BRAVETOWN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his accidental drug overdose, a court orders New York City DJ and party animal Josh Harvest to live with his estranged father in a tiny North Dakota town — where Josh acquires a new perspective on life.”
5/8/15- Dismal reviews including the NY Times that called the movie excruciating. Audiences have liked it very much. I’ll miss it. TRDB.
Add comment May 8th, 2015
THE GREAT MUSEUM- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary reveals the day-to-day operations at a prominent Vienna museum, from curating and restoration to budgets and marketing. Cameras follow employees as they do their part in keeping the museum running and preserving a cultural legacy.”
4/24/15- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment April 24th, 2015
3/13/15- A drama about a woman who is lost between stages of her life. I’d say it’s marginal and worth seeing just for Keira Knightley’s performance. Netflix.
2) FURY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the waning days of World War II in Europe, U.S. Army Sgt. Wardaddy leads his tank crew against overwhelming German forces. As both sides prepare for a last bloody battle, Wardaddy embarks on a mission behind enemy lines.”
10/17/14- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative but even the positive ones had qualifications. TRDB.
3/14/15- A very realistic war movie until the end when it took on a Rambo personality. Subtract 45 minutes and it would have been better. TRDB. Netflix.
3) CLANDESTINE CHILDHOOD– 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Argentina, 1979. After years of exile, Juan (12) and his family come back to Argentina under fake identities. Juan’s parents and his uncle Beto are members of the Montoneros Organization, which is fighting against the Military Junta that rules the country. Because of their political activities they are being tracked down relentlessly, and the threat of capture and even death is constant. However, Juan’s daily life is also full of warmth and humor, and he quickly and easily integrates into his new environment. His friends at school and the girl he has a gigantic crush on, Maria, know him as Ernesto, a name he must not forget, since his family’s survival is at stake. Juan accepts this and follows all of his parents’ rules until one day he is told that they need to move again immediately, and leave his friends and Maria behind without an explanation. This is a story about militancy, undercover life, and love. The story of a clandestine childhood.”
1/11/13- Mixed reviews in today’s NY Times and in general. Some were very good and some were just fair. TRDB.
3/16/15– I enjoyed this movie. The effects on the young boy were heartbreaking. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 24-
Recommended-
1) BEYOND THE LIGHTS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unprepared for the demands of fame and the conflicts that success generates, rising musical star Noni Jean finds herself in a moment of suicidal despair — until she’s rescued by a young policeman who’s destined to become her lover.”
11/14/14- Generally good reviews but several said it was VERY cheesy and one said if it was any cheesier they could pour it on macaroni. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) THE HUMBLING– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a Philip Roth novel, this steamy drama follows an elderly, fading actor after he retires and moves to a farmhouse, where he develops a strange and intense relationship with a young woman.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews from critics and audiences. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
2) SONG ONE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. Fanny, desperate to reach her comatose brother Henry, gives a book of his song lyrics to James Forrester, Henry’s favorite singer, to set to music. As the project unfolds, it changes James’s and Fanny’s lives as neither could have expected.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews all around. A few really liked it. TRDB.
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OPENED LAST WEEK-
Recommended-
1) CHAMPS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite being born into poverty, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins beat the odds to become boxing superstars. This insightful documentary chronicles their rise to fame and difficulties coping with life outside the ring.”
3/13/15- Just OK reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it very much. The NY Times did not. TRDB.
2) CINDERELLA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this live-action retelling of Disney’s animated classic, young Ella escapes from a life of drudgery by way of a fairy godmother whose magic brings Ella face-to-face with the prince of her dreams.”
3/13/15- Most of the critics gave this movie passing grades but none seemed to have liked it too much. The film did better with audiences, however. TRDB.
3) GOING CLEAR: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE PRISON OF BELIEF– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on the best-selling exposé by Lawrence Wright, this in-depth documentary about the Church of Scientology includes interviews with eight former members who recall the abuses they witnessed and suffered during their time as followers.”
