The Reel Dr. Bob

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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 MOTEL LIFE– Comcast On-Demand

2) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES– Netflix

3) THE LAST RIDE– Netflix

4) CRYSTAL FAIRY– Netflix Streaming

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) FREE BIRDS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this irreverent, hilarious, adventurous buddy comedy, directed by Jimmy Hayward (Horton Hears a Who!), two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.”11/18/13- I saw this yesterday in Boston with my grandchildren. A cute animated movie for kids that they both enjoyed. I found it clever as well. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE MOTEL LIFE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting indie drama, two luckless brothers — inseparable because of a pledge they made to their dying mother — are forced to take it on the lam after one of them is involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident.”11/8/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

11/14/13- I liked this movie very much. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

2) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luke is a professional motorcycle rider who turns to bank robberies to support his newborn son, but when he crosses paths with a rookie police officer, their violent confrontation spirals into a tense generational feud.”

3/28/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times but better reviews from other critics. TRDB.

11/18/13- A very interesting and well acted drama that is multigenerational in scope. TRDB.

3) THE LAST RIDE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young college student agrees to drive volatile country music star Hank Williams to a concert, never guessing he’ll be the last one to see him alive. Along the way, he gets a glimpse into the mind of a troubled legend.”

Just OK reviews from most.  TRDB.

6/22/12- Poor review in today’s NY Times- they said that you need to be a Hank Williams fanatic to enjoy this one. TRDB.

11/19/13- I enjoyed the music but basically we learned nothing about what the star Hank Williams was all about. Still, there was something about the movie that was appealing. TRDB.

4) CRYSTAL FAIRY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A self-absorbed young American traveling in Chile plans a journey with his pals to find a legendary hallucinogenic cactus. But when he invites the free-spirited Crystal Fairy along, they find themselves locked in a battle of wills.”

7/12/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. Others have liked it as well. TRDB.

11/20/13- Very different but I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 26-

 

1) RED OBSESSION– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Russell Crowe narrates this sobering study of how the tastes of China’s nouveau riche are driving up wine prices in France’s Bordeaux region — and pushing out Western customers who can no longer afford it.”8/23/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) THE CANYONS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While calculating young movie producer Christian makes films to keep his trust fund intact, his actress girlfriend, Tara, hides an affair. But a chance meeting thrusts them into a violent, sexually-charged tour through the dark side of human nature.”

8/2/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and similar reviews elsewhere. TRDB.

3) APPLAUSE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After a long stint in rehab, legendary actress Thea Barfoed (Paprika Steen) seeks to reconnect with her two young sons in this drama from Denmark. Now, the headstrong Thea must prove to her ex-husband, Christian (Michael Falch) — and to herself — that she’s truly reformed. Meanwhile, her nightly performances as overbearing wife Martha in the play “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” lead her to face some painful truths.”

Poor review in NY Times on 1/21/11.

4) INFORMANT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “What turned Brandon Darby from an outspoken radical to a right-wing FBI informant in only three years? This doc gets the story from the man himself. Darby explains the shift in his allegiances that made him one of activism’s most maligned figures.”

9/13/13- Excellent reviews all around with a somewhat weaker review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED ON NOV. 15 IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON NOV. 14-

 

1) SEX, LOVE & SALSA– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The story of Julian Suarez, 29 going on 30, who loves women so much he can’t have just one. Three in particular have caught his eye at the moment, Genny, voluptuous, rambunctious, romantic; Ingrid, posh, daring, sophisticated, and Maria, artful, salsa dancer, and it seems Mr. Suave might have just met his match with this Maria… makes him wonder when is it really the right time to settle down?11/15/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) LONG ISLAND RAILROAD MASSACRE– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On December 7, 1993, a coward stepped onto a crowded train and committed the worst crime in Long Island history. Go in-depth with director Charlie Minn as he interviews witnesses and families of victims, adding to the tension of this intense and emotional film.”

11/15/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set 13 years after the events of The Best Man, this comedy sequel picks up as the story’s original characters — whose lives have taken some odd turns since — gather for a mirthful reunion.”

11/15/13- OK reviews from most critics including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) 12-12-12- 2013. Synopsis by IMDB- “A behind-the-scenes look at the televised benefit concert to raise relief funds for victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.”

11/14/13- Mixed reviews, more good than bad including a fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (NOV. 22)-

 

1) PHILOMENA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago.”11/12/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) NARCO CULTURA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring the lives of a Mexican crime scene investigator and a Mexican American narcocorrido singer, this documentary examines how the culture of narcotics trafficking has become a twisted new version of the American Dream.”

11/12/13- I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both good. TRDB.

3) DELIVERY MAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After learning that he’s fathered hundreds of children, former sperm donor David Wozniak discovers that dozens of his offspring now want to meet him. Meanwhile, David’s current girlfriend is also pregnant and uncertain about their future together.”

11/12/13- This movie has no reviews as yet but it sounds an awful like the movie Starbuck. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) CAMILLE CLAUDEL 1915– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When gifted sculptress Camille Claudel, once the lover of Auguste Rodin, falls prey to mental illness, her family commits her to a psychiatric clinic. This subdued drama follows Camille’s thoughts and moods as she waits for redemption to arrive.”10/16/13- Mixed reviews. The review in today’s NY Times was favorable. TRDB.

2) M- 1931. Synopsis by Netflix. ” German-American director Fritz Lang presents his first “talkie” — and cinema’s first serial killer — in this 1931 classic whose central villain was later used in Nazi propaganda films to illustrate the evils of sexual deviance. Propelled by a compulsion he can’t control, plump pedophile Hans Beckert (Peter Lorre) escapes the eye of the law — but not the wrath of the Berlin underworld being blamed for his crimes. Otto Wernicke co-stars.”

 

11/21/13-The Classic!! TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) GEOGRAPHY CLUB– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking for a haven from the social hell of high school, the teens in this dramedy form a social club they know no one else will join. Here, it doesn’t matter that Min and Terese are more than just friends, or that the quarterback is seeing a guy.”11/15/13- Weak reviews in general but an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) SUNLIGHT JR.- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hard times befall an already struggling convenience-store clerk and her paraplegic boyfriend when they’re evicted from the seedy motel they call home, and she loses the job that barely supports them.”

11/15/13- Very good reviews in general but the NY Times review today was barely OK and said that the actors were not convincing. TRDB

3) DEAR MR. WATTERSON– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nearly two decades after the last original “Calvin and Hobbes” was published, this documentary examines the comic strip’s enduring legacy. Fans and cartoonists such as Berke Breathed of “Bloom County” discuss the strip’s impact and timeless appeal.”

11/15/13- Fairly good reviews but a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) THE ARMSTRONG LIE– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filming cyclist Lance Armstrong as he trained for the 2009 Tour de France, director Alex Gibney had intimate access to the racer’s team. Gibney’s cameras were also rolling for Armstrong’s startling 2012 confession of performance-enhancing drug use.”10/16/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

11/8/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

1) 12 YEARS A SLAVE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. ” 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.10/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/6/13- Overall I enjoyed this movie as this is clearly a story needing to be told. The acting was wonderful. Throughout the movie I couldn’t help thinking about this as another Holocaust movie with the dehumanizing, the oppression, the splitting of families and the often random nature of the violence inflicted on the victims, in this case Blacks. My only objection was that too many scenes seemed the same to me, each showing the difficult daily life on the plantation in one form or another. TRDB.

2)  CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”

10/11/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received excellent reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

10/11/13- The movie was well done and helped along by the knowledge that it was taken from a true story. Tom Hanks did his usual good job. I enjoyed the last 15min. the most. TRDB.

3) ALL IS LOST– Bethel. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this harrowing drama — which has no dialogue — Robert Redford portrays a man stranded alone at sea, courageously battling a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive with just a sextant and maritime maps to guide him.”

9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.

10/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) DALLAS BUYERS CLUB– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Loosely based on true events, this drama follows Ron Woodroof, who refuses to accept he’ll die in 30 days when he’s diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. He extends his life and eventually helps many other AIDS patients by smuggling medications from abroad.”

10/16/13- Very good reviews for this Indie drama. TRDB.

11/1/13- The review in today’s NY Times gave this movie an OK review but said that it lacked passion and “played it safe.” TRDB.

5) ENOUGH SAID– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”

9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

9/29/13- With a very good script, very good acting and with great chemistry between the two main actors this movie seemed like real life with all of  its conflicts. TRDB. 

6) ABOUT TIME– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young man who comes from a family of time-travelers changes history for the better in this romantic comedy from director Richard Curtis. During one of his trip to the past, he falls for a woman played by Rachel McAdams.”

10/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and mediocre reviews at best from everyone else. TRDB.

7) GRAVITY– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”

10/2/13- Very good reviews and this film has been well received at festivals too. TRDB.

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/11/13- Kind of a weak story but the special effects are definitely worth the price of admission. TRDB.

 

 

NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NOVEMBER 7, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF LAST WEEK-

 

1) THE ENGLISH TEACHER– Netflix

2) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR- At the Theater

3) OUT IN THE DARK– Netflix

4) 12 YEARS A SLAVE– At the Theater

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele focuses on Thomas. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. Soon, Adele begins exploring her desire for girls as she negotiates her way to becoming a woman.”Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A 15-year-old girl finds her naïve perceptions of human sexuality challenged upon meeting a blue-haired girl who encourages her to assert her individuality in director Abdel Kechiche’s deeply perceptive drama. The recipient of the prestigious Palme d’ Or at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Blue is the Warmest Color stars Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.”

9/28/13- Excellent reviews although A.O. Scott from the NY Times wrote a negative review after this film won at Cannes. TRDB.

11/2/13- Great acting by the two lead women and a lot of graphic lesbian sex have contributed to making this movie, the winner of the Palme d’Or Award in Cannes, the most talked about movie in a long time. The story itself was very good as well and I recommend the film. TRDB.

2) 12 YEARS A SLAVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”

9/29/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

10/18/13- A glowing review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/6/13- Overall I enjoyed this movie as this is clearly a story needing to be told. The acting was wonderful. Throughout the movie I couldn’t help thinking about this as another Holocaust movie with the dehumanizing, the oppression, the splitting of families and the often random nature of the violence inflicted on the victims, in this case Blacks. My only objection was that too many scenes seemed the same to me, each showing the difficult daily life on the plantation in one form or another. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE ENGLISH TEACHER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devoted small-town English teacher Linda yearns for love. Enter Jason, a former student whose career as a Broadway playwright didn’t pan out. When she persuades him to stage his play at the school before giving up, love — and controversy — arise.”5/24/13- Weak reviews in general and a poor one in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

10/31/13- I think that this movie couldn’t decide if it was to be funny or serious but there was enough of each and I thought it was OK in general. Also, I like Julianne Moore.  TRDB.

2) AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF HER BEAUTY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the comely and intriguing Namik stands him up for a date, filmmaker Terence documents his confusion in a short film that he later shows to her. When Namik isn’t impressed, Terence decide to turn the movie into a full exploration of his feelings.”

4/21/13- Mixed early reviews but many more positive than negative. TRDB.

4/26/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/1/13- This movie was very creative but I found it really boring and could not get into it at all. TRDB.

3) ADMISSION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While scouting applicants at an experimental high school, Ivy League admissions officer Portia Nathan discovers that the school’s founder is her former college classmate John Halsey — and that she may have a connection to one of his students.”

3/14/13- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.

3/22/13- A barely OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/4/13- A few bright spots in an otherwise weak story. Don’t bother. TRDB.

4) OUT IN THE DARK– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sparks fly when Roy, an Israeli lawyer, and Nimr, a Palestinian graduate student, meet at a bar in Tel Aviv. But their budding relationship is threatened when Nimr’s student visa is revoked and he faces deportation.”

9/27/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.

11/5/13- An interesting and very well acted movie bringing to light yet another difficult aspect of life in the Middle East. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 12-

 

1) THE ATTACK– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “An Arab Israeli physician offers assistance at the scene of a gruesome suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and then learns that the bomber was his own wife. Stunned and furious, he sets out to confront the people who encouraged her deadly decision.”6/7/13- Only a few reviews so far but they are all excellent. TRDB.

6/21/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6/30/13- A riveting thriller that according to one critic is about politics, love and betrayal. I can’t agree more. TRDB.

2) BARBARA-  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1980 East Germany, Barbara, a doctor, is reassigned to a small rural hospital as punishment for trying to find work in the West. Biding time until her lover can help her defect, Barbara begins to suspect that her new boss knows of her plans.”

12/21/12- Great review in today’s NT Times and elsewhere too. TRDB.

3/4/13- I saw this movie today and liked it despite it’s slow moving plot. Not for everybody however. TRDB. Theater.

3) PARADISE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The comedy follows a sheltered young woman (Julianne Hough) who loses her faith after a plane crash and decides to go to Las Vegas to experience the wild side of life. On her journey, she meets unlikely companions (Russell Brand and Octavia Spencer) who inadvertently help her find her true self.”

9/29/13- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

4) FRANCES HA–  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to make it as a modern dancer in New York, young Frances Ha pursues her unlikely goal with more enthusiasm than natural talent. The rest of the time, she and her sardonic best friend, Sophie, put off growing up for as long as they can.”

9/5/12- Mentioned briefly in the NY Times as being shown at the Telluride Film Festival this September. TRDB.

5/4/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

5/17/13- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5/25/13- I liked this movie very much. Very good acting and an insightful screenplay. TRDB.

5) I DECLARE WAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A once-friendly game of war between two groups of 13-year-olds takes on sinister overtones when an enemy soldier goes rogue and kidnaps the best friend of the opposing side’s commander.”

8/14/13– Surprisingly good reviews. TRDB.

6) DEALIN’ WITH IDIOTS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Comedian Max Morris decides to take on the challenge of managing his son’s youth baseball team, which also means taking on the kids’ parents. Jeff Garlin directs and stars in this semi-improvised comedy about youthful and grown-up ambition.”

10/16/13- Poor reviews from most critics. TRDB.

7) BLACKFISH– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum — who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity — and questions the safety and humaneness of confining these intelligent creatures.”

7/3/13- Just a few reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

7/19/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8) PRINCE AVALANCHE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While repainting traffic lines along a burnt-out stretch of rural highway, a mismatched pair — straightlaced Alvin and his girlfriend’s harebrained brother, Lance — form an unlikely bond that builds upon their differences.”

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “Driven by striking performances from Rudd and Hirsch, Prince Avalanche is an offbeat comedy about two men painting traffic lines on a desolate country highway that’s been ravaged by wildfire. Against this dramatic setting, the men bicker and joke with each other, eventually developing an unlikely friendship. Funny, meditative and at times surreal, Prince Avalanche features a score by Explosions in the Sky and David Wingo, and was shot by frequent Green collaborator Tim Orr was. Loosely adapted from Either Way, an Icelandic film by Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson.”

8/3/13- Good reviews all around. TRDB.

8/9/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/15/13- Not really a road movie but these 2 guys were working on a road. A good story about male bonding and I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY (Nov. 1) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON OCT. 31-

 

1) ABOUT TIME– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young man who comes from a family of time-travelers changes history for the better in this romantic comedy from director Richard Curtis. During one of his trip to the past, he falls for a woman played by Rachel McAdams.”

10/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and mediocre reviews at best from everyone else. TRDB.

2) AFTERMATH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two decades after migrating to America, Chicagoan Franek returns to his native Poland only to find things deeply amiss in his family and town. With his brother, Jozek, who stayed behind, Franek sets out to discover the community’s collective secret.”

11/1/13- Mixed reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it. The review in today’s NY Times is ambiguous but I thought it was good. TRDB.

3) BEHIND THE BLUE VEIL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As outside forces threaten the Tuareg’s 2,000-year roam across the Sahara, a chief’s son uses unusual methods to preserve their way of life. This documentary examines the Tuareg’s plight and how one man’s quest may turn the tide.”

11/1/13- A good review in today’s NY Times but one critic said that this movie would play better as a 1 hour T.V. documentary. TRDB.

4) BIG SUR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of his literary success, Beat writer Jack Kerouac retreats to a small cabin in California’s Big Sur to try and sort out his life. When isolation leads him to take a break in San Francisco, he’s soon involved with his buddy’s mistress.”

11/1/13- Today’s NY Times gave this a good review but most other critics said it was pretty bad. TRDB.

5) FOLLOWING THE NINTH– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” FOLLOWING THE NINTH is an inspirational film about Beethoven’s Choral Symphony, its majestic power to liberate us, to shield us against suffering, to provide hope and resilience during dark times. Filmed on five continents and in 12 countries, FOLLOWING THE NINTH is the story of four lives that have been transformed and repaired by the music, expressed most vividly in the prophecy of the Ode to Joy: “Alle Menschen werden Brüder”(All Men Will Be Brothers).”

