The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #332

2) SWEDISH AUTO- 2006. Premise by Netflix.  “Lukas Haas stars as Carter, a shy mechanic in a Virginia garage, in this delicately wrought indie drama from first-time director Derek Sieg about loneliness, love and escape. Away from work, Carter spends most of his time trailing a beautiful violinist (Brianne Davis) who’s oblivious to him. Soon, however, Carter discovers he has a stalker of his own — the waitress from the local diner (January Jones) — and his attention begins to shift.”

7/10- Suspend reality a few times, especially the ending and the movie was OK. TRDB. Netflix.

3) QUIET CHAOS- Premise by Netflix. “After helping his brother (Alessandro Gassman) save two women from drowning, film exec Pietro (Nanni Moretti) returns home only to find that his wife has suddenly died, plunging him into a quiet chaos of grief as he assumes sole parenting duties of his 10-year-old daughter, Claudia (Blu Yoshimi). Valeria Golino co-stars as Pietro’s beautiful sister-in-law, Marta, in this tender and thoughtfully understated portrait of mourning and survival.”

7/10- A very good story with good acting and I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.

4) THE VICIOUS KIND- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “When angry Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott) reluctantly agrees to drive his younger brother, Peter, and Peter’s girlfriend, Emma Gainsborough (Brittany Snow), home for Thanksgiving, he finds himself attracted to his brother’s pretty companion. Before long, his desire morphs into an obsession that could either completely unhinge the family — or be the catalyst he needs to confront feelings he has long repressed. J.K. Simmons and Alex Frost co-star.”

7/10- Very difficult to watch at times but I stuck it out and did find some merit. TRDB. Netflix.

5) AMERICANO- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Joshua Jackson moves on from the teenage angst of “Dawson’s Creek” in this coming-of-age drama from first-time director Kevin Noland. Before beginning a conservative career as a buttoned-up businessman, a recent college graduate (Jackson) decides to participate in the world-famous running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, where he meets a beautiful local (Leonor Varela) and an expatriate barkeep (Dennis Hopper) who change his life forever.”

7/10- A travelogue of Pamplona and very little else. TRDB. Netflix.

6) OUT IN THE SILENCE- Premise by Netflix. “When filmmaker Joe Wilson runs an announcement of his wedding to another man in the newspaper of the conservative Pennsylvania town where he grew up, the resulting controversy enables him to examine the depth and fragility of his social bonds. By stepping outside of the traditional documentary frame, Wilson illuminates the challenges facing those who grow up “different” in rural America, and the courage that simple tolerance can sometimes require.” Very few reviews but they are all good. TRDB.

7/10- Very good documentary about the issues and the people involved. TRDB. Netflix.

7) ACTS OF WORSHIP- 2001. Premise by Netflix. “Alix (Ana Reeder) is a druggie living on the streets of Manhattan. Digna (Michael Hyatt) is an acclaimed photographer in the same city. Their worlds intersect when Digna finds Alix passed out in a stairwell and decides to take her in and help her get back on her feet. At first, it seems the two women couldn’t be more different, but as they get to know each other, they realize they’re both driven by the same fear and soon form a strong bond.”

7/10- The first 10 minutes showed what it’s like to live as a junkie on the streets of NY and after that I Truly disliked this boring movie and turned it off after a half hour. TRDB. Netflix.

8)VIVERE- 2007. Germany. Premise by Netflix. “After her impulsive little sister Antonietta (Kim Schnitzer) runs off to Rotterdam with her musician boyfriend, dutiful daughter Francesca (Esther Zimmering) is dispatched to find her. But the journey becomes one of unexpected self-discovery when Francesca picks up depressed Gerlinde (Hannelore Elsner). Soon, the three women’s fates become intertwined in surprising ways in this lyrical drama from Germany. Angelina Maccarone directs.”

7/10-  The story is told through the story of each of the three women and that is what makes this movie mildly interesting. TRDB. Netflix.

9) HERE AND THERE- Premise by Netflix. “The lives of two men intersect in this comedy-drama from writer-director Darko Lungulov. Serbian immigrant Branko (Branislav Trifunovic) wants his girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), to come live in America, while struggling New York musician Robert (David Thornton) desperately needs money. Robert agrees to travel to Belgrade to marry Ivana, but during the course of his chaotic trip, he encounters plenty of surprises. Pop icon Cyndi Lauper co-stars.”

7/10- A very good drama and excellent performance by David Thornton. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix and Comcast On-Demand.

   ________________________________________________________________________________________

2) HERE AND THERE- Premise by Netflix. “The lives of two men intersect in this comedy-drama from writer-director Darko Lungulov. Serbian immigrant Branko (Branislav Trifunovic) wants his girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), to come live in America, while struggling New York musician Robert (David Thornton) desperately needs money. Robert agrees to travel to Belgrade to marry Ivana, but during the course of his chaotic trip, he encounters plenty of surprises. Pop icon Cyndi Lauper co-stars.”

7/10- A very good drama and excellent performance by David Thornton. I liked it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

Add comment July 14th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #331

  JULY 8, 2010,

DEAR FRIENDS:  

THERE ARE LOTS OF GOOD MOVIES PLAYING IN THE SUBURBS THIS WEEK INCLUDING 2 NEW ONES-

I PLAN TO SEE “RESTREPO” SOON- IT HAS RECEIVED GREAT REVIEWS AND I’LL TRY TO SEE “THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE” AS WELL.  

SEE “BOB’S PICKS” AND ENJOY!!!  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FROM LAST WEEK-  

1) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY

2) EVERLASTING MOMENTS   _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- Premise by Netflix. “Seven years after she was inspired by the bold debut of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” famed fashion designer Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) — reeling from the death of her beau, Boy Capel (Anatole Taubmann) — meets and falls for the Russian composer (Mads Mikkelsen) in 1920s Paris. A forbidden romance ensues in Jan Kounen‘s sumptuous period drama, the closing film of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.”

7/10- Very well done, well photographed and really an epic about the romance between two people trying to revolutionize their respective fields. Great history lesson also. I liked it. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) ANTARCTICA- Premise by Netflix. “Facing down his quickly approaching 30th birthday, gay librarian Omer (Tomer Ilan) hasn’t found his place in life or his ideal man, until fetching journalist Ronen (Guy Zoaretz) enters the scene. Meanwhile, Omer’s sister Shirley (Lucy Dubinchik) struggles to decide between settling down with the woman of her dreams and indulging her long-held fantasy of traveling to Antarctica. Yair Hochner directs this comedy that also stars Rivka Neuman.”

7/10- Lots of bed hopping in this Israeli drama about gay life. Just OK. TRDB. Netflix.

2) EVERLASTING MOMENTS- Premise by Netflix. “After marrying charming but coarse Sigfrid (Mikael Persbrandt), Maria (Maria Heiskanen) finds that her life isn’t the fairy tale she expected, as her husband gradually becomes more brutal. But when she becomes involved in photography, Maria gains a new lease on life. Filmmaker Jan Troell based this Golden Globe-nominated drama on a manuscript written by his wife, Agneta Ulfsäter-Troell, chronicling the events of her ancestors in the early 20th century.” I saw this for the second time a few days ago in preparation for a talk I will be giving at Heritage Hills on Thursday July 22 and again liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.

3) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his highly religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly). Interesting topic with poor reviews.

7/10- Generally poor reviews and a bit like made-for-TV but I still liked it as I gained insight into the mind of this  famous scientific pioneer. TRDB. Netflix.

4) A CALL GIRL- Premise by Netflix. “This insightful, allegorical drama follows Aleksandra (Nina Ivanisin), a student, as she travels from a small town to the big city. A cynical and callous young woman, Aleksandra uses the move to transform herself into a well-paid call girl. Her self-imposed isolation and guilt-free life end, however, when a politician client dies. As the police pursue her, Aleksandra must figure out how to finish growing up without losing her soul.”

7/10- This movie, about an isolated woman, was only mildly interesting to me. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

5) ACCORDING TO GRETA- Premise by Netflix. “Dumped on her grandparents (Ellen Burstyn and Michael Murphy) for the summer by her indifferent mother (Melissa Leo), acerbic and self-destructive teenager Greta (Hilary Duff) disrupts the elderly couple’s staid life on the Jersey Shore in this coming-of-age melodrama. But eventually, a romance with a charming short-order cook (Evan Ross) and the unconditional love of her grandparents help Zoe face down her demons.”

7/10- Cute story and decent script made this movie enjoyable and made up for a weak ending. Grandparents were fun too. TRDB. Netflix.

6) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Generally good reviews.

7/10- Well done and interesting documentary leaving many questions as to the daughter’s motivation for doing this film. TRDB. Netflix.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 13-  

1) VIVERE- Premise by Netflix. “After her impulsive little sister Antonietta (Kim Schnitzer) runs off to Rotterdam with her musician boyfriend, dutiful daughter Francesca (Esther Zimmering) is dispatched to find her. But the journey becomes one of unexpected self-discovery when Francesca picks up depressed Gerlinde (Hannelore Elsner). Soon, the three women’s fates become intertwined in surprising ways in this lyrical drama from Germany. Angelina Maccarone directs.” Mixed reviews, more negative than positive.  

2) SAVING MARRIAGE- Premise by Netflix. “In the recent intense debate over same-sex marriage, Massachusetts emerged as a key battleground state. Mike Roth and John Henning’s documentary follows progressive politicians, lobbyists and civil rights activists who brought attention to the issue. Along the way, the filmmakers meet ordinary people whose passion for this controversial topic helped them make state history and expand national awareness.” A documentary with very good reviews.   

3) THE GREATEST- Premise by Netflix. “Allen (Pierce Brosnan) and Grace (Susan Sarandon) Brewer are still mourning the accidental death of their teenage son, Bennett (Aaron Johnson), when the boy’s troubled girlfriend reveals that she is carrying his baby. Now Bennett’s family must release their anger to make room for the new life. Shana Feste writes and directs this moving drama; Carey Mulligan, Michael Shannon, Johnny Simmons and Zoë Kravitz co-star.” More negative than positive reviews, this film may be saved by the cast.  

4) HERE AND THERE- Premise by Netflix. “The lives of two men intersect in this comedy-drama from writer-director Darko Lungulov. Serbian immigrant Branko (Branislav Trifunovic) wants his girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), to come live in America, while struggling New York musician Robert (David Thornton) desperately needs money. Robert agrees to travel to Belgrade to marry Ivana, but during the course of his chaotic trip, he encounters plenty of surprises. Pop icon Cyndi Lauper co-stars.” Mixed reviews, slightly more positive.  

5) CHLOE- Premise by Netflix. “Suspecting her husband, David (Liam Neeson), of infidelity, doctor Catherine (Julianne Moore) hires sexy escort Chloe (Amanda Seyfried) to seduce him and test his faithfulness. But as Catherine checks in on Chloe’s encounters with David, Chloe’s reports become increasingly lurid. Soon, the relationships between all three intensify in unexpected ways. Renowned filmmaker Atom Egoyan directs this psychological drama.” Mixed reviews but sounds interesting.  

6) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker and ex-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member Reed Cowan examines that church’s nationwide efforts to prevent the legalization of gay marriage — including California’s Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in 2008. Confidential church documents, statements by high-ranking church officials and other sources detail 30 years of efforts to turn back gay rights, particularly by the Mormon-sponsored National Organization for Marriage.” Fairly good early reviews.  

7) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBERGER- Premise by Netflix. “A total outcast at her private school, Esther (Danielle Catanzariti) suffocates under her mother’s (Essie Davis) constant pressure at home. But after forming an unlikely friendship with well-liked Sunni (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Esther starts taking daring risks and suddenly becomes popular. A smart, good-natured comedy about learning to be yourself, this Australian coming-of-age story also features Toni Collette.”

5/10- Esther is a 13yr. old Jewish girl in Australia who just does not fit in. Interesting story with good acting and it held my interest. TRDB.

8)TERRIBLY HAPPY- Premise by Netflix. “When Copenhagen cop Robert (Jakob Cedergren) winds up in the isolated town of Skarrild, he plans to bide his time recovering from his disreputable past so he can return to the city. But life in Skarrild is anything but peaceful in this tense thriller set in Denmark. As Robert becomes drawn into the odd local happenings, he also finds himself protecting mysterious beauty Ingerlise (Lene Maria Christensen) from her abusive husband.” Very good reviews.

9) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Generally good reviews. This movie came last week without prior notice and I did see it this week. See “above.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-  

1) AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- Premise by Zap2it. “A wanderer joins a woman’s small traveling circus and helps her overcome her tortured past.” One very good review is all I found.  

2) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- Premise by Netflix. “Disaster hits Millennium magazine when publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) launches an exposé of the Swedish sex trade, leading to the deaths of two staffers and then to the police pursuit of a third — tech expert Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) — as the prime suspect. In Part 2 of the trilogy, based on the action novels of Stieg Larsson, the vampiric Salander vanishes as Blomkvist digs deep into a possible conspiracy.” Mostly good reviews.  

3) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- 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.   ________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-  

1) LA MISSION- Premise by Netflix. “Ultra-macho ex-con Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) learns the true meaning of being a father when he discovers his son (Jeremy Ray Valdez) is gay. Rivera turns violent at first, but when a beautiful neighbor (Erika Alexander) helps him see through his anger, he begins to reconcile his long-held beliefs. Peter Bratt (Benjamin’s brother) writes and directs this compelling drama, while Max Rosenak and Talisa Soto co-star.” Weak early reviews.  

2) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Premise by Netflix. “Documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg provide an uncompromising glimpse into the personal and professional life of comedian and red-carpet mainstay Joan Rivers, a woman clinging stubbornly and steadfastly to the pop-culture bandwagon. Stern and Sundberg — whose previous film, The Devil Came on Horseback, covered the Darfur genocide — take a no-less-intensive approach to their subject here, taking a hard look at fame’s bitter toll.” Fairly good reviews.   _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-  

NEW-  

1) GREENBERG- Premise by Netflix. “At a crossroads in his life in New York, Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) takes some time to figure things out and travels to Los Angeles, where he house-sits for his brother and forges an unlikely bond with his brother’s assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig). Acclaimed director Noah Baumbach‘s (The Squid and the Whale, Margot at the Wedding) finely observed relationship comedy also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rhys Ifans.” Fairly good reviews and this film stayed in theaters for a while with good attendance. TRDB.   

2) A SINGLE MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, this touching 1960s-era drama centers on a day in the life of George (Colin Firth), an English-born, Los Angeles college professor reeling from the recent death of his lover of 16 years. Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin and Nicholas Hoult also star in this directorial debut from former Gucci fashion designer Tom Ford.”   12/26/09- I liked this movie very much. Be ready to enjoy a very sad movie. TRDB.  

REPEATS-  

1) A CALL GIRL- Slovenia. Premise by Netflix. “This insightful, allegorical drama follows Aleksandra (Nina Ivanisin), a student, as she travels from a small town to the big city. A cynical and callous young woman, Aleksandra uses the move to transform herself into a well-paid call girl. Her self-imposed isolation and guilt-free life end, however, when a politician client dies. As the police pursue her, Aleksandra must figure out how to finish growing up without losing her soul.”

7/10- This movie, about an isolated woman, was only mildly interesting to me. TRDB.

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie. Also on Netflix.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) A YEAR AGO IN WINTER- Premise by Netflix. “After her beloved 19-year-old son, Alexander, dies suddenly, Eliane (Corinna Harfouch) commissions a local artist named Max (Josef Bierbichler) to paint a portrait that includes both Alexander and his sister, Lilli (Karoline Herfurth). But Max must understand the siblings in order to paint them. Although Lilli resents Max’s probing questions, they soon forge a bond as the artist helps his subject work through her pain. Only a few reviews and they are mixed. I plan on seeing it. TRDB.  

 5) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

6) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- A bit slow, nothing in particular happens but a slice of life and very real. I liked it. TRDB.

7) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

8)BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

9) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

10) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

11) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his highly religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly). Interesting topic with poor reviews. TRDB.

7/10- Generally poor reviews and a bit like made-for-TV but I still liked it as I gained insight into the mind of this  famous scientific pioneer. TRDB.

  12) DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

13) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

14) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

15) EXTRA MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Forced to quit his prep school job after a humiliating incident, would-be dramatist Louis Ives (Paul Dano) heads to New York City, where he rents a room from has-been playwright Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline) — who earns a living escorting rich dowagers about town. Despite their huge age difference, the two develop a bond as Henry takes Louis under his wing and leads him on a series of wild adventures. Katie Holmes and John C. Reilly also star.” Mixed reviews, more plus than minus. TRDB.  

16) FOR MY FATHER- Premise by Netflix.  “Strapped into a vest of explosives, young Palestinian Terek (Shredi Jabarin) enters Tel Aviv on a suicide mission to restore his father’s honor. But a faulty fuse leaves him stranded among Israelis, and he begins to question his ingrained beliefs about his enemy. While he waits the weekend for a repair, he meets beautiful Keren (Hili Yalon). Still wearing his remote-controlled bomb, Terek must decide his fate before a decision is made for him.”

5/10- The movie is a slice of life and is OK only if you can suspend reality for a while. TRDB.

17) GREEN ZONE- Premise by Netflix. “U.S. Defense Intelligence Agent Clark Poundstone (Greg Kinnear) doesn’t want to hear what Army Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon) has to say about not finding the weapons of mass destruction — evidence that could launch a war — he’s been sent to Iraq to unearth. Why the cover-up? Rajiv Chandrasekaran’s exposé Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone inspired this frenetic wartime drama. Paul Greengrass directs.GREEN ZONE”

3/10- I usually do not go for this type of rockem-sockem type war movie but this one packed the important message noted above. Very realistic if a little too drawn out at times. TRDB.

  18) INVICTUS- Premise by Netflix. “In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin’s book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.   I was disappointed in this movie as I felt it trivialized the accomplishments of Nelson Mandela. I also felt that Matt Damon was just a shouting actor and a famous name. TRDB.    

19) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. TRDB.  5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB.On Netflix.  

20) LET IT RAIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Returning to her provincial home in the south of France, feminist politician Agathe Villanova (Agnès Jaoui) struggles to reconcile herself with the old-fashioned family she left behind, as well as the undignified demands of her profession. After an interview for a political documentary falls flat, Agathe faces further challenges in dealing with her sister, Florence (Pascale Arbillot), and her lover, Antoine (Frédéric Pierrot).”

6/10- I found the movie a little cute, a little slow and a little funny. Just OK. TRDB.

  21) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews but I felt that it was trivial. TRDB.  

22) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

23) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB.

24) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs — a crew that includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost) — have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs.” Very popular movie but I thought it was just so-so. TRDB.

25)  PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. TRDB.

26) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

27) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player.

2/10- Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

28) THE EXPLODING GIRL- Premise by Netflix. “Zoe Kazan carries this indie romance from writer-director Bradley Rust Gray with her finely nuanced performance as Ivy, a college student who uses her Brooklyn spring break sojourn to reevaluate her life and loves. With her current relationship fizzling out via cell phone, Ivy finds herself rethinking her longtime platonic friendship with best pal Al (Mark Rendall). Franklin Pipp and Maryann Urbano co-star.” Fairly good reviews.

29) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 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 reviews.

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

30) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.”

2/10- I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

31) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

32)  THE YOUNG VICTORIA- Premise by Netflix. “Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.”

5/10- I liked this movie a lot. TRDB.

33) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.

34) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

35) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews. Netflix also.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

36) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

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)  

1) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Seven years after she was inspired by the bold debut of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” famed fashion designer Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) — reeling from the death of her beau, Boy Capel (Anatole Taubmann) — meets and falls for the Russian composer (Mads Mikkelsen) in 1920s Paris. A forbidden romance ensues in Jan Kounen‘s sumptuous period drama, the closing film of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.”  

2) I AM LOVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.”

6/10- Beautifully photographed, very good story with good acting. I enjoyed this one very much. Highly recommended!! TRDB.

3) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- NEW!! Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Disaster hits Millennium magazine when publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) launches an exposé of the Swedish sex trade, leading to the deaths of two staffers and then to the police pursuit of a third — tech expert Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) — as the prime suspect. In Part 2 of the trilogy, based on the action novels of Stieg Larsson, the vampiric Salander vanishes as Blomkvist digs deep into a possible conspiracy.” Mostly good reviews.

4) CYRUS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Indie favorites Jay and Mark Duplass co-direct this wry look at modern love and family dysfunction. John C. Reilly plays a recently divorced man who thinks he’s found just the right woman (Marisa Tomei) to help him recover and move on. Unfortunately, the woman’s son, played by Jonah Hill, has no interest in allowing another man into their lives — a stance he proceeds to demonstrate in a variety of obnoxious ways.” Very good early reviews.

5) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Jacob Burns, Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg provide an uncompromising glimpse into the personal and professional life of comedian and red-carpet mainstay Joan Rivers, a woman clinging stubbornly and steadfastly to the pop-culture bandwagon. Stern and Sundberg — whose previous film, The Devil Came on Horseback, covered the Darfur genocide — take a no-less-intensive approach to their subject here, taking a hard look at fame’s bitter toll.” Fairly good reviews.

6) SOLITARY MAN- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good review in NY Times.

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.

7) WINTER’S BONE- Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” Great reviews.

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

8)RESTREPO- NEW!! Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Sebasatian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm, teamed with photographer Tim Hetherington to spend a year embedded with the Second Platoon in Afghanistan, documenting the hard work, fear and brotherhood that come with repelling a deadly enemy. Hunkered down with the soldiers in one of the region’s most strategic valleys, the filmmakers uncover the dark humor, sleepless surreality and constant anxiety of war in this Best Documentary winner at Sundance.” Very good early reviews.

9) CITY ISLAND- 2009. Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Netflix. “When he recognizes his son Tony (Steven Strait), whom he hasn’t seen in over 20 years, among a crop of new inmates in the jail he works at, Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) decides to bring the troubled young man home with him, much to the surprise of his wife and kids. Helmed by writer-director Raymond De Felitta, this offbeat comedy also stars Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Dominik Garcia-Lorido and Oscar winner Alan Arkin.” Generally good reviews.

4/10- It’s about people in families and the secrets they keep from each other. Know that this is a comedy despite some serious issues. I liked it. TRDB.

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

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB 

Add comment July 8th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #330

  JULY 1, 2010,

DEAR FRIENDS:  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITE VIEWS OF THE WEEK- See “below.”  

1) COLLAPSE- Netflix

2) I AM LOVE- Theater   ________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

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

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

2) I AM LOVE- Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.”

6/10- Beautifully photographed, very good story with good acting. I enjoyed this one very much. Highly recommended. TRDB.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) THE TRIAL BEGINS- Premise by Netflix. “An overly ambitious investigator in the Italian tax police, Filippo (Michele Lastella) ignores his conscience in order to pad his bank account and further his burgeoning career, but eventually his under-the-table dealings and lack of morals begin to catch up with him. Directed by Vincenzo Marra, this compelling drama about tax evasion also features Fanny Ardant, Giulia Bevilacqua and Augusto Zucchi.”

6/10- Just OK. TRDB. Netflix.

2) COLLAPSE- Premise by Netflix. “In an avant-garde soliloquy, investigative journalist Michael Ruppert details his unnerving theories about the inexorable link between energy depletion and the collapse of the economic system that supports the entire industrial world. Helmed by filmmaker Chris Smith (American Movie), Ruppert’s monologue explains how the lies and political propaganda fed to Americans by big business will eventually lead to human extinction.” Very good reviews.

6/10- A very interesting and unusual documentary that I would definitely recommend. TRDB. Netflix.

3) LET IT RAIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Returning to her provincial home in the south of France, feminist politician Agathe Villanova (Agnès Jaoui) struggles to reconcile herself with the old-fashioned family she left behind, as well as the undignified demands of her profession. After an interview for a political documentary falls flat, Agathe faces further challenges in dealing with her sister, Florence (Pascale Arbillot), and her lover, Antoine (Frédéric Pierrot).”

6/10- I found the movie a little cute, a little slow and a little funny. Just OK. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

4) THE GOOD GUY- Premise by Netflix. “Well aware of his own blessings, up-and-coming Wall Street star Tommy Fielding (Scott Porter) decides to mentor one of his co-workers, Daniel (Bryan Greenberg). But his new protégé may prove too apt a pupil in this romantic comedy penned and helmed by Julio DePietro. All is going according to plan until Daniel befriends Tommy’s new girlfriend, Beth (Alexis Bledel) — at which point things go rapidly south for Tommy.” Mostly poor reviews but a few good ones.

6/10- The worst and I turned it off. Hard to believe that some reviewers actually liked this trash. TRDB. Netflix.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 6-  

1) A SINGLE MAN- Premise by Netflix. “This stream-of-consciousness, 1960s-era drama centers on a day in the life of George Falconer (Colin Firth, in an Oscar-nominated role), an English-born, Los Angeles college professor reeling from the recent death of his lover of 16 years. Fashion designer Tom Ford makes his directoral debut with this luminous film, which is based on Christopher Isherwood’s novel. Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lee Pace and Nicholas Hoult co-star.”

12/26/09- I liked this movie very much. Be ready to enjoy a very sad movie. TRDB.

2) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Premise by Netflix. “Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and rebellious computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) team up to investigate the unsolved disappearance of wealthy Henrik Vanger’s (Sven-Bertil Taube) teen niece (Ewa Fröling), only to uncover dark secrets about Vanger’s powerful family. Niels Arden Oplev directs this Swedish thriller based on the first novel from Stieg Larsson’s best-selling trilogy.”

3/10- I found it a bit difficult to understand at times but enjoyed it a lot. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-  

1) LOVE RANCH- Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by the story of the couple who introduced legalized prostitution to Nevada with the opening of their Mustang Ranch brothel, this Taylor Hackford-directed drama focuses on the devastating consequences of infidelity in the land of sex for pay. Helen Mirren stars as Grace Botempo; Joe Pesci plays her husband, Charlie; and Sergio Peris-Mencheta plays the boxer who, on entering their world, sets into motion a violent chain of events.” I’ve seen two reviews so far and they’re both negative. TRDB.  

2) GREAT DIRECTORS- Premise by Netflix. “New York-based businesswoman and filmmaker Angela Ismailos offers this collection of in-depth interviews with David Lynch, John Sayles, Catherine Breillat, Bernardo Bertolucci and six other internationally acclaimed film directors. Touching on everything from the creative process and the history of cinema to the necessity of balancing art and commerce, Ismailos’s interviews also include sit-downs with Liliana Cavani, Ken Loach and Agnès Varda.” Only one review so far and it’s good. TRDB. _________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth  

1) MOTHER AND CHILD- Premise by Netflix. “A stellar cast heads this emotional drama about motherhood, romance and self-fulfillment. Embittered matron Karen (Annette Bening) regrets having given up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption, and 35 years later, Elizabeth is questioning her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption, even though her need for a child jeopardizes her marriage.” Very good early reviews.

6/10- I really enjoyed this well written and well acted drama about mothers and children. TRDB.

  2) 9500 LIBERTY- Premise by Netflix. “Under pressure from anti-immigration groups, officials in Virginia’s Prince William County enact a controversial measure requiring police to step up their efforts to identify and detain suspected illegal aliens. Filmmakers Eric Byler and Annabel Park detail the turmoil that the new law stirs in the community, as well as the efforts of local citizens to resist what they regard as an unconstitutional assault on individual rights.” Very good early reviews.   _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-  

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   NEW-  

1) LET IT RAIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Returning to her provincial home in the south of France, feminist politician Agathe Villanova (Agnès Jaoui) struggles to reconcile herself with the old-fashioned family she left behind, as well as the undignified demands of her profession. After an interview for a political documentary falls flat, Agathe faces further challenges in dealing with her sister, Florence (Pascale Arbillot), and her lover, Antoine (Frédéric Pierrot).” Very good reviews. TRDB. 6/10- I found the movie a little cute, a little slow and a little funny. Just OK. TRDB.

2) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly).”  Poor reviews but included here because of my interest in the topic. Coming to Netflix soon and I’ll wait. TRDB.

  REPEATS-  

1) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker and ex-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member Reed Cowan examines that church’s nationwide efforts to prevent the legalization of gay marriage — including California’s Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in 2008. Confidential church documents, statements by high-ranking church officials and other sources detail 30 years of efforts to turn back gay rights, particularly by the Mormon-sponsored National Organization for Marriage.” Fairly good early reviews. Coming to Netflix soon.  

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie. Also on Netflix.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) A YEAR AGO IN WINTER- Premise by Netflix. “After her beloved 19-year-old son, Alexander, dies suddenly, Eliane (Corinna Harfouch) commissions a local artist named Max (Josef Bierbichler) to paint a portrait that includes both Alexander and his sister, Lilli (Karoline Herfurth). But Max must understand the siblings in order to paint them. Although Lilli resents Max’s probing questions, they soon forge a bond as the artist helps his subject work through her pain. Only a few reviews and they are mixed. I plan on seeing it. TRDB.  

5) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

6) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- A bit slow, nothing in particular happens but a slice of life and very real. I liked it. TRDB.

7) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

8)BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

9) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

10) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

11) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews. 5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB.  

12) DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

13) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

14) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

15) FOR MY FATHER- Premise by Netflix.  “Strapped into a vest of explosives, young Palestinian Terek (Shredi Jabarin) enters Tel Aviv on a suicide mission to restore his father’s honor. But a faulty fuse leaves him stranded among Israelis, and he begins to question his ingrained beliefs about his enemy. While he waits the weekend for a repair, he meets beautiful Keren (Hili Yalon). Still wearing his remote-controlled bomb, Terek must decide his fate before a decision is made for him.”

5/10- The movie is a slice of life and is OK only if you can suspend reality for a while. TRDB.

  16) INVICTUS- Premise by Netflix. “In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin’s book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.   I was disappointed in this movie as I felt it trivialized the accomplishments of Nelson Mandela. I also felt that Matt Damon was just a shouting actor and a famous name. TRDB.    

17) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. TRDB.  5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB.On Netflix.  

18) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews but I felt that it was trivial. TRDB.  

19) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

20) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.” 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. TRDB.    

21) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB.

22) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs — a crew that includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost) — have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs.” Very popular movie but I thought it was just so-so. TRDB.

23)  PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. TRDB.

24) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

25) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player.

2/10- Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

26) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 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 reviews.

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

27) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.”

2/10- I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

28) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

29)  THE YOUNG VICTORIA- Premise by Netflix. “Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.”

5/10- I liked this movie a lot. TRDB.

30) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.

31) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

32) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews. Netflix also.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

33) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS (FAIRFIELD AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES)  

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

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) SOLITARY MAN- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk.  Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.

2) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Seven years after she was inspired by the bold debut of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” famed fashion designer Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) — reeling from the death of her beau, Boy Capel (Anatole Taubmann) — meets and falls for the Russian composer (Mads Mikkelsen) in 1920s Paris. A forbidden romance ensues in Jan Kounen‘s sumptuous period drama, the closing film of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Good reviews.

3) I AM LOVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.”

6/10- Very good film and I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended!! TRDB.

4) CYRUS- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Indie favorites Jay and Mark Duplass co-direct this wry look at modern love and family dysfunction. John C. Reilly plays a recently divorced man who thinks he’s found just the right woman (Marisa Tomei) to help him recover and move on. Unfortunately, the woman’s son, played by Jonah Hill, has no interest in allowing another man into their lives — a stance he proceeds to demonstrate in a variety of obnoxious ways.” Very good early reviews.

5) WINTER’S BONE- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” Great reviews.

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

6) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Netflix. “When he recognizes his son, Tony (Steven Strait), whom he hasn’t seen in more than 20 years, among a crop of new inmates in the jail where he works, Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) decides to bring the troubled young man home with him, much to the surprise of his wife and kids. Writer-director Raymond De Felitta helms by this offbeat comedy that also stars Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Dominik Garcia-Lorido and Alan Arkin.” I liked this film very much. TRDB.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

Add comment July 1st, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #329

  JUNE 24, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:  

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- See “below” for details.

1) BURMA VJ

2) VIVA CUBA

3) MOTHER AND CHILD

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MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) MOTHER AND CHILD- Premise by Netflix. “Fifty-year-old Karen (Annette Bening) regrets giving up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption; years later, Elizabeth questions her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption. Rodrigo García writes and directs this drama about parenting, sacrifice, romance and self-fulfillment. Eileen Ryan and Samuel L. Jackson co-star.” Very good reviews.

6/10- I really enjoyed this well written and well acted drama, yes, about mothers and children. TRDB.

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MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) HAPPY TEARS- Premise by Netflix. “Jayne (Parker Posey) and Laura (Demi Moore) return to their childhood home in Pittsburgh to look after their father, Joe (Rip Torn), a lively widower who may be slipping into dementia. The sisters are soon at odds over their father’s care — and over old family dramas. As Joe’s condition deteriorates, they are forced to confront myriad unpleasant memories. Ellen Barkin and Christian Camargo co-star.” Generally negative reviews.

6/10– Silly often but this film was still of interest with some poignant moments and some good comedy as well. TRDB.

2) BURMA VJ- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Anders Østergaard’s Oscar-nominated documentary profiles the courageous efforts of a renegade band of Burmese reporters who — in the face of a repressive regime and media censorship — refuse to be silenced. Calling themselves the Democratic Voice of Burma (aka the Burma VJs), these fierce “video warriors” place themselves in peril as they smuggle footage documenting their government’s abuses across the border — and to the world at large.” Great reviews.

6/10- Very good documentary about the photojournalists in Burma who, at great personal risk, attempt to expose the cruel military dictatorship to the rest of the world. TRDB.

3) VIVA CUBA- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “In this Cuban coming-of-age charmer, preteens Jorgito (Miló Ávila) and Malú (Tarrau Broche) have formed a deep bond, so when they learn Malú’s divorced mother plans to remarry and leave the country, taking Malú with her, the two friends go on a quest to prevent their separation. Leaving Havana and traveling on foot and by any available vehicle, the children try to reach Malú’s father before he signs papers permitting her to emigrate.”

6/10- A charming coming of age story from Cuba and I highly recommend it. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 29-

1) ANTARCTICA- Premise by Netflix. “Facing down his quickly approaching 30th birthday, gay librarian Omer (Tomer Ilan) hasn’t found his place in life or his ideal man, until fetching journalist Ronen (Guy Zoaretz) enters the scene. Meanwhile, Omer’s sister Shirley (Lucy Dubinchik) struggles to decide between settling down with the woman of her dreams and indulging her long-held fantasy of traveling to Antarctica. Yair Hochner directs this comedy that also stars Rivka Neuman.” A few reviewers said they liked this but most did not.

2) EVERLASTING MOMENTS- Premise by Netflix. “After marrying charming but coarse Sigfrid (Mikael Persbrandt), Maria (Maria Heiskanen) finds that her life isn’t the fairy tale she expected, as her husband gradually becomes more brutal. But when she becomes involved in photography, Maria gains a new lease on life. Filmmaker Jan Troell based this Golden Globe-nominated drama on a manuscript written by his wife, Agneta Ulfsäter-Troell, chronicling the events of her ancestors in the early 20th century.” I saw this and liked it very much. TRDB.

3) THE WHITE RIBBON- Premise by Netflix. “At a rural school in northern Germany in 1913, a form of ritual punishment has major consequences for students and faculty. But the practice may have bigger repercussions on the German school system — and maybe even on the growth of fascism. Celebrated Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke helms this Golden Globe-winning, sumptuously photographed black-and-white drama that stars Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Tukur and Theo Trebs.” I did not care for this movie but it has been well received.

4) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly).” Interesting topic with poor reviews.

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OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-

1) EYES WIDE OPEN- Premise by Netflix. “Married Jerusalem butcher Aaron (Zohar Strauss) takes pity on homeless student Ezri (Ran Danker) and hires him to work in his shop. But when romantic sparks fly between the unlikely pair, Aaron’s wife, Rivkeh (Tinkerbell), becomes suspicious and consults their ultra-Orthodox rabbi. The rabbi assigns his “modesty guards” to monitor Aaron’s every move in this tragic drama, an official selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” I saw this and liked it.

2) SOUTH OF THE BORDER- Premise by Netflix. “Eager to investigate how the U.S. media has depicted Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, director Oliver Stone journeys south to interview the man himself and speaks with several other South American presidents in the process. Among the distinguished subjects in Stone’s probing and controversial documentary are Bolivia’s Evo Morales, Brazil’s Lula da Silva, Argentina’s Nestor Kirchner and Cuba’s Raúl Castro.” Poor early reviews.

3) WILD GRASS- Premise by Netflix. “When the bag of amateur pilot Marguerite Muir (Sabine Azéma) is stolen and its contents are strewn over a parking lot, fate sets into motion an intriguing sequence of events involving the pilot, a dentist and a mysterious man (André Dussollier) who finds her wallet. French new wave pioneer Alain Resnais adapts the Christian Gailly novel into a stirring drama, which screened in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Fair reviews.

4) RESTREPO- Premise by Netflix. “Sebasatian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm, teamed with photographer Tim Hetherington to spend a year embedded with the Second Platoon in Afghanistan, documenting the hard work, fear and brotherhood that come with repelling a deadly enemy. Hunkered down with the soldiers in one of the region’s most strategic valleys, the filmmakers uncover the dark humor, sleepless surreality and constant anxiety of war in this Best Documentary winner at Sundance.” Very good early reviews.

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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of  Lake Worth-

1) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- A fairly good mystery with a few gaping holes in the story. I did like it, however. TRDB.

2) ONDINE- About an Irish fisherman who pulls up a woman in his nets. Is she a Selkie? A waste of time. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

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

 NEW-

 1) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker and ex-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member Reed Cowan examines that church’s nationwide efforts to prevent the legalization of gay marriage — including California’s Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in 2008. Confidential church documents, statements by high-ranking church officials and other sources detail 30 years of efforts to turn back gay rights, particularly by the Mormon-sponsored National Organization for Marriage.” Fairly good early reviews. Coming to Netflix soon.

2) A YEAR AGO IN WINTER- Premise by Netflix. “After her beloved 19-year-old son, Alexander, dies suddenly, Eliane (Corinna Harfouch) commissions a local artist named Max (Josef Bierbichler) to paint a portrait that includes both Alexander and his sister, Lilli (Karoline Herfurth). But Max must understand the siblings in order to paint them. Although Lilli resents Max’s probing questions, they soon forge a bond as the artist helps his subject work through her pain. Only a few reviews and they are mixed. I plan on seeing it. TRDB.

3) FOR MY FATHER- Premise by Netflix.  “Strapped into a vest of explosives, young Palestinian Terek (Shredi Jabarin) enters Tel Aviv on a suicide mission to restore his father’s honor. But a faulty fuse leaves him stranded among Israelis, and he begins to question his ingrained beliefs about his enemy. While he waits the weekend for a repair, he meets beautiful Keren (Hili Yalon). Still wearing his remote-controlled bomb, Terek must decide his fate before a decision is made for him.”

5/10- The movie is a slice of life and is OK only if you can suspend reality for a while. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.

  2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie. Also on Netflix.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

5) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- A bit slow, nothing in particular happens but a slice of life and very real. I liked it. TRDB.

6) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

7) BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

8)CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

9) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

10) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews. 5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB.  

11) DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

12) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

13) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

14) HOLLY- Premise by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope. I liked the movie and said it was well done and clearly made it’s point. TRDB. On Netflix.  

15) INVICTUS- Premise by Netflix. “In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin’s book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.   I was disappointed in this movie as I felt it trivialized the accomplishments of Nelson Mandela. I also felt that Matt Damon was just a shouting actor and a famous name. TRDB.    

16) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. TRDB.  5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB.On Netflix.  

17) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews but I felt that it was trivial. TRDB.  

18) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

19) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.” 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. TRDB.    

20) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB.

21)  PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. TRDB.

22) 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- I liked it!! TRDB.

23) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

24) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player.

2/10- Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

25) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 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 reviews.

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

26) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.”

2/10- I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

27) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

28)  THE YOUNG VICTORIA- Premise by Netflix. “Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.”

5/10- I liked this movie a lot. TRDB.

29) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.

30) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

31) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews. Netflix also.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

32) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS (FAIRFIELD AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES)

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

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) I AM LOVE- Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.” Very good reviews.

2) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg provide an uncompromising glimpse into the personal and professional life of comedian and red-carpet mainstay Joan Rivers, a woman clinging stubbornly and steadfastly to the pop-culture bandwagon. Stern and Sundberg — whose previous film, The Devil Came on Horseback, covered the Darfur genocide — take a no-less-intensive approach to their subject here, taking a hard look at fame’s bitter toll.” Fair reviews at best so far.

3) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep. I liked it. TRDB.

4) MOTHER AND CHILD- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “Fifty-year-old Karen (Annette Bening) regrets giving up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption; years later, Elizabeth questions her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption. Rodrigo García writes and directs this drama about parenting, sacrifice, romance and self-fulfillment. Eileen Ryan and Samuel L. Jackson co-star.” Very good reviews.

6/10- I really enjoyed this well written and well acted drama, yes, about mothers and children. TRDB.

5) SOLITARY MAN- Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.  

6) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- I saw this and it’s a good mystery with several gaping holes in the story line. TRDB.  

7) WINTER’S BONE- Clearview 100, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” GREAT REVIEWS.   8)MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- Directed by Stephane Brize and starring Sandrine Kiberlan, Vincent Lindon and Aure Atika.  Good review in NY Times 5/28/10

6/10- A wonderful drama about a working class man who develops an unlikely and unexpected romance with his son’s school teacher. I loved it. TRDB.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

Add comment June 24th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #328

  JUNE 16, 2010 DEAR FRIENDS:  

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- See “below” for details.  

1) TONY MANERO- At home

2) LOLA- At home

3) SOLITARY MAN- In the theater   __________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) SOLITARY MAN- Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.  

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) THE ONLY GOOD INDIAN- Premise by Netflix. “Set in the early 20th century, when Native Americans were forced to attend boarding schools to assimilate with white culture, this provocative drama follows Charlie (Winter Fox Frank), a teenager who flees one such school to return home. Wes Studi is Sam Franklin, a Cherokee bounty hunter who has rejected his native people, charged with bringing Charlie back. Kevin Willmott (CSA: Confederate States of America) directs this powerful film.” This is a part of history I knew nothing about. An OK movie despite a ridiculous ending. Netflix.  

2) TONY MANERO- Premise by Netflix. “Set in 1978 Chile during the tyrannical reign of Augusto Pinochet, Pablo Larraín’s gritty drama centers on Tony Manero wannabe Raúl (Alfredo Castro), whose obsession with Saturday Night Fever leads him into dangerous territory. Bent on creating the ultimate disco routine, Raúl sets out to acquire the illuminated dance floor that will bring him one step closer to his idol. Amparo Noguera and Héctor Morales co-star.” Very good reviews.

6/10- Very powerful and disturbing but at the same time very good. TRDB. Netflix.

3) LOLA- 2001. Premise by Netflix. “After saving the life of charismatic prostitute Sandra (Joanna Going) — and then subsequently witnessing her murder — Lola (Sabrina Grdevich), a desperate woman trapped in a stagnant life, decides to escape her troubles by assuming the identity of the dead woman. Colm Feore portrays Lola’s hotheaded husband in Carl Bessai’s award-winning drama exploring the nature of identity and self-definition.”

6/10- Very well done, well acted, and a very interesting story with the backdrop of Western Canada. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 22-  

1) THE MAID- Premise by Netflix. “When Raquel’s (Catalina Saavedra) place in the Valdes family — for whom she’s provided 23 years of maid service — is threatened after they hire more help, she decides to do something about it in this Golden Globe-nominated comedic drama from director Sebastián Silva. Rolling out anything but the red carpet for the new employees, Raquel’s juvenile tricks just might work in this examination of loyalty, family dynamics and duty. Claudia Celedón co-stars. I saw this and liked it a lot.  

2) THE LAST STATION- Premise by Netflix. “Set during the final year of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy’s life, writer-director Michael Hoffman‘s period biopic explores the fractious relationship between Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and his wife, Sofya (Helen Mirren), as he embraces a life of asceticism. Paul Giamatti co-stars as impassioned Tolstoy devotee Vladimir Chertkov, with James McAvoy playing the role of the aging writer’s young new secretary.” 2/10- I think that the acting overcame a poor script to make this movie just OK. TRDB.  

3) THE GOOD GUY- Premise by Netflix. “Well aware of his own blessings, up-and-coming Wall Street star Tommy Fielding (Scott Porter) decides to mentor one of his co-workers, Daniel (Bryan Greenberg). But his new protégé may prove too apt a pupil in this romantic comedy penned and helmed by Julio DePietro. All is going according to plan until Daniel befriends Tommy’s new girlfriend, Beth (Alexis Bledel) — at which point things go rapidly south for Tommy.” Mostly poor reviews but a few good ones.  

4) BLUEBEARD- Premise by Netflix. “French director Catherine Breillat serves up an inspired take on Charles Perrault’s 17th-century fairy tale about a murderous nobleman whose wives have been disappearing in droves in this fantastical foreign-language drama partially set in the 1950s. Dominique Thomas stars as the titular Bluebeard, with Lola Creton playing the part of his most recent bride, the virginal, beautiful — and terrified — Marie-Catherine.” Fairly good reviews. __________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-  

1) CYRUS- Premise by Netflix. “Indie favorites Jay and Mark Duplass co-direct this wry look at modern love and family dysfunction. John C. Reilly plays a recently divorced man who thinks he’s found just the right woman (Marisa Tomei) to help him recover and move on. Unfortunately, the woman’s son, played by Jonah Hill, has no interest in allowing another man into their lives — a stance he proceeds to demonstrate in a variety of obnoxious ways.” Very good early reviews.  

2) I AM LOVE- Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.” Very good reviews.  

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

4) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Filmmaker and ex-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member Reed Cowan examines that church’s nationwide efforts to prevent the legalization of gay marriage — including California’s Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in 2008. Confidential church documents, statements by high-ranking church officials and other sources detail 30 years of efforts to turn back gay rights, particularly by the Mormon-sponsored National Organization for Marriage.” Fairly good early reviews.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of  Lake Worth-  

1) JOHN RABE-  Premise by Netflix. “Florian Gallenberger directs this gripping drama about John Rabe (Ulrich Tukur), a German businessman living in Nanking, China, who in 1937 used his Nazi party affiliation to save some 200,000 Chinese civilians from slaughter at the hands of the Japanese army. As Rabe labors to establish an official safety zone to shelter the innocent, he forms an unlikely friendship with an American doctor (Steve Buscemi). Anne Consigny and Daniel Brühl co-star.” Mostly good reviews.  

2) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.”

5/10- I found this movie somewhat trivial and contrived and not too funny. TRDB.

  3) 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.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-  

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  

NEW-  

1) A CALL GIRL- Premise by Netflix. “This insightful, allegorical drama follows Aleksandra (Nina Ivanisin), a student, as she travels from a small town to the big city. A cynical and callous young woman, Aleksandra uses the move to transform herself into a well-paid call girl. Her self-imposed isolation and guilt-free life end, however, when a politician client dies. As the police pursue her, Aleksandra must figure out how to finish growing up without losing her soul.” A few good reviews.  

REPEATS-  

 1) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.  

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie. Also on Netflix.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

5) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- A bit slow, nothing in particular happens but a slice of life and very real. I liked it. TRDB.

6) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

7) BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

8)CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

9) COCO BEFORE CHANEL- About the founder of Chanel from her childhood through her success. I liked it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.  

10) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

11) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews. 5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB.  

12) DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

13) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

14) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

15) HOLLY- Premise by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope. I liked the movie and said it was well done and clearly made it’s point. TRDB. On Netflix.    

16) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. TRDB.  5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB.On Netflix.  

17) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews but I felt that it was trivial. TRDB.  

18) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

19) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.” 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. TRDB.    

20) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

21)  PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait. TRDB.

 22) 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. I liked it!! TRDB.

23) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

24) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player. Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

25) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 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 reviews.

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

26) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.” I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

27) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

28) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.

29) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

30) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

31) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

________________________________________________________________________________________   BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS (FAIRFIELD AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES)  

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

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep. I liked it.

2) MICMACS- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet takes a satirical look at the global arms trade with this foreign-language comedy starring Dany Boon as Bazil, who rallies his friends to take down weapons manufacturers responsible for his father’s death. Bazil also transforms a dump into an underground haven for cool tools and sculptures crafted from discarded junk. Dominique Pinon, André Dussollier and Jean-Pierre Marielle co-star. All said it was creative but some hated it.

3) MOTHER AND CHILD- Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Fifty-year-old Karen (Annette Bening) regrets giving up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption; years later, Elizabeth questions her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption. Rodrigo García writes and directs this drama about parenting, sacrifice, romance and self-fulfillment. Eileen Ryan and Samuel L. Jackson co-star.” Very good reviews.

4) SOLITARY MAN- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.

5) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I saw this and it’s a good mystery with several gaping holes in the story line. TRDB.

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

7) PLEASE GIVE- Premise by Netflix. “Life gets knotty when successful Manhattan couple Alex (Oliver Platt) and Kate (Catherine Keener) develop a relationship with the granddaughters of Andra (Ann Morgan Guilbert), the cantankerous elderly woman who owns the apartment next to theirs — and who must die so they can expand their home. The all-star cast includes Amanda Peet, Rebecca Hall and Lois Smith in this indie feature from writer-director Nicole Holofcener (Friends with Money).” I was luke warm on this one. TRDB.

8)MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- From France, this film is about a seemingly happy family. When the father picks his son up from school one day he develops a relationship with his son’s schoolteacher.  Directed by Stephane Brize and starring Sandrine Kiberlan, Vincent Lindon and Aure Atika.  Good review in NY Times 5/28/10

6/10- A wonderful drama about a working class man who develops an unlikely and unexpected romance with his son’s school teacher. I loved it. TRDB.

 THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

Add comment June 16th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #327

2) ONDINE– Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?”

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

3) TOE TO TOE– Premise by Netflix. “Out on the lacrosse pitch, wealthy but troubled Jesse (Louisa Krause) and poor but driven Tosha (Sonequa Martin) form an easy and deep bond, but their relationship is threatened once they enter the hallways of an elite prep school they attend in Washington, D.C. There, they must work to overcome racial and other tensions in their classmates, and in themselves, if they hope to keep their friendship alive. Emily Abt directs.” Very good reviews.

6/10- Despite the good reviews I felt that the script was trite. Very good acting saved 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

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

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) SOLITARY MAN- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.

2) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. About people in families and the secrets they keep. I liked it.

3) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Life gets knotty when successful Manhattan couple Alex (Oliver Platt) and Kate (Catherine Keener) develop a relationship with the granddaughters of Andra (Ann Morgan Guilbert), the cantankerous elderly woman who owns the apartment next to theirs — and who must die so they can expand their home. The all-star cast includes Amanda Peet, Rebecca Hall and Lois Smith in this indie feature from writer-director Nicole Holofcener (Friends with Money).” I was luke warm on this one. TRDB.

4) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I saw this and it’s a good mystery with several gaping holes in the story line. TRDB.

5) HOLY ROLLERS- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Mixed reviews.

6) BABIES- Clearview 100. A documentary about 4 babies of diverse culture and situation in the first year of life. Good reviews.

7) MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- Clearview 100.  A wonderful drama about a working class man who develops an unlikely and unexpected romance with his son’s school teacher. I LOVED IT!!! TRDB.

Add comment June 9th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #326

  JUNE 3, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:  

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- See “below” for details.  

1) EL BESO DEL SUENO- Netflix.

2) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- Comcast On-Demand. _______________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE _______________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) EL BESO DEL SUENO- Premise by Netflix. “When a beautiful woman (Maribel Verdu of Y Tu Mama Tambien) who makes her living by posing as a prostitute, drugging her victims and stealing their money recovers a suitcase stuffed with cash, she unwittingly becomes part of a dangerous world of crime — and the target of a handsome police officer (Juan Diego), who falls under her spell. Eusebio Poncela, Tony Isbert, and Juan Diego co-star in this intricate thriller.”   5/10- Good story, very good acting and I really enjoyed the movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.  

2) DADDY LONGLEGS- Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.”   5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.  

3) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) Adler unite for their son’s college graduation and unexpectedly end up sleeping together. But Jake is married, and Jane is embarking on a new romance with her architect, Adam (Steve Martin). Now, she has to sort out her life — just when she thought she had it all figured out. Nancy Meyers writes and directs this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.”

5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

4) VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Eric Bricker directs this fascinating documentary about the life and times of architectural photographer Julius Shulman, whose work is known for helping to launch the careers of giants like Rudolf Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright. With insight from fellow architects Frank Gehry, Ricardo Legorreta and Shulman himself, Bricker’s effort illuminates the legendary artist’s gift for capturing space, form and design.”

5/31- Learning about his work was interesting but learning next to nothing about the man wasn’t. TRDB. Netflix.

5) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 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. Comcast On-Demand.

_______________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 8-  

1) FROM PARIS WITH LOVE- Premise by Netflix. “While working at the American embassy in Paris, low-level intelligence agent James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) gets involved in espionage when he’s pulled into a terrorist plot by high-ranking but uncouth American operative Charlie Wax (John Travolta), who’s trying to stop it. Pierre Morel directs this fast-paced international thriller with a script by Luc Besson (The Professional, The Fifth Element) and Adi Hasak. Richard Durden also stars.” Fair reviews at best.  

2) TOE TO TOE- Premise by Netflix. “Out on the lacrosse pitch, wealthy but troubled Jesse (Louisa Krause) and poor but driven Tosha (Sonequa Martin) form an easy and deep bond, but their relationship is threatened once they enter the hallways of an elite prep school they attend in Washington, D.C. There, they must work to overcome racial and other tensions in their classmates, and in themselves, if they hope to keep their friendship alive. Emily Abt directs.” Very good reviews. _______________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING THIS WEEK- REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY- So far nothing of interest! _______________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth      

1) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Fair reviews. (Through 6/6)   

2) THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD- Premise by Netflix. “On a train crossing the Manchurian desert, an unlikely trio — good bounty hunter Park Do-won (Woo-sung Jung), bad gangster Park Chang-yi (Byung-hun Lee) and weird train robber Yoon Tae-goo (Kang-ho Song) — unite to find a treasure map’s promised loot. Racing through the unforgiving landscape, they stay one step ahead of rivals and the Japanese army. Ji-woon Kim directs this Sergio Leone-inspired adventure.” Mixed reviews, more good than bad. Also new on Comcast On-Demand. (Through 6/6)

3) HERE AND THERE- Premise by Netflix. “The lives of two men intersect in this comedy-drama from writer-director Darko Lungulov. Serbian immigrant Branko (Branislav Trifunovic) wants his girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), to come live in America, while struggling New York musician Robert (David Thornton) desperately needs money. Robert agrees to travel to Belgrade to marry Ivana, but during the course of his chaotic trip, he encounters plenty of surprises. Pop icon Cyndi Lauper co-stars.” OK reviews. (6/7–6/13)

4) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBURGER- Premise by Netflix. “A total outcast at her private school, Esther (Danielle Catanzariti) suffocates under her mother’s (Essie Davis) constant pressure at home. But after forming an unlikely friendship with well-liked Sunni (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Esther starts taking daring risks and suddenly becomes popular. A smart, good-natured comedy about learning to be yourself, this Australian coming-of-age story also features Toni Collette.” I saw this and liked it. (6/7–6/13)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND  

NEW-  

1) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- 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 reviews.   6/10- A sad drama about a loving family and the grief process. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB.  

2) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.  

REPEATS-  

 1) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.  

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie. Also on Netflix.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

5) BREAKING UPWARDS- About a couple that plans their breakup in stages. I found the movie interesting and sad as they genuinely appeared to love each other. I’d recommend it. TRDB.  

6) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

7) BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

8)CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

9) COCO BEFORE CHANEL- About the founder of Chanel from her childhood through her success. I liked it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.  

10) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

11) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews. 5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB.  

12)  DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

  13) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

14) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.    

15) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. On Netflix.  

16) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

17) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.” 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. TRDB.    

18) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs — a crew that includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost) — have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs. I thought that this one was just OK. TRDB. Netflix too.

19) PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait. TRDB.

20) 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.

21) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

22) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player. Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

23) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic. TRDB. Netflix as well.

24) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.” I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

25) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

26) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix 6/22.

27) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

28) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

29) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

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

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

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com     _______________________________________________________________________________________   BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS (FAIRFIELD AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES)   For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com  

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

  1) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep. I liked it.  

2) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I was luke warm on this one.  

3) BABIES- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. A documentary about 4 babies from different parts of the world during their first year of life. Good reviews.  

4) SOLITARY MAN- Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.  

5) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYESS- Jacob Burns. I saw this and it’s a good mystery with several gaping holes in the story line.  

6) HOLY ROLLERS- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Mixed reviews.  

7) MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- Clearview 100. About a family with one son. When the father goes to his son’s school one day he meets and develops a relationship with his son’s teacher. Great reviews and I plan to see it.    

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

Add comment June 3rd, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #325

  MAY 27, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:  

PLEASE ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- See “below” for details.  

1) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBURGER

2) DEFAMATION   _____________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) PLEASE GIVE- Premise by Netflix. “It’s a comedy that threatens to rip the lid off the New York housing market as a young couple engages in a tenant feud with the wily granddaughters of an elderly woman to whom they rent an apartment. The indie all-star cast includes Oliver Platt, Amanda Peet, Catherine Keener, Kevin Corrigan and Lois Smith in this feature from veteran writer-director Nicole Holofcener (“Lovely & Amazing,” “Friends with Money”).” Very good reviews.

5/10- I think that this film is overrated. As far as I’m concerned nothing of interest happened. Mildly interesting characters propelled the film forward. A slice of life. TRDB.

2) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBURGER- Premise by Netflix. “A total outcast at her private school, Esther (Danielle Catanzariti) suffocates under her mother’s (Essie Davis) constant pressure at home. But after forming an unlikely friendship with well-liked Sunni (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Esther starts taking daring risks and suddenly becomes popular. A smart, good-natured comedy about learning to be yourself, this Australian coming-of-age story also features Toni Collette.”

5/10- Esther is a 13yr. old Jewish girl in Australia who just does not fit in. Interesting story with good acting and it held my interest. TRDB.

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MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.”

5/10- I found this movie somewhat trivial and contrived and not too funny. TRDB.

2) MISCONCEPTIONS-Premise by Netflix. ” When God calls, you answer, even if it means carrying a child for two men when you’re a married Christian conservative from the South. Worlds collide when one of the dads (Orlando Jones) descends on the mom (A.J. Cook) to “manage” the pregnancy in this comedy. With the African American choreographer and dad-to-be refusing to budge from the surrogate’s home, her very Southern community and anti-gay marriage hubby are in a tizzy.”

5/10- Poor reviews and worse movie. I don’t know what I was thinking and I turned it off. TRDB.

3) EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After their two young children are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease for which conventional medicine has no cure, John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) pin their hopes on the work of unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). Director Tom Vaughan’s heartfelt drama is based on the true story of the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure.”

5/10- Awful movie and I turned it off quickly. TRDB.

4) DEFAMATION- Premise by Netflix. “In addition to gathering thoughts from political scientist Norman Finkelstein, filmmaker Yoav Shamir examines contemporary anti-Semitism and the possibility of a modern-day Jewish holocaust in his incisive documentary. Surprisingly amusing and unquestionably thought-provoking, Shamir also profiles other figures such as Anti-Defamation League director Abraham Foxman and explores topics such as Israel’s influence on American foreign policy.”

5/10- Very good documentary about anti-Semitism. The movie takes nothing for granted and examines the view that anti-Semitism is insignificant and that the ADL’s mission prevents it from being objective. Clearly controversial, I enjoyed the film. TRDB.

5) SCHOOL OF FLESH- Premise by Netflix. “When wealthy fashion executive Dominique (Isabelle Huppert) meets Quentin (Vincent Martinez) — a bisexual hustler half her age — at a disco, she finds herself in a tantalizing new world. Dominique asks Quentin to move in with her — then seeks his erstwhile male paramours for insight into his unsavory past and guarded feelings. French filmmaker Benoît Jacquot helmed this intricate film adapted from a story by Yukio Mishima.”

5/10- Isabelle Huppert is always a pleasure to watch and the movie did hold my interest. Despite the title it’s not porno. TRDB.

6) DEAR JOHN- Premise by Netflix. “While on leave, U.S. soldier John Tyree (Channing Tatum) falls for Southern college student Savannah (Amanda Seyfried), whose ideals and heartfelt principles are at once attractive and unfamiliar. But their love is put on hold when terrorist attacks prompt John to reenlist. Now, handwritten letters hold the lovers together. Lasse Hallstrom directs this modern romance based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.”

5/10- A sappy movie but definitely had some merit. Once again the effect of war on ordinary people. TRDB.

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. Comcast on Demand.

________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 1

1) TONY MANERO- Premise by Netflix. “Set in 1978 Chile during the tyrannical reign of Augusto Pinochet, Pablo Larraín’s gritty drama centers on Tony Manero wannabe Raúl (Alfredo Castro), whose obsession with Saturday Night Fever leads him into dangerous territory. Bent on creating the ultimate disco routine, Raúl sets out to acquire the illuminated dance floor that will bring him one step closer to his idol. Amparo Noguera and Héctor Morales co-star.” Very good reviews.