3/13/15- Very good professional reviews and OK reviews by audiences. TRDB.
4) IT FOLLOWS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After young Jay engages in what she thinks is a casual sexual tryst, her life takes a mysterious and sinister turn as she suspects that somebody or something is tracking her — a malignant presence able to take any form it chooses.”
3/13/15- Good professional reviews and OK audience reaction. It sounds scary with stalking and I will not see this one. Good luck! TRDB.
5) LIKE SUNDAY, LIKE RAIN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When struggling musician Eleanor takes a position as nanny to 12-year-old cello prodigy Reggie, she’s thrust into the role of parent, mentor and confidant — giving rise to a friendship that has profound effects for them both.”
3/13/15- Reviews are 50/50 from both critics and audiences. There were a few interesting reviews as well and I’ll probably see this movie. TRDB.
6) SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tracing the artistic path of a singular man, this affectionate documentary examines the life and times of revered piano teacher Seymour Bernstein, who chose teaching and composition over the chance to pursue a career as a concert pianist.”
3/13/15- Excellent reviews from critics but only fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
7) 3 HEARTS– Synopsis by Netflix. “After a missed train leads to a chance meeting between Marc Beaulieu and Sylvie Berger, they agree to reconnect a few days later — but Marc doesn’t make it to the rendezvous. When he goes looking for Sylvie, he unwittingly falls for her sister.”
3/13/15- Fairly good professional reviews but awful audience reaction. I’d like to see it. TRDB.
8) THE WRECKING CREW– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Prolific session musicians the Wrecking Crew, who provided backup instrumentals for numerous popular bands in the 1960s, are profiled by filmmaker Denny Tedesco, whose father, Tommy, was a member of the band, in this absorbing documentary. Cher, Brian Wilson, Mickey Dolenz, Dick Clark and others reflect on the amazing musicians who backed up the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, the Mamas and the Papas, the Monkees and many more. ”
3/13/15- Excellent reviews all around with the notable exception of the NY Times. TRDB.
9) AMOUR FOU– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his cousin declines his bizarre request to join him in a double suicide, melancholy writer Heinrich von Kleist meets the married Henriette Vogel, who over time becomes receptive to the same fateful proposal.”
3/18/15- Excellent professional reviews but just OK audience reaction. The NY Times liked it. Don’t confuse this with “L’Amour Fou” from a few years ago. TRDB.
10) KUMIKO, THE TREASURE HUNTER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tokyo secretary Kumiko is certain that the buried cash at the center of an American caper film is real, and what’s more, she knows where to find it. Armed with clues from the movie, she flees her dull life and heads to Minnesota to find the treasure.”
3/18/15- Very good reviews from the critics and fairly good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) CYMBELINE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Transplanted to small-town America, this modern-day take on William Shakespeare’s intricate play revolves around biker-gang leader Cymbeline and his second wife, who schemes to have her son wed Cymbeline’s daughter to get her out of the picture.”
3/13/15- Very poor reviews by the critics and just OK ones by audiences. TRDB.
2) EVA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hired to develop a robot child, programmer Alex finds inspiration in his lovely and imaginative niece, Eva, whose mother, Lana, is Alex’s former lover. While Alex’s relationship with Eva deepens, his old feelings for Lana are reawakened.”
3/13/15- I’ve seen just 4 professional reviews- 2 up including the NY Times and 2 down. Audiences have been OK with it. TRDB.
3) RUN ALL NIGHT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though hard-drinking Jimmy Conlon left behind his career as a mob enforcer years ago, he’s forced to revive his lethal skills to protect his family when his son runs afoul of Jimmy’s former boss, Shawn Maguire.”
3/13/15- Marginal reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.
4) WALTER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. ” mild mannered ticket-taker at a movie theater believes himself to be the son of God with the responsibility to judge whether people will spend eternity in heaven or hell. When a ghost stuck in purgatory interrupts Walter’s daily routine his world is turned upside down.”
