WHITE GIRL- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shortly after moving into a new apartment, hedonistic college student Leah meets a drug dealer named Blue, and the two hit it off. But when Blue gets busted, Leah must decide what to do with his enormous stash of cocaine.”
9/2/16- OK reviews by the critics and by the NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment September 7th, 2016
8/17/16- Except for a few plot lapses this was a good movie about family and parental choices. TRDB.
8/16/16- A bit difficult to believe some of the early scenes but the movie was very well done and a real example of what people go through and how they can overreact sometimes. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix.
11/13/15- Very good reviews and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
8/12/16- A poignant coming of age drama from France. Complex and well acted and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
6/19/16- A very weak screenplay but a fine travelogue of Hong Kong kept me with this one. TRDB.
4/29/16- Fair professional reviews and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
6/3/16- I saw this movie and I enjoyed every moment. Funny and poignant with wonderful characters, each of them trying to be honest with the others and with themselves. TRDB.
5/30/16- Painful to watch but it was a very good study of self-destruction that seems to affect lots of public figures. Worth seeing. TRDB.
2) DISORDER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just back from Afghanistan — and with post-traumatic stress disorder to prove it — paranoid soldier Vincent signs on to protect a Lebanese businessman’s family. But Vincent soon loses his grip on reality and is sure that somebody is after them.”
8/12/16- Mixed reviews– Fairly good from the critics and a bit weaker by audiences. Sounds good to me. TRDB.
3) HELL OR HIGH WATER. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Faced with losing the family farm to foreclosure, brothers Toby and Tanner decide that their best move is to rob some banks. Not surprisingly, their plans quickly go awry, and a grizzled but relentless lawman picks up their trail.
8/12/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
4) JOSHY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though he’s still reeling four months after his fiancée’s death, Josh elects to go ahead with a backwoods bachelor party — which soon turns into a wild weekend binge complete with booze, drugs and hookers.”
8/12/16- Sounds like trash but this movie has received fairly good reviews from the critics so I expect that it has more to offer than the synopsis would imply. TRDB.
5) THE LOST ARCADE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From its opening in 1944, the Chinatown Fair arcade was one of the few places in New York City where youngsters from all races could freely mingle. This affectionate documentary chronicles the classic arcade’s captivating history.”
8/12/16- Fair reviews. TRDB.
6) THE MODEL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “At just 16, beautiful Emma leaves Denmark for Paris, hoping to establish herself as a top fashion model. When she meets disarming photographer Shane, the two begin an intense affair, but Emma’s infatuation gradually morphs into obsession.”
8/12/16- Just 4 reviews– 3 positive including the NY Times and 1 negative. Does sound interesting. TRDB.
7) MY KING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While recuperating from a severe skiing injury, Tony takes time to look back at her turbulent, decade-long marriage to former husband Georgio. In the process, she realizes that her accident may not have been an accident after all.”
8/12/16- Fairly good reviews in general with a smattering of poor ones. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) OPERATION CHROMITE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Centering on eight soldiers tasked with executing a daring spy mission during the Korean War, this white-knuckle military drama chronicles the “X-ray” operation, in which the team must steal the mine chart from the North Koreans and abduct a general.”
8/12/16- Weak reviews from everybody. TRDB.
2) JOSHY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though he’s still reeling four months after his fiancée’s death, Josh elects to go ahead with a backwoods bachelor party — which soon turns into a wild weekend binge complete with booze, drugs and hookers.”
8/12/16- Sounds like trash but this movie has received fairly good reviews from the critics so I expect that it has more to offer than the synopsis would imply. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) EQUITY– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While veteran investment banker Naomi Bishop has thrived in the cutthroat, male-dominated financial world, her leadership of a technology company’s initial public offering exposes her to intense pressure from colleagues — and a prosecutor.”
7/29/16- Fairly good reviews from the critics and mixed ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment August 18th, 2016
1) INDIGNATION– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he’s admitted to a rigidly Christian college in the Midwest, Marcus Messner also achieves another goal: to get away from his domineering Jewish dad. But Marcus’ optimism is soon tempered by a nettling dean and signs of anti-Semitism on campus.”7/29/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
8/6/16- I liked this movie very much. A painful story to watch but worth the effort. TRDB.
