X
  • 2007
  • Not Rated
  • Tilapia Film
  • 1 h 14 m
  • 2007
  • Not Rated
  • Tilapia Film
  • 1 h 14 m

Summary Once known as the "California Riviera," the Salton Sea is now called one of America's worst ecological disasters. This documentary covers the historical, economic, political, and environmental issues that face the Sea, it more importantly offers up an offbeat portrait of the eccentric and individualistic people who populate its shores. H...

Directed By: Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer

Written By: Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer

  • 2007
  • Not Rated
  • Tilapia Film
  • 1 h 14 m
  • 2007
  • Not Rated
  • Tilapia Film
  • 1 h 14 m

Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
72
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary Once known as the "California Riviera," the Salton Sea is now called one of America's worst ecological disasters. This documentary covers the historical, economic, political, and environmental issues that face the Sea, it more importantly offers up an offbeat portrait of the eccentric and individualistic people who populate its shores. H...

Directed By: Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer

Written By: Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
72
88% Positive
7 Reviews
13% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
72
88% Positive
7 Reviews
13% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
This is a startlingly funny portrait of Gothic Americana.
By Peter Rainer FULL REVIEW
80
Plagues & Pleasures is kinda like one of those travel videos, except it's offering you a vacation like you've never had before and it's not loaded with bulls---.
By Eric Campos FULL REVIEW
75
To their credit, directors Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer, both of San Francisco, poke gentle fun at the locals without ridiculing them. The film's playful spirit is underscored by catchy steel-guitar melodies (courtesy of the Friends of Dean Martinez) that perfectly suit the bone-dry setting.
By John McMurtrie FULL REVIEW
70
Narrated with surprising empathy by John Waters, is a historically thorough and thoroughly hysterical examination of the big, smelly desert lake's formation.
FULL REVIEW
70
Occasionally lighthearted but always affecting cautionary tale.
By Fred Camper FULL REVIEW
63
The late U.S. Rep. Sonny Bono and his widow and successor Mary Bono have spent a good deal of time trying to save it. It's a hard task, but the film does suggest there's more to the sea than meets the eye.
By Michael Wilmington FULL REVIEW
60
Jaunty and fun for a while, with a cast of colorful locals who make the residents of "Vernon, Florida" seem normal, pic ultimately overstays its welcome and overstates its case.
FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company Tilapia Film, Tilapia Corp.
Release Date Apr 20, 2007
Duration 1 h 14 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline In the middle of a harsh desert valley sits the bizarre Salton Sea.
Website http://www.saltonseadoc.com
View All Details

Awards

Denver Underground Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Missoula International Wildlife Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Savannah Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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