Posts filed under 'Old Newsletters'
OCT. 1, 2009
DEAR FRIENDS-
ONE NEW MOVIE for me this week at the-
THEATRE-
1) BRIGHT STAR- By Jane Campion. About the romantic poet John Keats and the period before his death at age 25. I found the movie boring and cannot recommend it. 9/09
VIEWED AT HOME-
1) BODY HEAT- 1981. Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke. Hurt begins a relationship with Turner, the wife of a rich businessman. They eventually plot how they can be together. Plot twists make this an exciting movie and I liked it. Netflix. 9/09
2) THE LEAST OF THESE- 2009. By Clark and Jesse Lyda. A documentary about T. Don Hutto, a detention center for illegal immigrants in Texas and the deplorable conditions for these inmates, many of whom are innocent children. A sizable portion of the inmates are in this country seeking asylum and NOT here for economic reasons. Very good. 9/09
3) THE COUNTRY TEACHER- 2008. Czech Republic. Directed by Bohdan Slama and starring Pavel Liska and Zuzana Bydzovska. About a troubled man who ventures to the Czech countryside from Prague to teach in a rural school. Very good and I’d recommend seeing it. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
4) TREELESS MOUNTAIN- 2008. China. Written and directed by So Yong Kim. About 2 young girls who are placed with an aunt they don’t know after their mother packs up and leaves. Clearly one of the slowest movies in history but the girls were appealing enough that I couldn’t turn it off. Worth seeing only with the patience of a saint. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
5) THE WINDOW- 2008. Argentina. Directed by Carlos Sorin. About an elderly man, played by Antonio Larreta, who is apparently waiting to die but at the moment is waiting for his son, a concert pianist, who he has not seen in a long time, to arrive from Europe. He has his piano tuned and prepares an old bottle of champagne. Most of the movie took place in his room with his connection to the outside world through a large window. Despite being very slow I liked the movie. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 6-
1) ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL- Premise by Netflix. “Formed by two 14-year-olds in the 1970s, Canadian heavy metal band
Anvil influenced the great acts that followed, such as Anthrax and Metallica. This documentary joins
Anvil‘s now middle-aged founders as they recover from a disastrous tour of Europe. Hoping to end their youthful dreams and careers on a high note,
Robb Reiner,
Steve “Lips” Kudlow and the band set out to record their 13th album, “This Is Thirteen.”
Very good reviews.
2) BEAUTY IN TROUBLE- Premise by Netflix. “After a natural disaster forces her husband (
Roman Luknár) into crime to make ends meet, a beautiful young wife (
Anna Geislerová) faces a thorny choice: stand by her man and endure a spartan existence, or take a chance on a wealthy suitor (
Josef Abrham) who promises her security, if not passion. Czech director
Jan Hrebejk helms this richly layered, character-driven drama co-starring
Jana Brejchova and
Jirí Schmitzer.”
I saw this and liked it a lot.____________________________________________________________________________________
OPENING AT THEATRES THIS WEEK-
1) AFTERSCHOOL- Premise by Zap2it. “A prep-school student accidentally films the drug-related deaths of two classmates, then is asked to put together a memorial video.” Mixed reviews, mostly positive, but all said it was “different.”
2) INTIMATE ENEMIES- This is what Rotten Tomatoes said-“Here the story of the French-Algerian war is shown through the eyes of a soldier whose opinion of the conflict is transformed by his experiences in combat.” No reviews available yet.
3) A SERIOUS MAN- Premise by Zap2it. “Larry Gopnik is a physics professor at a 1960s university, and his life is coming apart at the seams. His wife is leaving him, his jobless brother has moved in, and someone is trying to sabotage his chances for tenure. Larry seeks advice from three different rabbis, but whether anyone can help him overcome his many afflictions remains to be seen.” Mostly positive reviews for this new one by the Coen brothers.
4) WAKE UP SID- Premise by Zap2it. “A carefree guy begins a relationship with an unlikely woman.” Apparently he is a playboy type and she is very plain. No early reviews.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth–
1) IRENE IN TIME- Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “Indie director Henry Jaglom (DÉJÀ VU) helms this unconventional drama about the relationships between fathers and daughters. However, IRENE IN TIME goes beyond just the present and examines the… Indie director Henry Jaglom (DÉJÀ VU) helms this unconventional drama about the relationships between fathers and daughters. However, IRENE IN TIME goes beyond just the present and examines the effects that this bond will have on the daughters’ romantic futures. This movie got only fair reviews but it sounds interesting to me.
2) LORNA’S SILENCE- Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “The destiny of a woman caught between love and the law of the underworld. Lorna, (Arta Dobroshi), a young Albanian woman living in Belgium, has her sights set on opening a snack bar with her… The destiny of a woman caught between love and the law of the underworld.” Very good reviews and I would plan to see this one.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN THE BURBS-
1) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne. I’ll definitely see this one although I’m NOT a big fan of Michael Moore.
2) MY ONE AND ONLY- Bethel. Light fluff but OK.
3) JULIE AND JULIA- Bethel. Mixed reviews. About the famous chef Julia Childs.
4) THE INFORMANT!- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne.The movie was just OK. See anything else.
5) BRIGHT STAR- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. See “above.” I saw this and did not like it.
6) PARIS- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. A love story about Paris. I know a few people who have seen this and found it boring.
7) AMREEKA- Clearview 100. I saw this and liked it a lot.
8)THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- Saw Mill Hawthorne. I saw this and it was OK.
_________________________________________________________________________________
COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
1) A QUIET MARRIAGE- Sounds interesting.
2) AWAY WE GO- (Now on Netflix)- Just OK reviews.
3) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN- Mixed reviews.
4) FLAME & CITRON- Saw it and liked it.
5) GOODBYE SOLO- Saw it and liked it.
6) IN THE LOOP- Mixed reviews.
7) JULIA- I saw it and it was fair.
8)LYMELIFE- (Now on Netflix) Saw it and liked it.
9) STILL WALKING- Great reviews.
Link to Cablevision-
http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
October 1st, 2009
SEPTEMBER 24. 2009
DEAR FRIENDS-
TWO NEW MOVIES for me this week at the-
THEATRE-
1) AMREEKA- 2009. Written and directed by Cherien Dabis and starring Nisreen Faour and Hiam Abbass (Lemon Tree). About a divorced mother and her teenage son who move from Bethlehem in the West Bank to a small town in Illinois and their subsequent difficulties in adjusting. Amreeka is the Arabic word for America. Very good acting and very realistic as well. I liked it a lot. 9/09
2) THE INFORMANT- 2009. By Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon. A satire about a corporate whistleblower who has been less than truthful in the details. I thought the movie was just OK- a little too long and repetitive. The plot swings reminded me of “Catch Me If You Can” with Leonardo Di Caprio but not nearly as good. 9/09
HOME-
1)
EXPIRED– 2007. Written and directed by Cecilia Miniucci. Starring Samantha Morton. About a lonely young woman who meets a weird social misfit.
She has a brief interlude from her lackluster life. The movie was just OK. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
2)
KABEI: OUR MOTHER– 2008. Directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Sayuri Yoshinaga, the movie is based on the writings of Teruyo Nogami. A beautiful story about a woman in 1940 Japan whose husband is jailed for “treason” when he speaks against Japanese aggression. The film is about how she survives and cares for her family while he is in prison.
Great movie! Netflix. 9/09
3) EASY VIRTUE– 2008. Written and directed by Stephan Elliott and starring Jessica Beal, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes. Barnes marries an “unruly” American and brings her back to his English country estate . The family is not ready to accept her and in fact do all they can to get rid of her. The film was just OK. Netflix. 9/09
4) THE VILLAGE BARBERSHOP- Starring John Ratzenberger as a beer drinking, horse betting aging barber who is forced to hire a woman barber (Shelly Cole) when his partner dies unexpectedly. Stupid movie and I turned it off. 9/09. Netflix.
5) TRUMBO- 2007. A very interesting documentary about Dalton Trumbo, the writer, created with several movie actors reading his letters along with the usual talking heads. Lots of detail about the blacklisting of actors and screenwriters by the movie industry and it’s effect on them personally. A good documentary if a little repetitive. Netflix. 9/09
6) TULPAN- 2008. By Sergei Dvortsevoy. A docudrama about the nomadic sheepherders of Kazakh. Interesting photography of barren landscapes and I can still taste the dust. I liked the film but be prepared that it’s very slow moving. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 29-
1) THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE- Premise by Netflix. “
Play Preview Filmed in about two weeks on a budget of less than $2 million, director
Steven Soderbergh‘s experimental feature focuses on the life of a high-priced New York City call girl, played by bona fide porn star
Sasha Grey. The movie tells its tale in nonlinear fashion, throwing random scenes at the viewer, who must piece together the puzzle to understand the story. Other than Grey, the actors are nonprofessionals who improvised many of their scenes.”
Mixed reviews. I’ll see it.
3) THE BROTHERS BLOOM- Premise by Netflix. “The Brothers Bloom made a name for themselves as the world’s best con men. Now, the younger (
Adrien Brody) is ready to retire on the millions the pair has swindled. But when his brother (
Mark Ruffalo) lures him into one last job, he reluctantly agrees. What he hasn’t counted on, though, is falling for their mark, an adventure-seeking heiress (
Rachel Weisz).
Robbie Coltrane and Babel’s
Rinko Kikuchi co-star.”