1) ZERO DAYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the United States and Israel developed malware to sabotage a key part of Iran’s nuclear program, the worm was supposed to vanish after doing its job. Though the first phase was a success, the second wasn’t, as detailed in this chilling documentary.”7/8/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
8/7/16- A scary documentary about cyber warfare and its effects on our society. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
2) DOUGH- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his business faltering badly, Jewish baker Nat is under pressure from his son to close his shop down. The arrival of a young Muslim apprentice, however, soon puts an unexpected charge in Nat’s sales.”
2/10/16- Reviews are positive for this comedy. TRDB.
8/10/16- A fluffy comedy that was totally predictable at every stage. A few funny parts also if you can suspend reality. TRDB. Netflix.
1) INGRID BERGMAN IN HER OWN WORDS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although she was one of cinema’s most legendary stars, Ingrid Bergman managed to keep her private life invisible to the public. This intimate documentary explores the actress’s revealing and eloquent diaries, as well as her personal film collection.”11/11/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
2) OUR LAST TANGO– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Maria Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes fell in love as teenagers, neither imagined that it would mark the beginning of a stormy 50-year relationship during which they would become the world’s most celebrated tango dancers.”4/15/16- Great reviews by the critics– just fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
3) IN JACKSON HEIGHTS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Famous for his profiles of institutions ranging from prisons to ballet companies, Frederick Wiseman turns his lens on something different: a community. The result is a riveting portrait of Jackson Heights, Queens, where 167 languages are spoken.”12/1/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
1) 11 MINUTES– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While a handful of disparate Warsaw residents are caught up personal dramas, several sharp turns take place in their lives over the space of 11 minutes as their paths start to intersect, leading to a fateful outcome.”4/8/16- Very weak reviews. TRDB.
2) SKY 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Parisians Romy and Richard are vacationing in the United States when fissures in their marriage finally erupt, leading Romy to turn her back on her former life and head into the unknown to explore her newfound independence.”
4/15/16- Mixed early reviews from critics but audiences have not liked this at all. TRDB.
1) CITIZEN SOLDIER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Citizen Soldier is a unique look into the Oklahoma 45th National Guard Brigade, better known as the “Thunderbirds.” Sgt. Eran Harrill represents the members of the Thunderbirds well. He is a hero, a devoted single father and a proud member of the Oklahoma National Guard. The film, Citizen Soldier, is as close to experiencing war on the front lines of fighting without actually being there. He used helmet cams to capture the daily life of his unit – a unit that had one of the highest enemy kill rates, as well as one of the largest casualty counts of the Iraq and Afghanistan war. This is the story of the National Guard…one day working a normal 9 to 5 job, the next day fighting America’s wars on the front lines.”8/5/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary and I’d like to see it. TRDB.
2) FRONT COVER- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “One man does all he can to veil his Asian heritage; the other takes great pains to hide his sexual orientation. Both of these things begin to change when Ryan is hired to prepare film star Ning for a fashion shoot, and the men develop a bond.”
8/5/16- Fairly good reviews in general– the NY Times gave it passing grades. TRDB.
3) LITTLE MEN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 13-year-old Jake moves into his late grandfather’s home, he’s happy to find a built-in pal in Tony, the son of the seamstress who rents the downstairs shop. But while the boys hit it off, a rent dispute quickly puts their parents in conflict.”
8/5/16- Very good reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.
4) THE LITTLE PRINCE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapting the classic children’s book as an animated feature for the first time, this magical tale follows a pilot who’s crash-landed in the desert, where he meets a remarkable alien boy who’s on Earth as part of a tour of the cosmos.”
8/5/16- Animation is not my kind of movie but this one received such wonderful reviews that I’ve included it here. TRDB.
6) OLYMPIC PRIDE, AMERICAN PREJUDICE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While sprinter Jesse Owens’ spectacular performance was the highlight of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, there were 17 other black athletes on the U.S. team that year. This historical documentary chronicles their compelling stories.”8/5/16- Sounds good and has very good reviews. TRDB.
7) RICHARD LINKLATER: DREAM IS DESTINY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Award-winning director Richard Linklater is a rarity in the movie business: a true independent who’s refused to abandon his home base of Austin and continues to work with a core group of artists. This film reveals the man and the movement he sparked.”
8/5/16- Good reviews for this documentary about the famed movie director. The NY Times thought that it was a bit too conventional for a guy who isn’t. TRDB.
