The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 5, 2021-

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC-

1) FINDING YOU– 2021, Synopsis by Netflix. “Gifted young violinist Finley Sinclair is on her way up until an ill-fated audition for a music conservatory derails her. Seeking solace, she elects to study in Ireland, where she meets bad-boy movie star Beckett Rush, and an unlikely romance blooms.”

5/16/21- Poor reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) AMERICAN TRAITOR: THE TRIAL OF AXIS SALLY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Radio broadcaster and Nazi propagandist Axis Sally — aka sultry-voiced American Mildred Gillars — entertains U.S. troops stationed in Europe during World War II, while also demoralizing them. But after the war, Gillars ends up on trial for treason.”

5/28/21- Reviews are awful and I’ll skip it. TRDB.

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NEW MOVIES– IN THEATERS, STREAMING OR BOTH-

1) STILLWATER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Unemployed roughneck Bill Baker (Academy Award® winner Matt Damon) travels from Oklahoma to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter Allison (Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin). Imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit.”

7/25/21- Good reviews for this drama. TRDB. In Theaters.

2)  THE GREEN KNIGHT– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this retelling of the epic 14th-century tale “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” Gawain — a member of King Arthur’s round table — seeks to prove his loyalty to the monarch by taking on the challenge of beheading the Green Knight.”

7/31/21- Very good reviews by the critics and weak ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters.

3) NINE DAYS– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “A man interviews five unborn souls to determine which one can be given life on Earth.”

7.31.20- Fairly good reviews for this sci-fi movie. TRDB. In Theaters

4) ENEMIES OF THE STATE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An average American family becomes entangled in a bizarre web of espionage and corporate secrets when the U.S. government targets the family’s hacker son.”

7/20/21- OK reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters, Prime and other streaming platforms.

5) NEVER GONNA SNOW AGAIN– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On a gray, foggy morning outside a large Polish city, Zhenia (Alec Utgoff), a masseur from the East, enters the lives of the wealthy residents of a gated community. Using hypnotic, almost magical techniques to get a residence permit, he starts working.”

7/20/20- Excellent reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB. In Theaters.

6) THE YEAR OF THE DISCOVERY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In 1992, when the Olympics and the Expo at last presented Spain as an emerging new democracy, the de-industrialisation policies were met with riots in the southern town of Cartagena. The locals remember those days.”

7/31/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters.

7) TAILGATE- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “What starts as a weekend road trip becomes a highway nightmare as family man Hans’ habit of tailgating sparks another driver’s ire. After a confrontation at a gas station, the angry motorist begins following the family’s car — with revenge in mind.”

7/31/21- Fairly good reviews. TRDB. In Theaters

8) RIDE THE EAGLE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his estranged mother’s death, Leif learns that her will includes a “conditional inheritance” awarding him ownership of her Yosemite cabin — but only if he fulfills a list of tasks ranging from the sentimental to the absurd.”

7/31/21- Fair reviews for this comedy. TRDB. In Theaters, Prime and Vudu

9) JUNGLE CRUISE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by the classic Disneyland ride, this action-adventure follows persevering scientist Lily Houghton in her search for a fabled tree with healing properties — a quest that takes her into the Amazon jungle with an intrepid riverboat captain.”

7/31/21- Weak reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB. In Theaters and Disney+

10) SABAYA– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Members of a group risk their lives trying to save Yazidi women and girls who are being held as sex slaves in the most dangerous ISIS camp in the Middle East — Al-Hol in Syria.”

8/1/21- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters.

11) FAUNA– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Luisa and Gabino visit their parents in a mining town in the north of Mexico. Their father’s only interest in them is sparked by Luisa’s actor boyfriend when he acts out the role of a narco kingpin. “

8/1/21- Very good reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB. In Theaters.

12) LORELEI– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A man is released from prison after 15 years and reunites with his high school girlfriend, who is now a single mother of three.”

8/1/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. On Prime

13) ANNETTE- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring a soundtrack from pop duo Sparks, this charming musical follows a picture-perfect couple — stand-up comic Henry and world-renowned soprano Ann — whose daughter is born with a unique gift and an extraordinary destiny.”

8/4/21- Mixed reviews- mostly just fair.  TRDB.

SKIP THESE–

1) THE LAST MERCENARY Awful reviews.

2) RESORT TO LOVE– Poor reviews

MOVIES PLAYING IN WESTCHESTER CO. NY AND FAIRFIELD CO. CT

1) Jacob Burns Film Center-

a) AILEY- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Alvin Ailey was a trailblazing pioneer who found salvation through dance. AILEY traces the full contours of this brilliant and enigmatic man whose search for the truth in movement resulted in enduring choreography that centers on the Black American experience with grace, strength, and unparalleled beauty.”

7/23/21- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB. 

2) Danbury-

a) NINE DAYS

b) THE GREEN KNIGHT-

c) STILLWATER-

MOVIES PLAYING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL

1) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

a) ANNETTE– see below

b) JUNGLE CRUISE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by the classic Disneyland ride, this action-adventure follows persevering scientist Lily Houghton in her search for a fabled tree with healing properties — a quest that takes her into the Amazon jungle with an intrepid riverboat captain.”

7/31/21- Weak reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB.

c) NINE DAYS– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “A man interviews five unborn souls to determine which one can be given life on Earth.”

7.31.20- Fairly good reviews for this sci-fi movie. TRDB.

d) STILLWATER- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Unemployed roughneck Bill Baker (Academy Award® winner Matt Damon) travels from Oklahoma to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter Allison (Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin). Imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit.”

7/25/21- Good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

e) JOE  BELL– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “JOE BELL tells the intimate and emotional true story of an Oregonian father who pays tribute to his gay teenage son Jadin, embarking on a self-reflective walk across America to speak his heart to heartland citizens about the real and terrifying costs of bullying.”

7/21/21- Interesting premise but weak reviews. TRDB.

2) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

a) MAMA WEED–

b) NINE DAYS– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “A man interviews five unborn souls to determine which one can be given life on Earth.”

7.31.20- Fairly good reviews for this sci-fi movie. TRDB.

c) ROADRUNNER–

d) THE GREEN KNIGHT–

e) ANNETTE- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring a soundtrack from pop duo Sparks, this charming musical follows a picture-perfect couple — stand-up comic Henry and world-renowned soprano Ann — whose daughter is born with a unique gift and an extraordinary destiny.”

8/4/21- Mixed reviews- mostly just fair.  TRDB.

3) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE- 8/6–8/8

a) TAILGATE- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “What starts as a weekend road trip becomes a highway nightmare as family man Hans’ habit of tailgating sparks another driver’s ire. After a confrontation at a gas station, the angry motorist begins following the family’s car — with revenge in mind.”

7/31/21- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

AUGUST 19, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) PASS OVER– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Moses and Kitch, two young black men, chat their way through a long, aimless day on a Chicago street corner. Periodically ducking bullets and managing visits from a genial but ominous stranger and an overtly hostile police officer, Moses and Kitch rely on their banter to get them through a day that is a hopeless retread of every other day, even as they continue to dream of their deliverance.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences. TRDB.

8/14/21- I could not get into this movie. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC-

1) LANSKY– Weak reviews for this drama about the notorious gangster

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NEW MOVIES- STREAMABLE AND/OR IN THEATERS-

1) RESPECT- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career — from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom — it’s the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.”

8/12/21- Weak reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

2) DAYS– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking therapy for his chronic pain, middle-aged Kang travels to Bangkok, where he hires young masseur Non for a full body massage. Though the two solitary men lead markedly different lives, they find a special — if brief — connection.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB. In Theaters-

3) NOT GOING QUIETLY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Activism gets highly personal for public-interest lawyer Ady Barkan when he’s diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease at age 32 and given just a few years to live. As he copes with his illness, he embarks on a tireless crusade for health-care reform.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

4) CODA- 2001. Synopsis by Netflix.”As the sole hearing person in her family, 17-year-old Ruby plays a vital role in keeping their fishing business afloat. But when she discovers a passion for singing, she’s pulled in directions that may take her away from her parents and brother.”

8/11/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.On Apple+

5) THE EAST- 2001. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1946, Indonesian nationalists take advantage of the power vacuum left by Japan’s surrender to rise up against Dutch colonial rule. But when Dutch soldier Johan de Vries is deployed to quell the rebels, he soon begins to question his mission.”

8/14/21- A few very good reviews and a few very bad reviews. One called it thoroughly generic. TRDB. In Theaters

6) MATERNA- 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Materna follows the journeys of four New York women who are isolated by city life, separated by class, politics, race and religion, and yet bound by a shared hunger for identity and connection. With their futures at stake, the characters’ lives are upended by a fateful encounter underground, where their stories of personal transformation become a battle for survival.”

8/14/21-  Fair to good reviews. TRDB. In Theaters and several streaming platforms

including Prime Video

7) THE MEANING OF HITLER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dismantling the legend of Adolf Hitler that has persisted since his death in 1945, this thought-provoking documentary traces his ascension — and shatters the mistaken belief that evil can never again rise to power.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. Prime Video

8) EMA- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “After adopting troubled young Polo, married couple Ema and Gastón return him to the orphanage when the boy sets fire to their home, seriously injuring Ema’s sister. But the guilt-ridden Ema soon devises a secret plan to reclaim Polo.”

8/14/21- Very good reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

9) SEARCHING FOR MR. RUGOFF– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “As head of theater chain and film distribution company Cinema 5, Donald Rugoff became famous for his outrageous marketing ideas. This showbiz documentary looks at Rugoff’s irrefutable influence on the industry and his subsequent slide into anonymity.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB In Theaters and virtual cinema

10) HOMEROOM– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oakland High School’s class of 2020 is the focus of this documentary that follows the students through their senior year, capturing the innocence before the Covid-19 pandemic and chronicling their efforts to remove the campus police force.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On Hulu

11) MISHA AND THE WOLVES– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Misha Defonseca’s autobiographical tale about escaping the Nazis by living with a pack of wolves is published, she becomes a celebrity. But after a fallout with the publisher exposes Misha’s story as false, an even darker tale emerges.”

8/14/21- Very good reviews. TRDB. On Netflix

12) THE LOST LEONARDO– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary that unfolds like a thriller, an ancient painting of Jesus Christ sparks an art world frenzy as experts declare it the work of Leonardo da Vinci. But after fetching a record price at auction, the canvas vanishes before exhibition.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

13) USEDOM: A CLEAR VIEW OF THE SEA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Heinz Brinkmann turns his lens on his birthplace, the Baltic island of Usedom, exploring the history and evolution of the locale once home to Germany’s grand health spas and the site of some of Europe’s most splendid villas.”8/14/21- Just two reviews noted and they are both good. TRDB. In Theaters

SKIP THESE–

1) FREE GUY–

2) WHITE AS SNOW- Terrible reviews.In Theaters

3) BECKETT– Terrible reviews from nearly every critic On Netflix.

4) FLAG DAY– Awful reviews

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MOVIES SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER Co, NY AND FAIRFIELD Co, CT-

a) Jacob Burns Film Center–

1) EMA- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “After adopting troubled young Polo, married couple Ema and Gastón return him to the orphanage when the boy sets fire to their home, seriously injuring Ema’s sister. But the guilt-ridden Ema soon devises a secret plan to reclaim Polo.”

