The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 29, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THUNDER ROAD– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK IN THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THUNDER ROAD– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Officer Jim Arnaud struggles being a single dad and police officer in the American South. After losing his Mom, he vows to become a better father to his daughter, Crystal, but circumstances have different plans for him.”

10/16/18- Great reviews. TRDB.

8/27/19- I liked this movie very much. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY-

1) BOOKSMART– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the eve of their graduation from high school, best friends Amy and Molly — both academic overachievers — realize they’ve missed four years of fun and set out to make up for lost time … all in one night.”

5/22/19- Excellent reviews for this comedy. Friends did not care for it. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Miles Davis’ groundbreaking artistry gets its due in this well-crafted documentary that recounts his story through never-before-seen archival footage, rare photographs, interviews with fellow musicians and the iconic trumpeter’s own words.”

8/22/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling the desperate plight of children made orphans by Mexico’s drug wars, this dark fable follows 10-year-old Estrella, who joins a band of street urchins after her mother vanishes, setting off a tragic series of events.”

8/22/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “New Yorker Brittany Forgler is 27 years old and the life of every party. But when a doctor’s visit reveals that party life is hurting her — her weight and blood pressure are both up — she begins a block-by-block program of self-improvement.”

8/22/19- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

4) FRIEDKIN UNCUT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “At the end of his career, director William Friedkin (the man behind “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection”) reflects on his artistic journey. Many of his colleagues, including Ellen Burstyn and Willem Dafoe, also share anecdotes and musings.”

8/22/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary traces the origins, incarnations and influence of the beloved stage musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” which opened in 1964 and became a Broadway phenomenon, running for eight years.”

8/22/19- Great reviews! TRDB.

6) VITA & VIRGINIA– – 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1920s London, iconoclastic socialite Vita Sackville-West and renowned writer Virginia Woolf occupy different worlds. But when their paths cross, the women ignore social boundaries and embark on a passionate 10-year affair.”

7) GIVE ME LIBERTY– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though protests are taking place on the streets of Milwaukee, young Russian immigrant Vic has a job to do. But the task of driving his medical transport clients becomes even more difficult when a group of elderly Russians insists on hitching a ride.”

8/23/19- Very good reviews for this drama/ comedy. TRDB.

8) JAWLINE- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering a glimpse into the world of online celebrity — and its appeal to youth in rural America — this documentary follows a Tennessee teen who’s parlayed good looks and an upbeat attitude into a fan base that includes thousands of young girls.”

8/23/19- Great reviews. TRDB.

9) GENESE- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this teen drama, sexual awakening and first love take a toll on the hearts of half-siblings Guillaume and Charlotte. As Guillaume wrestles with budding feelings for a male classmate, Charlotte tries to move on from a disappointing relationship.”

8/23/19- Very good reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.

10) THE MIRACLE OF THE LITTLE PRINCE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This insightful documentary travels the globe to profile translators of the beloved children’s book “The Little Prince,” who recount how their interpretations became instruments to rediscover or preserve their disappearing native languages.”

8/28/19- Mixed reviews but it does sound interesting. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1)  HOT AIR– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. ” When conservative talk-radio star Lionel Macomb’s 16-year-old niece, Tess, turns up looking for help with a family crisis, she upends his world with her frank assessment of who he is and what he stands for.”

8/23/19- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES– Cinema 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary traces the origins, incarnations and influence of the beloved stage musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” which opened in 1964 and became a Broadway phenomenon, running for eight years.”

8/22/19- Great reviews! TRDB.

2) JAY MYSELF– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Stephen Wilkes turns his lens on his mentor, photographer Jay Maisel, as he prepares to move out of the six-story former bank building in Manhattan that he, his family and his random collection of objects have inhabited for 48 years.”

8/27/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “New Yorker Brittany Forgler is 27 years old and the life of every party. But when a doctor’s visit reveals that party life is hurting her — her weight and blood pressure are both up — she begins a block-by-block program of self-improvement.”

8/22/19- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

4) BENNETT’S WAR– Danbury. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. ” Wounded by an improvised explosive device, Army Ranger Marshall Bennett receives a medical discharge and comes home to find his dad in dire economic straits. To earn money, Marshall returns to motocross racing — but it comes with a huge health risk.”

8/27/19- No reviews as yet but it sounds like it could be interesting. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) AFTER THE WEDDING– Bethel, Cinema 100. Poor reviews for this re-make

2) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Cinema 100. Fair reviews

3) THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON– Bethel, Danbury, Cinema 100. Very good reviews

4) THE FAREWELL– Jacob Burns (limited screenings), Cinema 100. Very good reviews and I liked it very much

5) LUCE– Jacob Burns, Bethel. I saw it and liked it despite lots of ambiguity.

6) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT– Bethel, Danbury. Good reviews.

7) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD– Jacob Burns, Danbury. Good reviews and I’ll see it eventually.

8) DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME– Jacob Burns. Very good reviews.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT– Very good reviews

2) AFTER THE WEDDING– Poor reviews for this re-make

3) THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON– Very good reviews

4) TEL AVIV ON FIRE– Very good reviews

5) LUCE– I liked it but a bit ambiguous

6) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE– Weak reviews

7) THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN– Weak reviews

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Same as Lake Worth above

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) FOR SAMA– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “The besieged city of Aleppo, Syria, is the setting of this powerful documentary, as director Waad al-Kateab composes a video diary of her searing experiences for her 1-year-old daughter before the family must flee to survive.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this foreign documentary. TRDB.

2) GENESIS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. In this teen drama, sexual awakening and first love take a toll on the hearts of half-siblings Guillaume and Charlotte. As Guillaume wrestles with budding feelings for a male classmate, Charlotte tries to move on from a disappointing relationship.

8/27/19 Not sure if above synopsis is for this movie or another with the same name.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERSAT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) JAY MYSELF– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Stephen Wilkes turns his lens on his mentor, photographer Jay Maisel, as he prepares to move out of the six-story former bank building in Manhattan that he, his family and his random collection of objects have inhabited for 48 years.”

8/27/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) AFTER THE WEDDING– Poor reviews- I liked the original

3) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Very good reviews

4) TEL AVIV ON FIRE– Very good reviews

5) THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON– Very good reviews

5) THE FAREWELL (limited screenings)

AUGUST 22, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) MEETING GORBACHEV– Netflix Disc.

