The Reel Dr. Bob

NOVEMBER 27,  2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THE KILL TEAM– At the Theater

2) VIOLETTE- Netflix

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) THE KILL TEAM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This jarring documentary spotlights the 2010 killings of Afghani civilians by U.S. troops, and the fate of one GI who tried to expose the crimes. Once Specialist Adam Winfield reports the events, he becomes another target of the Army’s investigation.”7/8/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11/22/14- This was an excellent documentary that everybody should see! It’s part of the Global Watch Festival at Jacob Burns Film Center. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) VIOLETTE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Impoverished writer Violette Leduc finds a mentor in best-selling author Simone de Beauvoir, who champions her work and encourages her art. But while the two become lifelong friends, Violette yearns for something more.”6/13/14- Fairly good reviews from critics but poor ones from audiences. TRDB.

11/25/14- The movie held my interest from time to time only. A bit of history made it OK. I love Emmanuelle Devos and for that reason alone I would recommend it. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) IN BLOOM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In post-Soviet Georgia, teen pals Eka and Natia live with their families in decaying high-rises and a social landscape rife with crime and despair. Sticking together in this bleak world, the girls use their nascent sexuality to gain the upper hand.”Very good reviews. TRDB.

11/22/14- As noted, very good reviews but I was bored to distraction and could not care less what happened to anyone in the film. That’s when I turned it off. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, DEC. 2-

1) THE CONGRESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actress Robin Wright plays herself in this surreal drama about a film star who agrees to have her digital image recorded for reuse in future films. Despite the handsome payoff, Robin begins to recognize some unforeseen consequences of the deal.”9/5/14- Fairly good critical review. Audience reviews are mixed so far. TRDB.

2) SEXUAL CHRONICLES OF A FRENCH FAMILY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her son is caught filming himself masturbating at school, his mother rounds up the whole family to discuss their sexual issues. The revelations that follow involve all three generations of the clan.”

A fair review in the NY Times on 6/1/12. TRDB.

3) VANISHING WAVES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this cerebral sci-fi tale, a scientist who’s part of a neurological research team volunteers for a series of unusual experiments that will afford him access to the feverish thoughts of a comatose female patient.”

3/15/13- Generally good reviews but the NY Times panned it in today’s review. Might be interesting. TRDB.

4) THE END OF TIME– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Human perception of time is the elusive topic of this feature-length documentary that explores its subject as real and conceptual, while advancing the idea that the clock may not be the only way to perceive, gauge and experience time.”

11/20/13- I’ve seen just 2 reviews, one up and one down. TRDB.

11/29/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) BREATHING– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A probationary job at a morgue leads a rootless teen delinquent to question his origins and launch a search for the mother he never knew. It all begins with the lifeless body of a woman who shares his family name but turns out to be a stranger.”

8/31/12- Excellent reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) KORKORO- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on the real-life experiences of a Gypsy family living in Nazi-occupied France, this poignant drama explores the broader definition of freedom through the eyes of characters who see permanency as punishment.” Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

7) CIRKUS COLUMBIA–  Premise Netflix. “With communism dismantled, refugee Divko Buntic (Miki Manojlovic) returns to his Herzegovina home bearing a new paramour and old grudges. His first act of comeuppance is disturbing the peace of Lucija (Mira Furlan), the wife who refused to flee with him 20 years before. Domestic strife echoes the coming civil war as Divko has Lucija tossed from her home, Lucija retaliates, and intrigue develops between their son and Divko’s new wife.”

At the 2011 Palm Springs Int. Film Festival. I enjoyed the film. TRDB.

2/17/12- Fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8) SPLINTERS– 2012. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Splinters is the first feature-length documentary film about the evolution of indigenous surfing in the developing nation of Papua New Guinea. In the 1980s an intrepid Australian pilot left behind a surfboard in the seaside village of Vanimo. Twenty years on, surfing is not only a pillar of village life but also a means to prestige. With no access to economic or educational advancement, let alone running water and power, village life is hermetic. A spot on the Papua New Guinea national surfing team is the way to see the wider world; the only way.”

2/3/12- OK review in today’s NY Times as well as good professional  reviews in general. OK audience reaction so far. TRDB.

9) LUNCH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “For 4 0 years, a group of comedy legends that includes Sid Caesar, Monty Hall and Carl Reiner has been meeting every two weeks for lunch. This documentary examines the strong friendships within the group, which has seen members come and go over time.”

11/9/12- Uniformly good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10) LOVES HER GUN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Allie is attacked in New York, she picks up and moves to Austin. Paranoid and still haunted by the incident, she immerses herself in the city’s gun culture as a way to feel less vulnerable.”

1/10/14- A good review from the NY Times in today’s issue. Most other critics have liked it also. TRDB.

11) NORTE, THE END OF HISTORY– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the northern Philippine province of Luzon, a law-school dropout commits a horrific double murder; a gentle family man takes the fall and receives a life sentence, leaving behind a wife and two kids.”

6/18/14- Great reviews. TRDB.

12) MY WORDS, MY LIES, MY LOVE (LILA, LILA)- Premise by Netflix. “David (Daniel Brühl), a shy waiter, is desperately in love with a sophisticated literature student named Marie (Hannah Herzsprung). When he finds a manuscript in a nightstand at a secondhand furniture shop, David hatches a brilliant plan to impress his crush. Claiming the masterfully crafted work as his own, David becomes a respected published novelist and wins Marie’s heart. Everything seems perfect … until the manuscript’s real author shows up.”

11/27/14- OK reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE FRENCH MINISTER– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Alexandre Taillard de Vorms is tall and impressive, a man with style, attractive to women. He also happens to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the land of enlightenment: France. With his silver mane and tanned, athletic body, he stalks the world stage, from the floor of the United Nations in New York to the powder keg of Oubanga.”

3/21/14- Mediocre reviews in general but the NY Times liked it. I saw 10 minutes of this movie and I think that was enough. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, NOV.21-

1) THE CIRCLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the turbulent cultural climate of 1950s Zurich, a naïve teacher and a transvestite cabaret artist — both members of a secret gay group — fall in love. But as they grapple with social and legal victimization, their future may prove even darker.”11/21/14- Excellent professional reviews and audiences have liked it also. TRDB.

2) DEATH METAL ANGOLA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Huambo, Angola’s second-largest city, a hard-core rock scene has flourished for years. This absorbing documentary follows two heavy metal devotees as they organize a rock festival to aid the thousands of orphans created by Angola’s long civil war.”

11/21/14- Very good professional reviews. TRDB.

3) FLAMENCO, FLAMENCO– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Veteran flamenco performers are joined by a new generation of artists in this sizzling performance captured at the Seville Expo ’92 pavilion. Oversized replicas of paintings by Spanish masters prove a dramatic backdrop.”

11/21/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) FOOD CHAINS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary call to arms details the questionable ethics of the food supply industry, pointing out the power of huge supermarket chains to dictate low wages and inhumane labor conditions for farm workers in the United States.”

11/21/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) 4 MOONS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “4 Moons tells four stories about love and self-acceptance. An eleven year-old boy struggles to keep secret the attraction he feels towards his male cousin. Two former childhood friends reunite and start a relationship that gets complicated due the fear one of them has of getting caught. A long lasting gay relationship is in jeopardy when a third man comes along. An old family man is obsessed with a young male prostitute and tries to raise the money to afford the experience.”

11/21/14- Just 2 professional reviews and they are both positive. TRDB.

6) A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bad things are commonplace in Bad City, including prostitution, drugs and crime, and most recently a sequence of attacks by a vampire on the loose. In this wild mash-up of cinematic genres, one couple struggles to cope with their hellish situation.”

11/21/14- This is apparently the first Iranian Vampire Western ever made and it has received excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) THE KING AND THE MOCKINGBIRD– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on a Hans Christian Andersen story, the wildly satirical THE KING AND THE MOCKINGBIRD follows a chimney sweep and shepherdess on the run from a tyrannical king.”

11/21/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

8) LATE PHASES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Newly arrived at a remote retirement community, blind war veteran Ambrose McKinley learns that it’s being plagued by a slew of animal attacks. When his service dog and his neighbor are savagely killed, Ambrose realizes something sinister is afoot.”

11/21/14- Sounds ridiculous but has received OK reviews. TRDB.

9) LITTLE HOPE WAS ARSON– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After arson fires destroy 10 East Texas churches in the space of a few weeks, the resulting police investigation fails to turn up any leads. Eventually, a citizen’s tip points detectives in the direction of two young locals.”

11/21/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

10) MONK WITH A CAMERA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary charts the journey of photographer Nicholas Vreeland, grandson of fashion icon Diana Vreeland, who left behind the jet-set world he was born into and turned toward a spiritual path that led to his becoming a Buddhist monk.”

11/21/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11) THE SLEEPWALKER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Kaia and her boyfriend work to restore her childhood home, they get an unexpected visit from her estranged sister, Christine, and her fiancé. And it doesn’t take long for recriminations old and new to enter the women’s lives as well.”

11/21/14- Mixed critical reviews and excellent audience reviews. TRDB.

12) STONES IN THE SUN– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this powerful social drama, Haitian refugees cross paths in 1980s NYC as political violence engulfs their homeland. In order to move forward, they must confront the horrors of the past.”

11/21/14– I’ve seen 3 professional reviews– 2 up including the NY Times and 1 down. I’ll try it. TRDB.

13) LITTLE WHITE LIE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this intimate documentary, Lacey Schwartz reflects on her experiences growing up in a typical Jewish household, remaining unaware of her true parentage until her mother shares the long-held secret of her affair with a black man.”

11/24/14- Great early reviews. TRDB.

1) ALL RELATIVE– 2014.  Synopsis by Netflix. “What begins as natural attraction turns into love after graduate student Harry meets fellow New Yorker Grace. But their romantic voyage takes an unexpected turn for the absurd when Harry is introduced to Grace’s parents.”11/21/14- Miserable critical review but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

2) REACH ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Led by a stellar ensemble cast, the inspirational dramedy REACH ME tells interwoven stories from a diverse group of people who are united by one thing¿a powerful book from an anonymous and reclusive author (Tom Berenger). When the book’s positive message goes viral, a journalist (Kevin Connolly) and his editor (Sylvester Stallone), a former inmate (Kyra Sedgwick), a hip-hop mogul (Nelly), an actor (Cary Elwes) and an undercover cop (Thomas Jane) are inspired to change their lives by facing their fears. REACH ME also stars Kelsey Grammer, Lauren Cohan, Ryan Kwanten and Tom Sizemore.”

11/21/14- Terrible reviews- this movie managed to get a zero rating from Rotten Tomatoes. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) ART AND CRAFT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mark Landis has been called one of the most prolific art forgers in US history. Posing as a philanthropic donor, and most recently as a Jesuit priest, Landis has given away hundreds of works over the years to a staggering list of institutions.”9/19/14- Excellent reviews all around except for the NY Times that did not like it. TRDB.

2) THE GREEN PRINCE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a top leader in Palestine’s militant Hamas movement, spends a decade working as a mole for Israeli intelligence. In this gripping true-life drama, Yousef lives each day in immediate danger of torture and execution.”8/25/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/22/14- I liked this documentary very much. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW and Recommended– NONE

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) BODY OF WAR– Netflix Streaming. Very good.

2) FOR A WOMAN– Netflix. Very good.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) BODY OF WAR– 2007. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tomas Young returned home from the Iraq War paralyzed, struggling to deal with his physical limitations and his changing feelings about the war.”11/18/14- An excellent documentary vividly showing what it’s like for this young man and many others as well. The movie also juxtaposed various themes about the duplicity of the government in the entire affair. Listening to Senator Robert Byrd’s speech is moving. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2)  FOR A WOMAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though 35-year-old Anne knows little about her parents’ past, the old photos and letters she examines after her mother’s death hint at a buried secret. As Anne digs deeper, she uncovers a hidden affair and other surprises in her family history.”

5/2/14- A good review in today’s NY Times and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.

11/19/14- I liked this movie very much. Very realistic acting and screenplay. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) FORT McCoy– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unable to serve in World War II because of a heart condition, a barber moves his family adjacent to a Wisconsin army base and prisoner-of-war camp to provide his services. But even in rural America — far from the frontline — the war finds victims.”8/7/14-Weak reviews but this movie did sound interesting. Even those who liked it qualified their reviews. TRDB.

11/17/14- A fairly weak, Hollywood type movie but it was a slice of life of the families living on POW bases in the United States so it did hold my interest. TRDB. Netflix.

2) WHITEY: USA VS. JAMES J. BULGER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarian Joe Berlinger lays bare the real story of South Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger, including his sensational 2013 trial.”

6/27/14- A very good review in today’s NY Times and OK reviews by other critics. Some really bad ones too. Audiences have liked it more. TRDB.

11/17/14- I was looking forward to seeing this movie but I found it incredibly boring. TRDB. Netflix.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 25-

1) BEYOND THE EDGE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Edmund Hillary’s 1953 ascent of Mt. Everest was an event that amazed the world and led to a new age of mountaineering and ambitious exploration. Hilary’s triumphant saga is retold using both modern footage, and recordings and photos from the time.”7/4/14- Mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.

2) WHAT IF– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Wallace meets Chantry an animator and form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. There is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend?”

8/8/14- The movie sounds corny but has received good reviews. The NY Times didn’t care for it. TRDB.

3) THE LESSER BLESSED– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “The story of three unlikely friends isolated in a small rural town discovering what they can of life and love amid racial tensions and the recklessness of youth, in a world clouded by a dark mystery from his past.”

7/9/13- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

4) HOLLYWOOD TO DOLLYWOOD– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Gay twin brothers Gary and Larry are determined to get their screenplay to Dolly Parton. They embark on a tumultuous quest in their RV from Hollywood to Dolly’s theme park in Tennessee to meet their idol.”

8/31/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times and audiences have loved it. TRDB.

5) HAWKING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking narrates his own story via the voice-synthesis device that he has used since ALS silenced his speech. Hawking’s memories capture his youth and college years as well as his extraordinary scientific career.”

9/13/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and by nearly all critics as well. TRDB.

6) THE ATTORNEY– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “SONG Woo-seok has no clients, connections, or even a college degree, but his eye for business and appetite for money turn him into one of the most successful lawyers in town. But right at the peak of his success, a local teenager is falsely accused of a crime, then beaten and tortured while waiting in jail. Shocked by these conditions, SONG changes the course of his life, and takes on the case no one else will. This story is based on true events.”

2/7/14- A good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics too. TRDB.

7) LEVEL 5– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Chris Marker’s futuristic reverie, game-developer Laura creates a video game based on the WWII Battle of Okinawa. Laura searches the Internet for information on the battle, and interviews Japanese experts and witnesses.”

