RAINBOW TIME- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Even though Todd’s sibling, Shonzi, is mentally challenged, he’s still the big brother and maintains the upper hand. But after he moves in with Todd and his girlfriend, Shonzi’s presence threatens the couple’s relationship.”
11/4/16- Poor reviews. TRDB.
Add comment November 4th, 2016
KING COBRA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This shocking true crime story recounts the ruthless ambitions of two gay-porn producers who attempt to lure underage adult-film star Sean Paul Lockhart into their fold, setting off a turf war with an industry rival.”
10/21/16- Generally poor reviews from the critics with only somewhat better ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment October 21st, 2016
1) HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young misfit Ricky Baker has grown comfortable with his foster parents, Aunt Bella and Uncle Hec. But when Bella’s death threatens to send Ricky back to child services, the irascible Hec heads for the bush with Ricky, setting off a national manhunt.”6/24/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
9/29/16- A poignant and fun movie. Loved the scene about filling out forms. TRDB. Netflix.
2) DANCER- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though blessed with ballet skills that brought him global fame, Sergei Polunin had misgivings about the meaning and worth of stardom. At the age of 25, he abandoned the dance world — a decision he candidly reflects on in this immersive documentary.”
9/16/16- Fair to good reviews from the critics and much better ones from audiences. I’ll see it. TRDB.
10/4/16- I enjoyed this movie very much. There was just enough dance in this documentary and I was able to understand what it meant for him to be a prodigy and also for him to leave it all behind. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
1) LES COWBOYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the midst of a country-western festival in Eastern France, a 16-year-old girl disappears into the sea of visitors who’ve descended on the area, prompting her father to begin an all-consuming search for the missing girl.”6/24/16- Fairly good critical review but audiences are not as enthusiastic. TRDB.
2) THE INFILTRATOR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “The exploits of U.S. Customs agent Robert Mazur are recounted in this narco-crime thriller set in the 1980s. Gaining the trust of some of the world’s most notorious drug lords, Mazur becomes a key player in an intricate government sting.”
7/25/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) HILLARY’S AMERICA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Continuing his determined advocacy of conservative Christian values, writer-director Dinesh D’Souza trains a highly critical lens on his favorite target, Hillary Clinton, and the Democrat party’s sometimes checkered past.”
7/22/16- Awful reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it. TRDB.
1) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During her daily rail commute, divorcée Rachel Watson observes the happily married couple living in a house near the train route. One day, she witnesses a scene that enrages her — and soon finds herself deeply entangled in the ensuing mystery.”9/30/16- Mediocre reviews. TRDB.
2) DENIAL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1990s, well-known Holocaust denier David Irving sued historian Deborah Lipstadt — issuing a complaint under British law requiring the American academic to prove that the greatest atrocity of World War II actually took place. “9/30/16- Decent reviews from critics and audiences. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.
3) GIRL ASLEEP– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her 15th birthday bearing down on her, Greta Driscoll is anything but eager to abandon childhood for the quagmires of adolescence. But after a calamitous birthday party tosses her into a phantasmic world of dreams, nothing can be the same.”
9/30/16- Fairly good reviews for this weird sounding movie. TRDB.
4) AMERICAN HONEY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Throwing caution to the wind, runaway teen Star joins a crew of traveling magazine sellers and soon embraces their rambunctious lifestyle, which consists of knocking on doors by day and morphing into drunken miscreants by night.”
9/30/16- Good reviews by critics and audiences. TRDB.
5) THE 13th- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Combining archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars, director Ava DuVernay’s examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country’s history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America.”
9/30/16- Very good early reviews. TRDB.
6) AMONG THE BELIEVERS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Depicting the escalating battle between Islamic fundamentalism and secularism in Pakistani schools, this eye-opening documentary centers on radical cleric Abdul Aziz Ghazi, whose Red Mosque network of madrassas trains children to become jihadists.”
9/30/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
7) DO NOT RESIST- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unsettling documentary examines the implications of police departments acquiring armored vehicles and other military-grade weaponry. Director Craig Atkinson questions whether this nationwide trend truly serves the goal of protecting the public.”
9/30/16– Very good reviews but most critics said that the material overshadowed the technical elements of the documentary. TRDB.
8) HARRY AND SNOWMAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After World War II, Dutchman Harry de Leyer immigrated to America and became a riding instructor — who paid $80 for a horse no one else wanted. Calling the horse Snowman, Harry began training him for show jumping: Two years later, he had a champion.”
9/30/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
9) AMANDA KNOX- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “One day she was the girl next door studying abroad in Italy and the next she was the American femme fatale accused of killing her roommate. This incisive documentary revisits the headline-grabbing case of Amanda Knox — which gripped the world.”
9/30/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB.
10) DEEPWATER HORIZON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Replaying the catastrophic explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in 2010, this tense drama recounts the horrific experiences of the 126 crew members onboard and the numerous acts of courage that saved untold lives.”
9/28/16- Generally good reviews with a bunch of negative ones thrown in as well. TRDB.
11) LONG WAY NORTH– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this animated adventure, young Russian aristocrat Sasha is worried about the fate of her beloved grandfather Oloukine, who vanished during a polar expedition. Defying her parents’ wishes, the determined Sasha embarks on a quest to find Oloukine.”
9/30/16- Great reviews for this animated movie. TRDB.
12) A MAN CALLED OVE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite being deposed as president of his condo’s resident association, 59-year-old misanthrope Ove continues to plague his neighbors with dictatorial demands. But when Ove’s new neighbor runs over his mailbox, the old crank finds he’s met his match.”
9/30/16- Very good reviews by critics and audiences. TRDB.
13) THE ROLLING STONES OLE OLE OLE!: A TRIP ACROSS LATIN AMERICA– Synopsis by IMDB. “Rocknroll concert doc following the Stones on their 2016 tour, culminating in their historic stop in Havana, Cuba.
9/39/16- Just a few reviews so far and they are all good. TRDB.
Not Recommended–
1) DANNY SAYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Embracing the fevered atmosphere of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s, Danny Fields played a key role in promoting bands destined to become music legends, including the Ramones, the Doors and the Stooges, whose front man was the infamous Iggy Pop.”
9/30/16- Weak reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
2) NEVER SURRENDER: THE ED RAMSEY STORY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early part of World War II, U.S. Army Lt. Edwin Ramsey led the last cavalry charge in American history during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and later joined the Filipino resistance, as recounted in this documentary salute.”
9/30/16- I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both poor. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
1) CHRONIC– Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working as a home-care nurse, David’s dedication leads him to form strong bonds with his terminally ill patients. Managing friendships in his personal life, however, proves far more challenging.”9/23/16- Mostly good reviews but all critics said that it was very difficult to watch this film because of the content. The full reviews sounds even more interesting and I will try to see this movie. TRDB.
2) A MAN CALLED OVE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite being deposed as president of his condo’s resident association, 59-year-old misanthrope Ove continues to plague his neighbors with dictatorial demands. But when Ove’s new neighbor runs over his mailbox, the old crank finds he’s met his match.”
9/30/16- Very good reviews by critics and audiences. TRDB.
3) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN– Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During her daily rail commute, divorcée Rachel Watson observes the happily married couple living in a house near the train route. One day, she witnesses a scene that enrages her — and soon finds herself deeply entangled in the ensuing mystery.”
9/30/16- Mediocre reviews. TRDB.
4) THE BIRTH OF A NATION– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1831 Virginia, this compelling biopic charts the story of slave and preacher Nat Turner, whose owner exploits his preaching skills to subdue rebellious slaves. But after witnessing the scope of slavery, Nat leads a revolt to free his people.’
10/4/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
1) THE BIRTH OF A NATION– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1831 Virginia, this compelling biopic charts the story of slave and preacher Nat Turner, whose owner exploits his preaching skills to subdue rebellious slaves. But after witnessing the scope of slavery, Nat leads a revolt to free his people.’10/4/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
2) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During her daily rail commute, divorcée Rachel Watson observes the happily married couple living in a house near the train route. One day, she witnesses a scene that enrages her — and soon finds herself deeply entangled in the ensuing mystery.”
9/30/16- Mediocre reviews. TRDB.
3) DEEPWATER HORIZON– Generally good reviews with several negatives thrown in as well.
4) THE DRESSMAKER– Weak reviews.
5) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– Very good reviews.
1) IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE– 2016. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Introverted and hard-working snow plow driver Nils has just been named Citizen of The Year, when he receives news that his son has died of a heroin overdose. Disbelieving the official report, Nils soon uncovers evidence of the young man’s murder–a victim in a turf war between the local crime boss, known as “The Count”, and his Serbian rivals. Armed with heavy machinery and a good dose of beginner’s luck, Nils embarks upon a quest for revenge that soon escalates into a full-blown underworld gang war, with the body count spiraling ever higher and higher.”10/4/16- Sounds awful and even the positive reviews were with qualifications. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
2) KATE PLAYS CHRISTINE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intriguing mash-up of documentary and drama follows actress Kate Lynn Sheil as she heads to Florida to prepare for her film role as Christine Chubbuck, the Sarasota newscaster who committed suicide on the air in 1974.8/26/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones by audiences. TRDB.
1) GIRL ASLEEP– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her 15th birthday bearing down on her, Greta Driscoll is anything but eager to abandon childhood for the quagmires of adolescence. But after a calamitous birthday party tosses her into a phantasmic world of dreams, nothing can be the same.”9/30/16- Fairly good reviews for this weird sounding movie. TRDB.
2) COME WHAT MAY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Nazi forces rout the French army in May 1940, the denizens of a threatened village abandon their homes and head west. Traveling together are a German dissenter in search of his son, and a Scottish officer whose entire unit has been slaughtered.”
9/9/16- This movie sounds interesting but unfortunately received poor reviews. TRDB.
3) TANNA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living on an isolated Pacific island, a young girl from the indigenous Yakel tribe refuses to submit to an arranged marriage and flees with her lover instead. The couple’s defiance soon threatens to ignite a bitter blood feud on the island.”
9/16/16- Good reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB.
4) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER- Very good reviews.
5) LITTLE MEN– Good reviews.
Add comment October 6th, 2016
IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE- 2016. “Synopsis by Netflix. “When he sets out to avenge his son’s murder, mild-mannered snowplow driver Nils sparks a war between a Norwegian mobster and his Serbian rival. As the two drug lords battle for supremacy, Nils dodges bullets to fulfill his own quest.”
10/4/16- Sounds awful and even the positive reviews were with qualifications. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
Add comment October 4th, 2016
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During her daily rail commute, divorcée Rachel Watson observes the happily married couple living in a house near the train route. One day, she witnesses a scene that enrages her — and soon finds herself deeply entangled in the ensuing mystery.”
9/30/16- Mediocre reviews. TRDB.
Add comment September 30th, 2016
9/25/16- An excellent movie portraying a real slice of these indigenous Guatemalans. Be warned that this film was painful to watch. TRDB.
9/24/16- An interesting documentary (docudrama) both in terms of content and technique. TRDB. Netflix.
2) EUNGYO (A MUSE)- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Director Ji-woo Jung unabashedly infuses the proceedings with a fierce emotional resonance that boils these characters’ blood into remorseless anger and unconscionable actions.”
9/25/16- An interesting drama about the relationship between a 70 year old poet and a high school girl. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
3) THE INNOCENTS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of World War II, French physician Mathilde Beaulieu travels to Warsaw to care for survivors and is taken to a convent where numerous nuns were raped by Russian soldiers. With her help, the women begin to regain their faith in God’s mercy.”
6/30/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
9/28/16-A very good movie based on a true story that most people know nothing about. The only down side is that it was a bit too long. Highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix.
5/13/16- I liked the movie a lot- great acting and a very good story. TRDB.
2) THE AGE OF SHADOWS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During Japan’s occupation of Korea, a former resistance member now working for the Japanese police is tasked with infiltrating a band of freedom fighters intent on blowing up key Japanese facilities. But he soon ends up in an impossible situation.”
9/23/16- Excellent reviews for this movie although it sounds mighty confusing after reading the full review. TRDB.
3) AUDRIE & DAISY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After two high school girls in different parts of America suffered sexual assaults at the hands of “friends,” the young women were subjected to online bullying. While one survived, the other did not. This powerful documentary recounts their stories.”
9/23/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
4) CHICKEN PEOPLE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While many people view chickens as less-than majestic creatures, competitive poultry breeders — a large and eclectic flock — disagree. This lively documentary follows three breeders as they prepare for the all-important Ohio National Poultry Show.”
9/23/16- Very few reviews so far but all are good. One reviewer said that this documentary is much better than you’d expect. I hope so! TRDB.
5) CHRONIC- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working as a home-care nurse, David’s dedication leads him to form strong bonds with his terminally ill patients. Managing friendships in his personal life, however, proves far more challenging.”
9/23/16- Mostly good reviews but all critics said that it was very difficult to watch this film because of the content. The full reviews sounds even more interesting and I will try to see this movie. TRDB.
6) CLOSET MONSTER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Part coming-of-age tale, part horror saga, this is the story of teen Oscar Madly, who’s scared to reveal his sexuality because of a hate crime he witnessed as a child. Now ready to make his way in the world, Oscar must first find himself.”
9/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
7) GOAT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As he starts college, Brad Land decides to pledge to the same fraternity that his older brother, Brett, already belongs to. But a series of humiliating hazing rituals soon rattles both siblings to the core.”
9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics and fairly weak ones by audiences. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
8) THE LOVERS AND THE DESPOT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary thriller, a leading South Korean director and his former wife, a famous actress, find themselves abducted by North Korean agents and forced to make films for the government of dictator Kim Jong-il.”
9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences. We’ll see! TRDB.
9) THE JAZZ LOFT ACCORDING TO W. EUGENE SMITH– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the mid-1900s, composer Hall Overton’s New York City loft was the hub of the jazz world. Luckily, the scene was captured by famed photojournalist and building resident W. Eugene Smith, whose life is the focal point of this fascinating documentary.”
9/23/16- Just 2 reviews but they are both very good. TRDB.
10) 1000 RUPEE NOTE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Impoverished housemaid Budhi receives an unexpected windfall when a campaigning politician handing out bribes stuffs several 1,000-rupee notes into her hand. Elated by her good fortune, Budhi embarks on an ill-considered shopping spree.”
9/23/16- Just 2 reviews- 1 up and 1 down. I would probably try it at home. TRDB.
11) THE RUINS OF LIFTA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the village of Lifta near Jerusalem was the one local Palestinian area left intact by occupying forces. This contemplative documentary traces the latter-day efforts to save Lifta from redevelopment.”
9/23/16- Early reviews look good for this documentary from Israel. TRDB.
12) SEED: THE UNTOLD STORY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on an issue vital to human survival, this documentary follows a host of seed keepers, farmers and others who are waging a fight against the biotech industry, which is producing genetically modified seeds that threaten agricultural diversity.”
9/23/16- Very few reviews for this documentary but all are positive with the exception of the NY Times. TRDB.
13) THARLO– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “To get ready for his official photo ID card, Tibetan shepherd Tharlo has his dirty, straggly locks styled by a beautiful young town girl — who soon upends the infatuated Tharlo’s entire life.”
9/28/16- I’ve seen just 5 reviews. Four are positive and one by the NY Times is very negative saying that the bottom dropped out of the film at the end. I’d try it anyway. TRDB.
14) SAND STORM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Suliman takes another bride, wife Jalila and daughter Layla bridle at the strictures put on their lives, with Jalila seething as she’s forced to host a wedding celebration welcoming the new spouse into the family and Layla pursuing forbidden love.”
9/28/16- I’ve read only 1 review of this Israeli film– by the NY Times- and it sounds interesting. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the rousing 1960 Western, a motley group of gunslingers comes together to protect the residents of a mining town, who are being terrorized and victimized by a ruthless gold tycoon and his gang of thugs.”
9/22/16- Unfortunately, reviews are fairly weak and even the positives were barely positive. TRDB.
2) THE DRESSMAKER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven away when she was young, Tilly Dunnage returns to rural Australia after years of working as a dressmaker in Paris — and she’s ready to make waves in her conservative hometown not only with her haute couture but a hidden agenda.”
9/23/16- The critics did not like this movie. Audiences were a bit more generous. I think I’ll skip it for now. TRDB.
3) THE FREE WORLD- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two decades after being wrongly imprisoned, Mo Lundy struggles to adjust to life in the outside world but finds purpose in his job at an animal shelter. Soon, however, his growing involvement with a battered woman puts his freedom in jeopardy.”
9/23/16- Poor reviews in general with the few positives not convincing. TRDB.
4) MY BLIND BROTHER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Handsome and generous by nature — but also smug and vain — overachiever Robbie has never let his blindness slow him down. By contrast, his resentful younger brother, Bill, is a sad sack. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to steal Robbie’s girl.”
9/23/16- This film got decent reviews but most of the positives had some issue with it also. I’m NOT going. TRDB.
5) I.T.- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Apparently, businessman Mike Regan didn’t learn the workplace’s Golden Rule: Never mess with your tech expert! But he’s about to learn it as his disgruntled information technology consultant sets out to make Mike’s life a living hell.”
9/23/16- So far the few reviews I’ve seen are negative. TRDB.
2) GOAT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As he starts college, Brad Land decides to pledge to the same fraternity that his older brother, Brett, already belongs to. But a series of humiliating hazing rituals soon rattles both siblings to the core.”
9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics but fairly poor ones by audiences. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
3) THE INNOCENTS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of World War II, French physician Mathilde Beaulieu travels to Warsaw to care for survivors and is taken to a convent where numerous nuns were raped by Russian soldiers. With her help, the women begin to regain their faith in God’s mercy.”
6/30/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
9/28/16-A very good movie based on a true story that most people know nothing about. The only down side is that it was a bit too long. Highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) QUEEN OF KATWE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary recounts the amazing but true story of Phiona Mutesi, an impoverished Ugandan girl whose early skill in chess, nurtured by her dedicated coach, would lead her all the way to the World Chess Olympiad.”
9/23/16- Fairly good reviews from critics and from audiences. TRDB.
3) SNOWDEN- Skip it and see “Citizenfour” instead.
4) SULLY- I liked it very much.
5) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– Very good reviews.
6) THE DRESSMAKER– Weak reviews.
7) THE MAGNIFICANT SEVEN– Weak reviews for this anticipated re-make.
2) HIERONYMUS BOSCH: TOUCHED BY THE DEVIL- Synopsis by Netflix. “Medieval artist Hieronymus Bosch’s fantastical, religious-themed paintings are regarded as masterpieces. In this absorbing documentary, experts X-ray his paintings to uncover clues about the celebrated artist’s creative methods.”
3) LITTLE MEN– Good reviews
4) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– Very good reviews
Add comment September 29th, 2016
THE FREE WORLD- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two decades after being wrongly imprisoned, Mo Lundy struggles to adjust to life in the outside world but finds purpose in his job at an animal shelter. Soon, however, his growing involvement with a battered woman puts his freedom in jeopardy.”
9/23/16- Poor reviews in general with the few positives not convincing. TRDB.
Add comment September 23rd, 2016
CLOSET MONSTER- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Part coming-of-age tale, part horror saga, this is the story of teen Oscar Madly, who’s scared to reveal his sexuality because of a hate crime he witnessed as a child. Now ready to make his way in the world, Oscar must first find himself.”
9/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
2/2/17- Very good acting and an interesting story. I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
Add comment September 23rd, 2016
FINDING ALTAMIRA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an amateur archaeologist and his young daughter stumble upon some prehistoric cave paintings in 1879, it’s a groundbreaking discovery that flies in the face of the Catholic Church’s teachings, sparking intense controversy.”
9/16/16- This movie was well rated by the professionals but poorly received by audiences. I’d give it a try as it sounds interesting. TRDB.
Add comment September 19th, 2016
THE VESSEL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Years after a tsunami wipes out a coastal community’s elementary school, washing away all the town’s children, residents remain in mourning. When a young villager miraculously comes back to life after drowning, they believe he can resurrect the dead.”
9/16/16- Good reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some called it spiritual– many called it beautiful and very few didn’t like it. TRDB.
Add comment September 19th, 2016