very special person to reach the finish line as a winner. “Spirit of the Marathon” remarkably captures the sacrifice that these athletes go through to reach their goal. The film, which won the Audience Choice Award in the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival, chronicles the time preceding the 28^th Chicago Marathon in the lives of some average runners, as well as some Olympians. We see scenes of them training and taking about what it means to them to run the marathons. Director Jon Dunham ably interjects marathon history between these scenes, including Abebe Bikila’s and Dorando Pietri’s memorable runs. This film is truly dramatic and inspiring. The DVD includes a making-of documentary. (USA, 2007, black & white and color, 102 min plus additional material)

“In the Pit” begins by telling us that “fifteen million souls and three million vehicles” move around Mexico City every day. Such numbers required immediate action by the government, as to avoid such congested situations, in a city known for its smog. The very engaging and charming “In the Pit” successfully presents us aspects of the construction of the so-called “the second deck,” which was meant to be the “longest elevated freeway in the history of the city.” To accomplish this, director Juan Carlos Rulfo interviews construction crews, some of which work in extremely dangerous conditions. We witness their camaraderie at work and aspects of their personal life. At the same time, Rulfo slowly shows us how this awesome enterprise evolves and takes shape. The final scene is just mesmerizing. This is great document of our times. (Mexico, 2006, color, 84 min)

I truly enjoy historical movies in which the production design and the attention to detail in reconstructing specific periods of our history are properly done. When it comes to the Olympic Games, “Chariots of Fire” (1981) comes to mind. While watching it, I could only imagine being at the 1924 Olympics, when the story took place. I can say the same about “The First Olympics: Athens 1896,” a fascinating and intriguing take on the first Olympic Games in 1896.

The film begins in 1894, where we immediately meet the main characters: Edwin Flack (Benedict Taylor), an Australian, who studies at Oxford; James Connolly (David Caruso), a Bostonian from a working class family, who gets accepted to Harvard; Robert Garrett (Hunt Block), a well-to-do student from Princeton; and Spiridon Louis (Nikos Ziagos), a soldier in the Greek army. We get to know a little bit about them, and how they eventually were chosen to represent their countries in the Olympics.

More on The First Olympics: Athens 1896 — Sony Pictures

Everybody, it seems, loves the Stones. This seminal English rock band has been around as far as I can remember, and they keep going, filling concert venues to capacity – always the hottest ticket in town. Famed film director Martin Scorsese, who is not new to movies about rock & roll, having worked with Michael Jackson, The Band, Eric Clapton, as well as done documentaries about the Blues, decided to pay tribute to the Rolling Stones, filming them live in concert. The result, “Shine a Light,” is spectacular and absorbing – a feast for Stones fans and concert films lovers alike.

The movie was shot at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, and it begins with a frantic Scorsese trying to figure out which song the Stones were going to open the concert with, as well as other logistical and cinematic concerns. We also see Bill Clinton visiting the artists at their rehearsal and introducing them to his family – Hillary included – and approximately 30 guests. From then on, we go right to the heart of the matter: the music.

More on Shine a Light — Paramount