8/14/21- Very good reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) THE GREEN KNIGHT–

3) CODA– 2001. Synopsis by Netflix.”As the sole hearing person in her family, 17-year-old Ruby plays a vital role in keeping their fishing business afloat. But when she discovers a passion for singing, she’s pulled in directions that may take her away from her parents and brother.”

8/11/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

4) FLAG DAY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Playing out over two decades, this fact-based drama follows journalist Jennifer Vogel as she struggles to come to grips with the legacy of her disarming dad — a career criminal who has counterfeited millions of dollars.”

8/18/21- Awful reviews. TRDB

5) RESPECT– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career — from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom — it’s the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.”

8/12/21- Weak reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.

b) Danbury-

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MOVIES SHOWING IN PALM BEACH Co, FL

a) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) EMA- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “After adopting troubled young Polo, married couple Ema and Gastón return him to the orphanage when the boy sets fire to their home, seriously injuring Ema’s sister. But the guilt-ridden Ema soon devises a secret plan to reclaim Polo.”

8/14/21- Very good reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) NINE DAYS–

3) ROADRUNNER–

4) THE MACALUSO SISTERS– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the death of Antonella — the youngest of five sisters sharing an apartment — her remaining siblings continue living together for decades, But a deeply held secret finally leads one sister to accuse another of murdering Antonella.

6/6/21- Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5) THE MEANING OF HITLER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dismantling the legend of Adolf Hitler that has persisted since his death in 1945, this thought-provoking documentary traces his ascension — and shatters the mistaken belief that evil can never again rise to power.”

8/14/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

b) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH- 8/20–8/22

1) RESPECT– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career — from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom — it’s the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.”

8/12/21- Weak reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) STILLWATER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Unemployed roughneck Bill Baker (Academy Award® winner Matt Damon) travels from Oklahoma to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter Allison (Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin). Imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit.”

7/25/21- Good reviews for this drama. TRDB

3) FREE GUY— skip this

c)THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE- 8/20–8/22

1) CRYPTOZOO- Synopsis by Netflix. “In this allegorical animated fantasy aimed at adults, conservationist Lauren Gray devotes herself to providing sanctuary for mythological creatures at a zoo. But she soon finds herself in a battle to save them from exploitation by the military.”;.Sounds weird to me

JULY 27, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

THIS NEWSLETTER, #860, WILL BE SENT EARLY SO IT WILL NOT INCLUDE MANY OF MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCAL MOVIES DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 30 THROUGH AUG. 5

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- None

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A pair of interwoven stories set in the present and past, THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER follows Ellie Haworth (Felicity Jones), an ambitious journalist who discovers a trove of secret love letters from 1965 and becomes determined to solve the mystery of the forbidden affair at their center.”

7/23/21- Fair reviews. TRDB.

7/25/21- Boring and I turned it off. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC- NONE THAT I CAN RECOMMEND

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NEW MOVIES- STREAMABLE OR IN THEATERS OR BOTH

MOVIES SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER CO. NY OR IN FAIRFIELD CO. CT-

a) Jacob Burns Film Center-

1) THE GREEN KNIGHT– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this retelling of the epic 14th-century tale “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” Gawain — a member of King Arthur’s round table — seeks to prove his loyalty to the monarch by taking on the challenge of beheading the Green Knight.”

7/25/21- No reviews noted at this time but there has been some controversial press about this new film. TRDB

2) STILLWATER– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Unemployed roughneck Bill Baker (Academy Award® winner Matt Damon) travels from Oklahoma to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter Allison (Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin). Imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit.”

7/25/21- Good reviews for this drama. TRDB

b) Danbury-

MOVIES SHOWING IN PALM BEACH CO.-

a) Stonzek Theater at the Lake Worth Playhouse

1) SWEET THING- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The story revolves around the two siblings and their struggle to find solid ground in the homes of Adam, their alcoholic father, and Eve, their negligent mother. The children ultimately run away and find a temporary life for themselves around the town of New Bedford, MA.”

6/19/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB. July 30– Aug. 1

JULY 1, 2021-

DEAR FRIENDS:

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK ON DISC-

1) MY WONDERFUL WANDA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. ” Sending her wages to her family in Poland, single mom Wanda works as a caregiver for affluent Swiss businessman Josef, who’s recovering from a stroke at his lakeside villa. When Wanda turns up pregnant, Josef’s entire clan is thrown into a tizzy.”

4/22/21– Fair reviews at best but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

2) WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, 9-year-old Anna Kemper is living in 1933 Berlin when her Jewish family is forced to flee the Nazis. As they make their way to Zurich, Paris and eventually London, Anna faces a life of challenges and hardships as a refugee.”

5/21/21- Fair to good reviews by the critics and weak ones by audiences. I’ll try to see it.  TRDB.

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NEW MOVIES IN THEATERS OR STREAMABLE-

1) SUMMER OF SOUL– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, the 5th Dimension and more, the Harlem Cultural Festival draws more than 300,000 people to a series of concerts in the summer of 1969. This documentary features never-before-seen footage from the event.”

6/26/21- Great reviews for this musical documentary. TRDB.  In Theaters

2) I CARRY YOU WITH ME– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two Mexican men maintain a romantic relationship that spans decades.”

6/26/21- Great reviews by the critics and fair ones by audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

3) AGAINST THE CURRENT– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a feat never before achieved, this documentary follows Icelandic kayaker Veiga Grétarsdóttir as she circles her native land counterclockwise, against the Atlantic current — a journey symbolic of her midlife decision to change genders.”

6/27/21- Fair reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

4) SUN CHILDREN– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in Tehran, this incisive drama follows four street kids who pull off small-time scams and petty robberies until a local thug makes them an offer: If they’ll enroll in school, they can get their boss closer to a lost treasure buried nearby.”

6/26/21- Excellent reviews for this Persian language drama. TRDB.In Theaters

5) SISTERS ON TRACK– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A coming-of-age story, set in New York, about the metaphorical and literal sisterhood of young athletes Tai, Rainn, and Brooke Sheppard, who excelled on their track and field team while living in a homeless shelter with their single mother, Tonia.”

6/26/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. Netflix

6) REBEL HEARTS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In 1960s Los Angeles a trailblazing group of nuns, The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place.

6/26/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On Discovery

7) KENNY SHARF: WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “The documentary shows Scharf’s New York City arrival in the early 1980s where he quickly befriended Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.”

6/27/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB. In Theaters and virtual cinemas

8) LANSKY– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this gangland biopic, aging crime boss Meyer Lansky hires writer David Stone to help record Lansky’s memories of a life filled with danger, murder and corruption on a grand scale. Meanwhile, the FBI is pressuring Stone to dig deeper for them.”

6/26/21- Poor reviews by the critics and audiences as well. I’ll still go with it. TRDB.

SKIP THESE–

1) FALSE POSITIVE– Awful reviews from all. On Hulu

2)  THE ICE ROAD– Netflix

3) MY HEART CAN’T BEAT UNLESS YOU TELL IT TO– Excellent reviews for this horror movie but not from me. In Theaters and from various streaming platforms

4) SIBERIA-

SEE ABOVE AND LAST WEEK’S ISSUE FOR DESCRIPTION AND REVIEW OF THESE MOVIES

MOVIES SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT–

a) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER-

1) TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: A CONVERSATION

2) SUMMER OF SOUL-

3) ZOLA- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “On a life-changing whim, Detroit waitress Zola joins her new and licentious friend Stefani on a road trip to Florida, where they plan to rake in a bundle as strippers. Instead, they get entangled in a wild ride that includes violence and murder.”

6/30/21- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

4) SUMMER OF 85- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two young men meet in dramatic fashion on the Normandy coast when Alexis capsizes his boat and mercurial David comes to the rescue. After becoming friends, they begin an intense romance, but things take a dark turn as David’s sinister side surfaces.”

6/19/21- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

A) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

1) 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS–

2) QUEEN BEES–

3) RITA MORENO–

4) SUMMER OF SOUL

5) TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: A CONVERSATION–

B) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) LANSKY- Poor reviews

2) IN THE HEIGHTS– Fair to good reviews- friends have not cared for it

3) QUEEN BEES–

4) SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG-

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN LAKE WORTH-

1) SHIVA BABY– July 2– JULY 4

JUNE 10, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK- NONE

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC- NONE I CAN RECOMMEND

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NEW MOVIES– STREAMABLE OR IN THEATERS-

1) BAD TALES– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a southern suburb of Rome, summer may seem blissful, but tensions and desperation are festering behind the façade. As distracted parents act out their simmering dramas, the kids’ rage-induced actions crack the veneer — with dire consequences.”

6/3/21- Awful reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB. On Virtual Cinemas

2) CITY OF ALI– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “City of Ali is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of how the death of Muhammad Ali brought the people of his Kentucky hometown – and the world – together for one unforgettable week.”

6/4/21- I’ve seen just 4 reviews– one poor and three excellent. TRDB. On Virtual cinemas

3) SPIRIT UNTAMED– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes.  “After moving to a sleepy little town, young Lucky Prescott befriends a wild mustang named Spirit, who shares her rebellious spirit. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her new friends embark on the adventure of a ‘lifetime to rescue the horse that forever changed her life.”

6/4/21- The critics did not like this animated film but audiences did. In Theaters

4) CHASING WONDERS– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Filmed over five years, CHASING WONDERS is a heart-warming story of a young boy, who, encouraged by his grandfather to live a life of hope and possibility, takes off on the adventure of a lifetime to find the magical Emu Plains.

6/4/20- Very few reviews so far and they are mixed. TRDB. In Theaters and on various streaming platforms

5) TOVE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Helsinki, 1945. The end of the war brings a new sense of artistic and social freedom for painter Tove Jansson. Modern art, dizzying parties and an open relationship with a married politician: Her unconventional life puts her at odds with her sculptor father’s strict ideals.

6/4/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. In Theaters

6) SLOW MACHINE– SLOW- 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Stephanie, a restless and vibrant actress, meets Gerard, an NYPD counter-terrorism specialist who’s an aficionado of experimental theater (and maybe out of his mind). Flirtation ensues, ends disastrously, and forces Stephanie to the ramshackle upstate home of musician Eleanor Friedberger.

6/4/21- Excellent reviews for this drama/mystery. TRDB. On Virtual  Cinemas

7) GRACE AND GRIT– In Theaters and on Vudu and Prime

8) THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” reveals a chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.”

6/10/21- Poor reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB. In Theaters and HBO Max

9) THE ANCIENT WOODS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The documentary love story for the forest “The Ancient Woods” focuses on the inhabitants of an old growth forest – birds, animals as well as elderly people living nearby.” In Theaters

10) ALL LIGHT, EVERYWHERE- 2020. This documentary is an exploration of the shared histories of cameras, weapons, policing and justice. As surveillance technologies become a fixture in everyday life, the film interrogates the complexity of an objective point of view, probing the biases inherent in both human perception and the lens.” In Theaters

SKIP THE FOLLOWING:

1) EDGE OF THE WORLD– On many streaming platforms

2) UNDER THE STADIUM LIGHTS– Terrible reviews

_____________________________________________________________________

WHAT’S SHOWING IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY

1) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER-

a) LA PISCINE- 1969. Lovers Marianne and Jean-Paul spend their vacation in a villa on the French Riviera near St-Tropez. Marianne invites her former lover, Harry, and his teenage daughter to stay. Tension rises between them, especially when Jean-Paul seduces Penelope.

b) ALL LIGHT EVERYWHERE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “ALL LIGHT, EVERYWHERE is an exploration of the shared histories of cameras, weapons, policing and justice. As surveillance technologies become a fixture in everyday life, the film interrogates the complexity of an objective point of view, probing the biases inherent in both human perception and the lens.”

6/4/21- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

c) UNDINE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Undine (Paula Beer) works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.”

6/1/21- Fair to good early reviews. TRDB.

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WHAT’S SHOWING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

1) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

a) DREAM HORSE–

b) QUEEN BEES–

c) SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG

d) THE DRY-

e) WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT

2) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH

a) IN THE HEIGHTS–

B) QUEEN BEES–

C) SHEPHERD- THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG

D) CRUELLA–

JUNE 3, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) I JUST FINISHED WATCHING SERIES 3 OF “THE KOMINSKY METHOD” ON NETFLIX AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT

2) BLUE MIRACLE- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) BLUE MIRACLE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “To save their cash-strapped orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition.”

5/28/21- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

6/2/21- I saw this and “fair” describes it well. Basically a “feel good” movie taken from a true story. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC- NONE THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND

_____________________________________________________________________

NEW MOVIES COMING TO THEATERS OR STREAMING-

1) CRUELLA– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this live-action origin story based on the Disney classic “101 Dalmatians,” young Cruella de Vil is working as a fashion designer in 1970s London — until an obsession with dog skins leads her astray.”

5/28/21- Fair reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters and on Disney+

2) SWIMMING OUT TILL THE SEA TURNS BLUE– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this introspective documentary, celebrated filmmaker Zhang-ke Jia chronicles a unique literary festival in his hometown, with well-known writers sharing their visions of the last 70 years of Chinese history.”

5/28/21- Fair reviews. TRDB. In Theaters

3) FIVE YEARS NORTH– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Five Years North is the coming-of-age story of Luis, an undocumented Guatemalan boy who just arrived alone in New York City. He struggles to work, study, and evade Judy — the Cuban-American ICE officer patrolling his neighborhood.”

5/28/21- Just a few reviews- more good than bad. TRDB. At The Film Forum

4) PLAN B- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “After a regrettable sexual encounter, a straight-laced student and her best friend have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in South Dakota.”

5/28/21- Very good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB. On Hulu

5) THE MERCY OF THE JUNGLE– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two soldiers become lost in the jungle while fighting in Congo.”

5/29/21- I’ve seen just 3 reviews and they are all very good. TRDB. On Film Moviement

6) BLUE MIRACLE– Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “To save their cash-strapped orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition..”

5/28/21- Fair reviews at best. On Netflix.

6/2/21- I saw this and “fair” describes it well. Basically a “feel good” movie taken from a true story. TRDB.

7) AHEAD OF THE CURVE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “AHEAD OF THE CURVE tracks the power of lesbian visibility and community from the early ’90s to the present day through the story of Franco’s founding of Curve magazine.”

5/29/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. In Theaters

8)  BAGGIO: THE DIVINE PONYTAIL– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A chronicle of the 22-year career of soccer star Roberto Baggio, including his difficult debut as a player and his deep rifts with some of his coaches.”

5/29/21- Just 2 reviews- one ok and the other awful. TRDB. On Netflix–

9) CHANGING THE GAME- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This intimate story takes us into the lives of three high school athletes from across the US — all at different stages of their athletic seasons, each sharing their lives as transgender teens.”

6/3/21- Excellent reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB. On Hulu

1) AMERICAN TRAITOR: THE TRIAL OF AXIS SALLY–

5/28/21- Reviews are awful and I’ll skip it. TRDB.On various streaming modalities

2)  MOBY DOC– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moving from punk rock to electronic music in the 1990s, masterful beat-maker Moby has never stopped looking for new audio experiences to bring to his worldwide audience. This insightful documentary offers a glimpse into Moby’s singular imagination.

5/29/21- Poor reviews from most. TRDB.

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A) MOVIES IN WESTCHESTER NY-

1) JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER- May 4 through May 10

a) THE FATHER– I saw it and liked it. Very realistic and difficult to watch

b) MINARI– Saw it and liked it. Nominated for Best Picturel

c) THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT’S A RESURRECTION–  2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her son dies in a mining accident, 80-year-old widow Mantoa is ready to exit the world. But when she hears that her village is about to be relocated to make way for a reservoir, she rises to defend her community.”

4/3/21- Reviews are excellent. TRDB.

d) SMOOTH TALK– No Reviews noted

e) UNDINE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Undine (Paula Beer) works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water. 

B) MOVIES IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

1) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

.

a) DREAM HORSE– 2020. Synopsis  boy Rotten Tomatoes. “The film tells the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town bartender.”

5/19/21- Very good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB.

b) FINAL ACCOUNT–

 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “FINAL ACCOUNT is an urgent portrait of the last living generation of everyday people to participate in Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.”

5/19/21- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB. Limited screenings

c) THE DRY-  2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A federal agent investigates the decades-old death of a teenage girl in his drought-stricken hometown.”

5/19/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

d) THE PERFECT CANDIDATE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being prevented from attending a medical conference in Dubai, a female Saudi doctor becomes a candidate in a municipal council election, with an eye toward repairing the road that leads to her clinic.”

5/16/21- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair one from audience. TRDB.

e) UNDINE- 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Undine (Paula Beer) works as a historian lecturing on Berlin’s urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.”6/1/21- Fair to good early reviews. TRDB.

f) WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, 9-year-old Anna Kemper is living in 1933 Berlin when her Jewish family is forced to flee the Nazis. As they make their way to Zurich, Paris and eventually London, Anna faces a life of challenges and hardships as a refugee.”

5/21/21- Fair to good reviews by the critics and weak ones by audiences. I’ll try to see it.  TRDB.

2) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH- see last week’s newsletter for reviews

a) CRUELLA- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this live-action origin story based on the Disney classic “101 Dalmatians,” young Cruella de Vil is working as a fashion designer in 1970s London — until an obsession with dog skins leads her astray.”

5/28/21- Fair reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.

b) DREAM HORSE–DREAM HORSE– 2020. Synopsis  boy Rotten Tomatoes. “The film tells the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town bartender.”

5/19/21- Very good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB.

c) HERE TODAY– Veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Billy Crystal) forms an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship with New York singer Emma Payge (Tiffany Haddish) in the new comedy-drama Here Today.

d) THE FATHER– I saw this movie and liked it. Not for the squeamish!

MAY 20, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

AS MORE THEATERS OPEN UP THE FORMAT OF THE NEWSLETTER WILL ATTEMPT TO KEEP UP WITH NEW SCHEDULES. IT MAY TAKE A WHILE SO PLEASE BE PATIENT.

THE 10 PART TV SERIES- “THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD” ON AMAZON PRIME HAS RECEIVED EXCELLENT REVIEWS

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THE MAURITANIAN– Netflix Disc

2) MINARI– On Demand

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Plagued by severe agoraphobia, New Yorker Anna Fox never leaves her home, instead spending her time watching movies and spying on her new neighbors. When she witnesses a shocking event, she must decide whether to notify the police.”

5/14/21- Poor reviews by the critics and by audiences- well deserved- I turned it off. TRDB.

2) THE MAURITANIAN– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “After suffering a decade of confinement at Guantanamo Bay — without being charged by the U.S. government — Mohamedou Ould Slahi finds a powerful ally in defense attorney Nancy Hollander, who faces myriad obstacles in their fight for justice.”

2/14/21- Weak reviews in general but most critics said that Jodie Foster was excellent in her role. TRDB.

5/17/21- The movie was just OK and it helped that the story was basically true. TRDB.

3) MINARI- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. “

Netflix had this to say– The patriarch of a Korean family living in Michigan during the 1980s wants to be a farmer in Arkansas, but his family experiences severe culture shock as they try to assimilate and become part of the community.

2/11/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. 

5/18/21- A sweet drama that relies on the power of family for its success. I enjoyed it very much. Nominated for Best Picture at Academy Awards.  TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK ON DISC- NONE

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NEW MOVIES- STREAMABLE AND IN THEATERS

1) LA PISCINE– A remake of the original with the same name. Good reviews. At the Film Forum

2) OXYGEN- 2021. Oxygen is a French survival thriller directed by Alexandre Aja. The film tells the story of a young woman (Mélanie Laurent, 6 Underground, Inglourious Basterds), who wakes up in a cryogenic pod. She doesn’t remember who she is or how she ended up there. As she’s running out of oxygen, she must rebuild her memory to find a way out of her nightmare.

5/15/21- Very good reviews from the critics but just fair ones from audiences. TRDB. On Netflix

3) LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Virtuoso Afro-Cuban-born brothers–violinist Ilmar and pianist Aldo–live on opposite sides of a geopolitical chasm a half-century wide. Tracking their parallel lives in New York and Havana, their poignant reunion, and their momentous first performances together, Los Hermanos/The Brothers offers a nuanced, often startling view of estranged nations through the lens of music and family.”

5/15/21- I’ve seen 3 reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB. In Theaters and virtual cinemas

4) THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronic emotional conflict between spouses Nikki and David leads to a trial separation, but her subsequent affair with another man drives David into seething jealousy. Fearing he’ll lose access to his children, he struggles to rein in his fury.”

5/15/21- Excellent reviews from the critics and poor ones from audiences. I’ll let you know if I see it. TRDB. In Theaters and varius streaming platforms. Also on Prime Video

5) PROFILE- 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “PROFILE follows an undercover British journalist in her quest to bait and expose a terrorist recruiter through social media, while trying not to be sucked in by her recruiter and lured into becoming a militant extremist herself.”

5/16/21- Weak reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

6) STOP FILMING US- 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Even though Dutch documentarian Joris Postema arrives in the city of Goma planning to shine a positive light on the Congo by working with three local image-makers, input from the participants opens Postema’s eyes to his cultural biases.”

5/16/21- Only 1 review noted and it is bad. TRDB.

7) THERE IS NO EVIL– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “This powerful anthology shot secretly in Iran features four tales of humane men — a husband and father, a military recruit, a soldier on leave and a physician — facing impossible moral choices when commanded to carry out inhumane acts.”

5/16/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. In Theaters and Virtual cinemas

8) RIDERS OF JUSTICE– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Deployed military man Markus returns home to care for his daughter after a train wreck claims his wife’s life. As Markus seethes with anger over the tragedy, his rage boils over into revenge when he realizes the event was no accident.”

5/166/21- Excellent reviews from all. TRDB. In Theaters

9) THE PERFECT CANDIDATE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being prevented from attending a medical conference in Dubai, a female Saudi doctor becomes a candidate in a municipal council election, with an eye toward repairing the road that leads to her clinic.”

5/16/21- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair one from audience. TRDB. In Theaters

10) FINDING YOU– 2021, Synopsis by Netflix. “Gifted young violinist Finley Sinclair is on her way up until an ill-fated audition for a music conservatory derails her. Seeking solace, she elects to study in Ireland, where she meets bad-boy movie star Beckett Rush, and an unlikely romance blooms.”