8) THE TENTH MAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After years of living in New York City, middle-aged Ariel returns to his native Buenos Aires to see his father, who runs a Jewish aid organization. But Ariel quickly finds that reconnecting with his roots and his distant dad won’t be easy.”
8/5/16- Very good professional reviews but audiences have not cared for it. TRDB.
1) BAZODEE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Plans for Anita Panchouri’s arranged marriage to a wealthy Londoner hit a snag when she falls for Lee de Leon, a rasta singer who’s hired to perform at her engagement party. The lovestruck Anita decides to spend one night with Lee before her wedding.”8/5/16- Weak reviews, even from the ones who said they liked it. TRDB.
2) FIVE NIGHTS IN MAINE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just before Sherwin’s wife dies from wounds suffered in a car crash, she asks him to visit her mother, Lucinda, who he’s never met. After an awkward meeting, the strangers begin a dialogue that helps both come to terms with their shock and grief.”
8/5/16- The NY Times gave this an OK rating but few others did likewise. It sounds good but I’ll skip it for now. TRDB.
3) WILL YOU DANCE WITH ME? 2016. Synopsis by IMDB. “Twenty years after the death of Derek Jarman, a heretofore unknown Jarman film comes to light. Found by friend Ron Peck, Jarman shot inside Benjy’s, a now closed gay nightclub in east London. The film is shown in it’s 78 minute unedited glory, meant to be experimental footage to assist friend Peck for the future filming of Peck’s Empire State (1987), and set to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, among others.”
8/6/16- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
1) ANTS ON A SHRIMP– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tasty culinary documentary follows renowned Chef René Redzepi, owner of Denmark’s world-famous Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, as he takes his entire staff to Tokyo to create a spectacular 14-course menu using only local ingredients.”7/29/16- Just 4 reviews so far– 3 good (including the NY Times) and 1 not so good. TRDB.
2) RICHARD LINKLATER: DREAM IS DESTINY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Award-winning director Richard Linklater is a rarity in the movie business: a true independent who’s refused to abandon his home base of Austin and continues to work with a core group of artists. This film reveals the man and the movement he sparked.”8/5/16- Good reviews for this documentary about the famed movie director. The NY Times thought that it was a bit too conventional for a guy who isn’t. TRDB.
3) MY GOLDEN DAYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this episodic drama that unfolds in three segments, middle-aged anthropologist Paul Dédalus leaves the field and takes a desk job in Paris, where he muses on his turbulent youth and the love of his life, Esther.”3/18/16- Very good reviews from critics and fairly good ones from audiences. The NY Times and WSJ both rated it highly. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
1) FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury.2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite her horrid singing voice, New York City heiress Florence Foster Jenkins is certain she can become an opera star. Her partner and manager, St Clair Bayfield, does all he can to shield Florence from the truth, but his task may prove impossible.”8/10/16- To open tomorrow, this movie got very good ratings but it seems to me that the ratings were based on the actors likability in the past and not on the story at all. I’ll recommend it but just barely. TRDB.
1) LIFE, ANIMATED– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When once-chatty Owen Suskind stops speaking at age 3, the only stimuli he responds to are Disney films. Four years later, his dad breaks Owen’s silence by talking to him as a character from one of those movies — which suddenly opens up his world.”7/1/16- Uniformly very good reviews for this documentary with the notable exception of the NY Times. TRDB.
2) 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.
4) OUR LITTLE SISTER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When three sisters travel to their long-absent father’s rural home to attend his funeral, they meet their now-orphaned half-sister for the first time and offer to take her in, setting the stage for a confrontation with the family’s past.”7/8/16- Excellent reviews for this Japanese film. TRDB.
Add comment August 11th, 2016
ON THE SILVER GLOBE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a spaceflight crashes on the moon, the survivors establish a new society. Shortly afterward, all but one of the adults die, leaving the children to create their own civilization. When a visitor from Earth lands in this bizarre place, the children immediately welcome him as a messiah. Filmmaker Andrzej Zulawski labored for years to complete this chilling vision of the future after the original negatives were seized by Polish authorities.”
7/29/16- Mixed reviews but I’ll see it as it was subjected to press censorship in Poland. TRDB.
Add comment July 29th, 2016
HOMO SAPIENS- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unfolding without narration, this visually compelling documentary offers a gallery of affecting and often bleak images of abandoned structures around the world, from prisons and hospitals to amusement parks and nuclear reactors.”
7/29/16- A limited number of reviews but they are all good. TRDB.
Add comment July 29th, 2016
INDIAN POINT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Located less than 40 miles from New York City, the Indian Point nuclear power station is the target of outspoken activists who question the aging facility’s safety — particularly in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in 2011.
7/8/16- Reviews are early and few but they are very good. TRDB.
Add comment July 8th, 2016
LIFE, ANIMATED- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When once-chatty Owen Suskind stops speaking at age 3, the only stimuli he responds to are Disney films. Four years later, his dad breaks Owen’s silence by talking to him as a character from one of those movies — which suddenly opens up his world.”
7/1/16- Uniformly very good reviews for this documentary with the notable exception of the NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 1st, 2016
THE BFG- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Roald Dahl’s spooky children’s book is transformed into a family-friendly fantasy centering on young orphan Sophie, who meets a colossus called the Big Friendly Giant — who’s exiled from his peers for refusing to eat boys and girls.”
6/30/16- Fair reviews from most critics. TRDB.
Add comment July 1st, 2016
APRIL AND THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Steam power is still the main engine of civilization in this fantasy that imagines a 1941 in which progress has been slowed by the steady disappearance of the world’s scientists. The daughter of two such top minds sets off to find them.”
6/21/16- Excellent reviews for this animated film. TRDB.
Add comment June 21st, 2016
APRIL 7, 2016
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE-
I WILL BE RETURNING TO NY SOON SO THERE MAY NOT BE
A NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK-
THIS ISSUE WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS REGARDING NETFLIX
THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ON APRIL 21 IF NOT SOONER
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) MARGUERITE– At the Theater
2) YOUTH- Netflix
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) MARGUERITE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “French socialite Marguerite Dumont has one great passion in life: singing opera. Unfortunately, she’s exceedingly bad at it. But with no one brave enough to tell her, she throws her heart and soul into preparing for her first solo recital.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
4/6/16- Well acted with a very interesting story. I would have liked it much more had it not been so slow at times. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
Recommended-
1) YOUTH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “On vacation in the Alps, two friends on the verge of turning 80 look to each other for support as both rush to face potentially momentous career landmarks, realizing that time is no longer on their side.
12/4/15- Fairly good reviews for this film starring Sir Michael Caine . TRDB.
4/7/16- I enjoyed this film very much– well acted by Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel and Paul Dano with some important messages as well. Sign me up for the spa they were all visiting. TRDB.
Not Recommended–
1) MEDITERRANEA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unlike many of the African migrants trying to reach the coast of Italy, Burkina Faso natives Ayiva and Abas aren’t escaping horrors: They simply want to better their financial lots. Unfortunately, life in Europe turns out to be anything but easy.”
11/20/15– Fairly good reviews for this timely drama. TRDB.
4/2/16- Despite the good reviews I just could not get into this dark movie and turned it off fairly quickly. If it got better please let me know. TRDB.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 12-
Recommended-
1) BROOKLYN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After emigrating from Ireland, Eilis Lacey readily adapts to the vastly different New York City, where she falls for a young Italian. But when tragedy pulls her back to her hometown, she finds her loyalties divided between two nations — and two men.”
10/28/15- Great reviews. TRDB.
11/14/15- I really liked this movie very much. Great acting and a very interesting story with some humor thrown in as well. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) SISTERS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Forced to clean up their childhood bedroom one last time, adult sisters Maura and Jane return to the family home. As long as they’re there, they decide to return to high school as well — throwing the party to end all parties for their ex-classmates.”
12/18/15- Just fair reviews and the positives were related to the actors and not the movie. TRDB.
2) THE FOREST– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her twin sister vanishes in Japan’s storied Aokigahara Forest — where many go to commit suicide — Sara travels to the region to find her sibling but soon discovers that the woods are a far more sinister place than she ever imagined.”
1/8/16- Awful reviews. TRDB.
COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, APRIL 19-
Recommended-
1) DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded in 1970 as a wacky, shocking and irreverent humor magazine, “National Lampoon” touched off a revolution in American comedic style, as chronicled in this affectionate look at the publication’s history and legacy.”
9/25/15- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences alike for this documentary. TRDB.
2) LAMB– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While living in misery after his father’s death and the failure of his marriage, middle-aged David Lamb has a chance meeting with a rudderless 11-year-old outcast, leading to a strange — and questionable — relationship between the two.”
1/8/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
3) ALL MISTAKES BURIED– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bent on recovering a stolen pendant he’d given to his estranged wife, struggling crack addict Sonny takes on a dangerous gang of crooks — certain that if he can retrieve the necklace, he can save his marriage.”
1/22/16- Weak reviews by the critics but excellent ones from audiences. I might just give this a try. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) THE LETTERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring biographical drama portrays the remarkable life of Mother Teresa through the lens of a decades-long correspondence with her confidant and spiritual mentor, Father Celeste van Exem.”
11/29/15- Just saw 1 review and she called it necessary but punishingly dull. TRDB.
2) THE LADY IN THE VAN– I didn’t care for it
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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, MARCH 31-
Recommended-
1) CATCHING THE SUN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering an illuminating look at our energy future, this topical documentary focuses on the increasing adoption of solar power worldwide, and the opportunities and obstacles faced by those hoping to accelerate the shift toward solar power.”
3/31/16- Just 4 reviews so far– 3 good and 1 not so good, but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.
2) THE DARK HORSE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Genesis Potini is a forgotten man, locked away for years battling bipolar disorder. Finally free and hoping to help others, the imposing Maori hulk and chess genius inspires tens of thousands of troubled youth to embrace the game of kings.”
12/6/15- Excellent reviews for this drama that sounds more like a documentary. TRDB.
3) THE FLIGHT FANTASTIC– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1960s, the family trapeze troupe known as the Flying Gaonas began astonishing and thrilling circus audiences with their aerial acrobatics. This absorbing documentary traces the Gaonas’ history, from shows in their native Mexico to global fame.”
3/31/16- Just a few reviews but they are good. TRDB.
4) FRANCOFONIA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spotlighting the legacy and priceless art collection of the Louvre Museum, this vivid docudrama recounts many dramatic moments in the institution’s history, including the hasty caching of its treasures when German forces occupied Paris in 1940.”
3/31/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
5) MARINONI: THE FIRE IN THE FRAME– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “First a bike racer and later a bike builder, Giuseppe Marinoni has long been obsessed with two-wheel travel. Now 75, he’s ready to enter the arena again in pursuit of his age-group world record for distance cycled in an hour.”
3/31/16- Good reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
6) MILES AHEAD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recounting his emergence from a five-year artistic hiatus, this ambitious biopic chronicles a slice in the life of renowned jazz trumpeter Miles Davis as he tries to recover a recording stolen from his house, aided by a “Rolling Stone” reporter.
3/31/16- Fairly good reviews for this drama. TRDB.
7) NO HOME MOVIE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chantal Akerman’s mother, Holocaust survivor Natalia, has long been at the core of the filmmaker’s work. In this touching documentary, Chantal memorializes her mom through conversations recorded during the last months of Natalia’s life.”
3/31/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
8) NOTFILM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted playwright Samuel Beckett ventured only once into cinema, penning the script for a 22-minute piece simply titled “Film.” This fascinating history of the project includes rare audio recordings of the author discussing aspects of the production.”
3/31/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
9) STANDING TALL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shunted around the juvenile justice system after his irresponsible mother abandons him as a child, young Malony grows up to be a recalcitrant teenage hell-raiser. But a patient magistrate and an empathetic youth counselor refuse to quit on him.
3/31/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
10) TOO LATE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hired to find a missing woman he was once involved with, tenacious private investigator Mel Sampson crisscrosses Los Angeles in a search that takes him deep into the city’s soul — and his checkered past.”
3/31/16- OK reviews but it sounds interesting and I’d give it a try. TRDB.
11) VITA ACTIVA: THE SPIRIT OF HANNAH ARENDT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt, who coined the controversial phrase “the banality of evil,” provides rich subject matter for this absorbing documentary that uses archival footage to chart her life and explore the evolution of her thinking.”
4/6/16– I’ve seen just 3 professional reviews– 2 up and 1 down. Audiences have liked this movie very much. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) DARLING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eager to take up her new job as the caretaker of an old Manhattan mansion, a young woman named Darling learns only later of the building’s dark history. After moving in, Darling is disturbed to find a mysterious locked door in the house.”
3/31/16- Very good professional reviews and terrible audience ones. Horror movies are just not my style and I’ll skip it. TRDB.
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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND–
NEW-
1) ANOMALISA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Charlie Kaufman uses stop-motion animation and felt puppets to tell the tale of motivational speaker Michael Stone, whose anxieties have robbed him of all joy. But on a speaking tour, he meets a woman who may just revive his soul.”
11/28/15- Terrific reviews. TRDB.
1/23/16- I can assure you that this movie will be rated as one of the top 5 strangest movies you’ll ever see. I’m not sure if I understood this animated feature or if it is understandable at all but it held my interest throughout and I definitely recommend it.
REPEATS-
1) 4th. MAN OUT- Good reviews
2) 99 HOMES- I liked it
3) ALL MISTAKES BURIED- Back On-Demand. Good reviews
4) THE BIG SHORT- Very good review and I liked it very much
5) BRIDGE OF SPIES- I liked this movie very much (new last week)
6) BROOKLYN – I liked it a lot
7) CAROL- I liked it very much
8)CLOSED SEASON- A very good movie and I liked it very much
9) CREED- The recent one with Sly Stallone- good reviews but I’ll skip it
10) THE DANISH GIRL- A very good movie
11) DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL- Very good reviews and I liked it a lot
12) THE END OF THE TOUR- Great movie!!
13) FASTBALL- Very good reviews
14) GRANDMA- I liked it a lot– not really a comedy despite Lily Tomlin
15) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR- I enjoyed this movie
16) LABYRINTH OF LIES- A very good movie
17) LAMB- Good reviews
18)THE MARTIAN- Excellent reviews and many awards- I didn’t care for it
19) PAWN SACRIFICE- Just a so-so movie about the chess player Bobby Fisher
20) ROOM- An excellent movie
21) SAMBA- I enjoyed it
22) SOUTHPAW- I enjoyed this movie despite its predictable plot
23) SPOTLIGHT- An excellent movie
24) STEVE JOBS- I liked it.
25) THEEB- Excellent reviews and I liked it
26) TRUMBO- Excellent movie- don’t miss it
Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
_____________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES–
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) DEMOLITION– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shattered by his wife’s tragic death in a car crash, investment banker Davis Mitchell is rendered emotionally numb — until his frustration with an uncooperative vending machine leads to an unlikely correspondence and some therapeutic destruction.
4/5/16- Weak reviews. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) EYE IN THE SKY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. Very good reviews
2) I SAW THE LIGHT– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Poor reviews
3) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews
4) REMEMBER– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Fairly good reviews, especially from audiences
5) BORN TO BE BLUE– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews
6) MY GOLDEN DAYS– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews but a few friends have not enjoyed this movie
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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY–
1) SHELLY ISAACS MOVIE ON FRIDAY APRIL 8 at the Movies of Lake Worth will be at 1pm and the showing on Thursday April 7 at the Movies of Delray will be at 10:30am.
SWORN VIRGIN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fleeing her Albanian village to escape the prospect of wifely servitude, Hana assumes a new identity as a man. She spends the next decade living in the mountains, until a visit to her sister in Italy leads Hana to question the path she’s taken.”
4/6/16- Just 1 review and it is weak but it sounds interesting to me and I nearly always like the movies that Shelly Isaacs presents. TRDB.
2) DOUGH– Good reviews
3) EYE IN THE SKY– Very good reviews
4) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Very good reviews
5) MARGUERITE– Very good reviews and I liked it
1) FILM/NOT FILM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted playwright Samuel Beckett ventured only once into cinema, penning the script for a 22-minute piece simply titled “Film.” This fascinating history of the project includes rare audio recordings of the author discussing aspects of the production.”
3/31/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
2) MARGUERITE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “French socialite Marguerite Dumont has one great passion in life: singing opera. Unfortunately, she’s exceedingly bad at it. But with no one brave enough to tell her, she throws her heart and soul into preparing for her first solo recital.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
Very good reviews and I liked it
1) DOUGH- Good reviews
2) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Good reviews
3) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Very good reviews
4) EYE IN THE SKY- Very good reviews
5) I SAW THE LIGHT– Poor reviews
6) LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER– Sounds interesting
7) REMEMBER– Fairly good reviews, especially from audiences
For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com
For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org
For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com
ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB
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Add comment April 7th, 2016