DAUGHTER OF MINE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ten-year-old Vittoria is already chafing at the rules her doting mom imposes on her when she meets free-spirited Angelica, who mesmerizes Vittoria. But she finds her world upended after learning that Angelica is her birth mother.”
11/16/18- Excellent reviews for this drama from Italy. TRDB.
Add comment November 16th, 2018
INSTANT FAMILY- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adopting three foster children at once thinking that it’s a perfect way to start a family, Pete and Ellie fail to consider that their new charges may be hellions — which they are. Not only do the kids flout the rules, they see no reason for parents.”
11/14/18- Good reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment November 14th, 2018
6/19/18- Weak reviews but I love road movies and I will try to see this one, starring Christopher Plummer. TRDB.
11/2/18- I really enjoyed this movie. Christopher Plummer was great in the role of the father. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
2) DON’T WORRY, HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a car accident leaves John Callahan confined to a wheelchair at age 21, the Oregon native begins drawing as physical therapy. Before long, a dark comedic vision emerges — and a career as a cartoonist follows.”
7/13/18- Fairly good reviews from the critics and excellent reviews from audiences. TRDB.
11/7/18- An excellent drama taken from a true story. I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 13-
1) THE RAPE OF RECY TAYLOR– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Racial hatred’s savage roots were on display in Recy Taylor’s gang rape by six white boys in 1944 Alabama. When she identified her attackers despite the danger to herself and her family, the case became a seminal moment in the civil rights movement.”
12/15/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
2) THE THIRD MURDER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intricate crime thriller follows renowned defense attorney Shigemori, whose client Misumi has confessed to the murder he’s charged with. But Shigemori’s investigations suggest that there’s more to the case than meets the eye.”
7/20/18- Very good reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. A few very negative ones as well. TRDB.
3) WE THE ANIMALS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a household that often turns violent, siblings Manny, Joel and Jonah find solace in one another. But while Manny and Joel grow more like their dad as time passes, youngest son Jonah escapes into a fantasy world.”
8/17/18- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.
4) PUZZLE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “While leading an empty suburban existence, Agnes discovers the pleasure of solving jigsaw puzzles and finds she has a rare talent for it. Before long, her hobby provides an entrée into a new life through the world of competitive puzzling.”
7/27/18- Very good reviews. I loved it. TRDB.
5) GOOD MANNERS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In stratified São Paulo, a close bond develops between wealthy Ana, a pregnant socialite, and impoverished Clara, who’s hired as the child’s nanny. But the women’s relationship soon moves beyond friendship into the realm of the macabre.”
7/27/18- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
6) ALPHA– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this adventure saga set during the last Ice Age, a young man on a hunting expedition loses his bearings and must make his way through a hostile landscape — accompanied only by his dog — to reunite with his tribe.”
8/17/18- Good reviews. TRDB.
7) JULIET, NAKED– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Once madly in love with Annie, his longtime girlfriend, Duncan has become more dedicated to faded rocker Tucker Crowe than to her, causing the relationship to founder. But in a surprising twist of fate, it’s Annie who ultimately connects with Tucker.”
8/27/28- Fair reviews by the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
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OPENED LAST WEEK-
Recommended-
1) A PRIVATE WAR- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, dauntless war correspondent Marie Colvin reports from the front lines of conflict in hot spots all over the world, including Chechnya, Kosovo, the Middle East and East Timor.”
11/2/18- Very good reviews from the critics but just fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
2) THE GRIEF OF OTHERS– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The Ryries have suffered a loss: the death of a baby just fifty-seven hours after his birth. Without words to express their grief, the parents, John and Ricky, try to return to their previous lives.”
11/2/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
3) 9 FINGERS– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “9 FINGERS begins in the manner of a film noir: at night, in a station, a man named Magloire fled. Without baggage and without future. As he falls on a pack of money, trouble begins. “
11/2/18- Just 4 reviews– 3 up and 1 down. TRDB.
