THE ULTIMATE LIFE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blessed with the treasures that came to him in The Ultimate Gift, Jason Stevens inherits family conflicts and copes with his wife’s extended trip abroad. Once again Jason must rethink his life values, and his grandfather’s journals provide a path.”
9/6/13- Bad reviews all over. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
RED OBSESSION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Russell Crowe narrates this sobering study of how the tastes of China’s nouveau riche are driving up wine prices in France’s Bordeaux region — and pushing out Western customers who can no longer afford it.”
8/23/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.
9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
A TEACHER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A popular young high school teacher engaged in a passionate secret affair with one of her students gets pulled deeper into their mutual fantasy world, even as the danger of discovery threatens their relationship.”
9/6/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and poor reviews in general. TRDB.
6/10/14- This movie deserved the poor reviews that it got. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment August 20th, 2013
SPARK: A BURNING MAN STORY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Each year, Nevada’s Burning Man festival gathers revelers for one free-spirited weeklong party in the middle of the desert. Capturing the energy of the festivities, organizers and attendees share their passion for this renowned artistic event.”
8/16/13- A few professional reviews and they are good including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
INCH’ALLAH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A Canadian obstetrician living in Israel makes multiple passes through heavily guarded checkpoints to get to her job at a women’s health clinic in Palestine. But political tensions take on personal overtones when she befriends a pregnant patient.”
8/16/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed ones in general, some loving it and some calling it contrived at best. TRDB.
6/20/14- A thought provoking drama that uses minimal dialogue and maximum acting to convey the story. I liked it but it is controversial for sure. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
THE HAPPY SAD- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Black, white, gay, straight: Relationships are tough regardless of your race or sexuality, as the couples at the heart of this movie find out. When Annie and Stan take a break from coupling, both end up with same-sex partners — at least temporarily.”
8/16/13- Weak reviews in general and also in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
YOU WILL BE MY SON- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Paul de Marseul (Niels Aretrup) is the passionate, demanding proprietor of his prestigious family wine estate. But he has no faith in his son, Martin (Loran Deutsch), who works at the vineyard. Paul dreams of a harder-working, successful son-a dream that one day seemingly materializes when he meets Philip (Nicolas Bridet), the son of his dying estate manager (Patrick Chesnais). Can Paul turn against his own blood and turn Philip into the rightful heir of his family estate?”
Here’s what Netflix had to say– “Doubtful that his own son is up to the task, the demanding owner of a vintage chateau and wine label turns to the offspring of his late caretaker to maintain the strict principles of his prestigious business.”
8/16/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.
10/27/13- I loved the acting, the story and the characters. What else can I say? You should see this one! TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
OUR NIXON- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nixon himself wasn’t the only one obsessively recording his presidency; three of his top aides were filming it, too, with Super 8 cameras. These home movies –from H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman and Dwight Chapin — form the basis of this portrait.”
8/14/13- Some very good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 14th, 2013
ELYSIUM- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this dystopian thriller set in 2159, the wealthiest humans move to a fabulous private space station, while life on Earth grows ever more grim. With no other options, an ex-con agrees to join a risky mission to bring balance to the two worlds.”
8/9/13- Mixed reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 9th, 2013
I GIVE IT A YEAR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic comedy, newlyweds Nat and Josh find their marriage beginning to fall apart almost immediately after their fairy tale wedding. The couple seeks the advice of a counselor, but both are also tempted by old and new lovers.”
8/3/13- I’ve seen several reviews and they are mixed. TRDB.
8/9/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2013