2) AMERICAN FACTORY– Netflix Streaming

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) MEETING GORBACHEV– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Co-directed by prolific filmmaker Werner Herzog, this admiring documentary takes a look at the Soviet Union’s last leader, Mikhail Gorbachev — a charismatic statesman who initiated reforms that led to the end of the Cold War and changed the world.”

5/3/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

8/19/19- Excellent documentary that gave real insight into the man. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) AMERICAN FACTORY– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand blue-collar Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.”

8/21/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8/22/19- I saw this  today— an excellent documentary. I believe that this is the first movie from the Obama’s new production company. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) I AM NOT A WITCH– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a Zambian village, the residents cast a suspicious eye on new arrival Shula, an 8-year-old orphan girl. After a minor misunderstanding, she’s labeled a witch and banished to an internment camp — where she must decide whether to risk escape.”

9/7/18- Terrific reviews– the title turned me off at first. TRDB.

2) ROCKETMAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early 1970s, Elton John begins a rocket ride to fame. With his topnotch composing skills and over-the-top showmanship, he becomes one of the world’s most beloved rock stars over the next four decades, as recounted in this tuneful biopic.”

5/28/19- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

6/6/19- I loved the movie- great acting, touching screenplay and of course great music. TRDB. 

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

Recommended–

1) AQUARELA- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Viktor Kossakovsky’s immersive nature documentary takes the form of a rich visual poem that exposes viewers to the many forms of water, its enormous power and the vital role that it plays in sustaining life on Earth.”

8/15/19- Excellent reviews for this foreign documentary. TRDB.

2) WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN THE WORLD’S ON FIRE?- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmed during the summer of 2017 when police killings of African-American men dominated the news, this powerful documentary interweaves stories from disenfranchised black communities in Louisiana and Mississippi as they struggle to find justice.”

8/15/19- Mostly good reviews with some poor ones mixed in. TRDB.

3) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1987 England, 16-year-old Pakistani Javed feels constrained by his blue-collar town and his father’s rigid views. But things change when a friend lends Javed some Bruce Springsteen tapes — and he starts to find his voice through the Boss’ lyrics.”

8/13/19- Excellent reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.

4) THE AMAZING JOHNATHAN DOCUMENTARY– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “What begins as a documentary following the final tour of a dying magician — “The Amazing Johnathan” — becomes an unexpected and increasingly bizarre journey as the filmmaker struggles to separate truth from illusion.

8/15/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) DRIVEN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fact-based tale of betrayal chronicles the rags-to-riches-to-rags story of car designer John DeLorean, who dazzles the auto industry with his futuristic, self-named sports car but sinks to drug trafficking to save his failing company.”

8/15/19- Fair reviews. TRDB.

6) END OF THE CENTURY– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “It’s summer in Barcelona when handsome Javi catches the eye of vacationing Argentinean poet Ocho. A steamy hookup ensues and, on their second date, Javi reveals that they’ve met before — two decades earlier.”

8/15/19- Excellent reviews from all sources. TRDB.

7) COLD CASE HAMMARSKJOLD– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1961, a plane carrying U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld crashed in Rhodesia. Though his death was widely assumed to be an assassination, the case went cold — leading director Mads Brügger to launch his own probe more than 50 years later.”

8/15/19- Reviews are just fair for this documentary. TRDB.

8) BUNUEL IN THE LABYRINTH OF THE TURTLES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This poignant animated drama centers on the early days of renowned auteur Luis Buñuel, recounting the filmmaker’s timely stroke of luck when a friend’s winning lottery ticket unexpectedly gives Luis enough money to finance his second movie.”

8/16/19- Excellent reviews for this animated drama. TRDB.

9) SOCRATES– 2019. Synopsis by IMDB. “After his mother’s sudden death, Socrates, a 15-year-old living on the margins of São Paulo’s coast, must survive on his own while coming to terms with his grief.”

8/16/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10) GOOD BOYS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After breaking a toy drone, impish 12-year-old Max and his buddies skip school and set off on an epic all-day journey across the San Fernando Valley to replace the toy before their parents come home.”

8/16/19- Audiences liked this comedy very much and the critics rated it fair. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

11) AMERICAN FACTORY– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand blue-collar Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.”

8/21/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8/22/19- I saw this  today— an excellent documentary. I believe that this is the first movie from the Obama’s new production company. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

Not Recommended–

1) KINGDOM– Very good reviews but martial arts is not my thing.

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

REPEATS-

1) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE?- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Cinema 100. Fair reviews.

2) THE FAREWELL-Jacob Burns, Bethel, Cinema 100. I liked it very much.

3) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT– Bethel, Danbury. Good reviews.

4) DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME– Jacob Burns. Very good reviews.

5) LUCE– Jacob Burns, Danbury. I liked it very much.

6) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD– Jacob Burns, Danbury. Good reviews for this comedy/drama.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT– Good reviews.

2) AFTER THE WEDDING– Poor reviews for this re-make- I really liked the original.

3) THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON– Excellent reviews.

4) TEL AVIV ON FIRE– 2019. Synopsis by IMDB. “Salam, an inexperienced young Palestinian man, becomes a writer on a popular soap opera after a chance meeting with an Israeli soldier.”

8/2/19- Very good reviews.

5) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE?– Fair reviews.

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- see Lake Worth above

1) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT–

2) AFTER THE WEDDING–

3) TEL AVIV ON FIRE–

4) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE?–

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) MIKE WALLACE IS HERE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When it came to asking tough questions, longtime “60 Minutes” reporter Mike Wallace pulled few punches. This documentary takes a similar approach, using a wealth of archival footage to explore what made the journalist tick and how his career evolved.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) ROJO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Evoking the surreal atmosphere of Argentinean society under military dictatorship during the mid-1970s, this taut drama focuses on a prominent lawyer whose life takes an ominous turn after a stranger berates him in a restaurant.”

7/12/19- Generally not my kind of movie but reviews were very good and I will try to see this movie. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) TEL AVIV ON FIRE– Very good reviews.

2) AFTER THE WEDDING– Poor reviews for this re-make- I liked the original very much.

3) DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME– Very good reviews for this documentary.