Mixed reviews.5) MANAGEMENT- Premise by Netflix. “
Play Preview Golden Globe winner
Jennifer Aniston stars in this comedic tale as a traveling art saleswoman who makes the mistake of her life when she shares a one-night stand with a dim-witted motel manager (
Steve Zahn) who takes to following her all around the country.
Woody Harrelson and
Fred Ward also star in this romantic comedy from writer-director
Stephen Belber.”
Sounds like a waste of time and I’ll pass.
OPENING THIS WEEK- I reviewed these last week. See Newsletter #294
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
1) CLOUD 9- Premise by IMDB. “A romantic drama about a woman who enters into an affair after 30 years of marriage.” Very good reviews.
2) IT MIGHT GET LOUD- Premise by IMDB. “A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.” Good reviews.
COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
1) A QUIET MARRIAGE
2) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN
3) GOODBYE SOLO- Saw this and liked it.
4) JULIA
5) LYMELIFE
6) FLAME & CITRON- Saw it and liked it. About 2 men who kill Nazis.
7) PARIS- With Juliette Binoche and is a love story about Paris.
Link for Cablevision-
http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters.
BOB’S PICKS IN THE BURBS-
1) THE COVE- Bethel. Saw it and liked it a lot.
2) MY ONE AND ONLY- Bethel, Clearview 100. Haven’t seen it but heard it was cute fluff.
3) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Saw it and found it just OK.
4) THE INFORMANT!- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
5) JULIE AND JULIA- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Mixed reviews.
6) BRIGHT STAR- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne.Mixed reviews, mostly positive.
7) AMREEKA- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Saw it and liked it.
8)PARIS – Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Fairly good reviews and supposedly a love story about Paris.
9) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- Saw Mill Hawthorne. Saw it and liked it.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
September 24th, 2009
SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
DEAR FRIENDS-
I returned home Sunday night after attending the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival with my wife Jane and our friends Sol and Donna. This is just the 5th year for the festival, very young for a festival, but it was very well organized and their selection of films was wonderful. I had a great time and saw 3 international films at the-
THEATRE-
1) LAILA’S BIRTHDAY- 2008. Ramallah. Directed by Rashid Masharawi and starring Mohammed Bakri. About a former judge who is working as a taxi driver. The film goes through his day as he works and tries to navigated the difficulties and frustrations of life in a Palestinian town and at the same time prepare for his daughter’s 7th. birthday. I loved the movie. At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. 9/09
2) CAPTAIN ABU RAED- 2008. Jordan. Directed by Amin Mataqa and starring Nadim Sawalha. A story about an older man who works as a janitor at Amman airport. He lost his wife 9 yrs. ago and feels that life is meaningless. When a group of children mistakes him for an airline pilot he tries only briefly to dissuade them and then makes up stories about his adventures. He becomes involved in a few of their lives in meaningful way. The movie was very good but at times was a little more theatrical then needed. I still liked it a lot. At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. 9/09
3) DEPARTURES- (OKURIBITO)- 2008. Directed by Yojiro Takita and starring Masahiro Motoki. A Japanese film about an unemployed cellist who trains (without his new wife’s knowledge) as a Nakanshi, someone who prepares the dead for burial. Great acting, great story and a great movie. This film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film of 2008. A MUST SEE! At the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. 9/09
HOME-
1) SILENT LIGHT- 2007. Directed by Carlos Reygadas and starring Cornelio Wall and Miriam Toews. About a Menonite family with lots of children living in Mexico. The husband is having a long term affair. He has told his wife and best friend the truth but the family lives on. Great scene between the husband and his own father and a very moving scene of the wife crying hysterically while lying under a tree in the pouring rain. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes in 2007. Despite the slow pace of the film I liked it very much. Netflix. 9/09
2) LOCAL COLOR- 2006. Written and directed by George Gallo. A formulaic film about a young artist (Gallo) who is inspired by his relationship with a cantankerous older artist. I just couldn’t continue watching this boring movie and turned it off. Netflix. 9/09
3) ADVENTURELAND-2008. Written and directed by Greg Mottola and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. Eisenberg plays a recent college graduate whose European vacation is canceled for lack of funds. He works in an amusement park and the story is about his summer, the people he meets, and how he learns about himself. Occasionally interesting but more like high school than college graduates. A comedy/drama but not very funny and not very dramatic either. Great sound track however. Netflix. 9/09
4) APRES LUI- 2007. Directed by Gael Morel and starring the great Catherine Deneuve. About a woman who becomes obsessed with the young man (her son’s best friend) who was driving the car when her son was killed. A study of grief and it’s unpredictable nature well played by the master. I’d predict that you’ll like it or hate it. I liked it. Netflix. 9/09
COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 22-
2) TULPAN- “Freshly discharged from the Russian navy, young Asa (
Askhat Kuchencherekov) returns to the arid Kazakh steppe to find a bride and become a shepherd. But his plans go awry when Tulpan, the only eligible bachelorette around, rejects him because his ears are too big. What’s more, Asa turns out to be a lousy shepherd. Can his persistence win Tulpan’s love, the respect of his flock and the life he dreams of? Documentarian
Sergei Dvortsevoy directs.”
