VAZANTE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When slave trader António loses his wife to childbirth, he soon weds 12-year-old Beatriz. Resuming his travels, he leaves her with a houseful of slaves in the remote Diamantina Mountains, where she commits an offense that has shocking repercussions.”
1/12/18- Good reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.
Add comment January 12th, 2018
1) ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a crime that rivets the American public for months in 1973, members of an Italian paramilitary organization kidnap John Paul Getty III. When his oil-rich grandfather balks at paying the ransom, the bad guys up the stakes dramatically.”
12/20/17- Very good reviews from all sources. TRDB.
1/7/18- This movie was way too long and as far as I’m concerned it was rescued by some very good acting. TRDB.
2) CALL ME BY YOUR NAME– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the summer of 1983, romance blooms in the sumptuous setting of the Italian Riviera when a 17-year-old boy becomes involved with the 24-year-old American scholar living at the family villa and working for the youngster’s professor father.”
11/23/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
1/8/18- I enjoyed the movie although it was too long. TRDB.
1) TE ATA– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Born in 1895, Chickasaw Nation member Mary Thompson Fisher discovered her love for acting early in life. But she soon realized that her true vocation came in sharing her people’s stories and songs, as recounted in this historical drama.”
10/16/17- Weak reviews from the critics but excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/5/18- The movie itself was a bit weak but it was worth the time as a history lesson. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
2) THE KING’S CHOICE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the Nazis invaded Norway on April 9, 1940, the country’s king — Haakon VII — was given an ultimatum: surrender or die. When Haakon answered that he would abdicate before appointing the German-approved government, the bombing began.”
9/22/17- Very good reviews from all sources. TRDB.
1/8/18- An excellent movie– thoroughly enjoyed it. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
1) LOVING VINCENT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This animated biopic recounts the life and last days of tormented Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, with each frame of the film consisting of an oil painting executed in the master’s style and a plot based on letters he penned.”
9/22/17- Fairly good reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.
2) MR. ROOSEVELT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix “Texas native Emily is trying to make it as a comic in Los Angeles when she gets word from her ex that the cat they once shared is ailing. Hightailing it back to Austin, Emily finds the feline dead — and a new girlfriend ensconced in her former home.’
11/23/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.
1) THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This empathetic documentary chronicles the experiences of three U.S. military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder following their service in Iraq — focusing on their struggle to reintegrate with the civilian world.”
10/28/16- An excellent review for this documentary in today’s NY Times. There may be a drama out there with the same name so make sure it’s the documentary that you look for. TRDB.
2) THE WOMAN WHO LEFT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After serving 30 years for a crime she didn’t commit, Horacia Somorostro is freed when another inmate admits to framing her at the behest of Rodrigo Trinidad, Horacia’s ex-lover. Returning to her hometown, she quietly plots her revenge on Rodrigo.”
5/19/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.
3) RED TREES– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Marina Willer — a descendant of one of 12 Jewish families to survive the Nazi occupation of Prague (thanks to her granddad’s ability to make citric acid) — chronicles her family’s life during wartime and their immigration to Brazil.”
9/20/17- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.
4) THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEAR– 2017. “In this tale of horror based on a Euripides tragedy, a surgeon begins to regret his decision to help a troubled teenage boy after being drawn ever-deeper into the dramas revolving around the young man’s dysfunctional family.”
10/20/17- Wildly different reviews– definitely more positive than negative but I won’t see this horror movie. TRDB.
5) FELICITE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A nightclub chanteuse and single mother, independent-minded Félicité finds her mettle tested when her 14-year-old son is hurt in a motorcycle crash, forcing her to bargain and beg to raise enough money to pay for his operation.”
10/27/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
1) GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Goodbye Christopher Robin (The world of Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne comes to life in this illuminating biopic that focuses on his relationship with his son (and inspiration), Christopher Robin, and how the books’ phenomenal success affected the family.”
10/13/17- Good reviews by the critics but just fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
2) THE SQUARE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Testing the thin line between art and reality, a famed museum’s new creative director mounts an installation — “The Square” — intended to foster altruism. But he sets off a hue and cry after enlisting a public relations firm to tout the exhibition.”
10/27/17- Fairly good reviews for this odd sounding drama/comedy. I’ll see it. TRDB.
3) LAST FLAG FLYING– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Three grizzled Vietnam-era veterans — Doc, Sal and Mueller — travel together up the East Coast on a mournful personal mission: to hold an appropriate burial for Doc’s only child, who perished in the opening stages of the Iraq invasion.”
11/3/17- Fairly good reviews with some poor ones mixed in. I saw the trailer and it looked stupid to me. TRDB.
