NOV. 23, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
This issue will come out a bit early because of the holidays. A Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers.
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) LEMON POPSICLE- Netflix Streaming
2) A MOTHER’S COURAGE- Netflix
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) WHITE MATERIAL- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Writer-director Claire Denis returns to her childhood home of Cameroon — and the site of her 1988 film, Chocolate — to spin this tale of a country torn apart by civil war, as African soldiers force French nationals to abandon their land. At the center of the story is Maria (Isabelle Huppert), a white woman who ignores her family’s fears and steadfastly refuses to leave her coffee plantation. Isaach De Bankolé and Christopher Lambert also star.”
Great reviews, especially NY Times 11/19/10.11/10-
Despite all of the great reviews I found this movie disjointed with lots of individual scenes and no glue between them. Isabel Huppert is great as usual. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) LOVE RANCH- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by the story of the couple who introduced legalized prostitution to Nevada with the opening of their Mustang Ranch brothel, this
Taylor Hackford-directed drama focuses on the devastating consequences of infidelity in the land of sex for pay.
Helen Mirren stars as Grace Botempo;
Joe Pesci plays her husband, Charlie; and
Sergio Peris-Mencheta plays the boxer who, on entering their world, sets into motion a violent chain of events.”
Bad reviews. TRDB.11/10-
I watched for 15 minutes and had to turn it off. The worst. TRDB. Netflix.
2) THE EXTRA MAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Forced to quit his prep school job after a humiliating incident, would-be dramatist Louis Ives (Paul Dano) heads to New York City, where he rents a room from has-been playwright Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline) — who earns a living escorting rich dowagers about town. Despite their huge age difference, the two develop a bond as Henry takes Louis under his wing and leads him on a series of wild adventures. Katie Holmes and John C. Reilly also star.” Mixed reviews, more plus than minus. TRDB.
11/10- Miserable movie and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
3) LEMON POPSICLE- 1978. “In 1950s Israel, Benzi (Yftach Katzur), Momo (Jonathan Sagall) and Yudale (Zachi Noy) are typical teenagers with one-track minds. Obsessed with losing their virginity, the three embark on a sex expedition. Calling on young girls, middle-aged nymphomaniacs and prostitutes with questionable hygiene, the boys are well on their way to becoming men. Director Boaz Davidson’s amusing coming-of-age jaunt earned a Golden Globe nomination.”
11/10- Very well done with excellent sound track. I liked the movie despite it being dubbed into English from Hebrew. TRDB. Netflix.
4) A MOTHER’S COURAGE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Icelandic filmmaker Fridrik Thór Fridriksson follows Margrét Dagmar Ericsdóttir’s quest to find answers about autism, a condition that confounds traditional medical practitioners and renders her 11-year-old son, Keli, unable to communicate. Across the United States and Europe, Ericsdóttir encounters autism experts exploring promising new methods and meets autistic “miracle patients” who eventually found their voices. Kate Winslet narrates.” OK review in NY Times 9/24/10.
11/10- A unique documentary with footage of a noted therapist working with new patients immediately upon arrival to their clinic. Recommended. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 30-
1) WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Walt Disney Studios veteran
Don Hahn directs and produces this documentary that shines a light on Disney animation work during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s — from the team’s humble beginnings at CalArts to the box office triumph of The Lion King. In exploring the works of that era, the film illuminates the careers of top animators of the time, including
John Lasseter,
Brad Bird,
John Musker,
Ron Clements and many others.”
Mixed reviews for this documentary.
2) CAIRO TIME- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When magazine editor Juliette (
Patricia Clarkson) travels to Cairo to meet her diplomat husband, Mark (
Tom McCamus), she learns from his friend Tareq (
Alexander Siddig) that Mark has been delayed. As Tareq introduces her to the city and its customs, an unexpected attraction arises between them. Juliette soon grows accustomed to life in Cairo while she and Tareq try to find the best way to deal with their complex feelings in this romantic drama.”
Mostly good reviews. NY Times felt it was good but a bit timid.8/10-
I felt that the movie was poorly scripted and the characters weak, particularly the waif-like Patricia Clarkson whose acting I generally enjoy. Too many lessons about the Muslim culture. TRDB.
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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-
1) UNDERTOW (CONTRACORRIENTE)- Premise by Netflix. “Writer-director
Javier Fuentes-León sets this offbeat romantic ghost story on the rough-hewn but gorgeous Peruvian coast, where a married fisherman must come to terms with his love for another man, despite the strict moral codes of his homeland. This winner of the World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic at Sundance is a vivid examination of the ways in which affairs of the heart supersede social strictures and all other forms of logic.”
Very good reviews.
2) LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Reidy (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy’s memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.” Fair reviews at best.
3) BURLESQUE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After club owner Tess (Cher) hires her to wait tables in an old-school Los Angeles burlesque joint, starry-eyed Ali (Christina Aguilera) sets her sights on taking the stage and blowing patrons away with her soaring voice. But she faces a lot of resistance. Ali’s hot performances have other performers seething with jealousy. Steve Antin directs this drama that co-stars Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher and Kristen Bell.” I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both good.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
1) BOXING GYM- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentary director Frederick Wiseman brings his cameras to Lord’s Gym in Austin, Texas, where ex-puncher Richard Lord works with a diverse crowd of amateur boxing enthusiasts spanning every age, ethnicity and occupation. Wiseman’s signature style relies little on interviews and instead focuses on the rituals of training and the disciplined, determined approach of students and coaches to mastering the precise, brutal art of gloved combat.” Very good professional reviews so far but poor audience ratings.