8/15/14- Very good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE SKINNY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A year after college graduation, a pact reunites four gay men and a lesbian friend in New York City for a fateful Gay Pride weekend. As they catch up, some painful memories rise to the surface, bringing mistrust and bitterness into their celebration.”

A weak review in the NY Times on 6/8/12. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, NOV. 14-

1) BAD TURN WORSE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “What starts as an unwise way to finance a weekend of pre-college partying ends up as something far worse for the teens in this noir-ish crime drama. After stealing from his boss, Billy Joe learns that the cash he lifted was earmarked for a gangster.”11/14/14- Liked by many critics but not one gave it a very good review. I’ll recommend it but it’s up for grabs. TRDB.

2) BESIDE STILL WATERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by losing his parents in a car crash, Daniel Thatcher is upset when none of his friends attends the funeral. Looking for closure, he insists that they come to a memorial celebration in the family home, leading to a night of reminiscences.”

11/14/14- Mixed reviews from critics. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

3) BEYOND THE LIGHTS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unprepared for the demands of fame and the conflicts that success generates, rising musical star Noni Jean finds herself in a moment of suicidal despair — until she’s rescued by a young policeman who’s destined to become her lover.”

11/14/14- Generally good reviews but several said it was VERY cheesy and one said if it was any cheesier they could pour it on macaroni. TRDB.

4) BRAHMIN BULLS– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “When Ashok makes a surprise visit to Los Angeles to visit his estranged son, the two begin a journey to mend their relationship until Sid discovers that his father has actually come in search of an old flame.”

11/14/14- Just 2 professional reviews and they are both positive. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

5) BUTTER ON THE LATCH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Old friends Sarah and Isolde reunite at a Balkan folk festival in the California forest, where Sarah is soon enchanted by the handsome Steph. As she seduces him, Sarah all but ignores Isolde, arousing strange visions that blur reality and fantasy.”

11/14/14- Good professional reviews. Audiences have mixed reviews. TRDB.

6) DRUG LORD: THE LEGEND OF SHORTY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two documentary filmmakers begin a quest to find the legendary “El Chapo,” Mexico’s most powerful drug lord and a highly controversial figure. Though authorities portray him as a ruthless killer, many still see the elusive gangster as a folk hero.”

11/14/14- Mediocre professional reviews but audiences have invariably liked it. TRDB.

7) FOXCATHER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Preparing for the 1988 Olympics, two sibling wrestlers cross paths with a paranoid schizophrenic millionaire in this drama based on a true story. The competitive Schultz brothers soon learn their new acquaintance is a dangerous distraction.”

11/14/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8) THE HOMESMAN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a frontier town in the Nebraska Territory, self-reliant spinster Mary Bee Cuddy is tasked with escorting a trio of deranged women to a sanctuary in Iowa. Joining her on the arduous trek is George Briggs, an Army deserter Mary rescued from hanging.”

11/14/14- Good professional reviews and weak audience ones. I’d see anything with Hilary Swank. TRDB.

9) LEVITATED MASS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2012, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art installed Michael Heizer’s sculpture Levitated Mass — a 340-ton boulder perched atop a trench. This film traces the piece’s journey — from conception to the monolith’s 11-day transport from Riverside.”

11/14/14- Excellent reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

10) LOVE HUNTER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ten years after trading rock stardom in Serbia for the bright lights of New York City, Milan Mumin is driving a cab and trying to scrape up the money to record an album. But his plans are thrown for a loop when his Serbian girlfriend comes to town.”

11/14/14- Just 2 professional reviews (the NY Times in one) and they liked it very much. Audiences have uniformly liked this movie also. TRDB.

11) OCCUPY THE FARM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this conservation-minded documentary, 200 urban farmers join forces to save the last big piece of farmland in California’s East Bay region. Their solution: Occupy the land and plant 15,000 seedlings to discourage future development.”

11/14/14- Just 3 professional reviews– 2 up and 1 down (the NY Times). Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

12) RED ARMY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Captain of the Red Army hockey team during its glory years in the 1970s and ’80s, “Slava” Fetisov recalls the pride and constant pressure felt by the players on the squad during a turbulent political era in the Soviet Union.”

11/14/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

13) ROSEWATER– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”

9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.

14) STARRY EYES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to make it as an actress in Hollywood, Sarah Walker spends her days working a dead-end job, enduring petty friendships and going on countless casting calls in hopes of catching her big break. After a series of strange auditions, Sarah lands the leading role in a new film from a mysterious production company. But with this opportunity comes bizarre ramifications that will transform her both mentally and physically into something beautiful… and altogether terrifying.11/14/14-

OK reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

15) HAPPY VALLEY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The town nicknamed Happy Valley searches for answers as Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is arrested on 40 counts of child molestation. Key figures talk openly in this documentary about how the scandal unfolded.”

11/19/14- Very good reviews from critics and good reviews from audiences. The NY Times liked it as well. TRDB. (opened 11/19)

16) BAD HAIR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in the slums of Caracas, Venezuela, this pensive drama focuses on a 9-year-old boy whose determination to straighten his curly hair creates discord with his mother — who fears the fixation may be a sign of homosexuality.”

11/19/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB. (opened 11/19)

17) PULP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On their long, bumpy ride to rock fame in the 1980s and ’90s, the celebrated pop group Pulp often changed their style and personnel but always maintained their spell over a legion of fans, as demonstrated in this synergistic documentary.”

11/19/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB. (opened 11/19)

Not Recommended–

1) ALWAYS WOODSTOCK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her life in upheaval, frustrated songwriter Catherine Brown retreats to her vacant family home in Woodstock, N.Y., to review her priorities. Aided by a longtime friend of her parents, Catherine begins to reclaim her sense of purpose.”11/14/14- Some of the worst reviews I have seen! TRDB.

2) THOU WAST MILD & LOVELY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thou Wast Mild and Lovely is a sensual thriller inspired by East of Eden and starring love, death, guns, goats and a farm in the wilds of Kentucky.”

11/14/14- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) LIFE OF RILEY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Romantic chaos abounds in this satire of love and manners inspired by a character named George Riley, who’s constantly spoken of but never seen. When Kathryn learns that her ex-lover George doesn’t have long to live, she’s drawn to him anew.”10/24/14- Fair reviews at best. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

2) DIPLOMACY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a doomed and demented Adolf Hitler orders his army to level Paris with explosives before abandoning the city, Swedish consul general Raoul Nordling launches a diplomatic attempt to persuade a German general not to execute the plan.”10/15/14- Good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

1) BESIDE STILL WATERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by losing his parents in a car crash, Daniel Thatcher is upset when none of his friends attends the funeral. Looking for closure, he insists that they come to a memorial celebration in the family home, leading to a night of reminiscences.”11/14/14- Mixed reviews from critics. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE HOMESMAN–  Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a frontier town in the Nebraska Territory, self-reliant spinster Mary Bee Cuddy is tasked with escorting a trio of deranged women to a sanctuary in Iowa. Joining her on the arduous trek is George Briggs, an Army deserter Mary rescued from hanging.”11/14/14- Good professional reviews and weak audience ones. I’d see anything with Hilary Swank. TRDB.

2) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

REPEATS-

1)  BIRDMAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, 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.

2)  WHIPLASH– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, 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.

3) ROSEWATER- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”

9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.

4) ST. VINCENT– Bethel, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent. A hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers, Vincent finds his life changed by the boy’s presence.”

10/10/14- Just fair professional reviews but audiences have liked it more. Most said that Bill Murray made the movie. TRDB.

5) FORCE MAJEURE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”

10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB.

6) CITIZENFOUR– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB.

7) GONE GIRL– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

 

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) WHIPLASH- At the Theater

2) A FIVE STAR LIFE– Netflix

3) GABRIELLE– Netflix

4) STOLEN SEAS– Netflix Streaming

5) TEDDY BEAR– Netflix Streaming

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) WHIPLASH – 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.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

1) A FIVE STAR LIFE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A Five Star Life is the sophisticated and delightful story of one woman’s quest for personal and professional fulfillment set against some of the most stunning cities and opulent hotels of the world. Stylish and independent, Irene (Margherita Buy) is a single career woman in her forties with a job to die for. As a luxury hotel critic, she checks into the world’s finest establishments incognito to assess their standards.”7/18/14- Professional reviews and audience reaction are mixed. TRDB.

11/8/14- A delightful light drama. This movie will not win any awards but I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.

2) GABRIELLE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Musicians Gabrielle and Martin fall in love and want to begin a relationship, which is against the rules at the home for the disabled where they live. Refusing to part with Martin, Gabrielle is determined to prove that she can live independently.”

4/14/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11/10/14- This movie was beautiful– great characters and a very interesting story. TRDB. Netflix.

3) STOLEN SEAS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Utilizing exclusive interviews and unparalleled access to real pirates, hostages, ship-owners, pirate negotiators and experts on piracy, Stolen Seas presents a chilling exploration of the Somali pirate phenomenon. Stolen Seas is an eye opening refutation of preconceived ideas on how or why piracy has become the world’s most frightening multi-million dollar growth industry.”

1/18/13- This movie was one of the “best of the fest” at the Palm Springs International Film Festival this year and was praised in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/11/14- An excellent documentary that tries to change your concept of ship hijacking by showing the customs and life of the Somali pirates, the ship companies AND the governments involved. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) TEDDY BEAR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A shy and socially inept 38-year-old Danish bodybuilder travels to Thailand, where he learns some unexpected lessons about life and love.”

11/12/14- A very good drama with a sensitive touch and some interesting family dynamics. I’d recommend it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

Not Recommended–

1) WRECKERS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Dawn and David return to his hometown, an unexpected visit from David’s unbalanced brother makes Dawn question how well she knows her husband.”

11/11/14- A very dark movie, most of it very slow. About family secrets. You can skip it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV.18-

1) 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.

2) BOUND BY FLESH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Perhaps the most famous conjoined twins of all time, the Hiltons became a vaudeville sensation before falling on hard times and dying in poverty. This absorbing documentary follows their unique life, which was fraught with exploitation and hardship.”

6/27/14- Very good reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) WHEN COMEDY WENT TO SCHOOL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A host of iconic comedians — including Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason, Mort Sahl and Jerry Stiller — appear in this engaging documentary about the birth of modern stand-up comedy that occurred in the resorts of the Catskill Mountains.”

11/8/13- Mixed reviews including some really poor ones. I enjoyed it. TRDB.

4) FOR A WOMAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though 35-year-old Anne knows little about her parents’ past, the old photos and letters she examines after her mother’s death hint at a buried secret. As Anne digs deeper, she uncovers a hidden affair and other surprises in her family history.”

5/2/14- A good review in today’s NY Times and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.

5) STOLEN SEAS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Utilizing exclusive interviews and unparalleled access to real pirates, hostages, ship-owners, pirate negotiators and experts on piracy, Stolen Seas presents a chilling exploration of the Somali pirate phenomenon. Stolen Seas is an eye opening refutation of preconceived ideas on how or why piracy has become the world’s most frightening multi-million dollar growth industry.”

1/18/13- This movie was one of the “best of the fest” at the Palm Springs International Film Festival this year and was praised in today’s NY Times. I saw this Streaming but it’s coming in DVD format. TRDB.

6) IN BLOOM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In post-Soviet Georgia, teen pals Eka and Natia live with their families in decaying high-rises and a social landscape rife with crime and despair. Sticking together in this bleak world, the girls use their nascent sexuality to gain the upper hand.”

Very good reviews. TRDB.

7) THE WORLD IS BIG AND SALVATION LURKS AROUND THE CORNER– 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “Decades after moving with his parents from Bulgaria to Germany, Alex (Carlo Ljubek) loses his memory in a terrible car accident. But by embarking on a tandem bicycle adventure with his quirky grandfather (Miki Manojlovic), Alex begins to reconnect with his forgotten past. Based on Ilija Trojanow’s autobiography, this touching drama explores such powerful themes as family, loyalty and cultural identity.”

11/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, NOV. 7-

1) PELICAN DREAMS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary chronicles the journey of a California pelican named Gigi, who starts a new life at a seabird rescue facility after landing in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge, causing a major traffic tie-up.”11/7/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) ACTRESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shelving a burgeoning small-screen career, actress Brandy Burre settles down to motherhood and domesticity but eventually grows restless. This engaging documentary chronicles the conflicts and complications she faces as she tries to make a comeback.”

11/7/14- Excellent professional reviews. One critic called this the best documentary she had ever seen. TRDB.

3) BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This heartrending portrait of a disastrous 1984 chemical leak in Bhopal, India, chronicles events leading up to the tragedy and the shattering repercussions that turned the city into a nightmarish landscape strewn with more than 10,000 corpses.”

11/7/14- Critics are evenly divided on this movie but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

4) THE INVISIBLE FRONT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through archival footage and interviews, this illuminating documentary recounts the story of the Forest Brothers, a Lithuanian resistance movement formed in 1944 to fight the Soviet occupation and communist rule.”

11/7/14- Just a few professional reviews so far and they are all positive. Audiences have loved the movie. TRDB.

5) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING– 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.

6) VIRUNGA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to protect the last population of Africa’s mountain gorillas, Congolese wildlife officials must contend not only with outlaw poachers but the effects of fierce combat between government forces and die-hard insurgent groups.”

11/7/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) THE WAY HE LOOKS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Overprotected by his mother and smitten best friend Giovana, blind teenager Leonardo dreams of being independent. But the arrival of new classmate Gabriel complicates matters when the two boys’ friendship deepens into something more.”

11/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8) WARSAW UPRISING– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Warsaw Uprising” is probably the world’s first war documentary film made entirely from original archive materials. It tells the story of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 through the eyes of US airman and two young reporters, witnesses to insurgent fighting. It uses authentic newsreels filmed in August of 1944.”

11/7/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

9) WEST- 2014- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “East Germany. Summer, late 70’s. Three years after her boyfriend Wassilij’s apparent death, Nelly Senff decides to escape from behind the Berlin wall with her son Alexej, leaving her traumatic memories and past behind. Pretending to marry a West German, she crosses the border to start a new life in the West.”

11/7/14- Just 3 professional reviews– 2 up and 1 down (the NY Times).  Audience reviews are mixed as well. Sounds interesting to me and I’ll try to see it. TRDB.

10)  GETTING TO THE NUTCRACKER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As revealed in this behind-the-curtain documentary, staging a production of the annual holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” takes a colossal collective effort, from auditioning ballet dancers to grueling rehearsals to the live performance.”

11/7/14- I found just 2 reviews- 1 up and 1 so-so. I’ll go with it. TRDB.

1) VIVA LA LIBERTA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this elegant and chilling story about world politics, the great Toni Servillo defies expectations playing two roles, imbuing each character with brilliant nuance and astonishing attention to detail. In the first, he personifies political failure in the role of the disgraced ideologue and party leader, Enrico Oliveri. In the second, he embodies the shrewd genius of a madman as Oliveri’s unhinged twin brother who seizes control of the nation amidst the void of his brother’s disappearance.”11/7/14- I’ve seen just 4 reviews and they are all poor. TRDB.

