The Reel Dr. Bob

APRIL 14, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

 A GREAT MOVIE WEEK FOR ME!!! LOTS OF GOOD MOVIES, ESPECIALLY AT THE JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER WHERE I ATTENDED THE WESTCHESTER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) JEWS AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY- Theater. Westchester Jewish FF

2) WINTER IN WARTIME- Theater

3) NAOMI- Theater. Westchester Jewish FF

4) DHOBI GHAT (MUMBAI DIARIES)- Netflix

5) STRANGERS NO MORE- At Temple Shaaray Tefila

6) A SUMMER IN GENOA- Netflix

7) I MISS YOU- Westchester Jewish FF

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) JEWS AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY- 2010. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The movie explores the connection between Jewish Americans and baseball, our nation’s most iconic institution. More than a film about sports, it is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, and the shattering of stereotypes.” Very good reviews. TRDB.4/11- Directed by Peter Miller this movie was great and personified America as well as the importance that a few very good Jewish baseball players had for Jewish Americans. TRDB. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival.

 

2) WINTER IN WARTIME- 2008. Synopsis 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. At the theater.

3) NAOMI- 2010. An Israeli movie featuring veteran actors Yassi Pollak and Orna Porat. About a beautiful 28yr. old woman (Naomi) married to a much older man who is consumed with obsessive desire for her.

4/11- A very interesting character study with building suspense and I enjoyed the movie very much. TRDB. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival.

4) STRANGERS NO MORE- 2010. Synopsis by IMDB. “In the heart of Tel Aviv, there is an exceptional school where children from forty-eight different countries and diverse backgrounds come together to learn. Many of the students arrive at Bialik-Rogozin School fleeing poverty, political adversity and even genocide. Here, no child is a stranger. The film follows several students’ struggle to acclimate to life in a new land while slowly opening up to share their stories of hardship and tragedy: Mohammed, a sixteen-year-old refugee from Darfur, witnessed the killing of his grandmother and father before escaping alone through Egypt to Israel. Having never been in a school before, his sharp mind and tremendous determination enable him to make up the years of study he never had. Johannes arrived at Bialik-Rogozin after spending most of his life in refugee camps across the Middle East. His father struggles to obtain a work visa while twelve-year-old Johannes struggles to adjust to attending school for the first time.” This movie won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Documentary- Short Subject. TRDB.

4/11- The concept of this school is very interesting and appears to be working. The film was well done and we learned a lot about the students and the system in this 40min. documentary. Definitely recommended. TRDB. Seen at Temple Shaaray Tefila.

5) I MISS YOU- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After 15-year-old Javier (Fermín Volcoff) is sent to Mexico from his native Argentina — which is slipping into a brutal military dictatorship — his revered older brother, Adrián (Martin Slipak), vanishes from Buenos Aires, never to be seen again. As years pass and Javier comes of age, he’s wracked with guilt over Adrián’s fate — and the fact that he’ll never live up to his brother’s example.”

4/11- An interesting drama about a family attempting to deal with the disappearance of one son and trying to protect the other. I liked it. TRDB. At the Westchester Jewish Film Festival.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) DHOBI GHAT (MUMBAI DIARIES) 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking its name from the Mumbai neighborhood where much of the city’s washing is done — traditionally by members of the Dhobi caste — this ensemble film represents the directorial debut of Kiran Rao, wife of Bollywood star Aamir Khan. The intimate social drama focuses on a quartet of individuals from different castes — a situation that would normally preclude them from forming friendships. Unique circumstances, however, draw them together.” Good early reviews but just a fair one in the NY Times on 1/21/11.4/11- Bollywood without music and not bad at all. The first one I’ve watched through for a long time. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra directs this comedy based on a true story.” Reviews just more positive than negative. TRDB.

4/11- A weak story of no interest to me so when the DVD became unplayable I considered that a sign. TRDB. Netflix.

3) SUMMER IN GENOA (GENOVA)- 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his wife’s tragic death, Joe (Colin Firth) moves his two daughters to Genova for a fresh start. The romantic Italian town has its effects on the girls, as teenager Kelly (Willa Holland) begins to test her sexuality and young Mary (Perla Haney-Jardine) believes she’s seen her mother’s ghost. Director Michael Winterbottom’s poignant tale of love, family and forgiveness co-stars Hope Davis and Catherine Keener.” Good reviews.

4/11- A very good movie with good acting and a fine screenplay without everything neatly wrapped. See it. TRDB. Netflix.

4) BEHIND THE BURLY Q- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Dive into more than a century of decadence with this tantalizing look at the evolution of burlesque. Cabaret star Leslie Zemeckis traces the art form from vaudeville-style variety show through its extinction and contemporary rebirth. Vintage photos, film clips and ads illustrate burlesque’s resilient history, and how the public’s sexual appetites kept it alive amid moral and legal ado. Zemeckis’s husband, Oscar winner Robert, executive produced.” Good professional reviews but poor audience ones. TRDB.

4/11- This was of interest for about 45min. and then became redundant. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 19-

 

1) 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.

 

2) 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. Very good reviews.12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.

3) RABBIT HOLE- 2010. Synopsis 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) VISION- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by longtime star of independent German cinemaMargarethe von Trotta, this reverent biopic chronicles the fascinating story of 12th-century Christian mystic and scientist Hildegard von Bingen (Barbara Sukowa). Despite living in an era when women are proscribed from preaching and interpreting scripture, Hildegard believes that the visions she experiences are a gift from God that she must reveal — even at the risk of condemnation.” Very good reviews.

1/11- I liked this movie although I thought it could have been 15 to 20 minutes shorter. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK  REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) A SCREAMING MAN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adam (Youssouf Djaoro) was a security guard at a posh Chad hotel until its new owners replaced him with his son (Dioucounda Koma). In this nation torn apart by civil war, citizens are called upon to help. But Adam only has one thing to give, forcing him to make a devastating choice. Emile Abossolo M’bo and Djénéba Koné co-star in this powerful drama, winner of the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Great professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE CONSPIRATOR- 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) FOOTPRINTS- 2010. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” Sybil Temtchine (Ten Benny, Passion of Ayn Rand) stars as a young woman who wakes up at dawn on the handprints and footprints of the famed Chinese Theatre in Hollywood with no idea who she or how she got there. Upon awakening, she wonders if she… Sybil Temtchine (Ten Benny, Passion of Ayn Rand) stars as a young woman who wakes up at dawn on the handprints and footprints of the famed Chinese Theatre in Hollywood with no idea who she or how she got there. Upon awakening, she wonders if she isn’t, in fact, lost in a dream.” Very good audience reaction so far but no professional reviews available. TRDB.

 

4) 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.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theatre-

 

1) POETRY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A poetry-writing class inspires serenely self-possessed grandmother Mija (Jeong-hie Yun) to open her senses to her suburban surroundings, but in rushes an array of unsettling discoveries in this lyrical South Korean melodrama. Along with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes information that Mija’s teenage grandson was party to a horrific incident, and it is left to Mija to compose order from the untidy emotional consequences.” Great reviews in general– also in NY Times on 2/11/11.3/11- This movie was like a poem itself. Well acted and an interesting story. Slow at times but I enjoyed it. TRDB. At the theater.

 

2) PUTTY HILL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a vacant house in Baltimore’s skid row, a young man named Cory dies of a heroin overdose. As his friends and family unite for his funeral, their reflections reveal as much about the condition of the city as their tragic loss. Filmed over just a few days and largely improvised, this moving drama by director Matthew Porterfield was an official selection of the 2010 South By Southwest Film Festival.” Very good professional reviews and average audience reaction. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW- NONE

 

REPEATS-

 

 

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) THE CONSPIRATOR- 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.

 

2) MIRAL- Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis 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. It has certainly been controversial. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) 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.

  

2)  HANNA- Bethel, 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.

 

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) WIN WIN- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, 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.

5)  THE LINCOLN LAWYER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.

6) OF GODS AND MEN- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.  

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

APRIL 7, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com

  

The Westchester Jewish Film Festival is on and will continue until next Thursday at the Jacob Burns Film Center. This year the festival has been extraordinary. I’ve seen four so far and I expect to see a few more by the end of the festival.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) ANITA- Theater (Film Festival)

2) NORA’S WILL- Theater (Film Festival)

3) MAHLER ON THE COUCH- Theater (Film Festival)

4) WIN WIN- Theater

5) LA RAFLE (THE ROUNDUP)- Theater (Film Festival)

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) ANITA- 2009. Directed by Marcos Carnevale and starring Norma Aleandro as the mother and Alejandra Manzo as the young woman with Down’s Syndrome. About a handicapped young lady who is wandering the streets of Buenos Aires after a tragic event.

4/11- Very good. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.

 

2) NORA’S WILL- 2010. Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “Before dying, Nora hatches a plan to make her ex-husband José take care of her corpse, but she is missing something. The only flaw in the plan–a mysterious photograph forgotten under the bed–will lead to an unexpected outcome.” I’ve seen only 2 reviews but both were positive.4/11- I liked this movie very much. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.

3) MAHLER ON THE COUCH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When famed composer Gustav Mahler (Johannes Silberschneider) uncovers his wife Alma’s (Barbara Romaner) sexual infidelities with up-and-coming architect Walter Gropius (Friedrich Mücke), he settles into Sigmund Freud’s (Karl Markovics) couch and pours his heart out on a variety of topics. Percy Adlon and his son, Felix, wrote and direct this quirky take on music, madness and art, propelled by the compositions of Mahler himself.”

4/11- The movie was well acted with an excellent screenplay and of course Mahler’s wonderful music. Very good. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.

4) WIN WIN- 2010. Premise 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) THE ROUNDUP (LA RAFLE)- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “This gripping drama based on a true story follows the fate of three carefree Parisian boys and their families as Nazi officials and corrupt French collaborators arrest them — along with thousands of other French Jews — in 1942. Shipped to a holding facility until they can be sent to concentration camps, the lads encounter a weary Jewish doctor (Jean Reno) and a kindly Christian nurse (Mélanie Laurent). Roselyne Bosch directs.” Good audience reviews.

4/11- A true and difficult  film to watch, this well done docudrama portrays a piece of history that is unfortunately not well known. Recommended with a warning that this film will evoke a powerful emotional response. TRDB. At the Westchester Jewish Film Festival.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) MADE IN DAGENHAM- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Sally Hawkins stars in this cheeky dramatization of the landmark 1968 labor strike initiated by hundreds of women who rebelled against discrimination and demanded the same pay as men for their work in a London automobile manufacturing plant. During one march, a banner that reads “We Want Sexual Equality” inadvertently becomes shortened to “We Want Sex.” Nigel Cole directs this film that co-stars Miranda Richardson and Richard Schiff.” Very good professional reviews but not from audiences so far.

4/11- Very simplistic docudrama with a predictable story line. I don’t know why this was so popular. TRDB. Neflix.

2) LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Reidy (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy’s memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.” Fair reviews at best.

4/11- A fair movie with occasional bright spots including one GREAT scene at a Parkinson’s conference in Chicago. TRDB. Netflix.

3) I’VE LOVED YOU SO LONG- 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “After more than a decade apart, estranged sisters Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) and Lea (Elsa Zylberstein) try to rebuild their fractured relationship. But the task is hardly easy, considering Juliette’s past: She’s been in jail for 15 years — for killing someone. As she settles into small-town life with Lea’s family, the locals can’t help but talk. Writer-director Philippe Claudel’s feature film debut garnered him a Golden Globe nomination.”

11/08 and 4/11- I’ve seen this movie twice and loved it both times. I recommend it highly. TRDB. Netflix and at the Heritage Hills Film Club.

4) 127 HOURS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good reviews. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB.

4/11- What was so great about this movie? Redundant, I found it boring and I never reached the amputation scene. TRDB. Netflix.

5) BURLESQUE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After club owner Tess (Cher) hires her to wait tables in an old-school Los Angeles burlesque joint, starry-eyed Ali (Christina Aguilera) sets her sights on taking the stage and blowing patrons away with her soaring voice. But she faces a lot of resistance. Ali’s hot performances have other performers seething with jealousy. Steve Antin directs this drama that co-stars Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher and Kristen Bell.” Fair reviews by professionals but good audience reaction. TRDB.

4/11- I really tried to watch this film but finally gave up after 40min., much longer than I generally watch a bad movie. TRDB. Netflix.

6) COOL IT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A provocative voice vilified by pundits on both ends of the political spectrum, Bjørn Lomborg (author of The Skeptical Environmentalist) challenges prevailing ideas on climate change and explores scientific and technological advances that may help avert a global warming crisis. Directed by Ondi Timoner, the film gives Lomborg a platform to scrutinize a number of claims made by Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth.” OK review in NY Times on 11/12/10.