4) THE FAREWELL– I liked this movie very much

5) ECHO IN THE CANYON – Very good reviews.

6) THE OTHER STORY– Good reviews.

AUGUST 15, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) LUCE– At the Theater

2) A KID LIKE JAKE– Netflix Disc.

3) A SIMPLE FAVOR– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) LUCE– 2019. “A married couple is forced to reckon with their idealized image of their son, adopted from war-torn Eritrea, after an alarming discovery by a devoted high school teacher threatens his status as an all-star student.”

8/2/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

8/9/19– I enjoyed this movie very much despite what I thought was some ambiguity. Some reviewers really panned it. TRDB. 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) A KID LIKE JAKE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Progressive parents Alex and Greg have always accepted their 4-year-old son Jake’s penchant for dolls and dresses. But the couple finds themselves at odds when his preschool director suggests the boy’s preferences may signal gender-identity issues.”

5/31/18- Mixed reviews– slightly more positive than negative. TRDB.

8/10/19- I liked it. TRDB.

2) A SIMPLE FAVOR– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Single mom Stephanie finds her small-town life upended when best friend Emily asks Stephanie to pick up her son from school — and promptly vanishes. Bent on solving the mystery, Stephanie joins forces with Emily’s husband.”

9/11/18- Not really my type of movie but it did get pretty good reviews. TRDB.

8/11/19- Enough twists and turns to give you whiplash. While I enjoyed many of the scenes I did have trouble following the plot. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker John Chester and his wife, Molly, long dreamed of trading Los Angeles for a rural life. So, when the couple gets evicted from their apartment thanks to their barking dog, they jump at the chance to start a diversified farm outside the city.”

5/10/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5/20/19- I liked it very much. Beautiful nature photography as well. TRDB. 

2) THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Born in Jamaica but now living in New York City, realist Natasha Kingsley is facing imminent deportation. As she looks for an eleventh-hour reprieve to remain in America, fate leads her to meet young dreamer Daniel Bae … and sparks fly.”

5/15/19- No reviews as yet but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

3) TOMORROW MAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Retiree Ed Hemsler is focused on the future, specifically on the disaster he’s certain is just around the corner. But in the midst of his doomsday preparations, he meets shopaholic Ronnie Meisner, and the two quirky characters develop a bond.”

5/24/19- Poor reviews with most critics saying that great acting kept this movie alive at all. TRDB.

4) BLAZE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “A little-known “outlaw” country artist, Blaze Foley gets his due in this affecting biopic that interlaces three narratives — recounting his final show, his relationship with girlfriend Sybil Rosen and a radio interview — to tell his story.”

9/7/18- Directed by Ethan Hawke this movie has received excellent early reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) ONE CHILD NATION– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “From 1979 to 2015, the Chinese government strictly enforced a one-child policy. In this eye-opening documentary, director (and first-time mother) Nanfu Wang looks at the history, social ramifications and personal costs of that draconian measure.”

8/9/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) ODE TO JOY– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Middle-aged librarian Charlie tries to maintain an even keel because extreme emotions cause him to lose control of his muscles and pass out. But Charlie finds his coping methods tested when he falls for the spirited Francesca.”

8/9/19- Fair to OK reviews. TRDB.

3) THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING is a feature-length documentary that uncover what is beneath one of the most confounding dilemmas in the entertainment industry — the under-representation and misrepresentation of women.”

8/9/19- Good reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “A lively 22-year-old with Down syndrome, Zak lives at a nursing home because he has nobody to care for him — but it doesn’t stop him from dreaming. Breaking out to pursue his goal of becoming a pro wrestler, he gets help from a fisherman on the lam.”

8/9/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) THIS IS NOT BERLIN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1986 Mexico City, this coming-of-age drama follows disaffected teens Carlos and Gera, who find their lives transformed when they’re invited to an underground nightclub and discover a world of sex, drugs and punk rock.”

8/9/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) BRIAN BANKS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this real-life tale, high school gridiron star Brian Banks is offered an athletic scholarship to play at the University of Southern California. Dreaming of a professional career, he sees his aspirations crumble when he’s falsely convicted of rape.”

8/9/19- Weak reviews from the critics but substantially better ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) LIGHT OF MY LIFE– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A girl (Anna Pniowsky) and her father (Casey Affleck) journey through the outskirts of society a decade after a pandemic has wiped out nearly all the world’s female population. As a father struggles to protect his daughter’s innocence, shielding her from newfound dangers, their bond and the character of humanity is tested.”

8/9/19- Fair reviews. TRDB.

8) VISION PORTRAITS– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “VISION PORTRAITS is a deeply personal documentary by award-winning filmmaker Rodney Evans (Brother to Brother) as he explores how his loss of vision may impact his creative future, and what it means to be a blind or visually impaired creative artist.

8/9/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

9) LOVE, ANTOSHA– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Russian-born actor Anton Yelchin made an indelible mark on Hollywood with a spate of TV and movie roles before his death in a freak accident at age 27. This documentary paints a moving portrait of Yelchin via film clips and co-stars’ reminiscences.”

8/9/19- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones by audiences. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) AFTER THE WEDDING– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Calcutta orphanage manager Isabel is summoned to New York City to meet a potential donor, she’s surprised to find herself invited to the wedding of the benefactor’s daughter — where Isabel comes face to face with her past.”

8/9/19- Really bad reviews for this re-make– too bad because the original, with the same name, was excellent. TRDB.

2) THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN – Awful reviews.

3) THE KITCHEN– Poor reviews

4)  SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK– Decent reviews but it is all “horror.”

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After eccentric architect Bernadette Fox vanishes without explanation, her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, is determined to find her. But while searching for clues to Bernadette’s whereabouts, Bee uncovers her mother’s troubled past.”

8/13/19- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

2) ONE CHILD NATION– Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “From 1979 to 2015, the Chinese government strictly enforced a one-child policy. In this eye-opening documentary, director (and first-time mother) Nanfu Wang looks at the history, social ramifications and personal costs of that draconian measure.”

8/9/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) MAIDEN– Clearview 100. Good reviews.

2) THE FAIRWELL– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. I liked this movie very much.

3) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD- Clearview 100.

4) DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this illuminating documentary, trailblazing rocker David Crosby shares — with brutal candor — a slew of personal observations and reminiscences from a 50-year musical career that’s far from over.”