11/1/13- I’ve seen just 2 reviews, both good, including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) IMMIGRANT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director Barry Shurchin crafted this bittersweet drama from his memories of immigrating to the United States from the Soviet Union in the 1970s. When 9-year-old Daanyik loses his father, his family must find a way to survive in New York City.”

11/1/13- An awful review in today’s NY Times. I couldn’t find any other reviews. TRDB.

7) LAST LOVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A widowed professor living alone in Paris sees no meaningful future for himself until he meets a free-spirited young dance instructor. From their first meeting, each instinctively provides what the other so desperately needs: someone to call family.”

11/1/13- A very poor review in today’s NY Times and from nearly all professional critics as well. TRDB.

8) LAST VEGAS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four sixtysomething pals — Billy, Paddy, Archie and Sam — gather in Las Vegas to celebrate Billy’s upcoming nuptials with the intention of running wild for four straight days. But Sin City has gotten a lot crazier than they could’ve ever imagined.”

11/1/13- Awful reviews. TRDB.

9) MUSICWOOD– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Alarmed by the logging of the Sitka spruce wood their craft depends on, a group of professional guitar makers travels to Alaska to save the trees. Their cause is complicated by the fact that American Indians hold timber rights to the lands at issue.”

11/1/13- This movie got a very good review in today’s NY Times. Audiences have liked it very much also. TRDB.

10) ONE PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Highlights the journalistic standards of Walter Cronkite and the challenges he and other news people faced in gathering and delivering the news of the JFK assassination.”

11/1/13- Poor reviews in general including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11) THE PERVERT’S GUIDE TO IDEOLOGY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. Director Sophie Fiennes and philosopher Slavoj Zizek team up for this intriguing documentary that uses their interpretations of a potpourri of movies to create a journey into the epicenter of ideology.”

11/1/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times but most other critics have enjoyed it. TRDB.

12) 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.

13) THESE BIRDS WALK– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary profiles both legendary humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi and a young boy named Omar, who has fled his abusive family. Living at one of Edhi’s orphanages in Karachi, Pakistan, Omar attempts to find safety and peace.”

11/1/13- Very good reviews from everybody including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (Nov. 8)-

 

1) THE ARMSTRONG LIE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filming cyclist Lance Armstrong as he trained for the 2009 Tour de France, director Alex Gibney had intimate access to the racer’s team. Gibney’s cameras were also rolling for Armstrong’s startling 2012 confession of performance-enhancing drug use.”10/16/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) THE BOOK THIEF– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young Liesel steals books to teach herself to read, giving her refuge from the horrors of Nazi Germany and her cold foster parents. When not reading, she forms a bond with the Jewish man her adoptive family is hiding in their home.”

10/16/13- I have found only 1 review and it’s very good. TRDB.

3) THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The work of photographer Jo-Anne McArthur drives this film about the marginalized role of animals in modern society. Her images capture animals used for food, product testing, clothing and more to reveal the sentience of these nonhuman beings.”

10/16/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

4) GO FOR SISTERS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just out of prison, Fontanye discovers that her parole officer is Bernice, a former friend. Bernice takes it easy on Fontanye, and in turn, the ex-con promises to help find Bernice’s son Rodney, who disappeared near the Mexican border.”

10/16/13- A few reviews and they are mixed. TRDB.

5) HOW I LIVE NOW– 2013.  Synopsis by Netflix. “While on vacation in rural England, American teen Daisy slowly comes to appreciate the people around her and soon falls in love with local boy Edmund. Daisy’s summer idyll comes to an abrupt end when rumors of World War III become a reality.”

10/16/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. TRDB.

6) 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.”

10/16/13- Good early reviews. TRDB.

7) THE WIND RISES– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Master animator Hayao Miyazaki spins a decades-spanning tale inspired by the life of Jirô Horikoshi, designer of the World War II fighter plane the Zero. Too nearsighted to become a pilot, Jirô settles for building planes, with spectacular results.”

10/16/13- Good reviews. TRDB.

8) APPROVED FOR ADOPTION– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adopted by a Belgian family as a child and now in his 40s, cartoonist Jung Henin returns to his native Korea to find his biological mother. Woven into his search are animated vignettes that chronicle his memories of childhood in his native land.’

11/3/13- I have seen just 3 professional reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

9) AT BERKELEY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Frederick Wiseman turns his cameras on one of America’s best-known schools to expose tensions over rising tuition and slashed budgets. University leaders discuss the crisis as the film captures protests and the effects of cutbacks.”

11/3/13- Excellent reviews for this documentary that is over 4 hours. TRDB.

10) THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The work of photographer Jo-Anne McArthur drives this film about the marginalized role of animals in modern society. Her images capture animals used for food, product testing, clothing and more to reveal the sentience of these nonhuman beings.”

11/3/13- Early reviews by audiences are very positive but the few professional reviews I’ve seen are poor. TRDB.

11) FINDING MR. RIGHT-2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A pregnant Beijing mistress comes to Seattle to give birth to her child, and learning the meaning of humility when she befriends a humble maternity ward driver while awaiting the arrival of her negligent sugar daddy. From the moment she arrives in Seattle, Wen Jiajia Tang Wei) is positively insufferable. Berating everyone at the nursing ward as she casually flaunts her wealth, Wen quickly alienates herself from the staff and patients alike. The only one who can tolerate her is reserved driver Frank (Wu Xiu-Bo), and that’s only because he’s too polite to put her in her place. Meanwhile, an unexpected development prompts gold-digging Wen to reflect on her attitude and reassess her priorities.”

11/3/13- No reviews yet. TRDB.

12) L.A. SUPERHEROES– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Struggling to get by in Los Angeles’ pitiless entertainment economy, immigrant actress Helena takes a big — and illegal — risk to get a green card. After she gets caught, Helena gives out information on her friends that could come back to bite her.”

11/3/13- Just a few professional reviews and they are poor. TRDB.

13) MEDORA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As four high school basketball players from rural Medora, Indiana, struggle to end their team’s losing streak, the residents of their formerly booming community refuse to give up on their declining town in this inspiring documentary.”

11/3/13- A few early reviews are good. TRDB.

14) PEOPLE OF A FEATHER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring groundbreaking footage from seven winters in the Arctic, People of a Feather takes you through time into the world of Inuit on the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay connecting past present and future.”

11/3/13- I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both good. TRDB.

15) THE MOTEL LIFE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting indie drama, two luckless brothers — inseparable because of a pledge they made to their dying mother — are forced to take it on the lam after one of them is involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident.”

11/3/13- Mixed reviews with more up than down. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) GOD LOVES UGANDA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This powerful documentary examines the evangelical campaign to spread the values of America’s Christian right in Uganda, including a fierce fight against sexual immorality taken on by both American and Ugandan fundamentalist religious leaders.”10/7/13- Just a few reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

10/11/13- The NY Times gave this documentary a very good review today. TRDB.

 2) CAPITAL- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bright young financial star Marc Tourneuil is named CEO of one of France’s biggest banks because the company’s board believes he can be controlled. But as he’s thrown into a high-stakes, devious world, Marc has no intention of giving up his power.”

10/25/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews at best from others. TRDB. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW- UNFORTUNATELY, ALL 4 RECEIVED POOR REVIEWS–

 

1) BIG SUR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of his literary success, Beat writer Jack Kerouac retreats to a small cabin in California’s Big Sur to try and sort out his life. When isolation leads him to take a break in San Francisco, he’s soon involved with his buddy’s mistress.”11/1/13- Today’s NY Times gave this a good review but most other critics said it was pretty bad. TRDB.

2) LAST LOVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A widowed professor living alone in Paris sees no meaningful future for himself until he meets a free-spirited young dance instructor. From their first meeting, each instinctively provides what the other so desperately needs: someone to call family.”

11/1/13- A very poor review in today’s NY Times and from nearly all professional critics as well. TRDB.

3) A PERFECT MAN- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On the cusp of their ninth anniversary, James and Nina seem to have the perfect marriage and ideal lives – an affluent life in Amsterdam, lucrative jobs and adoring friends. Yet when Nina discovers James’s infidelity with a mutual friend of theirs after a long line of extramarital affairs, it’s the final straw, shattering whatever illusions they’ve created about their relationship and leaving them separated. Heartbroken about their separation, a stroke of luck leads Nina to impersonate James’s chatty travel agent on the phone, and he’s soon pouring his heart out and unwittingly falling for his wife all over again as they discuss the uncertainty of love and the eternal misunderstanding between men and women.”

11/1/13– A really poor review in today’s NY Times. I’ve seen one other professional review and it was good. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

4) CBGB– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Renewing the legend of one of New York’s most storied nightclubs, this raucous drama features the punk and rock legends who made CBGB famous. While the club’s owner had hoped to open CBGB as a country venue, it soon became something quite different.”

10/11/13- Poor reviews from nearly all critics including the NY Times. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) 2 JACKS- Weak reviews in general

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) KILL YOUR DARLINGS– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1944, budding poet Allen Ginsberg falls under the spell of Columbia classmate Lucien Carr, who introduces him to the nascent Beat movement, as well as fellow libertines Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.”9/29/13- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) 12 YEARS A SLAVE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this harrowing drama — which has no dialogue — Robert Redford portrays a man stranded alone at sea, courageously battling a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive with just a sextant and maritime maps to guide him.”9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.

10/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/6/13- Overall I enjoyed this movie as this is clearly a story needing to be told. The acting was wonderful. Throughout the movie I couldn’t help thinking about this as another Holocaust movie with the dehumanizing, the oppression, the splitting of families and the often random nature of the violence inflicted on the victims, in this case Blacks. My only objection was that too many scenes seemed the same to me, each showing the difficult daily life on the plantation in one form or another. TRDB.

2) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele focuses on Thomas. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. Soon, Adele begins exploring her desire for girls as she negotiates her way to becoming a woman.”

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A 15-year-old girl finds her naïve perceptions of human sexuality challenged upon meeting a blue-haired girl who encourages her to assert her individuality in director Abdel Kechiche’s deeply perceptive drama. The recipient of the prestigious Palme d’ Or at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Blue is the Warmest Color stars Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.”

9/28/13- Excellent reviews although A.O. Scott from the NY Times wrote a negative review after this film won at Cannes. TRDB.

11/2/13- Great acting by the two lead women and a lot of graphic lesbian sex have contributed to making this movie, the winner of the Palme d’Or Award in Cannes, the most talked about movie in a long time. The story itself was very good as well and I recommend the film. TRDB.

 

3) ABOUT TIME– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young man who comes from a family of time-travelers changes history for the better in this romantic comedy from director Richard Curtis. During one of his trip to the past, he falls for a woman played by Rachel McAdams.”10/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and mediocre reviews at best from everyone else. TRDB.

 

4) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”10/11/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received excellent reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

10/11/13- The movie was well done and helped along by the knowledge that it was taken from a true story. Tom Hanks did his usual good job. I enjoyed the last 15min. the most. TRDB.

 

5) ALL IS LOST– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this harrowing drama — which has no dialogue — Robert Redford portrays a man stranded alone at sea, courageously battling a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive with just a sextant and maritime maps to guide him.”9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.

10/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) ENOUGH SAID– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”

9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

9/29/13- With a very good script, very good acting and with great chemistry between the two main actors this movie seemed like real life with all of  its conflicts. TRDB. 

7) GRAVITY– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”

10/2/13- Very good reviews and this film has been well received at festivals too. TRDB.

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/11/13- Kind of a weak story but the special effects are definitely worth the price of admission. TRDB.

 

 

OCTOBER 31, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) MOTHER OF GEORGE– At the Theater

2) AUGUSTINE– Netflix

3) CONCUSSION– Comcast On-Demand

4) YOU WILL BE MY SON– At the Theater

5) ALL IS LOST– At the Theater

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) MOTHER OF GEORGE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nigerian-Americans Ayodele and Adenike marry and perform a traditional ceremony in which Adenike confirms the name of the son she will one day bear. But the stress of adjusting to life in America and the pressure to conceive soon take their toll.”9/13/13- Excellent reviews all around including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/17/13- I enjoyed (if you can use that term here) the movie very much. Great acting and a poignant story. TRDB.

2) YOU WILL BE MY SON– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Paul de Marseul (Niels Aretrup) is the passionate, demanding proprietor of his prestigious family wine estate. But he has no faith in his son, Martin (Loran Deutsch), who works at the vineyard. Paul dreams of a harder-working, successful son-a dream that one day seemingly materializes when he meets Philip (Nicolas Bridet), the son of his dying estate manager (Patrick Chesnais). Can Paul turn against his own blood and turn Philip into the rightful heir of his family estate?”

Here’s what Netflix had to say– “Doubtful that his own son is up to the task, the demanding owner of a vintage chateau and wine label turns to the offspring of his late caretaker to maintain the strict principles of his prestigious business.”

8/16/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

10/27/13- I loved the acting, the story and the characters. What else can I say? You should see this one! TRDB.

3) ALL IS LOST– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this harrowing drama — which has no dialogue — Robert Redford portrays a man stranded alone at sea, courageously battling a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive with just a sextant and maritime maps to guide him.”

9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.

10/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/29/13- I enjoyed this movie a lot as the understated Redford pulled this solo off. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) AUGUSTINE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When teenager Augustine — diagnosed as a “hysteric” — is incarcerated in a hospital for the mentally ill in 1885, she becomes the pet patient of prominent neurologist Professor Charcot in this drama based on the real relationship between the two.”5/17/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. Reviews are mixed in general. TRDB.

10/19/13- Slow at times but an interesting story about female sexuality and empowerment and about doctor-patient relationships. TRDB. Netflix.

2) GIMME THE LOOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two talented graffiti artists from the Bronx are stung when a rival outfit covers their own illustration with a portrait of the Mets’ Home Run Apple. They turn their outrage into a daring plan to tag the real Home Run Apple at the Mets ballpark.”

3/22/13- Good review in today’s NY Times and everyone else liked it also. TRDB.

10/21/13- After the first few minutes I wasn’t sure if I would l like this one but the 2 main characters grew on me especially the way they related to each other and I did enjoy the film. TRDB. Netflix.

3) CONCUSSION– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a blow to the head with a baseball prompts lesbian housewife Abby to shake up her suburban life — and her dull marriage — she buys a fixer-upper in Manhattan and seeks excitement by becoming a prostitute.”

9/25/13- Sounds a bit odd but this film has received lots of good reviews. TRDB.

10/4/13- Today’s NY Times gave this movie a weak review. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

10/21/13- A bit different but I liked it. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 5-

 

1) AS I LAY DYING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director James Franco’s ambitious take on William Faulkner’s classic novel chronicles the sobering story of a poor Southern clan carrying out the family matriarch’s dying wish to be buried in a distant town”10/11/13- The NY Times gave this a good review but most critics did not like it. TRDB.

2) OUT IN THE DARK- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sparks fly when Roy, an Israeli lawyer, and Nimr, a Palestinian graduate student, meet at a bar in Tel Aviv. But their budding relationship is threatened when Nimr’s student visa is revoked and he faces deportation.”9/27/13– Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.

3) THE FITZGERALD FAMILY CHRISTMAS– 2012. “With THE FITZGERALD FAMILY CHRISTMAS, Burns returns to the working-class, Irish-American roots of THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN. Reuniting with McMullen co-stars Connie Britton (“Friday Night Lights”, “Nashville”), and Michael McGlone, along with Noah Emmerich (LITTLE CHILDREN, BEAUTIFUL GIRLS), Kerry Bishé (ARGO, RED STATE) and Caitlin FitzGerald (DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, NEWLYWEDS) Burns seamlessly weaves an ensemble story of adult siblings dealing with the desire of their estranged father (Ed Lauter, THE ARTIST, THE LONGEST YARD) to return home for Christmas for the first time since he walked out on his family 20 years ago. Family rifts emerge, and like with any family, Christmas brings a mixed bag of complicated emotions and dynamics. Alliances form, old wounds are reopened or glossed over, and the possibility for a new hope and forgiveness emerges.”

12/7/12- The NY Times liked this movie. TRDB.

12/17/12- I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Edward Burns “gets” family relationships in a way that others don’t. TRDB.

4) LOVELACE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amanda Seyfried stars as adult film icon Linda Lovelace, a woman coerced into and abused by the porn industry before taking charge of her life. The supporting cast includes all manner of Hollywood A-listers stepping into meaty roles.”

