MARCH 18, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FROM LAST WEEK- see descriptions below
1) ONE TOO MANY MORNINGS
2) GREEN ZONE
3) TWO WOMEN
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Last weekend I attended the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, and together with my friends Sol and Donna, the 3 of us attended 2 Festival films there and one in a regular theater in Edgartown. I also saw one at Jacob Burns yesterday.
1) SOMERS TOWN- Premise by Netflix. ” After leaving his Nottingham hometown for the big city of London, brash young Tomo (
Thomas Turgoose) befriends introverted Polish immigrant Marek (
Piotr Jagiello). The mismatched teens bond as they each develop a crush on Maria (
Elisa Lasowski), a French waitress. Director
Shane Meadows‘s black-and-white coming-of-age film follows the teens as they experience their first summer in London.
Ireneusz Czop co-stars as Marek’s hard-drinking father.3/10-
I could NOT understand the British dialogue which is unusual for me. I’m really not sure what this film is even about. There should have been sub-titles. At the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. TRDB.
2) ONE TOO MANY MORNINGS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After learning his longtime girlfriend has been unfaithful, devastated Peter (
Anthony Deptula) arrives at the church where his estranged high school friend, Fischer (
Stephen Hale), lives in exchange for locking up at night. But he soon discovers Fischer’s issues are bigger than his. As Peter and Fischer forge a new relationship and seek common ground, Peter’s girlfriend (
Tina Kapousis) arrives on the scene.
Michael Mohan directs this indie comedy.3/10-
The movie was shot on a shoestring, on weekends, primarily with friends acting. It was quite amateurish but very clever and I liked it. I saw this at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival and also met the director on the ferry back to Woods Hole. TRDB.
3) GREEN ZONE- Premise by Netflix. “U.S. Defense Intelligence Agent Clark Poundstone (Greg Kinnear) doesn’t want to hear what Army Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon) has to say about not finding the weapons of mass destruction — evidence that could launch a war — he’s been sent to Iraq to unearth. Why the cover-up? Rajiv Chandrasekaran’s exposé Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone inspired this frenetic wartime drama. Paul Greengrass directs.GREEN ZONE”
3/10- I usually do not go for this type of rockem-sockem type war movie but this one packed the important message noted above. Very realistic if a little too drawn out at times. TRDB.
4) A PROPHET- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After refusing to snitch, 18-year-old Arab Malik (Tahar Rahim) is thrown into a French prison, where the Corsican mafia rules with a firm fist. The obedient newcomer slowly rises through the organization’s ranks but soon begins to double-cross his superiors. A follow-up to his 2005 gem The Beat My Heart Skipped, French director Jacques Audiard‘s A Prophet was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.”
3/10- Very well done with very good acting, Too many names, way too long- I don’t see this as an Academy Award nomination. TRDB.
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VIEWED AT HOME-
1) THE STONING OF SORAYA M- Premise by Netflix. “Set in 1986 Iran at the start of Khomeini’s reign, director Cyrus Nowrasteh’s drama tells the true story of Soraya (Mozhan Marnò), whose husband plots to have her falsely accused of adultery so he can divorce her and marry a young girl. French journalist Freidoune (Jim Caviezel) is pulled into Soraya’s tragic story when he meets a desperate woman named Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo).”
3/10- The movie feels more like a lecture than true drama and I didn’t want to stick around for the 20 minute stoning scene. TRDB. Netflix.
2) TWO WOMEN- Premise by Netflix. “Fereshteh (Niki Karimi) is promised to a traditional man from her village, and her newlywed life is fraught with abuse. This contrasts sharply with the life of Roya (Marila Zare’i), a friend of Fereshteh’s who retains her independence by living in the city. Writer-director Tahmineh Milani who would later be imprisoned for the images she put in films such as this one, a revealing work about women’s roles and lives in contemporary Iran.”
3/10- A very realistic movie about the plight of many women in Iranian society. I liked the movie very much. TRDB. Netflix.
3) WORKING GIRLS- Premise by Netflix. “Winner of a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, director Lizzie Borden‘s gritty drama depicts a day in the lives of several prostitutes working in an upscale Manhattan whorehouse. Told largely through the eyes of one of the girls — a lesbian prostitute (Louise Smith) whose partner has no idea what she does for a living — the film provides a no-holds-barred portrayal of the world’s oldest profession.”
3/10- A new understanding of the oldest profession. Just OK. TRDB. Netflix.
4) WONDERFUL WORLD- Premise by Netflix. “Depressed, divorced and unemployed, Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is not inclined to see his glass as half-full. But when his roommate falls ill and Ben must host the man’s Senegalese sister (Sanaa Lathan) in their apartment, his outlook begins to change. Darkman writer Josh Goldin makes his directorial debut with this drama (which he also wrote) about the attitude-adjusting romance that blossoms between Singer and his roommate’s sister.” Poor early reviews.
3/10- This movie deserves the poor reviews it received. Every known cliche and a standard script. I did watch it to the end and the last 15 minutes were a very slight improvement. TRDB.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 23-
1) THE BLACK BALLOON- Premise by Netflix. “Australian model Gemma Ward makes her feature film debut in this family drama starring Rhys Wakefield as a 16-year-old trying to make his way in a new town and at a new school — while also charged with keeping tabs on his autistic older brother (Luke Ford). Toni Collette plays the pregnant mother of the clan, and Erik Thomson is the cricket-obsessed dad in this Berlin Film Festival award winner from first-time feature director Elissa Down.” Very good reviews.
2) SERAPHINE- Premise by Netflix. “Awestruck by the vibrant and imaginative artwork of uneducated housekeeper Séraphine Louis (Yolande Moreau) — who spends her days doing menial chores — German art critic Wilhelm Unde (Ulrich Tukur) takes the promising painter under his wing. Though her neighbors and others dismiss Séraphine’s work, Unde is determined to turn the obscure French artist into a star in this revelatory biopic also starring Geneviève Mnich and Nico Rogner.”
3/10- I could not get into this movie. Lots of friends enjoyed it, however.
3) THE INFORMANT- Premise by Netflix. “While gathering evidence against his employer, ADM in Decatur, Ill., to help the FBI build a price-fixing conspiracy case, wealthy, affable executive Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon, in a Golden Globe-nominated role) begins to piece together a fantasy world of his own. Based on Kurt Eichenwald’s acclaimed nonfiction book about a true-life Corporate America whistle-blower, Steven Soderbergh’s dark comedy co-stars Scott Bakula, Joel McHale and Melanie Lynskey.”
3/10- I thought the movie was OK but a little too long and repetitive. It reminded me of Leonardo Di Caprio in “Catch Me If You Can.”
4) BROTHERS- Premise by Netflix. “When severely traumatized Capt. Sam Cahill (Golden Globe nominee Tobey Maguire) returns home alive from a military mission in Afghanistan after he was presumed dead, he learns that his brother, Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal), has gotten dangerously close to his grieving wife, Grace (Natalie Portman), and his kids. Mare Winningham and Sam Shepard also star in this wartime drama about human frailty and battles fought on the home front. Jim Sheridan directs.”
11/09- I saw this in Florida a few months ago and liked it very much. Great study of family dynamics and great acting as well. Just when you think that there can’t be another anti-war movie with a different twist one more comes along. I actually liked Natalie Portman for a change. TRDB.
5) RED CLIFF- Premise by Netflix. “When a warmongering prime minister (Fengyi Zhang) advances his armies against two rival kingdoms, he unwittingly prompts his adversaries (Chen Chang and Yong You) to work together in this martial arts action-adventure. The ensuing conflict culminates in the epic battle of Red Cliff, a struggle by the sea involving more than one million soldiers. Director John Woo’s big-budget spectacle is based on the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
3/10- I have not seen this but it received some OK reviews. TRDB.
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OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) PRANZO DI FERRAGOSTO (MID-AUGUST LUNCH)- 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 wrote and directed.”
Excellent reviews.
2) STRIPPED: GREG FRIEDLER’S NAKED LAS VEGAS- Premise by Zap2it. “Behind-the-curtain exploration of the city’s nude workers.” No reviews as yet.
4) THE RED BARON- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the true story of the notorious World War I flying ace, this drama explores the life of Manfred von Richthofen (
Matthias Schweighöfer) — aka the Red Baron — from his childhood fascination with flying to his renowned career in the Luftwaffe. After rescuing Canadian pilot Roy Brown (
Joseph Fiennes) and falling for military nurse Käte Otersdorf (
Lena Headey), the deadly but honorable von Richthofen begins to question the value of war.”
Mostly poor reviews.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
1) NORTH FACE- Premise by Netflix. “In 1936, young German climbers Toni Kurz (
Benno Fürmann) and Andreas Hinterstoisser (
Florian Lukas) face off against a rival Austrian duo in an attempt to be the first team to scale the infamous north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps. As the men make the treacherous climb, journalist Luise (
Johanna Wokalek) — Toni’s childhood love — covers the biggest story of her career.
Philipp Stölzl helms this drama based on a true story.”
Good reviews.
2) HARLAN: IN THE SHADOW OF JEW SUSS- Premise by Zap2it. “Archival footage, rare film clips and interview with relatives illustrate the life and career of notorious Third-Reich filmmaker Veit Harlan.” Very good reviews.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions.” I haven’t seen this yet but I will. Coming to Netflix on 4/13.
2) PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait.
REPEATS-
1) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Available on Netflix.
2) A SERIOUS MAN- I saw it and did NOT like it but many did.15) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs.
3) BIG FAN- About a guy who has nothing else in his life besides rooting for a NY football team. I saw this and liked it. Netflix also.
4) DEATH IN LOVE- About a woman who had an affair with her concentration camp doctor and it’s subsequent effects on her and her family. I liked it. Netflix also.5) DEPARTURES- GREAT MOVIE.
6)FISH TANK- About a 15yr. old girl who lives with her single mother and her younger sister. When the movie brings home a new boyfriend it alters things. I liked it.
7) FOOD, INC.- A documentary about the food we eat. I liked it but eat before the movie. Netflix also.
8)HAPPY TEARS- About 2 adult sisters who travel home to take care of their father who is developing dementia. Mediocre reviews at best.
9) LORNA’S SILENCE- About a woman from Albania who marries a junky in Belgium in a sham marriage in order to raise money. I saw this and it’s just OK.
10) NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU- A series of vignettes about relationships with NY as a backdrop. Very good.
11) NO MAN’S LAND- 2001. About 2 soldiers on opposite sides of the Bosnian conflict who get into a predicament together and require each other’s cooperation to get through it. I saw this years ago and thought it was very good. On Netflix as well.
12) THE ART OF THE STEAL- About the breakup of the Barnes collection in Philadelphia and the politics involved in the process. Very good documentary.
13) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic.
14) THE GIRL FROM MONACO- A famous French lawyer is in Monaco to defend a woman who has killed her lover. He develops an interesting relationship with the bodyguard assigned to protect him. Very good romantic comedy. Netflix also.
16) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- A documentary about Vogue magazine. Very good.
17) TRUCKER- About an independent young woman who drives a long haul truck. She has her 11yr. old son deposited on her doorstep. I liked this film a lot. Great acting and very good story. Netflix also.
18) TSOTSI- About a thug in a South African shantytown who undergoes a remarkable transformation. Very good movie. On Netflix as well.
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- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)
For independent movies near you go to- http://www.emergingpictures.com/exhibition.htm
For all movies go to www.fandango.com
1) THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF- Bethel, Clearview 100. Very good reviews for this road trip movie with William Hurt.
2) CRAZY HEART- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.”
3) THE GHOST WRITER- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Roman Polanski’s latest with very good reviews.
4) THE WHITE RIBBON- Bethel. About a town in Germany at the time of WW1. I did not care for this movie but most did.
5) GREEN ZONE- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. See “above.”- I liked it.
6) THE BLIND SIDE- Saw Mill Hawthorne. About a family that takes in a homeless teenage boy. Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for her performance in this drama. The sleeper of the season. I enjoyed it and Sandra Bullock was great.
7) THE HURT LOCKER- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. Academy Award winner for Best Picture- about the soldiers who disarm live bombs in Iraq. I liked this movie very much.
