The Reel Dr. Bob

FEBRUARY 17, 2022-

DEAR FRIENDS-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- NONE

____________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK- NONE

_____________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO  NETFLIX THIS WEEK ON DISC- NONE THAT I CAN RECOMMEND

______________________________________________________________________________

NEW MOVIES IN THEATERS AND/OR STREAMING–

1) KIMI– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An agoraphobic tech worker discovers recorded evidence of a violent crime but is met with resistance when she tries to report it. Seeking justice, she must now do the thing she fears the most: she must leave her apartment.”

2/12/22- Excellent reviews from the critics and really poor ones from audiences. TRDB.  HBO Max

2) THE PACT– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “It’s 1948 and 63-year-old “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen (pen name: Isak Dinesen) is a lonely literary sensation — until she meets talented 30-year-old poet Thorkild Bjørnvig. She promises him stardom if he will obey her unconditionally. From director Bille August (PELLE THE CONQUEROR) comes this sterling adaptation of Bjørnvig’s bestselling memoir.”

2/12/22- Fair reviews at best. TRDB. In Theaters

3) THE FABULOUS FILIPINO BROTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The bond between four brothers transcends their questionable life choices as they come together for a family wedding.”

2/12/21- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

4) INDEMNITY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An ex-firefighter in Cape Town is forced to fight for his life after being accused of murdering his wife. As he struggles to survive, connections are revealed between his past, the origin of his PTSD, the mysterious death of his wife, and a government conspiracy with terrifying implications.”

2/12/21- Very good reviews by  the critics. TRDB  In Theaters and streamable

5) PLAYGROUND– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this debut feature by writer-director Laura Wandel, the everyday reality of grade school is seen from a child’s-eye-view as an obstacle course of degradation and abuse. “

2/13/22- Excellent reviews from all of the critics. TRDB.

6)  THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Tucked among the magical redwood trees of Northern California and surrounded by her grandmother’s gargantuan roses, 17-year-old Lennie Walker, a radiant musical prodigy, struggles with overwhelming grief following the sudden loss of her older sister, Bailey.”

2/13/22- Fair reviews at best. TRDB In Theaters and on various platforms

7) DEATH ON THE NILE– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. “

2/14/22- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

8) MINAMATA- 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “After making his mark as a photographer in World War II, W. Eugene Smith is living in solitude in 1971 when he’s urged to return to Japan to document a coastal village being poisoned through mercury in a company’s wastewater.

2/13/22– Fairly good reviews. TRDB. In Theaters

9) THE UNMAKING OF A COLLEGE– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This is a film about young people on a rescue mission–for a school and an educational philosophy. The Unmaking of a College delves into the 2019 crisis at Hampshire College when students led a 75-day sit-in–the longest in American college history–at the new president’s office to thwart her underhanded attempt to give up the independence of one of the most experimenting colleges in the United States.”

2/14/22- Good reviews by the critics. TRDB. In Theaters

10) WORST TO FIRST:  THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100.”

2/14/22. No reviews as yet. TRDB. On various streaming platforms

SKIP THESE-

1) TALL GIRL 2

2) BIGBUG–

3) THE IN BETWEEN– On Paramount +

4) CATCH THE FAIR ONE– Very violent

5)  MARRY ME- really weak reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences.  In Theaters and on Peacock

6) I WANT YOU BACK– Sounds stupid. On Amazon

7) BLACKLIGHT- Miserable reviews. In Theaters

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MOVIES PLAYING AT THE BURNS FILM CENTER IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY-

1) THE POWER OF THE DOG– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1925 Montana, the relationship between brothers Phil and George — rich ranchers who are polar opposites — sours when George weds a young widow and Phil begins a relentless crusade to torment his sibling’s wife and her bookish teenage son.”

11/18/21- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) BREAKING BREAD– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “BREAKING BREAD follows Arab and Jewish chefs in Haifa, Israel as they collaborate in the kitchen. Connected through a shared love of food, the chefs unite to celebrate their cultures and the food of their region free from political and religious boundaries.”

2/6/2022- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD– 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. ” In her 20s, Julie tried and discarded numerous careers and relationships on the road to self-discovery. Now almost 30, she still finds herself at sea — and uncertain whether she ever wants to settle down — as she embarks on a new romance.”2/6/22- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB.

4) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

11/28/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB.

MOVIES PLAYING AT THE AMC THEATER IN DANBURY, CT

1) WEST SIDE STORY–

2) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

11/28/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

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MOVIES PLAYING IN PALM BEACH Co. FLORIDA-

1) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

a) JOCKEY– 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “An aging jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.), hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years — and injuries — have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.”

1/3/22- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

b) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

2) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

a) JOCKEY- SEE ABOVE

b) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

3) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

a) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB.

b) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD– SEE ABOVE

c) JOCKEY– SEE ABOVE

d) SUNDOWN- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vacationing in Acapulco with his sister and her kids, wealthy Neil Bennett heads to the airport when he learns his mom has died. But just before boarding the plane, he pretends his passport is missing and abandons his life to lose himself in Mexico.”

1/30/22- Fair reviews. TRDB.

4) THE STONZEK THEATER IN DOWNTOWN LAKE WORTH-

a) A TASTE OF HUNGER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A couple sacrifice everything to get a coveted Michelin star for their popular restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark.”

1/31/21-  Mostly good reviews. TRDB.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022-

DEAR FRIENDS-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- NONE

____________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK- NONE

_____________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO  NETFLIX THIS WEEK ON DISC- NONE THAT I CAN RECOMMEND

______________________________________________________________________________

NEW MOVIES IN THEATERS AND/OR STREAMING–

1) KIMI– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An agoraphobic tech worker discovers recorded evidence of a violent crime but is met with resistance when she tries to report it. Seeking justice, she must now do the thing she fears the most: she must leave her apartment.”

2/12/22- Excellent reviews from the critics and really poor ones from audiences. TRDB.  HBO Max

2) THE PACT– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “It’s 1948 and 63-year-old “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen (pen name: Isak Dinesen) is a lonely literary sensation — until she meets talented 30-year-old poet Thorkild Bjørnvig. She promises him stardom if he will obey her unconditionally. From director Bille August (PELLE THE CONQUEROR) comes this sterling adaptation of Bjørnvig’s bestselling memoir.”

2/12/22- Fair reviews at best. TRDB. In Theaters

3) THE FABULOUS FILIPINO BROTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The bond between four brothers transcends their questionable life choices as they come together for a family wedding.”

2/12/21- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

4) INDEMNITY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An ex-firefighter in Cape Town is forced to fight for his life after being accused of murdering his wife. As he struggles to survive, connections are revealed between his past, the origin of his PTSD, the mysterious death of his wife, and a government conspiracy with terrifying implications.”

2/12/21- Very good reviews by  the critics. TRDB  In Theaters and streamable

5) PLAYGROUND– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this debut feature by writer-director Laura Wandel, the everyday reality of grade school is seen from a child’s-eye-view as an obstacle course of degradation and abuse. “

2/13/22- Excellent reviews from all of the critics. TRDB.

6)  THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Tucked among the magical redwood trees of Northern California and surrounded by her grandmother’s gargantuan roses, 17-year-old Lennie Walker, a radiant musical prodigy, struggles with overwhelming grief following the sudden loss of her older sister, Bailey.”

2/13/22- Fair reviews at best. TRDB In Theaters and on various platforms

7) DEATH ON THE NILE– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. “

2/14/22- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

8) MINAMATA- 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “After making his mark as a photographer in World War II, W. Eugene Smith is living in solitude in 1971 when he’s urged to return to Japan to document a coastal village being poisoned through mercury in a company’s wastewater.

2/13/22– Fairly good reviews. TRDB. In Theaters

9) THE UNMAKING OF A COLLEGE– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This is a film about young people on a rescue mission–for a school and an educational philosophy. The Unmaking of a College delves into the 2019 crisis at Hampshire College when students led a 75-day sit-in–the longest in American college history–at the new president’s office to thwart her underhanded attempt to give up the independence of one of the most experimenting colleges in the United States.”

2/14/22- Good reviews by the critics. TRDB. In Theaters

10) WORST TO FIRST:  THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100.”

2/14/22. No reviews as yet. TRDB. On various streaming platforms

SKIP THESE-

1) TALL GIRL 2

2) BIGBUG–

3) THE IN BETWEEN– On Paramount +

4) CATCH THE FAIR ONE– Very violent

5)  MARRY ME- really weak reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences.  In Theaters and on Peacock

6) I WANT YOU BACK– Sounds stupid. On Amazon

7) BLACKLIGHT- Miserable reviews. In Theaters

_______________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES PLAYING AT THE BURNS FILM CENTER IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY-

1) THE POWER OF THE DOG– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1925 Montana, the relationship between brothers Phil and George — rich ranchers who are polar opposites — sours when George weds a young widow and Phil begins a relentless crusade to torment his sibling’s wife and her bookish teenage son.”

11/18/21- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) BREAKING BREAD– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “BREAKING BREAD follows Arab and Jewish chefs in Haifa, Israel as they collaborate in the kitchen. Connected through a shared love of food, the chefs unite to celebrate their cultures and the food of their region free from political and religious boundaries.”

2/6/2022- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD– 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. ” In her 20s, Julie tried and discarded numerous careers and relationships on the road to self-discovery. Now almost 30, she still finds herself at sea — and uncertain whether she ever wants to settle down — as she embarks on a new romance.”2/6/22- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB.

4) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

11/28/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB.

MOVIES PLAYING AT THE AMC THEATER IN DANBURY, CT

1) WEST SIDE STORY–

2) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

11/28/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES PLAYING IN PALM BEACH Co. FLORIDA-

1) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

a) JOCKEY– 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “An aging jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.), hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years — and injuries — have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.”

1/3/22- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

b) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

2) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

a) JOCKEY- SEE ABOVE

b) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

3) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

a) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB.

b) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD– SEE ABOVE

c) JOCKEY– SEE ABOVE

d) SUNDOWN- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vacationing in Acapulco with his sister and her kids, wealthy Neil Bennett heads to the airport when he learns his mom has died. But just before boarding the plane, he pretends his passport is missing and abandons his life to lose himself in Mexico.”

1/30/22- Fair reviews. TRDB.

4) THE STONZEK THEATER IN DOWNTOWN LAKE WORTH-

a) A TASTE OF HUNGER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A couple sacrifice everything to get a coveted Michelin star for their popular restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark.”

1/31/21-  Mostly good reviews. TRDB.

FEBRUARY 10, 2022-

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) MY FATHER’S VIOLIN– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) MY FATHER’S VIOLIN– 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a heartbreaking loss, a girl tries to connect with a distant uncle who shares her passion for music.”

2/10/22- Reviews are mixed for this Turkish family drama. I enjoyed it- especially the music.  TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON A DISC

1) BAD LUCK BANGING OR LOONY PORN–

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NEW MOVIES IN THEATERS AND/OR STREAMING-

1) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD–  2022. Synopsis by Netflix. ” In her 20s, Julie tried and discarded numerous careers and relationships on the road to self-discovery. Now almost 30, she still finds herself at sea — and uncertain whether she ever wants to settle down — as she embarks on a new romance.”

2/6/22- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB. In Theaters.

2) POLY STYRENE: I AM A CLICHE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Poly Styrene was the first woman of color in the UK to front a successful rock band. She introduced the world to a new sound of rebellion, using her unconventional voice to sing about identity, consumerism, postmodernism, and everything she saw unfolding in late 1970s Britain.”

2/6/2o22- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On various platforms

3) BREAKING BREAD– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “BREAKING BREAD follows Arab and Jewish chefs in Haifa, Israel as they collaborate in the kitchen. Connected through a shared love of food, the chefs unite to celebrate their cultures and the food of their region free from political and religious boundaries.”

2/6/2022- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

4) LINGUI, THE SACRED BONDS– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ‘On the outskirts of N’Djamena in Chad, Amina lives alone with her only 15-year-old daughter Maria. Her already fragile world collapses the day she discovers that her daughter is pregnant. The teenager does not want this pregnancy. In a country where abortion is not only condemned by religion, but also by law, Amina finds herself facing a battle that seems lost in advance.”

2/6/2022- Excellent reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.  In Theaters

5)  MY BEST FRIEND ANNE FRANK– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on the real-life relationship between Anne Frank and Hannah Goslar, from Nazi-occupied Amsterdam to their harrowing reunion in a concentration camp.”

2/6/2022- Fair reviews at best for this Dutch film. TRDB. On Netfllix

SKIP THESE-

1) ALONE WITH YOU- In Theaters and ON-DEMAND

2) BOOK OF LOVE– On Amazon

3) LAST LOOKS- In Theaters and various platforms

4) MOONFALL– In Theaters

5) JACKASS FOREVER–

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MOVIES SHOWING AT THE JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER IN PLEASANTVILE NY

1) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD–  2022. Synopsis by Netflix. ” In her 20s, Julie tried and discarded numerous careers and relationships on the road to self-discovery. Now almost 30, she still finds herself at sea — and uncertain whether she ever wants to settle down — as she embarks on a new romance.”

2/6/22- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB

2) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB.

3) THE POWER OF THE DOG– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1925 Montana, the relationship between brothers Phil and George — rich ranchers who are polar opposites — sours when George weds a young widow and Phil begins a relentless crusade to torment his sibling’s wife and her bookish teenage son.”

11/18/21- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

12/1/21- Slow but I did like it. Great scenery and great music as well.  TRDB.

4) FLEE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten  Tomatoes. “Depicting the refugee experience through vivid animation, Flee pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking to present a moving memoir of self-discovery.”

1/19/22- Excellent reviews for this animated documentary. TRDB.

5) BELFAST-

6) DUNE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from Frank Herbert’s epic novel, this sci-fi drama centers on two families as they battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis — the lone source of the most valuable substance in the cosmos.”

10/27/21- Reviews range between very good and excellent. TRDB.

7) DRIVE MY CAR— Very good reviews.- Limited screenings

MOVIES SHOWING AT THE AMC IN DANBURY, CT

1) WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RASCISM IN AMERICA– 2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this illuminating documentary that intertwines interviews, archival film, a lecture and personal anecdotes, civil-rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson delivers a powerful rebuke of the racist views that have scarred America’s past and haunt its present.”

1/16/22- Excellent reviews by the critics and awful ones by audiences. TRDB.

2) AMERICAN UNDERDOG– Very good reviews

3) LICORICE PIZZA– Very good reviews

4) BELFAST– I saw it and liked it very much

MOVIES SHOWING IN PALM BEACH Co-

1) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

A) SUNDOWN– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vacationing in Acapulco with his sister and her kids, wealthy Neil Bennett heads to the airport when he learns his mom has died. But just before boarding the plane, he pretends his passport is missing and abandons his life to lose himself in Mexico.”

1/30/22- Fair reviews. TRDB.

B) PARALLEL MOTHERS– Very good reviews

C) LICORISH PIZZA– Very good reviews

2) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Same as Lake Worth above

3) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

a) A TASTE OF HUNGER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A couple sacrifice everything to get a coveted Michelin star for their popular restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark.”

1/31/21-  Mostly good reviews. TRDB.

b) BREAKING BREAD– 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “BREAKING BREAD follows Arab and Jewish chefs in Haifa, Israel as they collaborate in the kitchen. Connected through a shared love of food, the chefs unite to celebrate their cultures and the food of their region free from political and religious boundaries.”

2/6/2022- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

c) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB.

d) SUNDOWN– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vacationing in Acapulco with his sister and her kids, wealthy Neil Bennett heads to the airport when he learns his mom has died. But just before boarding the plane, he pretends his passport is missing and abandons his life to lose himself in Mexico.”

1/30/22- Fair reviews. TRDB.

e) WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RASCISM IN AMERICA-  2022. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this illuminating documentary that intertwines interviews, archival film, a lecture and personal anecdotes, civil-rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson delivers a powerful rebuke of the racist views that have scarred America’s past and haunt its present.”

1/16/22- Excellent reviews by the critics and awful ones by audiences. TRDB.

4) THE STONZEK THEATER IN DOWNTOWN LAKE WORTH

a) BRIGHTON 4th- 2022.  Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes.  “This movie is about an Olympic wrestling champion who is paying a visit to his son.”

1/30/22- Very good reviews. TRDB.

DECEMBER 30, 2021-

DEAR FRIENDS:

SORRY FOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS LAST WEEK

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) SWAN SONG–

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1)  DON’T LOOK UP– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem: it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem? No one really seems to care.”

12/25/21- Poor reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB. On Netflix.

12/24/21- I didn’t really like this movie despite an excellent cast. TRDB.

2) SWAN SONG– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Legendary actor Udo Kier stars as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home after learning of his former client’s dying wish for him to style her final hairdo.”

8/6/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

12/27/21- I agree!!!!! Excellent. Another movie with the same name is available this year and I have not seen it yet. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC- JAN. 11-

1) MASS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, two sets of shattered parents gingerly seek to bridge the emotional chasm between them, which formed six years earlier when one couple’s son killed the other couple’s son in a school shooting.”

10/8/21- Excellent reviews for this poignant drama. TRDB.

2) DUNE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from Frank Herbert’s epic novel, this sci-fi drama centers on two families as they battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis — the lone source of the most valuable substance in the cosmos.”

10/27/21- Reviews range between very good and excellent. TRDB.

3) SPENCER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. SPENCER is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.”

11/3/21- Very good reviews. TRDB

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NEW MOVIES IN THEATERS AND/OR STREAMING-

1) MEMORIA– 2021. Synopsis Rotten Tomatoes. “Ever since being startled by a loud ‘bang’ at daybreak, Jessica (Tilda Swinton) is unable to sleep. In Bogotá to visit her sister, she befriends Agnes (Jeanne Balibar), an archaeologist studying human remains discovered within a tunnel under construction.’

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this British drama. TRDB. In Theaters

2) AMERICAN UNDERDOG– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player.”

12/22/21- Excellent reviews from everybody. TRDB. In Theaters

3) THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Power-hungry Macbeth sets his sights on the Scottish throne after receiving a prophecy from three witches.”

12/24/21- Great reviews by the critics and by audiences as well. TRDB. In Theaters

4) THE VELVET QUEEN- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the heart of the Tibetan highlands, multi-award-winning nature photographer Vincent Munier guides writer Sylvain Tesson on his quest to document the infamously elusive snow leopard. Munier introduces Tesson to the subtle art of waiting from a blind spot, tracking animals, and finding the patience to catch sight of the beasts.”

12/24/21- Great reviews for this French documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

5) DON’T LOOK UP– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem: it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem? No one really seems to care.”

12/25/21- Poor reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

12/24/21- I didn’t really like this movie despite an excellent cast. TRDB. On Netflix.

6) PARALLEL MOTHERS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized..”

12/24/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB. In Theaters

7) REOPENING NIGHT– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Following the cast, crew and staff of Public Theater as they prepare to mount an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives,” at the Delacorte Theater in New York City. Contending with the ever-present threat of COVID-19 and one of the rainiest Julys on record, the production marks the return of live theatre following more than a year of closures in the city.”

12/25/21- Just 1 early review and it is good. TRDB

8)  A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Denzel Washington and starring Michael B. Jordan with a screenplay by Virgil Williams, A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN is based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son.”

12/22/21- Really poor reviews by the critics but excellent ones by audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

SKIP THESE-

1) THE KING’S MAN- Ratings are poor to fair

____________________________________________________________________

A) MOVIES SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER Co, NY-

1) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER- IN PLEASANTVILLE NY-

a) THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Power-hungry Macbeth sets his sights on the Scottish throne after receiving a prophecy from three witches.”

12/24/21- Great reviews by the critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.

b) WEST SIDE STORY-  2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

c) LICORICE PIZZA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

11/28/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

d) DRIVE MY CAR– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two years after his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a renowned stage actor and director, receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There, he meets Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), a taciturn young woman assigned by the festival to chauffeur him in his beloved red Saab 900. As the production’s premiere approaches, tensions mount amongst the cast and crew, not least between Yusuke and Koji Takatsuki, a handsome TV star who shares an unwelcome connection to Yusuke’s late wife.”

11/27/21- Excellent reviews for this Japanese drama. TRDB.

B) AMC IN DANBURY, CT

a) A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Denzel Washington and starring Michael B. Jordan with a screenplay by Virgil Williams, A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN is based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son.”

12/22/21- Really poor reviews by the critics but excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.

b) AMERICAN UNDERDOG- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player.”

12/22/21- Excellent reviews from everybody. TRDB.

c) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

d) LICORICE PIZZA – 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to one of his favorite settings — California’s San Fernando Valley — for this coming-of-age tale about a high school student who’s also juggling the demands of being a successful child actor.”

11/28/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

MOVIES SHOWING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-(Fri–Sun)

1) AMERICAN UNDERDOG– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player.”

12/22/21- Excellent reviews from everybody. TRDB.

2) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

3) NIGHTMARE ALLEY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of a noir classic, wily hustler Stanton Carlisle finds the carnival the perfect place to ply his trade. Setting himself up as a spiritual guru, Carlisle wastes no time in parting the wealthy from their money.”

12/15/21- Good reviews for this mystery/thriler. TRDB.

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- same as Lake Worth but also showing House of Gucci.

C) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1)  THE TRAGEDY OF MACBBETH– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Power-hungry Macbeth sets his sights on the Scottish throne after receiving a prophecy from three witches.”

12/24/21- Great reviews by the critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.

2) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

3) RED ROCKET– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The audacious new film from writer-director Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Tangerine), starring Simon Rex in a magnetic, live-wire performance, Red Rocket is a darkly funny and humane portrait of a uniquely American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.”

12/10/21- Good reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) BEING THE RICARDOS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a week of filming the beloved 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” this biopic follows stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they experience personal and professional crises that could end their relationship onscreen and off.”

12/8/21- Just fair reviews for this drama/biopic but I liked it very much. I loved Lucy too.  TRDB.

D) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

DECEMBER 16, 2021-

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK

1) THE UNFORGIVABLE– Netflix

2) SIR– Netflix

3) PRIME– Netflix

4) THE FIRST 2 EPISODES OF ” A PLACE TO CALL HOME”- AMAZON PRIME

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1)  THE UNFORGIVABLE- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime, Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) re-enters a society that refuses to forgive her past. Facing severe judgment from the place she once called home, her only hope for redemption is finding the estranged younger sister she was forced to leave behind.”

12/10/21- Poor reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB. On Netflix

12/11/21- A real tearjerker but well done and I liked it. TRDB.

2) SIR- 2018. This movie was enjoyable and handled the subject of class(caste system) in India very well. TRDB.

3) PRIME– 2005. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rafi Gardet (Uma Thurman) is a 37-year-old divorced Catholic businesswoman falling for David (Bryan Greenberg), a 23-year-old Jewish artist. With the help of her therapist, Dr. Lisa Metzger (Meryl Streep), Rafi tries to overcome her insecurities and accept the age difference between her and David. But when Lisa learns more about her client’s new love, she realizes that David is her son.”

12/14/21- Weak reviews but I liked it, especially Meryl Streep. TRDB.

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MOVIES COMING TO NETFLIX ON A DISC-

1) THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this big-screen prequel to the long-running TV series “The Sopranos,” the action takes place during the 1960s in Newark, New Jersey, as hostilities reach a fever pitch between the black and Italian-American communities.”

9/28/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

NEW MOVIES IN THE THEATER AND/OR STREAMING-

1) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB. In Theaters

2) BEING THE RICARDOS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a week of filming the beloved 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” this biopic follows stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they experience personal and professional crises that could end their relationship onscreen and off.”

12/8/21- Just fair reviews for this drama/biopic. TRDB. In Theaters

3) A SON (UN FILS)– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A SON (UN FILS) is an intense family drama about 11 year old Aziz who needs a liver transplant after being seriously injured during a terrorist ambush while on holiday in 2011. At the hospital, a family secret will be revealed.”

12/10/21- Excellent reviews for this drama from Tunisia. TRDB. In Theaters

4) BACK TO THE OUTBACK– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Tired of being locked in a reptile house where humans gawk at them like they’re monsters, a ragtag group of Australia’s deadliest creatures plot a daring escape from their zoo to the Outback, a place where they’ll fit in without being judged for their scales and fangs.”

12/10/21- Good reviews in general for this animated movie. TRDB. On Netflix

5) NATIONAL CHAMPIONS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Three days before the college football national championship game, star quarterback LeMarcus James (Stephan James) and teammate Emmett Sunday (Alexander Ludwig) ignite a player’s strike declaring they won’t compete until all student-athletes are fairly compensated. With billions of dollars at risk and legacies on the line, the stakes could not be higher.”

12/10/21- Reviews are just fair. TRDB. In Theaters

6) BEIJING SPRING– No info on this movie. In Theaters

7) THE REAL CHARLIE CHAPLIN– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “From the award-winning creative team behind Notes On Blindness and Listen To Me, Marlon comes a contemporary take on cinema’s most iconic figure. In an innovative blend of newly-unearthed audio recordings, dramatic reconstructions and personal archive, the film traces Charlie Chaplin’s meteoric rise from the slums of Victorian London to the heights of Hollywood superstardom, before his scandalous fall from grace.”

12/10/21- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB. Showtime

8) JOY WOMACK: THE WHITE SWAN. 2021.- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The film follows several years in the life of Joy Womack, the first American to graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s main training program, and the first American woman to sign a contract with the Bolshoi Ballet. Joy grew up in a typical American family. She always wanted to be a ballet dancer and moved to Russia when she was 15 to follow her dream. Without a word of Russian, not completely fit for the physical requirements of Russian ballet dancers, Joy shows her strength and dedication to ballet and accomplishing her dreams.”

12/11/21- I’ve seen just 3 early reviews and they are excellent. TRDB. On many streaming platforms

9) LAST AND FIRST MEN– 2020. Synopsis by IMDB. “Two billion years ahead of us, a future race of humans finds itself on the verge of extinction. Almost all that is left in the world are lone and surreal monuments, beaming their message into the wilderness.”

12/11/21- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

10) FATAL DISTRACTION– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The story of the high-profile murder trial of Justin Ross Harris following the death of his toddler son in the hot summer of 2014.”

12/11/21- Just 1 review- from the NY Times- and it’s good. TRDB. In Theaters and various pjlatforms

11) THE UNFORGIVABLE- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime, Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) re-enters a society that refuses to forgive her past. Facing severe judgment from the place she once called home, her only hope for redemption is finding the estranged younger sister she was forced to leave behind.”

12/10/21- Poor reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB. On Netflix

12/11/21- A real tearjerker but well done and I liked it. TRDB.

12) FRANCE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In FRANCE, a satirical drama set in contemporary Paris, Léa Seydoux stars as France de Meurs, a seemingly unflappable superstar TV journalist whose career, home life, and psychological stability are turned upside down after she carelessly drives into a young delivery man on a busy street.”

