RED DOT ON THE OCEAN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving behind a tough childhood and years of life on the streets, Matt Rutherford reinvented himself as an intrepid sailor. This inspiring documentary recounts his solo circumnavigation of North and South America, a nonstop voyage completed in 2012.”
10/24/14- Just 3 reviews– 2 up and 1 down but it does sound interesting. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a near-death experience, top war photojournalist Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is forced to choose between her work and the family on whom she depends. Putting family first, the conviction that her photos make a difference remains, making it difficult to walk away entirely.”
10 22/14- The movie is very heavy and received many very positive reviews but a fair number of critics did not care for it. It put a different twist on an old theme and I liked it very much TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
LOW DOWN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jazz pianist Joe Albany’s turbulent life story is recounted by his daughter Amy, who grew up surrounded by the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Amy’s memories of her father are shadowed by his heroin addiction in this candid family memoir.”
10/24/14- Poor reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
LIFE OF RILEY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Romantic chaos abounds in this satire of love and manners inspired by a character named George Riley, who’s constantly spoken of but never seen. When Kathryn learns that her ex-lover George doesn’t have long to live, she’s drawn to him anew.”
10/24/14- Fair reviews at best. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
JOHN WICK- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the son of a Russian gang boss steals John Wick’s classic car and kills his dog, the former hit man returns to his lethal specialty in a quest for vengeance — and soon finds that he has a price on his head.”
10/24/14- Sounds ridiculous but this movie has received lots of good reviews from both professionals and audiences. TRDB.
3/21/15- A ridiculous Rambo style movie that had value only for the well choreographed scenes when the lead actor did all of his killing. I couldn’t finish it. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
FORCE MAJEURE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”
10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.
11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
CITIZENFOUR- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”
10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.
11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
ALGORITHMS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An intriguing look into the lives of three sightless Indian chess players, this observational documentary follows the youngsters as they compete in blind chess tournaments, led by an unflagging mentor who also happens to be blind.”
10/24/14- Very mixed reviews including some pretty bad ones but the subject is fascinating and I’ll probably see this one eventually. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
WATCHERS OF THE SKY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paying tribute to four pioneers of the global campaign to end genocide, this feature-length documentary details their efforts to protect the powerless. Blending cinema verité with interview footage, the film highlights their successes and failures.”
10/17/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014
YOUNG ONES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Earth withers in drought, farm owner Ernest defends his property and his children, Mary and Jerome, from the harsh frontier. But Mary’s manipulative suitor plots to take Ernest’s land for a devious scheme, and Jerome is forced to fight back.”
10/17/14- Very weak reviews but a few critics really liked it including the NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014