MACHINE GUN PREACHER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Gerard Butler stars in this true-life story of Sam Childers, a drug dealer who turns his life around to become a spiritual warrior. His mission? Rescuing child soldiers in the Sudan from lives ruined by their forced participation in bloody conflict.” Poor reviews in general. TRDB.
Add comment August 31st, 2011
MOZART’S SISTER- 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “A speculative account of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart (Marie Feret), five years older than Wolfgang (David Moreau) and a musical prodigy in her own right. Originally the featured performer, she has given way to Wolfgang as the main attraction, as their strict but loving father Leopold (Marc Barbe) tours his talented offspring in front of the royal courts of pre-French revolution Europe. Approaching marriageable age and now forbidden to play the violin or compose, Nannerl chafes at the limitations imposed on her gender but a friendship with the son and daughter of Louis XV offers an alternative.”
8/19/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
9/25/11- A bit slow but a very interesting film about gender issues, music and independence. I liked it. TRDB. At the theater.
Add comment August 20th, 2011
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates, including Caesar (Andy Serkis), develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats, unleashing a war for dominion over Earth.”
8/14/11-Despite not liking James Franco and not liking sci-fi I thoroughly enjoyed this movie that my friends Don and Sue dragged me to. Great special effects, good story and boy, you have to love those apes. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment August 14th, 2011
SALVATION BOULEVARD- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director George Ratliff combines wicked satire with an engrossing mystery in this black comedy about Pastor Dan (Pierce Brosnan), whose megachurch is endangered when he becomes entangled in an unsavory incident that is investigated by hapless parishioner Carl (Greg Kinnear). As Carl delves deeper into the case and makes some disconcerting discoveries, the reverend’s dedicated followers begin an enthusiastic campaign to prevent Carl from spilling the beans.” Poor reviews for this excellent cast. TRDB.
Add comment August 12th, 2011
5 DAYS OF WAR- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When American journalist Thomas Anders (Rupert Friend) is sent to cover the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, he and his cameraman become entangled with a beautiful Georgian scholar (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and soon risk becoming casualties of the brief but brutal conflict. Caught in the crossfire, Anders faces charges of espionage. Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia and Dean Cain co-star in this tense drama directed by Renny Harlin.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
8/19/11- Good review in today’s NY Times but poor reviews overall. TRDB.
Add comment August 8th, 2011
THE HELP- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.” OK reviews. TRDB.
Add comment July 30th, 2011
SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. ” Noted director Wayne Wang helms this adaptation of Lisa See’s best-selling novel about two young girls in 19th-century China who are pledged as lifelong companions through an ancient ritual, although their friendship is sorely tested as they mature. Paralleling the story of Snow Flower and Lily, who communicate by writing on the folds of a white fan, are the modern-day tribulations of Sophia and Nina, who struggle to maintain their relationship.” Poor reviews. TRDB.
Add comment July 26th, 2011
LOU- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This poignant drama follows Lou, an 11-year-old Australian coping with having been abandoned by her father when her estranged grandfather, Doyle, comes to live with the family. Much to Lou‘s surprise, she develops a deep bond with the ailing Doyle.”
8/15/11- An average drama that did keep my interest and I saw it through. I think you won’t be sorry if you sign on. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment July 24th, 2011
THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dominic Cooper stars as Uday Hussein — Saddam Hussein’s depraved, decadent elder son — and as Latif Yahia, the army lieutenant forcibly drafted to be his body double, in this drama based on Yahia’s autobiographical novel. With his family’s fate on the line, Yahia surrenders his identity to embody the hated figure but gains a conspirator in Uday’s concubine, Sarrab (Ludivine Sagnier), as he plots his escape.”
The movie is discussed in a NY Times article (not a review) on 7/24/11. TRDB.
11/4/11- Weak reviews– some hating this movie and others saying it was OK. I had planned to see it but now I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.
11/29/11- I shouldn’t have given this one a try. What garbage, from the acting with phony accents to the gangster like action. Miss this one! TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment July 24th, 2011
THE FUTURE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Suddenly aware that their lives will radically change in a month’s time, Sophie (Miranda July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) decide to seize the opportunity to quit their jobs, pursue new interests and disconnect from the Internet, with the knowledge that their actions will literally change the course of history. As they pursue their adventures, they find their faith in one another and in themselves is put to the test.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
Good review in NY Times on 7/29/11. TRDB.
8/8/11- This film was weird enough that I did not get bored but I could not relate to any of the characters in any way. You can safely miss this one. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment July 16th, 2011