8/9/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

5) PARKLAND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book, this powerful drama takes place in the Dallas hospital where John F. Kennedy was brought after being shot on Nov. 22, 1963. Intertwining stories follow doctors, FBI agents, an unwitting cameraman and many others.”

9/25/13- Mixed reviews but many critics did not like this movie at all. TRDB.

10/4/13- The NY Times panned this movie today- I’m including it for its historical value. TRDB.

6) COMPUTER CHESS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comedic period piece set before PCs became commonplace centers on a 1980s chess tournament in which human competitors get their first crack at testing their skills against a machine.”

7/3/13- Just a few reviews and they are good. TRDB.

7) PASSION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Christine, an ad exec whose veins run with ice water, has no qualms about taking the credit for a plum idea dreamed up by her mousy assistant, Isabel. But the incident sparks shy, passive Isabel to undertake a campaign of revenge against her boss.”

8/30/13- Poor reviews in general but the NY Times liked it in today’s review. TRDB.

8)BROKEN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this poignant coming-of-age tale, Skunk, a precocious and diabetic 11-year-old, lives happily with her brother and widower father in a suburban English neighborhood until an act of violence initiates her into the often-baffling world of adulthood.”

7/19/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews from others. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (NOV.1)-

 

1) THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Elise is a tattoo artist and religiously devout, while Didier is an atheist banjo player in a bluegrass band, but the two fall instantly in love. Years later, when their daughter becomes ill, the crisis brings new challenges to their relationship.”10/16/13- Early reviews are few but very good. TRDB.

2) DALLAS BUYERS CLUB– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Loosely based on true events, this drama follows Ron Woodroof, who refuses to accept he’ll die in 30 days when he’s diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. He extends his life and eventually helps many other AIDS patients by smuggling medications from abroad.”

10/16/13- Very good reviews for this Indie drama. TRDB.

3) DIANA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Princess Diana, the world’s most-watched woman, struggles to find herself after her painful divorce. In the two years before her death, she embarks on a vital campaign to ban landmines and on a passionate love affair with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.”

10/16/13- Uniformly awful reviews. TRDB.

4) SAL– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sal Mineo — one of Hollywood’s first openly gay actors — provides the focus of this biopic that tracks his career ups and downs and his tragic death. Mineo was on the verge of a comeback when he was stabbed to death behind his apartment building.”

10/16/13- This movie has been on DVD for a while and the reviews are weak. TRDB.

5) SWEET DREAMS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Rwanda’s first and only all women’s drumming troupe is called Ingoma Nshya. Made up of women from both sides of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the troupe offers a place of support, healing and reconciliation. When the group decides to partner with two young American entrepreneurs, Jennie Dundas and Alexis Miesen of Brooklyn’s Blue Marble Ice Cream, and open Rwanda’s first ever ice cream shop, these remarkable Rwandan women embark on a journey of independence, peace and possibility.”

10/16/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

6) A PERFECT MAN– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On the cusp of their ninth anniversary, James and Nina seem to have the perfect marriage and ideal lives – an affluent life in Amsterdam, lucrative jobs and adoring friends. Yet when Nina discovers James’s infidelity with a mutual friend of theirs after a long line of extramarital affairs, it’s the final straw, shattering whatever illusions they’ve created about their relationship and leaving them separated. Heartbroken about their separation, a stroke of luck leads Nina to impersonate James’s chatty travel agent on the phone, and he’s soon pouring his heart out and unwittingly falling for his wife all over again as they discuss the uncertainty of love and the eternal misunderstanding between men and women.”

10/15/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED OCT. 18 AND 25 IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT-

 

OCT. 18–

 

1) HELLBENDERS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “To prepare themselves for the fires of hell, the demon-hunting members of the aptly named Hellbound Saints of Brooklyn Parish take vows to commit every type of sin they can possibly fathom.”10/18/13- This one sounds weird and most reviews were negative. The NY Times thought it had merit and liked it. JUST! TRDB.

2) THE HUMAN SCALE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the majority of the world population in urban areas, Danish architect Jan Gehl is reimagining how to make cities more sustainable and livable. Rather than examining structures, Gehl and his team meticulously analyze spaces where people interact.”

10/18/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. I’ve seen 4 professional reviews– 2 up and 2 down. TRDB.

3) LOST FOR WORDS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While in Hong Kong, Michael, a former United States Marine, becomes enchanted with Anna, a lovely dancer from mainland China. As their love grows, the two discover that not everyone approves of their cross-cultural romance.”

10/18/13- Mixed reviews– more negative than positive. The NY Times didn’t care for it. TRDB.

4) MONDAYS WITH WILLIAM– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”Mondays With William” is an inspiring CBS 2 / KCAL 9 Documentary News series that follows the heartening friendship between Artist William Laga and altruistic Patron of the Arts, Marcelle Danan. The beginning of every week starts just the same … by Danan picking Laga up and the journey begins! First stop, the duo is off to purchase blank canvas and a beautiful array of paints that soon will become extraordinary works of art.”

10/18/13- I’ve found just 4 reviews and there are 1 up and 3 down. The NY Times, the positive one, concentrated more on the character than the film itself. TRDB.

5) PEACHES DOES HERSELF– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With a cast and crew of over 40 people and 20 plus songs from her back catalogue (The Teaches of Peaches, Fatherfucker, Impeach my Bush, I Feel Cream) Peaches wrote, directed and starred in this fantastical narrative build obscurely around her development as an artist and performer from “bedroom wannabe to fully fledged rock-stardom and beyond!”

10/18/13- I’ve seen just 4 reviews, 3 up and 1 down. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

6) THE PRIME MINISTERS: THE PIONEERS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Discover the legacy of two of Israel’s early prime ministers, Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir, as seen through the eyes of adviser and author Yehuda Avner. Leonard Nimoy, Sandra Bullock and other stars voice this film from the Simon Wiesenthal Center.”

10/18/13- Early reviews are mostly negative. The NY Times liked it. I’m sure I’ll see this one regardless of the reviews. TRDB.

7) SEDUCED AND ABANDONED– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary, director James Toback and actor Alec Baldwin take viewers on their journey to raise money for a film, providing a look behind the scenes at the Cannes Film Festival and insights from Martin Scorsese and others.”

10/18/13- Good reviews all around and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

8) THE TAIWAN OYSTER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a fellow American dies, two expatriate teachers in Taiwan decide to steal the corpse for a proper burial but have trouble finding a good spot. Their quest puts them in touch with a broad range of humanity.”

10/18/13- A fairly good review in today’s NY Times and in the 2 other reviews I have seen. TRDB.

9) TORN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After two mothers lose sons to a bomb at a shopping mall, they develop a deep emotional connection as they recover from their mutual sorrow. But when one victim’s brother becomes a suspect in the crime, the women’s bond is put to the test.”

10/18/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and the few other professional reviews I’ve seen are positive as well. TRDB.

10) TWO JACKS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “2 Jacks is a comical adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s short story Two Hussars, comparing the generational change from father to son within the same business. The fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle, with romance and glamor, comes alive in 2 Jacks; a now-and-then look at the renowned way of living.”

10/18/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times but very weak reviews in general. TRDB.

OCT. 25–

1) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele focuses on Thomas. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. Soon, Adele begins exploring her desire for girls as she negotiates her way to becoming a woman.”

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A 15-year-old girl finds her naïve perceptions of human sexuality challenged upon meeting a blue-haired girl who encourages her to assert her individuality in director Abdel Kechiche’s deeply perceptive drama. The recipient of the prestigious Palme d’ Or at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Blue is the Warmest Color stars Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.”

9/28/13- Excellent reviews although A.O. Scott from the NY Times wrote a negative review after this film won at Cannes. TRDB.

2) BRIDGING THE GAP– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spending more than a year with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, filmmaker Curt M. Faudon captures the singers’ exposure to new cultures on their global tours. At a stop by the road in India, the choral group inspires an entire village to sing along with them.”

10/25/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE SQUARE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intimate documentary filmed in the midst of the Egyptian revolution follows its subjects on a life-changing journey through the euphoria of victory into the uncertainties and dangers of a “transitional period” under military rule.”

10/25/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from everyone else as well. TRDB.

4) TOAD ROAD– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Feeling he’s living a meaningless life in a small town, disaffected junkie James jumps at the chance to escort newcomer Sara to Toad Road — and risk whatever may happen as they pass seven wooden gates that lead toward hell.”

10/25/13- Mixed reviews in general. The NY Times gave this a weak review. TRDB.

5) REMINGTON AND THE CURSE OF THE ZOMBADINGS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a childhood curse comes true, teen jock Remington finds himself suddenly becoming gay and in a love triangle. As he tries to fend off his newly fabulous impulses and a homophobic serial killer, he must also battle some undead drag queens.”

10/25/13- This sounds weird but with just a few votes in the film has received some good reviews including an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) HOUSE IN THE ALLEY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this creepy supernatural thriller, a young mother has a miscarriage and then refuses to allow the dead infant’s body to be taken from her. As her sanity declines, her husband must try to drive away the household demons assailing both of them.”

10/25/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and from most others as well. TRDB.

7) JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In-character encounters with real folks provide comic fodder in this franchise featuring Johnny Knoxville in lecherous-gramps disguise. With hidden cameras in tow, Irving Zisman (Knoxville) takes his grandson on an offbeat cross-country tour.”

10/25/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8)NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his searing experiences as a pilot in the Vietnam War, retired Marine Eric Hastings turned to fly-fishing to help his personal healing process. As captured in this documentary, Hastings now offers the same solace to today’s wounded warriors.”

10/25/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and good reviews in general. TRDB.

9) GO GRANDRIDERS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “2 have gone through cancers, 4 need hearing aids, 5 suffer from high blood pressure and 8 have coronary diseases. And every one of them has symptoms of joint degeneration. However, at the age of 80 plus, they dare to ride on scooters and to feel the land they have lived for life-long again.”

10/25/13- A fair review in today’s NY Times but others have liked it more. TRDB.

10) I AM DIVINE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Get an inside look at the captivating story of Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead, who grew up as a chubby bullied Baltimore kid and rose to become filmmaker John Waters’s muse and an internationally celebrated drag superstar.”

10/25/13- Good reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

11) CAPITAL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bright young financial star Marc Tourneuil is named CEO of one of France’s biggest banks because the company’s board believes he can be controlled. But as he’s thrown into a high-stakes, devious world, Marc has no intention of giving up his power.”10/25/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews at best from others. TRDB.

12) OUT LOUD– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Love and loyalty bend into unfamiliar forms in this social drama played out among a group of friends in the ravaged modern landscape of Lebanon. After one of them is beaten up for being gay, the shock brings out different reactions within the group.”

10/25/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) FRANCES HA- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to make it as a modern dancer in New York, young Frances Ha pursues her unlikely goal with more enthusiasm than natural talent. The rest of the time, she and her sardonic best friend, Sophie, put off growing up for as long as they can.”5/4/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

5/17/13- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5/25/13- I liked this movie very much. Very good acting and an insightful screenplay. TRDB.

2) MUSCLE SHOALS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tuneful documentary chronicles the musical legacy of Muscle Shoals, Ala., home of Fame Studios, where top musicians have flocked for decades. Keith Richards, Bono and other stars recount their experiences recording at the renowned facility.”9/27/13- Very good reviews in general. Today’s NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) TWO JACKS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “2 Jacks is a comical adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s short story Two Hussars, comparing the generational change from father to son within the same business. The fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle, with romance and glamour, comes alive in 2 Jacks; a now-and-then look at the renowned way of living.”10/18/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times but very weak reviews in general. TRDB.

2) THE KID WITH A BIKE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being abandoned by his father, preteen Cyril fills with rage, and when good-hearted hairdresser Samantha tries to help him, the disillusioned boy is torn between his need to lash out at the world and his desire for love and stability.” Great early reviews. TRDB.

3/16/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/2/12- The actor who played the kid was great and the story was a heartening act of love. There were also a few terrific scenes like the scene in a car when the boy is very upset. A better understanding of the woman’s motivation would have helped me but the movie was excellent never-the-less. TRDB. 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele focuses on Thomas. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. Soon, Adele begins exploring her desire for girls as she negotiates her way to becoming a woman.”Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A 15-year-old girl finds her naïve perceptions of human sexuality challenged upon meeting a blue-haired girl who encourages her to assert her individuality in director Abdel Kechiche’s deeply perceptive drama. The recipient of the prestigious Palme d’ Or at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Blue is the Warmest Color stars Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.”

9/28/13- Excellent reviews although A.O. Scott from the NY Times wrote a negative review after this film won at Cannes. TRDB.

2) ABOUT TIME– Bethel. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young man who comes from a family of time-travelers changes history for the better in this romantic comedy from director Richard Curtis. During one of his trip to the past, he falls for a woman played by Rachel McAdams.”

10/29/13- Mediocre reviews at best. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

1) 12 YEARS A SLAVE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”9/29/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

10/18/13- A glowing review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”

10/11/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received excellent reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

10/11/13- The movie was well done and helped along by the knowledge that it was taken from a true story. Tom Hanks did his usual good job. I enjoyed the last 15min. the most. TRDB.

3) ALL IS LOST– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this harrowing drama — which has no dialogue — Robert Redford portrays a man stranded alone at sea, courageously battling a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive with just a sextant and maritime maps to guide him.”9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.

10/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/29/13- I enjoyed this movie a lot as the understated Redford pulled this solo off. TRDB.

4) ENOUGH SAID– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

9/29/13- With a very good script, very good acting and with great chemistry between the two main actors this movie seemed like real life with all of  its conflicts. TRDB. 

5) THE COUNSELOR– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Fassbender stars in this thriller penned by iconic novelist Cormac McCarthy as an attorney who mistakenly believes he can dabble in the drug business without any consequences — only to find himself drowning in a nightmarish downward spiral.”10/25/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

 

6) GRAVITY– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”10/2/13- Very good reviews and this film has been well received at festivals  too. TRDB.

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/11/13- Kind of a weak story but the special effects are definitely worth the price of admission. TRDB.

7) WADJDA- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Persistent 10-year-old Wadjda would like nothing more than a new bicycle so she can beat her friend (a boy) in a race. But it’s going to take some ingenuity to get one — especially in her culture, which sees bikes as a threat to a girl’s virtue.”

8/26/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/6/13- I enjoyed this movie about a young woman from an Arab country and her quest to follow her passion in an all male activity. TRDB.

 

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

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org  

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

OCTOBER 17, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

THIS ISSUE WILL BE FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS AND WILL NOT INCLUDE LOCAL MOVIES FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 25– 31— YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN FOR THAT.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) GRAVITY– At the Theater

2) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– At the Theater

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) GRAVITY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”10/2/13- Very good reviews. This film has been well received at festivals also. TRDB.

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/11/13- Kind of a weak story but the special effects are definitely worth the price of admission. TRDB.

2) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”

10/11/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received excellent reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

10/11/13- The movie was well done and helped along by the knowledge that it was taken from a true story. Tom Hanks did his usual good job. I enjoyed the last 15min. the most. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) LAURANCE ANYWAYS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirtysomething high school teacher Laurence seems to have the perfect life, but when he confesses to his fiancée that he wants to live as a woman, he must overcome both her resistance and that of his bewildered family and dubious co-workers.”6/28/13- Very good reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/10/13- While this movie was both different and interesting it was way too long and many of the scenes were very drawn out. I really can’t recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) EUROPA REPORT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this nail-biting thriller, a private space-exploration company sends six astronauts to determine whether Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, can sustain life — and what they find terrifies and transforms them.”

6/28/13- Reviews are fairly good for this sci-fi thriller. TRDB.

8/2/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/15/13- A very interesting concept but for me something got lost in the execution. One critic said “What isn’t straightforward about the plot is either hackneyed, implausible, or both.” I have to agree. TRDB. Netflix.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 22 –

 

 

1) BEFORE MIDNIGHT– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Before Midnight is an upcoming American romance drama film and the sequel to Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). Like its predecessors, the film was directed by Richard Linklater. As with the previous film, Linklater shares screenplay credit with both actors from the movies, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy”5/13/13- Uniformly excellent reviews. TRDB.

5/24/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6/11/13- An excellent movie that beautifully depicted the tensions that exist between spouses even when they deeply love each other. TRDB.

2) AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF HER BEAUTY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the comely and intriguing Namik stands him up for a date, filmmaker Terence documents his confusion in a short film that he later shows to her. When Namik isn’t impressed, Terence decide to turn the movie into a full exploration of his feelings.”

4/21/13- Mixed early reviews but many more positive than negative. TRDB.

4/26/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) ICEBERG SLIM: PORTRAIT OF A PIMP– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blending archival elements with recent interviews, this biographical portrait tells the remarkable tale of pimp turned author Iceberg Slim, whose gritty books based on his life became bona fide literature.”

7/19/13- Mixed reviews at best including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) THE WALL– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vacationing with a couple in their mountain retreat, a woman finds herself alone at the cabin one afternoon, inexplicably trapped by an invisible wall. Her isolation behind the barrier grows more surreal as hours, then days, then weeks pass.”

5/31/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews from others. TRDB.

5) THE WAITING ROOM– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disquieting documentary relates the stories of medical patients, many of them uninsured, as they wait to be seen at a California hospital. The film also portrays the efforts of hospital professionals to cope with a drastically strained system.”

Excellent review all around. TRDB.

6) FAR OUT ISN’T ENOUGH: THE TOMI UNGERER STORY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blending elements of film and animation, this documentary examines the fascinating career of children’s book author and illustrator Tomi Ungerer, who pushed the boundaries of his own life with the same fearlessness he applied to his art.”

6/5/13- Just a few reviews and so far they seem OK. TRDB.

6/14/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7) AS COOL AS I AM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “About to turn 16, Lucy realizes that her parents’ marriage is on shaky ground — and that theirs is not the only relationship that’s in trouble. After her longtime boyfriend leaves town, Lucy opts to ditch her tomboy image and restyle her life.”

6/7/13- Awful reviews by everybody. TRDB.

8) JUST LIKE A WOMAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sienna Miller stars in this cross-cultural comedy as a Chicago housewife with a penchant for belly dancing. When she decides to take her art to the next level by entering a competition held in Las Vegas, she drags along her dance instructor.”

7/5/13- Awful reviews. The NY Times didn’t hate it but didn’t like it either. TRDB.

9) I GIVE IT A YEAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic comedy, newlyweds Nat and Josh find their marriage beginning to fall apart almost immediately after their fairy tale wedding. The couple seeks the advice of a counselor, but both are also tempted by old and new lovers.”

8/3/13- I’ve seen several reviews and they are mixed. TRDB.

8/9/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10) HELLO HERMAN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just after 16-year-old Herman Howards embarks on a shooting spree that kills 42 people, he sends a message to journalist Lax Morales. When Lax interviews the bullied youth who became a killer he gets entangled in a national dialogue about violence.”

6/7/13- This movie has received poor professional reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. Audiences, however, have liked it very much. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, OCT. 29-

1) FREE SAMPLES– 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jillian has dropped out of law school and migrated to Los Angeles in this comedy about deferred adulthood and the romantic hazards of heavy drinking. But a day spent doling out ice cream samples to the Angelenos dramatically changes her attitude.”

6/7/13- Mixed reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

2) BYZANTIUM- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the run for a gruesome crime, two mysterious “sisters” take refuge in a seaside town, where their shocking secret lies waiting to be discovered. Bloody and brooding, Neil Jordan’s gothic tale delves into the ladies’ shared dark history.”

6/28/13- Mixed reviews in general and an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 11, IN ADDITION TO THOSE I WROTE ABOUT ON OCT. 10-

 

1) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”10/11/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received excellent reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

10/11/13- The movie was well done and helped along by the knowledge that it was taken from a true story. Tom Hanks did his usual good job. I enjoyed the last 15min. the most. TRDB.

2) AS I LAY DYING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director James Franco’s ambitious take on William Faulkner’s classic novel chronicles the sobering story of a poor Southern clan carrying out the family matriarch’s dying wish to be buried in a distant town”

10/11/13- The NY Times gave this a good review but most critics did not like it. TRDB.

3) GAHAN WILSON: BORN DEAD, STILL WEIRD– Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Jaffe’s moving and provocative documentary takes a penetrating look into the life and work of legendary cartoonist Gahan Wilson, whose often subversive and somewhat ghoulish drawings have appeared in The New Yorker, Playboy, National Lampoon, and Paris Match. The film features interviews with comedians, filmmakers, fellow artists, and long-tme admirers.”

10/11/13- A good review in today’s NY Times but it was the only review I could find. TRDB.

4) BROADWAY IDIOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Join Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong as he prepares for the debut of American Idiot, the Broadway sensation based on the band’s 2004 album. The film reveals the jarring disconnect as Armstrong navigates the worlds of punk and legit theater.”

10/11/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews in general. TRDB.

5) FORGETTING THE GIRL- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reeling from personal trauma, a photographer believes that the right woman can help him forget it all, but his search quickly degenerates into obsession. One after another, women reject him, bringing his desperation closer to the boiling point.”

10/11/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK- OCT. 18-

 

1) ALL IS LOST–  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this harrowing drama — which has no dialogue — Robert Redford portrays a man stranded alone at sea, courageously battling a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive with just a sextant and maritime maps to guide him.”9/29/13- Very good reviews from all critics. TRDB.

2) THE AMERICAN PROMISE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A detailed examination of race, education and opportunity in America, this documentary follows two African American boys — and their parents — for 12 years, starting as they enter kindergarten at a prestigious private school.”9/29/13- Just 2 reviews so far and they are both good. TRDB.

3) BLOOD BROTHER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After traveling to India, American tourist Rocky Braat wound up finding new purpose in life helping children with HIV and AIDS. This inspiring film documents the challenges he faces and the love he finds as he creates a meaningful life.”9/29/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) ENZO AVITABILE MUSIC LIFE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jonathan Demme helms this musical documentary that shines a light on the eclectic sounds of songwriter-musician Enzo Avitabile. The film blends performance footage with interviews that reveal Avitabile’s independent spirit.”10/17/13- Good professional reviews. TRDB.

5) ESCAPE PLAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Framed and thrown into an escape-proof prison that he designed himself, structural security expert Ray must use all his know-how to break out. Ray and a fellow inmate dodge the jail’s corrupt warden and guard to track down who’s behind the setup.”9/29/13- Good audience reviews but no professional reviews at this time. TRDB.

6) THE FIFTH ESTATE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following the working relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg, one of his earliest supporters, this fact-based drama recounts the early days of the revolutionary website and the inevitable conflict it wrought.”9/29/13- Mostly poor reviews with a few good ones tossed in. TRDB.

7) I’M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a tough-minded ex-drug dealer falls for a beautiful but highly devout Christian woman, their mutual attraction takes them both down a twisty path that tests their love — and their faith.”9/29/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

8)KILL YOUR DARLINGS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1944, budding poet Allen Ginsberg falls under the spell of Columbia classmate Lucien Carr, who introduces him to the nascent Beat movement, as well as fellow libertines Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.”9/29/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

9) PARADISE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The comedy follows a sheltered young woman (Julianne Hough) who loses her faith after a plane crash and decides to go to Las Vegas to experience the wild side of life. On her journey, she meets unlikely companions (Russell Brand and Octavia Spencer) who inadvertently help her find her true self.”9/29/13- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

10) 12 YEARS A SLAVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”9/29/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11) TWO JACKS– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “Jack Hussar is a legendary Hollywood director, whose persona commands respect and adoration from his fans. Can his son, Jack Jr. maintain his legacy?”9/29/13- No professional reviews yet but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

12) CAMILLE CLAUDEL 1915– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When gifted sculptress Camille Claudel, once the lover of Auguste Rodin, falls prey to mental illness, her family commits her to a psychiatric clinic. This subdued drama follows Camille’s thoughts and moods as she waits for redemption to arrive.”

10/16/13- Mixed reviews. The review in today’s NY Times was favorable. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING NEXT WEEK- OCT. 25-

 

1) BASTARDS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Family troubles bring tanker captain Marco Silvestri back to Paris: His sister’s husband has killed himself, and the family company is bankrupt. Holding sleazy tycoon Edouard Laporte responsible for their ruin, Marco devises a plan for vengeance.”9/28/13- An OK rating on IMDB but that was the only rating I could find. TRDB.

2) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele focuses on Thomas. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. Soon, Adele begins exploring her desire for girls as she negotiates her way to becoming a woman.”Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A 15-year-old girl finds her naïve perceptions of human sexuality challenged upon meeting a blue-haired girl who encourages her to assert her individuality in director Abdel Kechiche’s deeply perceptive drama. The recipient of the prestigious Palme d’ Or at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Blue is the Warmest Color stars Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.”

9/28/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) THE COUNSELOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Fassbender stars in this thriller penned by iconic novelist Cormac McCarthy as an attorney who mistakenly believes he can dabble in the drug business without any consequences — only to find himself drowning in a nightmarish downward spiral.”9/28/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

4) GIRL ON A BICYCLE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just when he’s on the brink of proposing to his beautiful girlfriend, tour bus driver Paolo becomes mesmerized by a woman he sees on a bicycle. Driven to track down the object of his obsession, Paolo ends up knocking her down with his bus.”9/28/13- Weak early reviews. TRDB.

5) S#X ACTS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “New at her Tel Aviv school, insecure 17-year-old Gili hooks up with the coolest guy in an effort to become popular. But after he passes her on to a friend, she winds up in a series of increasingly sexually exploitative situations.”9/28/13– A good rating on IMDB but I can’t find any individual reviews at this time. TRDB.

6) SPINNING PLATES– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “Spinning Plates is a documentary about three extraordinary restaurants and the incredible people who make them what they are. A cutting-edge restaurant named the seventh-best in the world whose chef must battle a life-threatening obstacle to pursue his passion. A 150-year-old family restaurant still standing only because of the unbreakable bond with its community. A fledgling Mexican restaurant whose owners are risking everything just to survive and provide for their young daughter. Their unforgettable stories of family, legacy, passion and survival come together to reveal how meaningful food can be, and the power it has to connect us to one another.”9/28/13- A good rating from IMDB. TRDB.

7) TWO: THE STORY OF ROMAN & NYRO– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “Combining over twelve years of footage and narrated by their twin sons, TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro, follows legendary songwriter Desmond Child and his lifelong partner’s loving journey to create their new modern family.”9/29/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

8) WHEN I WALK– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 25-year-old director Jason DaSilva was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, he decided to document his struggles. In this wise and warm film, DaSilva explores the similarities we share as we each battle to overcome our individual problems.”9/28/13- Just a few early reviews and they are good. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

Oct. 18–24-

 

1) UPRISING– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In January 2011, millions of Egyptians took to the streets in a spontaneous eruption against thirty years of oppression under the regime of Hosni Mubarak. Communicating via Facebook and Twitter, the largely peaceful protesters braved tear gas, beatings, and live bullets in the hope of facing down security forces and overthrowing the government. Over eight hundred lost their lives, and several thousand were arrested and tortured by security forces. UPRISING tells the story of the Egyptian revolution from the perspective of its leadership and key organizers, their struggle for freedom against tremendous odds, their sacrifice, and the courage and ingenuity that allowed them to succeed.”1/11/13- A very good review for this documentary in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

2) IL FUTURO– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While struggling to care for her younger brother, orphaned teen Bianca sets out to secure their future by seducing a blind neighbor who’s reputedly worth a fortune. But she’s ultimately unprepared for the effect he’ll have on her life.”9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and good reviews elsewhere as well. TRDB.

 

Oct. 25–31

 

1) I USED TO BE DARKER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When runaway Taryn seeks help from her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, she discovers a family in crisis and a marriage in ruins — and finds herself in the middle of the emotional fallout between everyone involved.”9/25/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

2) C.O.G.- 2013- Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a short story by David Sedaris, this comedy follows the brash young author as he travels to Oregon to work on an apple farm. The journey exposes him to all sorts of culture clashes, but what awaits him at the farm is far worse.”9/3/13- Mixed reviews in general, none great. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW- Of the 3 New ones listed only the first got some decent reviews. All 3 are probably worth skipping.

 

1) BROADWAY IDIOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Join Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong as he prepares for the debut of American Idiot, the Broadway sensation based on the band’s 2004 album. The film reveals the jarring disconnect as Armstrong navigates the worlds of punk and legit theater.”10/11/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews in general. TRDB.

2) FORGETTING THE GIRL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reeling from personal trauma, a photographer believes that the right woman can help him forget it all, but his search quickly degenerates into obsession. One after another, women reject him, bringing his desperation closer to the boiling point.”

10/11/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) ZERO CHARISMA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A grouchy role-playing game fanatic finds his real-life world spiraling out of control when an appealing hipster joins his game, the grandmother who cares for him becomes ill, and his estranged mom appears with a fiancé in tow.”

10/7/13- Sounds a bit silly but it has received some very good reviews. TRDB.

10/11/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) A TOUCH OF SIN– Jacob Burns. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Weaving together four stories of people living in different Chinese provinces, this drama follows a miner protesting corruption, a migrant worker with a gun, a factory drone always drifting to a new job and a receptionist who’s been assaulted.”10/4/13- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked this movie very much and so did audiences. TRDB.

2) THE FIFTH ESTATE– Bethel, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following the working relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg, one of his earliest supporters, this fact-based drama recounts the early days of the revolutionary website and the inevitable conflict it wrought.”

9/29/13- Mostly poor reviews with a few good ones tossed in. TRDB.

3) CONCUSSION– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a blow to the head with a baseball prompts lesbian housewife Abby to shake up her suburban life — and her dull marriage — she buys a fixer-upper in Manhattan and seeks excitement by becoming a prostitute.”

9/25/13- Sounds a bit odd but this film has received lots of good reviews. TRDB.

10/4/13- Today’s NY Times gave this movie a weak review. TRDB.

“Concussion” is currently showing on Comcast On-Demand!

REPEATS-

 

1) GRAVITY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”10/2/13- Very good reviews and this film has been well received at festivals  too. TRDB.

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/11/13- Kind of a weak story but the special effects are definitely worth the price of admission. TRDB.

2) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”

10/11/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received excellent reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

10/11/13- The movie was well done and helped along by the knowledge that it was taken from a true story. Tom Hanks did his usual good job. I enjoyed the last 15min. the most. TRDB.

OCTOBER 10, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) MY BROTHER THE DEVIL– Netflix

2) WADJDA- At the Theater

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) WADJDA- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Persistent 10-year-old Wadjda would like nothing more than a new bicycle so she can beat her friend (a boy) in a race. But it’s going to take some ingenuity to get one — especially in her culture, which sees bikes as a threat to a girl’s virtue.”8/26/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/6/13- I enjoyed this movie about a young woman from an Arab country and her quest to follow her passion in an all male activity. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) MY BROTHER THE DEVIL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a 14-year-old Arab living in London, Mo is desperate to make friends and worships his older brother, Rashid, a gregarious local gang member. But Mo eventually makes an ill-fated play to fit in that changes both brothers’ lives forever.”

3/14/13- Great reviews. TRDB.

3/22/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/6/13- An excellent depiction of the drug and gang culture, this time about the Egyptian Diaspora living in England. The movie is also about family and, in particular, brotherly love. Very good and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) TO THE WONDER– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Soon after returning to his native Oklahoma with a beautiful woman he met in Paris, Neil finds himself drifting toward an old friend. Meanwhile, the woman he brought back with him has unfinished business with her first husband.”

4/12/13- Weak reviews in general and a just OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/7/13- Poetic and beautiful but without form and, as far as I’m concerned, ambiguous substance as well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 15-

 

1) A HIJACKING– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tension mounts when a Danish cargo ship bound for harbor is hijacked by Somali pirates and held for a hefty ransom in the millions, prompting the shipping company’s CEO to hire a professional negotiator.”6/7/13- Uniformly good reviews. TRDB.

6/21/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7/5/13- A well done suspenseful drama and I liked it very much. TRDB.

 

2) THE EAST– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As an agent for a private intelligence firm, Sarah Moss is charged with infiltrating an anarchist group whose attacks threaten her corporate clients. But after penetrating the organization, she finds herself drawn to its charismatic leader.”5/31/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times and positive reviews from others as well for this thriller. TRDB.

3) DIRTY WARS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring America’s covert operations in the war on terror, investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill takes viewers on a revealing journey through drone strikes, night raids, kill lists that include U.S. citizens and secret government-condoned torture.”

6/7/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

4) CINCO DE MAYO– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This action-packed historical epic depicts the political strategy, war tactics and human drama leading up to the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when a scrappy Mexican army astonished its French occupiers with its resilience.”4/17/13- Reviews are very, very bad!! TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY (OCT. 4) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT LAST WEEK-

 

1) AKA DOC POMUS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While childhood polio robbed Doc Pomus of the use of his legs, it couldn’t constrain his spirit — or his songwriting instincts — as documented here. Home movies and interviews with rock luminaries paint a picture of the singer-turned-songsmith.”10/4/13- Very good reviews from all critics and from today’s NY Times also. TRDB.