2) THE BETTER ANGELS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Revisiting the many hardships of Abraham Lincoln’s youth, this biographical epic also highlights the influences that helped shape his personality — including the role played by Lincoln’s stepmother, Sarah, in developing his beliefs.”

11/7/14- Weak professional reviews– audiences have been a bit more generous. TRDB.

3) ELSA & FRED– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “ELSA AND FRED is the story of two people who, at the end of the road, discover that it’s never too late to love. After losing his wife, Fred (Christopher Plumer) feels disturbed, confused and alone, so his daughter (Marcia Gay Harden) helps move him into a small apartment where he meets Elsa (Shirley Maclaine).”

11/7/14- Awful professional reviews but audiences have given this movie average reviews. TRDB.

4) FUGLY!- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fame proves elusive for comic Jesse Sanchez, who reflects on life from the bottom of a bathtub in this film based on John Leguizamo’s one-man show. The story that unfolds has it all: love, loss, mistakes, adventure and redemption.”

11/7/14- Poor reviews from audiences and from the few professional reviews I’ve seen. TRDB.

5) 21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Independent film godfather Richard Linklater and his oeuvre are profiled in this survey of the first 21 years of the director’s career. Revealing interviews with his collaborators round out the picture of a cinematic artist who follows his own muse.”

11/7/14– Weak professional reviews but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

6) THE TOWER– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A searing look at Communist East Germany in its final decade, The Tower reveals the intimate realities of life behind the Berlin Wall. Based on Uwe Tellkamp’s acclaimed novel The Tower: Tales from a Vanished Land, which won the 2008 German Book Prize and was heralded by Die Zeit as “one of the most important books of European post-War literature”, this riveting series introduces viewers to respected senior surgeon Richard Hoffmann, his wife Anne, their teenage son Christian, and their community of privileged intellectuals in suburban Dresden.”

11/7/14- Just 3 professional reviews, including the NY Times and they are all negative. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) FORCE MAJEURE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB.

2) WATCHERS OF THE SKY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paying tribute to four pioneers of the global campaign to end genocide, this feature-length documentary details their efforts to protect the powerless. Blending cinema verité with interview footage, the film highlights their successes and failures.”10/17/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) ELSA & FRED– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “ELSA AND FRED is the story of two people who, at the end of the road, discover that it’s never too late to love. After losing his wife, Fred (Christopher Plumer) feels disturbed, confused and alone, so his daughter (Marcia Gay Harden) helps move him into a small apartment where he meets Elsa (Shirley Maclaine).”11/7/14- Awful professional reviews but audiences have given this movie average reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) ROSEWATER- Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) BIRDMAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, 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.

2) FORCE MAJEURE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB.

3) WHIPLASH– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, 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.

4) ST. VINCENT– Bethel, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent. A hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers, Vincent finds his life changed by the boy’s presence.”

10/10/14- Just fair professional reviews but audiences have liked it more. Most said that Bill Murray made the movie. TRDB.

5) LAGGIES– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her friends are starting families and advancing their careers, 28-year-old Megan clings to youthful irresponsibility. After agreeing to attend a professional-development retreat, she instead spends the time with a teenager she’s befriended.”

10/24/14- Mixed reviews, slightly more positive than negative. TRDB.

6) CITIZENFOUR– Jacob Burns on 11/16 and 11/18 only. Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB.

7) THE GREEN PRINCE– At Jacob Burns on 11/20 only. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a top leader in Palestine’s militant Hamas movement, spends a decade working as a mole for Israeli intelligence. In this gripping true-life drama, Yousef lives each day in immediate danger of torture and execution.”

8/25/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/22/14- I liked this documentary very much. TRDB.

8) GONE GIRL– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

 

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

NOVEMBER 6, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) REACHING FOR THE MOON- Netflix Streaming

2) BIRDMAN– At the Theater

3) LOOSE CANNONS– Netflix

4) CITIZENFOUR– At the Theater

5) FORCE MAJEURE– At the Theater

6) LAND HO!- Netflix

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) BIRDMAN– 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. Not great but enjoyable. Labeled a comedy, it surely isn’t. TRDB.

2) CITIZENFOUR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB.

3) FORCE MAJEURE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”

10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) REACHING FOR THE MOON– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When American poet Elizabeth Bishop makes an inspiring visit to Rio, she catches the eye of an old friend’s lover, Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares, and begins to blossom under her attention, changing in ways she never imagined.”10/30/14- Mediocre critical review but audiences have liked it a bit more. I enjoyed the movie however. The NY Times did not. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) LOOSE CANNONS– 2009. Premise by Netflix. “This fiery comedy from director Ferzan Ozpetek finds young Tommaso (Riccardo Scamarcio) about to reveal to his large, frenetic Italian family that he’s gay. But he’s beaten to the punch by his older brother, who is promptly disinherited by their furious father. Tommaso is then put in charge of the family’s pasta factory, and while he tries hard to be a successful businessman, it’s difficult for him to hide his true feelings.”

Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival.

10/31/14- I liked this movie very much. TRDB. Netflix.

3) LAND HO!- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a bid to gain life perspective, retired Mitch persuades his ex-brother-in-law to join him on a journey through the frigid landscapes of Iceland. This freewheeling road comedy follows the pair through a series of encounters that changes them both.”

7/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

11/3/14- I enjoyed this fun road trip movie. TRDB. Netflix.

Not Recommended–

1) MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Golden Globe-winner Idris Elba stars as Nelson Mandela in this in-depth biopic that portrays the groundbreaking South African leader from his rural childhood through his long imprisonment to his election as the country’s first black president.”

11/20/13- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

11/29/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/3/14- I found the movie superficial with little drama, nothing like the man. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV.11-

1) MOOD INDIGO– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a novel by Boris Vian, this visually dazzling love story centers on Chloé and Colin, a pair of newlyweds whose marriage is tested when Chloé suffers a mysterious illness that causes a flower to grow in her lung.”7/8/14- OK reviews but some with qualifications. TRDB.

2) HAPPY CHRISTMAS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After splitting up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, a young woman moves in with her older brother and his family. But as she tries to climb out of her rut and start over, her self-destructive behavior gets in the way.”7/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) ABUSE OF WEAKNESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this semi-autobiographical tale from helmer Catherine Breillat, Isabelle Huppert plays a director who returns to her craft after suffering a debilitating stroke. Regrettably, the con man she casts in her film comes to see her as his biggest mark.”8/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) COLDWATER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This stark drama follows troubled teen Brad Lunders after he’s spirited away — at his parents’ behest — to a remote juvenile reform camp, where he finds himself in a dehumanizing situation that results in a battle for mental and physical survival.”8/15/14- Poor reviews in general but a few good ones mixed in. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 31-

1) GOODBYE TO LANGUAGE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “From legendary auteur Jean-Luc Godard comes this allusive drama that puts an adulterous couple in the midst of a chorus of voices and kaleidoscopic images denouncing the ills of modern society.”10/29/14- Good professional reviews and average audience ones. TRDB.

2) THE GREAT INVISIBLE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in a blaze of fire that could be seen 35 miles away, killing 11 workers and causing the worst oil spill in American history. THE GREAT INVISIBLE, the first comprehensive overview of the incident and its aftermath, is the result of four years that Alabama-born Brown spent traveling in the small towns and major cities all around the Gulf, talking to those affected.”

10/29/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) REVENGE OF THE MEKONS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Formed during the rowdy and anarchic punk-rock era of the late 1970s, the Mekons established themselves as one of the most creative and adventurous bands of the day. This engaging documentary chronicles the still-going group’s more-than-30-year run.”

10/29/14- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.

4) BITTER HONEY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compassionate documentary examines the common practice of polygamy on the island of Bali, interviewing the members of three families and focusing on the often-harsh treatment of wives in polygamous marriages.”

10/31/14– Not many critical reviews but so far they are positive. TRDB.

5) BRADDOCK AMERICA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “America’s industrial decline since the 1970s has made ghost towns of many once-thriving cities, and Braddock, Pa., is no exception — as illustrated in this heartrending portrait of the city and the uncertain lives of its remaining residents.”

10/31/14- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

6) THE HADZA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE HADZA: LAST OF THE FIRST takes a lively look at human origins in the very place of our origins, Africa’s Rift Valley, where one of the world’s last remaining hunter-gatherer groups, the Hadza, have lived sustainably for over 50,000 years.”

10/31/14- Just 3 professional reviews– 2 up and 1 down. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.

7) POINT AND SHOOT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “How does a shy young American afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder become a man? In Matthew VanDyke’s case, it involves riding a motorcycle across North Africa and the Middle East, and joining the Libyan revolt to topple Muammar Gaddafi.”

10/31/14- Mixed reviews by critics but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

8) PRIVATE PEACEFUL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though their relationship is strained by a romantic rivalry, brothers Charlie and Tommo share an abiding bond. But it’s tested as never before when the siblings end up in the same trench during World War I.”

10/31/14- Mixed reviews by critics and audiences but this one did sound interesting to me. TRDB.

9) TRUE SON– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A native son of bankrupt Stockton, Calif., 22-year-old Michael Tubbs decides to run for a seat on the city council. This inspiring documentary charts his campaign to bring the city back to solvency and improve the lot of its citizens.”

10/31/14- I’ve seen just 3 reviews and they are all good, including the NY Times. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Centering on the children of Burmese refugees who fled an oppressive regime in their homeland and settled in the border areas of Thailand, this inspiring documentary underscores the youngsters’ resilience in the face of bleak conditions.”

10/31/14- Weak reviews. TRDB.

2) BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After surviving a brutal assault, Christine Lucas awakens each morning incapable of remembering anything about her past, including the previous day. Little by little, however, she begins to suspect that her husband played a role in her misfortune.”

10/31/14- Poor reviews. TRDB.

3) BLOOD RANSOM– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “When JEREMIAH is caught in the middle of an ill-fated plot to kidnap CRYSTAL, his boss ROMAN’S beautiful young girlfriend, ROMAN unleashes the psychopath, BILL, to hunt Jeremiah down.”

10/31/14- Terrible professional reviews but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

4) HIT BY LIGHTNING– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Ricky Miller’s online introduction to the ravishing Danita surprisingly leads to true love, he doesn’t learn until later that she’s married. But things get even more complicated after Danita asks Ricky to kill her allegedly abusive spouse.”

10/31/14- The worst reviews I’ve seen in a long time. TRDB.

5) HORNS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Not only is Ig Perish accused of murdering his girlfriend, he’s sprouted a set of horns in this horror-fantasy starring Daniel Radcliffe. The affliction quickly becomes an aid when Ig realizes his budding knobs compel people to reveal their sins.”

10/31/14- Awful reviews. TRDB.

6) MAGICAL UNIVERSE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Jeremy Workman trains an intriguing lens on endearing 88-year-old Al Carbee, who spends each day constructing and photographing intricate dioramas featuring an American icon: the Barbie doll.”

10/31/14- Very weak reviews. TRDB.

7) NIGHTCRAWLER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eager for any work that will make ends meet, Lou Bloom joins the flock of camera crews prowling the nighttime streets of Los Angeles in search of scandal and crime. But before long, Lou finds himself caught in the tabloid limelight.”

10/31/14- Very good reviews with some notable exceptions including the NY Times and NY Magazine. TRDB.

8) PLOT FOR PEACE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drawing on interviews with current and former heads of state, this riveting documentary tells the story of businessman Jean-Yves Ollivier, a key background figure in the negotiations that ended the Angola conflict and led to Nelson Mandela’s release.”

10/31/14– Lots of mediocre reviews along with a few good and a few bad ones. Many said it was difficult to follow. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) THE BLUE ROOM- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despierre, meet regularly for erotic encounters — until he’s arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.”

10/3/14- Fairly good reviews although a few were very negative and several brought up the violence. TRDB.

2) LISTEN UP PHILIP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A self-absorbed New York writer juggles the pressures of promoting his second book, watching his relationship deteriorate and living in an unforgiving city. His literary hero offers him an escape in the form of a summer home.”10/17/14- Widely divergent reviews. Some liked it a lot and some hated it. Probably worth a try. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) LISTEN UP PHILIP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A self-absorbed New York writer juggles the pressures of promoting his second book, watching his relationship deteriorate and living in an unforgiving city. His literary hero offers him an escape in the form of a summer home.”10/17/14- Widely divergent reviews. Some liked it a lot and some hated it. Probably worth a try. TRDB.

2) A MOST WANTED MAN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A half-Russian, half-Chechen man, brutalized by torture, arrives in Hamburg, where he seeks a British banker’s help in recovering his father’s estate. But the man may not be all he seems to be in this riveting adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.”

7/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/16/14- I found this movie confusing at first. The acting was great and propelled the movie which was more ordinary. This was Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last completed film before his untimely death. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) MAGICAL UNIVERSE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Jeremy Workman trains an intriguing lens on endearing 88-year-old Al Carbee, who spends each day constructing and photographing intricate dioramas featuring an American icon: the Barbie doll.”

10/31/14- Very weak reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) WHIPLASH– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, 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.”

REPEATS-

1) FORCE MAJEURE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB.

2) CITIZENFOUR– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB.

3) BIRDMAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, 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. Not great but enjoyable. Labeled a comedy, it surely isn’t. TRDB.

4) NIGHTCRAWLER– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eager for any work that will make ends meet, Lou Bloom joins the flock of camera crews prowling the nighttime streets of Los Angeles in search of scandal and crime. But before long, Lou finds himself caught in the tabloid limelight.”

10/28/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) St. Vincent– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent. A hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers, Vincent finds his life changed by the boy’s presence.”

10/10/14- Just fair professional reviews but audiences have liked it more. Most said that Bill Murray made the movie. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

OCTOBER 30, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

I’M BACK AFTER A WEEK AWAY–

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– Comcast On-Demand

2) THE GREEN PRINCE– At the Theater

3) 1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT– At the Theater

4) OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY- Netflix

5) NUIT #1- Netflix Streaming

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS AT THE THEATER-

1) 1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a near-death experience, top war photojournalist Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is forced to choose between her work and the family on whom she depends. Putting family first, the conviction that her photos make a difference remains, making it difficult to walk away entirely.”10/22/14- The movie is very heavy and received many very positive reviews but a fair number of critics did not care for it. It put a different twist on an old theme and I liked it very much TRDB.

2) THE GREEN PRINCE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a top leader in Palestine’s militant Hamas movement, spends a decade working as a mole for Israeli intelligence. In this gripping true-life drama, Yousef lives each day in immediate danger of torture and execution.”8/25/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/22/14- I liked this documentary very much. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS AT HOME-

1) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

10/16/14- I enjoyed this thriller very much. Great acting and an interesting story. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

2) THE FAULT IN OUR STARS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenager Hazel, who has pushed people away since her cancer diagnosis, reluctantly joins a support group, where she bonds with a boy named Gus. Together, they face the challenge of building a relationship under the shadow of terminal illness.”

6/6/14- Very good reviews even though a few reviewers called it schmaltzy. TRDB.

10/19/14- Somewhat sappy and of course sad at times but basically the film gets it right. I enjoyed it. TRDB. Netflix.

3) OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by a family member of one of the victims, this gripping documentary tells the story of financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, which took the lives of 658 of the company’s employees.”

9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from mostly everyone else too. TRDB.

10/29/14- A terrific documentary about the Cantor Fitzgerald firm after the 9/11 attacks using interviews with executives of the company and bereaved loved ones. Should be a must-see. TRDB. Netflix.

4) NUIT #1– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Clara and Nikolaï meet at a rave. They return to Nikolaï’s apartment and make love. Afterwards, instead of parting, the two lovers divulge their deepest secrets to one another.”

10/29/14- This movie is driven by the performance of the 2 characters as they are so honest with each other and themselves that you can actually feel something for them. I think it’s worth a try. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

Not Recommended–

1) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On his way to interview the subject of his latest project, a documentary filmmaker has a chance encounter with a weeping young woman on a train, leading him into a world where the line between fantasy and reality is blurred.”8/16/14- I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both negative. TRDB.

10/16/14- The story was interesting occasionally, especially the way it evolved from an interview with the police but by and large the movie fell flat. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) A BURNING HOT SUMMER– 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Loosely evoking Godard’s Contempt, A Burning Hot Summer examines the once-happy marriage between brooding painter Frédéric (Louis Garrel) and his movie-star wife Angèle (Bellucci) as it hits the rocks. When another young couple-actors Paul (Jérôme Robart) and Elisabeth (Céline Sallette)-joins them on a Roman holiday, tensions and passions flare. The film features a score by the Velvet Underground’s John Cale, with the legendary Maurice Garrel (the director’s father) in his final role.”

6/29/12- Poor reviews in general but a good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/17/14- Boring for most of the film but I stuck it out. You should not! TRDB. Netflix.

3) THE GRAND SEDUCTION– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The cash-strapped burg of Tickle Cove must persuade a doctor to move to town if they want a plastics manufacturer to build a new factory there. But selling the advantages of the tiny Newfoundland village to a young professional won’t be easy.”

5/30/14- Good reviews from audiences and mixed reviews from the critics. TRDB.

10/20/14- Suspend reality and you may be able to enjoy this comedy. If it’s “take it or leave it”– leave it. Netflix. TRDB.

4) BENEATH THE HARVEST SKY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenage best friends Dominic and Casper are desperate to leave their small northern Maine hometown for a better life in Boston. But the paths they take to finance their travels are drastically different.”

5/2/14 Weak reviews but a few critics liked it including the NY Times. TRDB.

10/28/14- Bad news and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

5) VENUS IN FUR– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway play by David Ives, which itself was based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s groundbreaking novella, VENUS IN FUR is the latest film from master filmmaker Roman Polanski. Alone in a Paris theater after a long day of auditioning actresses for his new play, writer-director Thomas (Amalric) complains that no actress he’s seen has what it takes to play the lead female character: a woman who enters into an agreement with her male counterpart to dominate him as her slave.”

6/16/14- Very good reviews in general and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

10/29/14– Excellent reviews as noted above but I had trouble staying involved after the novelty of the plot wore off. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 4-

1) EDGE OF TOMORROW– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Earth fights an alien invasion, Lt. Col. Bill Cage is killed in action, and a time loop forces him to continually relive his last day. With each iteration, Cage’s skill grows, as does his understanding of the enemy and how it operates.”6/6/14- Good reviews for this sci-fi- thriller. TRDB.

2) A MOST WANTED MAN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A half-Russian, half-Chechen man, brutalized by torture, arrives in Hamburg, where he seeks a British banker’s help in recovering his father’s estate. But the man may not be all he seems to be in this riveting adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.”

7/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/16/14- I found this movie confusing at first. The acting was great and propelled the movie which was more ordinary. This was Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last completed film before his untimely death. TRDB.

3) LAND HO!- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a bid to gain life perspective, retired Mitch persuades his ex-brother-in-law to join him on a journey through the frigid landscapes of Iceland. This freewheeling road comedy follows the pair through a series of encounters that changes them both.”

7/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) THE ONE I LOVE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Confronted with the potential end of their marriage, Ethan and Sophie take off for a weekend together, hoping to negotiate their future. When they reach their idyllic destination, however, the couple strolls into a bizarre new brand of trouble.”

8/12/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/15/14- A very clever story that works for the most part. Also a bit tedious at times trying to figure out who is who but overall I liked it. TRDB.

5) A FIVE STAR LIFE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A Five Star Life is the sophisticated and delightful story of one woman’s quest for personal and professional fulfillment set against some of the most stunning cities and opulent hotels of the world. Stylish and independent, Irene (Margherita Buy) is a single career woman in her forties with a job to die for. As a luxury hotel critic, she checks into the world’s finest establishments incognito to assess their standards.”

7/18/14- Professional reviews and audience reaction are mixed. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) STEP UP- ALL IN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Continuing the Step Up street dance series, competitors gather in Las Vegas for the ultimate dance-off, including champions from the previous films. In addition to the dance action, romance and rivalries abound among the determined contestants.”

10/14/14- Poor reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED ON FRIDAY, OCT. 17-

1) DIPLOMACY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a doomed and demented Adolf Hitler orders his army to level Paris with explosives before abandoning the city, Swedish consul general Raoul Nordling launches a diplomatic attempt to persuade a German general not to execute the plan.”10/15/14- Good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.

2) BIRDMAN- 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.

3) DEAR WHITE PEOPLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A racially themed bash thrown by white Ivy League students sparks four black classmates to reflect on their identity in this knowing satire. Inspired by helmer Simien’s popular Twitter feed, the comedy skewers the idea of a “post-racial” America.”

10/17/14- Great reviews from critics and mixed reviews from audiences. TRDB.

4) THE BOOK OF LIFE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Zoe Saldana, Danny Trejo and Cheech Marin lend their voices to this splashy animated fable that weaves a Romeo-and-Juliet story against the backdrop of the Mexican customs surrounding the Day of the Dead.”

10/17/14- Fairly good reviews although the NY Times basically said that the film had less energy than the dead people in the movie. TRDB.

5) FELONY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When police officer Malcolm Toohey hits a young boy while driving drunk, he makes the fateful decision to conceal his crime. But while one senior officer is willing to support the cover-up, that officer’s new partner feels differently.”

10/17/14- Good professional reviews and average audience reaction. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

6) THE GOLDEN ERA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Ann Hui (A Simple Life, God of Killers, The Postmodern Life of My Aunt), the film traces the life of Xiao Hong, one of China’s most famous essayist and novelist, reflecting the progressive thinking not frequently seen during the time period.”

10/17/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7) THE HACKER WARS– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Ripped from international headlines, The Hacker Wars takes you to the front lines of the high-stakes battle over the fate of the Internet, freedom and privacy. The Hacker Wars tells the tales of the anarchic troll provocateur Andrew “weev” Aurenheimer, prodigy hacker hero Jeremy Hammond, and incendiary watchdog journalist Barrett Brown – three larger than life characters whose separate quests to expose the secrets of empire hurled them into a fateful collision course with shadowy corporations, the FBI, and ultimate betrayal by one of their own.”

10/17/14- I’ve seen just 3 reviews– 2 up including the NY Times and 1 down. TRDB.

8) LISTEN UP PHILIP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A self-absorbed New York writer juggles the pressures of promoting his second book, watching his relationship deteriorate and living in an unforgiving city. His literary hero offers him an escape in the form of a summer home.”

10/17/14- Widely divergent reviews. Some liked it a lot and some hated it. Probably worth a try. TRDB.

9) RELATIONSHIP STATUS: IT’S COMPLICATED– 2014. About a guy who is about to be married and re-unites with an old flame.

10/17/14– I found just a single review- from the NY Times- and while the reviewer “sort of” liked it he felt that it could have been much better. TRDB.

10) A REQUIEM FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this potent documentary, Syrian civil war refugees detail the desolate lives forced on them by the seemingly endless conflict. Interspersed among the tales of misery are stories of redemption and hope, all scored to Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem.”

10/17/14- Just 3 reviews– all good including the one in today’s NY Times. All said that it was difficult to watch this heavy documentary but that we have to. TRDB.

11) THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Legendary Studio Ghibli cofounder Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Pom Poko) revisits Japan’s most famous folktale in this gorgeous, hand-drawn masterwork, decades in the making. Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter (James Caan) and his wife (Mary Steenburgen), a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady (Chloë Grace Moretz). The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her – but ultimately she must confront her fate.”

10/17/14– Great reviews. TRDB.

12) WATCHERS OF THE SKY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paying tribute to four pioneers of the global campaign to end genocide, this feature-length documentary details their efforts to protect the powerless. Blending cinema verité with interview footage, the film highlights their successes and failures.”

10/17/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) THE BEST OF ME– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this wistful drama, sparks reignite between former high school flames when they return to their hometown decades later for a funeral. But painful memories of the past may prevent them from having a future together.”

10/17/14- Terrible reviews and even my loving Michelle Monaghan won’t get me to see this one. TRDB.

2) CAMP X-RAY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fresh Army recruit Amy Cole is assigned to Guantanamo Bay’s Camp X-Ray, where she forms a surprising bond with one of the prisoners in her charge. For Cole, who is routinely harassed by the detainees, the man’s friendship is a welcome change.”

10/17/14- Just OK reviews from critics and audiences including a few very negative ones. TRDB.

3) DEFAULT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Somali pirates take over a U.S. TV news crew’s charter jet, they’re surprised to learn their abductors’ chief demand isn’t money: It’s a face-to-face interview between celebrated journalist Frank Saltzman and self-styled terrorist leader Atlas.”

10/17/14– Poor reviews. TRDB.

4) ETERNITY: THE MOVIE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This spoof of tacky 1980s pop culture follows a pair of would-be pop stars who form a two-man band, playing bad music in garish getups. But sexual misunderstandings soon put the duo’s relationship to the test.”

10/17/14- I’ve seen just 4 professional reviews and they are all terrible. TRDB.

5) RUDDERLESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated over his son’s death, former ad exec Sam removes himself from society to drink away his grief. When he summons the will to perform his son’s songs at a local bar, the music gains popularity and Sam claims to have written the tunes himself.”

10/17/14- A few positive reviews but most did not care for it and one called it manipulative and infuriating. TRDB.

6) SUMMER OF BLOOD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After he foolishly turns down a marriage proposal from his girlfriend, New Yorker Erik Sparrow sees his life suddenly turn sour. What he needs is fresh blood — and a fresh perspective — but it will take a vampire to make that happen.”

10/17/14- Early reviews are mixed but I’ve seen my last vampire movie and I’ll skip this one. TRDB.

7) YOUNG ONES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Earth withers in drought, farm owner Ernest defends his property and his children, Mary and Jerome, from the harsh frontier. But Mary’s manipulative suitor plots to take Ernest’s land for a devious scheme, and Jerome is forced to fight back.”

10/17/14- Very weak reviews but a few critics really liked it including the NY Times. TRDB.

8) 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.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 24-

1) ALGORITHMS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An intriguing look into the lives of three sightless Indian chess players, this observational documentary follows the youngsters as they compete in blind chess tournaments, led by an unflagging mentor who also happens to be blind.”10/24/14- Very mixed reviews including some pretty bad ones but the subject is fascinating and I’ll probably see this one eventually. TRDB.

2) CITIZENFOUR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

3) FORCE MAJEURE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”

10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

4) GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When country music giant Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, he chose to make his condition public. He then began his farewell tour — a remarkable musical journey chronicled in this affecting documentary.”

10/24/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

5) THE HEART MACHINE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder for Cody and Virginia, who are pursuing a relationship online while living on different continents. Soon, however, New Yorker Cody begins to suspect that Virginia may be living much closer than she’s letting on.”

10/24/14- Excellent reviews from critics. Audiences have been luke warm. TRDB.

6) 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.

7) LAGGIES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her friends are starting families and advancing their careers, 28-year-old Megan clings to youthful irresponsibility. After agreeing to attend a professional-development retreat, she instead spends the time with a teenager she’s befriended.”

10/24/14- Mixed reviews, slightly more positive than negative. TRDB.

8) 1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a near-death experience, top war photojournalist Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is forced to choose between her work and the family on whom she depends. Putting family first, the conviction that her photos make a difference remains, making it difficult to walk away entirely.”

10/22/14- The movie is very heavy and received many very positive reviews but a fair number of critics did not care for it. It put a different twist on an old theme and I liked it very much TRDB.

9) RED DOT ON THE OCEAN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving behind a tough childhood and years of life on the streets, Matt Rutherford reinvented himself as an intrepid sailor. This inspiring documentary recounts his solo circumnavigation of North and South America, a nonstop voyage completed in 2012.”

10/24/14- Just 3 reviews– 2 up and 1 down but it does sound interesting. TRDB.

10) WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 17-year-old Kat Conners’s mom, Eve, vanishes, the teen relishes her newfound freedom — until the reality of her loss sets in. While on break from college, Kat returns home and learns the strange facts behind Eve’s disappearance.”

10/24/14- Reviews are evenly divided for this movie but it sounds interesting to me and I’ll try to see it. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) LIFE OF RILEY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Romantic chaos abounds in this satire of love and manners inspired by a character named George Riley, who’s constantly spoken of but never seen. When Kathryn learns that her ex-lover George doesn’t have long to live, she’s drawn to him anew.”10/24/14- Fair reviews at best. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

2) LOW DOWN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jazz pianist Joe Albany’s turbulent life story is recounted by his daughter Amy, who grew up surrounded by the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Amy’s memories of her father are shadowed by his heroin addiction in this candid family memoir.”

10/24/14- Poor reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.

3) 23 BLAST- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this inspiring saga based on a true story, true grit illustrates what courage and willpower can achieve as high school footballer Travis Freeman defies all odds by finding a way to continue playing for his team after being struck blind.”

10/24/14- Poor reviews by critics but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

4) VIKTOR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Viktor Lambert is serving a seven-year sentence for an art heist in his native France when he learns of his son’s ruthless murder, just months before his release. He becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery and consumed with vengeance.”

10/24/14- Miserable reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) ADVANCED STYLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This well-put-together documentary profiles seven New York City women in their 60s through their 90s, whose snappy style decidedly disproves the notion that advanced years and glamour are mutually exclusive.”9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary recounts the Vietnam War’s final days, when unexpected roadblocks threatened the evacuation of America’s South Vietnamese allies. Witnesses and rare footage reveal the heroism and sacrifice that played out amid the chaos.”9/5/14- Excellent reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) BEGIN AGAIN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moving to New York City proves disastrous for a young singer after her boyfriend yields to the temptation of another woman. But opportunity comes knocking when she meets a recently axed music producer looking to launch her career — and save his own.”6/27/14– Fairly good reviews by critics and audiences. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

7/6/14- A well done fun movie with great music and very likable characters. I liked it very much. TRDB.

2) 1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a near-death experience, top war photojournalist Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is forced to choose between her work and the family on whom she depends. Putting family first, the conviction that her photos make a difference remains, making it difficult to walk away entirely.”

10/22/14- The movie is very heavy and received many very positive reviews but a fair number of critics did not care for it. It put a different twist on an old theme and I liked it very much TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) FELONY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When police officer Malcolm Toohey hits a young boy while driving drunk, he makes the fateful decision to conceal his crime. But while one senior officer is willing to support the cover-up, that officer’s new partner feels differently.”10/17/14- Good professional reviews and average audience reaction. Some very negative ones as well, especially from The NY Times. TRDB.

2) CAMP X-RAY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fresh Army recruit Amy Cole is assigned to Guantanamo Bay’s Camp X-Ray, where she forms a surprising bond with one of the prisoners in her charge. For Cole, who is routinely harassed by the detainees, the man’s friendship is a welcome change.”

10/17/14- Just OK reviews from critics and audiences including a few very negative ones. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) NIGHTCRAWLER– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eager for any work that will make ends meet, Lou Bloom joins the flock of camera crews prowling the nighttime streets of Los Angeles in search of scandal and crime. But before long, Lou finds himself caught in the tabloid limelight.”10/28/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) CITIZENFOUR– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

3) FORCE MAJEURE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”

10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) St. Vincent– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent. A hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers, Vincent finds his life changed by the boy’s presence.”10/10/14- Just fair professional reviews but audiences have liked it more. Most said that Bill Murray made the movie. TRDB.

2) BIRDMAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

3) THE BLUE ROOM– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despierre, meet regularly for erotic encounters — until he’s arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.”

10/3/14- Fairly good reviews although a few were very negative and several brought up the violence. TRDB.

4) PRIDE– 2014. Clearview 100. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an unlikely alliance, striking British mineworkers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Legendary Studio Ghibli cofounder Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Pom Poko) revisits Japan’s most famous folktale in this gorgeous, hand-drawn masterwork, decades in the making. Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter (James Caan) and his wife (Mary Steenburgen), a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady (Chloë Grace Moretz). The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her – but ultimately she must confront her fate.”

10/17/14– Great reviews. TRDB.

6) MY OLD LADY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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. TRDB.

7) THE SKELETON TWINS– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

8) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

9) DEAR WHITE PEOPLE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A racially themed bash thrown by white Ivy League students sparks four black classmates to reflect on their identity in this knowing satire. Inspired by helmer Simien’s popular Twitter feed, the comedy skewers the idea of a “post-racial” America.”

10/17/14- Great reviews from critics and mixed reviews from audiences. TRDB.

10) GONE GIRL– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

OCTOBER 16, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

I WILL BE AWAY NEXT WEEK- THIS ISSUE WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE!!

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) LUCKY THEM– Netflix

2) GONE GIRL- At the Theater

3) BIG FISH– Netflix

4) MY OLD LADY- At the Theater

5) BLUE RUIN- Netflix

6) FORT BLISS– Netflix

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) GONE GIRL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

2) 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 because of the story. A lot of the acting felt like a live play rather than a movie. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) LUCKY THEM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seattle music journalist Ellie Klug is ordered to write a feature on her ex-boyfriend, celebrated musician Matthew Smith, who disappeared 10 years earlier, but her reluctant mission is complicated by the presence of Charlie, an amateur documentarian.”5/30/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

10/9/14- A bit flimsy but fun never-the-less. TRDB.

2) BIG FISH– 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this disarming fantasy told largely through flashbacks, young reporter William Bloom attempts to learn more about his dying father by finding the truth behind a lifetime of his fanciful tall tales and legends of epic proportions.”

10/10/14- A wide variety of reviews– some good, some bad. A few said that there was more form than substance. TRDB.

10/12/14- Definitely different from what you’ve seen before but I liked it. Just enough of a mixture of fact and fantasy. TRDB.

3) BLUE RUIN– 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bad news from the past unhinges vagabond Dwight Evans, sending him on a mission of bloody retribution that takes him to his boyhood hometown. After killing his quarry, Dwight holes up in a relative’s house to await payback from his victim’s family.”

4/27/14- Good reviews from critics and audiences as well. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

10/14/14– A suspenseful, well done thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of blood so be warned. TRDB.   

4) FORT BLISS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Army field doctor Maggie Swann returns from a long and grueling tour in Afghanistan, she finds that her absence has fractured her bond with her 5-year-old son. As she begins to heal the breach, Maggie learns that she’s being redeployed.”

9/19/14- Mostly good reviews. Audiences have like it more than the critics. I saw the lead actress of this movie, Michelle Monaghan, in the movie “Trucker” a few years ago and thought that she was terrific in the role. I’ll look forward to seeing this one. TRDB.

10/15/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and again thought that Michelle Monaghan was great in the role. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 21-

1) SIDDARTH- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After sending his 12-year-old son away to work, impoverished street merchant Mahendra Saini launches a search for the boy when he doesn’t return on the expected date. But Mahendra has no money and no picture of his child, hampering the hunt.”6/27/14– Good critical review but audiences didn’t care for it. TRDB.

2) GABRIELLE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Musicians Gabrielle and Martin fall in love and want to begin a relationship, which is against the rules at the home for the disabled where they live. Refusing to part with Martin, Gabrielle is determined to prove that she can live independently.”4/14/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) NEIGHBORS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “New parents Mac and Kelly Radner love their neighborhood — until a rowdy fraternity moves next door and changes the block into party central. As Mac tries to restore a baby-friendly environment, an epic battle ensues.”5/9/14- The movie sounds silly but received some very good reviews. TRDB.

4) SNOWPIERCER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The Earth’s remaining inhabitants are confined to a single train circling the globe as revolution brews among the class-divided cars. Based on a French graphic novel and set in a new ice age, this futuristic thriller stars a top-notch ensemble cast.”6/27/14- Very good reviews from critics and fairly good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, OCT. 28-

1) CHEF- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When chef Carl Casper’s plans for opening a restaurant in Los Angeles fail to pan out, he returns home to Miami and debuts a food truck instead. While trying to regain his zest for cookery, Carl also tries to mend his fractured family ties”5/9/14- Very good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.

6/8/14- A Hollywoodish feel good movie that made me feel good. TRDB.

2) BOUND BY FLESH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Perhaps the most famous conjoined twins of all time, the Hiltons became a vaudeville sensation before falling on hard times and dying in poverty. This absorbing documentary follows their unique life, which was fraught with exploitation and hardship.”6/27/14- Very good reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) BEGIN AGAIN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moving to New York City proves disastrous for a young singer after her boyfriend yields to the temptation of another woman. But opportunity comes knocking when she meets a recently axed music producer looking to launch her career — and save his own.”6/27/14– Fairly good reviews by critics and audiences. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

7/6/14- A well done fun movie with great music and very likable characters. I liked it very much. TRDB.

4) RUNNING FROM CRAZY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Plagued by her family’s history of mental illness, including the suicides of her uncle Ernest and her sister Margaux, actress Mariel Hemingway becomes an advocate for suicide prevention and strives to find balance in her life.”11/1/13- A good review in today’s NY Times but mixed reviews in general. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 10-

1) ST. VINCENT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent. A hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers, Vincent finds his life changed by the boy’s presence.”10/10/14- Just fair professional reviews but audiences have liked it more. Most said that Bill Murray made the movie. TRDB.

2) AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This meticulously assembled documentary chronicles the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, who played a key role in changing Western attitudes toward Asian spiritual traditions and expanding the popularity of yoga and meditation around the world.”

10/10/14- Just 3 reviews and they are all very good. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

3) THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: HIM/HER– Synopsis by IMDB. “Told from the male perspective, the story of a couple trying to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone.”

10/10/14- This is really 2 movies (Her and Him) directly related to the movie “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them” that I liked. That one opened a month ago. These 2 movies give the perspective of the husband and wife separately, and they have received some good reviews so far. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

4) EVOLUTION OF A CRIMINAL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1997, honors student and empathetic teen Darius Clark Monroe was desperate to help his impoverished family … so he robbed a Texas bank. Years later, he’s ready to tell his story and make amends, with no excuses or plea for forgiveness.”

10/10/14- Very good reviews for this documentary from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

5) HARMONTOWN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix.”Recording the wild cross-country jaunt of TV writer and producer Dan Harmon as he and his crew take his podcast to the people, this candid documentary insightfully illuminates his private and public lives.”

10/10/14- Very good reviews in general. Audiences have loved it. The NY Times did not. TRDB.

6) I AM ALI- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drawing from a collection of audiotapes recorded by Muhammad Ali as a personal journal, this affecting documentary offers new perspectives on the legendary boxer’s life outside the ring.”

10/10/14- Poor professional reviews but audiences have liked it very much. I’ll chance it. TRDB.

7) ONE CHANCE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “From shop worker to worldwide phenomena, this film tells the story of Paul Potts, who shot to stardom on his vocal talents in “Britain’s Got Talent.” James Cordon stars as the shy singer Simon Cowell brought to the public’s attention.”

10/10/14- Fair reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

8) THE OVERNIGHTERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Local pastor Jay Reinke tries to help the unemployed men drawn to North Dakota by the lure of jobs in the state’s booming shale oil industry. This documentary portrait of desperation, charity and hope reveals multiple facets of the human spirit.”

10/10/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

9) #STUCK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After an alcohol-fueled sexual encounter, virtual strangers Guy and Holly get stuck together in gridlocked Los Angeles traffic. As a result, they end up revealing far more about themselves than they ever intended to during their “casual” meeting.”

10/10/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

10) WHIPLASH- 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) WAITING FOR AUGUST– 2004. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “There is a generation of young people being raised by their teen siblings in Eastern Bloc countries such as Romania, while their parents are working in other European countries sending money back home to their children called The Home Alone Generation.’

10/14- Very good reviews from critics– audiences did not like it. TRDB.

12) BOTSO- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Raised in the Soviet Union’s stifling cultural atmosphere under Josef Stalin, musician and artist Wachtang “Botso” Korisheli survived a tragic childhood to become a much-loved teacher and musical mentor, as chronicled in this touching documentary.”

10/10/14- Just 2 reviews at this time– 1 up (the NY Times) and 1 down. TRDB.

NOT RECOMMENDED-

1) THE CANAL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While cataloging old footage, a film archivist finds a reel showing his family’s home — once the scene of some gory slayings. As he digs into the details of the killings, his wife is murdered, making him suspect an evil force inhabits his house.”

10/10/14- Mixed reviews but this movie I’ll skip. TRDB.

2) DEAD SNOW 2: RED VS. DEAD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After medical student Martin escapes from Nazi zombies, he finds himself charged with murdering his friends. But now he’s got more important things to worry about: gathering an army to face off against the bloodthirsty, undead battalion.”

10/10/14- Hard to believe but this film got good reviews. Guaranteed I will miss it. TRDB.

3) ADDICTED– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a caring husband, three kids and a great career, Zoe has it all, until she develops an insatiable hunger for sex with other men. Though she’s still devoted to her husband, Zoe’s new addiction puts her marriage — and her life — in danger.”

10/10/14- Awful professional reviews and OK audience ones. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

Oct. 17–23

1) TWO FACES OF JANUARY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

2) 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working with a creative team of filmmakers, Nick Cave offers a staged look at the interior worlds behind his iconoclastic music and writing. Within the frame of the 20,000th day since Cave’s birth, the film sums up the artist’s life until then.”10/13/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

Oct. 24–30

1) THE LIBERATOR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Édgar Ramírez stars as 19th-century revolutionary Simón Bolívar in this epic chronicle of the charismatic leader’s personal evolution. From his aristocratic roots to the loss of his wife, it’s the story of the events that shaped his destiny.”10/13/14- Mediocre professional reviews but good audience ones. TRDB.

2) 1,000 TIMES GOOD NIGHT- Synopsis by Netflix. “After a near-death experience, top war photojournalist Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is forced to choose between her work and the family on whom she depends. Putting family first, the conviction that her photos make a difference remains, making it difficult to walk away entirely.”10/13/14- Fair audience and professional reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW- NONE RECOMMENDED

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) FURY– Danbury. 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.”

10/14/14- Good early reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) THE BLUE ROOM– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despierre, meet regularly for erotic encounters — until he’s arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.”10/3/14- Fairly good reviews although a few were very negative and several brought up the violence. TRDB.

2) KILL THE MESSENGER– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disturbing, fact-based thriller is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb’s involvement in revealing the CIA’s secret funding and assistance for Nicaraguan Contra rebels during the 1980s.”

10/6/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

3)  PRIDE– 2014. Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an unlikely alliance, striking British mineworkers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) GONE GIRL– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

5) MY OLD LADY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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. TRDB.

6) THE SKELETON TWINS– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

7) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

8) KILL THE MESSENGER– Jacob Burns, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disturbing, fact-based thriller is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb’s involvement in revealing the CIA’s secret funding and assistance for Nicaraguan Contra rebels during the 1980s.”

10/6/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This insightful social drama examines the countless ways the online landscape affects the relationships, communication and self-images of digital-age adolescents, whose parents try to contend with the pitfalls.

10/2/14- Poor reviews from both critics and viewers as well. TRDB.

2) THE JUDGE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After attending his mother’s funeral in rural Indiana, defense attorney Hank Palmer heads home to Chicago, only to be called back when his senile father is charged with murder. But when Hank takes the case, he uncovers some shocking family secrets.”

10/14/14- Weak professional reviews but audiences have enjoyed this movie. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

OCTOBER 9, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) COPENHAGEN– Comcast On-Demand

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) COPENHAGEN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Philandering his way across Europe to Copenhagen to find the grandfather he’s never met, William unexpectedly befriends 14-year-old Steffi. She tags along on his quest, and their growing bond changes how William sees young women … and himself.”10/3/14– Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/6/14- I found the movie interesting, especially the female lead actress who held the film together. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

Not Recommended–

1) JIMMY P.- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning home from World War II, Blackfoot Native American Jimmy Picard suffers from a host of psychosomatic symptoms. In this drama based on a true story, he bonds with psychoanalyst Georges Devereux as the two explore his psyche for causes.”2/14/14- A good review in today’s NY Times. Other reviews are mixed, some very good and some very bad. TRDB.

10/2/14- I agree with the “very bad” group of reviewers. Boring, boring and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) DECODING ANNIE PARKER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama about the origins of disease, breast-cancer patient Annie Parker works with tireless researcher Mary-Claire King as she tries to identify cancer’s genetic components — despite a lack of funding and skeptical colleagues.”

5/2/14- Mixed reviews for this film. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

10/6/14- An interesting, worthy topic but the movie was hampered by the trivial screenplay that tried to be funny but wasn’t. TRDB. Netflix.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 15-

Each of these 5 movies received mixed reviews but had some interesting aspects– so I’m listing them here—

1) BENEATH THE HARVEST SKY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenage best friends Dominic and Casper are desperate to leave their small northern Maine hometown for a better life in Boston. But the paths they take to finance their travels are drastically different.”

5/2/14 Weak reviews but a few critics liked it including the NY Times. TRDB.

2) THE FAULT IN OUR STARS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenager Hazel, who has pushed people away since her cancer diagnosis, reluctantly joins a support group, where she bonds with a boy named Gus. Together, they face the challenge of building a relationship under the shadow of terminal illness.”

6/6/14- Very good reviews even though a few reviewers called it schmaltzy. TRDB.

3) VIOLETTE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Impoverished writer Violette Leduc finds a mentor in best-selling author Simone de Beauvoir, who champions her work and encourages her art. But while the two become lifelong friends, Violette yearns for something more.”

6/13/14- Fairly good reviews from critics but poor ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) WHITEY: USA VS. JAMES J. BULGER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarian Joe Berlinger lays bare the real story of South Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger, including his sensational 2013 trial.”

6/27/14- A very good review in today’s NY Times and OK reviews by other critics. Some really bad ones too. Audiences have liked it more. TRDB.

5) FORT McCoy– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unable to serve in World War II because of a heart condition, a barber moves his family adjacent to a Wisconsin army base and prisoner-of-war camp to provide his services. But even in rural America — far from the frontline — the war finds victims.”

8/7/14-Weak reviews but this movie did sound interesting. Even those who liked it qualified their reviews. I’ll try to see it despite the negative publicity. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 3-

1) THE BLUE ROOM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despierre, meet regularly for erotic encounters — until he’s arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.”10/3/14- Fairly good reviews although a few were very negative and several brought up the violence. TRDB.

2) COPENHAGEN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Philandering his way across Europe to Copenhagen to find the grandfather he’s never met, William unexpectedly befriends 14-year-old Steffi. She tags along on his quest, and their growing bond changes how William sees young women … and himself.”

10/3/14– Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/6/14- I found the movie interesting, especially the female lead actress who held the film together. TRDB.

3) THE CULTURE HIGH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Deep moral divisions and scientific controversy continue to fuel America’s political debate regarding the legalization of marijuana. This engrossing documentary examines the arguments of the warring factions behind the decades-long debate.”

10/3/14- Just a few reviews and they are excellent. Audiences have loved it. TRDB.

4) FISHING WITHOUT NETS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A Somali fisherman turns to piracy to support his family, but during his first siege, he faces a crossroads he doesn’t see coming. Debut director Cutter Hodierne expands his award-winning short subject into this feature with a cast of non-actors.”

10/3/14- Mixed reviews with some very good and some poor. I’ll definitely try to see this one. TRDB.

5) THE GOOD LIE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, a young Sudanese War refugee wins a lottery that allows him to start life anew in the United States. But adapting to his new home presents challenges — both for the “lost boy” and for the American woman who’s helping him.”

10/3/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) HAIDER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shahid Kapoor delivers a searing performance in this Bollywood take on Hamlet that unfolds amid Kashmiri culture and history. The film completes Bharadwaj’s Shakespeare trilogy, which also includes Macbeth (Magbool) and Othello (Omkara).”10/3/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7) KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON – Synopsis by Netflix. “Legendary jazzman Clark Terry is profiled in this touching documentary that traces the trumpeter’s long career. At age 89, he begins sharing his passion and experiences with an aspiring jazz pianist — Justin Kauflin — who’s 66 years Terry’s junior.”

10/3/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

8) THE LITTLE TIN MAN– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Little Tin Man is an intelligent and hilarious exploration of a struggling dwarf actor’s refusal to accept the status quo. To say that Herman (Aaron Beelner) is dissatisfied with would be an understatement of epic proportions. Unfulfilled working at his half brother’s restaurant and unhappy with the typecast arc of his acting career, he is ready for something different.”

10/3/14- Very good early professional reviews. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

9) THE SUPRIME PRICE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Director Joanna Lipper elegantly explores past and present as she tells the remarkable story of Hafsat Abiola, daughter of human rights heroine Kudirat Abiola, and Nigeria’s President-elect M.K.O. Abiola, who won a historic vote in 1993 that promised to end years of military dictatorship.”

10/3/14- Just 4 professional reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

10) PURGATORIO– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Life along the Mexican-American border is the nucleus of this documentary, which doesn’t name places or people but makes its point nonetheless. What emerges is a portrait of two worlds — one side defined by poverty, the other by protectionism.”

10/6/14- Just 2 professional reviews and they are both positive. Audiences have uniformly liked it. TRDB.

11) THE RISE AND RISE OF BITCOIN– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Dan is a 35 year old computer programmer from Pittsburgh who lives a busy life. Along with balancing work, his marriage, and raising his three boys, Dan spends much of his time actively involved in all things Bitcoin.

10/3/14- Good reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) A PEOPLE UNCOUNTED– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Journey into the world of the Roma – a people who through the ages have been both romanticized and vilified in popular culture, politics and art, and who have endured centuries of intolerance and persecution.”10/2/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) ADVANCED STYLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This well-put-together documentary profiles seven New York City women in their 60s through their 90s, whose snappy style decidedly disproves the notion that advanced years and glamour are mutually exclusive.”9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) COPENHAGEN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Philandering his way across Europe to Copenhagen to find the grandfather he’s never met, William unexpectedly befriends 14-year-old Steffi. She tags along on his quest, and their growing bond changes how William sees young women … and himself.”10/3/14– Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/6/14- I found the movie interesting, especially the female lead actress who held the film together. TRDB.

2) THE FAULT IN OUR STARS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenager Hazel, who has pushed people away since her cancer diagnosis, reluctantly joins a support group, where she bonds with a boy named Gus. Together, they face the challenge of building a relationship under the shadow of terminal illness.”

6/6/14- Very good reviews even though a few reviewers called it schmaltzy. TRDB.

3) NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of hip-hop icon Nas’ debut album, this earnest documentary also delves into the musician’s deep connection to his roots in New York City’s Queensbridge public housing project.”

10/1/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE BLUE ROOM– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despierre, meet regularly for erotic encounters — until he’s arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.”10/3/14- Fairly good reviews although a few were very negative and several brought up the violence. TRDB.

2) KILL THE MESSENGER– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disturbing, fact-based thriller is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb’s involvement in revealing the CIA’s secret funding and assistance for Nicaraguan Contra rebels during the 1980s.”

10/6/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) MY OLD LADY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

2) PRIDE– 2014. Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an unlikely alliance, striking British mineworkers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) GONE GIRL– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

4) TRACKS- Bethel. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mia Wasikowska is affecting as adventurer Robyn Davidson, who crossed the Australian desert alone — and on foot — in 1977. Drawn from Davidson’s memoir, this drama depicts her arduous journey and explores her reasons for undertaking it.”

8/18/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) THE SKELETON TWINS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

6) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

 

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

OCTOBER 2, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THE EMPTY HOURS– Netflix

2) PRICE CHECK– Netflix Streaming

3) CODEBREAKER– Netflix Streaming

4) PALO ALTO– Netflix

5) FILTHY GORGEOUS: THE BOB GUCCIONE STORY– Netflix Streaming

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE EMPTY HOURS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the desolated coast of Veracruz, 17 year-old Sebastián takes over running his uncle’s small and cozy rent-by-the hour motel. There he meets Miranda, a regular customer who comes to the motel to meet a lover who always keeps her waiting. As Sebastián and Miranda get to know each other, an ambiguous game of seduction begins between them.”7/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/25/14- An interesting story taking place in a desolate area where boredom is the biggest issue. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) PRICE CHECK– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “For Pete, settling down with a wife and son meant giving up his unstable musical career to work for a third-rate supermarket chain. A reform-minded new boss plans to make an executive out of Pete, who realizes he still harbors dreams of music fame.”

11/16/12- Today’s NY Times described a strong beginning and a weak ending for this movie. TRDB.

9/29/14- A strong performance from Parker Posey made this movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) CODEBREAKER– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic follows the life of Alan Turing, the pioneering computer scientist who saved countless lives in World War II as a codebreaker. Turing was also gay, and his shameful treatment by the British government led to a tragic conclusion.”

9/29/14– A fascination documentary about a fascinating man. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) PALO ALTO– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a collection of short stories by James Franco (who also stars), this perceptive drama follows a group of disaffected teens in a wealthy California town who have money to burn but little parental supervision — and even less direction.”

5/9/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

9/30/14- Another slice of life movie about teenage ennui with minimal supervision- a bad combination. Well done and I did like it. TRDB. Netflix.

5) FILTHY GORGEOUS: THE BOB GUCCIONE STORY– 2013. Synopsis by Neflix. “Porn publisher and business visionary Bob Guccione is the focus of this candid documentary that recounts the story of his meteoric rise and fall. Guccione had a unique influence on 1960s culture, but his later ventures proved far less successful.”

10/2/14- This movie held my interest and I enjoyed it. Besides being informative it was really a love-fest to Guccione by those closest to him with essentially little negative about the man himself. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

Not Recommended-

1) FRANK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An aspiring musician joins a band of eccentrics led by an enigmatic singer — who wears a fake head — and his unstable girlfriend. Creative tension mounts as the group retreats to the woods to cut an album.”

8/15/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

9/30/14- Definitely one of the weirdest films I have seen in a long time. By the way, I hated it and turned it off. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 7-

1) OBVIOUS CHILD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being fired from her job and dumped by her cheating boyfriend, a comedian bottoms out and has a drunken one-night stand with a nice guy who’s not her type. Weeks later, she finds out she’s pregnant.”6/6/14- Very good reviews, including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6/23/14- I liked this movie very much– I’d call it a “slice of life” romantic comedy. TRDB.

2) THE GRAND SEDUCTION– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The cash-strapped burg of Tickle Cove must persuade a doctor to move to town if they want a plastics manufacturer to build a new factory there. But selling the advantages of the tiny Newfoundland village to a young professional won’t be easy.”

5/30/14- Good reviews from audiences and mixed reviews from the critics. TRDB.

3) OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by a family member of one of the victims, this gripping documentary tells the story of financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, which took the lives of 658 of the company’s employees.”

9/6/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from mostly everyone else too. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) 4 MINUTE MILE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “4 MINUTE MILE is the inspirational story of a high school track star who falls on hard times. A new coach puts him on the right path but his resolve is threatened as tragedy strikes, forcing him to confront everything that has been holding him back.”

8/1/14- Poor reviews in general and from the NY Times as well. TRDB.

2) TASTING MENU– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the closing night at a world-famous bistro, the evening turns into a farce of manners and misunderstandings as an eclectic mix of customers flocks to the eatery, including an estranged couple and an eccentric widow dining with her husband’s ashes.”

4/13/14- This sounds interesting but reviews are poor. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 26-

1) GONE GIRL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

2) ADVANCED STYLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This well-put-together documentary profiles seven New York City women in their 60s through their 90s, whose snappy style decidedly disproves the notion that advanced years and glamour are mutually exclusive.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) BJORK: BIOPHILIA LIVE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Biophilia live’ is a concert film by Nick fenton and Peter strickland that captures the human element of Björk’s multi-disciplinary multimedia project: Biophilia. recorded live at Björk’s show at london’s alexandra palace in 2013, the film features Björk and her band performing every song on ‘Biophilia’ and more using a broad variety of instruments – some digital, some traditional and some completely unclassifiable.”

9/26/14- Just a few reviews and they are good . TRDB.

4) HARLEM STREET SINGER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The life and legacy of blind musician Reverend Gary Davis unfold in this affectionate documentary that explores everything from his Southern roots to his days playing on street corners to his emergence as a revered guitarist.”

9/26/14- Only 3 reviews but all are very good, including the NY Times. TRDB.

5) HELLAWARE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While looking for his big break, a would-be photographer stumbles upon a music video by a group of horror-core rappers who may be his ticket to success. But when he exploits his subjects for personal gain, unexpected consequences ensue.”

9/26/14– Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

6) JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE– 2014. “Synopsis by Netflix. “André Benjamin stars as Jimi Hendrix in this biopic that chronicles his rise to fame and the personal demons he battled along the way. Clips of the actual Hendrix punctuate the film as it explores little-known aspects of the troubled star’s life.”

9/26/14- Fairly good reviews from professionals. Audiences gave mixed reviews. TRDB.

7) LILTING– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of her son’s untimely death, a grieving mother reaches out to her son’s roommate in an attempt to understand more about who he was. But she’s surprised to learn the roommates were actually lovers.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews from critics and audiences as well. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

8) THE LITTLE BEDROOM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With picturesque Lausanne, Switzerland, as the backdrop, this earnest drama follows the unlikely but growing kinship between conscientious private nurse Rose (Florence Loiret Caille) and her ill-tempered elderly patient, Edmond (Michel Bouquet). Facing losses that neither can accept — her, a stillborn baby, and him, his independence — Rose and Edmond gradually bond. Eric Caravaca provides strong support as Rose’s worried spouse.”

9/26/14- Just a few professional reviews now and they are very good. Audiences have had mixed opinion. TRDB.

9) PRIDE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an unlikely alliance, striking British mineworkers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10) PRINT THE LEGEND– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “3D printing is changing the world. PRINT THE LEGEND follows the people racing to bring this hot new technology to your home, documenting the “Macintosh Moment” of this revolution and exploring what it takes to achieve the American Dream.”

9/26/14- Only 3 professional reviews, 2 up and 1 down(The NY Times.) Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

11) THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Who better to provide Americans with an intro to the roots music of their nation than a German-born count who fled Europe in the wake of World War II? This documentary shines a light on that man — Chris Strachwitz — and the music he championed.”

9/26/14- Very good critical review. TRDB.

12) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

13) NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of hip-hop icon Nas’ debut album, this earnest documentary also delves into the musician’s deep connection to his roots in New York City’s Queensbridge public housing project.”

10/1/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB. Opened 10/1.

1) ASMODEXIA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a sinister spirit known as the Evil One begins taking over the souls of Barcelona denizens, exorcist Eloy de Palma and his granddaughter try valiantly to cure the growing number of afflicted. Meanwhile, a secret cult seeks to thwart their efforts.”9/26/14- This movie actually got a few good reviews including the NY Times. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

2) BELIEVE ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four cash-strapped college students cook up a charity scam to pay their school expenses, but their wild success creates a moral dilemma for Sam Atwell, who’s becoming reluctant to use his considerable charisma to defraud unsuspecting donors.”

9/26/14- Awful critical review ( The NY Times liked it ) but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

3) DAYS AND NIGHTS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chekhov’s classic The Seagull comes to 1980s New England in this story of an aging actress’s fateful choice to visit her son and ailing brother. Over the course of a Memorial Day weekend, her presence impacts every member of the household.”

9/26/14- Uniformly miserable reviews despite the wealth of talent in the film. TRDB.

4) THE EQUALIZER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this action-thriller based on the hit 1980s TV series, former intelligence operative Robert McCall comes out of retirement to help a young prostitute, only to end up in the Russian Mafia’s crosshairs.”

9/26/14- Mediocre critical review. Audiences have been a bit more positive. TRDB.

5) IT WAS YOU CHARLIE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A dark comedy-drama that tells the story of a lonely graveyard shift doorman named ABNER, a once accomplished sculptor and former college art teacher, but now sadly, a mere shadow of his former self.”

9/26/14- Very few reviews but the ones I saw were mostly negative. Audiences have not liked it either. TRDB.

6) THE SONG– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE SONG follows aspiring singer-songwriter Jed King (Alan Powell, Anthem Lights lead singer) as he struggles to catch a break and escape the long shadow of his father, a country music legend.”

9/26/14- Awful professional reviews and excellent audience reviews. TRDB.

7) 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.

8) MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This insightful social drama examines the countless ways the online landscape affects the relationships, communication and self-images of digital-age adolescents, whose parents try to contend with the pitfalls.

10/2/14- Poor reviews from both critics and viewers as well. TRDB. Opened 10/1.

9) THE DECENT ONE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “One of the prime architects of the brutal Nazi regime, Gestapo commander Heinrich Himmler was also a dedicated family man, as this documentary illustrates with items from a newly discovered cache of his personal diaries, correspondence and photos.”

10/1/14- Mediocre professional reviews but audiences have uniformly liked this documentary. TRDB. Opened 10/1.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) THE TRIP TO ITALY–  2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following in the footsteps of the great romantic poets, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traverse the Italian countryside musing about life and love. Work enters the conversation as well in this largely improvised sequel to the roadtrip comedy “The Trip.”8/15/14– Good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/22/14- I enjoyed the movie but with the views and food from the Italian coast it’s hard not to. TRDB.

2) THE CONGRESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actress Robin Wright plays herself in this surreal drama about a film star who agrees to have her digital image recorded for reuse in future films. Despite the handsome payoff, Robin begins to recognize some unforeseen consequences of the deal.”9/5/14- Fairly good critical review. Audience reviews are mixed so far. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) ASMODEXIA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a sinister spirit known as the Evil One begins taking over the souls of Barcelona denizens, exorcist Eloy de Palma and his granddaughter try valiantly to cure the growing number of afflicted. Meanwhile, a secret cult seeks to thwart their efforts.”9/26/14- This movie actually got a few good reviews including the NY Times. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) PRIDE– 2014. Clearview 100. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an unlikely alliance, striking British mineworkers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.”9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) GONE GIRL– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

3) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) TRACKS- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mia Wasikowska is affecting as adventurer Robyn Davidson, who crossed the Australian desert alone — and on foot — in 1977. Drawn from Davidson’s memoir, this drama depicts her arduous journey and explores her reasons for undertaking it.”8/18/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) MY OLD LADY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

3)  LOVE IS STRANGE– Clearview 100. 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.

4) THE SKELETON TWINS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

5) THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY– Saw Mill Hawthorne. Synopsis by Netflix. “Relocating from India to a quiet village in the south of France, chef Hassan Kadam and his family open a restaurant called Maison Mumbai. But when their business starts to thrive, a competing restaurateur launches a war between the eateries.”

8/5/14- Reviews are weak from most critics. I’ve seen the coming attractions and I’d have to agree. TRDB.

6) THE DROP– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE DROP is a new crime drama from Michaël R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of Bullhead. Based on a screenplay from Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry.”

9/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed the movie– didn’t love it. In particular I liked the different characters who felt like caricatures to me. Also, fun seeing James Gandolfini in his last role. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- LOTS OF THEM THIS WEEK

1) AT MIDDLETON– Netflix

2) THE SKELETON TWINS– At the Theater

3) MAY IN THE SUMMER– At The Jacob Burns Film Center as part of the Arab Film Festival

4) FACTORY GIRL– At the Jacob Burns Film Center as part of the Arab Film Festival

5) THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY– At the Theater

6) THE DROP– At the Theater

7) JUST A SIGH– Netflix Streaming

8) THE GERMAN DOCTOR– Netflix

9) BEFORE SNOWFALL– At the Jacob Burns Film Center as part of the Arab Film Festival

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) THE DROP– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE DROP is a new crime drama from Michaël R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of Bullhead. Based on a screenplay from Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry.”9/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed the movie– didn’t love it. In particular I liked the different characters who felt like caricatures to me. Also, fun seeing James Gandolfini in his last role. TRDB.

2) THE SKELETON TWINS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

3) MAY IN THE SUMMER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “May travels to Jordan for her wedding to Ziad, a fellow Arab American, but faces the disapproval of her mother, a converted evangelical Christian who doesn’t want her daughter marrying a Muslim man.”

8/22/14- Mixed reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie, especially the relationship between the main character May and her sisters. TRDB. At the Jacob Burns Film Center as part of the Arab Film Festival.

4) FACTORY GIRL– This movie is about an extended Egyptian family and brings up the many differences in the treatment of women between East and West.

9/20/14- A good movie with an accurate depiction of the difficulties of being female in Arab countries. Very good acting and very realistic. TRDB. At the Jacob Burns Film Center as part of the Arab Film Festival.

5) THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told from two perspectives in two independent chapters, this engrossing drama depicts the dissolving union of Eleanor and Conor, who begin drifting apart in the wake of a tragic and traumatizing event.”

8/25/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

9/21/14- I got into this movie early on and very much enjoyed it despite a few loose ends in the story. I’ll be interested in what readers think of it. TRDB.

6) BEFORE SNOWFALL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his sister flees her arranged marriage, young Siyar is expected to seek her out and bring her back to restore his family’s honor. Siyar’s pursuit takes him from Kurdistan to Istanbul — where he first begins to doubt his mission.”

9/23/14- A different type of “road trip” that shows how Siyar’s local community, working together with members abroad, tries to help him complete his mission. A great first few minutes, a little slow in the middle with a good last half hour. Well worth seeing. TRDB. At the Arab Film Festival at Jacob Burns Film Center.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) AT MIDDLETON– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When uptight surgeon George and free-spirited retailer Edith accompany their teenagers on a tour of Middleton University, their initial dislike of each other turns into a possible romance as they split from the group on their own adventures.”

2/5/14- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

9/19/14- This movie mixes some trivial portions with some excellent material and I did enjoy it. I also liked Vera Famiglia and Andy Garcia. TRDB. Netflix.

2) JUST A SIGH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “During a break between performances in Calais, French theater actress Alix meets an enigmatic English man on the train to Paris — and the two wind up having a passionate encounter that may change both their lives.”

3/21/14- Mixed reviews including some awful ones but the movie sounds interesting. The NY Times did like it. TRDB.

9/21/14- I enjoyed the movie, especially the way information came out in layers. Emmanuelle Devos was her usual wonderful. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) THE GERMAN DOCTOR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young family opens a lakeside lodge in Patagonia, they have no idea that their first guest will be a Nazi war criminal. Unbeknownst to them, the charming doctor so entranced with 12-year-old Eva is none other than Josef Mengele.”

4/25/14– The NY Times liked this movie as did audiences and most other critics. TRDB.

9/23/14- I found this movie both interesting and disturbing and wondered throughout where this fictionalized film would take us. TRDB. Netflix.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 30-

1) DECODING ANNIE PARKER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama about the origins of disease, breast-cancer patient Annie Parker works with tireless researcher Mary-Claire King as she tries to identify cancer’s genetic components — despite a lack of funding and skeptical colleagues.”5/2/14- Mixed reviews for this film. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

2) COLD IN JULY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a man kills a home invader in self-defense, the burglar’s father begins threatening the victim’s young son. But soon, both men will become embroiled in a mystery that eclipses the violence and rage already in play.”

7/5/14- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

3) LUCKY THEM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seattle music journalist Ellie Klug is ordered to write a feature on her ex-boyfriend, celebrated musician Matthew Smith, who disappeared 10 years earlier, but her reluctant mission is complicated by the presence of Charlie, an amateur documentarian.”

5/30/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

4) WOLF– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his release from prison, Dutch-Moroccan kickboxer Majid tries to turn his life around using his talent for fighting. But he soon finds himself sucked into a criminal world so violent and crushing that it may destroy him.”

5/23/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

5) FREE THE MIND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary follows the efforts of neuroscientist Richard Davidson as he prescribes yoga and meditation in an attempt to ease the suffering of two war veterans with PTSD and a child with anxiety and ADHD.”

5/3/13- A mixed review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/29/14- Better reviews from the critics as of today, 15 months later. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) HELLION- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 13-year-old delinquent Jacob lures his little brother, Wes, into trouble, the state sends the younger boy to live with an aunt. Now Jacob and his recently widowed father struggle to reform their lives and put their family back together.”

6/13/14- Weak professional reviews and only slightly better audience reaction to this movie. TRDB.

2) IVORY TOWER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spotlighting the upward spiral in college tuition fees since the 1970s, this sober documentary questions the true value of such costly education. Interviews with academic experts and online education pioneers bring to light emerging alternatives.”

6/13/14– Fairly good critical review but audiences have disliked this movie uniformly. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 19-

1) ART AND CRAFT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mark Landis has been called one of the most prolific art forgers in US history. Posing as a philanthropic donor, and most recently as a Jesuit priest, Landis has given away hundreds of works over the years to a staggering list of institutions.”9/19/14- Excellent reviews all around except for the NY Times. TRDB.

2) FORT BLISS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Army field doctor Maggie Swann returns from a long and grueling tour in Afghanistan, she finds that her absence has fractured her bond with her 5-year-old son. As she begins to heal the breach, Maggie learns that she’s being redeployed.”

9/19/14- Mixed reviews. Audiences have like it more than the critics. I saw the  lead actress of this movie, Michelle Monaghan, in the movie “Trucker” a few years ago and thought that she was terrific in the role. I’ll look forward to seeing this one. TRDB.

3) HOLLIDAYSBURG– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “HOLLIDAYSBURG is a coming-of-age comedy about finding love, and the thrilling first moments of adulthood. When high school friends reunite over their first holiday break during college, they discover just how much they have changed while their town of Hollidaysburg has stayed the same.”

9/25/14- Lots of good reviews from critics and from audiences as well. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

4) A LIFE IN DIRTY MOVIES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his days as a master porn-film director far behind him, 88-year-old Joseph W. Sarno dreams of putting together one more blue production but discovers that the pornography business has changed mightily in the past 40 years.”

9/19/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary from the critics– less so from audiences. TRDB.

5) PUMP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of World War II, consumer tastes and government policy steered the United States into a fateful reliance on oil-fueled technology. This sobering documentary explains why and how Americans must end this addiction.”

9/19/14- Mixed reviews by critics but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

6) STOP THE POUNDING HEART– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrait of a family of devout Christians living in Texas uses non-actors in familiar surroundings to relate an intimate tale. When daughter Sara meets young bull-rider Colby, her emotions bring her into direct conflict with her faith.”

9/19/14- Very good reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) SWIM LITTLE FISH SWIM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leeward and Mary are a neurotic postmodern couple who insist on calling their 3-year-old daughter by two different names: Rainbow and Maggie. When they offer a temporary home to young French artist Lilas, the family dynamic becomes even trickier.”

9/19/14- Mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike- more positive than negative. TRDB.

8) TRACKS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mia Wasikowska is affecting as adventurer Robyn Davidson, who crossed the Australian desert alone — and on foot — in 1977. Drawn from Davidson’s memoir, this drama depicts her arduous journey and explores her reasons for undertaking it.”

8/18/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9) A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on Lawrence Block’s bestselling series of mystery novels, A Walk among the Tombstones stars Liam Neeson as Matt Scudder, an ex-NYPD cop who now works as an unlicensed private investigator operating just outside the law. When Scudder reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens) hunt down the men who kidnapped and then brutally murdered his wife, the PI learns that this is not the first time these men have committed this sort of twisted crime…nor will it be the last.”

9/19/14- OK reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

NOT RECOMMENDED-

1) BRUSH WITH DANGER– 1014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two undocumented immigrants to America, a brother and sister, struggle to get by in an unfamiliar world until the girl’s paintings catch the eye of an art broker who wants to sell them. But his spurious dealings lead the siblings down a dark path.”

9/19/14- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

2) LIFE’S A BREEZE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the process of making over aging matriarch Nan’s ratty apartment, a cash-strapped Irish clan inadvertently discards her mattress that’s stuffed with nearly one million euros. The question now is: where do old mattresses go to die?”

9/19/14- Very poor reviews in general with a smattering of good ones. TRDB.

3) RECLAIM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While visiting Puerto Rico to complete the process of adopting a 7-year-old Haitian refugee, a young American couple becomes entangled in a bewildering web of duplicity when the child is kidnapped.”

9/19/14- Terrible reviews from everybody. TRDB.

4) THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In accordance with Jewish custom, four siblings gather to sit shivah after their father’s death but are soon bickering and renewing old grudges. Brought together for the first time in years, the quarrelsome brood is in for a weeklong emotional duel.”

9/19/14- Poor reviews from critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) THE ZERO THEOREM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the near future, Qohen spends his days working for a boss named Management and his nights waiting for a phone call that will explain his existence. Terry Gilliam puts his characteristic bizarre spin on modern life in this sci-fi comedy.”

9/19/14- Very weak reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) FRANK- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An aspiring musician joins a band of eccentrics led by an enigmatic singer — who wears a fake head — and his unstable girlfriend. Creative tension mounts as the group retreats to the woods to cut an album.”8/15/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

2) OBVIOUS CHILD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being fired from her job and dumped by her cheating boyfriend, a comedian bottoms out and has a drunken one-night stand with a nice guy who’s not her type. Weeks later, she finds out she’s pregnant.”6/6/14- Very good reviews, including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6/23/14- I liked this movie very much– I’d call it a “slice of life” romantic comedy. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) FORT BLISS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Army field doctor Maggie Swann returns from a long and grueling tour in Afghanistan, she finds that her absence has fractured her bond with her 5-year-old son. As she begins to heal the breach, Maggie learns that she’s being redeployed.”9/19/14- Mixed reviews and audiences have like it more than the critics. I saw the lead actress of this movie, Michelle Monaghan, in the movie “Trucker” a few years ago and thought that she was terrific in the role. I’ll look forward to seeing this one. TRDB.

