THE GAMBLER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A literature college professor and high stakes gambler (played by Mark Wahlberg) runs afoul of a loan shark and his bodyguard-like gangsters while he has an affair with one of his students.”
12/25/14- Very bad reviews from everybody. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
BIG EYES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keane, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950s and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large doe eyes.”
12/25/14- Good reviews. TRDB.
12/31/14– Lots of good reviews but I thought it was mostly a waste of time, ending in a ridiculous court scene. As predictable as Old Faithful. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
AMERICAN SNIPER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on his memoir of the same name, this military biopic centers on legendary sniper Chris Kyle, who amassed a record number of kills on the battlefield during his 10-year career as a Navy SEAL.”
12/25/14- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
1/26/15- I enjoyed the movie, especially the very realistic war scenes but I thought it was about a half hour too long and the hackneyed theme of men returning from war damaged both physically and emotionally a bit too familiar. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
INTO THE WOODS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Woven from a collection of revered fairy tales and characters, this enchanting musical mash-up focuses on a childless couple who venture into the woods hoping to end a curse put on them by a vindictive witch.”
12/25/14- Fair reviews from critics and audiences. I saw the trailer and I was not impressed. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
SELMA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.”
12/25/14- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/17/15- An excellent depiction of Martin Luther King, warts and all, and a good reminder of how far we have come as a nation. TRDB.
Add comment December 26th, 2014
TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the verge of losing her job, Sandra comes up with a last-ditch strategy: get her workmates to give up their bonuses so that she can stay on. With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.”
12/24/14- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Marion Cotillard. TRDB.
1/31/15- I liked this movie very much and highly recommend it. TRDB.
Add comment December 25th, 2014
SONG OF THE SEA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This animated tale follows young Saoirse, the last of a magical race of beings who exist as seals in water but turn into humans on land. After she and her brother are sent to live in the city, they begin an epic quest to return to their seaside home.”
12/19/14- Excellent reviews for this animated feature. TRDB.
Add comment December 20th, 2014
A SMALL SECTION OF THE WORLD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a rural coffee-growing region of Costa Rica, a group of female plantation workers successfully pushed for systemic changes — which sent ripples of hope to other oppressed laborers around the world, as chronicled in this inspiring documentary.”
12/19/14- Just 4 critic reviews- 2 up and 2 down. Audiences have liked it very much. The NY Times called it a distressed company film blown up to feature length. I’ll give it a chance. TRDB.
Add comment December 20th, 2014
LIFE OF AN ACTRESS: THE MUSICAL- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While slinging hash at a New York City diner, a trio of struggling actresses — Hannah, Jen and Sandy — strives to follow their dreams. But when the eatery falls on hard times, they must choose between their ambitions and reality.”
12/19/14– Really bad early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment December 19th, 2014
INSIDE THE MIND OF LEONARDO- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo da Vinci’s achievements in science and art represent the pinnacle of the Renaissance ideal. This fascinating portrait highlights the intellectual triumphs and deep frustrations that defined the life of one of history’s great geniuses.”
12/19/14- Terrible early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment December 19th, 2014