Excellent reviews.OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) MAIN AUR MRS. KHANNA- Premise by Zap2it. “A counselor must help a feuding couple save their marriage.” No early reviews.
2) THE BOYS ARE BACK- Premise by Zap2it. “After the untimely passing of his second wife, Joe must not only deal with his own grief, but try to find a way to raise his two sons alone. With Joe in unfamiliar territory and the boys Artie and Harry trying to cope with their own personal baggage, the three decide to throw convention to the wind and live by the words “just say yes.” But when things go wrong, Joe must find a way to behave more like a parent without losing the joy of a more childlike lifestyle.” Very good early reviews.
3) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Zap2it. “Filmmaker Michael Moore explores corporate greed and the global economic meltdown, and their disastrous effect on American lives. As he travels from America’s heartland to the financial epicenter of New York and the halls of government in Washington, D.C., Moore delves into the price America pays for its love of capitalism.” Very good early reviews.
4) BLIND DATE- Premise by RottenTomatoes. “Don and Janna’s relationship has been on the verge of collapse since the death of their daughter, and they’re trying to reconnect with each other through role-playing, so each evening they pretend they’re meeting for the first time on a blind date after discovering one another through personal ads.” No early reviews.
5) THE BLUE TOOTH VIRGIN- Premise by Zap2it. “Two writers have to re-evaluate their motivation.” No early reviews.
COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
1) A QUIET MARRIAGE- OK reviews.
2) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN- OK reviews.
3) FLAME & CITRON- Saw it and liked it.
4) IN THE LOOP- OK reviews.
5) JULIA- I saw it and liked it.
6) STILL WALKING- Also at Jacob Burns. Great reviews.
Those of you with Cablevision can use the following link to gain access-
BOB’S PICKS IN THE BURBS-
1) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Saw Mill Hawthorne. I saw it and it was just OK.
2) MY ONE AND ONLY- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. Good reviews.
3) JULIE AND JULIA- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. You all know about this one. I’m waiting for the DVD.
4) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. I saw this and liked it.
5) AMREEKA- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. RottenTomatoes said, “A divorced Palestinian woman and her teenage son find their lives changing in ways they never anticipated upon relocating to rural Illinois.” Only fair reviews but the premise sounds interesting.
6) ADAM- Clearview 100. Saw it and liked it.
7) THE OTHER MAN- Clearview 100. Miserable reviews. Miss it!
8) STILL WALKING- Jacob Burns. Great reviews. Also on Comcast On-Demand.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
September 17th, 2009
SEPT. 10, 2009
DEAR FRIENDS-
NO NEW movies for me this week but, as usual, I did see a few at-
HOME-
1) THE POPE’S TOILET – 2007. Directed by Enrique Fernandez and Cesar Charlone and starring Cesar Troncoso. The Pope is about to visit a small town in Uruguay and the townsfolk are looking for ways to profit from the thousands of people coming for the visit. The movie is about a man who decides to install a public toilet and charge for it’s use. Very slow and probably not worth the effort. Netflix. 8/09
2) GOOD DICK- 2008. Written and directed by Marianna Palka. Starring Palka and Jason Ritter. He plays a young man working in a video store who falls for a weird, painfully shy woman who comes in for porno DVDs. Most of the movie is about her verbally abusing him and the last 2% gives us the obvious explanation for her inability to connect. Did not like the movie. 9/09
3) UNDER THE BOMBS- 2007. Directed by Philippe Aractingi and starring Nada Abou Farhat and Georges Khabbaz. About a Lebanese woman who travels back to Lebanon from Dubai just after the Israeli invasion and cease fire in 2006 to look for her missing sister and son. She develops a relationship with her cab driver while searching. Despite criticism of Israel the film was really about civilian casualties of war. Very good. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 15
2) EASY VIRTUE- Premise by Netflix. “American divorcée Larita (
Jessica Biel) meets a wealthy young Englishman, John Whittaker (
Ben Barnes), in France and impulsively marries him — but she’s not ready to take on her disapproving new in-laws (
Colin Firth and
Kristin Scott Thomas). When John returns to his parents’ country estate with his new bride, the dysfunctional Whittaker family attempts to destroy the spirited American girl. This romantic comedy is based on Noel Coward’s play.”
This film played for a while in the art houses and received mixed reviews.
OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) CRUDE- Premise by Zap2it. “Thousands of Ecuadorian tribespeople face an uphill battle in their lawsuit against the Chevron oil company.” Very good reviews.