12/10/21- Awful reviews for this French movie but it sounded OK to me. TRDB. In Theaters

13) RED ROCKET– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The audacious new film from writer-director Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Tangerine), starring Simon Rex in a magnetic, live-wire performance, Red Rocket is a darkly funny and humane portrait of a uniquely American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.”

12/10/21- Good reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

14) THE LADY OF HEAVEN– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The heart-wrenching journey of Lady Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad. Separated by 1400 years, an Iraqi child, in the midst of a war-torn country at the hands of ISIS, learns the importance and power of patience. After losing his mother, the child finds himself in a new home, where a loving grandmother narrates the historical story of The Lady and how her suffering as the first victim of terrorism spun out of control into the 21st century.”

12/10/21- Just 2 reviews so far and they are both very good. TRDB. In Theaters

SKIP THESE–

1) AGNES– Sounds like lots of horror. In Theaters and pay per view

2)  ENCOUNTER– Terrible reviews. In Theaters and Amazon Prime Video

_______________________________________________________________________

MOVIES SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY

A) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY

NEW THIS WEEK-

1) NIGHTMARE ALLEY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of a noir classic, wily hustler Stanton Carlisle finds the carnival the perfect place to ply his trade. Setting himself up as a spiritual guru, Carlisle wastes no time in parting the wealthy from their money.”

12/15/21- Good reviews for this mystery/thriler. TRDB.

2) THE LOST DAUGHTER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “During a coastal holiday in Greece, middle-aged Leda develops a fascination with a mother and daughter after seeing them repeatedly at the beach. But when Leda’s obsession leads her to commit an irrational act, she has to face her unsettled past.”

12/15.21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) HOUSE OF GUCCI– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.”11/24/21- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

3) DRIVE MY CAR– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two years after his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a renowned stage actor and director, receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There, he meets Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), a taciturn young woman assigned by the festival to chauffeur him in his beloved red Saab 900. As the production’s premiere approaches, tensions mount amongst the cast and crew, not least between Yusuke and Koji Takatsuki, a handsome TV star who shares an unwelcome connection to Yusuke’s late wife.”

11/27/21- Excellent reviews for this Japanese drama. TRDB. (limited screenings)

 MOVIES SHOWING IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

A) AMC IN DANBURY, CT

1) NIGHTMARE ALLEY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of a noir classic, wily hustler Stanton Carlisle finds the carnival the perfect place to ply his trade. Setting himself up as a spiritual guru, Carlisle wastes no time in parting the wealthy from their money.”

12/15/21- Good reviews for this mystery/thriler. TRDB.

2) BEING THE RICARDOS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a week of filming the beloved 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” this biopic follows stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they experience personal and professional crises that could end their relationship onscreen and off.”

12/8/21- Just fair reviews for this drama/biopic. TRDB.

3) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

4) HOUSE OF GUGGI– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.”11/24/21- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) JULIA- limited screenings

MOVIES SHOWING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH- Fri– Sun

1) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

2) NIGHTMARE ALLEY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of a noir classic, wily hustler Stanton Carlisle finds the carnival the perfect place to ply his trade. Setting himself up as a spiritual guru, Carlisle wastes no time in parting the wealthy from their money.”

12/15/21- Good reviews for this mystery/thriler. TRDB.

3) BEING THE RICARDOS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a week of filming the beloved 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” this biopic follows stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they experience personal and professional crises that could end their relationship onscreen and off.”

12/8/21- Just fair reviews for this drama/biopic. TRDB.

4) DON’T LOOK UP– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem: it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem? No one really seems to care.”

12/25/21- Poor reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) HOUSE OF GUCCI– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.”11/24/21- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- SAME AS LAKE WORTH ABOVE

C) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) BEING THE RICARDOS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a week of filming the beloved 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” this biopic follows stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they experience personal and professional crises that could end their relationship onscreen and off.”

12/8/21- Just fair reviews for this drama/biopic. TRDB.

2) C’MON C”MON– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) and his young nephew (Woody Norman) forge a tenuous but transformational relationship when they are unexpectedly thrown together in this delicate and deeply moving story about the connections between adults and children, the past and the future, from writer-director Mike Mills.”

12/1/21- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) WEST SIDE STORY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.”

12/8/21- Excellent reviews for this re-make. TRDB.

4) THE NOVICE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though college freshman Alex Dall is a novice rower, she’s determined to earn a spot on the varsity team. Pushing herself beyond her mental and physical limits, Alex alienates everybody in her orbit as her enthusiasm turns into obsession.”

12/15/21- Very good reviews for this drama/mystery. TRDB.

D) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) THE NOVICE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though college freshman Alex Dall is a novice rower, she’s determined to earn a spot on the varsity team. Pushing herself beyond her mental and physical limits, Alex alienates everybody in her orbit as her enthusiasm turns into obsession.”

12/15/21- Very good reviews for this drama/mystery. TRDB. Fri– Sunday

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE– On HBO

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) SEASON 1 EPISODE 1 OF “ON THE VERGE“- This tv series has received poor reviews and so far I agree.

2) EPISODE 3 OF “SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE“- Very well done and I like it very much

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX THIS WEEK ON DISC- None that I recommend

_____________________________________________________________________

NEW MOVIES IN THEATERS AND/OR STREAMABLE-

1) EL PLANETA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Spain’s 2009 financial crisis leaves recently widowed María and her daughter destitute, they seize on a number of dishonest means to maintain their lifestyle, even as they face the threat of eviction from María’s seaside home.”

9/25/21- Excellent reviews for this Spanish drama. TRDB. In Theaters

2) EAST OF THE MOUNTAINS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Upon learning that he’s dying, retired heart surgeon Ben Givens opts not to tell his family and instead heads to his hometown in Eastern Washington, planning to commit suicide. But a connection with a caring stranger gives Ben a new perspective.”

9/25/21- Excellent reviews for this drama/adventure. TRDB. In Theaters and on Prime video

3) THE VILLAGE DETECTIVE: A SONG CYCLE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Examining the life and career of Soviet actor Mikhail Zharov after four reels of 35mm film were discovered off the coast of Iceland in 2016.”

9/25/21- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

4) I’M YOUR MAN– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “To obtain funds for her research project, workaholic Alma agrees to take part in an experiment with Tom, a humanoid robot designed to be her ideal mate. Before long, Tom becomes a sounding board for Alma to dissect her deep-rooted disillusionment.”

9/25/31- Excellent reviews from the critics but just fair ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

5) THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this big-screen prequel to the long-running TV series “The Sopranos,” the action takes place during the 1960s in Newark, New Jersey, as hostilities reach a fever pitch between the black and Italian-American communities.”

9/28/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB. In Theaters

6) BORIS KARLOFF: THE MAN BEHIND THE MONSTER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite a 60-year career, Boris Karloff (who died in 1969) will forever be associated with one role: the monster in 1931’s “Frankenstein.” This documentary uses extensive interviews to bring the rest of Karloff’s career — and life — into focus.”

