IF I STAY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While trying to choose between love and a musical career, 17-year-old Mia Hall finds her life upended by a tragic car crash that puts her in a coma. As she lies unconscious, Mia has a vision of her life that leads her to another crossroads.”
8/22/14- Poor reviews from most critics. Audiences have liked it, however. TRDB.
Add comment August 22nd, 2014
14 BLADES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the age of the Ming Dynasty, Qinlong is the best of the emperor’s elite assassin squad known as the Jinyiwei. When evil court eunuch Jia deposes the sovereign, Qinlong is called to action. But he’s soon betrayed, becoming a hunted man.”
8/22/14- Mixed reviews in general. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment August 22nd, 2014
EXPEDITION TO THE END OF THE WORLD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this thoughtful and amusing adventure documentary, an eclectic crew of scientists and aesthetes sets sail for an untracked region of Northeastern Greenland, where they encounter an icy landscape full of danger and beauty.”
8/20/14- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. The NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 20th, 2014
WINTER IN THE BLOOD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “American Indian Virgil First Raise wakes up to a vision of his dead father. Then, he discovers that his wife has left him — a fact he can’t accept. Virgil pursues her down a crooked path — one that finally leads to a new view of his own soul.’
8/20/14- Mixed critical reviews– about 50/50. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment August 20th, 2014
THE WORD- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The film follows a single father, Tom Hawkins (Kevin O’Donnell) whose life is destroyed when his son is kidnapped and murdered. When informed by the FBI, led by agent Mike Sheehy (Naughton), that the homicide appears to be part of a string of crimes carried out by an enigmatic, religious sect, Tom decides to take matters into his own hands.”
8/15/14- Terrible reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 15th, 2014
A WILL FOR THE WOODS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting documentary, a man suffering from terminal lymphoma makes plans for a “green” burial, eschewing the traditional funeral-industry practices of interment and cremation to help preserve the environment.”
8/15/14- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
Add comment August 15th, 2014
WE ARE MARI PEPA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A teen punk garage band suffers its first crisis when their real lives intervene and they have problems conceiving of a follow-up to their first song. Problems with girls, parents and jobs threaten to squelch their raucous rock ‘n’ roll attitude.”
8/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 15th, 2014
THE TRIP TO ITALY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following in the footsteps of the great romantic poets, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traverse the Italian countryside musing about life and love. Work enters the conversation as well in this largely improvised sequel to the roadtrip comedy “The Trip.”
8/15/14– Good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8/22/14- I enjoyed the movie but with the views and food from the Italian coast it’s hard not to. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment August 15th, 2014
37: A FINAL PROMISE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Guilt-ridden for years over his brother’s death, rock musician Adam Webb decided long ago to end his life on his 37th birthday. But his resolve begins to ebb when he falls in love with a terminally ill woman harboring a secret of her own.”
8/15/14- Poor reviews!! TRDB.
Add comment August 15th, 2014
RED HOLLYWOOD- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Film essayist Thom Andersen (Los Angeles Plays Itself) collaborated with film historian/theoretician Noël Burch on Red Hollywood, a documentary adaptation of their essay “Les Communistes de Hollywood.” Andersen and Burch examine the work of the “Hollywood Ten,” and other filmmakers and artists impacted by the infamous House Committee on Un-American Activities.”
8/15/14- I’ve seen just 3 reviews– 2 up including the NY Times and 1 down. TRDB.
Add comment August 15th, 2014