The Reel Dr. Bob

JUNE 30, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

Unfortunately there isn’t much out there in the theaters but I did see a few at home. Overall it was a disappointing “movie-week.”

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) MONAGAMY- Netflix

2) THE TRIP- Comcast On-Demand

 

 

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE CONCERT- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “The winner of two César Awards, this uplifting comedy focuses on Andrei Filipov (Aleksei Guskov), a Russian conductor whose music career was cut short by politics. Now an alcoholic janitor, Filipov seizes a chance to reunite his orchestra and reclaim his life. Using a purloined invitation to a Parisian festival as incentive, Filipov gathers his rag-tag musicians and a French violinist (Mélanie Laurent) to realize his long-cherished dream.” A few very positive reactions but more fairly negative ones. The story sounds interesting and I’ll give it a try. TRDB.6/24/11- A ridiculous farce and I turned it off fairly quickly. TRDB. Netflix.

2) MONAGAMY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Miserable shooting weddings for a living, Brooklyn photographer Theo (Chris Messina) starts up a cool new business, taking surveillance-style photos of clients. But when an alluring female (Meital Dohan) hires his services, the shutterbug falls into a world of lust and jealousy. Co-starring Rashida Jones as Theo’s fiancée, this tense drama explores how intimacy and inadequacy coexist in the modern world.”

3/11 Good review in NY Times ON 3/11/11. TRDB.

6/26/11- I found this movie interesting although a lot of it was predictable. A classic case of “cold feet” as well. TRDB. Netflix.

3) CEREMONY- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Angarano stars in this indie comedy as Sam, a naïve twentysomething who falls head over heels in love with Zoe (Uma Thurman), a beautiful older woman who’s about to marry a pretentious documentary filmmaker (Lee Pace). Refusing to give up hope, Sam drags his best friend (Reece Thompson) to the seaside town where the wedding is set to take place in a last-ditch attempt to head off the nuptials.” Generally poor reviews. TRDB.

6/26/11- Poor reviews doesn’t begin to describe this awful movie and I turned it off quickly. TRDB. Netflix.

4) THE TRIP- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.” Good review in NY Times on 6/10/11. TRDB.

6/26/11- Great scenes of the countryside and enjoyable bantering between 2 old friends make this film worth watching. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

5) THE DESERT OF FORBIDDEN ART- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Trace the incredible story of defiant visionary Igor Savitsky, an artist and museum curator who cunningly acquired more than 40,000 banned Soviet Union paintings and hid the illegal collection from the KGB in Uzbekistan’s Nukus Museum. In addition to rare archival footage and interviews with the artists’ children, this absorbing documentary also features letters and diary entries read by Ben Kingsley, Sally Field and Edward Asner.” Good reviews. TRDB.

6/27/11- I have to admit that I’m a bit too hyper to sit through a documentary of this type. I was very interested in the concept, what had been done to preserve the works but not really in the movie per se. TRDB. Netflix.

 

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY JULY 5-

 

1) OF GODS AND MEN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks’ abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.” Great reviews. Opens in NY on 2/25/11.3/11- Very well done and well acted but a bit too long and definitely not for a general audience. TRDB.

2) ILLEGAL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Olivier Masset-Depasse directs this drama that follows the story of Tania (Anne Coesens) and her teenage son, Ivan (Alexandre Gontcharov), Russian immigrants who are in Belgium illegally. Tania lives in fear of being found out — and one day, her worst nightmare becomes a reality. During a routine police check, Tania is apprehended — but she refuses to accept the fact that she’ll be deported and separated from her son.” Reviews not so good so far but it did sound interesting. TRDB.

 

3) 13 ASSASSINS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “To stop a tyrant from murdering and exploiting innocent civilians, 13 samurai warriors unite and prepare to end his life. But to kill the evildoer, the assassins must contend with an army of deadly bodyguards who outnumber them by a wide margin. Directed by acclaimed and prolific Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, this action-packed samurai remake features Yusuke Iseya, Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Tsuyoshi Ihara.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

4) LEBANON, PA- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Urbane Philadelphia ad man Will (Josh Hopkins) heads to small-town Lebanon for his father’s funeral, and the road leads not only to closure but to a revelation when the 35-year-old meets his precocious teenage cousin, CJ (Rachel Kitson), and her winsome teacher, Vicki (Samantha Mathis). As his friendship with CJ deepens and his warmth for the married Vicki grows, Will comes to realize that life can’t always be summed up in a catchphrase.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK NATIONALLY, REGIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) CRIME AFTER CRIME- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Convicted of killing her brutally abusive boyfriend in 1983, Deborah Peagler languished in prison for 20 years. When California legislation allowing incarcerated domestic-violence survivors to reopen their cases becomes law, a pair of novice attorneys agree to take on her case. Armed with evidence of their client’s innocence, the two encounter a bewildering maze of bureaucratic procedures and political corruption as they seek justice.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) LARRY CROWNE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being laid off from his longtime job at a soulless retail giant, average middle-aged guy Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) decides it’s time to change up his life, so he heads back to college. There, he finds a new perspective — and a new romance with a professor (Julia Roberts). Hanks directs this comedy-drama from a script co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer and Vardalos co-star.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

3) LOVE, ETC.- 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “This romantic panorama chronicles five stories from all over New York City: love lost, gained, lasting, and new.” OK audience reviews, none professional as yet. TRDB.

 

4) MONTE CARLO- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Disappointed with their uninspired tour group in Paris, Emma (Katie Cassidy), Meg (Leighton Meester) and Grace (Selena Gomez) are swept into a breathtaking whirlwind of wealth, glamour and excess when one of the young friends is mistaken for a British heiress. While the girls are whisked away to Monte Carlo and find themselves falling deeper into the lie, the alluringly extravagant lifestyle opens up new opportunities and unexpected romance.” Good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

5) THE PERFECT HOST- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “A fugitive on the lam decides to crash a dinner party. But he seriously regrets it when the mysterious and unusual host soon has him convinced that he would have been better off hiding somewhere else. David Hyde Pierce plays the memorable Warwick Wilson; Nathaniel Parker, Clayne Crawford and Helen Reddy also star in this thriller from first-time feature writer-director Nick Tomnay. The film makes it premier at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) L’AMOUR FOU- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Yves Saint-Laurent — synonymous with Le Smoking suit, the safari jacket and Studio 54 — met Pierre Bergé in 1958, and this intimate documentary pays tribute to their extraordinary 50-year friendship. The pair were lovers, then partners in fashion and in art collecting, and when they weren’t rocking haute couture with prêt-à-porter or the first black runway models, they were acquiring the objets d’art from which the designer drew inspiration.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) MEEK’S CUTOFF-  2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1845, this drama follows a group of settlers as they embark on a punishing journey along the Oregon Trail. When their guide leads them astray, the expedition is forced to contend with the unforgiving conditions of the high plain desert. Inspired by a true story, this effort from director Kelly Reichardt (Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy) illustrates the harsh difficulties, monotony and desperation endured by covered-wagon travelers.” Good review in NY Times on 4/8/11. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE TRIP- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.” Good review in NY Times on 6/10/11. TRDB.

6/26/11- Great scenes of the countryside and enjoyable bantering between 2 old friends make this film worth watching. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) 3 Backyards- Good reviews and I hope to see it this week

 

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

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW-

 

1) BUCK- Jacob Burns. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Buck Brannaman, inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer,” is revealed as a complex figure in this documentary by Cindy Meehl. The master horseman reveals details of his troubled childhood and his dawning awareness of new ways that humans and horses might work with one another. As Buck learns more about horses, he finds that the ways we communicate with our animal companions offer lessons on how we relate to fellow human beings.” At Sundance 2011.

 

2) LARRY CROWNE- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being laid off from his longtime job at a soulless retail giant, average middle-aged guy Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) decides it’s time to change up his life, so he heads back to college. There, he finds a new perspective — and a new romance with a professor (Julia Roberts). Hanks directs this comedy-drama from a script co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer and Vardalos co-star.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

3) BAD TEACHER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cameron Diaz stars as Elizabeth Halsey, a scheming and coarse-tongued middle school teacher who gets dumped by her wealthy boyfriend and rebounds by sinking her claws into a handsome substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake). There’s just one problem, though: He’s already dating Amy Squirrel (Lucy Punch), the most revered teacher on campus. And Ms. Squirrel is not at all eager to hand over her beau, who is slated to inherit his family’s fortune.”6/24/11- Sounds stupid but has received some good reviews including the NY Times today. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) BEGINNERS- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).” Good early reviews. TRDB. Mixed review in NY Times on 6/3/22 and friends of mine hated it. TRDB.

 

2) TREE OF LIFE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.” Good audience reviews so far but no professional ones as yet. TRDB. The movie won best picture at Cannes 2011. 6/6/11- While grand in scale I felt that I was watching a series of coming attractions, each lasting 1 or 2 minutes. What  a waste of time. My friend Sue said it well– “Judging by the award of Best Picture at Cannes I feel like I am watching “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” I agree. TRDB.

 

3) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.6/3/11- A good story, good acting and of course great Paris. Not one of Woody’s best but it was good and I enjoyed it. TRDB.

4) BRIDESMAIDS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well.  A surprisingly good review from the NY Times on 5/13/11. TRDB.

5) THE TRIP- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.” Good review in NY Times on 6/10/11. TRDB.

6/26/11- Great scenes of the countryside and enjoyable bantering between 2 old friends make this film worth watching. 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

 

 

 

JUNE 22, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

I have just returned from a wonderful vacation in the UK with good friends from home and with family from the UK. Now I’ll try to catch up.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE- Available on Netflix but I saw this on the plane flying home a few days ago

2) WHEN WE LEAVE- Netflix

3) CARANCHO- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 28-

 

1) BLOODWORTH- PROVINCES OF NIGHT- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Kris Kristofferson is E.F. Bloodworth, an impoverished aging musician who returns to his Tennessee hometown to make amends with the family he abandoned for 20 years of roaming, only to find their lives have disintegrated into a troubled mess. One bright spot, though, is E.F.’s grandson Fleming (Reece Thompson) and his budding romance with Raven (Hilary Duff.) Val Kilmer and Dwight Yoakam co-star as Bloodworth’s bitter and troubled sons.” Very good audience reaction so far. TRDB.

 

2) MAX MANUS- Directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Roenning. Premise by Netflix. “Dismayed by Norway’s swift capitulation to Nazi Germany during World War II, Max Manus (Aksel Hennie) — who would become one of Norway’s greatest war heroes — immediately joined the Resistance. This biographical drama tells his story. From his audacious escapes from German captivity (one from a military hospital) to his bold acts of sabotage (which included blowing up warships), the film chronicles all Manus’s derring-do.”8/10- A very good docudrama about a resistance fighter most people know nothing about. TRDB.

3) BARNEY’S VERSION- 2010. “Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Jewish Canadian television producer who reflects in flashbacks on three strange decades — and three wives — in this adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s acclaimed novel. There’s Clara (Rachelle Lefevre), a free-spirited proponent of free love; “Mrs. P” (Minnie Driver), a self-centered princess; and Miriam (Rosamund Pike), the right woman who comes along at the wrong time.” Good reviews.

2/11- Great acting and a magnificent screenplay make this a terrific movie. Highly recommended. TRDB.

4) 3 BACKYARDS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Elias Koteas, Edie Falco and Rachel Resheff star as neighbors in this slice-of-life suburban drama that follows their separate stories over the course of one long and emotionally trying autumn afternoon. A businessman and his wife find their marriage unraveling, a housewife obsesses over a minor celebrity who lives down the block, and an 8-year-old girl stumbles across a disturbing scene. Eric Mendelsohn directs.” A few good reviews. TRDB.

5) GUILTY HEARTS- 2006. Synopsis by Netflix. “Over the course of this drama’s six separate stories, a variety of couples struggle with the infidelity, dishonesty and heartbreak that plagues their varied pasts. In overcoming their challenges, these diverse individuals embrace a brighter future.” Generally poor reviews but it did sound interesting. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY, OR LOCALLY-

 

1) LEAP YEAR (ANO BISIESTO)- Synopsis by Netflix. “Journalist Laura Lopez (Mónica del Carmen) leads an isolated life in Mexico, her only social interactions being sexual encounters with strangers. With February 29th mysteriously circled on her calendar, Laura uses wild sex with Arturo (Gustavo Sánchez Parra) to hasten her unspoken goal. The questions of who is controlling whom and for what purpose loom large as Laura and Arturo’s encounters grow increasingly more violent and depraved.” Very good early professional reviews but only fair audience reaction. TRDB.

 

2) A BETTER LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid social drama tracks the relationship and conflicts between Mexican immigrant gardener Carlos and his teenage son Luis, whom he’s trying to interest in earning an honest living rather than drifting into the East L.A. gang scene.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

JUNE 24–30

 

1) CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Chuan Lu pulls off a rare feat by providing a clear-eyed drama about an event in Chinese-Japanese history — the 1937 Rape of Nanking following that city‘s capture by Japan — that still casts a shadow over relations between the countries. Shot in black and white, the film chronicles the six-week period through the eyes of multiple characters — including a Japanese soldier, a refugee camp supervisor, a resistance fighter and others.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) LE QUATTRO VOLTE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “This visual poem brings to life Pythagoras’s theory that the soul moves from human to animal to vegetable to mineral in its evolutionary journey. Wordlessly, the film follows an elderly Italian goat herder as he makes the remarkable transition. Director Michelangelo Frammartino captures the essence of everyday life in the Italian countryside as the man transforms into a baby goat, a giant tree and a lump of coal.” Many terrific reviews. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) 3 BACKYARDS- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Elias Koteas, Edie Falco and Rachel Resheff star as neighbors in this slice-of-life suburban drama that follows their separate stories over the course of one long and emotionally trying autumn afternoon. A businessman and his wife find their marriage unraveling, a housewife obsesses over a minor celebrity who lives down the block, and an 8-year-old girl stumbles across a disturbing scene. Eric Mendelsohn directs.” A few good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) UNDERTOW- (CONTRACORRIENTE)- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director Javier Fuentes-León sets this offbeat romantic ghost story on the rough-hewn but gorgeous Peruvian coast, where a married fisherman must come to terms with his love for another man, despite the strict moral codes of his homeland. This winner of the World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic at Sundance is a vivid examination of the ways in which affairs of the heart supersede social strictures and all other forms of logic.” Very good reviews.I saw this at the Palm Springs Int. Film Festival and liked it very much. TRDB.

 

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- NONE

 

REPEATS-

 

1) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.6/3/11- A good story, good acting and of course great Paris. Not one of Woody’s best but it was good and I enjoyed it. TRDB.

2) THE TRIP- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.” Good review in NY Times on 6/10/11. TRDB.

 

3) THE TREE OF LIFE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.” Good audience reviews so far but no professional ones as yet. TRDB. The movie won best picture at Cannes 2011. 6/6/11- While grand in scale I felt that I was watching a series of coming attractions, each lasting 1 or 2 minutes. What  a waste of time. My friend Sue said it well– “Judging by the award of Best Picture at Cannes I feel like I am watching “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” I agree. TRDB.

4) BEGINNERS- Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).” Good early reviews.

Mixed review in NY Times on 6/3/22. TRDB.

5) BRIDESMAIDS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well.  A surprisingly good review from the NY Times on 5/13/11. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

JUNE 7, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

I will be away for 10 days and so this Newsletter will have information for 2 weeks whenever possible and the next edition will be on June 23.

 

As you can see, it’s been a fine movie week for me- several good movies. Please check out the new ON-DEMAND selections as several of them have been well reviewed.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FROM LAST WEEK-

 

1) THAT’S WHAT I AM- Netflix

2) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Theater

3) THE LOVER- Comcast On-Demand

4) BULLY- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.6/3/11- A good story, good acting and of course great Paris. Not one of Woody’s best but it was good and I enjoyed it very much. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THAT’S WHAT I AM- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A 12-year-old boy is convinced he’s been pushed toward social suicide when his teacher pairs him up for a project with the school’s biggest reject. But the boys form an unexpected bond when bullies turn their attention to an unlikely target.” Fair review in NY Times on 4/29/11. TRDB.6/1/11- A delightful coming of age drama about tolerance with a great Ed Harris. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 14-

 

1) THE CONCERT- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “The winner of two César Awards, this uplifting comedy focuses on Andrei Filipov (Aleksei Guskov), a Russian conductor whose music career was cut short by politics. Now an alcoholic janitor, Filipov seizes a chance to reunite his orchestra and reclaim his life. Using a purloined invitation to a Parisian festival as incentive, Filipov gathers his rag-tag musicians and a French violinist (Mélanie Laurent) to realize his long-cherished dream.” A few very positive reactions but more fairly negative ones. The story sounds interesting and I’ll give it a try. TRDB.

 

2) THE DESERT OF FORBIDDEN ART- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Trace the incredible story of defiant visionary Igor Savitsky, an artist and museum curator who cunningly acquired more than 40,000 banned Soviet Union paintings and hid the illegal collection from the KGB in Uzbekistan’s Nukus Museum. In addition to rare archival footage and interviews with the artists’ children, this absorbing documentary also features letters and diary entries read by Ben Kingsley, Sally Field and Edward Asner.” No reviews available. TRDB.

 

3) MONAGAMY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Miserable shooting weddings for a living, Brooklyn photographer Theo (Chris Messina) starts up a cool new business, taking surveillance-style photos of clients. But when an alluring female (Meital Dohan) hires his services, the shutterbug falls into a world of lust and jealousy. Co-starring Rashida Jones as Theo’s fiancée, this tense drama explores how intimacy and inadequacy coexist in the modern world.”3/11 Good review in NY Times ON 3/11/11. TRDB.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX TUESDAY, JUNE 21-

 

1) CEREMONY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Michael Angarano stars in this indie comedy as Sam, a naïve twentysomething who falls head over heels in love with Zoe (Uma Thurman), a beautiful older woman who’s about to marry a pretentious documentary filmmaker (Lee Pace). Refusing to give up hope, Sam drags his best friend (Reece Thompson) to the seaside town where the wedding is set to take place in a last-ditch attempt to head off the nuptials.” Generally poor reviews. TRDB.

 

2) HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE- Premise by Netflix. “On the way to meet a publisher, aspiring novelist Sam (Josh Radnor) encounters 6-year-old Rasheen (Michael Algieri) alone on the subway. While struggling to decide whether to send him back to foster care, Sam looks after Rasheen and learns a few important life lessons. Meanwhile, Sam’s friends deal with various romantic tribulations. Radnor wrote and directed this coming-of-age comedy, which won the Best Drama Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.” Just OK reviews, slightly more positive than negative. Awful review in NY Times on 3/4/11.

 

3) ORGASM INC.- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “With humor and a wealth of research, director Liz Canner examines how drug companies promote and profit from the myth of female sexual dysfunction as they compete to produce the first FDA-approved “cure” for this condition. The provocative documentary features enlightening interviews with a passionate sex shop owner and a vintage-vibrator collector who argue that it’s society — not women’s bodies — that needs fixing.” Fairly good reviews.

 

4) HARVEST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When college student Josh (Jack Carpenter) returns to his Connecticut home for a weekend visit, his mother, Anna (Victoria Clark), convinces him to stay for the summer to spend time with his cancer-stricken grandfather, Silvio (Robert Loggia). As the season wears on, Anna’s brothers Benny (Arye Gross) and Carmine (Peter Friedman) also come home, renewing old family conflicts. Marc Meyers directs this touching drama.” Good review in NY Times on 5/6/11. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) GUILTY HEARTS- 2006. Synopsis by Netflix. “Over the course of this drama’s six separate stories, a variety of couples struggle with the infidelity, dishonesty and heartbreak that plagues their varied pasts. In overcoming their challenges, these diverse individuals embrace a brighter future.” Generally poor reviews but it did sound interesting. TRDB.

 

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OPENING NEXT WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) THE ART OF GETTING BY- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THE ART OF GETTING BY stars Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as George, a lonely and fatalistic teen who’s made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, who is befriended by Sally (Emma Roberts – Scream 4), a beautiful and complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) LA TETE EN FRICHE- 2011. Synopsis by Zap2it. “A barely literate laborer undergoes a personal transformation through his friendship with an old woman who introduces him to the world of books.” No reviews but sounds interesting.” TRDB.

 

3) MYSTERIES OF LISBON- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a 14-year-old orphan (João Luís Arrais) asks the loving priest (Martin Loizillon) who raised him about his unknown origins, he settles in for a sweeping tale of forbidden passion and bitter disappointment involving a beautiful countess, a wealthy businessman and a life of piracy. Raúl Ruiz directs this sumptuous adaptation of a 19th-century Portuguese romance novel penned by Camilo Castelo Branco.” Good early reviews.  TRDB.

 

4) R- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After committing a vicious crime, Rune (Johan Philip Asbæk), a career criminal even though he is only in his mid-twenties, is sentenced to two years in the harshest of Danish prisons. Although he wants to do his time quietly, prison gangs make his life a living hell. He is soon befriended by a Muslim prisoner named Rashid, who is also at the mercy of the hardcore criminals. Rune appears to appease one of the gang leaders, but is he really safe?” No reviews found as yet. TRDB.

 

5) PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NY TIMES- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarian Andrew Rossi goes inside the New York Times to examine how the venerable paper and its reporters are responding to the massive changes in how news is gathered, analyzed and dispersed. Is there any future for newsprint? The creative process of journalism is also dissected, with journalists David Carr, Brian Stelter and many others providing insight into their writing processes and where they think the news business is headed.” At Sundance 2011. Fairly good audience reactions. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

JUNE 10–16

 

1) HEY BOO: HARPER LEE AND TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Harper Lee‘s novel To Kill a Mockingbird and its Oscar-winning film adaptation both had a deep influence on American culture and racial perspectives. This pensive documentary studies the author’s life and the controversy her work inspired.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) LOUDER THAN A BOMB- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Capturing the combined creative spirit of more than 600 Chicago-area teenagers who are participating in what’s billed as the world’s largest youth poetry slam, this documentary highlights the joy of language and the power of collaboration.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

JUNE 17–23

 

1) THE ARBOR- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this experimental look at the life and work of British playwright Andrea Dunbar, director Clio Barnard asks her actors to lip-synch to an audio “screenplay” she created using interviews conducted with members of the Dunbar family. But Barnard also relies heavily on documentary techniques, blending archival footage with theatrical elements and shooting scenes in Dunbar’s actual neighborhood in Buttershaw estate.” Very good professional reviews and OK audience reaction. TRDB.

 

2) QUEEN OF THE SUN- 2010. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “What Are the Bees Telling Us? is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from Taggart Siegel, director of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN. Takes us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) LOVE, WEDDING, MARRIAGE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a newly wedded marriage counselor learns that her seemingly happy parents are serious candidates for divorce, she throws all the rules out the window to repair their fractured relationship.” Very good audience reviews but no professional ones yet. TRDB.6/3/11- Awful review in NY Times today. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

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

 

NEW-

 

1) MEEK’S CUTOFF- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1845, this drama follows a group of settlers as they embark on a punishing journey along the Oregon Trail. When their guide leads them astray, the expedition is forced to contend with the unforgiving conditions of the high plain desert. Inspired by a true story, this effort from director Kelly Reichardt (Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy) illustrates the harsh difficulties, monotony and desperation endured by covered-wagon travelers.” Good review in NY Times on 4/8/11. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.

 2) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

 

3)  INCENDIES- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.5/15/11- This movie was done in a most realistic fashion with great acting and superb direction. While it was often difficult to watch I thought that it was a great movie. TRDB. 

 

JUNE 1, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

As many of you know, I was happily in Florida with my family most of last week which accounts for the paucity of films for me. I did manage a few—

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) SOMEWHERE- Netflix

2) THE OTHER WOMAN- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) SOMEWHERE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Set amid the hallowed grounds of Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont, this atmospheric dramedy centers on a hard-living actor (Stephen Dorff) whose life is thrown for a loop when his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) pays him a surprise visit. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominee Sofia Coppola (Lost In Translation, Marie Antoinette), this character-driven film also features Benicio Del Toro and Chris Pontius of MTV’s “Jackass.” Some very good reviews along with some really bad ones too. Very good review in NY Times on 12/22/10.5/30/11- The film had some extended camera shots of essentially very little happening but it was a good portrayal of the loneliness that being famous can not cure. I’d recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE OTHER WOMAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Romance becomes reality for Emilia Greenleaf (Natalie Portman), who wins the heart of the handsome object of her affection (Scott Cohen), only to find that the relationship comes with some very real baggage — including her new beau’s troubled son (Charlie Tahan). Don Roos directs the film adaptation of Ayelet Waldman’s compelling novel, co-starring Lisa Kudrow, Lauren Ambrose and Elizabeth Marvel.” Only fair reviews for this movie although all said that Portman was very good. TRDB.

5/31/11- This movie was not well received but count me as a fan. I thought that Portman was very good and portrayed the grief in a very convincing manner. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 7-

 

1) CARANCHO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A car accident on the streets of Argentina brings Luján (Martina Gusman) and Sosa (Ricardo Darín) together: she’s a doctor caring for the critically wounded driver, he’s a smooth-talking ambulance chaser with an eye on the dying man’s money. Passion draws them together, but in a nation rife with such accidents, love alone may not conquer their differences. Pablo Trapero’s thoughtful film is an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Very good early reviews.

 

2) TRUE GRIT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After her father is murdered by drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), hires Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), an alcoholic U.S. Marshal, to help her exact vengeance. The disreputable Rooster still has grit though, and mounts an epic search. The pair is joined on their quest by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is also hunting for Chaney, in this updated Western from Joel and Ethan Coen. Very good review in NY Times on 12/22/10.1/11- To be honest I thought that the film was not nearly as good as the critics said it was. I also needed sub-titles for a good portion of the dialogue. Bring back “The Duke.”

3) THE HOUSEMAID- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A wealthy family’s new maid, Eun-yi (Do-yeon Jeon), attracts the attention of Hoon (Jung-Jae Lee), the man of the house, and a fiery affair develops between them. But although Hoon signs Eun-yi’s checks, he’s not the one controlling the relationship. One secret leads to another, until Eun-yi threatens to destroy the entire family. This update of the 1960 chiller was an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Fair review in NY Times on 1/21/11.

2/11- Very well done until the ending which seemed incomprehensible to me. Worth seeing however. TRDB.

4) WHEN WE LEAVE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Umay, 25, is torn between two cultures when she leaves her abusive husband and takes their young son, Cem, from Istanbul to her family home in Germany. Seeking refuge with her parents, Umay hopes to start anew, but her family disapproves. She finds work in a restaurant and falls in love with a German co-worker, Stipe, who happily welcomes her and Cem into his life, but turmoil erupts when Umay’s family decides to return Cem to his father.” Article about this movie in NY Times on 1/23/11 Mostly very good reviews. TRDB.

1/11- OK review in NY Times on 1/28/11. TRDB.

5) IF I WANT TO WHISTLE, I WHISTLE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Just days before his scheduled release from a reformatory, teenage delinquent Silviu (George Pistereanu) takes a pretty social worker (Ada Condeescu) hostage and threatens to kill her unless his estranged mother (Clara Voda) promises not to separate him from his younger brother. Will Silviu’s desperate act to protect his sibling cost him his freedom? Marian Bratu also stars in this engrossing drama from director Florin Serban.” Fair reviews on average but including a few very good ones. TRDB.

4/11- Very slow Romanian drama that I thought was just OK. TRDB.

6) THE COMPANY MEN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Written, directed and produced by John Wells (“The West Wing”), this indie drama stars Ben Affleck as a successful businessman who comes face-to-face with America’s downsizing epidemic when he loses his job and is forced to take a construction gig. Rounding out the all-star cast are Kevin Costner as Affleck’s brother-in-law, Tommy Lee Jones as a conflicted corporate bigwig and Chris Cooper as a struggling blue-collar worker.” Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10 and enjoyed by audiences so far. TRDB.

7) ANOTHER YEAR- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Over the course of a tumultuous year, contented medical counselor Gerri (Ruth Sheen) and her geologist husband, Tom (Jim Broadbent), see their friends and relations through a series of happy events and heartbreaks — including a birth and a death. Imelda Staunton and Oliver Maltman co-star in this character-driven ensemble dramedy from writer-director Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky, Vera Drake, Secrets & Lies).”

12/10- Very good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.

1/11- A slice of  life of a well adjusted and content older couple who spend time with family and friends over the course of a year. I liked it. TRDB.

8)SHADOWS AND LIES- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four years after leaving New York City for good, William Vincent (James Franco) finds himself back in Manhattan, attempting to save the woman he loves from organized criminals following a series of unusual events. Written and directed by Jay Anania — a professor at New York University’s graduate school of film, which Franco attended at the time of filming — this indie drama co-stars Josh Lucas, Julianne Nicholson and Martin Donovan.” Fairly good audience reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) BEGINNERS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) BRIDE FLIGHT- 2011- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A forbidden love, an impossible choice, a secret pact. Eager to escape the damp and suffocating atmosphere of post-war Holland, Dutch beauties Marjorie, Ada and Esther meet each other on the immigration flight to New Zealand, en route to join their future husbands, who are already settled there.” Only fair reviews so far but the idea sounded interesting. Not to be confused with the 2008 movie with the same title. TRDB.

 

3) SOCIALISM (FILM SOCIALISME)- 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.” Poor early reviews but it did sound a bit different and interesting. TRDB.

 

4) LOVE, WEDDING, MARRIAGE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a newly wedded marriage counselor learns that her seemingly happy parents are serious candidates for divorce, she throws all the rules out the window to repair their fractured relationship.” Very good audience reviews but no professional ones yet. TRDB.

5) THE LAST MOUNTAIN- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Bill Haney sounds the alarm in this penetrating documentary about the impact of coal mining on the citizens of West Virginia’s Coal River Valley, who are trying to prevent the plundering of one of the last untouched mountains in Appalachia. Aided by environmentalist Bobby Kennedy Jr., the townspeople protest against an energy conglomerate that uses ruinous mountain top removal techniques, despite the dangers to health and the environment.” Fair audience reaction so far. TRDB.

6) SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tormented by his past and seeking redemption, Walter (Peter Stormare), the police chief of a Canadian Mennonite community, tries to solve a startling murder for which Steve (Stephen Eric McIntyre), the creepy boyfriend of Walter’s bitter ex-lover (Jill Hennessy), is the chief suspect. Although he has a new, supportive girlfriend (Martha Plimpton), Walter is overwhelmed by the case and his stern family’s disapproval in this intriguing thriller.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

THE SCHEDULE IS NOT AVAILABLE AS OF NOW

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) PUZZLE- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On her 50th birthday, an unassuming housewife (The Headless Woman’s Maria Onetto) receives a present and discovers she’s an ace at puzzles. Without telling anyone, she takes on a training partner and begins to compete. But her new passion quickly threatens her old life, and she must decide where her true self lies.”Fair reviews in general but good review in NY Times on 5/27/11. This movie just opened in NY. TRDB.

 

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- Fairfield and Westchester Counties

 

NEW-

 

1) THE TREE OF LIFE- 2011.  Jacob Burns. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.” Good audience reviews so far but no professional ones as yet. TRDB. The movie won best picture at Cannes 2011.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.

 

2) INCENDIES- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.5/15/11- This movie was done in a most realistic fashion with great acting and superb direction. While it was often difficult to watch I thought that it was a great movie. TRDB. 

 

3) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

 

4) THE BIG UNEASY- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Almost five years ago, a disaster struck New Orleans. The media said it was a natural disaster primarily affecting poor black people. On both counts, the media was wrong. In his feature-length documentary The Big Uneasy, humorist and New Orleans resident Harry Shearer gets the inside story of a disaster that could have been prevented from the people who were there.” Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

 

5) THE DOUBLE HOUR- Clearview 100. 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.5/11/11- A real thriller and I’d like to watch it again to figure out what actually happened. It’s fun and recommended. TRDB.

6) BRIDESMAIDS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well.  A surprisingly good review from the NY Times on 5/13/11. TRDB.

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

MAY 25, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) BHUTTO- Netflix

2) COUNTRY STRONG- Netflix

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

NONE- As I’ve seen most of what I want to see.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) BHUTTO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Duane Baughman and Johnny O’Hara’s documentary is an in-depth and at times incendiary look at the epic life and tragic death of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, whose 2007 assassination sent her country’s political system into a tailspin. As a passionate and outspoken voice of reason and democracy, Bhutto‘s return to the seat of power seemed inevitable; but as a deeply divisive figure, her death was perhaps inescapable as well.” Very good early reviews.5/19/11- A very well done documentary if a little one-sided toward the Bhutto family. TRDB.

2) DAYDREAM NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “City girl Caroline Wexler (Kat Dennings) feels like she’s spinning her wheels when she moves to a small rural town, where she’s got nothing in common with anyone — except her disarmingly handsome teacher, Mr. Anderson (Josh Lucas). But when Wexler tires of their clandestine affair, Mr. Anderson isn’t ready to let her go. Andie MacDowell co-stars in this humorous dark romance from writer-director Michael Goldbach.” Fair audience reviews and professional reviews as well. TRDB.

5/23/11- Good at times and a bit hard to believe at times also. Fair at best. TRDB. Netflix.

3) COUNTRY STRONG- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “While out on tour to revive her stalled career, once-popular country singer Kelly (Gwyneth Paltrow) falls for emerging newcomer Beau (Garrett Hedlund) and tries desperately to hide their burgeoning romance from her ever-present husband and manager, Ed (Tim McGraw). Written and directed by Shana Feste, this musical drama co-stars Leighton Meester as a former beauty queen trying to break out as a songstress.” Fair reviews at best.

5/24/11- Despite the poor reviews I loved the music and managed through the dialogue. I’d recommend it if you like C&W music. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 31-

 

1) THE WAITING CITY- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Radha Mitchell and Joel Edgerton star as adoptive parents-to-be, en route from Australia to Calcutta to pick up their new baby, in this unconventional love story infused with the exotic charms of India from director Claire McCarthy. To foreigners who have never been on Indian soil, the city is at once intoxicating and overwhelming. But it also has the power to pull the couple’s already fragile marriage apart at the seams.” Reviewers were OK with this one but audience reaction was poor. TRDB.

 

2) WAITING FOR FOREVER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Contentedly jobless, wanderer Will Donner (Tom Sturridge) decides to focus his energies on reconnecting with the girl he loved as a child, Emma Twist (Rachel Bilson) — who is now a 20-something television actress living in Hollywood — and spending the rest of his life with her. Directed by James Keach, this romantic drama co-stars Blythe Danner, Richard Jenkins, Jaime King and Nikki Blonsky.”  Poor review in NY Times on 2/4/11.

 

3) UNDERTOW (CONTRACORRIENTE)- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director Javier Fuentes-León sets this offbeat romantic ghost story on the rough-hewn but gorgeous Peruvian coast, where a married fisherman must come to terms with his love for another man, despite the strict moral codes of his homeland. This winner of the World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic at Sundance is a vivid examination of the ways in which affairs of the heart supersede social strictures and all other forms of logic.” Very good reviews.I saw this at the Palm Springs Int. Film Festival and liked it very much. TRDB.

4) BIUTIFUL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a love affair goes bitterly awry, Uxbal (Javier Bardem) must pick up the pieces of his broken heart while protecting his children and facing the powerful demons of his past. A run-in with a childhood friend proves pivotal. Acclaimed director Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel) is reunited with his ace cinematographer, Rodrigo Prieto, for this probing Spanish drama shot in Barcelona, Badalona and Santa Coloma.” Good early reviews. OK review in NY Times on 12/29/10.

2/11- A very moving drama with a terrific Bardem. TRDB.

5) MAO’S LAST DANCER- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “A delegation from Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China’s greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin’s autobiography.” Fairly good reviews but a few said the movie was too timid. TRDB.

8/10- Great dancing makes up for a somewhat weak story. I enjoyed the movie despite all the schmaltz. TRDB.

6) KABOOM- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lovelorn college student Smith (Thomas Dekker) spends his days hanging with his friend Stella (Haley Bennett) and his nights lusting after his straight roommate Thor (Chris Zylka), until one wild party shatters his world in this comic thriller from edgy director Gregg Araki. After eating drug-laced cookies, Smith witnesses the murder of an enigmatic woman who has haunted his dreams, and he begins a bizarre journey that will determine his future.” Only fair reviews. At Sundance 2011.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) TUESDAY, AFTER CHRISTMAS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Hanganu (Mimi Branescu) is in love with two women: Adriana (Mirela Oprisor), his wife of 10 years, and Raluca (Maria Popistasu), his mistress of the past several months. Now, at a crossroads, Paul is forced to choose between them in this drama from Romanian director Radu Muntean. Combining careful staging and emotionally intense dialogue, the film presents an unblinking profile of a man in crisis and the women whose lives he’s ensnared.” Good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

2) THE TREE OF LIFE- Synopsis by Netflix. “Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.” Good audience reviews so far but no professional ones as yet. TRDB.

  

3) UNITED RED ARMY- 2007. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on actual events, this tense Japanese docudrama details the formation of early-1970s leftist paramilitary group the United Red Army, the turmoil and strife within its ranks, and several members’ perilous attempt to seize a mountainside lodge. Directed by former URA member Kôji Wakamatsu, this riveting exploration of human nature’s dark side stars Maki Sakai, Arata, Akie Namiki and Go Jibiki.” Mediocre reviews so far. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) PRINCESS OF MONTPENSIER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Aristocrat Marie de Mézières (Mélanie Thierry) loves the dashing Duke Henri de Guise (Gaspard Ulliel), but her father (Philippe Magnan) forces her to marry a prince she doesn’t know (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet). With her new husband at war, Marie’s passion for Henri grows stronger than ever. Bertrand Tavernier directs this historical drama set against a backdrop of religious conflict in 16th-century France.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB. 

 

2) UNCLE BOONME WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Under the care of his dedicated sister-in-law (Jenjira Pongpas), terminally ill Uncle Boonmee (Thanapat Saisaymar) spends his final days reminiscing about his past lives with the recently arrived ghost of his dead wife (Natthakarn Aphaiwonk) and his long-missing son (Geerasak Kulhong). Directed by celebrated Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, this free-floating fantasy film took home the Palme d’Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Three reviews, all great.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) DAYDREAM NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “City girl Caroline Wexler (Kat Dennings) feels like she’s spinning her wheels when she moves to a small rural town, where she’s got nothing in common with anyone — except her disarmingly handsome teacher, Mr. Anderson (Josh Lucas). But when Wexler tires of their clandestine affair, Mr. Anderson isn’t ready to let her go. Andie MacDowell co-stars in this humorous dark romance from writer-director Michael Goldbach.” Fair audience reviews and professional reviews as well. TRDB.

 

5/23/11- Good at times and a bit hard to believe at times also. Fair at best. TRDB.

 

2) THE PRINCESS OF MONTPENSIER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Aristocrat Marie de Mézières (Mélanie Thierry) loves the dashing Duke Henri de Guise (Gaspard Ulliel), but her father (Philippe Magnan) forces her to marry a prince she doesn’t know (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet). With her new husband at war, Marie’s passion for Henri grows stronger than ever. Bertrand Tavernier directs this historical drama set against a backdrop of religious conflict in 16th-century France.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

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- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

At this time the Saw Mill Hawthorne and Garden Cinema Norwalk have not released their lineup for next week.

 

NEW-

 

1) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Jacob Burns. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.

 

2) MIRAL- Jacob Burns. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After she rescues dozens children who survived a massacre in Jerusalem in 1948, Palestinian Hind Husseini (Hiam Abbass) establishes an orphanage that helps thousands of other children left homeless by violence. But the success of her peace-through-education institution is tested when pupil Miral (Freida Pinto) gets a taste of radical politics in the region’s refugee camps. Julian Schnabel directs this film that co-stars Willem Dafoe.” Uniformly poor reviews but the film does sound interesting. TRDB.Jacob Burns. MAY 31 ONLY!!

 

REPEATS-

 

1)  EVERYTHING MUST GO- Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director-writer Dan Rush makes his film debut with this dramedy based on a Raymond Carver short story about Nick (Will Ferrell), a good-hearted but relapsed alcoholic who decides to live on his front lawn after losing his job and being thrown out by his wife. Needing money and wanting to shed the past, Nick holds a yard sale to get rid of his possessions, but after befriending some lonely neighbors and reevaluating his life, he tries AA again.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- Bethel, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” Mediocre professional reviews  but good audience reactions. TRDB. 4/11- A soap opera type movie with a weak screenplay that was a disappointment for me. TRDB.

3) INCENDIES- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.

5/15/11- This movie was done in a most realistic fashion with great acting and superb direction. While it was often difficult to watch I thought that it was a great movie. TRDB. 

4) BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living simply and using a bicycle to get around New York, 80-year-old photographer Bill Cunningham tirelessly records what people are wearing in the city — both out on the sidewalk and in the salons of the wealthy. Through his “Evening Hours” and “On the Street” photo columns in the Sunday New York Times, Cunningham has faithfully chronicled the city’s fashions and sparkling nightlife while maintaining his own unassuming charm.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

6) BRIDESMAIDS- Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well. TRDB.

7)  THE DOUBLE HOUR- Clearview 100. 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.

5/11/11- A real thriller and I’d like to watch it again to figure out what actually happened. It’s fun and recommended. TRDB.

8)THE FIRST GRADER- Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true story, this inspirational drama profiles the amazing determination of 84-year-old Kenyan Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge (Oliver Litondo), a Mau Mau freedom fighter who wants to take advantage of a new universal education decree by learning how to read. Although he faces governmental bureaucracy and tribal racism, Maruge’s cause is eventually championed by teacher Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris), who is set on erasing illiteracy in Kenya.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. A few reviews and they are mainly negative saying that the movie did not do justice to the importance of the subject. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

MAY 18, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE DOUBLE HOUR- Theater

2) INCENDIES- Theater

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) THE DOUBLE HOUR- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.5/11/11- A real thriller and I’d like to watch it again to figure out what actually happened. It’s fun and recommended. TRDB.

2) INCENDIES- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.

5/15/11- This movie was done in a most realistic fashion with great acting and superb direction. While it was often difficult to watch I thought that it was a great movie. TRDB. 

3) OCTOBER (OCTUBRE)- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “While trying to track down the missing prostitute who left her newborn at his doorstep, solitary loan shark Clemente (Bruno Odar) forms unexpected attachments to the baby — which might be his — and Sofia (Gabriela Velasquez), the single neighbor helping him care for the child. Written and directed by brothers Daniel and Diego Vega, this bittersweet Peruvian drama also stars Carlos Gasols, Maria Carbajal and Sheryl Sánchez Mesco.”

5/16/11- As far as I’m concerned this movie was like a character study of a man with NO character. No emotion and no dialogue. Miss it! TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “At an isolated science station in the Arctic, meteorologist Sergei and young intern Pavel face the impending closure of the now-irrelevant base. While Sergei eagerly anticipates returning to his family, Pavel still hopes for a grand adventure. Time is distorted so far north, where the never-setting summer sun can make a day stretch into weeks, and this engrossing thriller examines how altered perceptions affect the two men.” Mostly good reviews.5/15/11- Way too long but still an interesting story. I’d rate it as OK. TRDB. Netflix.

2) FAREWELL- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In this thinking man’s spy thriller, KGB agent Sergei Grigoriev (Emir Kusturica) plans to hand over hard evidence that proves the depth of his agency’s penetration of U.S. intelligence, in a one-man crusade to bring down the Soviet empire. French engineer Pierre Froment (Guillaume Canet) is drawn into this web of espionage against his will, but proves a surprisingly resourceful operative in the process.” Mostly good reviews.

5/16/11- A fairly good spy thriller. TRDB. Netflix.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 24-

 

1) EVEN THE RAIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this provocative film-within-a-film, director Sebastián (Gael García Bernal) heads to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to shoot a film about Christopher Columbus’s trespasses in the New World, only to find the locals protesting present-day exploitation of the poor. Sebastián is sympathetic to the cause, but realities collide when lead actor Daniel (Carlos Aduviri), cast as a rebel against the Spanish, becomes a key figure in the current demonstrations.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival.3/11- An excellent depiction of the moral conflicts involved in this type of situation. Well acted and I loved the movie. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) BEAUTIFUL BOY- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This heartrending drama stars Michael Sheen as Bill Carroll, who is contemplating separating from his wife, Kate (Maria Bello), when the unimaginable happens: Their 18-year-old son, Sam (Kyle Gallner), commits mass murder at his university before killing himself. While coping with their grief, Bill and Kate must deal with the insatiable media, other parents furious at them for their son’s actions and their own questions about their culpability.” Good early reviews. TRDB. 

 

2) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

3) RANCHERO- 2010. Premise by Zap2it. “A former ranch hand confronts the realities of drug addiction and runs afoul of a local gangster after he moves to Los Angeles.” Netflix had this to say–“Harboring dreams of becoming a professional photographer, Mexican American cattle rancher Jesse Torres (Roger Gutierrez) packs up and moves to Los Angeles, where he reconnects with childhood pal Tom (Brian Eric Johnson), now a drug-addled loser. As Jesse loses steam in his shutterbug career, he finds fresh purpose in helping a neighbor (Christina Woods) escape the clutches of a vicious thug (Danny Trejo).” No reviews yet. TRDB.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) CARANCHO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A car accident on the streets of Argentina brings Luján (Martina Gusman) and Sosa (Ricardo Darín) together: she’s a doctor caring for the critically wounded driver, he’s a smooth-talking ambulance chaser with an eye on the dying man’s money. Passion draws them together, but in a nation rife with such accidents, love alone may not conquer their differences. Pablo Trapero’s thoughtful film is an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Very good early reviews.

 

2) QUEEN TO PLAY- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Intrigued by a pair of vacationing lovers playing chess, hotel maid Hélène (Sandrine Bonnaire) sets her sights on mastering the game. With some coaching from a doctor (Kevin Kline) who employs her services, Hélène hones her chess skills and begins to notice big changes in her life. Written and directed by Caroline Bottaro, this charming French drama also stars Jennifer Beals and Francis Renaud.” Good review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) BLUE VALENTINE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Once crazy about each other, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and David (Ryan Gosling) have now grown apart. Cindy is bored and disenchanted with her life while David languishes in the emotional emptyness of their sexless, routine life in rural Pennsylvania. As they muddle through their marriage, they hearken back to the golden days when life was filled with possibility and romance. Derek Cianfrance writes and directs this drama.” Very good reviews and good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.

1/11- About the dissolution of a relationship in about as raw a form as I’ve seen in a while. Great movie. TRDB.

2) THE BUTCHER’S SON (LA SOGA)- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Making his screenwriting debut, Manny Perez stars in this tough chronicle of Luisito, a young man walking the line between honesty and the corruption he sees all around him in the Dominican Republic. As a child he was called “sensitive” by his butcher father, but as an adult, Luisito has been hardened by the brutal life on the streets — and by his obsessive thirst to avenge his father’s murder. Denise Quiñones co-stars in this gritty actioner.” Good early reviews.5/7/11- An interesting movie with very good acting and screenplay. I enjoyed it despite the contrived romance included. TRDB.

 

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-

 

1) L’AMOUR FOU- Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Yves Saint-Laurent — synonymous with Le Smoking suit, the safari jacket and Studio 54 — met Pierre Bergé in 1958, and this intimate documentary pays tribute to their extraordinary 50-year friendship. The pair were lovers, then partners in fashion and in art collecting, and when they weren’t rocking haute couture with prêt-à-porter or the first black runway models, they were acquiring the objets d’art from which the designer drew inspiration.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) EVERYTHING MUST GO- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director-writer Dan Rush makes his film debut with this dramedy based on a Raymond Carver short story about Nick (Will Ferrell), a good-hearted but relapsed alcoholic who decides to live on his front lawn after losing his job and being thrown out by his wife. Needing money and wanting to shed the past, Nick holds a yard sale to get rid of his possessions, but after befriending some lonely neighbors and reevaluating his life, he tries AA again.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2)  WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” Mediocre professional reviews  but good audience reactions. TRDB. 4/11- A soap opera type movie with a weak screenplay that was a disappointment for me. TRDB.

3) INCENDIES- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.

5/15/11- This movie was done in a most realistic fashion with great acting and superb direction. While it was often difficult to watch I thought that it was a great movie. TRDB. 

4) BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living simply and using a bicycle to get around New York, 80-year-old photographer Bill Cunningham tirelessly records what people are wearing in the city — both out on the sidewalk and in the salons of the wealthy. Through his “Evening Hours” and “On the Street” photo columns in the Sunday New York Times, Cunningham has faithfully chronicled the city’s fashions and sparkling nightlife while maintaining his own unassuming charm.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

5)  BRIDESMAIDS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well. TRDB.

6) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Jacob Burns. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

7) THE DOUBLE HOUR- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.

5/11/11- A real thriller and I’d like to watch it again to figure out what actually happened. It’s fun and recommended. TRDB.

8)WIN WIN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

4/11- Well acted, very funny at times and very poignant at times as well. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

9) THE CONSPIRATOR- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

MAY 11, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) 1959: THE YEAR THAT CHANGED JAZZ- Theater

2) THE BUTCHER’S SON (LA SOGA)- Netflix

3) FLY AWAY- Netflix

4) A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN- Netflix (available by streaming also)

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 1959: THE YEAR THAT CHANGED JAZZ- A documentary about some of the great jazz stars of that time including Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis.5/6/11- I liked this documentary for the film itself and for the music. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) GUY AND MADELINE ON A PARK BENCH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Black-and-white verité meets the charm of the classic Hollywood musical in writer-director Damien Chazelle’s romantic drama about a jazz trumpeter named Guy (Jason Palmer) who’s perennially falling in and out of love. After connecting with the shy Madeline (Desiree Garcia), Guy embarks on a quest for a more gregarious paramour, but through a series of twists and turns punctuated by an original score, the two lovers reunite in the end.” Mixed reviews but a few said it was very interesting and very different. TRDB.5/5/11- Unusual it was and I didn’t like it except for the musical numbers. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE BUTCHER’S SON (LA SOGA)- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Making his screenwriting debut, Manny Perez stars in this tough chronicle of Luisito, a young man walking the line between honesty and the corruption he sees all around him in the Dominican Republic. As a child he was called “sensitive” by his butcher father, but as an adult, Luisito has been hardened by the brutal life on the streets — and by his obsessive thirst to avenge his father’s murder. Denise Quiñones co-stars in this gritty actioner.” Good early reviews.

5/7/11- An interesting movie with very good acting and screenplay. I enjoyed it despite the contrived romance included. TRDB. Netflix.

3) FLY AWAY- 2011. Directed by Janet Grillo. Synopsis by Netflix. “Single mother Jeanne (Beth Broderick) is dedicated to enriching the life of her teenage daughter, Mandy (Ashley Rickards), who has severe autism, although as Mandy matures, the challenges of her condition grow too extreme for Jeanne to be able to manage on her own. When Mandy’s dad suggests that she attend a residential school, Jeanne resists, even though her stressful home life impinges on work and a romance with a new neighbor (Greg Germann).” Good review in NY Times on 4/15/11. TRDB.

5/8/11- An interesting drama covering a difficult situation with care and realism. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

4) A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN- Premise by Netflix. “With revenge on his mind, a gangster (Stellan Skarsgård) who spent 12 years in prison for murder sets out to kill the man (Henrik Mestad) who put him there. But the promise of a normal life — and news that he’s on the brink of becoming a grandfather — proves a tempting distraction. Suddenly, seeking vengeance doesn’t seem nearly as important. Hans Petter Moland directs this Norwegian drama about sons and second chances.” Good review in NY Times on 1/14/11.

5/10/11- An OK dark comedy with a wonderful Skarsgard. TRDB. Netflix.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 17-

 

1) DAYDREAM NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “City girl Caroline Wexler (Kat Dennings) feels like she’s spinning her wheels when she moves to a small rural town, where she’s got nothing in common with anyone — except her disarmingly handsome teacher, Mr. Anderson (Josh Lucas). But when Wexler tires of their clandestine affair, Mr. Anderson isn’t ready to let her go. Andie MacDowell co-stars in this humorous dark romance from writer-director Michael Goldbach.” Good audience reviews and a few OK professional reviews as well. TRDB.

 

2) THE OTHER WOMAN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Romance becomes reality for Emilia Greenleaf (Natalie Portman), who wins the heart of the handsome object of her affection (Scott Cohen), only to find that the relationship comes with some very real baggage — including her new beau’s troubled son (Charlie Tahan). Don Roos directs the film adaptation of Ayelet Waldman’s compelling novel, co-starring Lisa Kudrow, Lauren Ambrose and Elizabeth Marvel.” Only fair reviews for this movie although all said that Portman was very good.

 

3) THAT’S WHAT I AM- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A 12-year-old boy is convinced he’s been pushed toward social suicide when his teacher pairs him up for a project with the school’s biggest reject. But the boys form an unexpected bond when bullies turn their attention to an unlikely target.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

  

4) SOMEWHERE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set amid the hallowed grounds of Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont, this atmospheric dramedy centers on a hard-living actor (Stephen Dorff) whose life is thrown for a loop when his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) pays him a surprise visit. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominee Sofia Coppola (Lost In Translation, Marie Antoinette), this character-driven film also features Benicio Del Toro and Chris Pontius of MTV’s “Jackass.” Some very good reviews along with some really bad ones too. Very good review in NY Times on 12/22/10.

 

5) EVEN THE RAIN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this provocative film-within-a-film, director Sebastián (Gael García Bernal) heads to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to shoot a film about Christopher Columbus’s trespasses in the New World, only to find the locals protesting present-day exploitation of the poor. Sebastián is sympathetic to the cause, but realities collide when lead actor Daniel (Carlos Aduviri), cast as a rebel against the Spanish, becomes a key figure in the current demonstrations.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival.3/11- An excellent depiction of the moral conflicts involved in this type of situation. Well acted and I loved the movie. TRDB. Theater.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) BRIDESMAIDS- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well. TRDB.

 

2) THE FIRST GRADER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true story, this inspirational drama profiles the amazing determination of 84-year-old Kenyan Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge (Oliver Litondo), a Mau Mau freedom fighter who wants to take advantage of a new universal education decree by learning how to read. Although he faces governmental bureaucracy and tribal racism, Maruge’s cause is eventually championed by teacher Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris), who is set on erasing illiteracy in Kenya.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. A few reviews and they are mainly negative saying that the movie did not do justice to the importance of the subject. TRDB.

 

3) LULA, THE SON OF BRAZIL- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a biography by journalist Denise Paraná, this big-budget epic chronicles the formative years of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — aka Lula — who overcame formidable obstacles to become the president of Brazil in 2003. Lula and his six young siblings live in poverty and are sent to work early; an accident on the job drives the adult Lula (Rui Ricardo Diaz) into union activism, planting the seeds for a future in politics.” Fair audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

4) SKATELAND- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Anthony Burns and screenwriter brothers Heath and Brandon Freeman tell the story of 19-year-old Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez), who finds his life at a crossroads when the Texas roller rink where he works is forced to shut its doors. Set in the early 1980s, this is a coming-of-age tale in which the hapless but hopeful protagonist must contend with his parents’ divorce, shifting friendships and making choices on the path to adulthood.” Fairly good audience reaction so far. TRDB.

 

5) HESHER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Struggling to accept the death of his mother, T.J. (Devin Brochu) befriends Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a twentysomething misfit who becomes both a mentor and a bad influence on the lost and awkward teen. Hesher soon invites himself to live with T.J. and his self-medicating dad (Rainn Wilson). Their bizarre relationship is tested when T.J. develops a crush on a supermarket checkout girl (Natalie Portman) who rescues him from a gang of bullies.” Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

 

6) L’AMOUR FOU- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Yves Saint-Laurent — synonymous with Le Smoking suit, the safari jacket and Studio 54 — met Pierre Bergé in 1958, and this intimate documentary pays tribute to their extraordinary 50-year friendship. The pair were lovers, then partners in fashion and in art collecting, and when they weren’t rocking haute couture with prêt-à-porter or the first black runway models, they were acquiring the objets d’art from which the designer drew inspiration.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) QUEEN TO PLAY- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Intrigued by a pair of vacationing lovers playing chess, hotel maid Hélène (Sandrine Bonnaire) sets her sights on mastering the game. With some coaching from a doctor (Kevin Kline) who employs her services, Hélène hones her chess skills and begins to notice big changes in her life. Written and directed by Caroline Bottaro, this charming French drama also stars Jennifer Beals and Francis Renaud.” Good review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.

 

2) BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living simply and using a bicycle to get around New York, 80-year-old photographer Bill Cunningham tirelessly records what people are wearing in the city — both out on the sidewalk and in the salons of the wealthy. Through his “Evening Hours” and “On the Street” photo columns in the Sunday New York Times, Cunningham has faithfully chronicled the city’s fashions and sparkling nightlife while maintaining his own unassuming charm.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) MAO’S LAST DANCER- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “A delegation from Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China’s greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin’s autobiography.” Fairly good reviews but a few said the movie was too timid. TRDB.8/10- Great dancing makes up for a somewhat weak story. I enjoyed the movie despite all the schmaltz. TRDB.

 

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- ( Westchester and Fairfield Counties)-

 

NEW-

 

1)  EVERYTHING MUST GO- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director-writer Dan Rush makes his film debut with this dramedy based on a Raymond Carver short story about Nick (Will Ferrell), a good-hearted but relapsed alcoholic who decides to live on his front lawn after losing his job and being thrown out by his wife. Needing money and wanting to shed the past, Nick holds a yard sale to get rid of his possessions, but after befriending some lonely neighbors and reevaluating his life, he tries AA again.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD- Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Intrepid filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) directs this entertaining, bitingly ironic documentary, which scrutinizes the pervasive marketing, advertising and product placement practices that have become de rigueur in the entertainment industry. Cheerfully using the proceeds gleaned from product placement within this film to finance it (and underscore his point), Spurlock reveals the corporate power that saturates both film and television.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

3) INCENDIES- 2010. Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.

 

4) BRIDESMAIDS- Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THERE BE DRAGONS- Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Roland Joffé directs this epic tale of love and betrayal set during the Spanish Civil War. When a present-day journalist (Dougray Scott) investigates Opus Dei founder Josemaría Escrivá (Charlie Cox), he uncovers a surprising link to his own father, Manolo (Wes Bentley). Manolo and Josemaría were childhood friends who followed different paths when the war broke out. Josemaría pursued his faith, while Manolo joined the rebels to fight Franco.” Poor reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE CONSPIRATOR- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

3) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” Mediocre professional reviews  but good audience reactions. TRDB. 4/11- A soap opera type movie with a weak screenplay that was a disappointment for me. TRDB.

4) WIN WIN- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

4/11- Well acted, very funny at times and very poignant at times as well. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

5) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Jacob Burns. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

6) THE DOUBLE HOUR- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.

7) POTICHE- 2010. Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director François Ozon spins a deft social comedy of the French bourgeoisie starring some of that country’s most celebrated actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and Fabrice Luchini. After Suzanne Pujol’s (Deneuve) husband has a heart attack, she must take charge of the umbrella factory he manages. The resulting clashes between the genteel Suzanne and the Marxist union boss (Depardieu) generate plenty of riotous class conflict.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival this movie has received very good professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.

4/11- A delightful French farce and I recommend it. DeNeuve is magnifique. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

MAY 5, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

SADLY, NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

None this week as I’ve seen most of what’s around that I want to see. Next week seems a bit weak also.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) JOLENE- 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a short story by celebrated novelist E.L. Doctorow, this character study tracks the itinerant exploits of the titular character (Jessica Chastain) as she sets off on an aimless, decade-long journey filled with romance, heartbreak, tumult and inspiration. Boasting an all-star cast — including Dermot Mulroney, Michael Vartan and Chazz Palminteri — this indie effort is helmed by director Dan Ireland.” Reviews are mixed with some very good and some very bad. TRDB.4/11- Count me as one who, despite a good deal of cliche, enjoyed the movie. TRDB. Netflix.

2) IF I WANT TO WHISTLE, I WHISTLE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Just days before his scheduled release from a reformatory, teenage delinquent Silviu (George Pistereanu) takes a pretty social worker (Ada Condeescu) hostage and threatens to kill her unless his estranged mother (Clara Voda) promises not to separate him from his younger brother. Will Silviu’s desperate act to protect his sibling cost him his freedom? Marian Bratu also stars in this engrossing drama from director Florin Serban.” Fair reviews on average but including a few very good ones. TRDB.

4/11- Very slow Romanian drama that I thought was just OK. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

3) THE WAY BACK- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After narrowly escaping from a wretched World War II Siberian labor camp, a small band of multinational soldiers desperately undertakes a harrowing journey to traverse Siberia, the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas on foot. Directed by Peter Weir, this exciting drama about courage and endurance — based on a true story — stars Colin Farrell, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and Gustaf Skarsgård.” OK reviews in general but only a fair one in the NY Times on 1/21/11.

4/11- Zero passion in this flimsy drama with a whole load of guys speaking with a fake accent. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

4) STONEWALL UPRISING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Through eyewitness interviews and archival footage, documentary filmmakers Kate Davis and David Heilbroner recapture a pivotal moment in time that mobilized a generation of gay activists and marked the dawn of the modern Gay Rights Movement. Much like Rosa Parks’s symbolic refusal to move to the back of the bus, gay bar patrons’ refusal to comply with a police raid at Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn in 1969 would change the course of history.” I saw two reviews, one up, one down.

4/11- Generally good portrayal of a piece of history but I felt that after 45min I had seen it and then got bored and turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MAY 3 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) I’LL COME RUNNING- 2008. Co-written and directed by Spencer Parsons. Starring Melonie Diaz as a young Texan woman who has a brief romantic fling with a young man from Denmark shortly before he is due to return home. Tragic circumstances compel her to visit Denmark shortly after. Very good acting, an interesting story and I liked it. TRDB.

 

2) FLY AWAY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Single mother Jeanne (Beth Broderick) is dedicated to enriching the life of her teenage daughter, Mandy (Ashley Rickards), who has severe autism, although as Mandy matures, the challenges of her condition grow too extreme for Jeanne to be able to manage on her own. When Mandy’s dad suggests that she attend a residential school, Jeanne resists, even though her stressful home life impinges on work and a romance with a new neighbor (Greg Germann).” Good review in NY Times on 4/15/11. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MAY 10-

 

1) BHUTTO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Duane Baughman and Johnny O’Hara’s documentary is an in-depth and at times incendiary look at the epic life and tragic death of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, whose 2007 assassination sent her country’s political system into a tailspin. As a passionate and outspoken voice of reason and democracy, Bhutto‘s return to the seat of power seemed inevitable; but as a deeply divisive figure, her death was perhaps inescapable as well.” Very good early reviews.

 

2) BLUE VALENTINE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Once crazy about each other, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and David (Ryan Gosling) have now grown apart. Cindy is bored and disenchanted with her life while David languishes in the emotional emptyness of their sexless, routine life in rural Pennsylvania. As they muddle through their marriage, they hearken back to the golden days when life was filled with possibility and romance. Derek Cianfrance writes and directs this drama.” Very good reviews and good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.1/11- About the dissolution of a relationship in about as raw a form as I’ve seen in a while. Great movie. TRDB.

3) COUNTRY STRONG- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “While out on tour to revive her stalled career, once-popular country singer Kelly (Gwyneth Paltrow) falls for emerging newcomer Beau (Garrett Hedlund) and tries desperately to hide their burgeoning romance from her ever-present husband and manager, Ed (Tim McGraw). Written and directed by Shana Feste, this musical drama co-stars Leighton Meester as a former beauty queen trying to break out as a songstress.” Fair reviews at best.

4) HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “At an isolated science station in the Arctic, meteorologist Sergei and young intern Pavel face the impending closure of the now-irrelevant base. While Sergei eagerly anticipates returning to his family, Pavel still hopes for a grand adventure. Time is distorted so far north, where the never-setting summer sun can make a day stretch into weeks, and this engrossing thriller examines how altered perceptions affect the two men.” Mostly good reviews.

5) BUDRUS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarian Julia Bacha delves into the fraught world of Palestinian-Israeli relations in this amazing account of one family’s leadership of a movement to prevent Israel’s Separation Barrier from slicing the Palestinian village of Budrus in half. Ayed Morrar inspires nonviolent protests of the giant barrier by numerous factions, and his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, leads a women’s group. Archival footage and interviews illuminate the action.” Excellent reviews.

6) THE ILLUSIONIST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Compelled to perform in obscure venues as his profession becomes overshadowed by rock stars, a magician gets an emotional boost when a girl from a remote Scottish village believes he possesses real magic in this animated film. She comes with him to the city and takes care of his domestic chores while he performs. Delighted by her enthusiasm, the Illusionist begins “magically” acquiring generous presents for her in spite of his limited finances.” Good professional reviews but only fair audience reviews.

2/11- What were they thinking? Boring for sure and I’d suggest you don’t see it. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) CATERPILLAR- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1940, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the people of a rural Japanese village eagerly await a hero’s return. But Lt. Kurokawa’s wife, Shigeko, receives a horrifying shock: Her husband has lost his arms and legs. Nevertheless, the villagers depend on Shigeko to do her duty to her country by caring for her mutilated husband. Shinobu Terajima, Keigo Kasuya and Emi Masuda star in this historical drama about the grim aftermath of war.” Good audience reviews and I’ve seen only one professional review and it’s great. TRDB.

 

2) DAYDREAM NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “City girl Caroline Wexler (Kat Dennings) feels like she’s spinning her wheels when she moves to a small rural town, where she’s got nothing in common with anyone — except her disarmingly handsome teacher, Mr. Anderson (Josh Lucas). But when Wexler tires of their clandestine affair, Mr. Anderson isn’t ready to let her go. Andie MacDowell co-stars in this humorous dark romance from writer-director Michael Goldbach.” Good audience reviews and a few OK professional reviews as well. TRDB.

 

3) AN INVISIBLE SIGN OF MY OWN- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a puzzling disease devastates her beloved father, math prodigy Mona Gray deals with the pain by isolating herself from the rest of the world and turning for comfort to the reliable world of mathematics. But when she later teaches math to troubled grade school kids, Mona discovers that her gift can be a route back from her long emotional exile. Marilyn Agrelo directs and Jessica Alba stars in this adaptation of the book by Aimee Bender.” OK audience reviews. TRDB.

 

4) OCTOBER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “While trying to track down the missing prostitute who left her newborn at his doorstep, solitary loan shark Clemente (Bruno Odar) forms unexpected attachments to the baby — which might be his — and Sofia (Gabriela Velasquez), the single neighbor helping him care for the child. Written and directed by brothers Daniel and Diego Vega, this bittersweet Peruvian drama also stars Carlos Gasols, Maria Carbajal and Sheryl Sánchez Mesco.” No reviews as yet but did sound interesting and I plan to see it. TRDB.

 

5) SOMETHING BORROWED- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When successful single lawyer Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) learns that her best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson), is engaged to Dex (Colin Egglesfield) — the same guy she’s pined after for years — she’s determined to maintain her loyalty. But things don’t go quite as planned. Instead, she and Dex wind up in bed on the night of her 30th birthday party. Not surprisingly, the fallout from their romantic “slip” generates awkwardness for all concerned.” No reviews yet but I’ll keep track of this one. TRDB.

 

6) VITO BONAFACCI-  Synopsis by Zap2it. “A successful businessman explores the meaning of faith after his late mother appears to him in a dream and implores him to abandon his pursuit of wealth.” Sounds interesting but I couldn’t find any mention of this film. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) EVEN THE RAIN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this provocative film-within-a-film, director Sebastián (Gael García Bernal) heads to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to shoot a film about Christopher Columbus’s trespasses in the New World, only to find the locals protesting present-day exploitation of the poor. Sebastián is sympathetic to the cause, but realities collide when lead actor Daniel (Carlos Aduviri), cast as a rebel against the Spanish, becomes a key figure in the current demonstrations.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival.3/11- An excellent depiction of the moral conflicts involved in this type of situation. Well acted and I loved the movie. TRDB. Theater.

 

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

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) 13 ASSASSINS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “To stop a tyrant from murdering and exploiting innocent civilians, 13 samurai warriors unite and prepare to end his life. But to kill the evildoer, the assassins must contend with an army of deadly bodyguards who outnumber them by a wide margin. Directed by acclaimed and prolific Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, this action-packed samurai remake features Yusuke Iseya, Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Tsuyoshi Ihara.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE PARANOIDS- 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luciano (Daniel Hendler) is devastated to learn that his friend, Manuel (Walter Jakob), is creating a television series featuring an uncomfortably familiar character named Luciano. But life changes for the narcoleptic hypochondriac when he gets a houseguest: Manuel’s girlfriend (Jazmín Stuart). Set in Argentina, director Gabriel Medina’s comedy follows Luciano as he reveals his softer side to his beautiful boarder.”4/11- Mixed reviews but despite being very slow I did enjoy it. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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-

 

1) THERE BE DRAGONS- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Roland Joffé directs this epic tale of love and betrayal set during the Spanish Civil War. When a present-day journalist (Dougray Scott) investigates Opus Dei founder Josemaría Escrivá (Charlie Cox), he uncovers a surprising link to his own father, Manolo (Wes Bentley). Manolo and Josemaría were childhood friends who followed different paths when the war broke out. Josemaría pursued his faith, while Manolo joined the rebels to fight Franco.” Poor reviews. TRDB.

 

2) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Jacob Burns. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) JANE EYRE- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her brooding employer Edward Rochester’s (Michael Fassbender) impenetrable personality, young governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) takes time to reflect on her childhood and the events that led her to the misty moors. Little does she know that Rochester’s mood is largely due to a dark secret. Judi Dench, Jamie Bell and Sally Hawkins co-star in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) I AM- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hollywood comedy director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) gets contemplative in this documentary, which finds him conversing with prominent philosophers and spiritual leaders about what ails our world and how we can improve it. Traveling the globe to conduct his in-depth interviews, Shadyac finds insights and inspiration from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, historian Howard Zinn, philosopher Noam Chomsky and other luminaries.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11.

 

3) THE CONSPIRATOR- Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

4) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” Mediocre professional reviews  but good audience reactions. TRDB. 4/11- A soap opera type movie with a weak screenplay that was a disappointment for me. TRDB.

5)  WIN WIN- Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

4/11- Well acted, very funny at times and very poignant at times as well. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

6) POTICHE- 2010. Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director François Ozon spins a deft social comedy of the French bourgeoisie starring some of that country’s most celebrated actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and Fabrice Luchini. After Suzanne Pujol’s (Deneuve) husband has a heart attack, she must take charge of the umbrella factory he manages. The resulting clashes between the genteel Suzanne and the Marxist union boss (Depardieu) generate plenty of riotous class conflict.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival this movie has received very good professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.

4/11- A delightful French farce and I recommend it. DeNeuve is magnifique. TRDB.

7) IN A BETTER WORLD- (Haevnen) . Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father (Mikael Persbrandt) working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.” Won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. TRDB.

4/11- A wonderful movie, difficult to watch at times, with several important messages. TRDB.

8)WINTER’S BONE- Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” Great reviews.

6/10-Very good acting in this Appalachian slice of life but I was disappointed in the film. I felt that not enough happened and what did seemed contrived to me. A friend who I saw this with spent a year in Missouri and felt that it was indeed realistic. TRDB.

9) THE DOUBLE HOUR- Jacob Burns. 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

APRIL 28, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) POTICHE- Theater

2) IN A BETTER WORLD- Theater

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

LAST WEEK I DIDN’T SEE ANY MOVIES AT THE THEATER AND PROMISED TO DO BETTER THIS WEEK SO HERE GOES—

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) POTICHE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director François Ozon spins a deft social comedy of the French bourgeoisie starring some of that country’s most celebrated actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and Fabrice Luchini. After Suzanne Pujol’s (Deneuve) husband has a heart attack, she must take charge of the umbrella factory he manages. The resulting clashes between the genteel Suzanne and the Marxist union boss (Depardieu) generate plenty of riotous class conflict.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival this movie has received very good professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.4/11- A delightful French farce and I recommend it. DeNeuve is magnifique. TRDB.

Two friends, Dianne and Paul, commented on this movie and I’ve edited their reviews a bit-

Dianne– We saw Potiche Friday night and really enjoyed this film- all four of us. Potiche was simply delightful and uplifting. Dianne

Paul- Hi Bob! Saw Potiche @ Burns.  If you want to have some laughs from a frothy comedy, OK.  I was a bit disappointed – with it’s attractive actors it’s like a Hollywood movie with French “morality.” Some characters are stereotypes. Paul
2) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” Mediocre professional reviews  but good audience reactions. TRDB.

4/11- A soap opera type of movie with a weak screenplay that was a disappointment for me. TRDB.

3)  IN A BETTER WORLD- (Haevnen)- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father (Mikael Persbrandt) working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.” Won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. TRDB.

4/11- A wonderful movie, difficult to watch at times, with several important messages. In particular about the different ways of handling conflict and the limits of each manner. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) MARWENCOL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a terrible beating left Mark Hogancamp brain damaged, he began creating models of a fictional town, Marwencol, to process the trauma. Jeff Malmberg’s documentary explains how Hogancamp uses the elaborate dioramas as stand-ins for real life. When Hogancamp’s work attracts the attention of a prestigious New York art gallery, however, he’s forced to leave the safety of his make-believe world and reconnect with the real one.” Great reviews.4/11- Despite the uniformly rave reviews I had trouble getting into this film and although I found the idea clever and finally turned the movie off. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE TOURIST- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Watery, enchanted Venice provides the setting for this thriller starring Johnny Depp as an American tourist seeking solace there for his shattered heart — only to find it in danger once again after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Angelina Jolie). Little does the poor Yank know that the artful agent has gone to great lengths to arrange their “chance” meeting and is using him to trap a criminal who also happens to be her ex-lover.” Poor reviews but I love Venice so I’ll see it. TRDB.

4/11- The lousy reviews were well deserved but somehow, loving Venice, I managed to watch all of the film. It should have been classified a comedy. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 3-

 

1) GUY AND MADELINE ON A PARK BENCH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Black-and-white verité meets the charm of the classic Hollywood musical in writer-director Damien Chazelle’s romantic drama about a jazz trumpeter named Guy (Jason Palmer) who’s perennially falling in and out of love. After connecting with the shy Madeline (Desiree Garcia), Guy embarks on a quest for a more gregarious paramour, but through a series of twists and turns punctuated by an original score, the two lovers reunite in the end.” Mixed reviews but a few said it was very interesting and very different.

 

2) CASINO JACK- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Kevin Spacey stars in this drama as disgraced political lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who defrauded Native American tribes out of tens of millions of dollars in his efforts to peddle influence in Washington’s corridors of power. As justice closes in on Abramoff and his associates, the audacious scope of his scams comes to light. Based on true events, this film from director George Hickenlooper co-stars Kelly Preston and Barry Pepper.” OK reviews.

 

3) THE BUTCHER’S SON (LA SOGA)- Synopsis by Netflix. “Making his screenwriting debut, Manny Perez stars in this tough chronicle of Luisito, a young man walking the line between honesty and the corruption he sees all around him in the Dominican Republic. As a child he was called “sensitive” by his butcher father, but as an adult, Luisito has been hardened by the brutal life on the streets — and by his obsessive thirst to avenge his father’s murder. Denise Quiñones co-stars in this gritty actioner.” Good early reviews.

 

4) A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN- Synopsis by Netflix. “With revenge on his mind, a gangster (Stellan Skarsgård) who spent 12 years in prison for murder sets out to kill the man (Henrik Mestad) who put him there. But the promise of a normal life — and news that he’s on the brink of becoming a grandfather — proves a tempting distraction. Suddenly, seeking vengeance doesn’t seem nearly as important. Hans Petter Moland directs this Norwegian drama about sons and second chances.” Good review in NY Times on 1/14/11.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) THE ARBOR- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this experimental look at the life and work of British playwright Andrea Dunbar, director Clio Barnard asks her actors to lip-synch to an audio “screenplay” she created using interviews conducted with members of the Dunbar family. But Barnard also relies heavily on documentary techniques, blending archival footage with theatrical elements and shooting scenes in Dunbar’s actual neighborhood in Buttershaw estate.” Very good professional reviews and OK audience reaction. TRDB.

 

2) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrated documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog offers this unprecedented examination of Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth. Besides presenting stunning cinematography of the exquisite paintings themselves, Herzog interviews experts who describe the context and reflect on the existential meaning of this artwork, which is some 30,000 years old.” Very good professional reviews and poor audience ones. TRDB.

  

3) LEBANON, PA- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Urbane Philadelphia ad man Will (Josh Hopkins) heads to small-town Lebanon for his father’s funeral, and the road leads not only to closure but to a revelation when the 35-year-old meets his precocious teenage cousin, CJ (Rachel Kitson), and her winsome teacher, Vicki (Samantha Mathis). As his friendship with CJ deepens and his warmth for the married Vicki grows, Will comes to realize that life can’t always be summed up in a catchphrase.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.

 

4) THAT’S WHAT I AM- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A 12-year-old boy is convinced he’s been pushed toward social suicide when his teacher pairs him up for a project with the school’s biggest reject. But the boys form an unexpected bond when bullies turn their attention to an unlikely target.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

5) PROM- 2011. Synopsis by IMDB. “A group of teenagers get ready for their high school prom.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) 7 DAYS IN SLOW MOTION- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “When young Ravi (Teja) comes into possession of a state-of-the-art camera, it seems his dreams of being a filmmaker will come true, but there’s a catch — he has just seven days to finish his movie and return the camera. This portrait of middle-class life examines the archaic and contemporary aspects of Indian society that pull at Ravi and his domineering mother (Rajeshwari Sachdev). Will Ravi defy his expected path and choose to pursue his dream?” Two reviews, one fair and the other very good. TRDB.

 

2) EVEN THE RAIN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this provocative film-within-a-film, director Sebastián (Gael García Bernal) heads to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to shoot a film about Christopher Columbus’s trespasses in the New World, only to find the locals protesting present-day exploitation of the poor. Sebastián is sympathetic to the cause, but realities collide when lead actor Daniel (Carlos Aduviri), cast as a rebel against the Spanish, becomes a key figure in the current demonstrations.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival.3/11- An excellent depiction of the moral conflicts involved in this type of situation. Well acted and I loved the movie. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE KING’S SPEECH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tom Hooper directs this drama based on the true story of Britain’s King George VI (Colin Firth), a man who for years struggled with a nervous disposition and an embarrassing stutter — until he seeks help from unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Logue’s pioneering treatment and unlikely friendship give the royal leader a sense of confidence that serves him and his country well during the dark days of World War II. Academy Award winner. TRDB. 12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.

 

2) THE WAY BACK- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After narrowly escaping from a wretched World War II Siberian labor camp, a small band of multinational soldiers desperately undertakes a harrowing journey to traverse Siberia, the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas on foot. Directed by Peter Weir, this exciting drama about courage and endurance — based on a true story — stars Colin Farrell, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and Gustaf Skarsgård.” OK reviews in general but only a fair one in the NY Times on 1/21/11.

 

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-

 

1) I AM- Bethel. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hollywood comedy director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) gets contemplative in this documentary, which finds him conversing with prominent philosophers and spiritual leaders about what ails our world and how we can improve it. Traveling the globe to conduct his in-depth interviews, Shadyac finds insights and inspiration from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, historian Howard Zinn, philosopher Noam Chomsky and other luminaries.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11.

 

2) THE DOUBLE HOUR- Jacob Burns. 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.

3) BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK- Jacob Burns. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living simply and using a bicycle to get around New York, 80-year-old photographer Bill Cunningham tirelessly records what people are wearing in the city — both out on the sidewalk and in the salons of the wealthy. Through his “Evening Hours” and “On the Street” photo columns in the Sunday New York Times, Cunningham has faithfully chronicled the city’s fashions and sparkling nightlife while maintaining his own unassuming charm.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) JANE EYRE- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her brooding employer Edward Rochester’s (Michael Fassbender) impenetrable personality, young governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) takes time to reflect on her childhood and the events that led her to the misty moors. Little does she know that Rochester’s mood is largely due to a dark secret. Judi Dench, Jamie Bell and Sally Hawkins co-star in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE CONSPIRATOR- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

3) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” Mediocre professional reviews  but good audience reactions. TRDB. 4/11- A soap opera type movie with a weak screenplay that was a disappointment for me. TRDB.

4) IN A BETTER WORLD- (Haevnen) Clearview 100. Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father (Mikael Persbrandt) working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.” Won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. TRDB.

4/11- A wonderful movie, difficult to watch at times, with several important messages. TRDB.

5) WIN WIN- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

4/11- Well acted, very funny at times and very poignant at times as well. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

APRIL 21, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE- Netflix

2) COME UNDONE- Netflix Streaming

3) THE PARANOIDS- Netflix

4) RABBIT HOLE- Netflix

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

NONE, BUT I EXPECT TO DO BETTER NEXT WEEK!

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE- 1988. Danny (Noah Taylor) and Freya (Loene Carmen) are allies and confidantes, until the relentless tides of adolescence change them both forever. The hidden sins of a small town’s older generation are re-enacted as Danny falls hopelessly in love with his best friend. But Freya’s attraction to a troubled older boy, Trevor (Ben Mendelsohn), tears Danny apart. John Duigan directs this touching coming-of-age story set in the 1960s.”4/11- A very good Australian coming-of-age drama despite missing some of the dialogue. Recommended. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) COME UNDONE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Successful in her stable job and comfortable relationship with her boyfriend, Alessio (Giuseppe Battiston), Anna (Alba Rohrwacher) lives a peaceful and balanced life — until an office flirtation with a married man (Pierfrancesco Favino) turns into a wildly passionate affair. As she begins to want more from her lover than weekly trysts, Anna’s clingy attitude threatens to shake everything up in this thoughtful drama from filmmaker Silvio Soldini.”

4/11- I found the movie interesting and for sure sad as well. Worth a look. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) THE PARANOIDS- 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luciano (Daniel Hendler) is devastated to learn that his friend, Manuel (Walter Jakob), is creating a television series featuring an uncomfortably familiar character named Luciano. But life changes for the narcoleptic hypochondriac when he gets a houseguest: Manuel’s girlfriend (Jazmín Stuart). Set in Argentina, director Gabriel Medina’s comedy follows Luciano as he reveals his softer side to his beautiful boarder.”

4/11- Mixed reviews but despite being very slow I did enjoy it. TRDB. Netflix.

4) RABBIT HOLE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this raw drama based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) grapple with the realities of life eight months after the death of their 4-year-old son, Danny. Even with Becca’s well-meaning mother (Dianne Wiest) offering comfort and weekly group therapy always available, the couple go about their own secret ways of coping. John Cameron Mitchell directs.” OK review in NY Times 12/17/10.

4/11- I thought that the movie was very real, well acted and I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. Netflix

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 26-

 

1) THE WAY BACK- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After narrowly escaping from a wretched World War II Siberian labor camp, a small band of multinational soldiers desperately undertakes a harrowing journey to traverse Siberia, the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas on foot. Directed by Peter Weir, this exciting drama about courage and endurance — based on a true story — stars Colin Farrell, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and Gustaf Skarsgård.” OK reviews in general but only a fair one in the NY Times on 1/21/11. Opens 4/22.

 

2) AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: STONEWALL UPRISING- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through eyewitness interviews and archival footage, documentary filmmakers Kate Davis and David Heilbroner recapture a pivotal moment in time that mobilized a generation of gay activists and marked the dawn of the modern Gay Rights Movement. Much like Rosa Parks’s symbolic refusal to move to the back of the bus, gay bar patrons’ refusal to comply with a police raid at Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn in 1969 would change the course of history.” No reviews available as yet. TRDB. 

 

3) JOLENE- 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a short story by celebrated novelist E.L. Doctorow, this character study tracks the itinerant exploits of the titular character (Jessica Chastain) as she sets off on an aimless, decade-long journey filled with romance, heartbreak, tumult and inspiration. Boasting an all-star cast — including Dermot Mulroney, Michael Vartan and Chazz Palminteri — this indie effort is helmed by director Dan Ireland.” Reviews are mixed with some very good and some very bad. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) INCENDIES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When their mother’s (Lubna Azabal) will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s.” Showed at HIFF 2010. Great professional reviews and very good audience response as well. TRDB.

 

2) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” No professional reviews as yet but good audience reactions. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theater-

 

1) BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living simply and using a bicycle to get around New York, 80-year-old photographer Bill Cunningham tirelessly records what people are wearing in the city — both out on the sidewalk and in the salons of the wealthy. Through his “Evening Hours” and “On the Street” photo columns in the Sunday New York Times, Cunningham has faithfully chronicled the city’s fashions and sparkling nightlife while maintaining his own unassuming charm.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE FIRST BEAUTIFUL THING- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring superb cinematography, Italian director Paolo Virzi’s ambitious tale stars Valerio Mastandrea as Bruno Michelucci, an embittered teacher who grudgingly returns to his parochial hometown to see his estranged, terminally ill mother (Stefania Sandrelli). But what was intended to be a brief visit to say farewell instead becomes an opportunity for Bruno to come to terms with the turbulent past — and his wayward parent.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST 0N-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) COUNTRY STRONG- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “While out on tour to revive her stalled career, once-popular country singer Kelly (Gwyneth Paltrow) falls for emerging newcomer Beau (Garrett Hedlund) and tries desperately to hide their burgeoning romance from her ever-present husband and manager, Ed (Tim McGraw). Written and directed by Shana Feste, this musical drama co-stars Leighton Meester as a former beauty queen trying to break out as a songstress.” Fair reviews at best.

 

2) IF I WANT TO WHISTLE, I WHISTLE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Just days before his scheduled release from a reformatory, teenage delinquent Silviu (George Pistereanu) takes a pretty social worker (Ada Condeescu) hostage and threatens to kill her unless his estranged mother (Clara Voda) promises not to separate him from his younger brother. Will Silviu’s desperate act to protect his sibling cost him his freedom? Marian Bratu also stars in this engrossing drama from director Florin Serban.” Fair reviews on average but including a few very good ones.

 

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-

 

1) WATER FOR ELEPHANTS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.” No professional reviews as yet but good audience reactions. TRDB.

 

2) IN A BETTER WORLD- (Haevnen) Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father (Mikael Persbrandt) working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.” Won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE CONSPIRATOR- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Danbury.  2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

 

2) JANE EYRE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her brooding employer Edward Rochester’s (Michael Fassbender) impenetrable personality, young governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) takes time to reflect on her childhood and the events that led her to the misty moors. Little does she know that Rochester’s mood is largely due to a dark secret. Judi Dench, Jamie Bell and Sally Hawkins co-star in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

3) POTICHE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director François Ozon spins a deft social comedy of the French bourgeoisie starring some of that country’s most celebrated actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and Fabrice Luchini. After Suzanne Pujol’s (Deneuve) husband has a heart attack, she must take charge of the umbrella factory he manages. The resulting clashes between the genteel Suzanne and the Marxist union boss (Depardieu) generate plenty of riotous class conflict.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival this movie has received very good professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.

 

4) HANNA- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is a teenager raised in Finland and trained by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA operative, to become a highly skilled assassin. But when she’s sent on a deadly mission across Europe, Hanna takes to a French family and starts longing for a normal life. She must first solve the puzzle of her mysterious past, however. Joe Wright (Atonement) directs this tense actioneer; Cate Blanchett also stars.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

5) WIN WIN- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.4/11- Well acted, very funny at times and very poignant at times as well. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

6) OF GODS AND MEN- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks’ abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.” Great reviews. Opens in NY on 2/25/11.

3/11- Very well done and well acted but a bit too long and definitely not for a general audience. TRDB.

7) WINTER IN WARTIME- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2008. Premise by Netflix. “This sumptuously photographed drama focuses on 14-year-old Michiel (Martijn Lakemeier) as he wrestles with family loyalties, painful choices between safety and courage, and the harsh realities of war during the last, desperate winter of World War II. Michiel is forced onto the path of adulthood as he attempts to aid a wounded British pilot (Jamie Campbell Bower) in German-occupied Netherlands, despite his father’s apparent cooperation with enemy soldiers.” Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11.

4/11- I enjoyed this movie despite some obvious contrivances such as one or two chase scenes which were totally unnecessary. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com