9/29/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. 

SKIP THESE-

1) JE SUIS KARL- After most of her family is murdered in a terrorist bombing, a young woman is unknowingly lured into joining the very group that killed them. On Netflix.

2) THE STARLING– A woman adjusting to life after loss contends with a feisty bird that’s taken over her garden — and a husband who’s struggling to find a way forward.. On Netflix.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER Co NY AND FAIRFIELD Co CT-

A) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER-

NEW-

1) BREATHLESS- 1960. A classic.

2) I’M YOUR MAN- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “To obtain funds for her research project, workaholic Alma agrees to take part in an experiment with Tom, a humanoid robot designed to be her ideal mate. Before long, Tom becomes a sounding board for Alma to dissect her deep-rooted disillusionment.”

9/25/31- Excellent reviews from the critics but just fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) AZOR- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Swiss banker Yvan De Wiel travels to Argentina to pick up the pieces after his partner suddenly disappears, he finds a sinister landscape in which the country’s elite are in cahoots with the murderous military junta.”

9/11/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

REPEATS-

4) LANGUAGE LESSONS– Limited screenings

5) THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE–

6) THE CARD COUNTER– Limited

B) AMC DANBURY

1) THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this big-screen prequel to the long-running TV series “The Sopranos,” the action takes place during the 1960s in Newark, New Jersey, as hostilities reach a fever pitch between the black and Italian-American communities.”

9/28/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

2) DEAR EVAN HANSEN– Poor reviews

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES SHOWING IN PALM BEACH Co

A) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

NEW-

1) ASIA- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix.  “To all outward appearances, single mom Asia and her teenage daughter, Vika, seem more like siblings, though they have little to do with each other. But as Vika’s health begins to fail, the underlying bond between them slowly surfaces.”

9/21/21- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) FALLING FOR FIGARO– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “For young fund manager Millie, her dream of opera stardom begins with singing lessons in the Scottish Highlands from a former diva. As Millie trains for a competition, she finds herself battling against — and then bonding with — fellow student Max.”

9/29/21- Just 3 reviews so far and they are mixed. TRDB.

3) BORIS KARLOFF: THE MAN BEHIND THE MONSTER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite a 60-year career, Boris Karloff (who died in 1969) will forever be associated with one role: the monster in 1931’s “Frankenstein.” This documentary uses extensive interviews to bring the rest of Karloff’s career — and life — into focus.”

9/29/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. 

REPEATS-

4) LANGUAGE LESSONS– Limited screenings

5) LITTLE GIRL– Limited screenings

6) THE CAPOTE TAPES– Limited screenings

B) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH– (Friday to Sunday)

1) THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this big-screen prequel to the long-running TV series “The Sopranos,” the action takes place during the 1960s in Newark, New Jersey, as hostilities reach a fever pitch between the black and Italian-American communities.”

9/28/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

2) DEAR EVAN HANSEN- Poor reviews

C) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY–

D) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE–

1) DAYS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking therapy for his chronic pain, middle-aged Kang travels to Bangkok, where he hires young masseur Non for a full body massage. Though the two solitary men lead markedly different lives, they find a special — if brief — connection.”

9/28/21- Very good early reviews. TRDB. Showing Fri.- Sunday only

JUNE 10, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC-

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NEW MOVIES- STREAMABLE OR IN THEATERS-

1) BAD TALES– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a southern suburb of Rome, summer may seem blissful, but tensions and desperation are festering behind the façade. As distracted parents act out their simmering dramas, the kids’ rage-induced actions crack the veneer — with dire consequences.”

6/3/21- Awful reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB. On Virtual Cinemas

2) CITY OF ALI– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “City of Ali is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of how the death of Muhammad Ali brought the people of his Kentucky hometown – and the world – together for one unforgettable week.”

6/4/21- I’ve seen just 4 reviews– one poor and three excellent. TRDB. On Virtual cinemas

3) SPIRIT UNTAMED– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes.  “After moving to a sleepy little town, young Lucky Prescott befriends a wild mustang named Spirit, who shares her rebellious spirit. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her new friends embark on the adventure of a ‘lifetime to rescue the horse that forever changed her life.”

6/4/21- The critics did not like this animated film but audiences did. In Theaters

4) CHASING WONDERS– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Filmed over five years, CHASING WONDERS is a heart-warming story of a young boy, who, encouraged by his grandfather to live a life of hope and possibility, takes off on the adventure of a lifetime to find the magical Emu Plains.

6/4/20- Very few reviews so far and they are mixed. TRDB. In Theaters and on various streaming platforms

5) TOVE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Helsinki, 1945. The end of the war brings a new sense of artistic and social freedom for painter Tove Jansson. Modern art, dizzying parties and an open relationship with a married politician: Her unconventional life puts her at odds with her sculptor father’s strict ideals.

6/4/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. In Theaters

6) SLOW MACHINE– SLOW- 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Stephanie, a restless and vibrant actress, meets Gerard, an NYPD counter-terrorism specialist who’s an aficionado of experimental theater (and maybe out of his mind). Flirtation ensues, ends disastrously, and forces Stephanie to the ramshackle upstate home of musician Eleanor Friedberger.

6/4/21- Excellent reviews for this drama/mystery. TRDB. On Virtual  Cinemas

7) UNDER THE STADIUM LIGHTS- In Theaters and several streaming platforms

8) GRACE AND GRIT- In Theaters and several streaming platforms

9) THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT- In Theaters and HBO Max

10) THE ANCIENT WOODS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The documentary love story for the forest “The Ancient Woods” focuses on the inhabitants of an old growth forest – birds, animals as well as elderly people living nearby.” In Theaters

11) PORT AUTHORITY-

12) ALL LIGHT, EVERYWHERE- 2020. This documentary is an exploration of the shared histories of cameras, weapons, policing and justice. As surveillance technologies become a fixture in everyday life, the film interrogates the complexity of an objective point of view, probing the biases inherent in both human perception and the lens.” In Theaters

SKIP THE FOLLOWING:

1) EDGE OF THE WORLD– On many streaming platforms

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WHAT’S SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY

1) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER

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WHAT’S SHOWING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

1) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

2) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH

APRIL 1, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) MY OCTOPUS TEACHER– Netflix.

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK-

1) MY OCTOPUS TEACHER– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shot over ten years, filmmaker Craig Foster forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a False Bay, South Africa kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her life and world.”

3/26/21- Amazing underwater photography and a very unusual story. Highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix.

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-1) VIOLATION- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With her marriage about to implode, Miriam returns to her hometown to seek solace in the comfort of her younger sister and brother-in-law. But one evening a tiny slip in judgement leads to a catastrophic betrayal, leaving Miriam shocked, reeling, and furious.”

3/26/21- Very good reviews for this drama but I’l probably skip it. TRDB. On Shudder

2) NINA WU– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After actress Nina Wu finally lands her first starring film role, the demands placed on her — including full nudity — push her to the brink. Making matters worse, her parents are in crisis, and a mysterious woman is shadowing her.”

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say— Nina Wu leaves her hometown and moves to Taipei in pursuit of her dream to be an actress.

3/26/20- OK reviews for this drama. TRDB. On Virtual Cinemas

3) TINA- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With a wealth of never-before-seen footage, audio tapes, personal photos, and new interviews, including with the singer herself, TINA presents an unvarnished and dynamic account of the life and career of music icon Tina Turner. ”

3/31/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On HBO platforms

4) MIRACLE FISHING- KIDNAPPED ABROAD– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In 1994, Miles Hargrove’s father is kidnapped outside their home in Cali, Colombia, by the FARC. In an instant, the Hargrove family finds itself in the midst of a Colombian epidemic — the kidnap and ransom trade.”

3/26/21- Just 3 reviews so far and they are all good. TRDB. On Dicovey+

5) THEGOOD TRAITOR– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “April 9, 1940: Denmark is invaded by Nazi Germany with demands for immediate and unconditional surrender. The government surrenders after a few hours and begins cooperating with the Nazis. On the other side of the Atlantic is Denmark’s ambassador to the United States of America, a daredevil and a man of the world — Henrik Kauffmann, who is willing to put everything on the line. He refuses to follow the German directives and engineers a rebellious plan to defeat Hitler and give the Danish people their freedom back.”

3/26/21- Very few reviews so far but they are good. TRDB. On Google play, Vudu and other streaming platforms. Prime also

6) FRANCESCO– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Pope Francis addresses issues related to climate change, the refugee crisis, peace and religious tolerance, economic equality, compassion and humanity.”

3/26/21- Mixed reviews. TRDB. On Discovery+

1) NOBODY

2) BAD TRIP

3) DONNY’S BAR MITZVAH

4) SENIOR MOMENT-

5)  SHOPLIFTERS OF THE WORLD- Awful reviews. On Google+ and other streaming platforms-

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MOVIES SHOWING AT THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) FRENCH EXIT- Weak reviews

2) SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT- see last issue

3) THE COURIER- see last issue

4) THE FATHER- see last issue

AUGUST 20, 2020

DEAR FRIENDS-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) AN EASY GIRL– Netflix Streaming

2) RICHARD JEWELL– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK-

1) AN EASY GIRL– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A teen girl is drawn to her cousin’s hedonistic lifestyle when they spend the summer together in Cannes as she learns about herself and her own values.”

8/14/20- Excellent reviews by the critics and poor ones from audiences. TRDB. On Netflix.

8/14/20- A coming of age story in the South of France one summer. I’m neutral on this movie- not as good as some reviews would indicate and certainly not as bad as others. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC.-

1) YES, GOD, YES– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “High school is hard, but Catholic school is harder. Alice, a strait-laced student devoted to God, discovers more than she bargained for when an innocent AOL chat turns racy.”

7/24/20- Excellent reviews for this dramedy. TRDB.

2) THE OUTPOST– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on true events. A team of U.S. soldiers stationed at the deadliest outpost in Afghanistan are relentlessly attacked by an overwhelming force of Taliban insurgents. Their fight for survival is the ultimate display of American valor.”8/8/20- Another ‘war is hell’ movie. Just OK. TRDB.

3) THE TRIP TO GREECE-2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan continue their culinary and cultural adventures as they travel to Greece — a journey inspired by Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” but powered by clever banter, dead-on celebrity impressions and plenty of libations.”

5/22/20- Very good reviews for this comedy. I’ve seen several other movies in this group and have liked them. TRDB. 

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NEW STREAMABLE MOVIES-

1) BOYS STATE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Boys State is a political coming-of-age story, examining the health of American democracy through an unusual experiment: a thousand 17-year-old boys from across Texas gather together to build a representative government from the ground up. High-minded ideals collide with low-down dirty tricks as four boys of diverse backgrounds and political views navigate the challenges of organizing political parties, shaping consensus, and campaigning for the highest office at Texas Boys State–governor.”

8/14/20- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On Apple TV+

2) AN EASY GIRL– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A teen girl is drawn to her cousin’s hedonistic lifestyle when they spend the summer together in Cannes as she learns about herself and her own values.”

8/14/20- Excellent reviews by the critics and poor ones from audiences. TRDB. On Netflix.

8/14/20- A coming of age story in the South of France one summer. I’m neutral on this movie- not as good as some reviews would indicate and certainly not as bad as others. TRDB.

3) MARTIN MARGIELA: IN HIS OWN WORDS– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “One of the most revolutionary and influential fashion designers of his time, Martin Margiela has remained an elusive figure the entirety of his decades-long career. From Jean Paul Gaultier’s assistant to creative director at Hermès to leading his own House, Margiela never showed his face publicly and avoided interviews, but reinvented fashion with his radical style through forty-one provocative collections. Now, for the first time, the “Banksy of fashion” reveals his drawings, notes, and personal items in this exclusive, intimate profile of his vision.”

8/14/20- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On Virtual Cinemas.

4) A THOUSAND CUTS. 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Nowhere is the worldwide erosion of democracy, fueled by social media disinformation campaigns, more starkly evident than in the authoritarian regime of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Journalist Maria Ressa places the tools of the free press–and her freedom–on the line in defense of truth and democracy. On Virtual Cinemas.

8/14/20- Great reviews for this suspenseful documentary. TRDB.

5) YUSUF HAWKINS: STORM OVER BROOKLYN- 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “YUSUF HAWKINS: STORM OVER BROOKLYN, directed by Muta’Ali Muhammad (“Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee”) tells the story of Yusuf Hawkins, a black teenager who was murdered in 1989 by a group of young white men in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Yusuf Hawkins’ death and the official response to it sparked outrage in New York, unleashing a torrent of racial tension and spurring tireless civil rights activism that exposed deep racial prejudices and inequities which continue to plague the country today.”

8/14/20- Fair reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

6) REPRESENT– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Equal parts personal and political, REPRESENT follows three women on both sides of the aisle who share the singular goal of improving their community through public service. Myya attempts to spark a youth movement and unseat the incumbent mayor of Detroit; Bryn, a farmer and working mother in Granville, OH, runs for township trustee; and Julie walks a tightrope between her identities as a Korean immigrant and Republican candidate for State Representative in a liberal Chicago suburb.”

8/14/20- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

The next few received really poor reviews and I’d skip them!

PROJECT POWER– Poor reviews. On Netflix.

MADE IN ITALY– Lousy reviews from all. On Amazon

SPREE– Poor reviews

THE BAY OF SILENCE– Miserable reviews. On Virtual Cinemas

DECEMBER 5, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THE IRISHMAN– Netflix Streaming

2) THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN– Netflix Streaming

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE IRISHMAN– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This biographical crime thriller follows Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) as he recalls his past years working for the Bufalino crime family. Now older, the WWII veteran once again reflects on his most prolific hits and, in particular, considers his involvement with his good friend Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance in 1975.”

11/29/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

12/3/19- Lots of hype for this new Scorsese drama about organized crime. I liked the movie even though it was carried by the acting of several super stars.  The last half hour was, for me, the best. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “While Áila and Rosie — both indigenous women — inhabit the same Vancouver neighborhood, their lives are very different. But they forge a delicate bond when Áila takes Rosie into her home after finding her barefoot and hurt on the street.”

11/29/19- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. 

12/4/19- A little slow at times but I enjoyed it very much. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) AN ELEPHANT SITTING STILL– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four intertwining narratives propel this moving drama about a quartet of tortured souls trapped by circumstances and obsessed with reaching the city of Manzhouli, where a mythical elephant sits in indifference to the world’s cruelty.”

3/8/19- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair at best reviews from audiences. TRDB.

2) ROJO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Evoking the surreal atmosphere of Argentinean society under military dictatorship during the mid-1970s, this taut drama focuses on a prominent lawyer whose life takes an ominous turn after a stranger berates him in a restaurant.”

7/12/19- Generally not my kind of movie but reviews were very good and I will try to see this movie. TRDB.

3) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actor Rick Dalton once starred in a hit TV Western, but six years after the show’s demise, his career has faded. As Rick and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, try to reinvent themselves, all hell is about to break loose at neighbor Sharon Tate’s house.”

7/16/19- Very good reviews for this comedy/drama by Quentin Tarantino. TRDB.

4) BEFORE YOU KNOW IT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “For the Gurner family — including dad Mel and adult sisters Rachel and Jackie — life in the flat above the theater they own rarely changes. But the siblings’ world is upended when Mel dies and the mom they thought was dead turns up on a soap opera.”

9/2/19- Good reviews from most. Some said there were too many sub-plots. TRDB.

5) LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Linda Ronstadt loves to sing — a truth that can be heard in each note of every music genre she’s undertaken. This affecting documentary draws on archival footage and tributes from a wide swath of Ronstadt’s musical colleagues to chronicle her story.”

9/6/19- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

6) HUSTLERS- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Angry about being taken advantage of by their employer and their customers, a group of former strip-club employees turns the tables on their wealthy Wall Street clients in this true-life tale.”

9/10/19- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

Recommended-

1) THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “While Áila and Rosie — both indigenous women — inhabit the same Vancouver neighborhood, their lives are very different. But they forge a delicate bond when Áila takes Rosie into her home after finding her barefoot and hurt on the street.”

11/29/19- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

12/4/19- A little slow at times but I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming

2) LES MISERABLES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in the impoverished Parisian district of Montfermeil, this gritty drama follows newly minted cop Stéphane and his two corrupt colleagues, who patrol the streets as tensions mount between the police and the disadvantaged community.”

11/29/19- Good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3 AFTER PARKLAND– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “On Valentine’s Day 2018, a former student at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High opened fire at the school, leaving 17 dead. This moving documentary follows survivors and parents as they try to navigate through a changed world.”

11/29/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) MELODY MAKERS: SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded in 1926 to cover the jazz scene, London’s “Melody Maker” evolved into rock ‘n’ roll’s seminal journal. This documentary charts the magazine’s rise and fall through the eyes of lensman Barrie Wentzell, who captured many of its iconic shots.”

11/29/19- Reviews were just OK for this documentary. TRDB.

5) CAVALE– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “After escaping from a psychiatric clinic, three teenage girls hit the road in France, eager to seek out adventure and experience their newfound freedom.”

11/29/19- Just 4 reviews noted and they are all good. TRDB.

6) TREMORS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When devout husband and father Pablo reveals to his family that he’s gay, they’re shocked, angry and unforgiving. But things go from bad to worse when he’s forced to choose between his two children and his sexual identity.”

11/29/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7) MY FRIEND THE POLISH GIRL– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When American filmmaker Katie sets out to make an observational documentary about the immigrant experience in London, she trains her lens on aspiring Polish actress Alicja. But fiction and reality soon blur as both women pursue their own agendas.”

11/29/19- Fair reviews but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

8) XIMEI– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Ximei is a young peasant woman from rural China’s Henan Province who contracted AIDS during the government-sanctioned “Black Blood Economy.” In the late 1990s, the Chinese government encouraged impoverished villagers to sell their blood plasma for money, literally bleeding people for profit.”

11/29/19- Just 4 reviews so far and they are all good. TRDB.

9) FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Those interested in experimental works that incite contemplation and debate will find much to chew on throughout the course of this concise, canny effort.”

11/29/19- Good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended

1) WHITE SNAKE– Good reviews especially by audiences but this animated film is just not for me

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) DARK WATERS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Cinema 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this legal drama based on a “New York Times Magazine” story, lawyer Robert Bilott — whose specialty is defending chemical companies — takes on DuPont when one of his grandmother’s neighbors accuses the corporation of killing his cattle.”

11/22/19- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) THE TWO POPES– Cinema 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a historic encounter, Pope Benedict XVI and his likely successor, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, come together to engage in a deep dialogue about the Catholic Church’s present and future, and to find a path forward for its followers.”

12/4/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) WAVES– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida, and featuring an astonishing ensemble of award-winning actors and breakouts alike, Waves traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family–led by a well-intentioned but domineering father–as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss.”

11/16/19- Excellent reviews from the critics and audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) KNIVES OUT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. Very good reviews

2) A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. Great movie

3) FORD V FERRARI– Bethel, Danbury, Cinema 100. I didn’t care for this movie

4) THE GOOD LIAR– Danbury. Good reviews

5) JOJO RABBIT– Danbury. Very good reviews.

4) MARRIAGE STORY– Cinema 100. Excellent reviews.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH- Same as Delray below

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) KNIVES OUT– Very good reviews

2) DARK WATERS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this legal drama based on a “New York Times Magazine” story, lawyer Robert Bilott — whose specialty is defending chemical companies — takes on DuPont when one of his grandmother’s neighbors accuses the corporation of killing his cattle.”

11/22/19- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD– I saw it and liked it very much. I haven’t met anyone yet who has not liked this movie

4) THE GOOD LIAR– Good reviews

5) FORD V FERRARI– I did not care for this movie

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) THE WANDERING SOAP OPERA-

2) AMERICAN DHARMA-

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) HONEY BOY– Mostly good reviews

2) MARRIAGE STORY-Excellent reviews

3) SYNONYMS– Fairly good reviews

4) THE AERONAUTS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1862, hot-air balloon pilot Amelia Wren and scientist James Glaisher soar higher than anyone before them — until their audacious achievement turns into a life-threatening crisis in the thin air of Earth’s upper atmosphere.”

12/4/19- Good reviews. TRDB.

5) PARASITE– I did not care for this movie