360- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the 1950 classic La Ronde, an all-star cast weaves through interrelated stories about love, passion and loneliness. From London and Denver to Phoenix and Vienna, people are haunted by their need to connect, despite the consequences.”
Mediocre professional reviews but OK audience reaction. TRDB.
8/3/12- Poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 28th, 2012
NOBODY ELSE BUT YOU- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A local beauty’s death is ruled suicide by sleeping pills, but crime novelist Rousseau doesn’t buy it. Reality turns out to be stranger than fiction — and a source of inspiration — as he uncovers the truth about the woman’s past.”
Fairly good reviews especially from the critics. TRDB.
Add comment July 18th, 2012
SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Decades after Detroit singer-songwriter Rodriguez disappeared following the failure of his two critically praised records in the 1970s, two fans from South Africa, where Rodriguez was a huge hit, try to track down their idol, with intriguing results.”
7/27/12- A confusing but good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
9/3/12- A well structured suspenseful documentary about a legend coupled with great music, great interviews, a likable subject and a thought provoking screenplay make this a GREAT DOCUMENTARY. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment July 18th, 2012
FALLING OVERNIGHT- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “The day before Elliot is scheduled for a life-threatening surgery, his path intersects with Chloe, a young photographer. Elliot welcomes the distraction as Chloe, unaware of his condition, takes him on an exhilarating journey through the city.”
No professional reviews as yet but good audience reaction. TRDB.
7/27/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 18th, 2012
FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sixteen black orphans adopted by Olga Nenya struggle against racism in the Ukraine. Constantly on guard against overtly racist neighbors and skinheads, the kids look to their own inner strength and the help of Westerners to attain a brighter future. Tensions rise when a European couple offers to adopt one of the children, an offer that Olga resists as she attempts to bravely hold her family together.”
Very good reviews in general and an OK one in the NY Times on 7/14/12. TRDB.
Add comment July 17th, 2012
THE WELL DIGGER’S DAUGHTER- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A bitter class war erupts between two families after the daughter of a humble well-digger get impregnated by the scion of a wealthy shopkeeper. Ageing widower Pascale worked hard to provide for his six daughters. As the first shots of World War I are fired, Pascale’s eldest daughter Patricia (Astrid Bergés-Frisbey) returns home from Paris to help raise her younger siblings. Meanwhile, Pascale longs to see Patricia marry his longtime assistant Pascale (Kad Merad) – a hard worker who would make a loving husband. But shortly after arriving back home, Patricia has a fling with Jacques Mazel (Nicolas Duvauchelle), a fighter pilot who hails from a wealthy family, and disappears to the front lines after getting Patricia pregnant. At first, the Mazel’s are furious, accusing the impoverished Amoretti’s of using the situation to stake a claim on their fortune. When Jacques goes missing in action, however, the Mazel’s quickly realize that Patricia’s unborn child may be their only link to the son who sacrificed his life fighting for their country.”
Great early professional reviews but audiences have not been as impressed. TRDB.
7/20/12- A just OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
9/7/12- An interesting French comedic drama with wonderful acting, especially a great Auteuil. You should see it. TRDB. At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival.
Add comment July 7th, 2012
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by lauded filmmaker and photographer Lauren Greenfield, who won the U.S. Directing Award for Documentary Film at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for this film, The Queen of Versailles is a character-driven documentary about a billionaire family and their financial challenges in the wake of the economic crisis. With epic proportions of Shakespearean tragedy, the film follows two unique characters, whose rags-to-riches success stories reveal the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. The film begins with the family triumphantly constructing the biggest house in America, a 90,000 sq. ft. palace. Over the next two years, their sprawling empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. Major changes in lifestyle and character ensue within the cross-cultural household of family members and domestic staff.”
Very good reviews in general and in the NY Times on 7/20/12. TRDB.
8/8/12- A very good and insightful documentary that also applied the psycho-social history of the characters to better understand their reaction to adversity. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment July 7th, 2012
SAVAGES- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Laguna Beach entrepreneurs Ben (Johnson), a peaceful and charitable Buddhist, and his closest friend Chon (Kitsch), a former Navy SEAL and ex-mercenary, run a lucrative, homegrown industry-raising some of the best marijuana ever developed. They also share a one-of-a-kind love with the extraordinary beauty Ophelia (Lively). Life is idyllic in their Southern California town…until the Mexican Baja Cartel decides to move in and demands that the trio partners with them. When the merciless head of the BC, Elena (Hayek), and her brutal enforcer, Lado (Del Toro), underestimate the unbreakable bond among these three friends, Ben and Chon-with the reluctant, slippery assistance of a dirty DEA agent (Travolta)-wage a seemingly unwinnable war against the cartel.”
7/6/12- Good review in today’s NY Times but only average reviews in general. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
7/9/12- Generally this is not my kind of movie as the film was way over the top in violence, blood and gore but I actually was surprised at how I got sucked into the different personalities involved. A qualified recommendation. At the Theater.
Add comment July 6th, 2012
TRISHNA- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Self-effacing British auteur Michael Winterbottom sets his unique spin on Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles against a contemporary Indian backdrop. Freida Pinto stars as the titular Trishna, a young woman who is seduced by the wealthy son of a property developer. As the romance develops, their relationship also becomes increasingly sordid and volatile.”
Good early professional reviews but weaker audience ones. TRDB.
7/17/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11/8/12- This movie was more Bollywood than I expected and for me was just fair. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment June 30th, 2012
THE MAGIC OF BELLE ISLE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After alcoholism depletes his enthusiasm for writing, celebrated author Monte Wildhorn finds his creative passion renewed when he moves to quaint Belle Isle and gets to know his next door neighbors — a single mother and her three daughters.”
Fair early reviews. TRDB.
7/6/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. I’ll try to see it. TRDB.
Add comment June 23rd, 2012