4) SEARCHING FOR INGMAR BERGMAN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “To mark the centennial of legendary director Ingmar Bergman’s birth, noted German filmmaker Margarethe von Trotta revisits the settings, scenes, people and themes key to the auteur’s creative cinematic legacy.”
11/2/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
5) BODIED– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “At first, graduate student Adam Merkin is only interested in the brutal art of battle rap as a thesis topic — until he discovers by chance that he has a talent for the art form. But his gift for public putdowns soon has unexpected consequences.”
11/2/18- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
6) BOY ERASED– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nineteen-year-old Jared is far from ready to tell his parents that he’s gay, but they find out anyway, forcing him to make a choice: attend a “conversion therapy” program or be shunned by his family and Baptist community.”
11/2/18- Very good reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
7) DAUGHTERS OF THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The behind-the-scenes story of how the original Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders became a controversial pop culture phenomenon at the height of the Sexual Revolution. With unprecedented access to Director Suzanne Mitchell, the fiercely-loyal “Godmother of modern cheerleading,” this documentary complicates the legend of the most iconic squad of cheerleaders in the world.”
11/3/18- Very good reviews from audiences and good ones from the critics. TRDB.
8) DISTANT CONSTELLATION– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the world outside an Istanbul retirement home undergoes rapid change, the residents within — including artists, pranksters and historians — live out their last years with an eye on the past while they recount their colorful stories.”
11/3/18- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
9) MARIA BY CALLAS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking advantage of personal letters, vintage interviews and previously unseen footage, this extensive documentary recounts the life and career of opera diva Maria Callas, capturing her superlative talent and her turbulent romantic life.”
11/3/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
10) THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A satire of Hollywood, The Other Side of the Wind focuses on the last days of a legendary film director named Jake Hannaford (played by John Huston), who is struggling to forge his last great comeback as a major filmmaker. Hannaford is hard at work on his final masterpiece,”
11/3/18- Fairly good reviews for this drama. TRDB.
11) THEY’LL LOVE ME WHEN I’M DEAD– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead tells the story of legendary director Orson Welles at the end of his career. He was no longer the “Wonder Boy” flush with success from Citizen Kane, but an aging artist in exile whose luck had run out. “The Other Side of the Wind” was the feature film meant to be his Hollywood comeback vehicle.”
11/3/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.
12) THE FRONT RUNNER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, Sen. Gary Hart is the front-runner for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination — but he sees his ambitions short-circuited when reports of an extramarital affair turn up in the media.”
11/7/18- Fair reviews from the critics. Audiences really disliked this movie. TRDB.
Not Recommended–
1) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Born in Zanzibar, FarrokhBulsara emigrated to England in his teens and formed the band Queen in 1970 under his new name, Freddie Mercury. This biopic charts the group’s first 15 years, culminating with their Live Aid performance in 1985.”
10/30/18- Mostly poor reviews. TRDB.
2) THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “For Clara, the only thing left of her mother is a locked box containing a priceless gift. Following a golden thread to find the key, Clara enters a parallel universe inhabited by gingerbread soldiers, an army of mice and the tyrant Mother Ginger.”
11/2/18- Really poor reviews. TRDB.
3) KAILASH- THE PRICE OF FREE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “The story of how Kailash Satyarthi launched a built a global movement to rescue children from slavery.”
11/2/18- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.
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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND-
1) THE CHILDREN ACT- I liked this movie very much
2) DAMSEL- I enjoyed the movie
3) RBG- An excellent documentary
4) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS- Excellent
5) WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR– I enjoyed this very much
6) EIGHTH GRADE– I liked it
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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) WHAT THEY HAD– Clearview 100. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her mother wanders into a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, Bridget responds to her brother’s call for help by returning to her hometown, where the siblings face the unenviable task of persuading their dad to put Mom in a care home.”
10/19/18- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.
2) BOY ERASED– Jacob Burns. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nineteen-year-old Jared is far from ready to tell his parents that he’s gay, but they find out anyway, forcing him to make a choice: attend a “conversion therapy” program or be shunned by his family and Baptist community.”
11/2/18- Very good reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
3) A PRIVATE WAR– Jacob Burns. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, dauntless war correspondent Marie Colvin reports from the front lines of conflict in hot spots all over the world, including Chechnya, Kosovo, the Middle East and East Timor.”
11/2/18- Very good reviews from the critics but just fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) A STAR IS BORN-Bethel, Danbury. I liked it very much.
2) BEAUTIFUL BOY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. Very good reviews
3) CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. Excellent reviews for this comedy/drama. TRDB.
4) WILDLIFE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. Good reviews
5) THE OLD MAN & THE GUN– Clearview 100. Excellent reviews for this comedy/drama. TRDB.
6) COLETTE– Clearview 100. I liked this movie
7) FREE SOLO– Jacob Burns. I enjoyed this documentary. Very suspenseful!
8) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY– Danbury. Weak reviews
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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-
1) THE GUILTY– Very good reviews
2) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY– Weak reviews
3) THE HAPPY PRINCE– Fair reviews for this drama.
4) A STAR IS BORN– Thoroughly enjoyable
5) COLETTE– I liked it very much
B) MOVIES OF DELRAY-
1) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY– Weak reviews
2) CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? Excellent reviews for this comedy/drama. TRDB.
3) WHAT THEY HAD– Very good reviews for this drama.
4) WILDLIFE– Very good reviews
5) THE SAMUEL PROJECT– I liked it.
6) COLETTE– I liked it very much
C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-
1) MUSEO- 2018. Synopsis by IMDB. “In 1985, a group of criminals mock the security of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to extract 140 pre-Hispanic pieces from their showcases.”
9/14/18- Good reviews. TRDB.
2) BLAZE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “A little-known “outlaw” country artist, Blaze Foley gets his due in this affecting biopic that interlaces three narratives — recounting his final show, his relationship with girlfriend Sybil Rosen and a radio interview — to tell his story.”
9/7/18- Directed by Ethan Hawke this movie has received excellent early reviews. TRDB.
D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS-
1) WHAT THEY HAD– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her mother wanders into a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, Bridget responds to her brother’s call for help by returning to her hometown, where the siblings face the unenviable task of persuading their dad to put Mom in a care home.”
10/19/18- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.
2) WILDLIFE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “The emotional perils of adolescence are already challenging enough for Joe Brinson, but after his parents’ move to Montana causes friction between them, Joe begins to realize that his family is dissolving in front of him.”
10/19/18- Excellent reviews by the critics and poor ones from audiences. TRDB.
3) BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY- Poor reviews
4) THE GUILTY– Good reviews. Limit screenings
5) COLETTE– I liked it very much (limited screenings)
ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB
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Add comment November 7th, 2018
A CROOKED SOMEBODY- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Phony psychic Michael Vaughn specializes in convincing audiences that he can contact their dead friends and relatives. But when a man desperate to reach beyond the grave kidnaps Michael, he sees an opportunity for nationwide media fame.”
10/5/18- Fair reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 5th, 2018
REVERSING ROE- 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Forty-five years after it revolutionized abortion law in America, the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade is once again at a crossroads. In their timely new documentary REVERSING ROE, filmmakers Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg present a deeply illuminating look at the state of abortion and women’s rights in America.”
9/21/18- An informative and scary documentary questioning the future of Roe v. Wade. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 21st, 2018
MUSEO- 2018. Synopsis by IMDB. “In 1985, a group of criminals mock the security of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to extract 140 pre-Hispanic pieces from their showcases.”
9/14/18- Good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment September 14th, 2018
DO YOU WONDER WHO FIRED THE GUN?- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. ” A documentary murder mystery about the filmmaker’s family, set in lower Alabama.
Add comment September 7th, 2018
DOG DAYS- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this ensemble comedy, dogs are not only man’s best friend, they’re his best matchmaker as a disparate group of Angelenos — including a mom, an athlete turned TV host and a barista — connects through their canine companions.”
8/10/18- Weak reviews from audiences but very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2018
THE SWAN (SVANURINN)- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exiled to her aunt and uncle’s farm after getting caught stealing, 9-year-old Sól finds her penance harsh — until she discovers a kindred spirit in the farmhand sharing her room. But their bond is tested when Sól’s cousin Ásta returns home.”
8/10/18- Fair reviews from the critics but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2018
3/16/18- Excellent reviews from all sources. TRDB.
7/28/18- I enjoyed this movie which shows yet again that war is certainly like hell. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
4/6/18- Poor reviews by the critics but good ones from audiences. I will skip this one for now. TRDB.
4/13/18- Excellent reviews from the critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.
4/13/18- Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB.
5/9/18- A good slice of life drama, this one portrays the culture of the rodeo riders very well. TRDB.
5/11/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.
5/18/18- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative. TRDB.
2/2/18- Terrible, terrible reviews for this movie. TRDB.
8/24/17- Terrible reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.
4/18/18- I’ve seen just 1 review and it was very positive. TRDB.
4/20/18- Very good reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences. TRDB.
4/27/18- Fair reviews at best. Several called it quirky. TRDB.
5/11/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
6/15/18- This movie sounds interesting but received really poor reviews from the critics and from audiences as well. There were a few good ones- one from the NY Times. I think I’d give it a try. TRDB.
7/12/18- Terrible reviews from everyone. TRDB.
7/27/18- Excellent reviews for this action based thriller. TRDB.
2) PUZZLE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “While leading an empty suburban existence, Agnes discovers the pleasure of solving jigsaw puzzles and finds she has a rare talent for it. Before long, her hobby provides an entrée into a new life through the world of competitive puzzling.”
7/27/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.
3) SCARRED HEARTS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Suffering from bone tuberculosis, 20-year-old Emanuel moves into a sanatorium, where he faces torturous therapy and years of confinement in bed. Despite his situation, he finds love and camaraderie — and inspires his fellow patients to embrace life.”
7/27/18- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
4) GOOD MANNERS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In stratified São Paulo, a close bond develops between wealthy Ana, a pregnant socialite, and impoverished Clara, who’s hired as the child’s nanny. But the women’s relationship soon moves beyond friendship into the realm of the macabre.”
7/27/18- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
5) KILLER BEES– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Bridgehampton High School basketball team defends its Class D title and offers a way in to learn more about the African-American population in the Hamptons.”
7/27/18– I’ve seen just 4 reviews– 2 good and 2 poor. TRDB.
6) THE BLEEDING EDGE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “America has the most technologically advanced health care system in the world, yet medical interventions have become the third leading cause of death, and the overwhelming majority of high-risk implanted devices never require a single clinical trial. In THE BLEEDING EDGE, Academy Award (R) nominated filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (THE INVISIBLE WAR, THE HUNTING GROUND) turn their sights on the $400 billion medical device industry, examining lax regulations, corporate cover-ups, and profit driven incentives that put patients at risk daily.”
7/27/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
7) THE CAPTAIN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this black-and-white drama set during World War II’s last days, a 19-year-old German deserter — starving and desperate — dons a scavenged Nazi captain’s uniform and becomes increasingly intoxicated by his new authority.”
7/27/18- Fair reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.
7/27/18- Really poor reviews from the critics with slightly better ones from audiences. TRDB.
2) DAMASCUS COVER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “After failing to bring a mole home alive, Israeli spy Ari Ben-Sion is called back to Jerusalem but soon sent to Syria on a covert mission to smuggle out a chemical weapons scientist. When the job unravels, Ari finds that he has a target on his back.”
7/27/18- I’ve seen just a few reviews and they are poor. TRDB.
Add comment July 29th, 2018