5/16/21- Poor reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters

11) ROCKFIELD: THE STUDIO ON THE FARM– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The unlikely tale of how two Welsh brothers turned their dairy farm into one of the most successful recording studios of all time, producing four decades of legendary rock music from Black Sabbath, Queen, The Stone Roses, Oasis and Coldplay.”

5/16/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On Virtual Cinemas

12) ENFANT TERRIBLE– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Painting an unflinching portrait of iconoclastic director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, this episodic biopic depicts his short but prolific cinematic career as he helms more than 40 movies before dying of a drug overdose at age 37.”

5/16/21- Lots of critics liked the movie but few raved about it. TRDB. In Theaters and Virtual cinemas

1) THE DJINN–

2)  THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Plagued by severe agoraphobia, New Yorker Anna Fox never leaves her home, instead spending her time watching movies and spying on her new neighbors. When she witnesses a shocking event, she must decide whether to notify the police.”

5/14/21- Poor reviews by the critics and by audiences- well deserved- I turned it off. TRDB. On Netflix

3) THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD– Violent and definitely NOT for me. In Theaters and HBO Max

4) SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW– Awful reviews by the critics.  Bloody and violent and I’d pass if I were you. In Theaters

5) GEORGETOWN– Really poor reviews.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES AT THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) DREAM HORSE– 2020. Synopsis  boy Rotten Tomatoes. “The film tells the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town bartender.”

5/19/21- Very good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB.

2) FINAL ACCOUNT– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “FINAL ACCOUNT is an urgent portrait of the last living generation of everyday people to participate in Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.”

5/19/21- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) FOUR GOOD DAYS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In an emotional journey based on a true story by Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post writer Eli Saslow, 31-year-old Molly begs her estranged mother Deb for help fighting a fierce battle against the demons that have derailed her life.”

5/4/21- Awful reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) THE DRY– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A federal agent investigates the decades-old death of a teenage girl in his drought-stricken hometown.”

5/19/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5) THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in Northern Italy, this fascinating documentary focuses on a cadre of aging men and their trained canine companions, who search the forest at night for the white Alba truffle — an elusive delicacy that’s impossible to cultivate.”

3/6/21- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

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MOVIES AT THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH=

1) DREAM HORSE– Very good reviews

2) WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT– Very good reviews

3) HERE TODAY–

4) THE FATHER– I want to see this movie

5) FRENCH EXIT– Weak reviews but it sounds quirky

6) MINARI- I saw it and liked it very much

____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES AT THE JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY-

These are some of the movies playing this week- (5/21–5/27) – new ones and old ones in an attempt to catch up

1) FINAL ACCOUNT– Fairly good reviews for this documentary

2) NOMADLAND– I saw it and liked it but not as much as the critics

3) BACURAU– Very good reviews but I chose to skip it

4) STREET GANG- HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET– Great reviews

5) SAINT FRANCES– I liked this drama very much

6) SOUND OF METAL– Great movie-LOVED IT

_____________________________________________________________________

APRIL 22, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

REMEMBER– THERE MAY NOT BE A NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK AS I TRANSITION TO NY FROM FLORIDA

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) STEVE JOBS– Netflix.

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) STEVE JOBS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Everyone knows about the products Steve Jobs designed, but few people really knew the man behind the technology. This revealing biopic focuses on a few key incidents and relationships to tell the story of a digital visionary who changed the world.”

10/8/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

10/21/15- I enjoyed this movie very much and I think I got a good picture of the creative genius of this man who to many was a real son-of-a-bitch. TRDB. Netflix

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX ON A DISC- NONE THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND

_____________________________________________________________________

NEW MOVIES AT THEATERS OR STREAMING-

1) HOPE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “ANJA lives with TOMAS in a large family of biological children and stepchildren. For a number of years the two adults have grown independent of each other, with creative jobs in parallel worlds. When Anja gets a terminal cancer diagnosis, their modern life breaks down and exposes neglected love.”

4/17/21- Very good reviews from audiences and excellent ones from the critics. TRDB. In Theaters

2) BILL TRAYLOR: CHASING GHOSTS– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This illuminating documentary explores the life of a unique American artist, a man with a remarkable and unlikely biography.”

4/17/21- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB . In Theaters and Virtual Cinemas platforms

3) WE BROKE UP– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lori and Doug have been together for 10 years. But when Lori reacts badly to Doug’s surprise proposal just before her little sister’s wedding, he dumps her. Not wanting to steal the spotlight, Doug and Lori pretend they’re still together.”

4/17/21- Sounds stupid but it did get fair reviews including a few very good ones. TRDB. In Theaters

4) DOWNSTREAM TO KINSHASA– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Twenty years after the city of Kisangani becomes the center of fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Six-Day War, victims of the conflict travel down the Congo River to the nation’s capital to demand compensation for their suffering.”

4/17/21- Good early reviews and it sounds interesting. TRDB On Virtual Cinemas

5) OUR TOWNS– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A panoramic yet intimate view of small towns across the United States, based on the bestselling book “Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America,” by journalists James and Deborah Fallows.”

4/17/20- Very good reviews by the critics and poor ones from audience. TRDB. On HBO platforms

SKIP THESE–

I) IN THE EARTH– Fair reviews from the critics and really poor ones from audiences.

2)  THE BANISHING– A classical horror movie and I’m out. On Shudder

3) BEATE– Horror. On Virtual Cinemas

4) MONDAY– Poor reviews. In Theaters, Google Play and Amazon

5) WHY DID YOU KILL ME?- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “After her daughter is killed, a mother uses the social networking site MySpace to investigate the people she believes are responsible, resulting in reverberations for multiple families.”

