As I’ve mentioned before my internet service will soon be changed from Comcast to Hotwire as part of re-wiring our entire complex. I will probably NOT have access to Comcast On-Demand until I am back home in NY in April. It is also possible that next week’s Newsletter could be late or skipped. If you don’t receive my Newsletter next week by email you may be able to access it through my website.
1)
HET VONNIS (THE VERDICT)- 2013. This movie is about a man whose wife and daughter are killed and about his quest for justice in Belgium.1/16/15-
An excellent movie with a power packed beginning. Don’t come late and plan to talk about it afterwards. TRDB.
2) SELMA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.”
12/25/14- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/17/15- An excellent depiction of Martin Luther King, warts and all, and a good reminder of how far we have come as a nation. TRDB.
3) CLOSER TO THE MOON– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “A Romanian police officer teams up with a small crew of old friends from the World War II Jewish Resistance to pull off a heist by convincing everyone at the scene of the crime that they are only filming a movie.”
1/20/15- One of the more unusual films you will see, I found the movie entertaining and original. Hard to believe it’s taken from a true story. Seen as part of the 2015 Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-
Both Recommended–
1) TWO NIGHT STAND– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After an ill-considered one-night stand, two young New Yorkers are obliged to extend their time together when a paralyzing snowstorm strikes the city, confining the pair to a small cramped apartment.”
9/26/14- Weak reviews but it did sound interesting. TRDB.
1/19/15- Conventional in many ways but the acting (Miles Teller and Analeigh Tipton) and the frank dialogue kept me interested. TRDB.
2) WETLANDS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Antisocial teen Helen’s only interest in other people is reuniting her divorced parents, and a freak shaving accident may hold the answer. During a short hospital stay, she uses her outsized personality to unite the staff in her mission.”
9/7/14- Very good reviews for what sounds like a foolish story. The NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.
1/21/15- While the plot may be somewhat familiar I can guarantee you that the film is NOT. Very creative, vulgar at times and very original!! TRDB.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JAN. 27-
All 3 Recommended–
1) THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Granted near-unfettered access to the notoriously insular Studio Ghibli, director Mami Sunada follows the three men who are the lifeblood of Ghibli: the eminent director Hayao Miyazaki, the producer Toshio Suzuki, and the elusive and influential ‘other director’ Isao Takahata over the course of a year as the studio rushes to complete two films, Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises and Takahata’s The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.”
11/28/14- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
2) FURY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the waning days of World War II in Europe, U.S. Army Sgt. Wardaddy leads his tank crew against overwhelming German forces. As both sides prepare for a last bloody battle, Wardaddy embarks on a mission behind enemy lines.”
10/17/14- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative but even the positive ones had qualifications. TRDB.
3) JACKPOT– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven by a fairly outrageous proposition, this blood-soaked comedy opens with Oscar Svendson waking up in the middle of a grisly murder scene. Oscar tries to prove his innocence to the police with the tale of a huge lottery win that went very wrong.”
6/27/14- Today’s NY Times gave this one a mixed review. I couldn’t find other reviews. Make sure it’s the “Jackpot” from 2011. TRDB.
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OPENED ON JAN.16-
Recommended-
1) LITTLE ACCIDENTS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When fate selects Amos Jenkins as the only survivor of a coal-mining disaster, it also makes him part of the turmoil that follows the tragedy. After a mine executive’s son is murdered, Amos and the boy’s mother join forces to find the killer.”
1/12/15- Reviews are fair at best. The NY Times was so-so on this film. TRDB.
2) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a bisexual Iranian-American, Shirin doesn’t quite fit in to her perfect Persian family — and she can’t make a relationship work. So she goes on a journey of self-discovery and sexual adventure in an effort to come to terms with her identity.”
1/16/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.
3) GANGS OF WASSEYPUR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When powerful outlaw Shahid Khan is reduced to working in Ramadhir Singh’s coal mines, it sets off a feud of vengeance between their two families that continues for more than six decades in this high-octane Bollywood thriller.”
1/16/15- Excellent reviews for this Indian drama. TRDB.
4) JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a meditative look at modern work routines’ effects on humans, this abstractly crafted documentary explores the thoughts and anxieties of ordinary people who spend their days in loud and mind-numbing industrial environments.”
1/16/15- Very good reviews from critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
5) LIFE INSIDE OUT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a suburban mother accidentally comes across her old guitar, it reignites her passion for music. She soon takes to the stage again, bringing along her brooding youngest son — which gives rise to unexpected results.”
1/16/15- Weak reviews from the critics but very positive reviews from audiences. I’d give it a try. TRDB.
6) MEDEAS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Ennis toils to keep a dairy farm afloat, his wife, Christina, feels increasingly isolated and withdraws more from the family each day. Her removal from the world continues to grow, threatening to cause irreparable damage to all their lives.”
1/16/15– Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
7) NORTHERN BORDERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his widowed father ships him off to live on his grandparents’ Vermont farm, 10-year-old Austin Kittredge faces an eccentric rural culture and endless verbal combat between his guardians. But he soon begins to absorb some unexpected life lessons.”
1/16/15- No reviews as yet but it sounds OK. TRDB.
8) SPARE PARTS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “The journey of 4 undocumented Mexican-American high school students from Phoenix, AZ who form a robotics club and are led by their teacher with nothing but spare parts and a dream to compete against MIT in a National Underwater Robotics Competition.”
1/16/15- Weak critical review but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
9) STILL LIFE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A dutiful public servant, who spends his days tracking down the relatives of those who’ve died alone, is forced to confront his own loneliness while investigating the death of an alcoholic.”
1/16/15- Fair reviews at best from critics but audiences have liked it much better. TRDB.
10) THE TOUCH OF AN ANGEL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Visualizing the incalculable tragedy of the Holocaust, this riveting documentary resurrects the memories of Henryk Schönker, who witnessed the frantic attempts of German Jews to immigrate while escape from the Nazi death camps was still possible.”
1/16/15- Good reviews although the few reviews I found praised the topic more than the movie. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) LOITERING WITH INTENT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When two would-be actors are tasked with writing a screenplay they may be able to star in, they hightail it to a house in the woods to get going. But their secluded retreat soon descends into chaos as a series of uninvited guests shows up.”
1/16/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.
2) 20 ONCE AGAIN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mysteriously transformed into the person she was a half-century prior, a 70-year-old widow seizes the opportunity to pursue an entirely different life. Before long, the family matriarch has joined her grandson’s punk rock band.”
1/16/15- I found just 1 review– from the NY Times- and it was weak. TRDB.
3) THE WEDDING RINGER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Doug may have found the girl of his dreams, but when it comes to buddies, he’s in short supply — a problem when it comes to recruiting a best man for his own wedding. Not to worry: Best Man Inc. offers groomsmen for hire for the socially awkward.”
1/16/15- Poor critical review but audiences have liked it. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-
1) CONCRETE NIGHT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “At 14, Simo has yet to become infected by the poisonous climate of the slum he inhabits. A night out with his brother does the trick instead. As the two hang out in a toxic Helsinki, the soon-to-be-jailed sibling fills Simo’s head with unwise ideas.”
1/18/15- I’ve seen 4 professional reviews- 3 up and 1 down. It doesn’t sound so good to me and I’ll skip it. TRDB.
2) BELOVED SISTERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the late 18th century, sisters Charlotte and Caroline begin an unconventional romance with poet Friedrich Schiller, who cares deeply for them both. As their situation evolves, each sister finds her life altered in ways she never imagined possible.”
1/9/15- This film received very good reviews from the critics, the NY Times being an exception. Audiences did not care for it at all. TRDB.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW AND RECOMMENDED–
1) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a bisexual Iranian-American, Shirin doesn’t quite fit in to her perfect Persian family — and she can’t make a relationship work. So she goes on a journey of self-discovery and sexual adventure in an effort to come to terms with her identity.”
1/16/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.
2) JOHN WICK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the son of a Russian gang boss steals John Wick’s classic car and kills his dog, the former hit man returns to his lethal specialty in a quest for vengeance — and soon finds that he has a price on his head.”
10/24/14- Sounds ridiculous but this movie has received lots of good reviews from both professionals and audiences. TRDB.
3) LITTLE ACCIDENTS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When fate selects Amos Jenkins as the only survivor of a coal-mining disaster, it also makes him part of the turmoil that follows the tragedy. After a mine executive’s son is murdered, Amos and the boy’s mother join forces to find the killer.”
1/12/15- Reviews are fair at best but a few very good ones. The NY Times was so-so on this film. TRDB.
4) LOVE IS STRANGE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 28 years together, Ben and George finally get hitched. But when the marriage raises controversy at the school where George works, he’s fired. Unable to afford their New York City apartment, the couple is forced to live apart.”
8/12/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
9/16/14- Very well done movie with fine acting from Alfred Molina and John Lithgow. TRDB.
5) MATCH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Patrick Stewart stars as Tobi Powell, a former dancer and aging Julliard choreographer being interviewed by a Seattle couple for a dissertation. But when their questions get too personal, the couple’s hidden agenda becomes evident.”
1/14/15- Fairly good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.
6) MY OLD LADY– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is a down-on-his-luck New Yorker who inherits a Parisian apartment from his estranged father. But when he arrives in France to sell the vast domicile, he’s shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not prepared to budge. His apartment is a viager – an ancient French real estate system with complex rules pertaining to its resale – and the feisty Englishwoman Mathilde Girard (Maggie Smith), who has lived in the apartment with her daughter Chloe.”
9/16/14- Fair critical review but audiences have liked it more. TRDB.
10/13/14- I liked it both because of the superior talent involved and the story but more because of the superior talent.
7) STILL LIFE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A dutiful public servant, who spends his days tracking down the relatives of those who’ve died alone, is forced to confront his own loneliness while investigating the death of an alcoholic.”
1/16/15- Fair reviews at best from critics but audiences have liked it much better. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) 1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT- Loved it
2) BAD TURN WORSE- I liked it
3) BEFORE I DISAPPEAR- Audiences have liked it- critics not so much
4) BEGIN AGAIN- A very good movie and I liked it a lot
5) BELLE- Good reviews
6) BESIDE STILL WATERS- Good reviews
7) BEYOND THE EDGE- Good reviews and I liked it
8)BOYHOOD- Very good. I liked it a lot
9) CALVARY- I liked this movie very much
10) CHEF-A fun movie and I liked it a lot
11) THE DOG- OK reviews
12) THE FAULT IN OUR STARS- I enjoyed it
13) FELONY- Mixed reviews
14) FORCE MAJEURE- I liked this movie very much
15) THE HUNDRED-YEAR JOURNEY- Just OK reviews
16) KELLY & CAL- I liked it
17) LAND HO!- OK reviews
18)LIFE OF CRIME- Mixed reviews
19) A MOST WANTED MAN- Very good and I enjoyed it
20) THE ONE I LOVE- Very good. Enjoyed this one very much
21) THE SEARCH FOR GENERAL TSO- Good reviews
22) THE SLEEPWALKER- Mixed critical reviews and excellent audience reviews
23) THE WORLD MADE STRAIGHT- Good reviews
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
NEW IN THE BURBS–
1) TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the verge of losing her job, Sandra comes up with a last-ditch strategy: get her workmates to give up their bonuses so that she can stay on. With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.”
12/24/14- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Marion Cotillard. TRDB.
2) CAKE– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Saddled with chronic pain, Claire Simmons has kept a sense of humor, even if it’s of the acidic, angry variety. Upset but gripped by curiosity when a member of her support group kills herself, Claire decides to excavate the truths behind the suicide.”
1/21/15- Awful reviews. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) AMERICAN SNIPER– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on his memoir of the same name, this military biopic centers on legendary sniper Chris Kyle, who amassed a record number of kills on the battlefield during his 10-year career as a Navy SEAL.”
12/25/14- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
2) THE IMITATION GAME– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling mathematical wizard Alan Turing’s key role in Britain’s successful effort to crack Germany’s Enigma code during World War II, this historical biopic also recounts how his groundbreaking work helped launch the computer age.”
11/29/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
12/31/14- This movie was very well done with excellent acting and a basically true story. I enjoyed it very much but why did they need to sprinkle the schmaltz late in the movie- it was doing fine without? TRDB.
3) BOYHOOD— Jacob Burns, Bethel. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After divorcing, a mother and father continue to share the task of guiding their young son through youth and adolescence, and finally to adulthood. As the years roll by, the relationships among the three characters continue to evolve as well.”
7/11/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
8/11/14- Richard Linklater has really done it. I enjoyed this movie very much and the continuity of the same actors made this film very real. TRDB.
4) SELMA– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.”
12/25/14- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/17/15- An excellent depiction of Martin Luther King, warts and all, and a good reminder of how far we have come as a nation. TRDB.
5) A MOST VIOLENT YEAR– Jacob Burns. , Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amid New York City’s crime-filled winter of 1981, immigrant Abel Morales and his wife try to operate a successful business, only to see their efforts threatened by the lawless atmosphere permeating the streets.
12/31/14- Excellent critical review. TRDB.
6) BIRDMAN– Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Keaton delivers a winking performance in this dark comedy about a cinematic superhero trying to forge a comeback with a Broadway play. With none of the super-powers of his former character, the actor struggles to rebuild his career and life.”
10/17/14- Excellent reviews from nearly all critics and audiences have liked it as well. The NY Times loved it. TRDB.
10/31/14- Very original and interesting mixing fact and fantasy. Keaton was excellent and I enjoyed the movie. Labeled a comedy, it surely isn’t. TRDB.
7) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. , Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his body progressively ravaged by ALS, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking must rely on his wife, Jane, to continue his life’s work as he faces various challenges. This affecting biographical drama centers on the couple’s fertile partnership.”
11/7/14- Good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
8) WHIPLASH– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven by his demanding music teacher, drummer Andrew is determined to succeed as a jazz musician — even if it destroys his personality. Under the shadow of his father’s failed artistic attempts, Andrew practices until his hands bleed.”
10/10/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
11/7/14- Great acting, great music and a very good story. I liked the movie a lot despite a bit of Hollywood at the end. TRDB.
9) WILD– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone.”
12/3/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
12/25/14- I enjoyed this movie very much. Reese Witherspoon was very believable in this part as a young woman determined to change her life around. TRDB.
ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB