A MOST VIOLENT YEAR- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amid New York City’s crime-filled winter of 1981, immigrant Abel Morales and his wife try to operate a successful business, only to see their efforts threatened by the lawless atmosphere permeating the streets.
12/31/14- Excellent critical review. TRDB.
4/16/15- I liked this movie very much. TRDB.
Add comment December 31st, 2014
UNBROKEN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring tale of survival is based on the real-life experiences of Louis Zamperini, an American pilot held by the Japanese during World War II. After his plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, Zamperini spends 47 days adrift before his capture.”
12/25/14- Weak professional reviews and somewhat better audience ones. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
BIG EYES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keane, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950s and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large doe eyes.”
12/25/14- Good reviews. TRDB.
12/31/14– Lots of good reviews but I thought it was mostly a waste of time, ending in a ridiculous court scene. As predictable as Old Faithful. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
AMERICAN SNIPER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on his memoir of the same name, this military biopic centers on legendary sniper Chris Kyle, who amassed a record number of kills on the battlefield during his 10-year career as a Navy SEAL.”
12/25/14- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
1/26/15- I enjoyed the movie, especially the very realistic war scenes but I thought it was about a half hour too long and the hackneyed theme of men returning from war damaged both physically and emotionally a bit too familiar. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
SELMA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.”
12/25/14- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/17/15- An excellent depiction of Martin Luther King, warts and all, and a good reminder of how far we have come as a nation. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the verge of losing her job, Sandra comes up with a last-ditch strategy: get her workmates to give up their bonuses so that she can stay on. With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.”
12/24/14- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Marion Cotillard. TRDB.
1/31/15- I liked this movie very much and highly recommend it. TRDB.
Add comment December 25th, 2014
SONG OF THE SEA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This animated tale follows young Saoirse, the last of a magical race of beings who exist as seals in water but turn into humans on land. After she and her brother are sent to live in the city, they begin an epic quest to return to their seaside home.”
12/19/14- Excellent reviews for this animated feature. TRDB.
Add comment December 20th, 2014
MISS JULIE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At her family’s rural estate, young Julie spars with and seduces her father’s handsome valet in an intense encounter that stretches over the course of a summer night before reaching a shocking conclusion.”
12/5/14- Poor reviews despite the excellent cast. TRDB.
Add comment December 5th, 2014
LIFE PARTNERS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although Paige and Sasha aren’t on the same page sexually — one is straight, the other is gay — they’re deeply committed to each other. But when Paige begins dating a young dermatologist, Sasha fears losing her place her best friend’s life.”
12/5/14- Critics and audiences are about 50/50 on this one. TRDB.
Add comment December 5th, 2014
COMET- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking a fluid approach to time, this bittersweet indie tale cohesively interweaves the decisive moments in the tumultuous six-year romance between jaded Kimberly and abrasive intellectual Dell.”
12/5/14- Mediocre reviews at best. TRDB.
Add comment December 5th, 2014