4/19/21- Poor reviews by the critics and worse ones from audiences. TRDB.

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MOVIES PLAYING AT THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

1) FRENCH EXIT– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her husband long dead and his fortune running out, New York City socialite Frances Price decides to relocate to a friend’s vacant Paris apartment. Boarding a cruise ship with her cat and aimless adult son in tow, Frances heads for a new life.”

2/14/21- Weak reviews by the critics and by audiences as well. It sounds quirky enough that I would give it a try. TRDB. Limited screenings

2) MINARI- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. ”

Netflix had this to say– The patriarch of a Korean family living in Michigan during the 1980s wants to be a farmer in Arkansas, but his family experiences severe culture shock as they try to assimilate and become part of the community.

2/11/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.  Limited screenings

3) SLALOM- 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this timely tale from the world of elite sports, 15-year-old Lyz Lopez is accepted to a ski club known for developing future star athletes. But when she realizes she’s being groomed for more than skiing, Lyz faces increasingly tough choices.”

4/11/21- Excellent reviews for this French drama. TRDB.

4) THE COURIER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the Cold War, an English businessman is tapped to help execute a covert operation for the CIA and MI6, acting as a messenger to pass leaked information from a senior Russian intelligence officer to prevent a nuclear war.”

3/17/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

5) SHIVA BABY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “While at a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student has an awkward encounter with her sugar daddy and her ex-girlfriend.

4/9/21- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

6) THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in Northern Italy, this fascinating documentary focuses on a cadre of aging men and their trained canine companions, who search the forest at night for the white Alba truffle — an elusive delicacy that’s impossible to cultivate.”

3/6/21- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

APRIL 8, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK–

1) A HIDDEN LIFE– Netflix Disc

2) CONCRETE COWBOY– Netflix

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK-

1) A HIDDEN LIFE- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting real-life drama, Austrian Franz Jägerstätter tends to his fields and his family on his farm in the Alps, but Adolf Hitler has other plans for him. When Jägerstätter refuses to fight for the Nazis, he’s in for the battle of his life.”

12/13/19- Fairly good reviews including some excellent ones. Most critics said it was too long at close to 3 hours. TRDB.

4/5/21- It was difficult to enjoy this movie but I did. It felt more like a religious experience than anything else and was profoundly sad. TRDB.

2) CONCRETE COWBOY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Sent to live with his estranged father for the summer, a rebellious teen finds kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of Black cowboys.”

4/3/21- I enjoyed this movie that showed more about ghetto than about horses. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX ON DISC AND PERHAPS STREAMING AS WELL-

1) YELLOW ROSE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A Filipina teen must decide whether to stay with her family or leave her small Texas town to become a country music singer.”

10/9/20– Good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

____________________________________________________________________

NEW STREAMABLE MOVIES-

1) THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT’S A RESSURECTION– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her son dies in a mining accident, 80-year-old widow Mantoa is ready to exit the world. But when she hears that her village is about to be relocated to make way for a reservoir, she rises to defend her community.”

4/3/21- Reviews are excellent. TRDB. On virtual cinemas “bam.org”

2) THE HUMAN VOICE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A woman watches time passing next to the suitcases of her ex-lover (who is supposed to come pick them up, but never arrives) and a restless dog who doesn’t understand that his master has abandoned him.”

4/3/21- Excellent reviews for this Pedro Almodovar drama starring Tilda Swinton. TRDB. In Theaters (just 30 minutes)

3) CONCRETE COWBOY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Sent to live with his estranged father for the summer, a rebellious teen finds kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of Black cowboys.”

4/3/21- I enjoyed this movie that showed more about ghetto than about horses. TRDB. On Netflix

4) MALNI- TOWARDS THE OCEAN, TOWARDS THE SHORE– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A poetic, experimental debut feature circling the origin of the death myth from the Chinookan people in the Pacific Northwest, malni – towards the ocean, towards the shore follows two people as they wander through their surrounding nature, the spirit world, and something much deeper inside.”

4/3/21- Just 4 reviews noted and they are all good. TRDB. On virtual cinema -metrograph.com

5) THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SKIN– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Sam Ali, a young sensitive and impulsive Syrian, left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of by the World’s most sulfurous contemporary artist. Turning his own body into a prestigious piece of art, Sam will however come to realize that his decision might actually mean anything but freedom.”

4/3/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. InTeaters

6) WEWORK: OR THE MAKING AND BREAKING OF A $47 BILLION UNICORN– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn is a feature documentary that explores the rise and fall of one of the biggest corporate flameouts and venture capitalist bubbles in recent years – the story of WeWork, and its hippie-messianic leader Adam Neumann.”

4/3/21- Basically good reviews for this documentary. TRDB. On Hulu

7) ROE V. WADE– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Dr. Bernard Nathanson and Dr. Mildred Jefferson square off in a Supreme Court battle that leads to a controversial verdict on abortion.

4/3/21- Terrible reviews from the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB. Google play and other streaming platforms

SKIP THESE–

1) AMUNDSEN: THE GREATEST EXPEDITION

2) EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE- In some Theaters and on google play

3) THE UNHOLY- In Theaters

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MOVIES SHOWING AT THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) FRENCH EXIT– see the last issue

2) MINARI– (Limited screenings) Also available on-demand and on varius platforms

3) SHIVA BABY– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “While at a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student has an awkward encounter with her sugar daddy and her ex-girlfriend.

4/9/21- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB. Can be viewed on Prime.

4) THE COURIER– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the Cold War, an English businessman is tapped to help execute a covert operation for the CIA and MI6, acting as a messenger to pass leaked information from a senior Russian intelligence officer to prevent a nuclear war.”

3/17/21- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

5) SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT– see the last issue