4/11- Really an indictment not of the prospect of global warming with which he agrees but the manner in which we use scare tactics and deceptions in an attempt to get the job done. I enjoyed the movie for about 45min. and then it deteriorated and I lost interest. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 12-

 

1) A SUMMER IN GENOA (GENOVA)- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “After his wife’s tragic death, Joe (Colin Firth) moves his two daughters to Genova for a fresh start. The romantic Italian town has its effects on the girls, as teenager Kelly (Willa Holland) begins to test her sexuality and young Mary (Perla Haney-Jardine) believes she’s seen her mother’s ghost. Director Michael Winterbottom’s poignant tale of love, family and forgiveness co-stars Hope Davis and Catherine Keener.” Good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) BEHIND THE BURLY Q- Premise by Netflix. “Dive into more than a century of decadence with this tantalizing look at the evolution of burlesque. Cabaret star Leslie Zemeckis traces the art form from vaudeville-style variety show through its extinction and contemporary rebirth. Vintage photos, film clips and ads illustrate burlesque’s resilient history, and how the public’s sexual appetites kept it alive amid moral and legal ado. Zemeckis’s husband, Oscar winner Robert, executive produced.” Good professional reviews but poor audience ones. TRDB.

 

3) HEREAFTER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Clint Eastwood directs this supernatural thriller about three very different people and their responses to death, including a hesitant American psychic named George (Matt Damon) who may be able to help the others find answers and peace. Marie (Cécile De France) is a French journalist caught up in the aftereffects of the devastating 2004 tsunami, while in London, young Marcus (Frankie McLaren) seeks to contact his deceased twin brother.” Generally poor reviews. TRDB.

 

4) MARWENCOL- 2010. Premise 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.

 

5) WHITE MATERIAL- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Writer-director Claire Denis returns to her childhood home of Cameroon — and the site of her 1988 film, Chocolate — to spin this tale of a country torn apart by civil war, as African soldiers force French nationals to abandon their land. At the center of the story is Maria (Isabelle Huppert), a white woman who ignores her family’s fears and steadfastly refuses to leave her coffee plantation. Isaach De Bankolé and Christopher Lambert also star.” Great reviews, especially NY Times 11/19/10.11/10- Despite all of the great reviews I found this movie disjointed with lots of individual scenes and no glue between them. Isabel Huppert is great as usual. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) BLANK CITY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Celine Danhier directs this lively documentary that retraces the birth of the underground film movement in New York in the early 1980s, spurred by the work of artists like Richard Kern, Casandra Stark and John Waters. As part of what author and filmmaker Nick Zedd coined the Cinema of Transgression, these low-budget films were noted for being chock-full of explicit sex, gratuitous violence and dark humor.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

2) FOO FIGHTERS: BACK AND FORTH (2011)- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “James Moll’s documentary chronicles the 16-year history of the Foo Fighters: from the band’s very first songs created as cassette demos Grohl recorded during his tenure as Nirvana’s drummer through its ascent to their Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, arena and stadium headlining status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.” No reviews as yet. TRDB. 

 

3) ARTHUR- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recasting the 1981 comedy classic starring Dudley Moore, this romantic chuckler chronicles the dilemma faced by philanderer Arthur Bach (Russell Brand) — whether to give up a respectable life and an inheritance of millions for the sake of romance. Jennifer Garner co-stars as Susan Johnson, the gorgeous socialite that Arthur‘s family has chosen for him. Greta Gerwig plays Naomi, the girl who steals Arthur‘s heart in the meantime.” Good audience reviews so far. TRDB.

 

4) 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.” Two reviews so far– one good and one bad. TRDB.

 

5) BORN TO BE WILD- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmed in IMAX 3D, this documentary captures the unique and intimate connections that developed between two scientists and two species — orangutans and elephants — as the men worked to save the orphaned beasts and return them to the wild. Primatologist Birute Galdikas and renowned elephant authority Daphne Sheldrick pursue their pioneering efforts on the plains of Kenya and in the jungles of Borneo, respectively.” Very good audience reviews so far. TRDB.

 

6) EXODUS FALL- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” Set in 1974 Texas, Exodus Fall tells the story of three teen siblings struggle with the death of their father and try to live with their abusive mother. When one of the teens is sent away because the mother can’t cope with his autism, the oldest of… Set in 1974 Texas, Exodus Fall tells the story of three teen siblings struggle with the death of their father and try to live with their abusive mother. When one of the teens is sent away because the mother can’t cope with his autism, the oldest of the siblings devises a plan to get their brother back and embark on a life changing adventure across the Southwest in their deceased father’s station wagon. In their attempt to find their grandmother’s home thousands of miles away, they find themselves confronted with detours that ultimately slow them down, but thrust them into a coming of age journey to be remembered.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theatre-

 

APRIL 8-10- THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL

 

APRIL 11-14-

 

1) PUTTY HILL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a vacant house in Baltimore’s skid row, a young man named Cory dies of a heroin overdose. As his friends and family unite for his funeral, their reflections reveal as much about the condition of the city as their tragic loss. Filmed over just a few days and largely improvised, this moving drama by director Matthew Porterfield was an official selection of the 2010 South By Southwest Film Festival.” Very good professional reviews and average audience reaction. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW- NONE

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

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

 

NEW-

 

1) HANNA- Bethel, 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.

 

2) POTICHE- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) OF GODS AND MEN- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.  

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

MARCH 31, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY WEBSITE AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

 

OVER THE NEXT 2 WEEKS THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE (AJC) AND THE BURNS FILM CENTER WILL AGAIN BE CO-SPONSORING A JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY. I PLAN ON SEEING SEVERAL MOVIES THERE. I’VE BEEN THERE BEFORE AND THE FILMS ARE GENERALLY OF VERY GOOD QUALITY.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE EDGE OF HEAVEN- At the Heritage Hills Foreign and Independent Film Club

2) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- Theater

3) WASTELAND- Netflix

4) CERTIFIED COPY- Comcast On-Demand

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.3/11- A fun movie and I enjoyed it. TRDB. At the theater.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS  WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE EDGE OF HEAVEN- 2007. Premise by Netflix.  “When his father accidentally kills a prostitute, Nejat Aksu (Baki Davrak) seeks out her 27-year-old daughter, Ayten (Nurgül Yesilcay), to make amends. Nejat focuses his search in Turkey, but Ayten, who’s part of a closely watched activist group, has fled to Germany. The lives of four Turks and two Germans are soon entwined as a result of circumstances beyond their control in this compelling drama, which earned Best Screenplay honors at Cannes.”3/11- I saw this movie 2 years ago and liked it very much. I saw it again yesterday (3/24/11) and enjoyed it even more. TRDB. I saw this at Heritage Hills.

2) TROUBADOURS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary offers a loving look at the music scene in Los Angeles in the 1970s, focusing on superstars James Taylor and Carole King, and how their careers were tied in to the evolution of the world-famous Troubadour club. Interviews and archival footage highlight the examination of how the highly political music of the 1960s transformed into the more intimate songs made popular by the increasingly predominant singer-songwriters.” Fairly good reviews but some said it was lacking. TRDB.

3/11- I agree with the reviewers who said the movie was “lacking.” TRDB. Netflix.

3) EVERY DAY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Ned (Liev Schreiber) is fed up with his unfulfilling work as a writer on a flawed television show and his stagnant marriage to wife Jeannie (Helen Hunt). Just when he thinks life can’t get worse, his teenage son announces he’s gay and his ailing father-in-law (Brian Dennehy) moves in. Ned’s relationship with an amorous co-worker (Carla Gugino) adds even more tension, but despite the setbacks, the rewards of everyday family life overcome.” OK review in NY Times on 1/14/11.

3/11- A weak story with no life in it at all. TRDB. Netflix.

4) WASTE LAND- 2010. Directed by Lucy Walker. Premise by Netflix. “World-renowned artist Vik Muniz embarks on one of the most inspired collaborations of his career, joining creative forces with Brazilian catadores — garbage pickers who mine treasure from the towering trash heaps of Rio’s Jardim Gramacho landfill. In this Sundance award-winning documentary, the catadores prove to be unique and surprising individuals in their own right, waxing philosophic as they impart a valuable lesson about what society discards. Great reviews.

3/11- A very well done documentary that I enjoyed very much both for the topic and the technique. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

5) CERTIFIED COPY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami serves up an elegant rumination about art and love in this story about British writer James Miller (William Shimell), who meets an art dealer named Elle (Juliette Binoche) in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her. As James and Elle wander through a small town, their playful conversations reveal an intimacy that leads locals to suspect that they are actually longtime spouses.” Some good reviews and some bad ones as well. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

3/11- An interesting idea keeps this movie going as you wonder what will evolve. One reviewer said it was like a virtual date with Juliette Binoche. I did enjoy it. TRDB. Comcast On Demand.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 5-

 

1) I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra directs this comedy based on a true story.” Reviews just more positive than negative. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) MY RUN- 2011. A documentary about a 75yr. old man who ran in 75 consecutive marathons to raise attention to the problems of the single parent. No reviews yet. TRDB.

 

2) FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Focusing on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path — including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables — that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

3) CIRCO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family’s long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary. Featuring music by alt-country rockers Calexico, the film explores family ties and cultural inheritance while taking viewers all across rural Mexico’s beautiful back roads.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

4) IN A BETTER WORLD- (Haevnen) 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.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theatre-

 

1) ANOTHER HARVEST MOON- Premise by Netflix. “Although he’s cultivated strong friendships in the nursing home where he lives, elderly Frank (Ernest Borgnine) — beset with a failing memory and fears of another stroke — entertains grave questions about his future. His friends Alice (Doris Roberts) and Ella (Anne Meara) debate Frank’s plans as they face their own private worries in director Greg Swartz’s tender drama about aging, faith and family, co-starring Piper Laurie and Cybill Shepherd.” A few decent reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM- 2011. Premise by RottenTomatoes. “Winner of four Best Documentary Awards, The Elephant in the Living Room explores the controversial American subculture of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets. The story follows the journey of two men at the… Winner of four Best Documentary Awards, The Elephant in the Living Room explores the controversial American subculture of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets. The story follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue. One, Tim Harrison, an Ohio police officer whose friend was killed by an exotic pet, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) CERTIFIED COPY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami serves up an elegant rumination about art and love in this story about British writer James Miller (William Shimell), who meets an art dealer named Elle (Juliette Binoche) in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her. As James and Elle wander through a small town, their playful conversations reveal an intimacy that leads locals to suspect that they are actually longtime spouses.” Some good reviews and some bad ones as well. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

3/11- An interesting idea keeps this movie going as you wonder what will evolve. One reviewer said it was like a virtual date with Juliette Binoche. I did enjoy it. TRDB.

 

2) CRACKS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Jordan Scott — daughter of helmer Ridley Scott — makes her directing debut with this thriller set at a British all-girls boarding school between World War I and II and starring Eva Green as a popular teacher and coach of the swim team. When a new girl arrives at the cliquish and hormonally charged institution, jealousies erupt, obsessions arise and, eventually, a student disappears in this film that also stars Juno Temple and María Valverde.” Mainly poor reviews so far.  OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

 

3) GET LOW- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek team up to tell the true story of Felix “Bush” Breazeale, a Tennessee loner who planned his own funeral in 1938 while he was still around to attend — and enjoy — the proceedings. Also starring Bill Murray and Lucas Black as the co-proprietors of the funeral home, the dramatic thriller was penned by the screenwriting team of C. Gaby Mitchell (Blood Diamond) and Chris Provenzano (“Mad Men”).” Great reviews.

 

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 MOVIES-

 

AGAIN, THE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL AT JACOB BURNS!!

 

1) WIN WIN- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Danbury. 2010. Premise 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.

 

REPEAT MOVIES-

 

1) OF GODS AND MEN- Bethel, Clearview 100. 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 very well acted but a bit too long and definitely not for a general audience. TRDB.

 

2) JANE EYRE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise 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) CERTIFIED COPY- Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami serves up an elegant rumination about art and love in this story about British writer James Miller (William Shimell), who meets an art dealer named Elle (Juliette Binoche) in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her. As James and Elle wander through a small town, their playful conversations reveal an intimacy that leads locals to suspect that they are actually longtime spouses.” Some good reviews and some bad ones as well. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

 

3/11- An interesting idea keeps this movie going as you wonder what will evolve. One reviewer said it was like a virtual date with Juliette Binoche. I did enjoy it. TRDB. Comcast On Demand.

 

4) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.” Fair to poor professional reviews. TRDB.

 

5) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.3/11- A fun movie and I enjoyed it. TRDB.

6) THE LITTLE TRAITOR- 2007. Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Zap2it. “During the British occupation of Palestine, an Israeli youth’s friendship with a British soldier lands him in trouble with town officials.” Good reviews.

2/11– A bit overacted and a bit too precocious for the kid but a good message and I did enjoy it. TRDB.

7) THE KING’S SPEECH- 2010. Danbury. Premise 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. Very good reviews.

12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

MARCH 24, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY WEBSITE AT www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) DEPARTURES- Netflix

 

2) OF GODS AND MEN- Theater

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) OF GODS AND MEN- 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. At the theater.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) INSIDE JOB- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Great reviews and a nominee for Best Picture for 2010.3/11- A well done documentary but I’ve seen it all before and got bored pretty quickly. TRDB. Netflix.

2) KITES- Premise by Netflix. “Although Mexican bombshell Natasha (Barbara Mori) and Indian hunk Jay (Hrithik Roshan) don’t speak the same language, they quickly develop an intense, mutual attraction. But after they brazenly run off together, the sexy couple encounters severe danger and trouble with the law. Anurag Basudirects and co-writes this big budget Bollywood action movie that was filmed on location in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Fe.” Reviews are more positive than negative. TRDB.

3/11- Yet another Bollywood with exaggerated credentials. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

3) FOUR LIONS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Comedy writer Christopher Morris makes his feature directorial debut with this outrageous comedy about a group of young Islamic Brits who fancy themselves bloodthirsty jihadis of the first order. Co-written with Simon Blackwell, the film showcases Morris’s satirical talents at their vicious best in a scathingly hilarious indictment of true believers and the social systems that create them. Viewers took note and bestowed it the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the L.A. Film Festival.” Very good reviews.

3/11- Good reviews but I had trouble understanding the “English” and was of no interest to me. TRDB. Netflix.

 4) DEPARTURES- (OKURIBITO)- 2008. Directed by Yojiro Takita and starring Masahiro Motoki. A Japanese film about an unemployed cellist who trains (without his new wife’s knowledge) as a Nakanshi, someone who prepares the dead for burial. Great acting, great story and a great movie. This film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film of 2008. A MUST SEE!  I saw this originally at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in 9/09 and just saw it for the 2nd time and again loved it. TRDB. Private Copy.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 29-

 

1) FAIR GAME- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), writes op-ed columns accusing the Bush administration of misleading the public to justify invading Iraq, Valerie Plame Wilson’s (Naomi Watts) status as a covert CIA agent is leaked by administration officials. Based on events described in Plame Wilson’s memoir, this drama explores the political scandal that led to the conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.” Fair review in NY Times on 11/5/10.11/10- This movie was very well done and packed a wallop. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

2) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When a man who seemingly has everything takes his own life, the question on everyone’s mind is, why? This drama penned and helmed by Mia Hansen-Løve explores that quandary by recounting the weeks before and after a film producer’s suicide. With an adoring family, a job that fulfills him completely and a charismatic bearing that masks all woes, producer Grégoire Canvel appears at the top of his game. But underneath the surface, trouble is brewing.” Very good review in NY Times.

6/10- A sad drama about a loving family and the grief process. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB.

3) ONE WEEK- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Joshua Jackson stars in this bittersweet odyssey as Ben, a young man who’s just received news of his terminal illness. Leaving his perplexed fiancée, Samantha (Liane Balaban), Ben buys a 1973 Norton motorcycle and heads for the Pacific. His journey takes him through nature, introduces him to interesting fellow travelers, brings him unexpected romance and begins to put his impending fate in perspective.” Mixed reviews.

9/10- I saw most of this movie (tuned in late) and thought it was OK. TRDB.

4) 127 HOURS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good reviews. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB.

5) COOL IT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A provocative voice vilified by pundits on both ends of the political spectrum, Bjørn Lomborg (author of The Skeptical Environmentalist) challenges prevailing ideas on climate change and explores scientific and technological advances that may help avert a global warming crisis. Directed by Ondi Timoner, the film gives Lomborg a platform to scrutinize a number of claims made by Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth.” OK review in NY Times on 11/12/10.

6) MADE IN DAGENHAM- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Sally Hawkins stars in this cheeky dramatization of the landmark 1968 labor strike initiated by hundreds of women who rebelled against discrimination and demanded the same pay as men for their work in a London automobile manufacturing plant. During one march, a banner that reads “We Want Sexual Equality” inadvertently becomes shortened to “We Want Sex.” Nigel Cole directs this film that co-stars Miranda Richardson and Richard Schiff.” Very good professional reviews but not from audiences so far.

7) LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Reidy (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy’s memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.” Fair reviews at best.

8)BURLESQUE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After club owner Tess (Cher) hires her to wait tables in an old-school Los Angeles burlesque joint, starry-eyed Ali (Christina Aguilera) sets her sights on taking the stage and blowing patrons away with her soaring voice. But she faces a lot of resistance. Ali’s hot performances have other performers seething with jealousy. Steve Antin directs this drama that co-stars Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher and Kristen Bell.” Fair reviews by professionals but good audience reaction. TRDB.

9) ALL GOOD THINGS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When David Marks (Ryan Gosling), the heir to a New York real estate fortune, gets entangled in the mystery of Katie McCarthy’s (Kirsten Dunst) disappearance, he risks everything in this drama set in the 1980s and inspired by the true story of real estate scion Robert Durst. While unexpected evidence turns up and increases political heat, people with ties to the case begin to die. Andrew Jarecki (“Felicity”) directs.” Generally poor reviews.

10) TOPSY-TURVY (1999)- Premise by Netflix. “After their production of “Princess Ida” tanks, Arthur Gilbert (Allan Corduner) and William Sullivan (Jim Broadbent) start a cold war that threatens to end their long-lasting partnership — but friends and associates work overtime to bring them back together. The result is their classic play “The Mikado.” Mike Leigh’s thoughtful musical comedy-drama garnered four Academy Award nominations and won for costume design and makeup.” Very good reviews.TRDB.

11) THE SWIMSUIT ISSUE- Premise by Netflix. “Unfortunately for the guys on Sweden’s only all-male synchronized swim team, a passion for their sport does not necessarily equal a proficiency in it. But that’s not going to stop them in their quest for gold in this comedy from Mans Herngren. Determined to prove naysayers wrong, the middle-aged mermen work first to improve their swimming and then synchronize it as they fervently pursue their ultimate goal — the world championship.” Weak reviews. TRDB.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEK NATIONALLY, REGIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) ILLEGAL- 2010. Premise 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.

 

2) MY PERESTROIKA- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “An intimate look at five longtime friends who grew up shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, this documentary sheds light on how Russians have adapted to post-Soviet society and their nation’s continually shifting political landscape. Interweaving decades-old home movie footage with captivating tales of contemporary life, director Robin Hessman’s enlightening movie illustrates the stark contrast between Moscow then and now.” Good review in NY Times on 3/22/11. TRDB.

 

3) MIRAL- 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 and the film has been controversial. TRDB.

 

4) PEEP WORLD- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When four siblings gather to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday, the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan because one of them has penned a novel populated by characters who strongly resemble his nearest and dearest. How will this dysfunctional family keep it together after everyone has seemingly been hung out to dry? Barry W. Blaustein’s ensemble-cast comedy stars Rainn Wilson, Ron Rifkin, Michael C. Hall and Sarah Silverman.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

5) POTICHE- 2010. Premise 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.

 

6) WHITE IRISH DRINKERS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In a blue-collar Irish section of 1970s Brooklyn, brothers Danny (Geoff Wigdor) and Brian Leary (Nick Thurston) come of age in a family dominated by their longshoreman father, Patrick (Stephen Lang), whose hard-drinking leaves them scrambling for a way out. As delinquent Danny and dejected mom Margaret (Karen Allen) take the brunt of Patrick’s assaults, aspiring artist Brian hides his dreams. But desperate acts will threaten them all.” A few reviews and they’re OK. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At The Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theatre

MARCH 28–31-

 

1) MAKING THE BOYS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Revered by some for breaking new ground and reviled by others for reinforcing stereotypes, The Boys in the Band was the first gay-themed film to reach a mainstream audience. This documentary paints a vivid picture of how it got there. Through interviews with Tony Kushner, Edward Albee and more — plus wonderful period footage of Hollywood’s gay past (think Roddy MacDowell and Sal Mineo) — the film reveals The Boys in the Band’s enduring legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) ILLEGAL- 2010. Premise 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.

 

2) THE FIGHTER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter’s rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. After a string of defeats, Mickey rediscovers his fighting will with support from Dicky, himself a once talented fighter now battling drug addiction. Together, they aim to clinch boxing glory.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10. 12/10- Very realistic portrayal of the family relationships and the conflicts involved. I liked it. TRDB.

 

 

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) JANE EYRE- Jacob Burns. Premise 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.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) CERTIFIED COPY- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami serves up an elegant rumination about art and love in this story about British writer James Miller (William Shimell), who meets an art dealer named Elle (Juliette Binoche) in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her. As James and Elle wander through a small town, their playful conversations reveal an intimacy that leads locals to suspect that they are actually longtime spouses.” Some good reviews and some bad ones as well. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

 

2) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise 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. Very good reviews.

 

3) OF GODS AND MEN- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

 

4) CEDAR RAPIDS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Netflix. “Terrified of leaving his tiny town for the first time, sheltered insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) nervously sets out for the bright lights of bustling Cedar Rapids, where he attends a chaotic insurance convention and learns how to survive in the real world. Miguel Arteta directs this delightful fish-out-of-water comedy that also features Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche.” Excellent reviews.

 

5) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.” Fair to poor professional reviews. TRDB.

 

6) BARNEY’S VERSION- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “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.

7) THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED- Jacob Burns. Clearview 100.  Premise by Netflix. “Nearly 20 years after Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) ran away from home, his father, Henry Sawyer (J.K. Simmons), and mother, Helen (Cara Seymour), discover that the no longer young man is now living in a hospital due to a brain tumor that blocks him from recording fresh memories. Desperate to connect with his son, Henry soon realizes that the best way to do so is through music — specifically the classic rock tunes Gabe loves and he despises.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

8)THE LINCOLN LAWYER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.

  

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

MARCH 18, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

BACK AGAIN AFTER A WEEK IN SUNNY FLORIDA!!!

DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS I’VE SEEN SOME VERY GOOD MOVIES- JUST LOOK AT MY FAVORITES LIST—

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS-

 

1) POETRY- Theater

2) EVEN THE RAIN- Theater

3) DANDELION DUST- Netflix

4) CONVICTION- Netflix

5) DEAR PYONGYANG- Comcast On-Demand

6) AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- Netflix

7) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- Netflix

8)COLD WEATHER- Comcast On-Demand

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW IN THE THEATER-

 

1) POETRY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A poetry-writing class inspires serenely self-possessed grandmother Mija (Jeong-hie Yun) to open her senses to her suburban surroundings, but in rushes an array of unsettling discoveries in this lyrical South Korean melodrama. Along with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes information that Mija’s teenage grandson was party to a horrific incident, and it is left to Mija to compose order from the untidy emotional consequences.” Great reviews in general– also in NY Times on 2/11/11.3/11- This movie was like a poem itself. Well acted and an interesting story. Slow at times but I enjoyed it. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) THE STRANGE CASE OF ANGELICA- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In 1950s Portugal, a well-to-do family hires a young photographer named Isaac (Ricardo Trêpa) to take the last photograph of their deceased daughter, Angelica (Pilar López de Ayala). Upon seeing her, Isaac fallls deeply in love  soon finds her returning to life in his camera lens. Now, romance fills his life for the first time. Acclaimed filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira wrote and directed this Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.

3/11- Despite the good reviews I found this allegorical tale boring. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW AT HOME-

 

1) LIKE DANDELION DUST- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Jack (Cole Hauser) and Molly Campbell (Kate Levering) are horrified to learn that the biological father (Barry Pepper) of their adopted son, Joey (Maxwell Perry Cotton), has been released from prison and wants custody of the boy. As the legal case builds against the Campbells, the couple hatches a risky plan to save their family. Mira Sorvino also stars in this gripping drama as Pepper’s girlfriend, Wendy.” Mostly very good reviews.3/11- A very good depiction, if not a bit predictable, of a difficult true to life issue and I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.

2) A MARINE STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A decorated officer from a military family, Alex (Dreya Weber) is unexpectedly discharged from duty. When she returns to her conservative hometown, the Marine struggles to readjust to civilian life, but agrees to mentor Saffron (Paris P. Pickard), a troubled teen who’s enlisting. Alex is the no-nonsense role model and authority figure Saffron needs, but as Saffron finally hits her stride, Alex must find the courage to face her own demons.” OK review in NY Times on 11/5/10.

3/11- A very good idea but a trivial screenplay brings it down, particularly the bar scenes. TRDB. Netflix.

3) NEVER LET ME GO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “While retracing her experiences attending a boarding school for special children, Kathy (Carey Mulligan) reconnects with her former classmates, Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield), in an effort to determine exactly what sets them apart from other people. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s highly acclaimed novel, this sci-fi thriller from director Mark Romanek also stars Sally Hawkins, Charlotte Rampling and Andrea Riseborough.” Just OK reviews.

3/11- An interesting idea but the movie is passionless and I was bored most of the time. I did stick it out to the end, however. TRDB. Netflix.

4) CONVICTION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Convinced that her brother, Kenneth (Sam Rockwell), has been unjustly convicted of murder and incompetently defended by court-ordered attorneys, high school dropout Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) puts herself through law school in order to represent him in his appeal. Inspired by a true story, director Tony Goldwyn’s stirring drama also stars Melissa Leo, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher and Clea DuVall.” Good reviews.

3/11- A true story portrayed with sensitivity and emotion and a wonderful Hilary Swank as usual. TRDB. Netflix.

5) KINGS OF PASTRY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarians D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus venture inside the deliciously cutthroat Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the legendary French pastry competition, to capture this fascinating account of what it takes to be the best pâtissier. Held every four years, the contest separates not only the yolks from the whites but the amateurs from the artisans. Renowned chefs from around the world let their tempers fly as they vie for the crown.” Very good reviews.

3/11- Very good reviews for this documentary but I cannot understand why. No passion in this movie but oh those pastries. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

6) DEAR PYONGYANG- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Yonghi Yang divides her time behind and in front of the camera in this poignant exploration of family, place and identity, a 2006 Sundance prize winner. To better understand her father’s fierce loyalty to Communist North Korea — and the personal sacrifices that resulted from his political convictions — Yang candidly questions her father about his beliefs, revealing a complex man shaped by both emotional and ideological forces.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

3/11- An interesting documentary but I felt that the film lacked a certain passion that would be inherent in a family that had sent all 3 of their sons from Japan, where they lived, to live permanently in North Korea. Still lots of unanswered questions. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

7) HELENA FROM THE WEDDING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this coming-of-middle-age chamber story, disappointed playwright Alex Javal (Lee Tergesen) puts on a jolly mask to host — with new wife Alice (Melanie Lynskey) — a New Year’s Eve gathering in the woods, but he can’t hide his starry eyes when the alluring Helena (Gillian Jacobs) joins the scene. Confined to a cabin’s close quarters, Helena barely notices Alex while Alex ignores Alice, and the tension ratchets up as the minutes wind down.” Only mediocre reviews.

3/11 Similar to other movies of this type but not nearly as good as any I’ve seen. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

8)AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Kate (Jane Birkin) moved on from her life as the daughter of a small circus owner many years ago, but when her father dies the day before the troupe’s tour opens, Kate agrees to abandon her current life and re-embrace the show for what may be its final season. Sergio Castellitto (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) stars as Vittorio, who is strongly attracted to Kate and is the one person willing to probe into her decision to return.” Very good review by NY Times. TRDB.

3/11- A bit slow at times but I found it interesting and definitely worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix.

9) COLD WEATHER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After things go south for former forensic science major Doug (Cris Lankenau), he leaves Chicago and returns home to Oregon to live with his sister, Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn) — and soon finds himself entangled in an unexpected situation that calls on his investigative mind. Together with Gail and his friend Carlos, Doug uses his forensic skills and the techniques he’s learned as a detective fiction enthusiast to unravel the mystery he encounters.” Fairly good reviews.

3/11- A light mystery with some cute characters and it’s worth viewing. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

10) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who shocks his parents (Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan) by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he’s forced to live among the adult patients. Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Emma Roberts and Aasif Mandvi co-star in this quirky drama written and directed by the screenwriters of Half Nelson.” Just 50/50 early reviews. OK review in NY Times 10/8/10.

3/11- A delightful story with cute characters and a message. TRDB. Netflix.

11) LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “With nowhere else to turn to after her unexpected release from prison, cold-blooded murderer Leila (Kaarina Hazard) reluctantly accepts a job composing letters for blind pastor Jacob (Heikki Nousiainen), whom she deeply resents at first but gradually grows to admire. A heartwarming tale of personal redemption, Finnish director and writer Klaus Härö‘s subtle drama also features Jukka Keinonen and Esko Roine.” Fair review at best in NY Times on 10/8/10.

3/11- A spiritual drama where all of the action takes place at the end. Fortunately it’s a very short movie. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON MARCH 8 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) THE CHAPERONE- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “After serving time in the slammer for driving the getaway car in an attempted bank robbery, Ray Bradstone (professional wrestling star Paul Levesque — better known as Triple H) is a reformed family man who wants to chaperone his daughter’s class trip. But some bad guys (Kevin Corrigan and Kevin Rankin) from his past have other plans. Can Ray outwit these nitwits while keeping himself and his daughter (Ariel Winter) safe from harm?” This one has actually received a few good reviews.

 

2) KITES- Premise by Netflix. “Although Mexican bombshell Natasha (Barbara Mori) and Indian hunk Jay (Hrithik Roshan) don’t speak the same language, they quickly develop an intense, mutual attraction. But after they brazenly run off together, the sexy couple encounters severe danger and trouble with the law. Anurag Basu directs and co-writes this big budget Bollywood action movie that was filmed on location in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Fe.” Reviews are more positive than negative. TRDB.

 

3) THE WAITING ROOM- 2007. Premise by Netflix. “Single mom Anna (Anne-Marie Duff) breaks off a self-destructive affair with her friend’s husband (Rupert Graves) when she meets the man of her dreams — Stephen (Ralf Little), a handsome nursing home orderly — in a chance encounter at a train station. The feeling is mutual for Stephen, who loses interest in his tepid relationship with Fiona (Christine Bottomley) when Anna comes into the picture. Roger Goldby directs this romance set in London.” OK reviews. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 22-

 

1) THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH- Premise by Netflix. “When Angela Yang (Karin Anna Cheung) finds out she’s pregnant, she’s got countless reasons to be upset about it. But, more specifically, she’s concerned because she’s slept with so many different guys that she has no idea who the father is. Her more conservative sister (Lynn Chen) makes finding the baby’s daddy — and marrying him — sound like the only plausible option. But Angela’s liberally minded best friend (Wilson Cruz) has other ideas.” Interesting review in NY Times 8/13/10.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 15, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) TROUBADOURS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary offers a loving look at the music scene in Los Angeles in the 1970s, focusing on superstars James Taylor and Carole King, and how their careers were tied in to the evolution of the world-famous Troubadour club. Interviews and archival footage highlight the examination of how the highly political music of the 1960s transformed into the more intimate songs made popular by the increasingly predominant singer-songwriters.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEK NATIONALLY, REGIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) CRACKS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Jordan Scott — daughter of helmer Ridley Scott — makes her directing debut with this thriller set at a British all-girls boarding school between World War I and II and starring Eva Green as a popular teacher and coach of the swim team. When a new girl arrives at the cliquish and hormonally charged institution, jealousies erupt, obsessions arise and, eventually, a student disappears in this film that also stars Juno Temple and María Valverde.” Mainly poor reviews so far. TRDB.2) DESERT FLOWER- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Sherry Horman directs this drama based on the real-life story of Waris Dirie (Liya Kebede), a poor girl who flees an arranged marriage in Somalia, winds up in London and becomes one of the world’s most recognizable supermodels. As her star rises, Dirie speaks out against the practice of female genital mutilation, a trauma she experienced as a girl. Timothy Spall co-stars as the photographer who “discovered” Dirie working in a fast food joint.” Winner at Palm Springs Film Festival, 2011.

3) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good reviews. TRDB.

4) THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Nearly 20 years after Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) ran away from home, his father, Henry Sawyer (J.K. Simmons), and mother, Helen (Cara Seymour), discover that the no longer young man is now living in a hospital due to a brain tumor that blocks him from recording fresh memories. Desperate to connect with his son, Henry soon realizes that the best way to do so is through music — specifically the classic rock tunes Gabe loves and he despises.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) WINTER IN WARTIME- 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.

6) WIN WIN- 2010. Premise 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. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-

 

1) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “The children of same-sex parents Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson) become curious about the identity of their sperm-donor dad (Mark Ruffalo) and set out to make him part of their family unit, with frequently comical results. With his arrival, the household dynamics quickly become complicated, and nobody’s quite sure where or how he fits in, if at all.” Excellent reviews.7/10- Great acting, great script and great idea make this a must see. Really about how couples slog through life at times, gay or straight. I loved the movie. TRDB.

 

2) MAKING THE BOYS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Revered by some for breaking new ground and reviled by others for reinforcing stereotypes, The Boys in the Band was the first gay-themed film to reach a mainstream audience. This documentary paints a vivid picture of how it got there. Through interviews with Tony Kushner, Edward Albee and more — plus wonderful period footage of Hollywood’s gay past (think Roddy MacDowell and Sal Mineo) — the film reveals The Boys in the Band’s enduring legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) DEAR PYONGYANG- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Yonghi Yang divides her time behind and in front of the camera in this poignant exploration of family, place and identity, a 2006 Sundance prize winner. To better understand her father’s fierce loyalty to Communist North Korea — and the personal sacrifices that resulted from his political convictions — Yang candidly questions her father about his beliefs, revealing a complex man shaped by both emotional and ideological forces.” Very good reviews. TRDB.3/11- An interesting documentary but I felt that the film lacked a certain passion that would be inherent in a family that had sent all 3 of their sons from Japan, where they lived, to live permanently in North Korea. Still lots of unanswered questions. TRDB.

2) FOUR LIONS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Comedy writer Christopher Morris makes his feature directorial debut with this outrageous comedy about a group of young Islamic Brits who fancy themselves bloodthirsty jihadis of the first order. Co-written with Simon Blackwell, the film showcases Morris’s satirical talents at their vicious best in a scathingly hilarious indictment of true believers and the social systems that create them. Viewers took note and bestowed it the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the L.A. Film Festival.” Very good reviews.

 

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.

4) TAMARA DREWE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After undergoing plastic surgery and a complete fashion makeover, suddenly sexy journalist Tamara (Gemma Arterton) triumphantly returns to her tiny hometown, where she exploits her irresistible appeal by recklessly toying with others’ emotions and breaking hearts. Adapted from a comic strip by Posy Simmonds, this Stephen Frears-directed comedy explores themes such as unrequited loved, envy and lust.” Mostly good professional reviews. Just OK from audiences.

2/11- Funny, occasionally poignant and definitely worth seeing. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) 127 HOURS- Very good reviews

2) BURLESQUE- Fair reviews but some liked it a lot

 

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) OF GODS AND MEN- Bethel, 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.

 

2) CERTIFIED COPY- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami serves up an elegant rumination about art and love in this story about British writer James Miller (William Shimell), who meets an art dealer named Elle (Juliette Binoche) in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her. As James and Elle wander through a small town, their playful conversations reveal an intimacy that leads locals to suspect that they are actually longtime spouses.” Some good reviews and some bad ones as well. TRDB. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

  

3) THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Nearly 20 years after Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) ran away from home, his father, Henry Sawyer (J.K. Simmons), and mother, Helen (Cara Seymour), discover that the no longer young man is now living in a hospital due to a brain tumor that blocks him from recording fresh memories. Desperate to connect with his son, Henry soon realizes that the best way to do so is through music — specifically the classic rock tunes Gabe loves and he despises.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

4) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Danbury. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.” Fair to poor professional reviews. TRDB.

 

2) CEDAR RAPIDS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Terrified of leaving his tiny town for the first time, sheltered insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) nervously sets out for the bright lights of bustling Cedar Rapids, where he attends a chaotic insurance convention and learns how to survive in the real world. Miguel Arteta directs this delightful fish-out-of-water comedy that also features Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche.” Excellent reviews.

 

3) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. Very good reviews.12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.

4) BARNEY’S VERSION- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

MARCH 2, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE NOTE—-I WILL BE AWAY FROM MY OFFICE FOR A WEEK AND SO THIS NEWSLETTER WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WHEN POSSIBLE!!

 

THOSE OF YOU IN THE BOSTON AREA MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD FILM FESTIVAL WHICH RUNS FROM MARCH 18 TO MARCH 20. THEY HAVE A FEW MOVIES THAT HAVE BEEN WELL REVIEWED AND A FEW WITHOUT REVIEWS AT ALL.

 

 I’D RECOMMEND THESE 5 EVEN THOUGH I’VE SEEN ONLY “CATFISH.”:

1) EVEN THE RAIN

2) BOY

3) RAW FAITH

4) HOW TO DIE IN OREGON

5) CATFISH

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

I did not particularly enjoy any of the 3 movies that I saw.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- AGAIN NADA!!

 

BUT THIS COMING WEEK I PLAN TO SEE THREE MOVIES–

 

POETRY– AT JACOB BURNS THURSDAY 3/2

CEDAR RAPIDS- AT JACOB BURNS ALL NEXT WEEK

EVEN THE RAIN- AT JACOB BURNS ALL NEXT WEEK

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) TROPICO DE SANGRE (RAINS OF INJUSTICE)- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Writer Juan Delancer aslo directs this stirring foreign-language drama based on the true story of Minerva Mirabal (Michelle Rodriguez) and her sisters (Sharlene Taulé, Celines Toribio and Luchi Estevez), married women and political dissidents who lost their lives standing up to Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (Juan Fernández). Although they once led lives of privilege, the sisters risked everything for what they believed was right.” Only 1 review and it’s bad.2/11- I have to agree with the 1 bad review. An awful movie about a true story. I turned it off after 30 minutes. Avoid it! TRDB. Netflix.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 8-

 

1) INSIDE JOB- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Great reviews and a nominee for Best Picture for 2010.

 

2) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who shocks his parents (Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan) by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he’s forced to live among the adult patients. Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Emma Roberts and Aasif Mandvi co-star in this quirky drama written and directed by the screenwriters of Half Nelson.” Just 50/50 early reviews. OK review in NY Times 10/8/10.