3/13/15- Weak professional reviews but excellent audience reaction. After reading the reviews I can’t imagine what audiences are seeing in the film. TRDB.
THE FOLLOWING GOT SUCH AWFUL REVIEWS THAT I HAVE NOT INCLUDED THEM IN THE REVIEW:
1) THE COBBLER
2) HOME SWEET HELL
3) THE LOVERS
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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-
1) GIRLHOOD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set amid the projects of Paris, this absorbing depiction of a disaffected 16-year-old girl chronicles the transformation of her social identity after she falls in with a gang of female dropouts.”
1/30/15- Very good reviews from critics and fair reviews from audiences. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
2) GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2005. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this intense courtroom drama, Viviane Amsalem faces an uphill five-year battle as she seeks a divorce from her intractable spouse, who opposes the dissolution of the marriage — and holds all the cards under Israeli law.”
2/13/15- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.
2/13/15- A very well done drama/expose of the Gett system and the basic denial of woman’s rights that is truly an embarrassment for Israelis. TRDB.
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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) CHAMPS-
REPEATS-
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2005. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this intense courtroom drama, Viviane Amsalem faces an uphill five-year battle as she seeks a divorce from her intractable spouse, who opposes the dissolution of the marriage — and holds all the cards under Israeli law.”
2/13/15- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.
2/13/15- A very well done drama/expose of the Gett system and the basic denial of woman’s rights that is truly an embarrassment for Israelis. TRDB.
2) TIMBUKTU– Bethel. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this piercing tale of oppression set in 2012 A, fear grips Timbuktu after the Malian city is seized by Islamic rebels determined to impose their extreme beliefs on the moderate Muslim populace.”
1/30/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
2/9/15- A fascinating drama that really gave the viewer a picture of what it’s like living or trying to live under these circumstances. TRDB.
3) SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tracing the artistic path of a singular man, this affectionate documentary examines the life and times of revered piano teacher Seymour Bernstein, who chose teaching and composition over the chance to pursue a career as a concert pianist.”
3/13/15- Excellent reviews from critics but only fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
4) 3 HEARTS-Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a missed train leads to a chance meeting between Marc Beaulieu Sylvie Berger, they agree to reconnect a few days later — but Marc doesn’t make it to the rendezvous. When he goes looking for Sylvie, he unwittingly falls for her sister.”
3/13/15- Fairly good professional reviews but awful audience reaction. I’d like to see it. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) ’71– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young British soldier is separated from his unit in Belfast at the height of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, he must survive the night alone in a city that’s swarming with would-be enemies.”
2/27/15- Excellent reviews from nearly everybody. TRDB.
2) THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL-Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a sequel to the Golden Globe-nominated film, hotel owner Sonny is overwhelmed with the task of finding a second property to accommodate the influx of new residents, while his upcoming wedding plans may be too much for the hotel’s staff to handle.”
3/3/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
3) STILL ALICE– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 50-year-old linguistics professor Alice Howland begins having trouble remembering words, her symptoms ultimately lead to a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s — which forces Alice and her family to make radical changes in their lives.”
12/5/14- Mostly very good reviews but a few really did not like it at all calling it a TV type movie. TRDB.
2/23/15- I thought that this was an excellent movie with very good acting and a really special screenplay. Very scary!! TRDB.
4) ) WHIPLASH– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven by his demanding music teacher, drummer Andrew is determined to succeed as a jazz musician — even if it destroys his personality. Under the shadow of his father’s failed artistic attempts, Andrew practices until his hands bleed.”
An excellent drama with a bit of schmaltz at the end. TRDB.
5) IMITATION GAME– Saw Mill Hawthorne. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling mathematical wizard Alan Turing’s key role in Britain’s successful effort to crack Germany’s Enigma code during World War II, this historical biopic also recounts how his groundbreaking work helped launch the computer age.”
11/29/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
12/31/14- This movie was very well done with excellent acting and a basically true story. I enjoyed it very much but why did they need to sprinkle the schmaltz late in the movie- it was doing fine without? TRDB
6) BIRDMAN- Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Keaton delivers a winking performance in this dark comedy about a cinematic superhero trying to forge a comeback with a Broadway play. With none of the super-powers of his former character, the actor struggles to rebuild his career and life.”
10/17/14- Excellent reviews from nearly all critics and audiences have liked it as well. The NY Times loved it. TRDB.
10/31/14- Very original and interesting mixing fact and fantasy. Keaton was excellent and I did like the movie. Labeled a comedy, it surely isn’t, and I don’t think it was worth an Academy Award. TRDB.
7) AMERICAN SNIPER– Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on his memoir of the same name, this military biopic centers on legendary sniper Chris Kyle, who amassed a record number of kills on the battlefield during his 10-year career as a Navy SEAL.”
12/25/14- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
1/26/15- I enjoyed the movie, especially the very realistic war scenes but I thought it was about a half hour too long and the hackneyed theme of men returning from war damaged both physically and emotionally a bit too familiar. TRDB.
8) ) WILD TALES– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Inequality, injustice and the demands of the world we live in cause stress and depression for many people. Some of them, however, explode. This is a movie about those people. Vulnerable in the face of a reality that shifts and suddenly turns unpredictable, the characters of Wild Tales cross the thin line that divides civilization and barbarism. TRDB.
2/16/15- An article in yesterday’s NY Times about this movie sounds very interesting. The film just won a Golden Bear in Berlin. TRDB.
2/26/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
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
Add comment March 19th, 2015
IT FOLLOWS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After young Jay engages in what she thinks is a casual sexual tryst, her life takes a mysterious and sinister turn as she suspects that somebody or something is tracking her — a malignant presence able to take any form it chooses.”
3/13/15- Good professional reviews and OK audience reaction. It sounds scary and stalking and I will not see this one. Good luck! TRDB.
Add comment March 14th, 2015
THE HUNTING GROUND- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the epidemic of sexual assaults at U.S. colleges, this often-harrowing documentary combines the recollections of victims with disturbing statistics demonstrating the depth of the problem, while officials continue to downplay the issue.”
2/27/15- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.
11/23/15- This controversial documentary was shown last night on CNN. TRDB.
Add comment February 27th, 2015
SONG ONE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. Fanny, desperate to reach her comatose brother Henry, gives a book of his song lyrics to James Forrester, Henry’s favorite singer, to set to music. As the project unfolds, it changes James’s and Fanny’s lives as neither could have expected.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews all around. A few really liked it. TRDB.
5/7/15- Panned by most of the critics, this movie starring Anne Hathaway and Mary Steenburgen was a bit weak and formulaic but was blessed with some very good music. I’ll give it a passing grade. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
KILLERS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A series of horrific murders have just gone viral, posted anonymously by the handsome and seductive Nomura with a taste for torture. Thousands of miles away, disgraced journalist Bayu can’t stop watching , and in a reckless moment discovers he, too, can kill. One man in Tokyo. One in Jakarta. A serial killer and a vigilante. As the posts multiply and the body count rises, a bizarre and psychotic rivalry begins, and the face-to-face showdown that’s coming will paint the city in blood.”
1/23/15- Fairly good reviews although most had qualifications about the blood and gore. I will definitely miss this one. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
THREE NIGHT STAND- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sue and Carl’s perfectly romantic ski weekend falls off the cliff when he discovers ex-girlfriend Robyn working at their lodge hideaway, triggering his long-repressed romantic obsession and three days of jealousy and temptation shenanigans.”
1/18/15- OK reviews. TRDB.
Add comment January 18th, 2015
HET VONNIS (THE VERDICT)- 2013. This movie is about a man whose wife and daughter are killed together and about his quest for justice in Belgium.
1/16/15- An excellent movie with a power packed beginning. Don’t come late and plan to talk about it afterwards. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment January 16th, 2015
SELMA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.”
12/25/14- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/17/15- An excellent depiction of Martin Luther King, warts and all, and a good reminder of how far we have come as a nation. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014