2) FRANK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An aspiring musician joins a band of eccentrics led by an enigmatic singer — who wears a fake head — and his unstable girlfriend. Creative tension mounts as the group retreats to the woods to cut an album.”8/15/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

3) FRONTERA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set in the tumultuous Border area of Arizona and Mexico, Frontera follows the events that take place after a former Arizona Sheriff’s wife (Amy Madigan) is killed while riding on their Ranch property. It would appear a Mexican man (Michael Pena) crossing in to the US illegally is at fault. As former Sheriff (Ed Harris) and current Sheriff (Aden Young) search for answers, lives are changed forever.”

9/3/14- Professional reviews are mixed at best, slightly more + than -. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) LIFE’S A BREEZE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the process of making over aging matriarch Nan’s ratty apartment, a cash-strapped Irish clan inadvertently discards her mattress that’s stuffed with nearly one million euros. The question now is: where do old mattresses go to die?”

9/19/14- Very poor reviews in general with a smattering of good ones. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

1) TRACKS- Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mia Wasikowska is affecting as adventurer Robyn Davidson, who crossed the Australian desert alone — and on foot — in 1977. Drawn from Davidson’s memoir, this drama depicts her arduous journey and explores her reasons for undertaking it.”8/18/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) MY OLD LADY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

2) THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told from two perspectives in two independent chapters, this engrossing drama depicts the dissolving union of Eleanor and Conor, who begin drifting apart in the wake of a tragic and traumatizing event.”

8/25/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

9/21/14- I got into this movie early on and very much enjoyed it despite a few loose ends in the story. I’ll be interested in what readers think of it. TRDB.

3) LOVE IS STRANGE– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

4) THE SKELETON TWINS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

5) THE DROP– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE DROP is a new crime drama from Michaël R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of Bullhead. Based on a screenplay from Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry.”

9/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed the movie– didn’t love it. In particular I liked the different characters who felt like caricatures to me. Also fun seeing James Gandolfini in his last  role. TRDB.

6) THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “Relocating from India to a quiet village in the south of France, chef Hassan Kadam and his family open a restaurant called Maison Mumbai. But when their business starts to thrive, a competing restaurateur launches a war between the eateries.”

8/5/14- Reviews are weak from most critics. I’ve seen the coming attractions and I’d have to agree. TRDB.

7) THE TRIP TO ITALY- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following in the footsteps of the great romantic poets, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traverse the Italian countryside musing about life and love. Work enters the conversation as well in this largely improvised sequel to the roadtrip comedy “The Trip.”

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

MY WIFE AND I SPENT A FEW DAYS IN MARTHA’S VINEYARD WITH OUR FRIENDS SOL AND DONNA AND WHILE THERE WE SAW 2 GOOD MOVIES— SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) ATTILA MARCEL- Seen at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival

2) METRO MANILA– Seen at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival

3) WRINKLES- Netflix

4) LOVE IS STRANGE– At the Theater

5) LA DANSE– LE BALLET DE L’OPERA DE PARIS– Netflix

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS- AT THE THEATER-

1) ATTILA MARCEL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rendered permanently mute by the shock of seeing both parents die, Paul is raised by two aunts who are determined to turn him into a piano virtuoso. But after his neighbor feeds him asparagus stew, Paul’s buried memories begin to return.”8/14/14- Rated well by IMDB (6.9) but I haven’t yet seen an individual critic’s review. TRDB.

9/6/14- Very creative and I found it interesting. It is clearly not for everyone. I’d try it if I were you! TRDB. Seen at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival.

2) METRO MANILA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking a better life, Oscar moves his family from a farm to the bustling city of Manila, where they soon realize that they’re out of their element. Things reach a boiling point when Oscar’s job at an armored truck company threatens his very life.”8/17/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/5/14- I liked this movie very much. TRDB. Seen at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival.

3) 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. I liked it very much. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) WRINKLES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in a nursing home, this poignant animated feature chronicles the friendship between new arrival Emilio, a retired bank manager afflicted with Alzheimer’s, and his chatty Argentine roommate, Miguel.”7/4/14- Excellent reviews for this animated feature. TRDB.

9/16/14- A wonderful story about people living in a nursing home. Anybody who is old, knows someone who is old or plans to get old needs to see this animated movie. TRDB.

2) LA DANSE– LE BALLET DE L’OPERA DE PARIS– Synopsis by Netflix. “Captured by renowned documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, the lives of the men and women that comprise world-famous Opéra national de Paris reveal an unending devotion to their craft and a passion for the dance that is unequaled. Wiseman provides an intimate behind-the-scenes view of rehearsals, performances and ephemeral moments of the dancers, choreographers and others that make up the creative troupe inside the Palais Garnier.”

Good reviews.

9/16/14- I enjoyed this documentary that included plenty of dancing as well as a good look at the individuals that make this company run from the inside. Just a bit too long.  TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) BAD WORDS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blessed with a photographic memory but no high school education, Guy Trilby discovers that he’s eligible to enter spelling bees intended for children. As Guy steamrolls his pre-teen competition, a journalist tries to find out what motivates him.”

3/14/14- Good reviews in general and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

9/4/14- I can’t believe that this trash film got any good reviews. I had to turn it off!! TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 23-

1) FREE THE MIND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary follows the efforts of neuroscientist Richard Davidson as he prescribes yoga and meditation in an attempt to ease the suffering of two war veterans with PTSD and a child with anxiety and ADHD.”5/3/13- A mixed review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/29/14- Better reviews from the critics as of today, 15 months later. TRDB.

2) BELLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This period drama based on fact traces the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a biracial girl born in 1761 to a British admiral father and an African mother. Raised by her great-uncle, Dido finds her place in society despite her mixed ethnicity.”

5/2/14- Fairly good reviews and the NY Times liked it. TRDB.

3) WE ARE THE BEST– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by a graphic novel, this coming-of-age charmer set in 1980s Stockholm follows a trio of 13-year-old misfits who refuse to believe punk is dead, forming a band in spite of their collective lack of musicianship.”

5/30/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences have liked it also . TRDB.

4) THE LAST OF THE UNJUST– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dark documentary examines the history of Theresienstadt, the Nazis’ model ghetto created to counter rumors about mistreatment of interned Jews. Director Claude Lanzmann interviews Benjamin Murmelstein, one of the ghetto’s last living witnesses.”

2/7/14- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) PARIS MANHATTAN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirtysomething Alice, who lives only for Woody Allen movies, is introduced to a handsome French man by her parents, who hope that sparks will fly. But will he be able to compete with the legendary director in Alice’s star-struck eyes?”4/2/13- Good reviews for this movie although most called it kind of fluffy. TRDB.

4/12/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 5-

1) LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary recounts the Vietnam War’s final days, when unexpected roadblocks threatened the evacuation of America’s South Vietnamese allies. Witnesses and rare footage reveal the heroism and sacrifice that played out amid the chaos.”9/5/14- Excellent reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) THE CONGRESS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actress Robin Wright plays herself in this surreal drama about a film star who agrees to have her digital image recorded for reuse in future films. Despite the handsome payoff, Robin begins to recognize some unforeseen consequences of the deal.”

9/5/14- Fairly good critical review. Audience reviews are mixed so far. TRDB.

3) 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.

4) THE RULE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “See how the Benedictine monks of Newark Abbey, in the heart of one of America’s most dangerous cities, are able to achieve amazing success with the most vulnerable population: inner city African American and Latino teenage males. While Newark, NJ, with a high poverty rate of 32%, has an abysmal high school graduation rate, St. Benedict’s Prep has a near 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE rate.”

9/5/14- Just 4 reviews so far—3 up and 1 down (the NY Times.) TRDB.

4) MEMPHIS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Profiled against the storied musical backdrop of Memphis, a talented young singer fails to focus on his career as he struggles to understand himself. However, his internal journey threatens to be derailed by alcohol and the passions of the flesh.”

9/4/14- Fairly good professional reviews but no so popular with audiences. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) BUT ALWAYS– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A snapshot of young love in the 1970s: two school friends, growing up in Beijing, both with different backgrounds and different families. As time progresses their relationship grows and so too do their families. Separated, they lose touch, only to rekindle the romance in New York City, but now having to face the fact that they both have established lives and established loves.”

9/5/14- Awful reviews from nearly every critic. Audiences didn’t like it either. TRDB.

2) KELLY & CAL- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Struggling with the challenges of parenthood, a dispirited young mother finds an unlikely friend and confidante in her paralyzed teenage neighbor. But when their relationship crosses the line, she starts to consider the consequences.”

9/7/14- Mixed reviews from professional and from audiences as well. TRDB.

3) NAKED OPERA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Born with a disease that condemns him to an early death, Marc is a wealthy businessman determined to enjoy his remaining days to the fullest. This documentary follows Marc around the world in search of the perfect staging of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.”

9/7/14- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 12-

1) ALTINA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A fashion sensation in the 1930s with her design for Harlequin eyeglasses, Altina is an affecting, provocative, and richly informative documentary about an American trendsetter–a woman before her time.”9/12/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

2) ALUMBRONES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking viewers into the homes and workspaces of 12 artists living in Havana, this documentary shines a spotlight on the art, culture and hard realities of life in modern Cuba at a time when the country is at a crossroads.”

9/12/14- I found 4 professional reviews- 3 up including the NY Times and 1 down. The movie sounds interesting. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) BIRD PEOPLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When two strangers yearning to escape their discontented lives eventually cross paths in a Paris airport hotel, neither of them is prepared for the series of surprises that follow their chance meeting.”9/12/14- Weak reviews in general. TRDB.

2) FAITH CONNECTIONS– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Filmmaker Pan Nalin travels to the Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s most extraordinary religious events. There, he encounters remarkable men of mind and meditation, some facing an inextricable dilemma: to embrace the world or to renounce it. FAITH CONNECTIONS explores such diverse and deeply moving stories such as those of a young runaway kid, a Sadhu, a mother desperately looking for her lost son, a yogi who is raising an abandoned baby.”

9/12/14- Just a few reviews and they are mixed. The NY Times was down on it. TRDB.

3) FINDING FANNY– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Five Goans set off on a road trip in search of an old postman’s childhood love, Stefanie “Fanny” Fernandes, though nobody knows whether she’s alive or dead or just a figment of someone’s imagination.”

9/12/14- Just a few reviews and both professional critics and audiences have been mixed on this one. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

4) THE FRONTIER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a prolonged estrangement, a boozy retired professor contacts his son to encourage a face-to-face meeting between them. Despite father and son’s best efforts, however, old tensions soon begin to resurface.”

9/12/14- Very weak reviews from all sources. TRDB.

5) SWEARNET: THE MOVIE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After their star turn in the “Trailer Park Boys” reality series, Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay and Mike Smith launch their own video network. But their bold project is soon threatened by personal and creative differences.”

9/12/14- Poor professional reviews but audiences seem to have liked it. TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

Just one movie this week-

1) STARRED UP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this gritty drama, Jack O’Connell gives a standout performance as a teenage offender whose violent temper gets him moved to an adult prison, where he finds a different breed of inmate — including his long-incarcerated father.”8/25/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

8/27/14- This movie, without sub-titles, is, as far as I’m concerned, WORTHLESS. I had to turn it off as I could not understand most of what they were saying. TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) HONEYMOON- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Soon after arriving at a secluded woodland cabin, a honeymooning couple sees their bliss evaporate when a sleepwalking incident leads to increasingly odd behavior by the bride — and mounting paranoia on the part of her groom.”9/12/14- Sounds unusual but this movie has received good reviews. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

2) BELLE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This period drama based on fact traces the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a biracial girl born in 1761 to a British admiral father and an African mother. Raised by her great-uncle, Dido finds her place in society despite her mixed ethnicity.”

5/2/14- Fairly good reviews and the NY Times liked it. TRDB.

3) GOD HELP THE GIRL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This musical by Stuart Murdoch — of the indie band Belle and Sebastian — follows Eve, whose gift for songwriting sees her through a troubled life. Her talent takes her to Glasgow, where she finally meets others who share her passion.”

9/7/14- Reviews are mixed for this movie– from critics and from audiences alike. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

4) BIRD PEOPLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When two strangers yearning to escape their discontented lives eventually cross paths in a Paris airport hotel, neither of them is prepared for the series of surprises that follow their chance meeting.”

9/12/14- Weak reviews in general. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told from two perspectives in two independent chapters, this engrossing drama depicts the dissolving union of Eleanor and Conor, who begin drifting apart in the wake of a tragic and traumatizing event.”8/25/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) MY OLD LADY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

3) THE DROP– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE DROP is a new crime drama from Michaël R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of Bullhead. Based on a screenplay from Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry.”

9/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) THE SKELETON TWINS– Jacob Burns. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) LOVE IS STRANGE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

2) THE TRIP TO ITALY– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following in the footsteps of the great romantic poets, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traverse the Italian countryside musing about life and love. Work enters the conversation as well in this largely improvised sequel to the roadtrip comedy “The Trip.”

8/15/14– Good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/22/14- I enjoyed the movie but with the views and food from the Italian coast it’s hard not to. TRDB.

3) THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “Relocating from India to a quiet village in the south of France, chef Hassan Kadam and his family open a restaurant called Maison Mumbai. But when their business starts to thrive, a competing restaurateur launches a war between the eateries.”

8/5/14- Reviews are weak from most critics. I’ve seen the coming attractions and I’d have to agree. TRDB.

4) A MOST WANTED MAN– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A half-Russian, half-Chechen man, brutalized by torture, arrives in Hamburg, where he seeks a British banker’s help in recovering his father’s estate. But the man may not be all he seems to be in this riveting adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.”

7/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/16/14- I found this movie confusing at first. The acting was great and propelled the movie which was more ordinary. This was Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last completed film before his untimely death. TRDB.

5) CHEF– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When chef Carl Casper’s plans for opening a restaurant in Los Angeles fail to pan out, he returns home to Miami and debuts a food truck instead. While trying to regain his zest for cookery, Carl also tries to mend his fractured family ties”

5/9/14- Very good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.

6/8/14- A Hollywoodish feel good movie that made me feel good. TRDB.

6) MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exposing a phony soothsayer proves harder than expected when the debunker (an Englishman) becomes smitten with the purported fraud (a French beauty). This deft romantic comedy unwinds amid the gilt and glamour of the French Riviera in the 1920s.”

7/25/14- Woody’s latest has gotten poor reviews from most critics. I’m certain to see it anyway. TRDB.

8/4/14- As mentioned above, there have been many negative reviews of this movie but I found it a delightful drama obviously NOT meant to be  a comedy. TRDB.

 

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB