The Reel Dr. Bob

JULY 26, 2018

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JULY 31-

(These were already listed in last week’s edition)

1) HUMAN FLOW– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by famed artist and social activist Ai Weiwei, this affecting documentary depicts the grim circumstances and future hopes of more than 65 million refugees worldwide, driven from their homes by starvation, war and ethnic oppression.”

10/15/17- Very good critical review – audiences were less enthusiastic. TRDB.

2) NO DRESS CODE REQUIRED– 2017. “This empathetic documentary chronicles the stymied wedding plans of stylists Victor and Fernando, who wage a battle for their legal rights after finding that gay couples aren’t allowed to marry in the Mexican state of Baja California.”

11/3/17- Early reviews are good. TRDB.

3) TULLY-2018, Synopsis by Netflix. “After her first two kids were born, Marlo had no help, so it’s with reluctance that she accepts her brother’s gift of “night nanny” Tully upon the birth of her third child. Initially at loggerheads, Marlo and Tully gradually form a bond.”

5/2/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5/5/18- Good but certainly not great but I would definitely recommend it. TRDB.

4) ANYTHING-2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of his wife’s death, Early Landry moves from Mississippi to Los Angeles, where his sister lives. After renting an apartment in a shabby building, Early soon meets his neighbor Freda — a woman unlike any he’s ever met before.”

5/11/18- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

5) LOU ANDREAS- SALOME–  2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1933, Lou Andreas-Salomé — one of the 20th century’s greatest intellectuals — recounts her life to a young scholar she allows into her home, detailing her relationships with philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, poet Rainer Maria Rilke and others.”

4/20/18- Fair reviews. TRDB.

OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

Recommended-

1) McQUEEN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “One of the most innovative fashion designers of his day, Alexander McQueen had a brilliant career that ended tragically with his suicide at age 40. This revealing documentary details McQueen’s achievements in couture and his emotional woes.

7/19/18- Uniformly good reviews but nowhere did I see “excellent.” TRDB.

2) BLINDSPOTTING– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “With three days left in his yearlong probation, ex-con Collin is working at a moving company with his childhood best pal and watching the time tick down when he witnesses a police shooting that jeopardizes his freedom and the friendship.”

7/19/18- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) PIN CUSHION– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “As mother-daughter duo Lyn and Iona settle into life in a new town, Iona’s new acquaintances quickly turn out to be frenemies, while shy Lyn is rebuffed socially. When Lyn and Iona each retreat into fantasy, their close bond starts to unravel.”

7/20/18– Mostly great reviews from the critics. TRDB.

4) FAR FROM THE TREE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Challenging conventional perceptions of “normality,” this affecting documentary looks at the special effort required to raise children who are profoundly different, profiling seven families as they confront the difficulties and reap the rewards.”

7/19/18- Just a few reviews at present and they are all good. TRDB.

5) 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.

6) THE RISE AND FALL OF A SMALL FILM COMPANY- 1964.

Not Recommended–

1) GENERATION WEALTH– 2018.  Synopsis by Netflix. “For many, the American Dream has become a nightmare, with the quest for material possessions outpacing people’s earning potential. Using her 25-year body of work, photographer and filmmaker Lauren Greenfield examines our wealth-obsessed society.”

7/19/18- Poor reviews. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

REPEATS-

______________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

JULY 5, 2018

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) BACK TO BURGUNDY– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) BACK TO BURGUNDY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Absent for more than a decade and now living in Australia, Jean returns to his native France when his dying father asks him to come home to help his siblings save the family winery. But first they’ll have to reconnect and repair their relationships.”

3/23/18- Fair reviews from the critics and much weaker ones from audiences. It does sound interesting to me and I’ll put it on the list of recommendations. TRDB.

6/28/18- What can I say? I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 10-

1) DIM THE FLUORESCENTS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Neither aspiring actress Audrey nor her best friend, budding playwright Lillian, are getting far in their careers, so they take a job giving role-playing demonstrations at corporate training sessions. But the pressure to succeed may tear them apart.”

