SIXTY SPINS AROUND THE SUN American Directions

Ironic, engaging, political and often flat out funny, Laura Kightlinger’s documentary SIXTY SPINS AROUND THE SUN follows political activist and comedian Randy Credico, the causes for which he fights and the madness that surrounds him.

Filming started when Credico was working on his “Humor for Hoffa” campaign to elect Jimmy Hoffa Jr. president of the Teamsters. Next, Credico’s attention turned to his fight against racial profiling and New York’s Rockefeller Drug Lows, wherein he aids in the release of nine people from prison. The film explores Credico’s flows and foibles-from his professionally fatal appearance on Carson to his humiliating stint as H.R. Puf-n-Stuf, to his support of the Sandinistos and his outspoken ex-girlfriends. The final portrait is of a passionate, imperfect man. “Thirty percent of my life I’m doing good stuff, 70 percent of my life I’m not. That’s the goal.”

Kightlinger’s low-key presence and assured direction allows Credico to flourish on screen. Credico is a man full of contradictions but Kightlinger knows how and why to highlight aspects of his persona to entertain and enlighten.