2) LEAVING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Bored with her life of leisure, Suzanne (Kristin Scott Thomas) decides to reestablish her career as a physiotherapist. But first, she’ll need an office … and that’s where her troubles begin in this drama from Catherine Corsini. As soon as Suzanne meets the man her husband hired to construct her backyard office, she falls hard — and the attraction is mutual … and dangerous. Sergi López and Yvan Attal co-star.” Fair review in NY Times 10/1/10. Coming attractions looked good to me.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) LA DANSE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Captured by renowned documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, the lives of the men and women that comprise world-famous Opéra national de Paris reveal an unending devotion to their craft and a passion for the dance that is unequaled. Wiseman provides an intimate behind-the-scenes view of rehearsals, performances and ephemeral moments of the dancers, choreographers and others that make up the creative troupe inside the Palais Garnier.” Good reviews.
2) THE DRY LAND- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “American soldier Raymond Gonzales (
Wilmer Valderrama) returns home to Texas after his tour of duty, unsure how to reconcile what he’s seen and experienced with the everyday mundanities of home and family life. This drama, from first-time writer-director
Ryan Piers Williams, takes a head-on approach to confronting the conflicted emotions of the modern warrior. The stellar cast includes
America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”),
Melissa Leo and
Ethan Suplee.”
Fair reviews.
REPEATS-
1) A SINGLE MAN- Recommended
2) CARLOS- Good reviews
3) CHARLIE ST. CLOUD- Poor reviews
4) GHOST WRITER- Recommended
5) GREEN ZONE- Recommended
6) HEARTBREAKER- I liked it
7) HOLY ROLLERS- I liked it
8)I AM LOVE- Great movie
9) I’M STILL HERE- Mixed reviews
10) INSPECTOR BELLAMY- I liked it
11) JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT- THE RADIANT CHILD- I didn’t care for this one
12) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Fair reviews
13) LEAVING- Mixed reviews
14) LETTERS TO JULIET- Not for me
15) MID-AUGUST LUNCH- Well reviewed but I found this just OK
16) MULTIPLE SARCASMS- Bad!
17) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
18) UNTITLED- I hated it
19) WINTER’S BONE- I didn’t care for it
20) YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG- I liked it
21) YOUTH IN REVOLT- I liked it
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
NEW-
1) LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS- 2010. Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Reidy (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy’s memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.” Fair reviews at best.
2) BURLESQUE- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “After club owner Tess (Cher) hires her to wait tables in an old-school Los Angeles burlesque joint, starry-eyed Ali (Christina Aguilera) sets her sights on taking the stage and blowing patrons away with her soaring voice. But she faces a lot of resistance. Ali’s hot performances have other performers seething with jealousy. Steve Antin directs this drama that co-stars Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher and Kristen Bell.” I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both good.
REPEATS-
1) FAIR GAME- 2010. Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “After her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson (
Sean Penn), writes op-ed columns accusing the Bush administration of misleading the public to justify invading Iraq, Valerie Plame Wilson’s (
Naomi Watts) status as a covert CIA agent is leaked by administration officials. Based on events described in Plame Wilson’s memoir, this drama explores the political scandal that led to the conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.”
Fair review in NY Times on 11/5/10.11/10-
This movie was very well done and packed a wallop. I liked it a lot. TRDB. At the theater.
2) MORNING GLORY- 2010. Bethel, Clearview 100, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Whiz-kid producer Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) finds her abilities put to the test when she’s charged with bringing a network morning show back from ratings purgatory. Her first job: getting the show’s feuding, acid-tongued co-hosts (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton) under control. Jeff Goldblum co-stars as Fuller’s network-exec boss and Patrick Wilson is Becky’s put-upon boyfriend in this comedy from the writer of The Devil Wears Prada.” Good audience reviews, none professional.
3) 127 HOURS- 2010. Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good early reviews.
4) MAO’S LAST DANCER- 2009. Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “A delegation from Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager
Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China’s greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin’s autobiography.”
Fairly good reviews but a few said the movie was too timid. TRDB.
5) INSIDE JOB- 2010. Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Good audience reviews as of now.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
November 23rd, 2010
OCTOBER 19, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN READ THIS NEWSLETTER ON MY WEBSITE AT- www.thereeldrbob.com
I will be away from “my desk” for 2 weeks and so, when possible I will include information now for those weeks as well. While I’m away you can check the links at the bottom to find out what’s playing near you. QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK- See descriptions below.
1) CATFISH- Theater
2) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- Theater ________________________________________________________________________________________ MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) CATFISH- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman document the strange series of events that unfolds when a gifted 8-year-old artist named Abby contacts Nev, a 24-year-old photographer (and Schulman’s brother), through Facebook. After Abby sends Nev a remarkable painting based on one of his photos, Nev begins corresponding with her family — including her seductive 19-year-old sister. Realizing that something’s not quite right, Nev sets out to uncover the truth.” Good reviews.
10/10- A very unusual human drama involving privacy and identity on the Internet. I liked it a lot. This movie is a sleeper. TRDB. At the Theater.
2) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When a woman (Naomi Watts) consults a fortune-teller to learn what fate has in store for her, she’s told she’ll meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life in this quirky romantic dramedy from iconic writer-director Woody Allen. But the not-yet-lovestruck heroine isn’t the only character in search of answers. The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch and Anna Friel.” Sad for me to say, this film has received many poor early reviews.
10/10- Pleasantly surprised with this latest Woody film. I liked the characters, the acting, and a few very creative aspects of the film. TRDB. At the Theater.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) TOKYO STORY- 1953. Premise by Netflix. “Director Yasujiro Ozu focuses on an elderly couple (Chishu Ryu and Chieko Higashiyama) in post-World War II Japan who travel to Tokyo to visit their children but are received rather coldly by their offspring; in fact, the only one happy to see them is their widowed daughter-in-law (Setsuko Hara). In an attempt to get them out of the way, the children shuttle their aging parents off to a health spa, a decision that could come back to haunt them.”
10/10- A sad story about family relationships. Well done and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.
2) PUPPY- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Soon after the manipulative Liz (Nadia Townsend) is tossed out by her angry sister, she’s “rescued” by Aiden (Bernard Curry), a guy with serious issues who thinks she’s actually his runaway wife. Liz is willing to play along — for a while. But her knack for getting what she wants is no match for Aiden’s powerful delusions. Self-taught filmmaker Kieran Galvin shot this independent drama, which marks his feature film debut, in just 20 days.” OK audience awards but no professional ones as yet.
10/10- Weird movie with little to show for it when it’s done. I watched it but you shouldn’t. TRDB. Netflix.
3) HOLY ROLLERS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Fair reviews.
10/10- I agree- I thought that the movie was fair. Netflix.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 26-
1) WINTER’S BONE- Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” Great reviews.
6/10-Very good acting in this Appalachian slice of life but I was disappointed in the film. I felt that not enough happened and what did seemed contrived to me. A friend who I saw this with spent a year in Missouri and felt that it was indeed realistic. TRDB.
2) OCTOBER COUNTRY- 2009. “In their sensitive portrait of the Mosher family, who live in Mohawk Valley, N.Y., filmmakers Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher explore how people whose voices go unheard move through life like ghosts, unable to change their circumstances. Filmed over the course of a year, from one Halloween to the next, the film follows three generations as they struggle with poverty, an unplanned pregnancy, a custody battle and the lingering trauma of war. Premise by Netflix. ” Very good reviews.
3) DANCING ACROSS BORDERS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. ” Art enthusiast and philanthropist Anne Bass makes her first foray into filmmaking with this moving documentary that traces the journey of a talented young Cambodian man in his transformation from street performer to classically trained ballet dancer. Discovered by Bass in his native land, Sokvannara “Sy” Sar must learn to assimilate to the rigid structures of Western ballet to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional dancer.” Reviews just more positive than negative.”
4) SOUTH OF THE BORDER- Premise by Netflix. “Eager to investigate how the U.S. media has depicted Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, director Oliver Stone journeys south to interview the man himself and speaks with several other South American presidents in the process. Among the distinguished subjects in Stone’s probing and controversial documentary are Bolivia’s Evo Morales, Brazil’s Lula da Silva, Argentina’s Nestor Kirchner and Cuba’s Raúl Castro.” Poor reviews.
5) WILD GRASS- Premise by Netflix. ” WILD GRASS- Premise by Netflix. “When the bag of amateur pilot Marguerite Muir (Sabine Azéma) is stolen and its contents are strewn over a parking lot, fate sets into motion an intriguing sequence of events involving the pilot, a dentist and a mysterious man (André Dussollier) who finds her wallet. French new wave pioneer Alain Resnais adapts the Christian Gailly novel into a stirring drama, which screened in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Fair reviews.
6) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- Premise by Netflix. “Disaster hits Millennium magazine when publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) launches an exposé of the Swedish sex trade, leading to the deaths of two staffers and then to the police pursuit of a third — tech expert Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) — as the prime suspect. In Part 2 of the trilogy, based on the action novels of Stieg Larsson, the vampiric Salander vanishes as Blomkvist digs deep into a possible conspiracy.” Mostly good reviews.
7/10- I was bored as hell. It was initially hard to tell who was who and I never recovered. See “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” twice instead. TRDB.
7) KISSES- Premise by Netflix. “In this incisive Irish import, best friends Dylan (Shane Curry) and Kylie (Kelly O’Neill) find urban beauty — and peril — when they flee their dysfunctional homes in a squalid housing project after Dylan has a terrible row with his tosspot father. Arriving in Dublin to hunt for Dylan’s older brother, the youngsters embark on a shopping spree using cash Kylie stole from her sister. But as night falls, the city takes on a menacing air.” Very good reviews.
8)A MOTHER’S COURAGE- Premise by Netflix. “Icelandic filmmaker Fridrik Thór Fridriksson follows Margrét Dagmar Ericsdóttir’s quest to find answers about autism, a condition that confounds traditional medical practitioners and renders her 11-year-old son, Keli, unable to communicate. Across the United States and Europe, Ericsdóttir encounters autism experts exploring promising new methods and meets autistic “miracle patients” who eventually found their voices. Kate Winslet narrates.” OK review in NY Times 9/24/10.
9) THE INFIDEL- Premise by Netflix. “When his mother dies, Muslim business owner and family man Mahmud Nasir (Omid Djalili) uncovers the two biggest surprises of his life: he was adopted as a baby, and his birth parents weren’t Muslim — they were Jewish. As he scrambles to get a handle on his existential identity crisis, Mahmud turns to boozy Jewish cab driver Lenny (Richard Schiff) for a little spiritual counsel. Josh Appignanesi directs this indie comedy.” OK review in NY Times. Fair reviews in general.
10) EVERYONE ELSE- Premise by Netflix. “In director Maren Ade‘s complex drama about gender roles, power and desire, Chris (Lars Eidinger) and Gitti (Birgit Minichmayr) find their relationship tested when a brief encounter with a seemingly perfect couple prompts Chris to emulate the other man’s dominance. Gitti is game for the role-playing experiment, until submission gives way to suffocation and both partners feel their true selves slipping away.” Good early reviews.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, NOV. 2-
1) WINNEBAGO MAN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “This entertaining documentary explores the phenomenon of Jack Rebney, who became an Internet sensation after a grainy, nearly 20-year-old video of him furiously swearing up a storm while filming a Winnebago sales video made the rounds online. Traveling to a mountaintop, filmmaker Ben Steinbauer tracks down Rebney — who’s become known in underground circles as the “Angriest Man in the World” — and tries to discover what makes the loner tick.” Very good reviews. _________________________________________________________________________________________ COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, NOV. 9-
1) LOVE RANCH- Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by the story of the couple who introduced legalized prostitution to Nevada with the opening of their Mustang Ranch brothel, this Taylor Hackford-directed drama focuses on the devastating consequences of infidelity in the land of sex for pay. Helen Mirren stars as Grace Botempo; Joe Pesci plays her husband, Charlie; and Sergio Peris-Mencheta plays the boxer who, on entering their world, sets into motion a violent chain of events.” I’ve seen two reviews so far and they’re both negative. TRDB.
2) THE DRY LAND- Premise by Netflix. “American soldier Raymond Gonzales (Wilmer Valderrama) returns home to Texas after his tour of duty, unsure how to reconcile what he’s seen and experienced with the everyday mundanities of home and family life. This drama, from first-time writer-director Ryan Piers Williams, takes a head-on approach to confronting the conflicted emotions of the modern warrior. The stellar cast includes America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”), Melissa Leo and Ethan Suplee.” No reviews so far.
3) LOVELY, STILL- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “When his beautiful new neighbor Mary (Ellen Burstyn) asks him out on a date, elderly bachelor Robert (Martin Landau) suddenly finds himself swept up in the excitement and panic of new love. But as romance blossoms between the couple, an unexpected challenge arises that threatens to undermine the fledgling relationship. Nicholas Fackler directs this touching drama that also stars Adam Scott and Elizabeth Banks.” Excellent reviews in general. Only a fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.
9/10- I saw this in Florida and I thought it was excellent. Great story with great acting. TRDB.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY THIS WEEK-
1) 11/4/08- Premise by Netflix. “On November 4, 2008, the drama of Barack Obama’s victory in the U.S. presidential election transfixed the world. Weeks before, director Jeff Deutchman asked filmmakers living around the globe to record their experiences on that fateful day. Using footage shot in Chicago, St. Louis, Geneva, New Delhi, Berlin and more, the documentary provides a sweeping, emotional look at peoples’ hopes and concerns about the historic moment as it unfolded.” No reviews yet.
2) THE COMPANY MEN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Written, directed and produced by John Wells (“The West Wing”), this indie drama stars Ben Affleck as a successful businessman who comes face-to-face with America’s downsizing epidemic when he loses his job and is forced to take a construction gig. Rounding out the all-star cast are Kevin Costner as Affleck’s brother-in-law, Tommy Lee Jones as a conflicted corporate bigwig and Chris Cooper as a struggling blue-collar worker.” No professional reviews yet but enjoyed by audiences so far. ________________________________________________________________________________________ OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY, OR LOCALLY IN THE NEXT 2 WEEEKS-
1) WELCOME TO THE RILEYS- Premise by Netflix. “Devastated by their daughter’s death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope. Directed by Jake Scott, this compelling family drama also stars David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin and Lance E. Nichols.” Only fair reviews by most.
2) 127 HOURS- Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good early reviews.
3) CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELIOT SPITZER- Premise by Netflix. “Director Alex Gibney turns the spotlight on the life and career of politician Eliot Spitzer, the New York governor whose potential to become the first Jewish president of the United States was thwarted by his indiscretions. Supporters and opponents opine about Spitzer, who was a well-respected attorney general before becoming governor. Spitzer’s career crashed and burned with the revelation that he was involved with prostitutes.” Good audience ratings so far, none professional.
4) FAIR GAME- Premise by Netflix. “After her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), writes op-ed columns accusing the Bush administration of misleading the public to justify invading Iraq, Valerie Plame Wilson’s (Naomi Watts) status as a covert CIA agent is leaked by administration officials. Based on events described in Plame Wilson’s memoir, this drama explores the political scandal that led to the conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.” Bad, bad reviews in NY Times.
5) GUY AND MADELINE ON A PARK BENCH- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Black-and-white verité meets the charm of the classic Hollywood musical in writer-director Damien Chazelle’s romantic drama about a jazz trumpeter named Guy (Jason Palmer) who’s perennially falling in and out of love. After connecting with the shy Madeline (Desiree Garcia), Guy embarks on a quest for a more gregarious paramour, but through a series of twists and turns punctuated by an original score, the two lovers reunite in the end.” Mixed reviews but a few said it was very interesting and very different. _________________________________________________________________________________________ FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth OCT. 22–28
1) IN SEARCH OF MEMORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Petra Seeger present a fascinating portrait of neuroscientist Eric Kandel — who won a Nobel Prize in 2000 for his groundbreaking research — and illuminates his work on the brain and memory in this documentary. While examining Kandel’s discoveries about the brain’s function in chronicling and preserving memory, Seeger also explores his life, beginning with his childhood in Nazi-occupied Austria, through interviews and archival footage.” Very good professional reviews.
2) LEBANON- Premise by Netflix. “In this claustrophobic drama by first-time director Samuel Maoz — a veteran of the early ’80s Israel/Lebanon conflict in which the film is set — four Israeli soldiers command a tank in a situation that becomes increasingly tense and chaotic. Like Das Boot before it, most of the action is confined to the stark interiors of that tank, as the men wrestle with fear, anger and their own consciences in the face of possible death and worse.” Very good early reviews.
9/10- Yet one more piece of evidence that war is definitely hell, this time involving a bunch of very frightened Israeli soldiers fighting in the confined space of the tank. I liked it very much but be aware that this is not for the faint of heart. TRDB.
OCT. 29–NOV. 4
1) ANIMAL KINGDOM- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When his mother dies suddenly, a 17-year-old boy (James Frecheville) finds himself drawn into the clutches of a diabolical criminal family, until a good-hearted detective (Guy Pearce) makes a concerted effort to change the boy’s fate. Australian writer-director David Michôd‘s first feature-length drama won the World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.” Great reviews.
9/10- Violent, poignant and very well acted. I liked it. TRDB. At the Theater.
2) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- 2009. Sweden. Premise by Netflix. “Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and rebellious computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) team up to investigate the unsolved disappearance of wealthy Henrik Vanger’s (Sven-Bertil Taube) teen niece (Ewa Fröling), only to uncover dark secrets about Vanger’s powerful family. Niels Arden Oplev directs this Swedish thriller based on the first novel from Stieg Larsson’s best-selling trilogy.”
3/10- I found it a bit difficult to understand at times but enjoyed it a lot. TRDB.
3) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- Premise by Netflix. “Disaster hits Millennium magazine when publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) launches an exposé of the Swedish sex trade, leading to the deaths of two staffers and then to the police pursuit of a third — tech expert Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) — as the prime suspect. In Part 2 of the trilogy, based on the action novels of Stieg Larsson, the vampiric Salander vanishes as Blomkvist digs deep into a possible conspiracy.” Mostly good reviews.
7/10- I was bored as hell. It was initially hard to tell who was who and I never recovered. See “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” twice instead. TRDB.
________________________________________________________________________________________ COMCAST ON-DEMAND- NEW-
1) UNTITLED- Premise by Zap2it. “Adrian is an avant-garde music composer whose poorly attended concerts contrast wildly with his brother Josh’s great success as a commercial artist. Adrian’s luck appears to change when Josh introduces him to Madeleine, an art dealer who sells Josh’s work. Adrian and Madeleine begin a torrid affair, but when Josh learns about the relationship and Madeleine stops exhibiting his artwork, the stage is set for a showdown between siblings.” Very few reviews but mixed so far. Sounds interesting to me. TRDB
11/4/09- I just saw this movie and for the first time in years I walked out. Miserable, attempted farce of the art industry but the movie itself was a farce. Thank me for this review now. TRDB
2) CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELIOT SPITZER- Premise by Netflix. “Director Alex Gibney turns the spotlight on the life and career of politician Eliot Spitzer, the New York governor whose potential to become the first Jewish president of the United States was thwarted by his indiscretions. Supporters and opponents opine about Spitzer, who was a well-respected attorney general before becoming governor. Spitzer’s career crashed and burned with the revelation that he was involved with prostitutes.” Very good early reviews.
REPEATS-
1) AJAMI- Well received Israeli award winner but I was disappointed
2) A PROPHET- Good reviews but I thought it was tedious
3) A SINGLE MAN- Recommended
4) AVATAR- Haven’t Seen It
5) BABIES- Very good reviews
6) CAIRO TIME- I was disappointed but others liked it
7) CHANGE OF PLANS- Mixed reviews
8)CHLOE- Back again. I liked it
9) CITY ISLAND- I’d recommend it
10) GHOST WRITER- Recommended
11) GREEN ZONE- Recommended
12) HEARTBREAKER- I liked it
13) I AM LOVE- Great movie
14) INVICTUS- Just OK
15) JOHN RABE- I did not like this well reviewed film
16) KISSES- Good reviews
17) LETTERS TO JULIET- OK reviews.
18) LIFE DURING WARTIME- Very different but I’d recommend it
19) LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND- I did not like this
20) MAKING PLANS FOR LENA- I haven’t seen it but very mixed reviews
21) MAP OF THE SOUNDS OF TOKYO- I haven’t seen this yet
22) ME AND ORSON WELLES- I didn’t care for this
23) MID-AUGUST LUNCH- Well reviewed but I found this just OK
24) MULTIPLE SARCASMS- Bad!
25) SOLITARY MAN- I liked the film
26) SOUL KITCHEN- Fair reviews
27) THAT EVENING SUN- I liked it
28) THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION- I liked the film
29) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
30) YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG- I liked it
31) YOUTH IN REVOLT- I liked 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
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
NEW-
1) HEREAFTER- 2010. Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “Clint Eastwood directs this supernatural thriller about three very different people and their responses to death, including a hesitant American psychic named George (Matt Damon) who may be able to help the others find answers and peace. Marie (Cécile De France) is a French journalist caught up in the aftereffects of the devastating 2004 tsunami, while in London, young Marcus (Frankie McLaren) seeks to contact his deceased twin brother.” Fair early reviews.
2) CARLOS- 2010. Jacob Burns–On Sunday, Oct. 12 only so far. Premise by Netflix. “Édgar Ramírez stars as Ilich Ramírez Sánchez — aka Carlos the Jackal — an elusive Venezuelan terrorist who executed scores of assassination plots, kidnappings and bombings across Europe and the Middle East. Olivier Assayas’s gripping biopic follows Sanchez from 1973 to 1994, as he and his cohorts wreak havoc on Paris’s Left Bank, storm OPEC headquarters in Vienna and carry out other devastating acts of politically motivated violence.” Good reviews.
REPEATS-
1) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who shocks his parents (Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan) by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he’s forced to live among the adult patients. Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Emma Roberts and Aasif Mandvi co-star in this quirky drama written and directed by the screenwriters of Half Nelson.” Just 50/50 early reviews. OK review in NY Times 10/8/10.
2) NEVER LET ME GO- 2010. Bethel.. Premise by Netflix. “While retracing her experiences attending a boarding school for special children, Kathy (Carey Mulligan) reconnects with her former classmates, Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield), in an effort to determine exactly what sets them apart from other people. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s highly acclaimed novel, this sci-fi thriller from director Mark Romanek also stars Sally Hawkins, Charlotte Rampling and Andrea Riseborough.” Just OK reviews.
3) NOWHERE BOY- 2010. Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Raised by his aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) since he was a young boy, charismatic 15-year-old John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) is suddenly reunited with his mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), which ignites a bitter battle between the two sisters for John’s affections. Along the way, John inherits his mother’s love of music and befriends fellow Liverpool lad Paul McCartney (Thomas Sangster) in this biopic of the music icon’s formative years.” Very good early reviews. Fair review in NY Times 10/8/10.
4) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “When a woman (Naomi Watts) consults a fortune-teller to learn what fate has in store for her, she’s told she’ll meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life in this quirky romantic dramedy from iconic writer-director Woody Allen. But the not-yet-lovestruck heroine isn’t the only character in search of answers. The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch and Anna Friel.” Sad for me to say, this film has received many poor early reviews.
10/10- Pleasantly surprised with this latest Woody film. I liked the characters, the acting, and a few very creative aspects of the film. TRDB. At the Theater.
5) WAITNG FOR SUPERMAN- 2010. Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Dynamic documentarian Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) weaves together the stories of students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences on the future of the United States. In this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary, Guggenheim deftly examines the options to improve public education and provide America’s teachers and students with the help they need.” Very good reviews.
6) MAO’S LAST DANCER- 2009. Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “A delegation from Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China’s greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin’s autobiography.” Fairly good reviews but a few said the movie was too timid. TRDB.
8/10- Great dancing makes up for a somewhat weak story. I enjoyed the movie despite all the schmaltz. TRDB.
7) CATFISH- 2010. Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman document the strange series of events that unfolds when a gifted 8-year-old artist named Abby contacts Nev, a 24-year-old photographer (and Schulman’s brother), through Facebook. After Abby sends Nev a remarkable painting based on one of his photos, Nev begins corresponding with her family — including her seductive 19-year-old sister. Realizing that something’s not quite right, Nev sets out to uncover the truth.” Good reviews.
10/10- A very unusual human drama involving privacy and identity on the Internet. I liked it a lot. This movie is a sleeper. TRDB.
8)THE SOCIAL NETWORK- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “David Fincher‘s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and founding president Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay based on Ben Mezrich’s best-seller The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook.” Reviews just OK.
10/10- I liked this movie a lot even though there was probably a good deal of artistic license given to the story. Well acted (Eisenberg was great) and truly a success story. TRDB.
For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com
For all films go to- www.fandango.com
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
October 19th, 2010
OCTOBER 13, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK-
1) LAST TRAIN HOME- Theater.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) LAST TRAIN HOME- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Every year, 200 million Chinese peasants embark on a distant, arduous journey to visit family and celebrate the greatness of China. But as we learn through one family’s odyssey, just getting a train ticket can be an ordeal of Orwellian proportions. First-time Chinese-Canadian director
Lixin Fan makes no judgments, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions about this heavily ritualized act.”
Great reviews.10/10-
Basic documentary, no talking heads and the viewer is left to his own thoughts. I liked it. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) UDAAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “UDAAN- Premise by Netflix. “After spending eight long, lonely years in a boarding school, Rohan (
Rajat Barmecha) returns to his industrial hometown in India, where he must decide whether to follow his own dreams or acquiesce to his imperious father’s (
Ronit Roy) plans for his future. As he begins work at his father’s steel factory and ponders his ambition to become a writer, Rohan also tries to build a relationship with the younger half-brother he didn’t even know existed.”
Good review in NY Times on 7/27/10.10/10-
This movie, contrary to several excellent reviews, was just OK. Too long and too tedious for me. Top it off with a Hollywood ending. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 19-
1) THEATER OF WAR- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Go behind the scenes of the Public Theater’s 2006 production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children, starring the legendary Meryl Streep and translated by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner. In addition to offering a rare window into Streep’s process, the documentary also examines how Brecht’s own tumultuous life experiences informed his remarkable play. Other interviewees include Streep’s co-star Kevin Kline.” Generally good reviews.
2) PLEASE GIVE- Premise by Netflix. “It’s a comedy that threatens to rip the lid off the New York housing market as a young couple engages in a tenant feud with the wily granddaughters of an elderly woman to whom they rent an apartment. The indie all-star cast includes
Oliver Platt,
Amanda Peet,
Catherine Keener,
Kevin Corrigan and
Lois Smith in this feature from veteran writer-director
Nicole Holofcener (“Lovely & Amazing,” “Friends with Money”).”
Very good reviews.5/10-
I think that this film is overrated. As far as I’m concerned nothing of interest happened and nobody grew up. Mildly interesting characters propelled the film forward. A slice of life. TRDB.
3) HOLY ROLLERS- Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Fair reviews.
4) AGORA- Premise by Netflix. “As Christianity gains steam in Roman Egypt toward the end of the fourth century A.D., a young slave (Max Minghella) weighs his desire for freedom against his growing love for his mistress (Rachel Weisz), an atheist as well as a professor of philosophy. Alejandro Amenábar (The Others) directs this epic drama based on the life of Hypatia of Alexandria, a noted Greek scholar and mathematician. Rupert Evans co-stars.” Good review in NY Times.
5) SMASH HIS CAMERA- Premise by Netflix. “While profiling the controversial life and career of pioneering paparazzo Ron Galella, Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Leon Gast raises intriguing questions about the freedom of the press, the right to privacy and our celebrity-obsessed culture. A great risk taker who never backed down, Galella suffered a broken jaw at the hands of Marlon Brando and fought two major lawsuits filed by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.” I’ve seen 2 reviews, both very good.
6) I AM COMIC- Premise by Netflix. “Going way beyond the funny, filmmaker Jordan Brady crafts an eye-opening portrait of the life of a professional comedian, shadowing retired comic Ritch Shydner as he bravely returns to the stand-up stage after more than a decade out of the spotlight. With the aid of candid interviews, backstage footage and performance clips, the film also rounds up advice from many popular comedians on what makes modern audiences laugh.” Fairly good reviews, it’s supposed to be funny too.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-
1) THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST- Premise by Netflix. “Third in a trio of films inspired by Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium Trilogy,” this thriller follows feisty computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) as she finds herself hospitalized, suspected of murder and targeted for death by thugs. Meanwhile, Lisbeth’s journalist pal, Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist), crusades to prove her innocence. Daniel Alfredson directs this film that also stars Lena Endre and Jacob Ericksson.” I felt the first one of the trilogy was OK, didn’t like the second and have no reason to believe I’ll like the third. Audience reaction has been good, however.
________________________________________________________________________________________
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
1) HEARTBREAKER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Hardworking brother-and-sister team Alex (
Romain Duris) and Mélanie (
Julie Ferrier) don’t run a matchmaking business; rather, they get paid to
break matches by splitting up unhealthy couples. But their 100 percent success rate is in serious jeopardy when their own hearts get involved. Now, falling in love could be an occupational hazard.
Pascal Chaumeil directs this French-language romantic comedy.”
Fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.9/10-
Incredibly ridiculous comedy but I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
2) HIDEAWAY- LE REFUGE. Premise by Netflix. “When Louis (Melvil Poupaud) dies of a drug overdose in Paris, his wealthy mother instructs his strung-out but pregnant girlfriend, Mousse (Isabelle Carré), to get an abortion. Determined to keep her child, Mousse flees Paris for a country home. Louis’s brother (Louis-Ronan Choisy) visits, and she develops a fascination with him that is both erotic and angry. François Ozon crafts an intimate portrait of an enigmatic woman seeking a purpose.” Very good reviews.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
COMCAST ON-DEMAND
NEW-
1) HEARTBREAKER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Hardworking brother-and-sister team Alex (
Romain Duris) and Mélanie (
Julie Ferrier) don’t run a matchmaking business; rather, they get paid to
break matches by splitting up unhealthy couples. But their 100 percent success rate is in serious jeopardy when their own hearts get involved. Now, falling in love could be an occupational hazard.
Pascal Chaumeil directs this French-language romantic comedy.”
Fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.9/10-
Incredibly ridiculous comedy but I enjoyed it very much. TRDB.
2) MID-AUGUST LUNCH- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “As the Italian holiday of Pranzo di Ferragosto approaches, cash-strapped Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio) gets help from his landlord, his friend and his doctor, who offer financial relief in exchange for Gianni looking after their elderly relatives over the holiday. Four mismatched Italian mamas at the same table make for an awkward, hilarious and touching mid-August lunch in this film festival favorite from Di Gregorio, who also writes and directs.”5/10- Very good reviews for this film that I found just OK. TRDB. Netflix.
REPEATS-
1) AJAMI- Well received Israeli award winner but I was disappointed
2) A PROPHET- Good reviews but I thought it was tedious
3) A SINGLE MAN- Recommended
4) AVATAR- Haven’t Seen It
5) BABIES- Very good reviews
6) CAIRO TIME- I was disappointed but others liked it
7) CHANGE OF PLANS- Mixed reviews
8)CHLOE- Back again. I liked it
9) CITY ISLAND- I’d recommend it
10) GHOST WRITER- Recommended
11) GREEN ZONE- Recommended
12) INVICTUS- Just OK
13) JOHN RABE- I did not like this well reviewed film
14) KISSES- Good reviews
15) LA MISSION- I liked it
16) LETTERS TO JULIET- OK reviews.
17) LIFE DURING WARTIME- Very different but I’d recommend it
18) LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND- I did not like this
19) MAKING PLANS FOR LENA- I haven’t seen it but very mixed reviews
20) MANUELA AND MANUEL- I liked this film
21) MAP OF THE SOUNDS OF TOKYO- I haven’t seen this yet
22) ME AND ORSON WELLES- I didn’t care for this
23) MULTIPLE SARCASMS- Bad!
24) MY NAME IS KHAN- I liked it
25) SOLITARY MAN- I liked the film
26) SOUL KITCHEN- Fair reviews
27) THAT EVENING SUN- I liked it
28) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
29) THE WHITE RIBBON- I didn’t care much for this one
30) YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG- I liked it
31) YOUTH IN REVOLT- I liked it
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)
NEW-
1) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- 2010. Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “When a woman (
Naomi Watts) consults a fortune-teller to learn what fate has in store for her, she’s told she’ll meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life in this quirky romantic dramedy from iconic writer-director
Woody Allen. But the not-yet-lovestruck heroine isn’t the only character in search of answers. The ensemble cast includes
Josh Brolin,
Anthony Hopkins,
Antonio Banderas,
Freida Pinto,
Lucy Punch and
Anna Friel.”
Sad for me to say, this film has received many poor early reviews.
2) NOWHERE BOY- 2010. Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Raised by his aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) since he was a young boy, charismatic 15-year-old John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) is suddenly reunited with his mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), which ignites a bitter battle between the two sisters for John’s affections. Along the way, John inherits his mother’s love of music and befriends fellow Liverpool lad Paul McCartney (Thomas Sangster) in this biopic of the music icon’s formative years.” Very good early reviews. Fair review in NY Times 10/8/10.
REPEATS-
1) WAITNG FOR SUPERMAN- 2010. Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “Dynamic documentarian
Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) weaves together the stories of students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences on the future of the United States. In this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary, Guggenheim deftly examines the options to improve public education and provide America’s teachers and students with the help they need.”
Very good reviews.
2) NEVER LET ME GO- 2010. Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “While retracing her experiences attending a boarding school for special children, Kathy (
Carey Mulligan) reconnects with her former classmates, Ruth (
Keira Knightley) and Tommy (
Andrew Garfield), in an effort to determine exactly what sets them apart from other people. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s highly acclaimed novel, this sci-fi thriller from director
Mark Romanek also stars
Sally Hawkins,
Charlotte Rampling and
Andrea Riseborough.”
Just OK reviews.
3) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- 2010. Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who shocks his parents (Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan) by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he’s forced to live among the adult patients. Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Emma Roberts and Aasif Mandvi co-star in this quirky drama written and directed by the screenwriters of Half Nelson.” Just 50/50 early reviews. OK review in NY Times 10/8/10.
4) MAO’S LAST DANCER- 2009. Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “A delegation from Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager
Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China’s greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin’s autobiography.”
Fairly good reviews but a few said the movie was too timid. TRDB.8/10-
Great dancing makes up for a somewhat weak story. I enjoyed the movie despite all the schmaltz. TRDB.
5) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “David Fincher‘s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and founding president Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay based on Ben Mezrich’s best-seller The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook.” Reviews just OK.
10/10- I liked this movie a lot even though there was probably a good deal of artistic license given to the story. Well acted (Eisenberg was great) and truly a success story. TRDB.
6) THE TOWN- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “As tenacious FBI agent Adam (Jon Hamm) hunts him down, ingenious bank robber Doug (Ben Affleck) pursues a risky relationship with Claire (Rebecca Hall), one of his former hostages. But while Doug and his cohorts plan their next hit, Adam hones in on Claire and falls for her in the process. Directed by Affleck and based on Chuck Hogan’s novel Prince of Thieves, this intricate thriller also stars Chris Cooper, Blake Lively and Jeremy Renner.” Fairly good reviews.
For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
October 13th, 2010