1/12/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) A CIAMBA– In A CIAMBRA, a small Romani community in Calabria, Pio Amato is desperate to grow up fast. At 14, he drinks, smokes and is one of the few to easily slide between the region’s factions – the local Italians, the African refugees and his fellow Romani. Pio follows his older brother Cosimo everywhere, learning the necessary skills for life on the streets of their hometown. When Cosimo disappears and things start to go wrong, Pio sets out to prove he’s ready to step into his big brother’s shoes but soon finds himself faced with an impossible decision that will show if he is truly ready to become a man.”

1/18/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) CHAPPAQUIDDICK– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this historical drama, the car accident that doomed Ted Kennedy’s presidential ambitions and resulted in the drowning death of 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne gets a fresh look, focusing on the cover-up that followed the crash.”

4/3/18- Fairly good reviews for this historical drama. TRDB.

4) A QUIET PLACE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a married couple and their son are enjoying their peaceful existence on a farm, a malevolent supernatural entity takes up residence in their home, forcing the family into a horrific and extended fight for their lives.”

4/4/18- Excellent reviews for this bloody horror movie. Not my kind of movie by a longshot. TRDB.

5) SWEET COUNTRY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Australia’s dusty outback of the 1920s is the setting for this well-crafted Western about an aboriginal stockman who faces little chance of a fair trial after killing the racist white owner of a cattle station in self-defense.”

4/6/18- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

6) LEAN ON PETE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Passing his teen years largely neglected, Charley Thompson finds a part-time job with a slightly shady horse trainer and develops a strong bond with worn-out racehorse Lean on Pete — whom Charley resolves to save from the slaughterhouse.”

4/6/18- Excellent reviews for this movie. TRDB.

7) HITLER’S HOLLYWOOD– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Between 1933 and 1945, Germany produced more than 1,000 films, only a few of them openly Nazi propaganda. This insightful documentary examines how stereotypes of the enemy and fascist ideology were seeded in audiences’ psyches via the cinema.”

4/12/18- Very interesting and positive reviews. TRDB.

8) THE LEISURE SEEKER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “The Leisure Seeker stars Academy Award-winner® Helen Mirren and two-time Golden Globe-winner® Donald Sutherland as a runaway couple going on an unforgettable journey in the faithful old RV they call The Leisure Seeker, travelling from Boston to The Ernest Hemingway Home in Key West. They recapture their passion for life and their love for each other on a road trip that provides revelation and surprise right up to the very end.”

6/28/18- Generally I will not miss a road movie but I may make an exception for this movie with terrible reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

1) WINTER BROTHERS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a small town in rural Denmark, laidback Johan works at a limestone mine, as does his oddball brother, Emil — who steals chemicals from the site to make moonshine. When his hooch is suspected of sickening a co-worker, the community ostracizes him.”

6/28/18- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.

2) ROCK RUBBER 45s– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hip-hop promoter and performer Bobbito Garcia lets loose in this autobiographical documentary tracing his rise from New York City’s streets and basketball courts to the airwaves and beyond, spreading sneaker and hip-hop culture worldwide.”

6/28/18- Just a few reviews noted and they are all positive. TRDB.

3) CUSTODY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Caught in the middle of his parents’ bitter divorce, Julien Besson finds his life ruled by the terms of a shared custody order, forcing him to navigate the competing perspectives of his warring parents and to try to keep the worst from happening.”

6/28/18- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

4) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– 2018. “This riveting documentary charts the twisty story of identical triplets separated at birth, who reconnect by chance at age 19. But what starts as a happy reunion soon sets off a series of events that lead to shocking and sinister secrets.”

6/28/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) LEAVE NO TRACE-2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “For survivalist Will and his teenage daughter, living off the grid means residing in a nature reserve on the edge of a city — a lifestyle that suits them until they’re discovered and forced into the social services system.”

6/28/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

6) IDEAL HOME– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. ” Celebrity chef Erasmus and his life partner, Paul, are used to doing what they want, when they want. But their lifestyle is thoroughly disrupted when Erasmus’ 10-year-old grandson turns up on their doorstep in the wake of his father’s arrest.”

6/28/18- OK reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

7) RECOVERY BOYS– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the heart of America’s opioid epidemic, four men attempt to reinvent their lives and mend broken relationships after years of drug abuse. Recovery Boys, from Academy Award nominated director Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Heroin(e)), is an intimate look at the strength, brotherhood, and courage that it takes to overcome addiction and lays bare the internal conflict of recovery. In an effort to break the cycle of generational addiction and trauma, the young men let go of painful pasts as they live in the present, and build a new community in a farming-based rehab.”

6/18/18- Just a few reviews noted and they are all positive. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

8) WOMAN WALKS AHEAD–  2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When artist Catherine Weldon leaves her Brooklyn, New York, home in 1889 and travels to the Dakota Territory to paint a portrait of Lakota Sioux leader Sitting Bull, she becomes immersed in the Plains Indians’ struggle over land rights.”

6/29/18- Poor reviews for this movie starring Jessica Chastain.

9) LOVE, CECIL– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “A photographer, set and costume designer, and writer, Cecil Beaton takes his own turn in the spotlight in this engaging documentary that draws on personal diaries, archival footage and photos to profile one of the 20th century’s great tastemakers.”

6/29/18- Good reviews from the critics but poor ones from audiences. TRDB.

10) THIS IS CONGO– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conflict has raged for more than two decades. This eye-opening documentary puts a human face on the struggles by profiling four survivors: a mineral dealer, a tailor, a whistle-blower and an army colonel.”

6/29/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

11) THE CAKEMAKER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thomas, a young German baker, is having an affair with Oren, an Israeli married man who has frequent business visits in Berlin. When Oren dies in a car crash in Israel, Thomas travels to Jerusalem seeking for answers regarding his death. Under a fabricated identity, Thomas infiltrates into the life of Anat, his lover’s newly widowed wife, who owns a small Café in downtown Jerusalem. Thomas starts to work for her and create German cakes and cookies that bring life into her Café. Thomas finds himself involved in Anat’s life in a way far beyond his anticipation, and to protect the truth he will stretch his lie to a point of no return.”

6/29/18- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

12) DARK RIVER-2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of her father’s death, Alice returns to her hometown in Yorkshire after 15 years away to settle the inheritance of the family farm with brother Joe. But a bitter quarrel between the two soon brings traumatic memories to the surface.”

6/29/18- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) WOMAN WALKS AHEAD–  2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When artist Catherine Weldon leaves her Brooklyn, New York, home in 1889 and travels to the Dakota Territory to paint a portrait of Lakota Sioux leader Sitting Bull, she becomes immersed in the Plains Indians’ struggle over land rights.”

6/29/18- Poor reviews for this movie starring Jessica Chastain.

REPEATS-

1) UNSANE- Fairly good reviews for this drama/mystery

2) BEIRUT- Good reviews

3) WONDER- Very good reviews

4) I, TONYA– I liked this movie very much

5) THE SHAPE OF WATER– My favorite movie of 2017

6) CALL ME BY YOUR NAME- I enjoyed this movie

7) A KID LIKE JAKE- OK reviews

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

REPEATS-

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

MAY 10, 2018

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com–

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) TULLY– At the Theater

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) TULLY- 2018, Synopsis by Netflix. “After her first two kids were born, Marlo had no help, so it’s with reluctance that she accepts her brother’s gift of “night nanny” Tully upon the birth of her third child. Initially at loggerheads, Marlo and Tully gradually form a bond.”

5/2/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5/5/18- Good but certainly not great. I would definitely recommend it. TRDB. _____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE 12th MAN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based World War II drama, Norwegian resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud survives a Nazi attack that kills 11 of his comrades, but the real struggle lies ahead. Alone and wounded, he must make a nine-week journey to safety in Sweden.”

5/4/18- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5/6/18- One critic called this movie more tedious than suspenseful and I agree. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 15-

1) THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Syrian refugee Khaled and ex-traveling salesman Wikström have many miles under their belts when they cross paths in Helsinki. Now a restaurateur, Wikström finds Khaled sleeping behind his diner and offers him a job, leading to an unlikely friendship.”

12/1/17- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just what is Israeli cuisine? That’s the question restaurateur Michael Solomonov sets out to answer as he travels the country. As he talks to chefs, cheese makers, winemakers, farmers, fisherman and more, a portrait of the Israeli people emerges.”

3/24/17- I’ve seen just 4 reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

10/24/17- I liked this documentary very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

1) ANGELS WEAR WHITE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “A seaside motel’s sleepy façade hides the danger within for two schoolgirls assaulted there by a high-level police officer — and for the teenager working the reception desk who observes the attack on surveillance video but is afraid to come forward.”

5/3/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) RAY MEETS HELEN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Both down on their luck, Ray and Helen suddenly see their fortunes change and decide to re-create their personas, pretending they’ve led affluent lives. But as they cross paths in a string of chance encounters, each falls for the other’s true self.”

5/3/18- Just 3 reviews so far– 2 fairly good including the one from the NY Times and 1 just OK. TRDB.

3) EVERYTHING ELSE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this quiet drama that satirizes dehumanizing bureaucracy, government clerk Doña Flor is all-but invisible to the citizens she serves. But her daily routine is shaken by the death of her sole companion, a cat, reopening wounds related to a tragedy.”

5/3/18- I’ve seen 2 reviews– one by the NY Times that was very good and another that was fair at best. TRDB.

6) STRANGERS ON THE EARTH– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his instrument strapped to his back, American cellist Dane Johansen sets off on a pilgrimage along the hallowed paths of the Camino de Santiago in Northwestern Spain, sharing his music with fellow travelers looking for meaning and truth.”

5/4/18- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

7) THE 12th MAN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based World War II drama, Norwegian resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud survives a Nazi attack that kills 11 of his comrades, but the real struggle lies ahead. Alone and wounded, he must make a nine-week journey to safety in Sweden.”

5/4/18- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5/6/18- One critic called this movie more tedious than suspenseful and I agree. TRDB.

8) RBG– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing an illuminating look at the life of trailblazer Ruth Bader Ginsburg — including her career-defining work in gender-discrimination law — this engaging documentary charts her journey to becoming a justice on America’s highest court.”

5/4/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

9) SON OF BIGFOOT– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenage outsider Adam sets out on an epic and daring quest to uncover the mystery behind his long-lost dad, only to find out that he is none other than the legendary Bigfoot!”

5/4/18- This movie actually got fairly good critical review– audiences did not agree and panned it. TRDB.

10) THE DESERT BRIDE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the Buenos Aires family who’s employed Teresa as a maid for more than 30 years can no longer afford her, they find her a job in far-off San Juan. During the 700-mile bus trip, she meets a traveling salesman who changes her life and her outlook.”

5/4/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

11) THE CLEANSE– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Johnny Galecki (TV’s “Big Bang Theory) plays Paul Berger, an unemployed, down and out, heartbroken man searching for happiness. When Paul sees an ad for a spiritual retreat promising to restart your life, he immediately signs up, hoping to cleanse himself and fix his broken life.”

4/4/18- Good reviews in general by the critics with some really poor ones tossed in as well. Audiences have not liked it. TRDB.

12) THE GUARDIANS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this ensemble drama set in rural France, the women of the Paridier farm are left to run it by themselves while their men are off fighting in World War I. But things become complicated with the arrival of American troops.’

5/4/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

These 3 movies either did not seem interesting to me or received poor reviews:

1) OVERBORD

2) RACER AND THE JAILBIRD

3) BAD SAMARITAN

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COMCAST ON DEMAND-

NEW THIS WEEK

1) THE 12th MAN

2) LET THE SUNSHINE IN-

3) THE CLEANSE-

4) RAY MEETS HELEN-

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

REPEATS-

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB