AMELIA- Premise by Netflix. “Hilary Swank stars as famed aviator Amelia Earhart in this dramatic biopic that follows the daring pilot’s rise from obscurity in Kansas to her troubled marriage to businessman George Putnam (Richard Gere), who recruited her for her first transatlantic flight. Mira Nair (The Namesake, Vanity Fair) directs; Ewan McGregor, Joe Anderson, Christopher Eccleston, Joe Anderson and Mia Wasikowska co-star.” Poor reviews.
Add comment October 16th, 2009
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
Add comment October 16th, 2009
WHATEVER WORKS- Premise by Netflix. “While falling for a young Southern belle (Evan Rachel Wood), an aging New York City eccentric (Larry David) finds himself caught in a series of bizarre situations involving the girl’s parents and his own Greenwich Village group of pals. Written and directed by legendary filmmaker Woody Allen, this romantic comedy also stars Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Kristen Johnston, Michael McKean and Henry Cavill.”
Add comment October 16th, 2009
Add comment October 16th, 2009
JERICHOW- Premise by Netflix. “While in his hometown for his mother’s funeral, broke Afghan-Soviet war veteran Thomas (Benno Fürmann) winds up meeting and working for passionate Turk Ali (Hilmi Sözer), who needs a driver to help him keep tabs on his chain of snack bars. But when Thomas meets Ali’s gorgeous German wife (Nina Hoss) and the sparks fly, he enters a passionate affair with her that threatens his new livelihood and friendship with the perpetually jealous Ali.” Very good reviews. TRDB
I just saw this remake of “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and l liked the movie yet one more time. Netflix Streaming. 10/09 TRDB
Add comment October 16th, 2009
IL DIVO- Premise by Netflix. “Paolo Sorrentino directs this superbly entertaining docudrama about the colorful life and political career of Italy’s Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and his party’s decades-long throttlehold on Italian politics. Highlighting accusations of mafia ties, Sorrentino pulls no punches as he lays any number of corruption scandals and even political assassinations at the politician’s feet, all with a sly sense of humor. Toni Servillo stars as Andreotti.” Great reviews. TRDB.
I saw this and here’s what I said- ” One critic said that the movie should come with a set of Cliff Notes to explain what was going on in Italy and I AGREE. I turned it off halfway.” TRDB. Netflix Streaming. 10/09
Add comment October 16th, 2009
MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY- Premise by Netflix. “Waking from a one-night stand that neither remembers, Micah (Wyatt Cenac) and Joanne (Tracey Heggins) find themselves wandering the streets of San Francisco, sharing coffee and conversation and discovering that they share an unexpected deep connection. Barry Jenkins (nominated for a Best First Feature Independent Spirit Award) directs this poetic tale of love and sex that blends the elements of old-fashioned romance with the sensibilities of modern-day relationships.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.
11/2/09- Saw this and here’s what I said- “
MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY- Written and directed by Barry Jenkins and starring Tracey Heggins and Wyatt Cenac. About an African American couple who wake up in the morning at a friend’s home after a one night stand. She has a live in boyfriend who is away and makes it clear that this is only a one time deal as he pursues the relationship. They spend all of the next day together. Enjoyable movie. Netflix. 11/09 TRDB
Add comment October 16th, 2009
THE WAR ZONE- 1999. Starring Tilda Swinton, Freddie Cunliffe, Ray Winstone and Lara Belmont. About a family in the UK that moves from London to Devon. The teenage son discovers that their father has an incestual relationship with the 17 yr. old sister. This was the directorial debut of actor Tim Roth. Interesting movie with great acting, especially the teenage daughter. I could have used sub-titles for portions of the film. Netflix Streaming. 10/09
Add comment October 13th, 2009
CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”
10/09-I enjoyed the movie but I feel that it’s more of an expose, not a documentary. TRDB.
Add comment October 7th, 2009
DAVID AND LAYLA- 2005. By Jay Jonroy. About a Jewish cable TV sex show host and his attempt to develop a relationship with a beautiful Arab refugee. Incredibly stupid movie and I turned it off. Netflix Streaming. 10/09
Add comment October 5th, 2009