7/19/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) LUCE- Jacob Burns. I liked this movie but found it hard to follow at times. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1987 England, 16-year-old Pakistani Javed feels constrained by his blue-collar town and his father’s rigid views. But things change when a friend lends Javed some Bruce Springsteen tapes — and he starts to find his voice through the Boss’ lyrics.”

8/13/19- Excellent reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.

2) THE KITCHEN– Doesn’t sound good to me

3) THE FAREWELL– I liked it very much

4) THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN– Weak reviews

5) WHERE’D YOU GO BERNADETTE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After eccentric architect Bernadette Fox vanishes without explanation, her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, is determined to find her. But while searching for clues to Bernadette’s whereabouts, Bee uncovers her mother’s troubled past.”

8/13/19- No reviews as yet.

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Same as Lake Worth above

1) BLINDED BY THE LIGHT–

2) THE KITCHEN–

3) THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN-

4) THE FAREWELL–

5) WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) TONI MORRISON:THE PIECES I AM– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This in-depth documentary looks at the life and works of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison, who gives voice to the African-American experience through fiction that exposes a point of view counter to the establishment.”

6/21/10- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Nick Broomfield chronicles the relationship between writer turned musician Leonard Cohen and his muse, Marianne Ihlen, who met in 1960 on the Greek island of Hydra — where they found love and Cohen began to find his artistic voice.”

7/5/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) AFTER THE WEDDING– Weak reviews for this re-make. I really liked the original

2) DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME– Excellent reviews for this documentary.

3) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Very good reviews.

4) THE FAREWELL– I liked this movie very much.

5) THE OTHER STORY- Fair to good reviews

AUGUST 1, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

IV’E HAD GUESTS ALL WEEK SO ONLY 1 MOVIE FOR ME-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) ASH IS PUREST WHITE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young gang attacks her mobster boyfriend, Bin, loyal Qiao uses his illegal gun to save him — landing her in prison for five years. But after she’s released, Qiao finds that Bin has moved on without her, and she sets off to track him down.”

3/15/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/26/19- Some interesting scenes that I enjoyed but I can’t really recommend this way-too-long Chinese movie. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) AMAZING GRACE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “More than 40 years after Aretha Franklin delivered two spellbinding nights of gospel music at a Baptist church in Los Angeles, this documentary — long shelved because of technical problems — takes viewers back to the legendary concerts.”

12/7/18- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) EATING ANIMALS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s best-selling book, this eye-opening documentary looks at the high cost — to animals, the environment and human health — of our insistence on cheap food and reliance on the agro-industrial complex that produces it.”

6/15/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE SOUVENIR– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic drama, film student Julie is struggling to find her voice when she falls for the charismatic but mysterious Anthony. As love blooms, so does her creativity, but her mother and friends fear that the relationship will destroy Julie.”

5/17/19- Great reviews by the critics and terrible ones from audiences. I’ll try to see this one. TRDB.

4) PLUS ONE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Long-time friends Alice and Ben find themselves in that inevitable year that all late 20-somethings experience—in which seemingly every person they know gets married—and agree to be one another’s plus ones as they power through an endless parade of insufferable weddings.”

6/14/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) THE COMMAND– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This real-life thriller set in 2000 recounts the sinking of Russia’s nuclear submarine “Kursk,” focusing on the 23 crew members who survive the crash in an isolated air pocket, only to wait days for rescue as their oxygen runs out.”

6/21/19- Fair reviews for this drama based on a real situation. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) HONEYLAND– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an isolated Balkan landscape, beekeeper Hatidze Muratova lovingly tends her hives, scratching out a living by selling honey at a faraway market. But when a nomadic family and their 150 cows move in next door, her fragile existence is threatened.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Approaching 30, business consultant Lola Wegenstein is hyperfocused on success. But her tightly compartmentalized life starts to unravel when her troubled sister attempts suicide, and Lola’s personal and professional worlds begin to collide.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.

3) SKIN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Raised by skinheads, young Bryon Widner finds himself in the FBI’s crosshairs as a vocal white supremacist. But fatherhood begins to change his views, leading him to undergo the excruciating process of removing the racist tattoos covering his body.”

7/26/19- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

4) FOR SAMA– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “The besieged city of Aleppo, Syria, is the setting of this powerful documentary, as director Waad al-Kateab composes a video diary of her searing experiences for her 1-year-old daughter before the family must flee to survive.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this foreign documentary. TRDB.

5) JIRGA– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmed in the mountains of Jalalabad with a cast that includes ex-Taliban members, this absorbing drama recounts the journey of a former Australian soldier who returns to Afghanistan to make peace with the family of a civilian he killed in the war.”

7/26/19- Fairly good reviews including some excellent ones. TRDB.

6) MIKE WALLACE IS HERE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When it came to asking tough questions, longtime “60 Minutes” reporter Mike Wallace pulled few punches. This documentary takes a similar approach, using a wealth of archival footage to explore what made the journalist tick and how his career evolved.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

7) THE MOUNTAIN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1953, shy young Andy is hired to photograph a tour of mental asylums accompanying Wallace Fiennes — the doctor who lobotomized Andy’s mom. As Fiennes promotes the already outdated and controversial procedure, Andy falls for a potential patient.”

7/26/19- Fair reviews at best but might be worth a viewing. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE MOUNTAIN– Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1953, shy young Andy is hired to photograph a tour of mental asylums accompanying Wallace Fiennes — the doctor who lobotomized Andy’s mom. As Fiennes promotes the already outdated and controversial procedure, Andy falls for a potential patient.”

7/26/19- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

2) HONEYLAND– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an isolated Balkan landscape, beekeeper Hatidze Muratova lovingly tends her hives, scratching out a living by selling honey at a faraway market. But when a nomadic family and their 150 cows move in next door, her fragile existence is threatened.”

7/26/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYHWOOD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100.

2) THE FAREWELL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. An excellent movie.

3) MAIDEN– Bethel, Clearview 100. Very good reviews

4) PAVAROTTI– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. I liked this very much.

5) SWORD OF TRUST- Jacob Burns. Good reviews. Can be viewed already On-Demand.