2) THE SUN- Premise by Netflix. “From renowned director Aleksandr Sokurov comes a piercing historical drama about Japan’s emperor Hirohito at the end of World War II. Faced with his country’s defeat and the renunciation of his divine status, Hirohito must establish his own identity. Sokurov’s exquisite cinematography accentuates this examination of diplomacy and personal responsibility as Hirohito agrees to meet with American Gen. MacArthur in an attempt to move Japan forward. Very good reviews.

3) PREACHER’S KID- Premise by Netflix. “Yearning for new experiences, Angie (Letoya Luckett) abandons her preacher father, joins a touring gospel show and starts dating a handsome actor. But when her dreams of stardom stall, Angie struggles to maintain her faith, overcome her pride and find her way home. Inspired by the biblical parable of the prodigal son, this touching drama also stars Clifton Powell, Gregory Alan Williams and Sharif Atkins. Stan Foster writes and directs.” Mixed reviews.

4) THE RED BARON- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the true story of the notorious World War I flying ace, this drama explores the life of Manfred von Richthofen (Matthias Schweighöfer) — aka the Red Baron — from his childhood fascination with flying to his renowned career in the Luftwaffe. After rescuing Canadian pilot Roy Brown (Joseph Fiennes) and falling for military nurse Käte Otersdorf (Lena Headey), the deadly but honorable von Richthofen begins to question the value of war.” Poor reviews.

5) FOR MY FATHER- Premise by Netflix. “Strapped into a vest of explosives, young Palestinian Terek (Shredi Jabarin) enters Tel Aviv on a suicide mission to restore his father’s honor. But a faulty fuse leaves him stranded among Israelis, and he begins to question his ingrained beliefs about his enemy. While he waits the weekend for a repair, he meets beautiful Keren (Hili Yalon). Still wearing his remote-controlled bomb, Terek must decide his fate before a decision is made for him.”

5/10- The movie is a slice of life and is OK only if you can suspend reality for a while. TRDB.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENING THIS WEEK- So Far, Nothing of Interest.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

1) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

2) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.”

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. Comcast On-Demand.

3) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Fair reviews.

4) THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD- Premise by Netflix. “On a train crossing the Manchurian desert, an unlikely trio — good bounty hunter Park Do-won (Woo-sung Jung), bad gangster Park Chang-yi (Byung-hun Lee) and weird train robber Yoon Tae-goo (Kang-ho Song) — unite to find a treasure map’s promised loot. Racing through the unforgiving landscape, they stay one step ahead of rivals and the Japanese army. Ji-woon Kim directs this Sergio Leone-inspired adventure.” Mixed reviews, more good than bad. Also new on Comcast On-Demand.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND

NEW-

1) THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD- Premise by Netflix. “On a train crossing the Manchurian desert, an unlikely trio — good bounty hunter Park Do-won (Woo-sung Jung), bad gangster Park Chang-yi (Byung-hun Lee) and weird train robber Yoon Tae-goo (Kang-ho Song) — unite to find a treasure map’s promised loot. Racing through the unforgiving landscape, they stay one step ahead of rivals and the Japanese army. Ji-woon Kim directs this Sergio Leone-inspired adventure.” Mixed reviews, more good than bad.

2) THE MESSENGER- Premise by Netflix. “An injured U.S. soldier, Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), is paired up with by-the-book Capt. Tony Stone (Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson) to notify families of killed soldiers — a job that bonds them as they debate different views on serving America. At odds at first, the two find common ground while facing life’s variety of battles. Oren Moverman directs this poignant military tale that co-stars Samantha Morton and Jena Malone.” I saw 2 weeks ago and liked it very much.

 REPEATS

1)  (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.  

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

5) BEESWAX- About twin sisters. A slice of life and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Also on Netflix  

 6) BREAKING UPWARDS- About a couple that plans their breakup in stages. I found the movie interesting and sad as they genuinely appeared to love each other. I’d recommend it. TRDB.  

 7) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

8)BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

9) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

10) COCO BEFORE CHANEL- About the founder of Chanel from her childhood through her success. I liked it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.  

11) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

12) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews.    

13)  DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

  14) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

15) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

16) HOLLY- Premise by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope.” I saw this and liked it. TRDB. On Netflix.  

17) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. Coming to Netflix on 5/25.  

18) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

19) NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU- A series of vignettes about personal relationships in N.Y. I enjoyed the film. TRDB. On Netflix.  

20) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.” 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. TRDB.    

21) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs — a crew that includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost) — have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs. I thought that this one was just OK. TRDB.

22) PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait. TRDB.

23) 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.

24) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

25) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player. Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

26) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic. TRDB. Netflix as well.

27) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.” I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

28) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

29) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

30) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

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)

1) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. About families and the secrets people keep. Very good.

2) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Saw Mill Hawthorne. About a slice of NY life with 2 families who live next door to each other. I didn’t care for it but many others liked it.

3) BABIES- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. A documentary about 4 babies from different parts of the world during their first year of life. Good reviews.

4) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. A thriller that held my interest despite some gaping holes in the story.

5) HOLY ROLLERS- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Fair reviews only.

6) WOMEN WITHOUT MEN- Clearview 100. 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.” Mixed reviews, more positive.

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

 For all films go to- www.fandango.com

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

Add comment May 27th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #324

MAY 19, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:

PLEASE ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK- See “below” for details.

1) THE LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

2) ENTRE NOS

3) THE MESSENGER

MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

___________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I’VE VIEWED THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE- Premise by Netflix. “The moment they meet, 8-year-olds Ana (Sara Valiente) and Otto (Peru Medem) know they have a special connection. After all, their names are both palindromes — spelled the same whether they’re read forward or backward — and each has a parent looking for a mate. But when their families finally meld, the two children, now young adults (played by Victor Hugo Oliveira and Kristel Díaz) realize that they, too, may share a romantic destiny.”

5/10- Interesting story, very good acting and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

3) WAITING FOR ARMAGEDDON- Premise by Netflix. “In this eye-opening, equitable documentary, filmmakers Kate Davis, David Heilbroner and Franco Sacchi explore the lives of evangelical Christians who believe that Armageddon is imminent and that Israel will be the site of Christ’s second coming. The film follows evangelicals as they prepare for the apocalypse and examines how their beliefs have influenced the U.S. government’s relationships with Israel and the Muslim world.”

5/10- Very informative and well done. I enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy hearing about the end of the world. Also very scary. TRDB.

4) THE MESSENGER- Premise by Netflix. “An injured U.S. soldier, Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), is paired up with by-the-book Capt. Tony Stone (Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson) to notify families of killed soldiers — a job that bonds them as they debate different views on serving America. At odds at first, the two find common ground while facing life’s variety of battles. Oren Moverman directs this poignant military tale that co-stars Samantha Morton and Jena Malone.”

5/10- Very good movie that once again proves that war is hell for everybody. TRDB.

5) EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After their two young children are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease for which conventional medicine has no cure, John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) pin their hopes on the work of unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). Director Tom Vaughan’s heartfelt drama is based on the true story of the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure.”

5/10- Awful movie and I turned it off quickly. TRDB.

____________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MAY 25

1) VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Eric Bricker directs this fascinating documentary about the life and times of architectural photographer Julius Shulman, whose work is known for helping to launch the careers of giants like Rudolf Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright. With insight from fellow architects Frank Gehry, Ricardo Legorreta and Shulman himself, Bricker’s effort illuminates the legendary artist’s gift for capturing space, form and design.” Excellent reviews.

2) DEAR JOHN- Premise by Netflix. “While on leave, U.S. soldier John Tyree (Channing Tatum) falls for Southern college student Savannah (Amanda Seyfried), whose ideals and heartfelt principles are at once attractive and unfamiliar. But their love is put on hold when terrorist attacks prompt John to reenlist. Now, handwritten letters hold the lovers together. Lasse Hallstrom directs this modern romance based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.” Poor reviews.

3) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Mixed reviews.

_____________________________________________________________________________

OPENING THIS WEEK-

1) AFTER THE CUP: SONS OF THE SAKHNIN UNITED- Premise by Netflix. “After becoming the first soccer team with an Arab majority to win the Israeli Cup, Bnei Sakhnin faces a slew of challenges its very next season. Overwhelmed by pressure and constant attention, the team struggles to stay united and win the cup again. Directed by siblings Christopher and Alexander H. Browne, this captivating sports documentary features great insight into the Arab-Israeli conflict, sympathetic players and a truly nail-biting finale.” No reviews as yet.

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.” No reviews as yet.

3) HOLY ROLLERS- Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Mediocre reviews at best.

4) SOLITARY MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Excellent reviews.

5) JOHN RABE- Premise by Netflix. “Florian Gallenberger directs this gripping drama about John Rabe (Ulrich Tukur), a German businessman living in Nanking, China, who in 1937 used his Nazi party affiliation to save some 200,000 Chinese civilians from slaughter at the hands of the Japanese army. As Rabe labors to establish an official safety zone to shelter the innocent, he forms an unlikely friendship with an American doctor (Steve Buscemi). Anne Consigny and Daniel Brühl co-star.” Fairly good reviews.

____________________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

1) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

2) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.”

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. Comcast On-Demand.

_____________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

REPEATS-

1)  (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.  

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie.  

5) BEESWAX- About twin sisters. A slice of life and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Also on Netflix  

6) BREAKING UPWARDS- About a couple that plans their breakup in stages. I found the movie interesting and sad as they genuinely appeared to love each other. I’d recommend it. TRDB.  

7) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

8)BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

9) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

10) COCO BEFORE CHANEL- About the founder of Chanel from her childhood through her success. I liked it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.  

11) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

12) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews.    

13)  DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

  14) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

     15) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

16) HOLLY- Premise by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope.” I saw this and liked it. TRDB.  

17) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. Coming to Netflix on 5/25.  

18) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

19) MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT- Premise by Netflix. “Rehearsal footage, backstage action and interviews comprise this moving Michael Jackson experience. He is shown here preparing for a series of 50 sold-out London shows, which were scheduled to kick off in late summer 2009. Singing his numerous hits at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during the days leading up to his untimely death, Jackson is also seen refining cues, delving into dance details and working with director Kenny Ortega.” I like Michael Jackson and I liked the movie. TRDB.    

 20) NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU- A series of vignettes about personal relationships in N.Y. I enjoyed the film. TRDB.  

21) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 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.” 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. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

22) PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait. TRDB.

23) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

24) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player. Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB.

25) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic. TRDB. Netflix as well.

26) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB.

27) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB.

28) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

29) VINCERE- Directed by Marco Bellocchio. Premise by Netflix. “Ida Dalser (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) falls for young Benito Mussolini (Filippo Timi) in Milan and sells everything she has to help the future dictator fund his newspaper, Popolo d’Italia. But when World War I separates the newly wedded couple, Mussolini marries another woman. Ida demands to retain her rights as Mussolini’s wife and the mother of his son, but the Fascists have other plans for the dictator’s dark secret in this gripping biopic.” Just opened nationally and has received great reviews.

3/10- I saw this and felt that the acting was superb. Mezzogiorno passionately portrayed a woman with an obsession for IL Duce and she was probably a metaphor for the country at the time. The film itself was enjoyable if a bit too long and I understand that the director played with the facts a bit. However, I’d definitely recommend 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 (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- http://lakeworthplayhouse.org/indie_films.html

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep from each other. I liked this movie.

2) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. A retired detective revisits an unsolved murder in Argentina. Kept me interested but several major holes in the plot for me. Won Academy Award for Best Foreign Film but it wasn’t.

3) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews and I plan to see this one.

4) BABIES- Garden Cinema Norwalk. A documentary about 4 babies from diverse cultures during their first year of life. Good reviews.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob

Add comment May 19th, 2010

FILM REVIEWS #323

MAY 12, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:

PLEASE ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK- See “below” for details.

1) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

2) TOKYO SONATA

3) LOST SON OF HAVANA

4) NORTHFACE

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MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “A startling discovery comes to light for retired Argentine criminal investigator Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) as he pens a biographical novel about the unsolved case of a young newlywed’s brutal rape and murder years ago. Past and present intertwine for Espósito and colleague Pablo Sandoval (Guillermo Francella) in director Juan José Campanella’s suspenseful character study in which justice, pain and love collide.”

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MOVIES I’VE VIEWED THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.

2) THE BLUE TOOTH VIRGIN- Premise by Netflix. “When magazine editor David (Bryce Johnson) reluctantly confesses that he’s not too fond of his buddy Sam’s (Austin Peck) latest screenplay effort, the admission threatens to destroy the longtime relationship between the two best friends. Honored with a special jury prize at the Seattle International Film Festival, Russell Brown’s witty treatment of the creative process co-stars 1970s mainstay Karen Black as an eccentric script consultant.” Good reviews and I’ll see it.

3) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MAY 18

1) THE MESSENGER- Premise by Netflix. “An injured U.S. soldier, Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), is paired up with by-the-book Capt. Tony Stone (Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson) to notify families of killed soldiers — a job that bonds them as they debate different views on serving America. At odds at first, the two find common ground while facing life’s variety of battles. Oren Moverman directs this poignant military tale that co-stars Samantha Morton and Jena Malone.” Very good reviews and I look forward to seeing this next week.

2) CRAZY HEART- Premise by Netflix. “When reporter Jean Craddock (Oscar nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal) interviews Bad Blake (Oscar winner Jeff Bridges) — an alcoholic, seen-better-days country music legend — they connect, and the hard-living crooner sees a possible saving grace in a life with Jean and her young son. But can he leave behind an existence playing in the shadow of Tommy (Colin Farrell), the upstart kid he once mentored? Robert Duvall produces and co-stars.”

1/10- I liked it. Great music also. For me, a weak Gyllenhaal kept it from being even better. The movie reminded me a little too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB.

3) DEFAMATION- Premise by Netflix. “In addition to gathering thoughts from political scientist Norman Finkelstein, filmmaker Yoav Shamir examines contemporary anti-Semitism and the possibility of a modern-day Jewish holocaust in his incisive documentary. Surprisingly amusing and unquestionably thought-provoking, Shamir also profiles other figures such as Anti-Defamation League director Abraham Foxman and explores topics” Mostly very good reviews.

4) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.”

I liked this movie very much AND it’s basically a true story. TRDB.

5) WAITING FOR ARMAGEDDON- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In this eye-opening, equitable documentary, filmmakers Kate Davis, David Heilbroner and Franco Sacchi explore the lives of evangelical Christians who believe that Armageddon is imminent and that Israel will be the site of Christ’s second coming. The film follows evangelicals as they prepare for the apocalypse and examines how their beliefs have influenced the U.S. government’s relationships with Israel and the Muslim world.” Very good reviews.

6) EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After their two young children are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease for which conventional medicine has no cure, John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) pin their hopes on the work of unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). Director Tom Vaughan’s heartfelt drama is based on the true story of the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure.” Poor reviews. I’ve included this one because it’s medically interesting.

7) MISCONCEPTIONS- Premise by Netflix. ” When God calls, you answer, even if it means carrying a child for two men when you’re a married Christian conservative from the South. Worlds collide when one of the dads (Orlando Jones) descends on the mom (A.J. Cook) to “manage” the pregnancy in this comedy. With the African American choreographer and dad-to-be refusing to budge from the surrogate’s home, her very Southern community and anti-gay marriage hubby are in a tizzy.” Poor reviews. Included because of the contemporary nature of the topic.

8)LOST SON OF HAVANA- Premise by Netflix. “When Castro rose to power in Cuba, Major League Baseball pitcher Luis Tiant lost the ability to return to his homeland to see his family. This documentary chronicles Tiant’s story and his emotional visit to Havana after nearly 50 years in exile. During the course of his long professional career, Tiant played on three All-Star teams and pitched for six MLB clubs, including the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.” STREAMING ONLY– NOT ON DVD.

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

1) DADDY LONGLEGS- Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews. Also on Comcast On-Demand.

2) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews.

3) LETTERS TO JULIET- Premise by Netflix. “By responding to a letter addressed to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine Juliet Capulet, a young American woman (Amanda Seyfried) vacationing in Verona, Italy, sets in motion a series of events that leads her — and the missive’s lovelorn author (Vanessa Redgrave) — in search of romance. Directed by Gary Winick, this deeply tender and uplifting drama also features Gael García Bernal and Franco Nero.” Poor early reviews.

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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

1) A PROPHET- Premise by Netflix. “After refusing to snitch, 18-year-old Arab Malik (Tahar Rahim) is thrown into a French prison, where the Corsican mafia rules with a firm fist. The obedient newcomer slowly rises through the organization’s ranks but soon begins to double-cross his superiors. A follow-up to his 2005 gem The Beat My Heart Skipped, French director Jacques Audiard‘s A Prophet was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

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)

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- http://lakeworthplayhouse.org/indie_films.html

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) BABIES- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Danbury, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Documentary filmmaker Thomas Balmes charts the simultaneous early development of four babies from different parts of the world, illustrating what makes human life unique, similar and precious wherever it occurs. Training his camera on newborns Hattie from San Francisco, Ponijao from Namibia, Bayarjargal from Mongolia and Mari from Tokyo, Balmes captures every moment, from their first screaming breaths to their first tentative steps.” Fairly good reviews.

2) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “It’s a comedy that threatens to rip the lid off the New York housing market as a young couple engages in a tenant feud with the wily granddaughters of an elderly woman to whom they rent an apartment. The indie all-star cast includes Oliver Platt, Amanda Peet, Catherine Keener, Kevin Corrigan and Lois Smith in this feature from veteran writer-director Nicole Holofcener (“Lovely & Amazing,” “Friends with Money”).” Very good reviews.

3) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- 2009. Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “A startling discovery comes to light for retired Argentine criminal investigator Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) as he pens a biographical novel about the unsolved case of a young newlywed’s brutal rape and murder years ago. Past and present intertwine for Espósito and colleague Pablo Sandoval (Guillermo Francella) in director Juan José Campanella’s suspenseful character study in which justice, pain and love collide.”

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob

5/10- This entry from Argentina won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for 2009. The story was replete with holes making it somewhat difficult to believe but it was interesting, well acted and the back and forth was well done without being confusing. In my opinion not really the “Best Foreign Film” of the year.TRDB.

4) CITY ISLAND- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. About people in families and the secrets they keep from one another. I liked the movie.

5) EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Thierry Guetta had been casually documenting the underground world of street art for years, but when he encounters Banksy, an elusive British stencil artist, his project takes a fascinating twist. Unimpressed with Guetta’s footage, Banksy takes over filmmaking duties and Guetta reinvents himself as a street artist named Mr. Brainwash — and, much to Banksy‘s surprise, immediately becomes a darling of the Los Angeles art scene.” Great reviews.

6) THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION- Premise by Netflix. “After duping school officials into awarding him a grant to write a biography on novelist Jules Gund, grad student Omar Razaghi (Omar Metwally) is forced to travel to Uruguay to get legitimate authorization from the late author’s three executors. Directed by James Ivory (A Room with a View), this moving adaptation of author Peter Cameron’s novel of the same name also stars Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney and Charlotte Gainsbourg.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB.

4) LOST SON OF HAVANA- Premise by Netflix. “When Castro rose to power in Cuba, Major League Baseball pitcher Luis Tiant lost the ability to return to his homeland to see his family. This documentary chronicles Tiant’s story and his emotional visit to Havana after nearly 50 years in exile. During the course of his long professional career, Tiant played on three All-Star teams and pitched for six MLB clubs, including the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.”

5/10- A good documentary, especially if you followed his career in baseball. Some touching moments, primarily in the second half. TRDB.

5) NORTHFACE- Premise by Netflix. “In 1936, young German climbers Toni Kurz (Benno Fürmann) and Andreas Hinterstoisser (Florian Lukas) face off against a rival Austrian duo in an attempt to be the first team to scale the infamous north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps. As the men make the treacherous climb, journalist Luise (Johanna Wokalek) — Toni’s childhood love — covers the biggest story of her career. Philipp Stölzl helms this drama based on a true story.”

5/10- Interesting and suspenseful. I liked the juxtaposition of what’s primitive on the mountain and what’s elegant at the hotel where everybody is waiting for them to complete the climb. Try not to be upset at the melodramatic ending. I liked it. TRDB.

5/10- A just so-so character study of 2 friends who are both writers. Some interesting dialogue but the movie lacked something and could have been much better. TRDB.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB.

5/10- This entry from Argentina won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for 2009. The story was replete with holes making it somewhat difficult to believe but it was interesting, well acted and the back and forth was well done without being confusing. In my opinion not really the “Best Foreign Film” of the year. TRDB.

Add comment May 13th, 2010