2) NO IMPACT MAN- Premise by Zap2it. “Environmentalist Colin Beavan and his wife try to make as small a carbon footprint as possible for one year.” Called a thought provoking documentary by most.
3) THE HORSE BOY- Premise by Zap2it. “A couple and their autistic son travel to Mongolia to seek a cure from shamans.” I’ve seen only 1 review and it was good.
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
1) LOREN CASS- Premise by Netflix. “Set in the wake of the 1996 race riots in St. Petersburg, Fla. — which erupted when a white cop killed a black motorist during a traffic stop — this episodic drama follows three rudderless adolescents trying to make sense of their world. Amid a landscape churning with intolerance and violence, punk rocker Jason (
Travis Maynard), auto mechanic Cale (
Lewis Brogan) and promiscuous waitress Nicole (
Kayla Tabish) connect — and disconnect.”
Mixed reviews on this movie.2) HERB AND DOROTHY- Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “This documentary film tells the extraordinary story of Herb, a postal clerk, and Dorothy, a librarian — an ordinary couple of modest means who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history.” Good reviews.
BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
1) JULIE AND JULIA- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
2) MY ONE AND ONLY- Bethel
3) TAKING WOODSTOCK- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne
4) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- Bethel, Jacob Burns
5) THE BAADER-MEINHOFF COMPLEX- Clearview 100
6) ADAM- Clearview 100
7) MY ONE AND ONLY- Clearview 100
8) WORLD’S GREATEST DAD- Clearview 100 (also on Comcast On-Demand)
9) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS- Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
10) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
1) A QUIET MARRIAGE- Good reviews.
2) IN THE LOOP- Mixed reviews.
3) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN- Good reviews.
4) JULIA- Saw it and liked it.
5) WORLD’S GREATEST DAD- Good reviews.
6) FLAME & CITRON- Saw it and liked it.
7) STILL WALKING- Great reviews.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
September 9th, 2009
SEPT. 3, 2009
DEAR FRIENDS-
PLEASE NOTE NEW SECTION ON THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER!!!
TWO NEW movies for me this week at the-
THEATRE-
1) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- A documentary about Vogue magazine and the preparation for the “all important” September issue that sets the tone for the entire year. The film was OK and in particular I liked the way the various underlings related to the famous boss, Anna Wintour. Theatre.
2) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS- Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. About a group of Nazi killers in Germany who were an elite offshoot of the U.S. military. A colossal waste of time as the movie was a collection of way too long scenes, every cliche in the book, together with a screenplay that was beyond belief. And very violent to boot. Theatre.
HOME-
1) NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS- 2008. Starring Joe Swanberg and Greta Gerwig who also wrote and directed. About a couple that maintains a long distance relationship and tries to deal with the problems that arise. Interestingly done but more like 2 jerks acting like 2 jerks.
2) STRICTLY SEXUAL- Directed by Joel Viertel and starring Amber Benson and Kristen Kerr. About 2 guys who are hired by 2 young women to live in their pool house and to service them whenever they want. Complications arise when the relationship goes further. Light fluff but OK. Netflix Streaming.
3) I LIKE KILLING FLIES- A documentary about Charlie Shopsin who has owned and operated a neighborhood restaurant in Greenwich Village for 32 years. The movie is mostly a running dialogue by Shopsin about his restaurant and life in general. Who cares? The movie was clever but I eventually got tired of watching. Netflix Streaming.
4) SUNSHINE CLEANING- 2008. Starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin. Directed by Christine Jeffs. Cute story about two sisters who, out of financial necessity, form a company that cleans up messy crime scenes. Light but OK movie. I love Alan Arkin and I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters. Netflix.
5) GOODBYE SOLO- 2008. Starring Souleymane Sy Savane and Red West and directed by Ramin Bahrani. Solo is a Sengelese taxi driver in North Carolina who is offered $1000 to drive a despondent man to Blowing Rock N.C. at some point in the future where he presumably plans to commit suicide. The film is about Solo’s “mission” to save this lonesome depressed man. A few too many unanswered questions for me. Netflix.
6) TRADE- 2007. With Kevin Kline. About the sex trade in Mexico. The movie was formulaic and boring and I turned it off before Kevin Kline entered the movie. Netflix Streaming.
7) DUPLICITY- Directed by Tony Gilroy and starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. They play corporate spies who are involved with 2 companies in heavy competition. The movie was convoluted and lacked any sense of drama and suspense for me. I turned it off. Netflix.
8) RUDO Y CURSI- 2008. Directed by Carlos Guaron and starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna. About 2 brothers who come from rural Mexico and want to become professional soccer players. When they reach their goal (no pun intended) life becomes even more difficult. Enjoyed the movie. Netflix.
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 8-
1) SILENT LIGHT- Premise by Netflix. “Johan (
Cornelio Wall Fehr), a Mennonite living in Mexico, is tormented with guilt over his extramarital affair with Marianne (
Maria Pankratz). His father (
Peter Wall), best friend (
Jacobo Klassen) and wife (
Miriam Toews) know the truth, but Johan’s suffering has to do with his faith, which he can’t reconcile with his deeds. Director
Carlos Reygadas‘s powerful drama won the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the Independent Spirit Awards.”
Very good reviews.2) LOCAL COLOR- Premise by Netflix. “A struggling 18-year-old art student meets a well-known painter many years his senior whose life has been consumed by alcoholism, and the two forge a friendship that helps both of them to overcome their pain and look toward their dreams. The young man really wants to learn to approach his painting like the master, and the old master wants just as much to be able to revisit the world through the rose-colored lenses of youth.” Fair reviews at best.
OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) AMREEKA- Premise by Zap2it. “A vivacious Palestinian woman and her teenage son cope with culture clash and more as they try to build a new life in rural Illinois.” Excellent reviews.
2) SANDSTORM- Premise by Zap2it. “Trapped by a massive sandstorm, a policeman is tormented by memories of his past persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.” Sounds interesting but I couldn’t find any reviews as yet.
3) ALL ABOUT STEVE- Premise by Zap2it. “After a lovely blind date, crossword puzzle-writer Mary Horowitz falls head over heels in love with Steve, a news cameraman. Mary is convinced that she and Steve are true soul mates, and, with the encouragement of a reporter, follows Steve around the country in a bid to win his love. Along the way, she befriends an assortment of misfits who accept her for whom she is, leading her to reassess her reasons for this strange journey.” No reviews as yet.
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
1) LAILA’S BIRTHDAY- Very good reviews.
2) O’HORTEN- Premise by RottenTomatoes. From Norway, O’HORTEN, is a former train driver who struggles to adjust to the freedoms of retirement. Very good reviews.
BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
1) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. See “above” but DON’T see the film.
2) ADAM- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Saw it and liked it.
3) JULIE AND JULIA- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Mixed reviews.
4) TAKING WOODSTOCK- Bethel. Haven’t seen it yet but has mixed reviews so far.
5) BIG FAN- Clearview 100. Good reviews.
6) WORLD’S GREATEST DAD- Clearview 100. Very good reviews.
7) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Saw it and liked it.
8) MY ONE AND ONLY- Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews.
9) THE BAADER-MEINHOFF COMPLEX- Jacob Burns. About the West German terrorist group Red Army Faction. This was the German selection for the Academy Award last year.
ATTENTION !!! NEW SECTION:
I’ve noticed that there are many more NEW films being showed on COMCAST ON-DEMAND. I will occasionally list new movies from COMCAST that I would recommend seeing.
COMCAST-
BRAND NEW- ON DEMAND
1) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN- About the IRA. With Liam Neeson. Mixed reviews.
2) STILL WALKING- A story about a Japanese family that ostensibly gets together for a reunion to remember the oldest son who died 15 years ago in an accident. The film is still in NY and coming to the suburbs soon. No release date available. Excellent reviews.
RELATIVELY NEW- ON DEMAND
1) IN THE LOOP- In local theatres now. Haven’t seen it yet. Supposedly very funny but difficult to understand and better with On Demand as you can turn it back if you miss something.
2) GOODBYE SOLO- Also available on Netflix. I saw this and liked it.
3) JULIA- On Netflix also. Saw it and liked it.
4) A QUIET MARRIAGE- On my queue for Netflix but NO release date available. Good reviews.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
September 3rd, 2009
AUGUST 27, 2009
DEAR FRIENDS:
NO NEW movies this week for me but I did see a few at-
HOME-
1) GIGANTIC- 2008. Starring Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel with small parts for Ed Asner, Jane Alexander and John Goodman. About a 28 year old man who has always wanted to adopt a Chinese child. He develops a relationship with a young woman who is floundering. Poor reviews but I liked it. Netflix Streaming.
2) THE FREE WILL- 2006. Germany. Directed by Matthias Glasner and starring Jurgen Vogel and Sabine Timoteo. About a convicted rapist who leaves prison after 9 years and develops a relationship with a young woman. Very realistic view of the torment for the victim and the victimizer as well. Difficult to watch and not for the squeamish but a very good movie. Netflix.
3) TYSON-2008. Directed by James Toback. Mike Tyson speaks for 90 minutes about his life, his fights and his relationship with his mentor Cus Damato. No questions asked on camera except for old newsreels. Very good movie and it’s easy to forget what a low-life Tyson is. Netflix.
4) THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE- 1942. Directed by Tay Garnett and starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. About a drifter who takes a job at a small restaurant and falls for the wife (Turner), a femme fatale. I saw this many years ago and decided to see it again before the release of Jerichow, another remake that I plan to see soon. Dated, of course, but I liked it. Netflix.
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 1,
1) TAKE OUT- Premise by Netflix. “When an illegal immigrant (
Charles Jang) finds himself behind on a large debt due to crooks who smuggled him into the country, he must come up with the payment in one day by hustling tips as he delivers Chinese food around New York City. Shot in vérité style, this provocative and grimly humorous look at a day in the life of the working poor also stars
Jeng-Hua Yu and
Justin Wan and was nominated for the John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award.”
I saw this and liked it.
2) SIN NOMBRE- Premise by Netflix. “
Play Preview Fleeing retaliation from the violent Central American street gang he has deserted, young hood Casper boards a northbound train, where he takes refuge on top of the moving freight cars and hopes for a fresh start in a new country. Dodging authorities and other dangers, he finds a new friend in Sayra (
Paulina Gaitan), a Honduran girl also making a run for the American border.
Cary Fukunaga directs this exciting thriller.”
I saw this and it was just so-so.
3) SUGAR- Premise by Netflix. ” After he catches the eye of a scout while playing in his native Dominican Republic, baseball prospect Miguel “Sugar” Santos (
Algenis Perez Soto) is recruited to play in the minor leagues in the Midwest, where he has difficultly adapting both on and off the field. As much a story about the promise of the American dream as it is about America’s national pastime, this film dramatizes the hard lessons learned when hope and reality clash.”
Very well done and I liked it.
4) STATE OF PLAY- Premise by Netflix. ” When his mistress is found dead, Congressman Stephen Collins (
Ben Affleck) tries desperately to protect his name and career. As journalists Cal (
Russell Crowe) and Della (
Rachel McAdams) investigate further, they uncover an intricate web of lies that stretches to the highest levels of power. Based on the critically acclaimed BBC miniseries, this intriguing political thriller co-stars
Helen Mirren,
Robin Wright Penn and
Jason Bateman.
OK reviews and I plan on seeing this movie.
5) GOOD DICK- Premise by Netflix. “Habitually isolated in her quiet apartment, a vulnerable girl (
Marianna Palka) ventures out to a local video store, where she meets a charming store clerk (
Jason Ritter) who immediately falls for her and tries to win her affections. Leading actress and screenwriter Palka makes her directorial debut with this appealing story about finding love and handling new relationships.”
OK reviews and I’ll see it.
OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) STILL WALKING- Premise by Zap2it. “A man bears the brunt of his parents’ disapproval at an annual gathering to honor the memory of his long-deceased brother.” I saw the coming attractions for this film and it looked great.
2) TAKING WOODSTOCK- By Ang Lee. Premise by Zap2it. “In the summer of 1969, Elliot Tiber divides his time between New York and the El Monaco, his Old-World parents’ ramshackle motel in the Catskills. When the proposed venue for the upcoming Woodstock concert falls through, Elliot steps in to play a pivotal role in the generation-defining event by helping organizers secure Max Yasgur’s nearby farm and offering the El Monaco as their home base.” Mixed reviews.
3) THE OPEN ROAD- Premise by Zap2it. “The estranged son of a famous baseball player tries to bring his father home to see his sick mother.” No early reviews as yet.
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
1) EASY VIRTUE- Received mixed reviews.
2) DEPARTURES- Departures follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled Departures thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a “Nokanshi” or “encoffineer,” a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. Mostly good reviews.
BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
1) ADAM- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100
2) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
3) JULIE AND JULIA- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
4) TAKING WOODSTOCK- Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
5) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne
6) MY ONE AND ONLY- Garden Cinema Norwalk
7) YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG- Clearview 100
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
August 31st, 2009
March 20, 2008
DEAR FRIENDS:
There has not been much of a turnover in films playing around and I
think it’s because there are so many good ones available. I did see some at-
HOME-
1) CAYO- 2005. About a native Puerto Rican living in NY who develops a fatal
disease. He goes back to PR with his wife and spends time on a special island
(cay) with reported “healing powers.” Good movie. Netflix.
2) METALLIC BLUES- 2004. About 2 Israelis who buy an American stretch limo in
Tel Aviv and travel to Germany with the car to sell it for a profit. Really
about friendship between the men and about the lingering and ever present
trauma of the Holocaust. I liked it. Netflix.
3) DESPERADO SQUARE- 2001. Israel. About a family dealing with the first
anniversary of the patriarch’s death. One of the sons has a dream that the father
asks him to re-open the movie theater he operated years ago. Very good.
Netflix.
4) AMERICAN HEART- 1993. Starring Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong. Bridges
gets out of prison and reattaches with his son and tries to steer him in a
better direction. OK but a poor ending turned me off. Netflix.
My daughter Lisa saw 2 movies this week and here are her views-
1) Vantage point (2008): Vantage point tells the story of the attempted
assassination of the president from several different perspectives.
Basically, the movie shows the same 25 minutes from the “vantage point” of
each of the essential players. There’s some pretty good action scenes, some
great character twists and definitely not predictable. Also, it steps
outside of the standard American viewpoint, which is a nice change for an
international traveler like me.
I would definitely recommend seeing it. I have to confess that, given that
it takes place in Salamanca, Spain and I studied there, I took a second to
detach and think fondly of my time there. I even saw a store that I shopped
in! That’s not the only reason, but definitely fun anyway.
2) Horton Hears a Who (2008): I will admit up front that Jonathan and I did
not
pay to see this movie. Long story made very short, it was a free event that
we were invited to. We figured, “why not?”. That said, it was fun to watch.
It is a kids movie, based on the Dr. Suess book. As is the case with all his
books, they are designed for kids and laced frequently with very adult
jokes. Jim Carey does a great job with the character and it definitely had
some existential themes as well. If you want to go to a movie with a kid,
or go to a movie and feel like a kid, not a bad matinee. Don’t pay full
price, though.
THANKS LISA!!
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 25-
1) THE KITE RUNNER- Premise by Netflix. “Years after fleeing the Taliban and
immigrating to the United States, an Afghan man (Khalid Abdalla) returns to
his war-ravaged homeland to try to repay his debt to a childhood friend whose
trust he betrayed. Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Monster’s Ball) directs this
touching story of family, friendship and bravery, based on the best-selling
novel by Khaled Hosseini.” Mixed reviews but nobody thought it was as good as
the book.
2) WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Trapped in an alternate
world populated by suicide victims, a band of souls tries to find an escape
route in Goran Dukic’s quirky fantasy. Although he took his own life, Zia
(Patrick Fugit) isn’t ready for such a grim hereafter, particularly when he learns
that his ex-girlfriend also killed herself. On a quest to find her, he befriends
a jaded hitchhiker and a Russian rocker, and together, they set out in search
of a more appealing afterlife.” Despite the morbid topic this film actually
got some positive reviews.
3) JIMMY CARTER: MAN FROM PLAINS- Premise by Netflix. “Prolific Hollywood
director Jonathan Demme tackles the documentary form in this intimate portrait of
Jimmy Carter that explicates the former president’s view of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict by shadowing him on his national book tour. During this
publicity junket, Carter is accused of being a liar, bigot and anti-Semite. But it’s
his candid responses to the controversy and criticism that reveal the Nobel
Peace Prize winner’s true character.” Mixed reviews on this film.
OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) UNDER THE SAME MOON- Premise by Zap2it. “After his grandmother dies, a
Mexican boy sets out to join his mother in the United States.” Most early reviews
described this film as warm and touching. A few thought it was manipulating a
complex subject. NY Times did not like it.
2) MEET THE BROWNS- Premise by Zap2it. “Soon after losing her job, a single
mother takes her brood to Georgia for her father’s funeral and meets his
uproarious clan for the first time. Based on the play by Tyler Perry.” I’ve seen a
few early reviews and none sounded particularly interesting to me.
3) 21- Premise by Zap2it. “Six MIT students who were trained to become
experts in card counting take Vegas casinos for millions in winnings. Based on a
true story.” Poor early reviews.
4) LOVE SONGS- Premise by Zap2it. “A modernist musical about love and loss in
Paris. The tales of three lovers are told in three sections and features 14
songs by composer Alex Beaupain.” Mixed early reviews. Fairly good review from
the NY Times.
5) IRINA PALM- Premise by Zap2it. “A 50-year-old widow, desperate for money
to pay for a medical treatment for her dying grandson, becomes a hostess at
“Sexy World,” an adult nightclub.” This film was at Palm Springs. Great early
reviews.
6) BOARDING GATE- Premise by Zap2it. “A London-based Italian woman has an
affair with a financial heavyweight.” Poor early reviews.
7) TOWARDS DARKNESS- Premise by Zap2it. “In 90 minutes of a kidnapped
hostage’s life, a special ops team, the victim’s family, and the man tasked with
dropping off the ransom all go through gut-wrenching drama.” Awful early reviews.
FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinema of Lake Worth
1) ROMULUS, MY FATHER- March 21 to March 27
2) PERSEPOLIS- March 21 to March 27
BURBS-
1) MISS PETTIGREW- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Saw Mill Hawthorne
2) THE COUNTERFEITERS- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk
3) THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne
4) THE BAND’S VISIT- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100
5) FUNNY GAMES- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk
6) THE YEAR MY PARENTS WENT ON VACATION- Clearview 100
7) JUNO- Saw Mill Hawthorne
8) CARAMEL- Bethel.
HOPE THIS HELPS-
ENJOY THE MOVIES!!
THE REEL DR BOB
March 21st, 2008
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