4) GOD’S OWN COUNTRY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his father paralyzed, 24-year-old Johnny Saxby has to tend the family’s sheep farm, but he doesn’t have to like it. His attitude changes, however, when he finds a friend and lover in the Romanian worker hired to help during the lambing season.”
11/15/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5) PROFESSOR MARSTON AND THE WONDER WOMEN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic centers on Harvard psychologist William Marston, the man who created Wonder Woman, and imbued the iconic character with the feminist ideals of his wife, Elizabeth, and the other woman in their polyamorous relationship, Olive Byrne.”
10/16/17- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.
1) BLAME– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “The hotbed of hormones that is high school provides the backdrop for the overheated and improper relationship that develops between a handsome drama teacher and a talented but troubled student — which sparks vengeful envy in her mean-girl rival.”
1/5/18- Good to excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.
2) DJANGO– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this poignant biopic, jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt escapes the persecution that his Gypsy brethren suffer in German-occupied France, but when the Nazis demand that Django use his music to fuel their propaganda, he faces a daunting decision.”
1/5/18- Weak reviews by the critics but very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
3) IN BETWEEN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in Tel Aviv, this engrossing drama follows a trio of independent-minded Palestinian women who develop a bond of solidarity as they share an apartment and struggle to balance the differing values of tradition and modernity.”
1/5/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
4) IN THE LAND OF POMEGRANATES– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this engrossing documentary, a group of Palestinian and Israeli youngsters gathers in Germany for a “Vacation from War” retreat, where each side faces the “enemy” and engages on a personal level, recognizing their shared humanity.”
1/5/18- Fair reviews at best for this documentary. TRDB.
5) THE GREEN FOG– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this experimental movie created for the final night of the 2017 San Francisco International Film Festival, director Guy Maddin and collaborators reimagine Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” using a visual collage of found footage from a host of sources.”
1/5/18- I’ve seen just 5 reviews and they were all very good. TRDB.
1) DARK MERIDIAN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “New Orleans cop Spencer Soleno, who makes money on the side by providing protection for crime boss Oren Marek, ends up in the midst of a gang war as he tries to nab the killer of Oren’s oldest son while protecting the youngest.”
1/5/18- Just 2 reviews so far and both are poor. TRDB.
2) DEVIL’S GATE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Trouble is afoot in Devil’s Gate, North Dakota, and FBI agent Daria and local deputy Colt think the source is Jackson Pritchard, whose wife and son have vanished. But Daria and Colt get more than they bargained for when they arrive at Jackson’s farm.”
1/5/18- Weak reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. I’ll pass on this one. TRDB.
5) THREE BILLBOARDS– Danbury, Clearview 100. I enjoyed the movie- didn’t love it
1) ON THE BEACH AT NIGHT ALONE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of a failed relationship with a married man, South Korean film star Young-hee travels to Germany to put some space between herself and her former lover, hoping to clear her head. But leaving the past behind proves difficult.”
11/17/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
2) WONDERSTRUCK- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on the novel of the same name, this period drama unspools two tales that play out 50 years apart. In 1927, a girl runs away to New York City to meet the actress she idolizes, while in 1977, a boy travels to the Big Apple find his long-lost dad.
10/20/17- Fair reviews for this new movie by Todd Haynes. TRDB.
Add comment January 11th, 2018
DARK MERIDIAN- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “New Orleans cop Spencer Soleno, who makes money on the side by providing protection for crime boss Oren Marek, ends up in the midst of a gang war as he tries to nab the killer of Oren’s oldest son while protecting the youngest.”
1/5/18- Just 2 reviews so far and both are poor. TRDB.
Add comment January 5th, 2018
JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this sequel to the 1995 fantasy epic, four teen pals are in for the adventure of their lives when they stumble on an old video game and are immediately transported to its jungle setting, becoming the game’s avatars.”
12/25/17- An interesting adventure story with some important messages. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment December 26th, 2017
1) THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When law enforcement fails to make headway on the months-long hunt for her daughter’s killer, Mildred Hayes takes the drastic step of putting up three large signs questioning the motivation of the town’s widely respected police chief.”
11/10/17- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB.
12/3/17- I enjoyed this movie– perhaps not as much as others did. Still, definitely recommended. Great acting too. TRDB.
1) VOYEUR- 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”Gerald Foos bought a motel in Colorado in the 1960s, furnished the room with louvered vents that allowed him to spy on his guests, and kept a journal of their sexual encounters…among other things. As writer Gay Talese, who had known Foos for more than three decades, came close to the publication of his book The Voyeur’s Motel (preceded by an excerpt in The New Yorker), factual discrepancies in Foos’s account emerged, and documentarians Kane and Koury were on hand to record some wild encounters between the veteran New York journalist and his enigmatic subject.”
12/2/17- A fascinating documentary. TRDB.
1) ATOMIC BLONDE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an MI6 agent is murdered in 1989 Berlin, fellow spy Lorraine Broughton is dispatched to investigate and retrieve the list of double agents he was carrying. But that means working with the Berlin station chief — which could prove tricky.”
7/28/17- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative. TRDB.
2) THE TRIP TO SPAIN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Again tasked with a culinary tour — this time of Spain — Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon arm themselves with celebrity impressions, witty banter and observations about aging, and set off on a road trip steeped in paella, gazpacho and wine.”
8/11/17- Mixed reviews at best. This is the 3rd. movie of this type with the 2 actors and the least well reviewed. I did like the first two so I’ll probably try this one also. TRDB.
3) GOOK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “On April 29, 1992, the acquittals of the police accused in the Rodney King beating spark a flurry of riots in South Central Los Angeles. In the midst of the looting and chaos, Korean-American brothers Eli and Daniel fight to save their small store.”
8/25/17- Excellent reviews by the critics despite several calling this movie “uneven.” TRDB.
4) VICEROY’S HOUSE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “An epic chapter in the history of the British Empire is recounted in this period drama that follows the last viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, as he oversees the nation’s seismic transition to independence in 1947.”
9/1/17- Mixed reviews– more up than down. TRDB.
5) MANOLO, THE BOY WHO MADE SHOES FOR LIZARDS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1970, fashion designer Manolo Blahnik met style maven Diana Vreeland, who recommended he focus on shoes. Within a few years, Blahnik’s imaginative styles made his name the gold standard in tony footwear, as chronicled in this in-depth documentary.”
9/27/17- Fair reviews from the critics but excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
6) THE UNKNOWN GIRL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After young physician Jenny closes her office for the day, she refuses to see an unfamiliar woman who’s looking for treatment. Upon learning that the woman died soon thereafter, Jenny becomes obsessed with finding out the stranger’s identity.”
9/7/17- OK reviews from the critics and weak ones from audiences. Sounds interesting to me and the NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.
9/11/17- Certainly not a great movie but this new film did hold my interest throughout. The lead actress was very good. TRDB.
1) WONDER WHEEL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Venerated director Woody Allen looks back to the New York City of his youth in this 1950s drama set amid the surroundings of Coney Island amusement park, where love, greed, betrayal and youthful dreams coalesce.”
11/30/17- Awful reviews but I never miss a new Woody. TRDB.
2) THE SHAPE OF WATER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the Cold War era, lonely Elisa works as a cleaning lady in a top-secret U.S. government laboratory. But her life is altered forever after she and a co-worker stumble upon a hush-hush experiment.”
11/30/17– Excellent reviews. TRDB.
3) THE DISASTER ARTIST– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Opening to blistering reviews in 2003, “The Room” has since become a so-bad-it’s-good cult classic. This showbiz spoof provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and the friendship between the director and star who propelled it.”
11/30/17- Excellent reviews for this comedy. TRDB.
4) 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.
5) SHADOWMAN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “For a few glittering moments in the 1980s, “Shadowman” painter Richard Hambleton was at the top of New York City’s art heap, but neuroses and addiction forced him into isolation. This documentary chronicles his rise, fall and eventual re-emergence.”
12/1/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
6) 32 PILLS: MY SISTER’S SUICIDE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When troubled artist and photographer Ruth Litoff takes her life, her sister Hope begins a quest to understand the path that led Ruth to suicide, obsessively studying her journals and artwork seeking answers that seem elusive.”
12/1/17- I’ve seen just 4 reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.
7) LOVE BEATS RHYMES– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When aspiring rapper Coco enrolls in a college poetry course, she’s drawn to the alternative possibilities of slam poetry. Challenged by one of her professors to express what she feels, Coco comes away newly inspired by what she’s learned.”
12/1/17- Fair reviews by the critics but audiences have liked this film very much. TRDB.
8) LOVELESS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this riveting morality tale, Boris and Zhenya are so intent on their vitriolic marital battles that they don’t notice initially when their 12-year-old son disappears during one of their protracted fights. Now, they must join forces to find him.”
12/1/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
9) BIG TIME– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The puckish architect Bjarke Ingels has built his career on defying convention and distancing himself from his peers. He is 39 years old, founder of a company pretentiously and provocatively called BIG and is on his definite way to becoming one of the world’s most innovative and successful contemporary architects.”
12/1/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.
10) THE NEW RADICAL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a world they see as corporatized and soul-killing, a generation of millennial radicals are taking to the Internet and using technology to attack the system. This documentary shines a light on the crypto-anarchists at the heart of the movement.”
12/1/17- Fair reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
11) THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the Mason family moves to Palos Verdes, California, everything changes: Suddenly, Dad is a surgeon to the stars, Mom is on the verge of a breakdown, and son Jim has become a druggie. For solace, daughter Medina turns to surfing.”
12/1/17- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.
Not Recommended–
1) THE DANCER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatized biopic follows aspiring actress Loïe Fuller, who instead becomes a dancing sensation thanks to her entrancing performances at the Folies Bergère. But an encounter with ambitious young dancer Isadora Duncan may lead to Loïe’s downfall.”
12/1/17- Weak reviews for this docudrama. TRDB.
1) THE SHAPE OF WATER– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the Cold War era, lonely Elisa works as a cleaning lady in a top-secret U.S. government laboratory. But her life is altered forever after she and a co-worker stumble upon a hush-hush experiment.”
11/30/17– Excellent reviews. TRDB.
2) WONDER WHEEL– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Venerated director Woody Allen looks back to the New York City of his youth in this 1950s drama set amid the surroundings of Coney Island amusement park, where love, greed, betrayal and youthful dreams coalesce.”
11/30/17- Awful reviews but I never miss a new Woody. TRDB.
3) THE DISASTER ARTIST– Danbury. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Opening to blistering reviews in 2003, “The Room” has since become a so-bad-it’s-good cult classic. This showbiz spoof provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and the friendship between the director and star who propelled it.”
11/30/17- Excellent reviews for this comedy. TRDB.
1) TANGERINE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Back on the streets on Christmas Eve after serving a month in jail, transgender prostitute Sin-Dee Rella launches a vengeful search across Los Angeles for her unfaithful pimp boyfriend, Chester, and his new squeeze, Dinah..”
7/10/15- Excellent reviews from the critics and very good reviews from audiences. TRDB.
8/10/15- When I saw this movie there was only 1 other person in the theater and he walked out. The film was extremely creative and very well acted and like nothing you’ve seen before. Still, it was weird and I can not in good conscience recommend this film. TRDB.
1) DEALT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although Richard Turner lost his sight early in life, his determination to become a virtuoso card magician would bring him global fame. In this fascinating documentary, Turner shares his unique perspectives on his life and his craft.”
10/20/17- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
2) JANE– Very good reviews and I’ll see this eventually
3) LADY BIRD– I enjoyed this movie very much
4) LOVING VINCENT– Good reviews (limited screenings)
Add comment December 7th, 2017
VOYEUR- 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”Gerald Foos bought a motel in Colorado in the 1960s, furnished the room with louvered vents that allowed him to spy on his guests, and kept a journal of their sexual encounters…among other things. As writer Gay Talese, who had known Foos for more than three decades, came close to the publication of his book The Voyeur’s Motel (preceded by an excerpt in The New Yorker), factual discrepancies in Foos’s account emerged, and documentarians Kane and Koury were on hand to record some wild encounters between the veteran New York journalist and his enigmatic subject.”
12/2/17- A fascinating documentary. TRDB.
Add comment December 2nd, 2017
THE SHAPE OF WATER- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the Cold War era, lonely Elisa works as a cleaning lady in a top-secret U.S. government laboratory. But her life is altered forever after she and a co-worker stumble upon a hush-hush experiment.”
11/30/17– Excellent reviews. TRDB.
1/22/18- Great love story and I enjoyed every minute. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment November 30th, 2017
ON THE BEACH AT NIGHT ALONE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of a failed relationship with a married man, South Korean film star Young-hee travels to Germany to put some space between herself and her former lover, hoping to clear her head. But leaving the past behind proves difficult.”
11/17/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
7/7/18- Some interesting encounters but mostly boring. I did manage to watch the entire movie. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
Add comment November 17th, 2017
I REMEMBER YOU- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this unsettling tale, an elderly woman’s suicide and the renovation of a rundown house by three young urbanites — seemingly unconnected events — are linked by a 60-year-old secret that’s the key to a string of frightening paranormal occurrences.”
11/10/17- Fair reviews. TRDB.
Add comment November 10th, 2017
DESTINATION UNKNOWN- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this searing historical documentary, 12 survivors of the Nazi death camps in World War II share their painful memories, along with the often-incredible stories of their struggles to make new lives for themselves after the war.
11/10/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment November 10th, 2017