2) ALL IS BRIGHT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lie, cheat, steal: It’s all part of the holiday spirit for two men when they try to make a quick buck selling Christmas trees. For ex-con Dennis, it’s a chance to go straight, and for charmer Rene, it’s a chance to build a future with Dennis’s ex.”

10/4/13- Mixed reviews, more negative than positive but the NY Times liked it. TRDB.

3) BABYGIRL- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nuyorican teenager Lena is a surrogate parent to her own irresponsible single mother, Lucy, who brings home one loser boyfriend after another. Lucy’s latest catch is the slimiest yet, and Lena’s planning a reality check for her oblivious mother.”

10/4/13- Just a few professional reviews so far and they are good. The NY Times liked it and audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

4) THE DIRTIES– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Film geeks Matt and Owen make a movie about getting revenge on “the Dirties,” a group of bullies who target them at school. Then Matt decides to take things a step further, stockpiling weapons for a sequel in which they’ll open fire on their enemies.”

10/4/13- Good reviews all around. Today’s NY Times gave this a good review also. TRDB.

5) DISLECKSIA: THE MOVIE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary focuses on understanding dyslexia and minimizing its effect on children’s reading and learning abilities. Interviews with physicians, educators and autistic adults reveal diverse experiences and perspectives.”

10/4/13- Very few professional reviews so far but they are all good. Today’s NY Times gave this movie a favorable review. TRDB.

6) THE LAST DAY OF AUGUST– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Dan finally got out of the hospital after an accident left him paralyzed, he holed up in a remote family cabin to take stock of his life. But that was a year ago, and now his friends are ready to confront him and bring him back into society.”

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7) LINSANITY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Evan Jackson Leong profiles his longtime friend, Jeremy Lin, in this engrossing examination of the star basketball player’s humble beginnings, college days at Harvard, religious beliefs and high-scoring 2012 season with the New York Knicks.”

10/4/13- Mixed reviews, slightly more positive than negative. Today’s NY Times gave it a weak review. TRDB.

8) A RIVER CHANGES COURSE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Kalyanee Mam returns to her native homeland to follow three young Cambodians who are struggling to overcome the crushing effects of deforestation, overfishing and overwhelming debt.”

10/4/13- Very good reviews, including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9) RUNNER RUNNER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After losing a lot of money to online poker, a Princeton student confronts the site’s shady CEO, Ivan Block — and soon becomes Block’s protégé. But when an FBI agent tries to take Block down, the relationship between mentor and protégé goes south.”

10/4/13- Poor reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10) RUNNING WILD: THE LIFE OF DAYTON O. HYDE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dedicated to trying to protect wild horses in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Dayton Hyde emerges as a unique brand of hero in this bio-documentary. Hyde’s efforts include rescuing feral herds from government-sanctioned wild-horse roundups.”

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11) A TOUCH OF SIN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Weaving together four stories of people living in different Chinese provinces, this drama follows a miner protesting corruption, a migrant worker with a gun, a factory drone always drifting to a new job and a receptionist who’s been assaulted.”

10/4/13- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked this movie very much and so did audiences. TRDB.

12) WALTER: LESSONS FROM THE WORLD’S OLDEST PEOPLE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Hunter Weeks sets out to interview six of the world’s most senior citizens, hoping to reveal some secrets and insights into longevity. Her uniquely human documentary records their reflections on a century’s worth of historical change.”

10/4/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times for this documentary. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (OCT. 11)-

 

1) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”10/7/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received mostly good reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. TRDB.

2) CBGB- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Renewing the legend of one of New York’s most storied nightclubs, this raucous drama features the punk and rock legends who made CBGB famous. While the club’s owner had hoped to open CBGB as a country venue, it soon became something quite different.”

10/7/13- Poor early reviews from several critics. TRDB.

3) COOPER AND HEMINGWAY: THE TRUE GEN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrating the friendship between renowned actor Gary Cooper and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, this absorbing documentary traces their sometimes contentious bond that lasted until their deaths a few weeks apart in 1961.”

10/7/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

4) DESIGN IS ONE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As artists and visual architects, husband and wife Massimo and Lella Vignelli have been producing unique and groundbreaking work as brand designers. This up-close documentary reveals their major influence in reshaping our visual environment.”

10/7/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

5) ESCAPE FROM TOMORROW– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the last day of a family vacation at Disney World, Jim White learns that he’s lost his job. Soon thereafter, he begins to lose his mind, wandering through the artificial phantasmagoria and becoming obsessed with two perky French girls.”

10/7/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. TRDB.

6) GOD LOVES UGANDA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This powerful documentary examines the evangelical campaign to spread the values of America’s Christian right in Uganda, including a fierce fight against sexual immorality taken on by both American and Ugandan fundamentalist religious leaders.”

10/7/13- Just a few reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

7) THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his mother is arrested for drugs and prostitution, 14-year-old Mister takes charge of 9-year-old runaway Pete and tries to shield them both from protective services. But surviving on the streets of Brooklyn is no easy task.”

9/9/13- I saw this movie a few days ago at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival and liked it very much. TRDB.

8) THE INSTITUTE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Meet some of the 10,000 San Franciscans who took part in the Jejune Institute, a combination citywide art project and living game, from 2008 to 2011. This documentary attempts to explain the endeavor itself, its appeal and its curious origins.”

10/7/13- Few reviews so far but they are good. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.

9) ZERO CHARISMA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A grouchy role-playing game fanatic finds his real-life world spiraling out of control when an appealing hipster joins his game, the grandmother who cares for him becomes ill, and his estranged mom appears with a fiancé in tow.”

10/7/13- Sounds a bit silly but it has received some very good reviews. TRDB.

10) SYMPHONY OF THE SOIL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This lyrical film takes viewers on a journey deep into the earth to learn about the complex relationships between soil and all living things. It goes on to explore agricultural misuse of soil, deforestation, development and other ecological issues.”

10/7/13-  A few early very good reviews. TRDB.

11) ROMEO AND JULIET– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winning writer and “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes provides the screenplay for this version of Shakespeare’s classic tale. The action unfolds in Renaissance Verona with Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld playing the star-crossed lovers.”

10/7/13- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

12) McCONKEY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This exhilarating documentary tells the story of pioneering extreme skier Shane McConkey, a trailblazer for freeskiing and ski-BASE jumping — covering both his high-octane career and his poignant personal life.”

10/7/13- A few early reviews and they are very good. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) PASSION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Christine, an ad exec whose veins run with ice water, has no qualms about taking the credit for a plum idea dreamed up by her mousy assistant, Isabel. But the incident sparks shy, passive Isabel to undertake a campaign of revenge against her boss.”8/30/13- Poor reviews in general but the NY Times liked it in today’s review. TRDB.

2) HERB & DOROTHY 50X50– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This follow-up to 2008’s Herb & Dorothy chronicles the Vogels’ mission to donate 2,500 works of art from their extensive collection. Bestowing 50 pieces to each state, the couple unwittingly opens a discussion on the role of art in the new century.”9/13/13- Very few reviews so far and they are mixed. Today’s NY Times said that is was difficult not to like a movie dedicated to such a noble gesture but the critic didn’t really care for the film itself. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) CONCUSSION– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a blow to the head with a baseball prompts lesbian housewife Abby to shake up her suburban life — and her dull marriage — she buys a fixer-upper in Manhattan and seeks excitement by becoming a prostitute.”9/25/13- Sounds a bit odd but this film has received lots of good reviews. TRDB.

10/4/13- Today’s NY Times gave this movie a weak review. TRDB.

2) LINSANITY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Evan Jackson Leong profiles his longtime friend, Jeremy Lin, in this engrossing examination of the star basketball player’s humble beginnings, college days at Harvard, religious beliefs and high-scoring 2012 season with the New York Knicks.”10/4/13- Mixed reviews, slightly more positive than negative. Today’s NY Times gave it a weak review. TRDB.

3) ALL IS BRIGHT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lie, cheat, steal: It’s all part of the holiday spirit for two men when they try to make a quick buck selling Christmas trees. For ex-con Dennis, it’s a chance to go straight, and for charmer Rene, it’s a chance to build a future with Dennis’s ex.”10/4/13- Mixed reviews, more negative than positive but the NY Times liked it. TRDB.

4) THE DIRTIES- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Film geeks Matt and Owen make a movie about getting revenge on “the Dirties,” a group of bullies who target them at school. Then Matt decides to take things a step further, stockpiling weapons for a sequel in which they’ll open fire on their enemies.”10/4/13- Good reviews all around. Today’s NY Times gave this a good review also. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.”10/7/13- This movie, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, has received mostly good reviews but one critic said that it was a Hollywood style “A Hijacking”, a movie that I saw a few months ago that had a similar theme and was excellent. TRDB.

2) INEQUALITY FOR ALL– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Discussing numerous issues in clear and accessible language, former U.S. labor secretary and current UC Berkeley professor Robert Reich makes a compelling case about the serious crisis the U.S. faces due to the widening economic gap.”9/15/13- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

9/27/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE SUMMIT– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Combining interviews, archival footage and recreations, filmmaker Nick Ryan sets out to uncover what went wrong when 11 people died on their way up the infamous K2 — the deadliest day in modern mountaineering history.”10/4/13- Fairly good reviews and the NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.

4) MOTHER OF GEORGE– Jacob Burns. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nigerian-Americans Ayodele and Adenike marry and perform a traditional ceremony in which Adenike confirms the name of the son she will one day bear. But the stress of adjusting to life in America and the pressure to conceive soon take their toll.”

9/13/13- Excellent reviews all around including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) ESCAPE FROM TOMORROW- Jacob Burns. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the last day of a family vacation at Disney World, Jim White learns that he’s lost his job. Soon thereafter, he begins to lose his mind, wandering through the artificial phantasmagoria and becoming obsessed with two perky French girls.”

10/7/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) RUSH– Bethel, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrayal of the intense 1970s rivalry between race drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt captures the contrasts between the two champions. While Hunt was a charming and handsome ladies’ man, Lauda was a loner with a single goal: victory.”9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) GRAVITY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”10/2/13- Very good reviews and this film has been well received at festivals  too. TRDB.

10/4/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) ENOUGH SAID– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

9/29/13- With a very good script, very good acting and with great chemistry between the two main actors this movie seemed like real life with all of  its conflicts. TRDB. 

4) WADJDA- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Persistent 10-year-old Wadjda would like nothing more than a new bicycle so she can beat her friend (a boy) in a race. But it’s going to take some ingenuity to get one — especially in her culture, which sees bikes as a threat to a girl’s virtue.”8/26/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/6/13- I enjoyed this movie about a young woman from an Arab country and her quest to follow her passion in an all male activity. TRDB.

5) PARKLAND- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book, this powerful drama takes place in the Dallas hospital where John F. Kennedy was brought after being shot on Nov. 22, 1963. Intertwining stories follow doctors, FBI agents, an unwitting cameraman and many others.”

9/25/13- Mixed reviews but many critics did not like this movie at all. TRDB.

6) BLUE JASMINE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.”

7/26/13- A great review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

7) DON JON– Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jon Martello’s romantic exploits are legendary among his friends, but his obsession with online porn is starting to sap his enthusiasm for real sex. As he tries to regain his hunger for intimacy, Jon meets two women with vital lessons to teach him.”

9/15/13- Fairly good reviews so far. TRDB.

9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

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

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org  

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OCTOBER 3, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE KINGS OF SUMMER– Netflix Streaming

2) ABOUT SUNNY– Netflix Streaming.

3) ENOUGH SAID– At the Theater

4) ELECTRICK CHILDREN– Netflix Streaming

5) IN THE HOUSE– Netflix

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) ENOUGH SAID– Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

9/29/13- With a very good script, very good acting and with great chemistry between the two main actors this movie seemed like real life with all of its conflicts. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE KINGS OF SUMMER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chafing under his widowed father’s control, Joe Toy invites a friend and an offbeat new kid to help him build his own house in the nearby woods. Now that the trio is finally free from parents and responsibility, what’s next?”5/31/13- Just an OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/27/13- I’ll give this film a mixed review– some very good parts and some very bad, stupid parts. I do think it’s worth seeing as yet another coming-of-age story. TRDB. Netflix.

2) ABOUT SUNNY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Angela is a young single mother trying to get by in Las Vegas. When Max and his sister make an offer to “help” Angela, she must decide what she’s willing to give up and what truly matters in life.”

9/27/13- A great performance by Lauren Ambrose as an abusive mother made this movie interesting and believable but very difficult to watch. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) ELECTRICK CHILDREN– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “Pregnant by music? Rachel, a young teenager from a fundamentalist Mormon community, believes in immaculate conception, while her fundamentally religious family regards her condition as an intolerable transgression. The search for the child’s origins is a revelation for the 15-year-old.”

3/8/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

9/30/13- An interesting fable that held my interest. It’s different all right but worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) IN THE HOUSE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moved by mesmerizing prose, a teacher pushes a student with extraordinary gifts to keep on writing — even though he knows the young author’s research methods involve a serious invasion of privacy.”

4/19/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

9/30/13- I enjoyed this movie very much. TRDB. Netflix.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 8-

 

1) MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Joss Whedon’s modern take on the Shakespearean comedy, Claudio’s love for the beautiful Hero makes him a target of his friend Benedick’s mockery. But as Benedick trades barbs with Hero’s cousin Beatrice, he just may be falling in love.”6/7/13- Very good reviews from multiple sources including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) WE STEAL SECRETS: THE STORY OF WIKILEAKS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) takes the reins for this no-holds-barred look at one of the most unusual phenomena of early 21st century media. In 2006, an Iceland-based outfit called The Sunshine Press launched the website WikiLeaks.org. As run by Australian Internet activist Julian Assange, the site’s mandate involved regularly publishing top-secret documents and covert information, often regarding governments and their respective military operations.”

5/24/13- Very good review by everyone, including the NY Times today. TRDB.

6/13/13- A very timely documentary in our nation’s history. I liked the movie but I thought that the movie was a bit too long and I would have liked to understand Assange’s real psychological motivation for the risks he has taken. TRDB.

3) MEA MAXIMA CULPA– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Alex Gibney explores the scourge of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, highlighting the story of five deaf men who spoke out about a priest who molested more than 200 children between 1950 and 1974.”

Rotten Tomatoes said “In MEA MAXIMA CULPA: SILENCE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD, Oscar (R)-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney examines the abuse of power in the Catholic Church through the story of four courageous deaf men, who in the first known case of public protest, set out to expose the priest who abused them. Through their case the film follows a cover-up that winds its way from the row houses of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, through the bare ruined choirs of Ireland’s churches, all the way to the highest office of the Vatican.”

11/16/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times and everywhere else as well. TRDB.

4) LEVIATHAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the very waters where Melville’s Pequod gave chase to Moby-Dick, this haunting documentary — shot on a dozen cameras and presented with no spoken commentary — captures the collaborative clash of man, nature and machine.”

3/1/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) EUROPA REPORT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this nail-biting thriller, a private space-exploration company sends six astronauts to determine whether Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, can sustain life — and what they find terrifies and transforms them.”

6/28/13- Very good reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) LAURANCE ANYWAYS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirtysomething high school teacher Laurence seems to have the perfect life, but when he confesses to his fiancée that he wants to live as a woman, he must overcome both her resistance and that of his bewildered family and dubious co-workers.”

6/28/13- Very good reviews in general including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7) MIDNIGHT’S CHILDREN– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on the acclaimed novel by Salman Rushdie, this epic drama tells the story of two infants switched at birth in 1947, the year of India’s independence from Great Britain. One boy is wealthy, the other poor, and their lives become intertwined.”

4/26/13- A “just OK” review in today’s NY Times. Others have liked it less. TRDB.

8) HOME RUN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “To cure his drinking problem, pro baseball star Cory Brand returns to his hometown and begins coaching a Little League team as part of his rehab. After faking his recovery at first, Cory starts to glimpse real redemption in the kids playing for him.”

9/18/13- Mixed reviews, including some very poor ones. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON SEPT. 26-

 

1) THE CITIZEN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Yearning to leave behind a difficult existence in the Middle East, Ibrahim Jarrah wins the green card lottery for a chance to become an American citizen. He arrives the day before the September 11 attacks, which forever change his life.”9/27/13- Poor reviews in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

2) WINTER NOMADS– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Pascal, 53, and Carole, 28, are shepherds. In the month of November 2010, they embark on their long winter transhumance: four months during which they will have to cover 600 km in the Swiss-French region, accompanied by three donkeys, four dogs and a eight hundred sheep. An exceptional adventure is about to begin: they brave the cold and the bad weather day in day out, with a canvas cover and animal skins as their only shelter at night. This saga reveals a tough and exacting profession requiring constant improvisation and unflinching attention to nature, the animals and the cosmos.”

9/27/13- Very good reviews all around for this documentary. TRDB.

3) HOTEL NORMANDY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two years after her husband dies in a motorbike crash, Alice’s best pals send her to the luxurious Hotel Normandy for her birthday. Unknown to Alice, her friends also arrange for a man they feel may be just right for her to be there as well.”

9/27/13- A good review in today’s NY Times, mixed reviews from other critics and poor audience reaction. I think I’ll give it a try anyway when it comes to DVD format. TRDB.

4) MUSCLE SHOALS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tuneful documentary chronicles the musical legacy of Muscle Shoals, Ala., home of Fame Studios, where top musicians have flocked for decades. Keith Richards, Bono and other stars recount their experiences recording at the renowned facility.”

9/27/13- Very good reviews in general. Today’s NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

5) METALLICA THROUGH THE NEVER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Veteran heavy metal band Metallica is captured live in 3D in this spectacular concert film, highlighted by a staged accident involving a crew member. Narrative bios of band members and a chronicle of Metallica’s career are also featured in the movie.”

9/27/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times but good reviews from others. TRDB.

6) THE NETWORK– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary tells the story of TOLO, Afghanistan’s first independent TV network, and the family that grew it into the nation’s largest broadcaster. The film follows the expansive staff, which faces an uncertain future as foreign troops withdraw.”

9/27/13- The few reviews I’ve seen are mixed. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.

7) ON THE JOB– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “How much trouble can prisoners get into on a one-day pass? A lot, it turns out, if they’re hired assassins on politicos’ payrolls. Meanwhile, a pair of cops investigate the murders in this action drama based on real events in the Phillipines.”

9/27/13- Very good reviews from all critics and audiences. Today’s NY Times gave it a glowing review. TRDB.

8) OUT IN THE DARK– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sparks fly when Roy, an Israeli lawyer, and Nimr, a Palestinian graduate student, meet at a bar in Tel Aviv. But their budding relationship is threatened when Nimr’s student visa is revoked and he faces deportation.”

9/27/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.

9) THE PAW PROJECT– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Paw Project documentary is an inspiring David and Goliath story of a grassroots movement to protect felines, both large and small, from the cruelty of declawing and how the movement has prevailed, despite the efforts of well-funded professional veterinary associations.”

9/27/13- Good reviews all around and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

10) THE TIME IS … NOW– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary profiles ordinary people who have endured tragedy and examines how they have evolved from victims into survivors, with psychologists and spiritual leaders offering commentary on the possibility of hope in troubled times.”

9/27/13- I’ve seen just 2 professional reviews and they were both poor. One was in today’s NY Times. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

11) WE ARE WHAT WE ARE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following a family tragedy, two teenage sisters are forced by their domineering father to keep their cannibalistic clan’s macabre traditions alive by finding — and killing — dinner. Meanwhile, local authorities begin to close in on them.”

9/27/13- Very good reviews for this spooky sounding movie. The NY Times praised it in today’s review. TRDB.

12) WEDDING PALACE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents desperate for him to marry, bachelor Jason begins a quest to find his true love, discovering her in a business meeting in Korea. After a long-distance courtship, Jason’s fiancée joins him stateside but is not at all what he expected.”

9/27/13- Early reviews are mixed– the NY Times liked it. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

13) WE CAME HOME– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “We Came Home tells the story of Afghanistan through Afghan American artist, Ariana Delawari. Born into a suburban Los Angeles home, the same year the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, Ariana’s life unfolds parallel to the ever-changing events of her father’s homeland. Her parents name her after the ancient name of Afghanistan. Her home is filled with refugee relatives, parties with live Afghan music, and her father’s fierce dedication to his homeland.”

9/27/13- I’ve seen 2 professional reviews- both good. Today’s NY Times liked it. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING TOMORROW, OCT. 4-

 

1) A.C.O.D.- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After enduring decades of conflict between his divorced parents, Carter tries to end the hostilities on the eve of his brother’s marriage. Instead, he ends up making surprising discoveries about his past that only increase the tumult.”9/25/13- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

2) BRIDEGROOM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Helmed by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, this illuminating documentary chronicles the story of Shane Bitney Crone, who finds himself shut out and deprived of the legal protections of marriage after his same-sex partner dies in a tragic accident.”

9/25/13- Just a few reviews so far and they are very good. TRDB.

3) CONCUSSION– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a blow to the head with a baseball prompts lesbian housewife Abby to shake up her suburban life — and her dull marriage — she buys a fixer-upper in Manhattan and seeks excitement by becoming a prostitute.”

9/25/13- Sounds a bit odd but this film has received lots of good reviews. TRDB.

4) FIVE DANCES– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Real dance phenoms show their acting chops in this tale about Chip, a prodigy from Kansas hoping to make it big in New York City. Chip’s first weeks of rehearsal are marked by triumphs and setbacks both in his personal life and in the studio.”

9/25/13- Just a few reviews for this documentary but they are good. TRDB.

5) GRACE UNPLUGGED– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Every Sunday, 18-year-old Grace performs at church with her ex-rock star father, but she longs to share her talent with the rest of the world. Heading for the bright lights of Los Angeles, she soon must choose between stardom and faith.”

9/25/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

6) I USED TO BE DARKER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When runaway Taryn seeks help from her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, she discovers a family in crisis and a marriage in ruins — and finds herself in the middle of the emotional fallout between everyone involved.”

9/25/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

7) PARKLAND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book, this powerful drama takes place in the Dallas hospital where John F. Kennedy was brought after being shot on Nov. 22, 1963. Intertwining stories follow doctors, FBI agents, an unwitting cameraman and many others.”

9/25/13- Mixed reviews but many critics did not like this movie at all. I think I’ll see it anyway. TRDB.

8) THE SUMMIT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Combining interviews, archival footage and recreations, filmmaker Nick Ryan sets out to uncover what went wrong when 11 people died on their way up the infamous K2 — the deadliest day in modern mountaineering history.”

9/25/13- A few fairly good reviews so far. TRDB.

9) RUNNING WILD: THE LIFE OF DAYTON O. HYDE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dedicated to trying to protect wild horses in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Dayton Hyde emerges as a unique brand of hero in this bio-documentary. Hyde’s efforts include rescuing feral herds from government-sanctioned wild-horse roundups.”

9/25/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

10) THE DEAD MAN AND BEING HAPPY– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In Award-winning Spanish director Javier Rebollo’s third feature, Santos (renowned Spanish actor José Sacristán), a sick, worn-down hired killer, impulsively heads out on one last assignment: a 2,000-mile excursion from his Buenos Aires hospital bed into the vast interior of Argentina.”

10/1/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) YOU WILL BE MY SON– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Paul de Marseul (Niels Aretrup) is the passionate, demanding proprietor of his prestigious family wine estate. But he has no faith in his son, Martin (Loran Deutsch), who works at the vineyard. Paul dreams of a harder-working, successful son-a dream that one day seemingly materializes when he meets Philip (Nicolas Bridet), the son of his dying estate manager (Patrick Chesnais). Can Paul turn against his own blood and turn Philip into the rightful heir of his family estate?”Here’s what Netflix had to say– “Doubtful that his own son is up to the task, the demanding owner of a vintage chateau and wine label turns to the offspring of his late caretaker to maintain the strict principles of his prestigious business.”

8/16/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

2) BLUE CAPRICE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In their lead-up to the infamous 2002 Beltway sniper attacks, John Muhammad and Lee Malvo embark on a nationwide trip, forming a deadly bond along the way that distorts the definition of a father-son relationship.”9/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW- NONE

 

REPEATS-

 

 

Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters

 

DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) WADJDA– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Persistent 10-year-old Wadjda would like nothing more than a new bicycle so she can beat her friend (a boy) in a race. But it’s going to take some ingenuity to get one — especially in her culture, which sees bikes as a threat to a girl’s virtue.”8/26/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) PARKLAND- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book, this powerful drama takes place in the Dallas hospital where John F. Kennedy was brought after being shot on Nov. 22, 1963. Intertwining stories follow doctors, FBI agents, an unwitting cameraman and many others.”9/25/13- Mixed reviews but many critics did not like this movie at all. TRDB.

3) GRAVITY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission embarks on a space walk with a seasoned astronaut, debris strikes their craft and destroys it — leaving the two floating through space tethered together, with no connection to Earth.”

10/2/13- Very good reviews and this film has been well received at festivals too. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) BLUE JASMINE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.”7/26/13- A great review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

8/7/13- Woody is as creative as ever as he constructs another story that most audiences can relate to. Cate Blanchett’s acting was great and I liked the movie. After the rave reviews I was a little disappointed. TRDB.

2) ENOUGH SAID– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

3) RUSH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrayal of the intense 1970s rivalry between race drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt captures the contrasts between the two champions. While Hunt was a charming and handsome ladies’ man, Lauda was a loner with a single goal: victory.”

9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) DON JON– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jon Martello’s romantic exploits are legendary among his friends, but his obsession with online porn is starting to sap his enthusiasm for real sex. As he tries to regain his hunger for intimacy, Jon meets two women with vital lessons to teach him.”

9/15/13- Fairly good reviews so far. TRDB.

5) PRISONERS– Bethel. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his 6-year-old daughter is abducted and the investigation stalls, carpenter Keller Dover tracks down the culprit himself. But his vigilante action pits him against the case’s lead detective and puts his own sanity at risk.”

9/4/13- Very good reviews for this suspense drama. TRDB.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) SIMON KILLER– Netflix Streaming

2) SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME– Netflix Streaming

3) ROOM 514– Netflix Streaming

4) THANKS FOR SHARING– At the Theater

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) THANKS FOR SHARING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While making his way through a support group for sex addicts, Adam dips his toe in the dating pool to embrace a meaningful relationship. But the woman he’s attracted to has sworn off addicts altogether.”9/4/13- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A “fair at best” review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/25/13- I liked this movie very much– great acting and a realistic depiction of the life of an addict of any kind. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) SIMON KILLER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young and heartbroken, a New Yorker travels to Paris to escape his romantic woes but soon falls into another all-consuming attraction. Hopelessly smitten with a young prostitute, he finds himself drawn into her dark and alien world.”4/5/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

9/22/13- This movie was well acted and portrayed the lead actor’s desperation very well and despite the sleazy characters I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comic fable chronicles 35 years in the lives of good friends Sal and Max — including a love triangle with Lyla, the woman they both adore. As they make their way through major life events, a magic suitcase prevents Max from getting older.”

3/29/13- OK reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

9/22/13-This movie was just strange enough to be interesting but I can’t really recommend it in general. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) SOMETHING IN THE AIR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Growing up in the wake of France’s civil crisis of May 1968, Gilles and his teen friends are determined to sustain the partisan passions of that era. But now it’s 1971, and Gilles is also beginning to think more about his other aspirations in life.”

5/3/13- Fairly good reviews in general and a very good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/23/13- I found this movie incredibly boring and turned it off fairly quickly. A lot of teenagers throwing firebombs and writing graffiti. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) FRANKENSTEIN’S ARMY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As they push into Germany near the end of World War II, Russian troops discover that the Nazis have used the research of legendary scientist Victor Frankenstein to create monstrous new soldiers that are pieced together from body parts of the dead.”

7/16/13- Some good reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/24/13- I enjoyed the first half hour until the monsters arrived and then the movie became a “mad scientist” type movie with essentially no plot. I turned it off at 45min. TRDB. Netflix.

5) ROOM 514– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Anna, an investigator in the Israeli military, is ordered to interrogate a senior officer who is alleged to have abused an Arab family. Her questioning is greeted with sarcasm by the accused commander, while her colleagues and lover, advise her to stop the case.”

4/2/13- This movie sounds very interesting but so far the few reviews that I have seen have been weak. TRDB.

9/24/13- I liked this movie very much and I can only wonder how it was received in Israel itself. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 1-

 

1) A FIERCE GREEN FIRE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary profiles the evolution of environmental movements over the past five decades, from early efforts at conservation and protests against pollution to the radical tactics of Greenpeace and concerns over global climate change.”3/1/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times saying that the film had too much restraint. TRDB.

2) THE FROZEN GROUND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based thriller starring Nicolas Cage, an Alaska state trooper looking to bring a notorious serial killer to justice teams with a 17-year-old prostitute who escaped the predator’s clutches.”

8/9/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. TRDB.

8/23/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON SEPT. 19-

 

1) RUSH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrayal of the intense 1970s rivalry between race drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt captures the contrasts between the two champions. While Hunt was a charming and handsome ladies’ man, Lauda was a loner with a single goal: victory.”9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) ARISE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Daryl Hannah narrates this documentary that uses poetry, music and art to spotlight global women who share a new vision for environmental stewardship. From rainforests to cities, these women search for ways to live in balance with nature.”

9/20/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. The review said that the movie making was not as good as the subject of this documentary. TRDB.

3) AFTER TILLER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “AFTER TILLER paints a complex, compassionate portrait of these physicians who have become the new number-one targets of the anti-abortion movement.”

9/20/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from most critics as well. TRDB.

4) JEWTOPIA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Old friends Chris and Adam are facing opposite marriage issues: Chris is pursuing his Jewish dream girl, while Adam is having doubts about his own. When Chris asks Adam to help him pass as Jewish, comedic complications and consequences shortly ensue.”

9/20/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times and from most everybody else as well. TRDB.

5) THE MUSLIMS ARE COMING!- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hoping to counter Americans’ negative attitudes toward Islam, a clutch of Muslim-American comedians launch a national tour for laughs. This documentary chronicles their long, strange trip as they try to educate — and entertain — their audiences.”

9/20/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

6) MY LUCKY STAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When she wins a trip to Singapore, Sofie never expects to cross paths with international diamond thieves, let alone become embroiled in their plot. Her involvement accidentally reveals a deeper plan — and lands her in the arms of David, a hunky spy.”

9/20/13- A “just fair” review in today’s NY Times. Mixed reviews from others. TRDB.

7) ZAYTOUN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1982 Beirut, an Israeli fighter pilot named Yoni crashes outside a camp of young Palestinian refugees, where he’s met by gun-toting orphan Fahed. In exchange for his freedom, Yoni agrees to take the boy back to the village where his parents lived.”

9/20/13- This sounds interesting but it has received weak reviews all around. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (FRI., SEPT. 27)-

 

1) AS I LAY DYING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director James Franco’s ambitious take on William Faulkner’s classic novel chronicles the sobering story of a poor Southern clan carrying out the family matriarch’s dying wish to be buried in a distant town”9/15/13- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

2) BAGGAGE CLAIM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Desperate to escape her single status, flight attendant Montana Moore vows to find a spouse in 30 days or 30,000 miles in this airy romantic comedy. While several prospects look promising at first, Montana quickly discovers problems under the hood.”

9/15/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

3) DON JON– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jon Martello’s romantic exploits are legendary among his friends, but his obsession with online porn is starting to sap his enthusiasm for real sex. As he tries to regain his hunger for intimacy, Jon meets two women with vital lessons to teach him.”

9/15/13- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

4) INEQUALITY FOR ALL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Discussing numerous issues in clear and accessible language, former U.S. labor secretary and current UC Berkeley professor Robert Reich makes a compelling case about the serious crisis the U.S. faces due to the widening economic gap.”

9/15/13- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) MORNING– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Five days in the life of an American couple immediately following the accidental death of their child. An every day story of tragedy, loss, acceptance, hope and renewal. Morning follows the divergent paths of Mark and Alice Munroe as they circle each other in a heart-breaking pas-de-deux of grief before finally coming to grips with their shared loss.”

9/15/13- No reviews as yet but this one sounds gut-wrenching. TRDB.

6) THERESE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Trapped in a loveless marriage to her insufferable cousin, Therese Raquin seeks solace in the arms of the attentive Laurent LeClaire. But her quest for happiness may lead to tragedy in this big-screen adaptation of Emile Zola’s classic novel.”

9/15/13- Just 2 short reviews and they are both OK. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

THE ANNUAL L-DUB FILM FESTIVAL SHOWS ON FRIDAY SEPT. 27 THROUGH SUNDAY SEPT. 29!!

 

 

 THE FOLLOWING FILMS WILL SHOW FROM MONDAY SEPT. 30 THROUGH THURS. OCT.3-

 

1) EVOCATEUR: THE MORTON DOWNEY JR. MOVIE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rude, crude and polarizing, Morton Downey Jr. was the profane right-wing prince of talk show hosts during his brief heyday in the late 1980s. This colorful documentary includes archival footage of Downey’s riotous show with revealing interviews.”6/7/13- An OK, interesting review in today’s NY Times. Other critics have liked it very much. TRDB.

2) FILM SOCIALISM– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Listen in on the insightful musings of a war criminal, a famous philosopher (Alain Badiou), an American singer (Patti Smith), a former spy and other compelling characters as they travel together aboard a Mediterranean cruise ship, visiting Egypt, Palestine, Odessa and Naples. Directed by legendary French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, this multifaceted drama also stars Catherine Tanvier, Christian Sinniger and Jean-Marc Stehlé.”

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) JEWTOPIA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Old friends Chris and Adam are facing opposite marriage issues: Chris is pursuing his Jewish dream girl, while Adam is having doubts about his own. When Chris asks Adam to help him pass as Jewish, comedic complications and consequences shortly ensue.”9/20/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times and from most everybody else as well. TRDB.

2) BLUE CAPRICE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In their lead-up to the infamous 2002 Beltway sniper attacks, John Muhammad and Lee Malvo embark on a nationwide trip, forming a deadly bond along the way that distorts the definition of a father-son relationship.”

9/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) ENOUGH SAID– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”9/24/13- Excellent reviews from nearly everyone. TRDB.

2) RUSH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrayal of the intense 1970s rivalry between race drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt captures the contrasts between the two champions. While Hunt was a charming and handsome ladies’ man, Lauda was a loner with a single goal: victory.”

9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THANKS FOR SHARING– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While making his way through a support group for sex addicts, Adam dips his toe in the dating pool to embrace a meaningful relationship. But the woman he’s attracted to has sworn off addicts altogether.”9/4/13- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A “fair at best” review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/25/13- I liked this movie very much– great acting and a realistic depiction of the life of an addict of any kind. TRDB.

2) BLUE JASMINE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.”

7/26/13- A great review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

8/7/13- Woody is as creative as ever as he constructs another story that most audiences can relate to. Cate Blanchett’s acting was great and I liked the movie. After the rave reviews I was a little disappointed. TRDB.

3) SALINGER- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Interviews with 150 of J.D. Salinger’s friends and colleagues shed light on the reclusive author in this absorbing documentary. High-profile writers and actors, including Martin Sheen, Gore Vidal and John Cusack, discuss how Salinger influenced them.”

9/6/13- Mostly poor reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) IN A WORLD …– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lake Bell (“Children’s Hospital”) stars in In a World…, a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script.”

8/9/13- Good reviews from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

9/2/13- The movie was fun but nothing great. There were some funny situations that reminded me of early Woody Allen and I did enjoy the various relationships. TRDB.

5) PRISONERS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his 6-year-old daughter is abducted and the investigation stalls, carpenter Keller Dover tracks down the culprit himself. But his vigilante action pits him against the case’s lead detective and puts his own sanity at risk.”

9/4/13- Very good reviews for this suspense drama. TRDB.

6) DON JON– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jon Martello’s romantic exploits are legendary among his friends, but his obsession with online porn is starting to sap his enthusiasm for real sex. As he tries to regain his hunger for intimacy, Jon meets two women with vital lessons to teach him.”

9/15/13- Fairly good reviews so far. TRDB.

7) LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.”

8/6/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/16/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/25/13- Although I did enjoy parts of this movie, I was disappointed with the film as a whole. I thought it was a lackluster story about the butler used as a vehicle for a very powerful piece of history and it just didn’t seem to fit for me. The acting carried the movie. TRDB.

 

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

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org  

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com

 

SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) WISH YOU WERE HERE– Netflix

2) SHORT TERM 12– At the Theater

3) ORCHESTRA OF EXILES– Netflix

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) SHORT TERM 12– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grace, a compassionate young supervisor at a foster care facility, works with her boyfriend and colleague, Mason, to help at-risk teens. But when a new charge dredges up memories of her own troubled past, Grace’s tough exterior begins eroding.”8/23/13- An excellent review from most critics and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

9/15/13- I liked this movie very much. Great acting and a very touching story. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) WISH YOU WERE HERE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Searching for answers about what happened to their friend who vanished while they vacationed in Cambodia together, Steph, Alice and Dave discover a shocking truth — and must deal with the consequences as more secrets are revealed.”5/25/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6/7/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/13/13- I found the movie interesting and enjoyed it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) ORCHESTRA OF EXILES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary focuses on Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, who rescued hundreds of Jews from the holocaust and founded the globally renowned orchestra that would eventually become the Israel Philharmonic.”

10/26/12- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times and by most professional critics as well. Audiences have uniformly enjoyed it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

5/24/13- I liked this documentary very much as it once again showed the will of the Jewish people to not only live but to thrive as well. TRDB.

9/15/13- I saw this movie again in preparation for a talk I’m giving in Florida in October. I liked it just as much as last time. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 24-

 

1) SOMETHING IN THE AIR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Growing up in the wake of France’s civil crisis of May 1968, Gilles and his teen friends are determined to sustain the partisan passions of that era. But now it’s 1971, and Gilles is also beginning to think more about his other aspirations in life.”5/3/13- Fairly good reviews in general and a very good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) MY BROTHER THE DEVIL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a 14-year-old Arab living in London, Mo is desperate to make friends and worships his older brother, Rashid, a gregarious local gang member. But Mo eventually makes an ill-fated play to fit in that changes both brothers’ lives forever.”

3/14/13- Great reviews. TRDB.

3/22/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE KINGS OF SUMMER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chafing under his widowed father’s control, Joe Toy invites a friend and an offbeat new kid to help him build his own house in the nearby woods. Now that the trio is finally free from parents and responsibility, what’s next?”

5/14/13- Great reviews!! TRDB.

4) IN THE HOUSE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moved by mesmerizing prose, a teacher pushes a student with extraordinary gifts to keep on writing — even though he knows the young author’s research methods involve a serious invasion of privacy.”

4/19/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

5) ROOM 237– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring various theories about hidden meanings in Stanley Kubrick’s classic film The Shining, this fascinating documentary presents fans’ and conspiracy theorists’ ideas about messages regarding genocide, government conspiracy and history.”

3/18/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) REDEMPTION– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Back home after a harrowing tour in Afghanistan and haunted by his dark past, veteran Joey Jones takes on an assumed identity and tries to atone. But when his pregnant girlfriend is murdered, he must risk stepping into the light to get revenge.”

6/28/13- An equal number of good and bad reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

THE FOLLOWING HAVE ALREADY BEEN RELEASED WITHOUT BEING NOTED-

1) THE GREAT GATSBY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo DiCaprio stars as literary icon Jay Gatsby in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Fascinated by the mysterious, affluent Gatsby, his neighbor Nick Carraway bears witness to the man’s obsessive love and spiral into tragedy.”

5/10/13- The reviewer in today’s NY Times said that the movie was enjoyable but it didn’t seem to me as if he enjoyed it. Mixed reviews from other critics but audiences seem to have liked it.  TRDB.

2) SONG FOR MARION (UNFINISHED SONG)- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his wife Marion terminally ill, 72-year-old Arthur sees a future that’s nothing but grim. But when he takes Marion’s place in their church’s very unconventional choir, he begins to find joy in life again.”

6/7/13- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

6/21/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7/7/13- A very enjoyable movie about an older couple and their adjustment to old age. A bit schmaltzy at times but definitely worth seeing. TRDB.

3) THE MACHINE WHICH MAKES EVERYTHING DISAPPEAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Tinatin Gurchiani asked auditioning young actors to simply talk about themselves, and turned the engaging results into their own film. This series of mini-interviews creates a fascinating cross-section of Georgia’s young people.”

8/9/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY (SEPT. 13) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON SEP. 12-

1) AND WHILE WE WERE HERE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jane accompanies her cellist husband to Naples and spends her days trying to shake a case of writer’s block while he’s in rehearsal. She hoped the trip would help their troubled marriage, but she finds unexpected romance with a young American ex-pat.”

9/13/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews in general, more negative than positive. TRDB.

2) BLUE CAPRICE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In their lead-up to the infamous 2002 Beltway sniper attacks, John Muhammad and Lee Malvo embark on a nationwide trip, forming a deadly bond along the way that distorts the definition of a father-son relationship.”

9/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

3) THE FAMILY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The Manzonis, an infamous mob family, are relocated to Normandy, France, by the witness protection program, where they have some difficulty fitting in. When local problems arise, they respond the only way they know how: mafia style.”

9/13/13- Today’s NY Times gave this movie a good review with qualifications but nealy all other critics panned it. TRDB.

4) FOUR- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a middle-aged black man goes on a date with a young white man he met on the Internet, his teen daughter spends an evening with an ex-basketball star. But their attempts to make intimate connections are hindered by the secrets each holds.”

9/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

5) GMO OMG– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This provocative documentary follows one father’s search for answers to the question “What are we feeding our families?” and examines the risks of consuming genetically modified foods, or GMOs.”

9/13/13- Mixed reviews but a good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) GOOD OL’ FREDA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Freda Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big: the Beatles. In Good Ol’ Freda, the band’s former secretary tells her personal stories for the first time in 50 years.”

9/13/13- Mixed reviews, mostly positive but the NY Times didn’t care for it,  saying that it was more coy than candid. TRDB.

7) 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.

8)HERB & DOROTHY 50X50– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This follow-up to 2008’s Herb & Dorothy chronicles the Vogels’ mission to donate 2,500 works of art from their extensive collection. Bestowing 50 pieces to each state, the couple unwittingly opens a discussion on the role of art in the new century.”

9/13/13- Very few reviews so far and they are mixed. Today’s NY Times said that is was difficult not to like a movie dedicated to such a noble gesture but the critic didn’t really care for the film itself. TRDB.

9) INFORMANT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “What turned Brandon Darby from an outspoken radical to a right-wing FBI informant in only three years? This doc gets the story from the man himself. Darby explains the shift in his allegiances that made him one of activism’s most maligned figures.”

9/13/13- Excellent reviews all around with a somewhat weaker review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10) JAYNE MANSFIELD’S CAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1969 Alabama, grizzled WW II vet Jim braces for a visit from his ex-wife’s now-widowed husband, who’s bringing her body from England to bury. Soon, the tumult of the era, the changing South and generational clashes play out in Jim’s home.”

9/13/13- Poor reviews from most and a “just OK” review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11) THE LAST TIME I SAW MACAO– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “On a journey to Macao, two filmmakers — one who hasn’t seen the city since childhood — compare their memories of a place that defies description. The result is a mesmerizing mix of fantasy, memoir and pulp fiction.”

9/13/13- Very good reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12) MONEY FOR NOTHING: INSIDE THE FEDERAL RESERVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the nation’s 2008 financial meltdown, this sober documentary looks at the role the Federal Reserve played in igniting the crisis. Interviews with economists and government officials reveal diverse opinions about the Fed’s past and future.”

9/13/13- Mixed reviews by critics. The NY Times did not care for it but audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

13) NAKED AS WE CAME– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “After an unexpected phone call, Laura and her brother Elliot rush to their family’s country estate to find their mother, Lilly, gravely ill and living with a handsome young stranger named Ted. Estranged for some time, their mother’s condition sets Laura and Elliot on a path to realizing where their own lives have gone wrong. Lilly, on the other hand, has mellowed from the controlling woman she was and is hoping to pass on some wisdom to her children. Now her kids find themselves dealing with their own feelings of resentment and broken dreams while trying to figure out how Ted fits into their mother’s life.”

9/13/13- Just a few reviews and they are good. The NY Times liked it.  TRDB.

14) SAMPLE THIS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This doc traces rap’s origins from 1973, when DJ Herc’s “Apache” used the first sample, with some surprising side trips along the way. Music luminaries reveal where Charles Manson, RFK’s assassination and a former Beatle fit into hip-hop history.”

9/13/13- Good reviews all around and the NY Times liked it in today’s review. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK- SEPT. 20-

 

1) BATTLE OF THE YEAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the help of their demanding coach, a celebrated American breakdancing team travels to France to try to win the world championship competition in this exhilarating drama. Along the way, they struggle to gain acceptance for their sport.”9/3/13- Very few reviews at this time and they are all bad. TRDB.

2) C.O.G.- 2013- Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a short story by David Sedaris, this comedy follows the brash young author as he travels to Oregon to work on an apple farm. The journey exposes him to all sorts of culture clashes, but what awaits him at the farm is far worse.”

9/3/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

3) ENOUGH SAID- Synopsis by Netflix. “Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini star in this charming comedy about a divorced woman venturing into a relationship with a sweet man. But things get tricky when she discovers the man she’s dating is the hated ex-husband of her new best friend.”

9/18/13- Excellent reviews by critics and mixed reviews from audiences. TRDB.

4) GENERATION IRON– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “Generation Iron – examines the professional sport of bodybuilding today and gives the audience front row access to the lives of the top 7 bodybuilders in the sport as they train to compete in the world’s most premiere bodybuilding stage – Mr. Olympia.”

9/4/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

5) HAUTE CUISINE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on real characters and lives, this food-rich drama recounts Hortense Laborie’s experiences as personal chef for the president of France. After reluctantly accepting the job, Hortense braves the intimidating atmosphere of the Elysee Palace.”

8/6/13- Very good early reviews for this film. TRDB.

6) JERUSALEM– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “JERUSALEM takes audiences on an inspiring and eye-opening tour of one of the worlds oldest and most enigmatic cities. Destroyed and rebuilt countless times over 5000 years, Jerusalems enduring appeal remains a mystery. What made it so important to so many different cultures? How did it become the center of the world for three major religions? Why does it still matter to us?”

9/4/13- No reviews as yet for this 45min. documentary. TRDB.

7) MEN AT LUNCH– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by the iconic 1932 snapshot of 11 unnamed workers eating lunch atop a steel girder during Rockefeller Center’s construction, documentarian Seán Ó Cualáin sets out to learn their identities, toasting the immigrant labor force in the process.”

9/4/13- This sounds interesting but it has received poor reviews so far. TRDB.

8)PRISONERS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his 6-year-old daughter is abducted and the investigation stalls, carpenter Keller Dover tracks down the culprit himself. But his vigilante action pits him against the case’s lead detective and puts his own sanity at risk.”

9/4/13- Not too many reviews but they are all excellent. TRDB.

9) RUSH– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrayal of the intense 1970s rivalry between race drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt captures the contrasts between the two champions. While Hunt was a charming and handsome ladies’ man, Lauda was a loner with a single goal: victory.”

9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10) THE SHORT GAME– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary follows eight of the world’s best 7-year-old golfers, who convene in Pinehurst, N.C., to compete for a championship. Their interweaving stories provide a charming look into the unconventional, ultracompetitive world of junior golf.”

9/4/13- Few early reviews but they are very good. TRDB.

11) THANKS FOR SHARING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While making his way through a support group for sex addicts, Adam dips his toe in the dating pool to embrace a meaningful relationship. But the woman he’s attracted to has sworn off addicts altogether.”

9/4/13- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

12) A SINGLE SHOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After accidentally shooting a young woman, hunter John Moon panics and tries to hide the body in a cave. Stumbling onto a huge stash of cash there, he decides to keep it — and soon finds himself being hunted by backwater outlaws and redneck bullies.”

9/4/13- I’ve seen 3 reviews– all positive. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) SHORT TERM– 12- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grace, a compassionate young supervisor at a foster care facility, works with her boyfriend and colleague, Mason, to help at-risk teens. But when a new charge dredges up memories of her own troubled past, Grace’s tough exterior begins eroding.”8/23/13- An excellent review from most critics and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

9/15/13- I liked this movie very much. Great acting and a very touching story. TRDB.

 

2) IN A WORLD…- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lake Bell (“Children’s Hospital”) stars in In a World…, a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script.”8/9/13- Good reviews from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

9/2/13- The movie was fun but nothing great. There were some funny situations that reminded me of early Woody Allen and I did enjoy the various relationships. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) SAMPLE THIS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This doc traces rap’s origins from 1973, when DJ Herc’s “Apache” used the first sample, with some surprising side trips along the way. Music luminaries reveal where Charles Manson, RFK’s assassination and a former Beatle fit into hip-hop history.”9/13/13- Good reviews all around and the NY Times liked it in today’s review. TRDB.

2) JAYNE MANSFIELD’S CAR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1969 Alabama, grizzled WW II vet Jim braces for a visit from his ex-wife’s now-widowed husband, who’s bringing her body from England to bury. Soon, the tumult of the era, the changing South and generational clashes play out in Jim’s home.”