8)A PROPHET- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “After refusing to snitch, 18-year-old Arab Malik (Tahar Rahim) is thrown into a French prison, where the Corsican mafia rules with a firm fist. The obedient newcomer slowly rises through the organization’s ranks but soon begins to double-cross his superiors. A follow-up to his 2005 gem The Beat My Heart Skipped, French director Jacques Audiard‘s A Prophet was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.”
3/10- Very well done with great acting. There were, however, way too many names involved and the movie was much too long- I don’t see this as an Academy Award nomination. TRDB.
9) THE LAST STATION- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. About the last year in the life of Leo Tolstoy.
3/10- I did not care for the movie. TRDB.
10) A SINGLE MAN- Garden Cinema Norwalk. About a man who loses his long term companion.
3/10- Very good movie.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
March 18th, 2010
JAN. 6, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
Just as a reminder, I will be AWAY for 2 weeks and so this edition will include movies for the next 3 weeks whenever possible. The next edition will be sent on or about Thursday, Jan. 28.
I WILL BE ATTENDING THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN PALM SPRINGS, CA FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS AND WILL REPORT ON THE FESTIVAL IN MY NEXT ISSUE.
I WILL ALSO BE LEADING A DISCUSSION OF “THE MAID” AT THE EMERGING CINEMAS OF LAKE WORTH AFTER THE 4PM SHOW ON JAN. 18th. IF YOU’RE IN FLORIDA PLEASE COME.
Please try out my new website at- thereeldrbob.com for the latest information and for any copy of my newsletter.
NO NEW MOVIES FOR ME THIS WEEK BUT THERE WERE SEVERAL THAT I-
VIEWED AT HOME-
1) POLICE, ADJECTIVE- Premise by Netflix. “Undercover cop Cristi (
Dragos Bucur) trails suspected pot dealer Victor (Radu Costin) through the decrepit streets of Vasliu, but when he learns that the suspect is just a teen who sometimes gets high with his pals, he refuses to make an arrest. Unfortunately, Cristi’s boss (
Ioan Stoica) isn’t quite as forgiving. The Romanian New Wave rolls on strongly with this complex drama from writer-director
Corneliu Porumboiu.”12/09-
I found this movie to be incredibly boring. The “climax” of the movie is when the cop’s superior chews him out for not following his orders, except he lectures him quietly with the use of a dictionary. The movie spent loads of time on the most mundane of chores, like eating alone (the whole meal), and perhaps the author was trying to show that mundane life continues unabated in post Communist Romania. Despite a very good review from A.O. Scott of the NY Times, I’d miss it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
2) MAMMOTH- Premise by Netflix. “Lukas Moodysson writes and directs this drama centered on three intersecting stories, one of a traveling New Yorker named Leo (Gael García Bernal), another of his surgeon wife, Ellen (Michelle Williams), and also the children of their Filipino nanny, Gloria (Marife Necesito), in the Philippines. A series of dramatic events unfolds after Leo visits Thailand, causing everyone to reexamine their priorities. Sophie Nyweide co-stars.
1/10- The movie was really about the bind for families worldwide who must work and leave the care of their children to others, paid or not paid. Very well done and I liked the movie a lot. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand. 1/10.
3) BLACK GIRL- 1966. Premise by Netflix. “Working as a governess for a wealthy French family, a young Senegalese woman (Mbissine Therese Diop) accompanies her charges on a vacation to the French Riviera, where her white mistress (Anne-Marie Jelinek) suddenly expects her to do the work of a common maid. This racially charged drama from Senegalese writer-director Ousmane Sembene is often recognized as one of the seminal works of African cinema.”
12/09- Very good movie with obvious racial overtones, especially for 1966. I liked it a lot. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
4) A FRENCH GIGOLO- Premise by Netflix. “Josiane Balasko‘s part farce, part drama centers on Judith (Nathalie Baye), an entrepreneur in her 50s who gets caught in a tangle of emotions with sensitive, money-strapped prostitute Patrick (Eric Caravaca) and his cute wife, Fanny (Isabelle Carré). While financially supporting relatives in the Paris projects, Patrick begins to despair until Fanny, who has learned of her husband’s secret profession, drives him back to Judith’s arms and money.”
1/10- A cute farce with some poignant moments also. Recommended for light fare. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
5) A NOS AMOURS- 1983. Premise by Netflix. “Winner of two Cesars (France’s version of the Oscar), Maurice Pialat‘s sizzling drama centers on Suzanne (Sandrine Bonnaire), a teenage girl who suffers at the hands of her dysfunctional family. To escape the abuse of her father (Pialat), mother (Evelyne Ker) and brother (Dominique Besnehard), the troubled teen indulges in meaningless sexual encounters, yet declines the advances of a boy (Cyr Boitard) who is perhaps her only true friend.”
1/10- I liked this movie a lot and found it a very realistic story about this wildly dysfunctional family. Netflix Streaming.
6) IN THIS TRICKY LIFE- Premise by Netflix. “When 27-year-old Elisa (Mariana Santángelo) breaks up with her boyfriend and loses her job, she also loses any hope of realizing her dream of becoming a hair salon owner and supporting her two children. Elisa’s only option is to take a job in a Uruguayan brothel, which soon lands her in Barcelona, Spain — and into the midst of a white slavery ring. Director Beatriz Flores Silva‘s atmospheric drama also stars Andrea Fantoni and Josep Linuesa.”
1/10- While the movie was comical at times it really dealt with some serious issues, in particular a plea for help from and for the women involved unwittingly in the international sex trade. Netflix Streaming.
7) CHAMBERMAID ON THE TITANIC- Premise by Netflix. “Armed with a photo of a pretty chambermaid he met aboard the Titanic (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón), a French foundry worker (Olivier Martinez) returns home to share the titillating — and greatly embellished — story of how she asked to share his room. All the while, he suspects that his wife (Romane Bohringer) has been having an affair in his absence — and with his employer (Didier Bezace), no less. Bigas Luna directs this foreign-language drama.”
1/10- A very imaginative and sensitive drama and I liked it very much. Netflix Streaming.
8)50 DEAD MEN WALKING-Premise by Netflix. “Belfast hood Martin (Jim Sturgess) is recruited by a British agent (Ben Kingsley) to infiltrate the IRA during the height of the Northern Irish conflict and quickly becomes embroiled in a dangerous game that could cost him his life if his secret is found out. As other informers are brutally murdered, Martin starts to look for a way out, but his handler urges him to stay undercover in this taut political thriller based on a true story.”
1/10- I needed but couldn’t get sub-titles for this Irish movie and turned it off after 20 minutes. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JAN. 12-
1) DEPARTURES- Premise by Netflix. “Freshly unemployed, young cellist Daigo (Masahiro Motoki) has an epiphany in which he realizes he’s been heading down the wrong career path. Retreating to his hometown, he trains for a new professional role as a nakanshi, or one who prepares the dead for burial. Tsutomu Yamazaki provides comic relief as Daigo’s eccentric mentor in director Yojiro Takita‘s Oscar-winning, richly detailed — if unlikely — drama about finding your bliss.” I saw this movie at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival and LOVED it.
2) THE HURT LOCKER- Premise by Netflix. “Kathryn Bigelow directs this gripping drama (nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards) following one of the U.S. Army’s elite EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) teams operating in the ferocious war zone of Iraq. As the squad identifies and dismantles improvised explosive devices and other bombs, they must also contend with the frayed nerves and internal conflicts that arise from living in constant peril. Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Guy Pearce, Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie star.” I enjoyed this movie very much.
3) IN THE LOOP- Premise by Netflix. “When the U.S. president and the U.K. prime minister decide to invade a certain Middle Eastern country, skeptical American and British operatives do their best to stop the runaway train to war in director Armando Iannucci‘s scathing political comedy. This 2009 Sundance Film Festival entry stars Tom Hollander as a British international development chief, James Gandolfini as a U.S. general, and Anna Chlumsky as a well-positioned intern.” Most of the people who saw this said they enjoyed it but had trouble understanding the rapid dialogue at times. Should be easier with the DVD.
4) PASSING STRANGE- Premise by Netflix. “A young black musician named Stew (played by singer-songwriter Stew himself) flees his comfortable middle-class roots in Los Angeles for a soul-searching journey to Europe and gets wrapped up in the music scene of 1980s Amsterdam and West Berlin. The one-of-a-kind Broadway musical, which netted Stew a Tony for Best Book, comes to cinematic life courtesy of film icon Spike Lee. The film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.” I have no personal experience with this film but I’ll give it a try.
5) BIG FAN- Premise by Netflix. “Parking attendant and New York Giants fanatic Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt) must reexamine his life after he’s beaten up by his favorite player in this comedy written and directed by Robert D. Siegel, a former editor-in-chief of “fake news” paper The Onion. Also starring Kevin Corrigan as Sal, Michael Rapaport as Philadelphia Phil and Marcia Jean Kurtz as Theresa, the film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.” OK reviews at best.
6) AMREEKA- Premise by Netflix. “Eager to provide a better future for her son, Fadi (Melkar Muallem), divorcée Muna Farah (Nisreen Faour) leaves her Palestinian homeland and takes up residence in rural Illinois — just in time to encounter the domestic repercussions of America’s disastrous war in Iraq. Now, the duo must reinvent their lives with some help from Muna’s sister, Raghda (Hiam Abbass), and brother-in-law, Nabeel (Yussuf Abu-Warda). Cherien Dabis writes and directs.” I saw this and found it very realistic and very well acted.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JAN. 19
1) OUTRAGE- Premise by Netflix. “Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick sets out to expose the hypocrisy of gay politicians who passionately criticize the LGBT community in public while concealing their own sexual orientation. In addition to exposing the secret lives of powerful policymakers — and the damage they’ve inflicted on LGBT Americans — this documentary also takes a critical look at the media’s involvement in keeping homophobic politicians closeted.” Very good reviews and I plan to see this.
2) DEATH IN LOVE- Premise by Netflix. “During World War II, a Jewish woman (Jacqueline Bisset) had an affair with a Nazi war criminal. Decades later, her two sons live in the emotional shadow of this tryst. One (Josh Lucas) drifts through life until a he’s befriended by a charming co-worker (Adam Brody); the other (Lukas Haas) is unable to flee his stifling relationship with his mother. When the war criminal reemerges, all must confront the past and new directions for the future.” Interesting premise and very mixed reviews, some loving it and some hating it.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JAN. 26
1) MOSCOW, BELGIUM- Premise by Netflix. “When harried mother of three Matty (Barbara Sarafian) causes a fender bender with twentysomething Johnny (Jurgen Delnaet), their flirting blossoms into an unlikely affair. But when Matty’s estranged husband, Werner (Johan Heldenbergh), declares that he wants back in her life, she must choose between old, familiar love and the uncertainty of starting life afresh. Christophe Van Rompaey directs this comedy.” Very good reviews.
2) LITTLE ASHES- Premise by Netflix. “This evocative film explores the relationship between two of the 20th century’s most notable Spanish artists: poet Federico García Lorca (Javier Beltran) and surrealist Salvador Dalí (Robert Pattinson). Along with filmmaker Luis Buñuel (Matthew McNulty), they take the country by storm. Amid the jazz and modernism of 1920s Madrid, their friendship grows — as does the sexual tension between Lorca and Dali. Marina Gatell co-stars.” Good reviews.
3) TENNESSEE- Premise by Netflix. “On a cross-country trip to find their estranged father, brothers Carter (Adam Rothenberg) and Ellis (Ethan Peck) — whose life is on the line — meet waitress Krystal (Mariah Carey). The aspiring singer decides to drive the brothers to Nashville in hopes of jumpstarting her career. The trio becomes a united front as Krystal’s husband pursues them, Ellis’s health worsens, and Carter relives the painful past he and Ellis left behind.” Fair reviews at best.
4) THE BOYS ARE BACK- Premise by Netflix. “Following the sudden death of his wife, Australian sportswriter Joe Warr (Clive Owen) struggles to cope with his grief and comfort his young son (Nicholas McAnulty). Being a single father gets even trickier when Joe’s rebellious teenage son from a previous marriage (George MacKay) moves in. Director Scott Hicks helms this touching — and often hilarious — tale of a family in flux, based on a memoir by Simon Carr.” Mixed reviews.
5) BRIGHT STAR- Premise by Netflix. “Critically acclaimed Australian filmmaker Jane Campion helms this drama detailing the passionate three-year romance between 19th-century Romantic poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) — who died tragically at age 25 — and his great love and muse, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Much of the story was inspired by Keats’s poetry and the actual love letters the pair exchanged. Thomas Sangster, Paul Schneider and Kerry Fox co-star.” I saw this and found it very, very boring but friends liked it a lot.
6) SOUL POWER- Premise by Netflix. “In 1974, America’s R&B superstars traveled to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) for a three-day concert. This documentary of the event, part of which became 1996’s When We Were Kings, is made up of footage unseen for more than 30 years. James Brown, Bill Withers, B.B. King, the Spinners, Miriam Makeba and more perform beloved tunes, while cameras capture daily life in Kinshasa and the show’s preparation.” Good reviews.
7) PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI- Premise by Netflix. “With actor Morgan Freeman‘s support, Mississippi’s Charleston High School stages its first senior prom to integrate both black and white students. This documentary examines the perspectives of several seniors as they prepare for this historic event. A group of disapproving white parents, who refused to meet and talk with the filmmakers, organized a separate White Prom for their children to attend.” Very good reviews.
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OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) CRAZY ON THE OUTSIDE- Premise by Zap2it. “Just out of prison, ex-con Tommy is ready for a fresh start in life. He moves in with his manipulative sister and her husband, and takes a job at a local burger joint. However, Tommy finds that staying on the straight-and-narrow is not as easy as he originally thought; Gray, his former partner-in-crime, is trying to rope him into his latest scheme. And, to complicate matters even more, Tommy is falling in love with his probation officer.” No early reviews as yet.
2) LEAP YEAR- Premise by Zap2it. “When yet another anniversary passes by without a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Anna decides to take action. Aware of an Irish tradition that allows women to pop the question on February 29th, Anna plans to follow her lover to Dublin and ask him to marry her. Fate has other plans, however, and Anna winds up on the other side of the Emerald Isle with a handsome, but surly, Irishman named Declan — who may just lead Anna down the road to true love.” No early reviews.
3) WAITING FOR ARMAGEDDON- Premise by Zap2it. “A probe of the politically powerful alliance between Evangelical Christians and Israel.” No early reviews for this documentary.
4) WONDERFUL WORLD- Premise by Zap2it. “A failed singer slowly begins to shed his sour outlook on life with the help of his Senegalese roommate’s sister.” One awful review so far.
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OPENING ON JAN. 15
1) FISH TANK- Premise by Zap2it. “Life changes for 15-year-old Mia when her mother brings home a new boyfriend.” Great early reviews and a winner in Cannes this year.
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OPENING ON JAN. 22
1) CHANCE PE DANCE- Premise by Netflix. “Having risen from humble beginnings to become a popular children’s dance instructor, an ambitious young man (Shahid Kapur) sets his sights on winning a prestigious dance competition that could catapult him to fame and fortune. But as he pursues his dream, he must overcome his competitors and conquer his own self-doubt. Ken Ghosh directs this dance-filled musical delight that co-stars Genelia D’Souza. No early reviews.
2) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his highly religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly).
Described by most reviewers as well acted and interesting but much like a melodrama lacking the imagination of Darwin himself.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
Begins Jan. 8—Jan. 21
1) FOUR SEASONS LODGE- About an annual get-together of Holocaust survivors. OK reviews.
2) THE MAID- About a Chilean family with domestic help. Good movie and I’ll be leading a discussion after the Jan. 18, 4PM show.
Begins Jan. 22–28
1) HOUSE- A 1977 Japanese fantasy about a group of girls who go to a haunted house. Very good reviews.
2) NO IMPACT MAN- About a man who attempts to live with no carbon impact on the environment. OK reviews.
Begins Jan. 29– Feb. 4
1) KILLING KASZTNER- About Kasztner, a man who dealt with the Nazis in order to save Jews. Good reviews.
2) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- About a young woman who claims that she was the target of an anti-Semitic attack. Good reviews.
For independent movies near you go to- http://www.emergingpictures.com/exhibition.htm
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) THE MARC PEASE EXPERIENCE- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after graduation, high school musical star Marc Pease (Jason Schwartzman) remains stuck in his glory days. But he’s given a chance to face his past once and for all when he helps out his old teacher and mentor Mr. Gribble (Ben Stiller) on a new production. Meanwhile, current senior and Tony nominee Meg Brickman (Anna Kendrick) romantically attaches herself to both men in this offbeat comedy from Todd Louiso (Love Liza).” Uniformly terrible reviews.
2) NO IMPACT MAN- About a man who attempts to live with no carbon impact on the environment. OK reviews. On Netflix 1/19.
3) WONDERFUL WORLD- Premise by Netflix. “Depressed, divorced and unemployed, Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is not inclined to see his glass as half-full. But when his roommate falls ill and Ben must host the man’s Senegalese sister (Sanaa Lathan) in their apartment, his outlook begins to change. Darkman writer Josh Goldin makes his directorial debut with this drama (which he also wrote) about the attitude-adjusting romance that blossoms between Singer and his roommate’s sister.” Poor early reviews.
REPEATS-
1) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Available on Netflix.
2) THE COVE- A documentary about mass capture and killing of dolphins in a protected cove in Taijii, Japan. Very well done and with great cinematography. Available on Netflix.
3) POLICE, ADJECTIVE- See “above.” I did not like it.
4) WOMAN IN BERLIN- Based on a true story, it’s about how one woman from Berlin survives the rapes by the occupying Russian soldiers. Very good and I recommend it. On Netflix also.
5) SUGAR- About a young Dominican man who is being groomed for a career in baseball at a Dominican baseball academy. Very realistic and I enjoyed it. On Netflix also.
6) AWAY WE GO- Interesting premise and OK film. On Netflix.
7) BALLAST- A good movie about the south. On Netflix also.
8)EVERY LITTLE STEP- About the auditioning process for the return of “A Chorus Line.” Great documentary. Available on Netflix also.
9) FOOD, INC.- Good documentary. About the food we eat and in particular, the corporate aspect of food development. Very good documentary. On Netflix also.
10) I’LL COME RUNNING- About a man who has a one night stand in Austin, Texas and is then visited by the woman after he has gone back to Europe. I saw this and liked it a lot. Very good reviews also.
11) JULIE AND JULIA- Two parallel stories. One about Julia Child and the other about a young woman trying to find herself and finds Julia Child. I liked the movie. Netflix also.
12) MAMMOTH- Story about a man, his wife, and their Filipino nanny. Good reviews but I haven’t seen it yet.
13) THE MERRY GENTLEMAN- About a woman running from an abusive husband. I liked this one a lot. On Netflix too.
14) UNCERTAINTY- About a young couple who are trying to decide where to spend July 4th. The movie simultaneously follow them after two different decisions. Like “Sliding Doors” and others but unique in it’s own way, very well done and I liked it.
15) PAPER HEART- A road trip by Charlyne Yi, an eccentric performer, trying to find the meaning of love. Quirky film and I liked it.
Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters
Time Warner Link– www.twondemand.com
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
1) IT’S COMPLICATED- Bethel, Danbury. Haven’t seen this yet but I hear it’s “cute.”
2) UP IN THE AIR- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. I saw this and liked it.
3) THE YOUNG VICTORIA – Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. I found this very interesting and enlightening and I recommend it.
4) INVICTUS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. About Nelson Mandela after he became president of South Africa. I found this too Hollywood to enjoy but most people liked it a lot.
5) BROKEN EMBRACES- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Typical Almodovar and very enjoyable. Great Penelope Cruz.
6) AN EDUCATION- Garden Cinema Norwalk. Young girl is swept off her feet by a much older man. I liked it.
7) A SINGLE MAN- Jacob Burns. About a gay English professor whose long term partner dies suddenly. Very interesting and I liked it.
8)THE HURT LOCKER- Jacob Burns. About a bomb squad in Iraq. I saw this film and thought it was very good.
9) THE LAST STATION- Jacob Burns. About Leo Tolstoy. Fair reviews for this movie but everybody said that Helen Mirren saved the film.
10) LEAP YEAR- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. See “above.”
11) THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASUS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Supposedly about good and evil. What isn’t?
12) BROTHERS- Danbury. About 2 very different brothers, one “good” and the other “bad.” When the good one goes missing the bad one takes care of the family. Very good.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
January 6th, 2010