Derek Malcolm has been covering the worlds of tech and entertainment for more than two decades.<\/p>\n
Before coming to How-To Geek in 2025, Derek was a contributing editor and writer for the A\/V and Home Theater section at Digital Trends, where he wrangled and wrote everything from what to watch on Netflix to reviews, explainers, and guides on the latest Bluetooth speakers, turntables, projectors, and other A\/V gear.<\/p>\n
Based in Toronto, Derek graduated from Humber College's Journalism program in 1999, after which he started covering the worlds of music, movies, TV, and celebrity for publications such as TV Guide, Hello! magazine, and Inside Entertainment. He then got the bug for covering tech and gadgets in 2006, when he served as editor-in-chief of Canadian tech magazine Connected for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
An avid skier, when all the snow's gone Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter or cheering on his favorite F1 team, McLaren.<\/p>\n
Even as August's newest movies and TV show titles trickle in on HBO Max, for documentary enthusiasts, one new series that's been building some excitement has finally arrived, and I can confirm after watching the first episode that it's been well worth the wait.<\/p>\n
Monsters of God is a stranger-than-fiction docuseries from the filmmaker behind two of the streaming world's wildest animal-obsession sagas ever, and it's my top pick this weekend. Rounding out the list, however, are a pair of completely different choices\u2014a portrait of a Beatle legend by a directing legend, and a breathtaking plunge into the beautiful blues of the world's oceans\u2014sure to make for a weekend of variety.<\/p>\n
Martin Scorsese's beautiful and fascinating 2011 tribute to George Harrison is one of my favorite music biographies ever. Not just because it highlights the extraordinary life and journey of my favorite Beatle (there, I said it), but because of the care with which Scorsese, no stranger to sweeping music docs (The Last Waltz, No Direction Home), takes in representing the gentle, nuanced nature of his subject.<\/p>\n
From Woodstock to Walk the Line \u2014 how well do you know the films behind the
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmusic legends?<\/p>\n
The 2015 documentary Amy, about Amy Winehouse, was directed by which filmmaker?<\/p>\n
In Walk the Line, which actor portrayed Johnny Cash and won a Golden Globe for the
\n\t\t\t\t\trole?<\/p>\n
In the 2004 film Ray, Jamie Foxx portrayed Ray Charles. Which major award did Foxx
\n\t\t\t\t\twin for this performance?<\/p>\n
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck was released in 2015 and directed by Brett Morgen. What
\n\t\t\t\t\tmade it particularly unique among Cobain documentaries?<\/p>\n
Taylor Swift's documentary Miss Americana, released on Netflix in 2020, covers a
\n\t\t\t\t\tpivotal period in her life. Which major personal decision is a central theme of the film?<\/p>\n
Summer of Soul (2021), directed by Questlove, focuses on a legendary 1969 music
\n\t\t\t\t\tfestival. What is the festival's official name?<\/p>\n
In the biopic Walk the Line, which legendary musician and close friend of Johnny
\n\t\t\t\t\tCash is portrayed as a major influence on his early career?<\/p>\n
Which of these music documentaries won the Academy Award for Best Documentary
\n\t\t\t\t\tFeature?<\/p>\n
George Harrison: Living in the Material World is a thorough 3-hour and 28-minute account that tells it all, delving into Harrison's life as a musician, spiritual seeker, philanthropist, and filmmaker. The Emmy-winning special sweeps from his beginnings as a young musician in Liverpool, through the insanity of Beatlemania, his spiritual awakening, his solo career and All Things Must Pass, the Traveling Wilburys, and his love of movies and involvement with the Monty Pythons.<\/p>\n
Scorsese weaves together some incredible archival footage of performances, home movies, rare photos and documents, and candid interviews with the likes of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Harrison's widow Olivia, and son Dhani. Told in two parts, it's an intimate and essential watch that shines light on the often misunderstood Beatle.<\/p>\n