INCENDIARY: THE WILLINGHAM CASE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This provocative exposé revisits the case of Cameron Todd Willingham — executed for the arson deaths of his family — to probe scientists’ criticism of the investigation as well as the fighting stance of Texas forensics commissioner John Bradley.” Great audience reviews. TRDB.
10/7/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment September 23rd, 2011
THE IDES OF MARCH- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.” Very good early reviews. I saw the coming attractions and it looked good. TRDB.
10/7/11- Only a fair review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10/10/11- A very good political drama, especially George Clooney as the candidate. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment September 23rd, 2011
DIRTY GIRL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When promiscuous teen Danielle (Juno Temple) is sentenced to special ed for making sexually charged comments in class, she befriends gay, overweight Clarke (Jeremy Dozier), who agrees to join her on a search to find her father — in part, so he can get away from his own. Milla Jovovich, Mary Steenburgen and William H. Macy co-star in this quirky coming-of-age tale of independence, adolescence and acceptance.” Several good reviews. TRDB.
10/7/11- An awful review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment September 23rd, 2011
THE WAY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his son dies while hiking the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the Pyrenees, Tom (Martin Sheen) flies to France to claim the remains. Looking for insights into his estranged child’s life, he decides to complete the 500-mile mountain trek to Spain. Tom soon joins up with other travelers and realizes they’re all searching for something. Emilio Estevez writes and directs this drama about self-discovery.” Very good professional reviews but so far only poor audience reaction. TRDB.
9/18/11- An article (not a review) in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10/7/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/26/11- I liked this movie very much. Enjoyed the story and the acting. TRDB. At the theater.
Add comment September 19th, 2011
BERLIN 36- 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Based on the true story of Gretel Bergmann who unwittingly became the biggest threat to the Nazi Party in 1936. Berlin was hosting the summer Olympic Games and Gretel was one of Germany’s best gold medal contenders. She was also Jewish. Her skill and ethnicity undermined the Nazi belief that Aryans were the superior race, so the German authorities schemed to replace Gretel with another woman — but “she” had a secret that, if uncovered, could be even more embarrassing to the Nazis.”
9/16/11- Poor review in today’s NY Times but the premise, which includes some gender issues as well, did seem interesting. TRDB.
Add comment September 16th, 2011
SILENT SOULS (2011)- Synopsis by Netflix. “In accordance with traditional customs, devastated Miron (Yuriy Tsurilo) embarks on a road trip to spread his deceased wife’s (Yuliya Aug) ashes. Joined by his friend Aist (Igor Sergeyev), the mournful widower shares intimate details about their love life, which allude to an underlying tension. Directed by Aleksei Fedorchenko, this subtle drama delicately explores powerful themes such as grief and memory.”
9/16/11- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3/30/13- A slow, deliberate drama about saying goodbye to loved ones and to customs. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 16th, 2011
I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affable yuppie comedy, Kate Reddy is a successful executive, wife and mom whose personal and professional lives hang in precarious balance. When Kate takes on a new job challenge, she and her brood have some serious prioritizing to do.”
9/16/11-Lousy reviews in general and in the NY Times today as well. TRDB.
Add comment September 16th, 2011
THE ROAD TO FREEDOM- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the height of the Vietnam War, adventure-seeking photojournalists Sean (Joshua Fredric Smith) and Dana (Scott Maguire) boldly sneak into Cambodia, where they search for signs of Khmer Rouge atrocities, disappear into the hands of enemy forces and struggle to regain their freedom. Inspired by real-life events and shot on location in Cambodia, this powerful war drama co-stars Tom Proctor, Nhem Sokun and Nhem Sokunthol.” A few reviews and they’re good. TRDB.
Add comment September 15th, 2011
COURAGEOUS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite showing bravery on the job, a group of law enforcement officers find themselves undone when tragedy strikes at home in this social drama. With the aid of their Christian beliefs, however, the men find a deeper well of courage in their hearts.” Awful professional reviews but audiences have liked it. TRDB.
Add comment September 15th, 2011
THE DEBT- 2007. This is the original movie called “The Debt” from Israel. Directed by Assaf Bernstein and starring Gila Almagor this thriller is about an Israeli woman in her 60’s, a former Mosad agent, who is summoned to kill a Nazi war criminal that she came close to killing decades ago. TRDB.
9/15/11- I enjoyed the movie and from what I hear it was much less violent than the newer version with Helen Mirren. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment September 15th, 2011