9/13/13- Poor reviews from most and a “just OK” review in today’s NY Times. A few good ones too. TRDB.

3) LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED is directed by Golden Globe (R) and Oscar (R) winning filmmaker Susanne Bier, written by Bier and Anders Thomas Jensen and starring Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine.”

4/21/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

5/3/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/9/13- I saw this movie a few days ago at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival and despite some schmaltz and Hollywood I enjoyed this film very much. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) SALINGER- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Interviews with 150 of J.D. Salinger’s friends and colleagues shed light on the reclusive author in this absorbing documentary. High-profile writers and actors, including Martin Sheen, Gore Vidal and John Cusack, discuss how Salinger influenced them.”9/6/13- Mostly poor reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

1) AUSTENLAND- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jane Hayes is so taken with Jane Austen’s novels that she decides to splurge on a trip to an English resort that caters to Austen fans. But when the authentic period romance Jane was promised proves unacceptable, she acts to alter her fate.”8/6/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

8/16/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) IN A WORLD…- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lake Bell (“Children’s Hospital”) stars in In a World…, a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script.”8/9/13- Good reviews from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

9/2/13- The movie was fun but nothing great. There were some funny situations that reminded me of early Woody Allen and I did enjoy the various relationships. TRDB.

3) BLUE JASMINE– Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.”

7/26/13- A great review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

8/7/13- Woody is as creative as ever as he constructs another story that most audiences can relate to. Cate Blanchett’s acting was great and I liked the movie. After the rave reviews I was a little disappointed. TRDB.

4) CLOSED CIRCUIT– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Martin and Claudia, top-flight lawyers who happen to be former lovers, become targets when they’re teamed up to defend a notorious terrorist. As the trial unfolds, the danger causes the pair to reevaluate their allegiance to justice.”

8/27/13- Poor reviews. TRDB.

5) THE SPECTACULAR NOW– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When high school loner Aimee Finicky finds her classmate Sutter Keely passed-out drunk on a lawn, it marks the start of an unlikely friendship. After deciding to help Aimee raise her social confidence, Sutter finds himself falling for his creation.”

7/15/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

8/2/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/23/13- Overall I enjoyed this movie but I felt that the first 45min. was too long and the second 45min. a bit too short. TRDB. 

6) LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.”

8/6/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/16/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/25/13- Although I did enjoy parts of this movie, I was disappointed with the film as a whole. I thought it was a lackluster story about the butler used as a vehicle for a very powerful piece of history and it just didn’t seem to fit for me. The acting carried the movie. TRDB.

7) SHORT TERM 12– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grace, a compassionate young supervisor at a foster care facility, works with her boyfriend and colleague, Mason, to help at-risk teens. But when a new charge dredges up memories of her own troubled past, Grace’s tough exterior begins eroding.”

8/23/13- An excellent review from most critics and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

9/15/13- I liked this movie very much. Great acting and a very touching story. TRDB.

 

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

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org  

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com

 

SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

THIS WEEK I ATTENDED THE 8th. ANNUAL MARTHA’S VINEYARD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. I’VE BEEN TO THIS FESTIVAL WITH MY WIFE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AS GUESTS OF OUR FRIENDS SOL AND DONNA AND THIS YEAR’S SELECTION WAS THE BEST YET.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- ALL AT THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL-

 

1) BLANCANIEVES- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shot in black and white and without dialogue, this unusual take on “Snow White” follows the young daughter of a matador who finds fame after escaping the clutches of her evil stepmother to join a band of bullfighting dwarves.”3/29/13- Very good reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/9/13- I saw this silent film at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival a few days ago and I thought it was great. TRDB.

 

4/21/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

5/3/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/9/13- I saw this movie a few days ago at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival and despite some schmaltz and Hollywood I enjoyed this film very much. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) NO PLACE ON EARTH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary sheds light on a long-untold story of World War II: the 18-month sanctuary of 38 Jewish refugees in a Ukrainian cave. Five surviving members discuss their ordeal, as the film chronicles the accidental discovery of the cave in 1993.”3/21/13- Just a few reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

4/5/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/10/13- This story is remarkable but the movie itself became boring because the majority of the film was made up of “reenactments.” It felt more like a narrated drama. TRDB. Netflix.

2) PARADISE: LOVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teresa, a 50-year-old Austrian, vacations on Kenya’s sun-kissed shores looking for love among the local beach boys who survive on European “sugar mamas.” She falls for Munga, but soon realizes that his false sincerity is part of the sex tourism game.”

7/15/13- Mixed reviews but all said it was a disturbing movie. TRDB.

9/10/13- This movie was very well done and indeed very disturbing. I felt like singing “looking for love in all the wrong places.” TRDB. Netflix.

3) UNA NOCHE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Cuban teenager Raul is accused of assault, he and his best friend decide to flee the country and make the 90-mile journey to the United States. Elio’s twin sister — whom he is reluctant to leave behind — narrates their harrowing story.”

8/23/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/11/13- I liked this movie that was about coming of age in the setting of Havana, Cuba but instead of rebelling against their parents they are rebelling against the state. Excellent acting made this movie excel. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEP. 17-

 

1) WAR OF THE BUTTONS– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set in occupied WWII France, War of the Buttons tells the tale of pre-teen rebel Lebrac (newcomer Jean Texier) and the “war” he leads between two rival kid gangs from neighboring villages. Once Lebrac falls for Violette (Ilona Bachelier), a young Jewish girl who is new in town and in danger of being exposed by the Nazis, the children are faced with putting their own conflicts aside to protect her and confront the very real war happening around them.”10/12/12- Poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/26/13- Very poor reviews in general but a few critics liked it very much. There are several other movies with the same name, some of which have gotten much better reviews. TRDB.

2) GIMME THE LOOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two talented graffiti artists from the Bronx are stung when a rival outfit covers their own illustration with a portrait of the Mets’ Home Run Apple. They turn their outrage into a daring plan to tag the real Home Run Apple at the Mets ballpark.”

3/22/13- Good review in today’s NY Times and everyone else liked it also. TRDB.

3) SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comic fable chronicles 35 years in the lives of good friends Sal and Max — including a love triangle with Lyla, the woman they both adore. As they make their way through major life events, a magic suitcase prevents Max from getting older.”

3/29/13- OK reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

4) GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young, troubled and unknown, singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley grapples with his own self-doubts in the days leading up to a tribute concert in honor of his famous father, Tim Buckley, who died tragically of a drug overdose.”

4/21/13- Mixed reviews in general and a weak on in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) AUGUSTINE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When teenager Augustine — diagnosed as a “hysteric” — is incarcerated in a hospital for the mentally ill in 1885, she becomes the pet patient of prominent neurologist Professor Charcot in this drama based on the real relationship between the two.”

5/4/13- Just a few early reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

5/17/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) SIMON KILLER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young and heartbroken, a New Yorker travels to Paris to escape his romantic woes but soon falls into another all-consuming attraction. Hopelessly smitten with a young prostitute, he finds himself drawn into her dark and alien world.”

4/5/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

7) IN THE FOG– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “An innocent man accused of treason by Russian partisans fighting the German occupation is marked for death by two of his fellow countrymen. When the trio is ambushed, the man, eager to clear his name, faces a moral choice under immoral circumstances.”

6/14/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times as well as good reviews from most critics. TRDB.

8)THE BLING RING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on fact, this comic thriller tracks the saga of the Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch, who used the Web to time their robberies of stars’ homes. The teenage band stole millions in cash, jewelry and other items from victims including Paris Hilton.”

6/14/13- Mixed reviews in general and a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST FRIDAY (SEP. 6) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON SEP. 5-

 

1) AMERICAN MADE MOVIE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This passionate documentary examines the decades-long decline in U.S. manufacturing capacity and its fraying effect on the nation’s social fabric. The film also promotes changes in the way we live and work that can help restore America’s strength.”9/6/13- Poor reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) AMERICAN MILKSHAKE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “White boy Jolie longs to make his high school basketball team so that he can get in with the “in” crowd — the black kids from the projects. In the meantime, he’s sleeping with the black girl he’s “tutoring.”

9/6/13- Weak reviews all around and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

3) BOUNTY KILLER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “It’s been 20 years since corporations took over the world’s governments; in retaliation, a group issues death warrants for all white-collar criminals. From amateur savage to graceful assassin, the bounty killers now compete for body count and cash.”

9/9/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews in general. TRDB.

4) FLU– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When people in a South Korean suburb start dropping like flies from a deadly airborne respiratory disease, the area is quarantined and chaos reigns. Meanwhile, an infectious disease specialist and a rescue worker frantically try to find a cure.”

9/6/13- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) POPULAIRE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic comedy set in the 1950s, a smooth-talking insurance agent is so impressed with his secretary’s skills that he encourages her to enter speed-typing competitions. He also invites her to live in his mansion, and romance slowly blooms.”

9/6/13- Mixed reviews in general but most liked it. The NY Times liked it–just. TRDB.

6) TOUCHY FEELY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Massage therapist Abby awakens one day to discover that she’s physically repulsed by human touch, a situation that will doom her career. Meanwhile, Abby’s brother Paul, a dentist with a foundering practice, experiences unexplained success.”

9/6/13- Weak reviews in general. The review in today’s NY Times was mixed– more negative than positive. TRDB.

7) IL FUTURO– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While struggling to care for her younger brother, orphaned teen Bianca sets out to secure their future by seducing a blind neighbor who’s reputedly worth a fortune. But she’s ultimately unprepared for the effect he’ll have on her life.”

9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and good reviews elsewhere as well. TRDB.

8) I AM BREATHING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Neil Platt is in his early 30s when motor neuron disease leaves him paralyzed from the neck down, compelling him to look at life in a new way. Among Neil’s concerns is the letter he wants to leave for his infant son, Oscar, after his death.”

9/6/13- A good review for this documentary in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

9) MISSION PARK– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four close friends grow up together, but their paths diverge over time: Two of them join the FBI, while the other two build up a major drug cartel. When the federal agents try to infiltrate the cartel, they run up against their old childhood friends.”

9/6/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

10) MY FATHER AND THE MAN IN BLACK– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Johnny Cash’s agent Saul Foliff died, he left a cache of letters and audio recordings. Their revelations form the basis of this film. Foliff’s son Jonathan uses the information to shine a light on the collaboration that shaped both men’s lives.”

9/6/13- Mixed reviews in general. In today’s review the NY Times said that nobody in this film was fully explained. TRDB.

11) 99%: THE OCCUPY WALL STREET COLLABORATIVE FILM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Weaving together personal stories of protesters and analysis of the issues they support, this documentary examines the Occupy Wall Street movement and why it spread so quickly to cities around the country and the world.”

9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times but other reviews were mixed. TRDB.

12) WINNIE MANDELA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “South Africa’s Winnie Mandela, one of the most galvanizing public figures in modern history, comes to life in this absorbing biopic. Though it traces Winnie’s whole story, the film hinges on the Apartheid-era imprisonment that would define her image.”

9/6/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and from most others as well. TRDB.

13) WE THE PARENTS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary follows a group of concerned parents who took advantage of a new California law to force their local school to go charter. Amid controversy over their action, they remain fiercely dedicated to improving education for their kids.”

9/6/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times but better reviews from others. TRDB.

13) THE ULTIMATE LIFE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blessed with the treasures that came to him in The Ultimate Gift, Jason Stevens inherits family conflicts and copes with his wife’s extended trip abroad. Once again Jason must rethink his life values, and his grandfather’s journals provide a path.”

9/6/13- Bad reviews all over. TRDB.

14) TIO PAPI– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ray Ray Dominguez, who won’t commit to his longtime girlfriend, has responsibility forced on him when his sister dies and her six kids land on his doorstep. But while trying to find the tots new families, he unexpectedly comes to like domestic life.”

9/6/13- Today’s NY Times pointed out many flaws but seemed to like the movie. Nobody else did, however. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (SEP. 13)-

 

1) THE FACE OF LOVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Years after the death of her husband, Garrett, Nikki begins a romance with Tom, a great guy who looks almost exactly like Garrett. As their relationship unfolds, fate seems to be delivering Nikki both a new start and a second chance.”8/26/13- No reviews as yet for this movie starring Annette Bening and Ed Harris. TRDB.

2) HERB & DOROTHY 50X50- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This follow-up to 2008’s Herb & Dorothy chronicles the Vogels’ mission to donate 2,500 works of art from their extensive collection. Bestowing 50 pieces to each state, the couple unwittingly opens a discussion on the role of art in the new century.”

8/26/13- Poor early reviews. TRDB.

3) MOTHER OF GEORGE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nigerian-Americans Ayodele and Adenike marry and perform a traditional ceremony in which Adenike confirms the name of the son she will one day bear. But the stress of adjusting to life in America and the pressure to conceive soon take their toll.”

8/26/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

4) WADJDA– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Persistent 10-year-old Wadjda would like nothing more than a new bicycle so she can beat her friend (a boy) in a race. But it’s going to take some ingenuity to get one — especially in her culture, which sees bikes as a threat to a girl’s virtue.”

8/26/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) UNA NOCHE-  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Cuban teenager Raul is accused of assault, he and his best friend decide to flee the country and make the 90-mile journey to the United States. Elio’s twin sister — whom he is reluctant to leave behind — narrates their harrowing story.”8/23/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/11/13- I liked this movie that was about coming of age in the setting of Havana, Cuba but instead of rebelling against their parents they are rebelling against the state. Excellent acting made this movie excel. TRDB.

2) BLACKFISH-  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum — who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity — and questions the safety and humaneness of confining these intelligent creatures.”7/3/13- Just a few reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

7/19/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) ADORE–  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this seaside drama adapted from a novella by Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing, two lifelong friends who fall in love with each other’s teenage sons must carry out their affairs in relative secrecy.”8/24/13- I’ve seen just 4 reviews– 2 up, 1 down and 1 neutral. TRDB.

9/6/13- Today’s NY Times called this movie absurd. TRDB.

2) GOOD OL’ FREDA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Freda Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big: the Beatles. In Good Ol’ Freda, the band’s former secretary tells her personal stories for the first time in 50 years.”8/23/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) AUSTENLAND- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jane Hayes is so taken with Jane Austen’s novels that she decides to splurge on a trip to an English resort that caters to Austen fans. But when the authentic period romance Jane was promised proves unacceptable, she acts to alter her fate.”8/6/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

8/16/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) SHORT TERM 12– Jacob Burns. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grace, a compassionate young supervisor at a foster care facility, works with her boyfriend and colleague, Mason, to help at-risk teens. But when a new charge dredges up memories of her own troubled past, Grace’s tough exterior begins eroding.”

8/23/13- An excellent review from most critics and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) BLUE JASMINE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.”7/26/13- A great review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

8/7/13- Woody is as creative as ever as he constructs another story that most audiences can relate to. Cate Blanchett’s acting was great and I liked the movie. After the rave reviews I was a little disappointed. TRDB.

2) LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.”8/6/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/16/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/25/13- Although I did enjoy parts of this movie, I was disappointed with the film as a whole. I thought it was a lackluster story about the butler used as a vehicle for a very powerful piece of history and it just didn’t seem to fit for me. The acting carried the movie. TRDB.

3) IN A WORLD…- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lake Bell (“Children’s Hospital”) stars in In a World…, a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script.”8/9/13- Good reviews from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

9/2/13- The movie was fun but nothing great. There were some funny situations that reminded me of early Woody Allen and I did enjoy the various relationships. TRDB.

4) CLOSED CIRCUIT– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Martin and Claudia, top-flight lawyers who happen to be former lovers, become targets when they’re teamed up to defend a notorious terrorist. As the trial unfolds, the danger causes the pair to reevaluate their allegiance to justice.”

8/27/13- Poor reviews. TRDB.

5) THE GRANDMASTER– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the Japanese invasion looms, Chinese kung fu master Ip Man’s world changes when rival master Gong Er and her father arrive in his village. As her father ceremoniously retires, Gong Er finds love with Ip Man, who’s conflicted by his feelings.”

8/23/13- A good review in today’s NY Times for this martial arts film and positive reviews in general. The Wall St. Journal said that you had to be a martial arts fan to like this movie and sight unseen I would agree. TRDB.

6) THE SPECTACULAR NOW– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When high school loner Aimee Finicky finds her classmate Sutter Keely passed-out drunk on a lawn, it marks the start of an unlikely friendship. After deciding to help Aimee raise her social confidence, Sutter finds himself falling for his creation.”

7/15/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

8/2/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/23/13- Overall I enjoyed this movie but I felt that the first 45min. was too long and the second 45min. a bit too short. TRDB.