 

3) LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB- Premise by Netflix. “With nowhere else to turn to after her unexpected release from prison, cold-blooded murderer Leila (Kaarina Hazard) reluctantly accepts a job composing letters for blind pastor Jacob (Heikki Nousiainen), whom she deeply resents at first but gradually grows to admire. A heartwarming tale of personal redemption, Finnish director and writer Klaus Härö‘s subtle drama also features Jukka Keinonen and Esko Roine.” Fair review at best in NY Times on 10/8/10.

 

4) AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- Premise by Netflix. “Kate (Jane Birkin) moved on from her life as the daughter of a small circus owner many years ago, but when her father dies the day before the troupe’s tour opens, Kate agrees to abandon her current life and re-embrace the show for what may be its final season. Sergio Castellitto (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) stars as Vittorio, who is strongly attracted to Kate and is the one person willing to probe into her decision to return.” Very good review by the NY Times. TRDB.

 

5) HELENA FROM THE WEDDING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this coming-of-middle-age chamber story, disappointed playwright Alex Javal (Lee Tergesen) puts on a jolly mask to host — with new wife Alice (Melanie Lynskey) — a New Year’s Eve gathering in the woods, but he can’t hide his starry eyes when the alluring Helena (Gillian Jacobs) joins the scene. Confined to a cabin’s close quarters, Helena barely notices Alex while Alex ignores Alice, and the tension ratchets up as the minutes wind down.” Only mediocre reviews.

 

6) FOUR LIONS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Comedy writer Christopher Morris makes his feature directorial debut with this outrageous comedy about a group of young Islamic Brits who fancy themselves bloodthirsty jihadis of the first order. Co-written with Simon Blackwell, the film showcases Morris’s satirical talents at their vicious best in a scathingly hilarious indictment of true believers and the social systems that create them. Viewers took note and bestowed it the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the L.A. Film Festival.” Very good reviews.

 

7) EVERY DAY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Ned (Liev Schreiber) is fed up with his unfulfilling work as a writer on a flawed television show and his stagnant marriage to wife Jeannie (Helen Hunt). Just when he thinks life can’t get worse, his teenage son announces he’s gay and his ailing father-in-law (Brian Dennehy) moves in. Ned’s relationship with an amorous co-worker (Carla Gugino) adds even more tension, but despite the setbacks, the rewards of everyday family life overcome.” OK review in NY Times on 1/14/11.

 

 8)A FILM UNFINISHED- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “This potent documentary uses a long-lost film reel to illustrate how the Nazis controlled images of Jewish life during World War II. Though the Nazis made a propaganda movie of contented Jews in the Warsaw ghetto, the missing spool exposes the truth. Director Yael Hersonski shows how the imagery was staged to distort historical knowledge and, with the aid of Jewish survivors’ testimony, chronicles the horrifying reality of ghetto life.” A few reviews, all positive.9/10- Yet one more piece of the most horrific time in history as shown by this revealing footage! Everyone should see this. TRDB.

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 15-

 

1) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “What do you do when you can’t play music in your homeland, but you can’t leave your country to play it abroad either? This is the dilemma faced by an Iranian guy and gal who, fresh on the heels of their prison release, decide to form a rock band. Despite having drive and ambition to spare, the wannabe rockers are stymied by lack of passports, lack of funds and lack of musicians who’re willing to leave Iran in this drama from Bahman Ghobadi.” Great early reviews.4/10- A film worth seeing that shows us what life can be like in Iran today for people who don’t conform to the repressive rules. While the street scenes of downtown Tehran and the music were very good I was only mildly entertained by the story itself as it seemed repetitive and predictable and I think more of a political statement than a great movie. TRDB.

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) MEDICINAL CANNABIS AND IT’S IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH- A documentary with interviews with physicians and researchers. No reviews as yet.

 

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.

  

3) DEAR LEMON LIMA- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After a selfish boyfriend dumps her, Vanessa Lemor (Savanah Wiltfong) decides to soothe her broken heart by embracing her Yupik heritage and encouraging her misfit pals at a prestigious Alaskan prep school to compete in the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Along the way, the awkward teen learns to find her place in the community in director Suzi Yoonessi’s touching film about identity, friendship and tradition.” No professional reviews as yet but very good audience reaction. TRDB.

 

4) 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.

 

5) THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER- Premise by Netflix. “This beautifully shot film combines comedy and tragedy in the tale of a workaholic human resources manager (Mark Ivanir) who neglects his family to further his career. But when an employee at his bakery is killed, he begins an odd journey toward self-realization. Offering to escort the woman’s body from Israel back to her Eastern European homeland, the manager is puzzled by eccentric characters along the way but begins to understand the importance of family.”1/11- A bit far fetched but still an interesting road trip that I enjoyed. I saw this at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-

March 4-

 

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) 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.” Very good reviews.

 

March 11-

 

1) THE STRANGE CASE OF ANGELICA- Premise by Netflix. “In 1950s Portugal, a well-to-do family hires a young photographer named Isaac (Ricardo Trêpa) to take the last photograph of their deceased daughter, Angelica (Pilar López de Ayala). Upon seeing her, Isaac fallls deeply in love and soon finds her returning to life in his camera lens. Now, romance fills his life for the first time. Acclaimed filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira wrote and directed this Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.

 

2) PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE- 2010. “Fiercely devoted to championing peace and social justice, folk singer Phil Ochs rose to fame at the height of the 1960s protest movements, yet his incisive lyrics and resonant melodies remain relevant for audiences today. This film tells his story. Through performance footage and interviews with Ochs’s contemporaries and admirers — including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and Sean Penn — the documentary paints a portrait of a uniquely American artist.” Great reviews.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

1) NEW-

 

2) 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) CEDAR RAPIDS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Terrified of leaving his tiny town for the first time, sheltered insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) nervously sets out for the bright lights of bustling Cedar Rapids, where he attends a chaotic insurance convention and learns how to survive in the real world. Miguel Arteta directs this delightful fish-out-of-water comedy that also features Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche.” Excellent reviews.

 

2) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.” Fair to poor professional reviews. TRDB.

 

3) EVEN THE RAIN- Jacob Burns. 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.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. Very good reviews.

 

12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB.

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

2) BARNEY’S VERSION- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “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.

3) BIUTIFUL- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. 

4) ANOTHER YEAR- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk.  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.

5) INSIDE JOB- Jacob Burns. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Great reviews and a nominee for Best Picture for 2010.

6) TRUE GRIT- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.”

7) THE FIGHTER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter’s rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. After a string of defeats, Mickey rediscovers his fighting will with support from Dicky, himself a once talented fighter now battling drug addiction. Together, they aim to clinch boxing glory.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10.

12/10- Very realistic portrayal of the family relationships and the conflicts involved. I liked it very much. TRDB.

8)Black Swan- Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. ” In this supernatural thriller from director Darren Aronofsky, ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) lands a key role in “Swan Lake,” but soon finds her dreams of stardom threatened by rival ballerina Lilly (Mila Kunis). As the contentious rivalry between the dancers intensifies, Nina’s obsession descends into paranoia, delusion and more. Winona Ryder, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel co-star.” Very good reviews.

12/10-A very suspenseful and disturbing movie with enough to keep Freud busy for years. I liked it. TRDB. 

FEB. 23, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK. I WILL TRY TO SEE “POETRY” AT JACOB BURNS THIS WEEK.

 

1) THE TOWN- Netflix

2) THE LITTLE TRAITOR- Netflix

3) WAITING FOR SUPERMAN- Netflix

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE.

I’ve seen all of the films in the suburbs that I’ve wanted to see.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE TOWN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “As tenacious FBI agent Adam (Jon Hamm) hunts him down, ingenious bank robber Doug (Ben Affleck) pursues a risky relationship with Claire (Rebecca Hall), one of his former hostages. But while Doug and his cohorts plan their next hit, Adam hones in on Claire and falls for her in the process. Directed by Affleck and based on Chuck Hogan’s novel Prince of Thieves, this intricate thriller also stars Chris Cooper, Blake Lively and Jeremy Renner.” Fairly good reviews.2/11- A really good, earthy crime film with an excellent performance by Affleck. TRDB. Netflix.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 1-

 

1) NEVER LET ME GO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “While retracing her experiences attending a boarding school for special children, Kathy (Carey Mulligan) reconnects with her former classmates, Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield), in an effort to determine exactly what sets them apart from other people. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s highly acclaimed novel, this sci-fi thriller from director Mark Romanek also stars Sally Hawkins, Charlotte Rampling and Andrea Riseborough.” Just OK reviews.

 

2) GENIUS WITHIN: THE INNER LIFE OF GLENN GOULD- Premise by Netflix. “Pianist Glenn Gould was known as a unique and enigmatic personality, and his brief life has long fascinated both biographers and filmmakers. But behind Gould’s carefully cultivated image lurked a number of shadowy issues, including drug use. Through interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film carefully sifts through and examines the seemingly contradictory influences and motivations that shaped the legendary musician.” Very good reviews.

 

3) CONVICTION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Convinced that her brother, Kenneth (Sam Rockwell), has been unjustly convicted of murder and incompetently defended by court-ordered attorneys, high school dropout Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) puts herself through law school in order to represent him in his appeal. Inspired by a true story, director Tony Goldwyn’s stirring drama also stars Melissa Leo, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher and Clea DuVall.” Good reviews.

 

4) A MARINE STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A decorated officer from a military family, Alex (Dreya Weber) is unexpectedly discharged from duty. When she returns to her conservative hometown, the Marine struggles to readjust to civilian life, but agrees to mentor Saffron (Paris P. Pickard), a troubled teen who’s enlisting. Alex is the no-nonsense role model and authority figure Saffron needs, but as Saffron finally hits her stride, Alex must find the courage to face her own demons.” OK review in NY Times on 11/5/10.

 

5) WOMEN WITHOUT MEN- Premise by Netflix. “Amid the tumult of the American- and British-backed coup that reinstated the Shah in early-1950s Tehran, the heart-wrenching tales of five very different Iranian women converge in a lovely orchard garden, where they find both freedom and friendship. Director and acclaimed visual artist Shirin Neshat brings a striking aesthetic style to this stirring drama, an adaptation of the magical-realist novella by Shahrnoush Parsipour.” Good early reviews.6/10- A wonderful film (the director’s first feature) with marvelous photography and a very interesting story. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) HEARTBEATS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Lush cinematography and poetic images highlight this coming-of-age tale about two best friends, Mary (Monia Chokri) and Francis (Xavier Dolan), who meet a charismatic wanderer named Nick (Niels Schneider) and suddenly find their longtime friendship tested to its limits. As the love triangle between the three intensifies, Mary and Francis vie for Nick’s affections in this intense story from Dolan, the Canadian prodigy who writes and directs.” Reviews more positive than negative and a few very good.

 

2) OF GODS AND MEN- 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.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-

 

1) THE WOODMANS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “This intimate documentary profiles the Woodmans, a family dedicated to the making of art in all forms, and their reaction to the suicide of their most famous member, daughter Francesca, whose startling, sexual photographs established her legacy. Father George, a professor, mother Betty, a famed ceramicist, and son Charlie, a videographer, are interviewed about Francesca’s intense life and how the family’s devotion to art crafted her development.” Good reviews.

 

2) ARMY OF CRIME- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “This gripping historical drama recounts the story of Armenian-born Missak Manouchian (Simon Abkarian), a woodworker and political activist who led an immigrant laborer division of the Parisian Resistance on 30 operations against the Nazis in 1943. The Nazis branded the group an Army of Crime, an anti-immigrant propaganda stunt that backfired as the team’s members became martyrs for the Resistance. Virginie Ledoyen co-stars as Manouchian’s wife.” Very good review in NY Times on 8/20/10.1/11- Another good movie about the resistance but with little to add to the wealth of material on this subject. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) LEBANON- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this claustrophobic drama by first-time director Samuel Maoz — a veteran of the early ’80s Israel/Lebanon conflict in which the film is set — four Israeli soldiers command a tank in a situation that becomes increasingly tense and chaotic. Like Das Boot before it, most of the action is confined to the stark interiors of that tank, as the men wrestle with fear, anger and their own consciences in the face of possible death and worse.” Very good early reviews.9/10- Yet one more piece of evidence that war is definitely hell, this time involving a bunch of very frightened Israeli soldiers fighting in the confined space of the tank. I liked it very much but be aware that this is not for the faint of heart. TRDB.

 

2) LIKE DANDELION DUST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Jack (Cole Hauser) and Molly Campbell (Kate Levering) are horrified to learn that the biological father (Barry Pepper) of their adopted son, Joey (Maxwell Perry Cotton), has been released from prison and wants custody of the boy. As the legal case builds against the Campbells, the couple hatches a risky plan to save their family. Mira Sorvino also stars in this gripping drama as Pepper’s girlfriend, Wendy.” Mostly very good reviews.

 

3) WAITING FOR SUPERMAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Dynamic documentarian Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) weaves together the stories of students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences on the future of the United States. In this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary, Guggenheim deftly examines the options to improve public education and provide America’s teachers and students with the help they need.” Very good reviews.

2/11- A well done scathing indictment of our education system showing the real time frustration of parents and good educators equally. 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) POETRY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A poetry-writing class inspires serenely self-possessed grandmother Mija (Jeong-hie Yun) to open her senses to her suburban surroundings, but in rushes an array of unsettling discoveries in this lyrical South Korean melodrama. Along with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes information that Mija’s teenage grandson was party to a horrific incident, and it is left to Mija to compose order from the untidy emotional consequences.” Great reviews in general– also in NY Times on 2/11/11.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) BIUTIFUL- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. 

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com  

 

 

 

FEB. 16, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY WEBSITE AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) MIDDLE MEN- Netflix

2) BARNEY’S VERSION- Theater

3) TAMARA DREWE- Netflix

4) LOVERS OF HATE- Sundance Channel

5) SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL- Netflix

6) NICE GUY JOHNNY- Netflix

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 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.

2) 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 go to see it. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) MIDDLE MEN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After spotting a big financial opportunity in the future of Internet pornography, straightlaced entrepreneur Jack Harris (Luke Wilson) enlists his pals Buck (Gabriel Macht) and Wayne (Giovanni Ribisi) to help him develop an online billing company specializing in adult entertainment. But as the firm takes off, Jack finds some unexpected kinks in the business of kink — including mobsters, the FBI, con men and terrorists.” Mixed reviews, more negative than positive.2/11- I have to admit that I actually enjoyed this movie, particularly the narrative style in which it was presented. TRDB. Netflix.

2) SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL- 2007. Premise by Netflix. “Assigned to lead the United Nations troops in Rwanda in 1993, Canadian Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire (Roy Dupuis) tries desperately — and unsuccessfully — to obtain international help as the Hutus begin their genocide of the Tutsis in this true story. Roger Spottiswoode directed this compelling historical drama based on Dallaire’s award-winning autobiographical book detailing the horrific events of the massacre in Rwanda.”

2/11- This movie is well worth seeing as a reminder of the tragedy and the frustrations of trying to help while being constrained by governmental policies. Nothing really new here in that regard but the film gives us an unusual view of Dallaire’s torture as he watches his men and mission die. TRDB. Netflix. 

3) LOVERS OF HATE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Sibling rivalry fulfills its hilarious potential in this bittersweet comedy directed by indie favorite Bryan Poyser. After a lifetime of contention, brothers Rudy (Chris Doubek) and Paul (Alex Karpovsky) are further torn apart by their love for the same woman. Rudy has always felt betrayed by children’s books author Paul, whom he believes is writing about their childhood, but jealously enters the picture when Paul begins dating Rudy’s estranged wife.” Very good reviews.

2/11- Very interesting film about the competitiveness of the 2 brothers. TRDB. Sundance Channel.

4) TAMARA DREWE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After undergoing plastic surgery and a complete fashion makeover, suddenly sexy journalist Tamara (Gemma Arterton) triumphantly returns to her tiny hometown, where she exploits her irresistible appeal by recklessly toying with others’ emotions and breaking hearts. Adapted from a comic strip by Posy Simmonds, this Stephen Frears-directed comedy explores themes such as unrequited loved, envy and lust.” Mostly good professional reviews. Just OK from audiences.

2/11- Funny, occasionally poignant and definitely worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix.

5) THE ROMANTICS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mischief and sexual escapades ensue when a group of college friends reunite for the wedding of group members Lila (Anna Paquin) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) — and an old rivalry resurges between Lila and her maid of honor, Laura (Katie Holmes), who still holds a torch for the groom. Malin Akerman, Elijah Wood, Adam Brody and Jeremy Strong also star in this indie romantic comedy based on writer-director Galt Niederhoffer‘s novel.” Good early reviews but poor review in NY Times 9/10/10.

2/11- I agree with the Times– trite screenplay and unlikable characters. TRDB. Netflix.

6) NIGHT CATCHES US- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After growing up during the tumultuous 1960s, ex-Black Panther Marcus (Anthony Mackie) returns to his home in Philadelphia in 1978 and reconnects with Pat (Kerry Washington), the widow of a Panther leader. Marcus befriends Pat’s young daughter and attempts to conquer his demons. Interfering with Marcus’s good intentions are the neighborhood’s continuing racial and social conflicts, as well as old enemies and friends — both with scores to settle.” Good reviews.

2/11- A good depiction of life at that time and the difficulty in getting out of the hood. TRDB. Netflix.

7) NICE GUY JOHNNY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Although he loves his job as sports radio talk show host, Johnny (Matt Bush) promises to take a dull but high-paying position to satisfy his fiancée (Anna Wood). But when he falls for a free-spirited beauty (Kerry Bishé) in the Hamptons, Johnny starts to reconsider everything. Written, directed and co-starring Edward Burns, this romantic comedy explores the difficulty in choosing between one’s duty and one’s dreams.”

2/11- I love just about everything done by Edward Burns and I liked this one very much also, especially the character played by Burns himself. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 22-

 

1) LIKE DANDELION DUST- Premise by Netflix. “Jack (Cole Hauser) and Molly Campbell (Kate Levering) are horrified to learn that the biological father (Barry Pepper) of their adopted son, Joey (Maxwell Perry Cotton), has been released from prison and wants custody of the boy. As the legal case builds against the Campbells, the couple hatches a risky plan to save their family. Mira Sorvino also stars in this gripping drama as Pepper’s girlfriend, Wendy.” Mostly very good reviews.

 

2) SEE WHAT I’M SAYING: THE DEAF ENTERTAINERS DIARY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Four dedicated stage artists, all either deaf or hearing-impaired, are profiled in their struggle to make inroads not only in the deaf community, but with mainstream audiences as well — despite the obvious obstacles facing them. Featuring open captions to translate the sign language used by the performers, the documentary spotlights the drummer for a deaf rock band, as well as an actor, a stage comic and an aspiring songstress.” No professional reviews as yet but audience reaction has been very good.

 

3) FISH TANK- Premise by Netflix. “The life of hot-tempered teen outcast Mia (Katie Jarvis) takes an unexpected turn when her mother (Kierston Wareing) brings home a handsome and mysterious boyfriend named Connor (Michael Fassbender), who pledges to bring sweeping positive changes to the household. For her sophomore feature, British writer-director Andrea Arnold draws upon the same themes from her Oscar-winning short “Wasp.”1/28/10- I liked the movie and thought that Katie Jarvis’ performance was better than the movie itself. TRDB.

4) GET LOW- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek team up to tell the true story of Felix “Bush” Breazeale, a Tennessee loner who planned his own funeral in 1938 while he was still around to attend — and enjoy — the proceedings. Also starring Bill Murray and Lucas Black as the co-proprietors of the funeral home, the dramatic thriller was penned by the screenwriting team of C. Gaby Mitchell (Blood Diamond) and Chris Provenzano (“Mad Men”).” Great reviews.

7) ROAD, MOVIE- Premise by Netflix. “Reluctant to take over his father’s flailing hair-oil business, young Vishnu (Abhay Deol) becomes the sole proprietor of a traveling cinema after he happens upon an abandoned truck containing a library of film reels and a film projector. During his odyssey across small-town India, he befriends a young runaway, a gorgeous gypsy, a wandering minstrel and others in this funny and romantic adventure, a hit at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Very good reviews.

5/10- A cute Bollywood comedy. Worth the time to watch it. TRDB. 

8)JAFFA- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In the Israeli city of Jaffa, an Arab father and son — Hasan and Taufik — work at a garage owned by a Jewish family that includes the pretty Mali (Dana Ivgy). But the tensions simmering beneath the surface of the genial workplace are about to come to a boil. A secret affair between Mali and Taufik has grave repercussions when Mali becomes pregnant in this gripping drama, an official selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Mixed reviews but more negative than positive.

11/10- A very well acted and thought provoking drama and I recommend it. TRDB.

9) LAST TRAIN HOME- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Every year, 200 million Chinese peasants embark on a distant, arduous journey to visit family and celebrate the greatness of China. But as we learn through one family’s odyssey, just getting a train ticket can be an ordeal of Orwellian proportions. First-time Chinese-Canadian director Lixin Fan makes no judgments, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions about this heavily ritualized act.” Great reviews.

10/10- Barebones documentary, no talking heads and the viewer is left to his own thoughts. I liked it. TRDB.

10) ROOM IN ROME- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Elena Anaya and Natasha Yarovenko star in this provocative drama about Alba and Natasha, two women who meet in Rome and end up in a hotel room where they bare their bodies and souls to each other during one memorable, passionate night. As their steamy encounter brings them emotionally closer, they share their deepest secrets and desires. Award-winning writer-director Julio Medem brings us this serious and sexy foray into uncharted territory.” Two reviews, both good.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) RISE- Premise by Zap2it. “A celebration of American figure skating also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the U.S. World Figure Skating team.” No reviews yet.

 

2) THE CHAPERONE- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “After serving time in the slammer for driving the getaway car in an attempted bank robbery, Ray Bradstone (professional wrestling star Paul Levesque — better known as Triple H) is a reformed family man who wants to chaperone his daughter’s class trip. But some bad guys (Kevin Corrigan and Kevin Rankin) from his past have other plans. Can Ray outwit these nitwits while keeping himself and his daughter (Ariel Winter) safe from harm?” This one has actually received a few good reviews.

 

3) THE LAST LIONS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Narrated by actor Jeremy Irons, this thrilling documentary follows an African lioness named Ma di Tau as she and her cubs flee a devastating fire, then struggle to live in new territory amidst dangerous predators and a lethal pride of rival lions. Besides being a harrowing tale of survival, this film from directors Dereck and Beverly Joubert illuminates the urgent plight of all Africa’s lions, whose population has reached dangerously low levels.” Only one review and it’s very good.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-

 

1) STEAM OF LIFE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmakers Joonas Berghäll and Mika Hotakainen offer this absorbing documentary that takes viewers into real-life saunas across Finland, where ordinary (and naked) men let down their guard and bond over shared tales of life‘s struggles. As they relate their stories of lost children, fatal accidents, failed marriages and more, these customarily reticent men reveal the profound cathartic power of baring your deepest emotions to another soul.” Good audience reviews.

 

2) NIGHT CATCHES US- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After growing up during the tumultuous 1960s, ex-Black Panther Marcus (Anthony Mackie) returns to his home in Philadelphia in 1978 and reconnects with Pat (Kerry Washington), the widow of a Panther leader. Marcus befriends Pat’s young daughter and attempts to conquer his demons. Interfering with Marcus’s good intentions are the neighborhood’s continuing racial and social conflicts, as well as old enemies and friends — both with scores to settle.” Good reviews.

  

2/11- A good depiction of life at that time and the difficulty in getting out of the hood. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) COLD WEATHER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After things go south for former forensic science major Doug (Cris Lankenau), he leaves Chicago and returns home to Oregon to live with his sister, Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn) — and soon finds himself entangled in an unexpected situation that calls on his investigative mind. Together with Gail and his friend Carlos, Doug uses his forensic skills and the techniques he’s learned as a detective fiction enthusiast to unravel the mystery he encounters.” Fairly good reviews.

 

2) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who shocks his parents (Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan) by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he’s forced to live among the adult patients. Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Emma Roberts and Aasif Mandvi co-star in this quirky drama written and directed by the screenwriters of Half Nelson.” Just 50/50 early reviews. OK review in NY Times 10/8/10.

 

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) ANOTHER YEAR- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

2) BARNEY’S VERSION- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

3) BIUTIFUL- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. 

4) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. Very good reviews.

12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.  

5) THE ILLUSIONIST- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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 go to see it. TRDB.

6) TRUE GRIT- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.”

7) THE FIGHTER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter’s rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. After a string of defeats, Mickey rediscovers his fighting will with support from Dicky, himself a once talented fighter now battling drug addiction. Together, they aim to clinch boxing glory.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10.

8)BLACK SWAN- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. ” In this supernatural thriller from director Darren Aronofsky, ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) lands a key role in “Swan Lake,” but soon finds her dreams of stardom threatened by rival ballerina Lilly (Mila Kunis). As the contentious rivalry between the dancers intensifies, Nina’s obsession descends into paranoia, delusion and more. Winona Ryder, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel co-star.” Very good reviews.

12/10-A very suspenseful and disturbing movie with enough to keep Freud busy for years. I liked it. TRDB. 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

FEB. 9, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) BIUTIFUL- Theater

2) SIXTY SIX- Netflix

3) SKIN- Netflix

4) HIDEWAY- Netflix

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) BIUTIFUL- 2010. Premise 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. At the theater.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) A WOMAN, A GUN AND A NOODLE SHOP- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Master director Yimou Zhang tackles an adaptation of the Coen brothers’ classic Blood Simple in this period dramedy full of slapstick and plot twists. When the owner of a Chinese noodle shop attempts to kill his adulterous wife, the fireworks fly. The proprietor also hopes to eliminate his wife’s woebegone lover, but complications and high-flying action arise courtesy of a rampaging band of feudal soldiers and the shop’s wacky employees.” Good review in NY Times 9/3/10. Friends did not like this film.2/11- Slapstick remakes don’t inspire me but I did watch it to the end. Beautiful scenery and lots of color kept me involved. TRDB. Netflix.

2) WELCOME TO THE RILEYS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Devastated by their daughter’s death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope. Directed by Jake Scott, this compelling family drama also stars David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin and Lance E. Nichols. Only fair reviews by most.

2/11- A fair drama at best with lots of stereotypical materiel but the film definitely had some merit, particularly at the end. TRDB. Netflix.

3) SIXTY SIX- 2006. Premise by Netflix. “During the summer of 1966, 12-year-old Londoner Bernie (Gregg Sulkin) eagerly prepares for his upcoming bar mitzvah, but disaster looms when England snags a spot in the World Cup finals, scheduled for the same day as Bernie’s big celebration. With his father (Eddie Marsan) and mother (Helena Bonham Carter) facing financial difficulties, Bernie struggles to readjust his expectations for the biggest event of his life.”

2/11- A  good story about coming of age with parents so pre-occupied that you have not been noticed. TRDB. Netflix.

4) SKIN- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Both her father (Sam Neill) and mother (Alice Krige) are white, but Sandra Laing (Sophie Okonedo) is born with dark skin — a complex problem in the era of South African apartheid that soon drives a wedge into the family in this poignant drama based on a true story. Though her parents fight to have the government classify her as white, Sandra grows up in a divided world, and experiences her parents can’t understand make her question her identity.”

2/11- An interesting drama that brings up various issues and deals with them fairly well. Netflix.

5) TOUCHING HOME- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Based on the lives of Miller twins Logan and Noah, this indie drama weaves knotty family relationships and crushed dreams into a tapestry of human emotion. After the Colorado Rockies cut Lane Winston (Logan Miller) and poor grades force his brother (Noah Miller) to chuck his college baseball career, the siblings return home to work in a quarry with their father, Charlie (Ed Harris). Will his alcoholism drive a wedge between Charlie and his sons?” Poor professional reviews but very good audience ones.

2/11- I’ll go with the poor professional reviews. I found it formulaic with poor acting and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

6) HIDEAWAY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When Louis (Melvil Poupaud) dies of a drug overdose in Paris, his wealthy mother instructs his strung-out but pregnant girlfriend, Mousse (Isabelle Carré), to get an abortion. Determined to keep her child, Mousse flees Paris for a country home. Louis’s brother (Louis-Ronan Choisy) visits, and she develops a fascination with him that is both erotic and angry. François Ozon crafts an intimate portrait of an enigmatic woman seeking a purpose.” Good reviews.

2/11- Very well done and I enjoyed the movie very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming and also on DVD.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 15-

 

1) WAITNG FOR SUPERMAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Dynamic documentarian Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) weaves together the stories of students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences on the future of the United States. In this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary, Guggenheim deftly examines the options to improve public education and provide America’s teachers and students with the help they need.” Very good reviews.

 

2) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When a woman (Naomi Watts) consults a fortune-teller to learn what fate has in store for her, she’s told she’ll meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life in this quirky romantic dramedy from iconic writer-director Woody Allen. But the not-yet-lovestruck heroine isn’t the only character in search of answers. The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch and Anna Friel.” Sad for me to say, this film has received many poor early reviews.10/10- Pleasantly surprised with this latest Woody film. I liked the characters, the acting, and a few very creative aspects of the film. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

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) THE SKY TURNS- 2009. Premise by Rottentomatoes. ” Mercedes Alvarez was three years old when, in the late 1960s, her parents left La Aldea, a village in the barren Northern Spanish Soria region. She… Mercedes Alvarez was three years old when, in the late 1960s, her parents left La Aldea, a village in the barren Northern Spanish Soria region. She was the last child born in La Aldea. Now, only fourteen people live there, a last dying generation. Soon this village, like so many other rural communities all over the world, will be deserted and will probably disappear from the map. Alvarez returns for the first time to her ancestral home and makes a stunning film about memory and the terrifying passing of time.” Good reviews.

 

3) CARBON NATION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Bypassing politics and fingerpointing, this forward-thinking documentary zeroes in on enterprising individuals — from a wind farmer to a solar-panel retrofitter — who are devising business-minded ways to avert the looming climate crisis. The cross-country expedition yields encounters with Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson, Earth Day founder Denis Hayes and former CIA director James Woolsey, along with everyday pioneers in low-carbon living.” A few reviews and they’re good.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

 

Oscar Nominated shorts, both live and animated all week.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND

 

NEW-

 

1) WELCOME TO THE RILEYS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Devastated by their daughter’s death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope. Directed by Jake Scott, this compelling family drama also stars David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin and Lance E. Nichols. Only fair reviews by most.2/11- A fair drama at best with lots of stereotypical materiel but the film definitely had some merit, particularly at the end. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “David Fincher‘s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and founding president Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay based on Ben Mezrich’s best-seller The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook.” Good reviews.

10/10- I liked this movie a lot even though there was probably a good deal of artistic license given to the story. Well acted (Eisenberg was great) and truly a success story. TRDB.

3) NIGHT CATCHES US- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After growing up during the tumultuous 1960s, ex-Black Panther Marcus (Anthony Mackie) returns to his home in Philadelphia in 1978 and reconnects with Pat (Kerry Washington), the widow of a Panther leader. Marcus befriends Pat’s young daughter and attempts to conquer his demons. Interfering with Marcus’s good intentions are the neighborhood’s continuing racial and social conflicts, as well as old enemies and friends — both with scores to settle.” Good reviews.

4) MILK- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) in 1978. Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna co-star in director Gus Van Sant’s compelling biopic, which also earned Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Brolin).”

I saw this movie 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

 

 

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE ILLUSIONIST- Bethel. 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) BARNEY’S VERSION- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 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.

 

3) DOGTOOTH- Jacob Burns for one night (Fri. Feb. 11) -2009. Premise by Netflix. “In this Greek drama, siblings who grow up cut off from the world — homeschooled and dependent on one another for entertainment — develop their own blissful alternative universe. That universe is shattered when their father lets in an outsider. Sex enters the picture when dad begins bringing home a female security officer to satisfy his son’s sexual needs. Suddenly, nothing is quite the same within this highly idiosyncratic family unit.”1/11- Clearly one of the strangest movies I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen a lot of strange movies. Also, very well done and it held my interest. Not for most people. The movie won Best Picture at Cannes 2009 and is an Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film this year. TRDB

REPEATS-

 

1) ANOTHER YEAR- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 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.

 

2) BIUTIFUL- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2010. Premise 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.

 

3) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Danbury. 2010. Premise 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. Very good reviews.12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.

4) TRUE GRIT- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.”

5) THE FIGHTER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter’s rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. After a string of defeats, Mickey rediscovers his fighting will with support from Dicky, himself a once talented fighter now battling drug addiction. Together, they aim to clinch boxing glory.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10.

12/10- Very realistic portrayal of the family relationships and the conflicts involved. I liked it. TRDB.

6) BLACK SWAN- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury.  2010. Premise by Netflix. ” In this supernatural thriller from director Darren Aronofsky, ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) lands a key role in “Swan Lake,” but soon finds her dreams of stardom threatened by rival ballerina Lilly (Mila Kunis). As the contentious rivalry between the dancers intensifies, Nina’s obsession descends into paranoia, delusion and more. Winona Ryder, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel co-star.” Very good reviews.

12/10-A very suspenseful and disturbing movie with enough to keep Freud busy for years. I liked it. TRDB. 

7) 127 HOURS- Danbury.  2010. Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good reviews.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

FEB. 3, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) ANOTHER YEAR- Theater

2) MAD BASTARDS- Comcast On-Demand

3) NOWHERE BOY- Netflix

4) BLUE VALENTINE- Theater

5) THE SICILIAN GIRL- Netflix Streaming

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 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).” 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.

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. Williams and Gosling are great. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) NOWHERE BOY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Raised by his aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) since he was a young boy, charismatic 15-year-old John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) is suddenly reunited with his mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), which ignites a bitter battle between the two sisters for John’s affections. Along the way, John inherits his mother’s love of music and befriends fellow Liverpool lad Paul McCartney (Thomas Sangster) in this biopic of the music icon’s formative years.” Very good reviews. Fair review in NY Times 10/8/10.1/11- I felt that the movie was just OK but I did learn more about what made Lennon Lennon. TRDB. Netflix.

2) BE WITH ME- 2005. By Eric Khoo. Premise by Netflix. “This poetic film weaves together three stories of human connection with a minimalist flair. In “Meant to Be,” an elderly shopkeeper experiences intense loneliness until he reads the autobiography of an extraordinary blind and deaf woman. “So in Love” explores the bittersweet relationship between two teenage girls, and “Finding Love” tells the story of a security guard who has twin passions: for food and for a woman who works in his building.”

1/11- Slow beginning but I advise you to stay with it and reap the rewards. TRDB. Netflix.

3) MAD BASTARDS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Tough men try to do right by their families in this Australian production featuring an Aboriginal cast of non-professional actors. TJ (Dean Daley-Jones) travels across northwestern Australia to the Kimberley region to track down his son Bullet (Ngaire Pigram), who’s fast on his way to repeating his father’s mistakes. Meanwhile TJ’s police officer father seeks to undo the damage to his community and right some wrongs of his own.” At Sundance 2011.

1/11- I enjoyed this movie ON-DEMAND straight from the Sundance Film Festival. Good story and great music. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

4) INHALE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In a desperate move to save his daughter’s life, a New Mexico district attorney (Dermot Mulroney) crosses the border to look into an illegal lung transplant. But upon arrival, he learns the truth about where these “donated” organs really come from. Diane Kruger, Sam Shepard and Rosanna Arquette co-star in this gritty examination of ethics, immigration and innocent lives from director Baltasar Kormákur.” OK review in NY Times 11/11/10.

1/11- A very interesting premise but the plot was unfortunately trivialized with a cops and robbers mentality. I turned it off midway. TRDB. Netflix.

5) WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Trader Jake (Shia LaBeouf) tries to mend the broken relationship between his fiancée, Winnie (Carey Mulligan), and her father, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), while avenging the fate of his mentor, Lou (Frank Langella), by getting close to Wall Street’s new megalomaniac, Bretton James (Josh Brolin). Centered on the 2008 financial crisis, director Oliver Stone’s follow-up is a modern-day ode to unfettered capitalism and, of course, greed.” Fair reviews at best.

1/11- I watched for 18min.- way too long. Garbage! TRDB. Netflix.

6) THE TIME THAT REMAINS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “From the creation of Israel in 1948 all the way through the early 21st century, a single Palestinian family endures many triumphs and tragedies over the course of several generations in this sweeping drama. Writer-director Elia Suleiman also stars in this semiautobiographical film, the third installment in a trilogy that also includes the critically acclaimed Chronicle of a Disappearance and Divine Intervention.” Good review in NY Times on 1/8/11. At Sundance 2011.

1/11- I don’t know what the critics were thinking. I found this movie of NO value and fairly stupid at that. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand straight from Sundance 2011.

7) INCEPTION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Intellectual property assumes another dimension in writer-director Christopher Nolan‘s sci-fi thriller, in which entrepreneur Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) wields a technology that lets him enter people’s dreams and pilfer their ideas. The enterprise sends Cobb and his team — including engineers Ariadne (Ellen Page) and Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) — hurtling across space and time, but nemesis Saito (Ken Watanabe) has a notion to stop them.” Very good reviews.

1/11- I don’t know what the hoopla is about this movie. I did not like it and turned it off quickly. TRDB. Netflix.

8)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. On Concast On-Demand straight from Sundance 2011.

9) THE SICILIAN GIRL- 2009. By Marco Amenta. Premise by Netflix. “In this taut drama based on a true story, 17-year-old Rita (Veronica D’Agostino) is leading a privileged life when her father and brother are slain by rival Mafiosi. Bent on revenge, she turns to a sympathetic magistrate (Gérard Jugnot) and breaks the code of silence. In her journey from self-centered teenager to fearless advocate for justice, Rita enrages Sicily’s most powerful men, putting her life in jeopardy.” Very good reviews.

2/11- More of a drama than a documentary this film, based on a true story, was beautifully acted and very realistic. Highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix Streaming. Also available on DVD.

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RELEASED BY NETFLIX ON 2/1 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Recently released from jail, convict Brett Hanson (William Hurt) grows close to a young couple, Martine (Kristen Stewart) and Gordy (Eddie Redmayne), while journeying back home to his wife, May (Maria Bello). Set in Louisiana, this romantic road trip drama explores the loneliness everyone carries. Director Udayan Prasad remakes Yôji Yamada’s acclaimed 1977 Japanese film, which was adapted from a column by American novelist Pete Hamill.”3/10- Very good Hurt as usual and I liked the film. TRDB.

2) TOUCHING HOME- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the lives of Miller twins Logan and Noah, this indie drama weaves knotty family relationships and crushed dreams into a tapestry of human emotion. After the Colorado Rockies cut Lane Winston (Logan Miller) and poor grades force his brother (Noah Miller) to chuck his college baseball career, the siblings return home to work in a quarry with their father, Charlie (Ed Harris). Will his alcoholism drive a wedge between Charlie and his sons?” Poor professional reviews but very good audience ones.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 8-

 

1) STILL WALKING- About a Japanese family who gets together to remember a lost sibling. Very good reviews.12/25/09- About an extended Japanese family having lost an adult child 12 yrs. earlier. They get together once a year in memory of the deceased. The family dynamics play out and the pain is revealed. I liked the movie very much and HIGHLY recommend it. Netflix Streaming. TRDB.

2) UNMADE BEDS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “The lives of Axl (Fernando Tielve), who’s searching for his long-lost father, and Vera (Déborah François), who’s recovering from a recent breakup, crisscross — and eventually collide — after they both take up residence in a London flat populated with artsy, free-spirited squatters. Director Alexis Dos Santos’s intimate and imaginative film about youthful awakenings also stars Michiel Huisman, Katia Winter and Richard Lintern.” Good reviews.

 

3)  A FRENCH GIGOLO- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Josiane Balasko‘s part farce, part drama centers on Judith (Nathalie Baye), an entrepreneur in her 50s who gets caught in a tangle of emotions with sensitive, money-strapped prostitute Patrick (Eric Caravaca) and his cute wife, Fanny (Isabelle Carré). While financially supporting relatives in the Paris projects, Patrick begins to despair until Fanny, who has learned of her husband’s secret profession, drives him back to Judith’s arms and money.”1/10- A cute farce with some poignant moments also. Recommended for light fare. TRDB.

4) HIDEAWAY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When Louis (Melvil Poupaud) dies of a drug overdose in Paris, his wealthy mother instructs his strung-out but pregnant girlfriend, Mousse (Isabelle Carré), to get an abortion. Determined to keep her child, Mousse flees Paris for a country home. Louis’s brother (Louis-Ronan Choisy) visits, and she develops a fascination with him that is both erotic and angry. François Ozon crafts an intimate portrait of an enigmatic woman seeking a purpose.” Good reviews.

5) MIDDLE MEN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After spotting a big financial opportunity in the future of Internet pornography, straightlaced entrepreneur Jack Harris (Luke Wilson) enlists his pals Buck (Gabriel Macht) and Wayne (Giovanni Ribisi) to help him develop an online billing company specializing in adult entertainment. But as the firm takes off, Jack finds some unexpected kinks in the business of kink — including mobsters, the FBI, con men and terrorists.” Mixed reviews, more negative than positive.

6) THE ROMANTICS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mischief and sexual escapades ensue when a group of college friends reunite for the wedding of group members Lila (Anna Paquin) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) — and an old rivalry resurges between Lila and her maid of honor, Laura (Katie Holmes), who still holds a torch for the groom. Malin Akerman, Elijah Wood, Adam Brody and Jeremy Strong also star in this indie romantic comedy based on writer-director Galt Niederhoffer‘s novel.” Good early reviews but poor review in NY Times 9/10/10.

7) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “David Fincher‘s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and founding president Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay based on Ben Mezrich’s best-seller The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook.” Good reviews.

10/10- I liked this movie a lot even though there was probably a good deal of artistic license given to the story. Well acted (Eisenberg was great) and truly a success story. TRDB.

8)TAMARA DREWE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After undergoing plastic surgery and a complete fashion makeover, suddenly sexy journalist Tamara (Gemma Arterton) triumphantly returns to her tiny hometown, where she exploits her irresistible appeal by recklessly toying with others’ emotions and breaking hearts. Adapted from a comic strip by Posy Simmonds, this Stephen Frears-directed comedy explores themes such as unrequited loved, envy and lust.” Mostly good professional reviews. Just OK from audiences.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, LOCALLY OR NATIONALLY-

 

1) INTO ETERNITY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Madsen directs this documentary that chronicles the construction of Finland’s underground Onkalo nuclear waste repository, the world’s first permanent disposal zone for radioactive waste generated by nuclear power plants. As it examines the technology designed to keep the waste safely sequestered for 100,000 years, this film also explores strategies for convincing future generations to leave the lethal material undisturbed.” Good review in NY Times on 2/2/11.

 

2) AROUND JUNE- 2008. Premise by RottenTomatoes. “A love story set in the shadow of the shipyards of San Francisco. A young woman (JUNE) living with her much adored (UNCLE HENRY) and domineering, abusive father (MURRY), meets a penniless illegal immigrant (JUAN DIEGO), whose love gives her the insight and courage to finally break free and live her own life.” No reviews.

 

3) WAITING FOR FOREVER- 2010. Premise 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.” No professional reviews as yet.

  

4) THESE AMAZING SHADOWS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Fueled by exclusive interviews and dazzling archival footage, filmmakers Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton shine a light on the work of the National Film Registry and the art of preserving aesthetically, culturally and historically significant cinema. Highlights in this Sundance selection include input from the likes of Christopher Nolan, John Waters, Rob Reiner, Debbie Reynolds, Tim Roth and George Takei.” At Sundance 2011. Also on Comcast On-Demand. Only one review noted and it’s great.

 

 

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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

 

1) BHUTTO- 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 reviews.

 

2) PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE- 2010. “Fiercely devoted to championing peace and social justice, folk singer Phil Ochs rose to fame at the height of the 1960s protest movements, yet his incisive lyrics and resonant melodies remain relevant for audiences today. This film tells his story. Through performance footage and interviews with Ochs’s contemporaries and admirers — including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and Sean Penn — the documentary paints a portrait of a uniquely American artist.” Great reviews.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

FROM SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2011

 

1) THESE AMAZING SHADOWS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Fueled by exclusive interviews and dazzling archival footage, filmmakers Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton shine a light on the work of the National Film Registry and the art of preserving aesthetically, culturally and historically significant cinema. Highlights in this Sundance selection include input from the likes of Christopher Nolan, John Waters, Rob Reiner, Debbie Reynolds, Tim Roth and George Takei.” Only one review noted and it’s great. From Sundance.

 

2) KABOOM- 2010. Premise 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. From Sundance.

 

3) SEPTIEN- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Writer-director Michael Tully also stars in this quirky tale of broken ties as Cornelius Rawlings, a long-absent son who returns to his dead parents’ farm to reunite with his surviving siblings. His brother Ezra (Robert Longstreet) is a Jesus freak, while his brother Amos (Onur Tukel) embraces Satan and sports. Meanwhile, Cornelius is content to call getting alternately drunk and high a form of living.” From Sundance.

 

4) THE TIME THAT REMAINS- Premise by Netflix. “From the creation of Israel in 1948 all the way through the early 21st century, a single Palestinian family endures many triumphs and tragedies over the course of several generations in this sweeping drama. Writer-director Elia Suleiman also stars in this semiautobiographical film, the third installment in a trilogy that also includes the critically acclaimed Chronicle of a Disappearance and Divine Intervention.” Good review in NY Times on 1/8/11.

 

1/11- I don’t know what the critics were thinking. I found this movie of NO value and fairly stupid at that. From the Sundance 2011. TRDB.

 

5) UNCLE KENT- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Kent (Kent Osborne), a pothead cartoonist working from his Los Angeles home, invites Kate (Jennifer Prediger), a New York journalist he met on a chat site, for a weekend visit. He’s sure that they’ll end up sleeping together, but Kate seems to have other things on her mind. Sexual escapades — even a threesome — abound, but the matchup of Kent‘s dreams is always just out of reach. Writer-director Joe Swanberg co-stars.” At Sundance 2011.

 

6) MAD BASTARDS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Tough men try to do right by their families in this Australian production featuring an Aboriginal cast of non-professional actors. TJ (Dean Daley-Jones) travels across northwestern Australia to the Kimberley region to track down his son Bullet (Ngaire Pigram), who’s fast on his way to repeating his father’s mistakes. Meanwhile TJ’s police officer father seeks to undo the damage to his community and right some wrongs of his own.”

 

 

1) DOGTOOTH- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In this Greek drama, siblings who grow up cut off from the world — homeschooled and dependent on one another for entertainment — develop their own blissful alternative universe. That universe is shattered when their father lets in an outsider. Sex enters the picture when dad begins bringing home a female security officer to satisfy his son’s sexual needs. Suddenly, nothing is quite the same within this highly idiosyncratic family unit.”1/11- Clearly one of the strangest movies I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen a lot of strange movies. Also, very well done and it held my interest. Not for most people. The movie won Best Picture at Cannes 2009. TRDB.

 

2) 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. On Concast On-Demand straight from Sundance 2011.

 

3) JACK GOES BOATING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and stars in this romantic comedy about Jack, a marijuana-smoking Manhattan limo driver who begins an unlikely regimen of self-improvement to win the heart of a fellow misfit named Connie (Amy Ryan). But as Jack learns to cook and swim for the benefit of his girl, he also witnesses the breakup of his best friends’ marriage. John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega co-star in this adaptation of Bob Glaudini’s play.” Only a few reviews available and they are mixed.1/11- I found the movie interesting in it’s simplicity and as usual Hoffman gives a great performance. TRDB.

 

4) NOWHERE BOY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Raised by his aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) since he was a young boy, charismatic 15-year-old John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) is suddenly reunited with his mother, Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), which ignites a bitter battle between the two sisters for John’s affections. Along the way, John inherits his mother’s love of music and befriends fellow Liverpool lad Paul McCartney (Thomas Sangster) in this biopic of the music icon’s formative years.” Very good early reviews. Fair review in NY Times 10/8/10.1/11- I felt that the movie was just OK but I did learn more about what made Lennon Lennon. TRDB.

 

5) 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.

  

6) OWL AND THE SPARROW- MOSCOW, BELGIUM- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “When harried mother of three Matty (Barbara Sarafian) causes a fender bender with twentysomething Johnny (Jurgen Delnaet), their flirting blossoms into an unlikely affair. But when Matty’s estranged husband, Werner (Johan Heldenbergh), declares that he wants back in her life, she must choose between old, familiar love and the uncertainty of starting life afresh. Christophe Van Rompaey directs this comedy.”2/2/10- Great acting and a very good script make this somewhat formulaic story totally believable and fun to watch. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

 

7) MIDDLE MEN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After spotting a big financial opportunity in the future of Internet pornography, straightlaced entrepreneur Jack Harris (Luke Wilson) enlists his pals Buck (Gabriel Macht) and Wayne (Giovanni Ribisi) to help him develop an online billing company specializing in adult entertainment. But as the firm takes off, Jack finds some unexpected kinks in the business of kink — including mobsters, the FBI, con men and terrorists.” Mixed reviews, more negative than positive.

 

8)THE TILLMAN STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When Pat Tillman, a former pro football player and decorated U.S. soldier, was killed in Afghanistan, the military reported that he’d died battling the Taliban. But later, a much different story emerged: Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Since that day, Tillman’s family has waged their own war, fighting tirelessly with the government in order to unravel the truth behind the cover-up. Filmmaker Amir Bar-Lev documents their struggle.” Very good reviews.9/10- Very well done and a scathing indictment of the government’s actions in this case. TRDB.

 

9) MOSCOW, BELGIUM- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “When harried mother of three Matty (Barbara Sarafian) causes a fender bender with twentysomething Johnny (Jurgen Delnaet), their flirting blossoms into an unlikely affair. But when Matty’s estranged husband, Werner (Johan Heldenbergh), declares that he wants back in her life, she must choose between old, familiar love and the uncertainty of starting life afresh. Christophe Van Rompaey directs this comedy.”2/2/10- Great acting and a very good script make this somewhat formulaic story totally believable and fun to watch. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

 

10) CONVICTION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Convinced that her brother, Kenneth (Sam Rockwell), has been unjustly convicted of murder and incompetently defended by court-ordered attorneys, high school dropout Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) puts herself through law school in order to represent him in his appeal. Inspired by a true story, director Tony Goldwyn’s stirring drama also stars Melissa Leo, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher and Clea DuVall.” Good reviews.

 

 

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-

 

 

1) BIUTIFUL- Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise 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.

 

 

1) TRUE GRIT- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.”

 

2) THE KING’S SPEECH- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise 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. Very good reviews.12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.

 

3) BLACK SWAN- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. ” In this supernatural thriller from director Darren Aronofsky, ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) lands a key role in “Swan Lake,” but soon finds her dreams of stardom threatened by rival ballerina Lilly (Mila Kunis). As the contentious rivalry between the dancers intensifies, Nina’s obsession descends into paranoia, delusion and more. Winona Ryder, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel co-star.” Very good reviews.12/10-A very suspenseful and disturbing movie with enough to keep Freud busy for years. I liked it. TRDB. 

 

4) ANOTHER YEAR- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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).”  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.

5) THE FIGHTER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter’s rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. After a string of defeats, Mickey rediscovers his fighting will with support from Dicky, himself a once talented fighter now battling drug addiction. Together, they aim to clinch boxing glory.” Very good reviews in general. Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10.

12/10- Very realistic portrayal of the family relationships and the conflicts involved. I liked it. TRDB.

6) BLUE VALENTINE- Clearview 100. 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.

7) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “David Fincher‘s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and founding president Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay based on Ben Mezrich’s best-seller The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook.” Good reviews.

10/10- I liked this movie a lot even though there was probably a good deal of artistic license given to the story. Well acted (Eisenberg was great) and truly a success story. TRDB.

8)127 HOURS- Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good reviews.

  

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com