SPARK: A BURNING MAN STORY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Each year, Nevada’s Burning Man festival gathers revelers for one free-spirited weeklong party in the middle of the desert. Capturing the energy of the festivities, organizers and attendees share their passion for this renowned artistic event.”
8/16/13- A few professional reviews and they are good including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
PARANOIA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blackmailed by his company’s CEO, low-level employee Adam Cassidy finds himself forced to spy on the boss’s rival and former mentor. As Adam enjoys all the trappings of an executive position, he soon learns he can trust no one.
8/16/13- A terrible review from nearly everybody. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
INCH’ALLAH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A Canadian obstetrician living in Israel makes multiple passes through heavily guarded checkpoints to get to her job at a women’s health clinic in Palestine. But political tensions take on personal overtones when she befriends a pregnant patient.”
8/16/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed ones in general, some loving it and some calling it contrived at best. TRDB.
6/20/14- A thought provoking drama that uses minimal dialogue and maximum acting to convey the story. I liked it but it is controversial for sure. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
HERBLOCK: THE BLACK & THE WHITE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this lively documentary, luminaries including Tom Brokaw, Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, Ted Koppel and Jon Stewart salute the remarkable life, career and indelible influence of Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Herbert Block.”
8/16/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
IN SEARCH OF BLIND JOE DEATH: THE SAGA OF JOHN FAHEY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Known as the father of American Primitive Guitar, many consider John Fahey to be a foundational figure in American folk music. As both musician and musicologist, Fahey made a fundamental contribution to our understanding and appreciation of such music genres as Delta blues, Appalachian bluegrass and New Orleans jazz.”
8/16/13- Poor reviews in general but an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
THE HAPPY SAD- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Black, white, gay, straight: Relationships are tough regardless of your race or sexuality, as the couples at the heart of this movie find out. When Annie and Stan take a break from coupling, both end up with same-sex partners — at least temporarily.”
8/16/13- Weak reviews in general and also in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
DREW: THE MAN BEHIND THE POSTER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A feature-length documentary film highlighting the career of poster artist Drew Struzan, whose most popular works include the Indiana Jones, Back to the Future and Star Wars movie posters. Telling the tale through exclusive interviews with George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Frank Darabont, Guillermo del Toro, Steven Spielberg and many other filmmakers, artists and critics, the journey spans Drew’s early career in commercial and album cover art through his recent retirement as one of the most recognizable and influential movie poster artists of all time.”
8/16/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times, mostly because the film did not delve into anything less than positive about the subject. Other critics agreed with the rating. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
YOU WILL BE MY SON- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Paul de Marseul (Niels Aretrup) is the passionate, demanding proprietor of his prestigious family wine estate. But he has no faith in his son, Martin (Loran Deutsch), who works at the vineyard. Paul dreams of a harder-working, successful son-a dream that one day seemingly materializes when he meets Philip (Nicolas Bridet), the son of his dying estate manager (Patrick Chesnais). Can Paul turn against his own blood and turn Philip into the rightful heir of his family estate?”
Here’s what Netflix had to say– “Doubtful that his own son is up to the task, the demanding owner of a vintage chateau and wine label turns to the offspring of his late caretaker to maintain the strict principles of his prestigious business.”
8/16/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.
10/27/13- I loved the acting, the story and the characters. What else can I say? You should see this one! TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013
OUR NIXON- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nixon himself wasn’t the only one obsessively recording his presidency; three of his top aides were filming it, too, with Super 8 cameras. These home movies –from H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman and Dwight Chapin — form the basis of this portrait.”
8/14/13- Some very good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 14th, 2013
I DECLARE WAR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A once-friendly game of war between two groups of 13-year-olds takes on sinister overtones when an enemy soldier goes rogue and kidnaps the best friend of the opposing side’s commander.”
8/14/13– Surprisingly good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 14th, 2013