LOU- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This poignant drama follows Lou, an 11-year-old Australian coping with having been abandoned by her father when her estranged grandfather, Doyle, comes to live with the family. Much to Lou‘s surprise, she develops a deep bond with the ailing Doyle.”
8/15/11- An average drama that did keep my interest and I saw it through. I think you won’t be sorry if you sign on. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment July 24th, 2011
THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dominic Cooper stars as Uday Hussein — Saddam Hussein’s depraved, decadent elder son — and as Latif Yahia, the army lieutenant forcibly drafted to be his body double, in this drama based on Yahia’s autobiographical novel. With his family’s fate on the line, Yahia surrenders his identity to embody the hated figure but gains a conspirator in Uday’s concubine, Sarrab (Ludivine Sagnier), as he plots his escape.”
The movie is discussed in a NY Times article (not a review) on 7/24/11. TRDB.
11/4/11- Weak reviews– some hating this movie and others saying it was OK. I had planned to see it but now I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.
11/29/11- I shouldn’t have given this one a try. What garbage, from the acting with phony accents to the gangster like action. Miss this one! TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment July 24th, 2011
SINGHAM- 2011. A Bollywood movie that actually got a good review from the NY Times– on 7/22/11. TRDB.
Add comment July 23rd, 2011
SAIGON ECLIPSE- 2007. Synopsis by Netflix. “Beautiful, talented Kieu (Truong Ngoc Anh) is starring in a movie directed by Kim (Dustin Nguyen), a Vietnamese American who’s returned home to further his film career. But the production hits major obstacles when funding runs out and Kieu falls in love with Kim. Kieu’s family, who’s producing the film, must use dishonest means to get money, leading Kieu to reexamine her priorities. The story was inspired by a 19th-century Vietnamese epic poem.” Poor reviews. TRDB.
Add comment July 21st, 2011
BEATS RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Rapaport goes behind the scenes with this documentary to chronicle the tumultuous group dynamics that have driven influential, genre-bending hip-hop sensations A Tribe Called Quest to the heights of success. Filmed during a 2008 reunion tour, this movie includes candid input from band members, including Q-Tip, along with testimonies by other artists such as Kanye West to Tribe‘s enduring musical legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
11/3/11- Mostly good reviews but I have NO interest in the band and even LESS interest in the music. I found it very difficult to get into the movie and turned it off fairly early. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment July 19th, 2011
THE HARVEST- 2011. A documentary about children who toil in the fields without the protection of child labor laws right here in our own backyards in America. Good review in NY Times on 8/1/11. TRDB.
Add comment July 16th, 2011
THE FUTURE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Suddenly aware that their lives will radically change in a month’s time, Sophie (Miranda July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) decide to seize the opportunity to quit their jobs, pursue new interests and disconnect from the Internet, with the knowledge that their actions will literally change the course of history. As they pursue their adventures, they find their faith in one another and in themselves is put to the test.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
Good review in NY Times on 7/29/11. TRDB.
8/8/11- This film was weird enough that I did not get bored but I could not relate to any of the characters in any way. You can safely miss this one. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment July 16th, 2011
IMPOLEX- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “As World War II draws to an end, American soldier Tyrone (Riley O’Bryan) scours a nameless forest for undetonated German rockets. To complete his mission, the befuddled trooper must contend with intriguing characters that may in fact be mere hallucinations. Written and directed by Alex Ross Perry, this surreal drama finds Tyrone crossing paths with his ex-girlfriend (Kate Lyn Sheil) as well as a talking octopus.” Mixed review in NY Times on 7/15/11. TRDB.
Add comment July 16th, 2011
DAYLIGHT- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “On their way to an upstate New York wedding, upscale young newlyweds Irene (Alexandra Meierhans) and Daniel (Aidan Redmond) make the mistake of picking up a hitchhiker — and soon find themselves taken hostage by three dangerous criminals in this tense psychological thriller. As they struggle to survive, pregnant Irene is forced to face an unexpected truth about her marriage and discovers the strength of her untapped inner resources.” OK review in NY Times on 7/15/11. TRDB.
Add comment July 15th, 2011
SARAH’S KEY- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the midst of researching an article about the roundup of Jews that took place in Paris in 1942, American-born journalist Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas) uncovers a sobering connection between her story and the home she shares with her boorish French husband (Frederic Pierrot). Gilles Paquet-Brenner directs this gripping drama based on a bestselling novel of the same name that was inspired by actual events.” Excellent professional reviews and average audience reaction. TRDB.
8/15/11- Great script and wonderful acting make this Holocaust movie different from others and I highly recommend it. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment July 10th, 2011