6) YESTERDAY–  The movie was just OK but, of course, the music was great

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD-

2) THE OTHER STORY– Good reviews

3) YESTERDAY- The movie was just OK but, of course, the music is great

4) THE REPORTS ON SARAH AND SALEEM– Very good reviews

5) THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM– An excellent movie that I thoroughly enjoyed

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD– see above

2) THE FAREWELL-see above

3) PAVAROTTI- I enjoyed this documentary

4) THE OTHER STORY-see above

5) THE REPORTS ON SARAH AND SALEEM-see above

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) LITTLE WOODS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Little Woods, North Dakota, Ollie once made a living by smuggling in prescription drugs from Canada. About to complete her probation, she’s looking to go straight — but her mom’s death and sister’s pregnancy leave Ollie in desperate need of cash.”

4/19/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) SWORD OF TRUST– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Cynthia’s grandfather dies, she inherits a Civil War-era sword that revisionist-history nuts believe is proof that the South defeated the North. Before long, she’s teaming with a crusty pawnshop owner to sell the weapon to the highest bidder.”

7/12/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

1) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Very good reviews.

2) MAIDEN– (limited screenings)

3) THE FAREWELL– I liked this very much

4) THE OTHER STORY– Fair to good reviews

5) THE REPORTS ON SARAH & SALEEM– Very good reviews

6) THE SILENCE OF OTHERS– Excellent reviews

JULY 25, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) NEVER LOOK AWAY– Netflix Disc.

2) YESTERDAY– At the Theater

3) THE HATE YOU GIVE– Comcast On-Demand

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) YESTERDAY– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “While he’s still looking for his big break, musician Jack Malik gets hit by a bus during a global blackout. But when he wakes up to find he’s the lone person on Earth who knows of the Beatles and their songbook, Jack has a huge chance at stardom.”

6/25/19- Weak reviews for this comedy/drama. TRDB.

7/21/19- Fluff with lots of Beetles music. You can safely skip it. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) NEVER LOOK AWAY– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this absorbing drama based loosely on the life of visual artist Gerhard Richter, an art student trying to get past the trauma of growing up in Nazi Germany falls for a fellow student. But her father — an ex-Nazi — is bent on keeping them apart.”

1/25/19- OK reviews for this very long drama. TRDB.

7/20/19- I enjoyed this movie- both the characters and the story. Some reviewers said it reminded them of a mini-series. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) THE HATE U GIVE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though Starr Carter lives in a lower-income black neighborhood, she attends a largely white prep school. When she sees a longtime friend shot by a white police officer, Starr finds herself caught between two worlds as she tries to do the right thing.’

10/4/18- Excellent reviews!! TRDB.

7/23/19- I enjoyed this movie very much. Comcast On-Demand.

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COMING TO NETFLIX JULY 30-

1) LONG SHOT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Like many a child, journalist Fred Flarsky had an unrequited crush on his baby sitter. Years later, after she’s become one of the most famous and respected women in the world, Fred decides to make his move.”

5/1/19- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

5/3/19- Good for a few laughs and that’s about it. TRDB.

2) MEETING GORBACHEV– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Co-directed by prolific filmmaker Werner Herzog, this admiring documentary takes a look at the Soviet Union’s last leader, Mikhail Gorbachev — a charismatic statesman who initiated reforms that led to the end of the Cold War and changed the world.”

5/3/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this illuminating documentary, trailblazing rocker David Crosby shares — with brutal candor — a slew of personal observations and reminiscences from a 50-year musical career that’s far from over.”

7/19/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) THE LION KING– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this photorealistic reworking of the 1994 classic, lion cub prince Simba flees his African kingdom after falling prey to his Uncle Scar’s treachery. But years later, Simba must return to take his place as the leader of the Pride Lands.”

7/19/19- Poor reviews by the critics but audiences have enjoyed it. TRDB.

3) A FAITHFUL MAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After reconnecting with Marianne — who left him nine years ago to marry his best friend — Parisian journalist Abel finds his suspicions aroused as her scheming young son plants the idea that the now-widowed Marianne poisoned her hubby.”

7/19/19- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

4) I DO NOT CARE IF WE GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BABARIANS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dark satire follows ambitious theater director Mariana Marin as she attempts to stage an elaborate re-enactment of the tragic 1941 Odessa massacre. But she quickly encounters opposition from a municipal bureaucrat and a rebellious cast.”

7/19/19- Excellent reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.

5) TINY: THE LIFE OF ERIN BLACKWELL– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Thirty years in the making, Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell continues to follow one of the most indelible subjects of Streetwise, a groundbreaking documentary on homeless and runaway teenagers.

7/19/19- Just 1 review noted and it is very good. TRDB.

6) BOTTOM OF THE  9th.- Synopsis by Netflix. “Once a promising baseball player with a bright future and a beautiful girlfriend, Sonny Stano instead ended up in prison paying for a deadly mistake. Out of jail 18 years later, he’s ready to take another shot at a professional baseball career.”

7/19/19- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.

7) CASSANDRO THE EXOTICO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biographical documentary about Mexican wrestler Cassandro — known as the “Liberace of lucha libre” — captures the flamboyant, openly gay legend in the sunset of his career, as his body flags but his spirit continues to soar.”

7/19/19- Few reviews noted now but they are mostly very good. TRDB.

8) ROSIE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Already having trouble making ends meet, Rosie and John Paul are left homeless when their landlord sells their rented house. Over the next 36 hours, the couple struggles to find shelter for their family while trying to retain some sense of stability.”

7/19/19- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) SHE’S JUST A SHADOW– Miserable reviews.

2) LUZ– Not my kind of movie and probably not yours either.

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actor Rick Dalton once starred in a hit TV Western, but six years after the show’s demise, his career has faded. As Rick and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, try to reinvent themselves, all hell is about to break loose at neighbor Sharon Tate’s house.”

7/16/19- Very good reviews for this comedy/drama by Quentin Tarantino. TRDB.

2) THE OTHER STORY– Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Raised a secular Jew, Anat Abadi seems to be on the path to ultra-Orthodox zealotry when she joins a seminary and announces her upcoming marriage to a devout musician. But her relatives are having none of it, especially her grandfather.”

6/28/19– Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) THE FAREWELL– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Very good reviews.

2) MAIDEN– Bethel, Clearview 100. Good reviews

3) PAVAROTTI– Bethel, Clearview 100.I liked it very much

4) YESTERDAY-Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. I enjoyed the movie but it’s really light fluff. Good music

5) ROCKETMAN– Danbury. I loved the movie

6) SWORD OF TRUST– Jacob Burns. Very good reviews.

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) WILD ROSE– I liked it

2) THE REPORTS ON SARAH & SALEEM

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD– Very good reviews for this comedy/drama by Quentin Tarantino. TRDB.

2) MAIDEN– Good reviews.

3) THE OTHER STORY– Fair to good reviews.

4) THE REPORTS ON SARAH & SALEEM- Very good reviews.

5) PAVAROTTI– I liked this movie very much

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having spent his early years in a San Francisco house his grandfather built — and which the family later lost — Jimmie yearns to return to that home. So, when the residence becomes vacant, he hatches a plan to reclaim it.”

6/7/19- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.

2) AMAZING GRACE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “More than 40 years after Aretha Franklin delivered two spellbinding nights of gospel music at a Baptist church in Los Angeles, this documentary — long shelved because of technical problems — takes viewers back to the legendary concerts.”

12/7/18- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Very good reviews

2) MAIDEN– Good reviews

3) THE REPORTS ON SARAH & SALEEM– Very good reviews.

4) THE SILENCE OF OTHERS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thanks to an amnesty law passed in Spain in 1977, the perpetrators of atrocities committed during Gen. Francisco Franco’s despotic reign have gone largely unpunished. This documentary follows a six-year quest to find justice for some of the victims.”

5/8/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) WILD ROSE– I enjoyed it

JULY 11, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

I’LL BE AWAY FOR A FEW DAYS THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK.

 I’M NOT SURE IF I’LL BE ABLE TO SEND A NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK!!

ALSO– TODAY’S NEWSLETTER WILL NOT CONTAIN MOST OF THE SECTION ON WHAT’S PLAYING IN LOCAL THEATERS

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) GIANT LITTLE ONES– Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) GIANT LITTLE ONES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this coming-of-age drama, best friends Franky Winter and Ballas Kohl — both popular students and athletes — are thick as thieves until an amorous encounter at a 17th birthday party throws them into turmoil.”

3/1/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7/8/19- I enjoyed this movie very much. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Nick Broomfield chronicles the relationship between writer turned musician Leonard Cohen and his muse, Marianne Ihlen, who met in 1960 on the Greek island of Hydra — where they found love and Cohen began to find his artistic voice.”

7/5/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) THE CAT RESCUERS– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With over 500,000 streets cats struggling to survive in NYC, and the city unwilling to address the problem, spirited volunteers like Sassee, Claire, Stu and Tara have come to their aid. Their beat is Brooklyn, where the problem has exploded. Combing the borough’s alleys, backyards and housing projects, they trap the cats, get them fixed and returned to their colonies, or adopted.”

7/5/19- Just 2 reviews noted and they are both good. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) COLD BLOOD– some of the worst reviews I’ve ever seen.

2) PHIL– terrible reviews

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS- Most theaters have not published their movies for next week as yet!!!

1) MAIDEN– Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1989, an all-female crew captained by 27-year-old Tracy Edwards entered the Whitbread Round the World Race on the yacht “Maiden.” By finishing second, the distaff sailors permanently transformed the all-male province of deep-water yacht racing.”

6/28/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) YESTERDAY– Clearview 100. Weak reviews but I’ll see it just for the music

2) WILD ROSE– Clearview 100. I liked this movie

3) PAVAROTTI– Clearview 100. I enjoyed this very much.

4) ROCKETMAN– Clearview 100. Loved the movie.

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) MAIDEN-  Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) YESTERDAY- Weak reviews but I’ll see it just for the music

3) WILD ROSE– I enjoyed this movie

4) PAVAROTTI- I liked this very much

5) THE REPORTS ON SARAH & SALEEM– Very good reviews

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Not available yet!!

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) THE SOUVENIR– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic drama, film student Julie is struggling to find her voice when she falls for the charismatic but mysterious Anthony. As love blooms, so does her creativity, but her mother and friends fear that the relationship will destroy Julie.”

5/17/19- Great reviews by the critics and terrible ones from audiences. I’ll try to see this one. TRDB.

2) CLARENCE CLEMONS: WHO DO I THINK I AM? Synopsis by Netflix. “After Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s marathon “Rising Tour” came to an end in 2003, Clarence Clemons felt like he needed a break. So he packed up his saxophone and voyaged to China, where he could be more-or-less a nameless traveler in a foreign land. Follow Clarence after China and document his transcendent awakening and then tragedy struck. While in Florida Clarence suffered a stroke and passed away.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) MAIDEN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1989, an all-female crew captained by 27-year-old Tracy Edwards entered the Whitbread Round the World Race on the yacht “Maiden.” By finishing second, the distaff sailors permanently transformed the all-male province of deep-water yacht racing.”

6/28/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) YESTERDAY– Weak reviews but I’s see it just for the music

4) THE REPORTS ON SARAH & SALEEM– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Defying social taboos, Israeli café owner Sarah begins an extramarital affair with her Palestinian bread deliveryman, Saleem. But when they’re seen together at a Bethlehem bar, the consequences soon turn them into pawns in a dangerous political game.”

7/9/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

JUNE 20, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) ROLLING THUNDER REVUE– Netflix Streaming

2) LATE NIGHT– At the Theater

3) THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY– Netflix Streaming

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) LATE NIGHT- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Accused of being antifeminist, late-night talk-show host Katherine Newbury hires her first female writer, Molly Patel. But what begins as a “marriage of convenience” evolves into more as Molly injects a much-needed fresh viewpoint.”

6/7/19- Very good reviews for this drama/ comedy. TRDB.

6/15/19- Good laughs and good acting with an OK screenplay. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) ROLLING THUNDER REVUE– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year. Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, Rolling Thunder is a one of a kind experience, from master filmmaker Martin Scorsese.”

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) DAWSON CITY: FROZEN TIME– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using material from 1910s and ’20s silent films and newsreels that were found buried in Dawson City, Yukon, in 1978, director Bill Morrison put together this fascinating history of the gold rush boomtown.”

6/9/17- Great reviews for this documentary. One critic called it a masterpiece. TRDB.

2) DARK MONEY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Montana, corporate campaign financing was prohibited for nearly a century, but “dark money” from anonymous corporate donors now skews the electoral process. This engrossing documentary follows citizens’ grassroots efforts to amend the situation.”

7/12/18- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE MERCY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based adventure, amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst enters the 1968 Golden Globe Race to collect the prize money needed to save his business. But after his boat falls behind, he starts filing false logs from off the coast of South America.”

11/30/18- Fairly good reviews from the critics and awful ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) THE HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Scheming cousins Vincent and Anton are determined to build a fiber-optic cable between Kansas and New Jersey that will provide a millisecond advantage over New York Stock Exchange transactions — but their ex-boss is intent on seeing them fail.”

3/15/19- Poor reviews from the critics but good ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) THE AFTERMATH– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sent to help rebuild bombed-out Hamburg, Germany, British officer Lewis Morgan is joined by his wife, who’s upset to find they’ll be sharing their home with the prior owner and his troubled daughter — which leads to tensions between the families.”

3/27/19- Awful reviews by the critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

6) A DARK SONG– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Distraught over her son’s death, Sophia Howard hires an occultist to lead her through a six-month series of rituals at a secluded house to make contact with the boy. But as the days pass and their isolation increases, the two find themselves tested.”

4/28/17- Good reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. As I hate “horror” movies I will probably skip this one. TRDB.

7) A KID LIKE JAKE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Progressive parents Alex and Greg have always accepted their 4-year-old son Jake’s penchant for dolls and dresses. But the couple finds themselves at odds when his preschool director suggests the boy’s preferences may signal gender-identity issues.”

5/31/18- Mixed reviews– slightly more positive than negative. TRDB.

8) MONROVIA, INDIANA– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Esteemed documentarian Frederick Wiseman turns his lens on small-town America after the 2016 presidential election, examining the values of rural voters whose concerns about the future of their communities helped fuel Donald Trump’s victory.”

10/26/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST WEEK-

Recommended-

1) BLUE NOTE RECORDS: BEYOND THE NOTES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary looks at the history of Blue Note Records, the trailblazing label that — beginning in 1939 — captured the sound and soul of American jazz and cemented the careers of a host of jazz greats, including Miles Davis.”

6/14/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) IN THE AISLES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “An affecting and bittersweet glimpse into the shared connections of a motley group of nightshift workers at a big box store, including the reclusive newbie Christian and the charming but mysterious Marion.”

6/14/19- OK reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.

3) PLUS ONE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Long-time friends Alice and Ben find themselves in that inevitable year that all late 20-somethings experience—in which seemingly every person they know gets married—and agree to be one another’s plus ones as they power through an endless parade of insufferable weddings.”

6/14/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) SHAFT– Terrible reviews by the critics although audiences appear to have liked it

2) HAMPSTEAD– Poor reviews for this drama. I’ll skip this despite Diane Keaton

3) BEING FRANK- Terrible reviews

4) DAUGHTER OF THE WOLF– Awful reviews

5) BACK TO THE FATHERLAND– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “BACK TO THE FATHERLAND is the story of young people leaving their home country to try their luck somewhere else. A universal tale in today’s globalized world, weren’t these young women and men moving from Israel to the countries where their families were persecuted and killed less than a century ago, Germany and Austria.”

6/14/19- Poor reviews for this movie. TRDB.

______________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) PAVAROTTI– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he died in 2007, Luciano Pavarotti had realized his dream of bringing opera to the masses. This documentary paints a compelling portrait of the tenor by drawing on family archives, home videos, behind-the-scenes material and concert footage.”

6/7/19- Good reviews. TRDB.

2) FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Archival film interlaces with dramatized vignettes to chart the rise and fall of auto-design genius John DeLorean, who developed a revolutionary vehicle but ended up on trial when he tried to save his struggling company by making a massive drug deal.”

6/7/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having spent his early years in a San Francisco house his grandfather built — and which the family later lost — Jimmie yearns to return to that home. So, when the residence becomes vacant, he hatches a plan to reclaim it.”

6/7/19- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) LATE NIGHT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100.  2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Accused of being antifeminist, late-night talk-show host Katherine Newbury hires her first female writer, Molly Patel. But what begins as a “marriage of convenience” evolves into more as Molly injects a much-needed fresh viewpoint.”

6/7/19- Very good reviews for this drama/ comedy. TRDB.

6/15/19- Good laughs and good acting with an OK screenplay. TRDB.

2) ROCKETMAN-Bethel,  Danbury, Clearview 100. I loved the movie!

3) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Bethel, Clearview 100. Very good reviews.

______________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) LATE NIGHT– An OK comedy

2) ROCKETMAN-I loved the movie

3) SHELTER– Weak reviews

4) PAVAROTTI– Good reviews

5) THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE- Good reviews

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) SAY MY NAME- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Casual sex turns into a chaotic nightmare when a robbery disrupts Mary Page and Statton Taylor’s hookup at a hotel. Determined to go after their stolen property, the two soon end up involved in a series of wild misadventures.”

6/18/19- Early reviews are mixed. TRDB.

2) LATE NIGHT– An OK comedy

3) PAVAROTTI- Good reviews

4) ROCKETMAN- I loved the movie

5) THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE- Good reviews

6)  SHELTER- Weak reviews

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) HALSTON- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This in-depth documentary charts the life of fashion designer Halston, who rose to fame in the 1960s as the creator of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic pink pillbox hat and held court at Studio 54 but tragically succumbed to complications of AIDS in 1990.”

5/24/19- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) THE SILENCE OF OTHERS– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thanks to an amnesty law passed in Spain in 1977, the perpetrators of atrocities committed during Gen. Francisco Franco’s despotic reign have gone largely unpunished. This documentary follows a six-year quest to find justice for some of the victims.”

5/8/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) LATE NIGHT– Very good reviews for this drama/ comedy. TRDB.

6/15/19- Good laughs and good acting with an OK screenplay. TRDB.

2) ROCKETMAN– I loved the movie!!

3) SAY MY NAME– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Casual sex turns into a chaotic nightmare when a robbery disrupts Mary Page and Statton Taylor’s hookup at a hotel. Determined to go after their stolen property, the two soon end up involved in a series of wild misadventures.”

6/18/19- Early reviews are mixed. TRDB.

4) THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE– Good reviews.

5) THE THIRD WIFE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 19th-century Vietnam, 14-year-old May becomes a rich landowner’s third wife, knowing that she must give birth to a son to increase her status. But after she becomes pregnant, dormant desires force her to choose between safety and freedom.”

5/15/19- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

JUNE 13, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) ROCKETMAN- At the Theater

2) EVERYDAY– Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) ROCKETMAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early 1970s, Elton John begins a rocket ride to fame. With his topnotch composing skills and over-the-top showmanship, he becomes one of the world’s most beloved rock stars over the next four decades, as recounted in this tuneful biopic.”

5/28/19- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

6/6/19- I loved the movie- great acting, touching screenplay and of course great music. TRDB. 

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) EVERYDAY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her husband imprisoned on drug charges, young mother Karen tries to raise four kids alone in this documentary-style drama filmed over five years. As Karen awaits her husband’s release, the trials of everyday life test her endurance.”

11/22/13- Very good although the NY Times commented that it was difficult at times to understand the Scottish accent. TRDB.

6/6/19- An excellent depiction of the realities involved. I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK- JUNE 18-

1) THE BRINK– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fascinating documentary, director Alison Klayman begins filming political firebrand Steve Bannon a week after he leaves his White House post, following him around the world as he stokes the flames of a global “populist movement.”

3/29/19- OK reviews. TRDB.

2) HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Five years in the making, this lyrical documentary creates a revelatory picture of black identity in the South as cameras follow a group of African-American residents of Hale County, Alabama, going about their day-to-day lives.”

9/14/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THUNDER ROAD– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Officer Jim Arnaud struggles being a single dad and police officer in the American South. After losing his Mom, he vows to become a better father to his daughter, Crystal, but circumstances have different plans for him.”

10/16/18- Great reviews. TRDB.

4) GIANT LITTLE ONES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this coming-of-age drama, best friends Franky Winter and Ballas Kohl — both popular students and athletes — are thick as thieves until an amorous encounter at a 17th birthday party throws them into turmoil.”

3/1/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) HOTEL MUMBAI– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, a wave of terrorist attacks across Mumbai causes many people to seek refuge in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Unfortunately for them — and the guests and employees — the terrorists are waiting and take them hostage.”

3/22/19- Mediocre reviews at best. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

1) LATE NIGHT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Accused of being antifeminist, late-night talk-show host Katherine Newbury hires her first female writer, Molly Patel. But what begins as a “marriage of convenience” evolves into more as Molly injects a much-needed fresh viewpoint.”

6/7/19- Very good reviews for this drama/ comedy. TRDB.

2) GHOST FLEET– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shocking in its details, this eye-opening documentary follows Thai human rights activist Patima Tungpuchayakul as she exposes the widespread practice of slavery aboard modern fishing boats operating in Southeast Asia.”

6/7/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) FUNAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drawing on his mom’s experiences, director Denis Do paints a grim picture of life in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge as a young mother is separated from her 4-year-old son and forced into servitude. But she’s determined to survive and find her child.”

6/7/19- Excellent reviews for this animated drama. TRDB.

4) PAPI CHULO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When TV weatherman Sean finds himself on enforced leave with too much time on his hands, he hires a day laborer to paint his deck. But it soon becomes clear that what Sean really wants is a friend — even if it’s one who doesn’t speak his language.”

6/7/19- Weak reviews but it does sound interesting to me. TRDB.

5) PAVAROTTI– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he died in 2007, Luciano Pavarotti had realized his dream of bringing opera to the masses. This documentary paints a compelling portrait of the tenor by drawing on family archives, home videos, behind-the-scenes material and concert footage.”

6/7/19- Good reviews. TRDB.

6) THE BLACK GODFATHER– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An expansive look at the exceptional life and legacy of Clarence Avant, one of the most influential dealmakers in music, entertainment, and politics over the last 60 years.”

6/7/19- Early reviews are very good. TRDB.

7) FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Archival film interlaces with dramatized vignettes to chart the rise and fall of auto-design genius John DeLorean, who developed a revolutionary vehicle but ended up on trial when he tried to save his struggling company by making a massive drug deal.”

6/7/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8) NUREYEV– 2019. “Charting ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s journey from his indigent boyhood to global fame to his untimely death at age 54, this lyrical documentary includes unearthed performance footage that places the Russian-born artist in the context of his times.”

6/7/19- Early reviews by the critics are mixed but generally positive. Audience scores are just OK. TRDB.

9) THE RAFT– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Marcus Lindeen reunites the surviving crew members of a life-changing 1973 rafting trip to recall the three-month voyage, which anthropologist Santiago Genovés initiated and filmed to study the link between aggression and sexual desire.”

6/7/19- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

10) THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having spent his early years in a San Francisco house his grandfather built — and which the family later lost — Jimmie yearns to return to that home. So, when the residence becomes vacant, he hatches a plan to reclaim it.”

6/7/19- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.

11) LETO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in early 1980s Leningrad on the eve of perestroika, this bittersweet musical biopic recounts the brief but momentous career of pop icon Viktor Tsoi, co-founder and front man of legendary Soviet rock band Kino.”

6/7/19- Mostly good reviews with some poor ones mixed in. TRDB.

12) 16 SHOTS– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A documentary examining the 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke and thecover-up that ensued.”

6/7/19- Very good reviews. TRDB.

13) THE REPORTS ON SARAH AND SALEEM– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Sarah is Israeli and runs a cafe? in West Jerusalem. Saleem is Palestinian from East Jerusalem and works as a deliveryman. Despite being worlds apart, Sarah and Saleem risk everything as they embark on an illicit affair that could tear apart their unsuspecting respective families. When a risky late-night tryst goes awry and threatens to expose them, the two of them look on helplessly as their frantic efforts to salvage what’s left of their lives further escalate things.”

Not Recommended–

1) THIS ONE’S FOR THE LADIES– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary focuses on a children’s karate school that once a week becomes a male strip club catering to women of color who gather for a potluck fundraiser. As the dancers entertain, the ladies hold forth on life, love and sexuality.”

6/7/19- Poor reviews. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) LATE NIGHT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Accused of being antifeminist, late-night talk-show host Katherine Newbury hires her first female writer, Molly Patel. But what begins as a “marriage of convenience” evolves into more as Molly injects a much-needed fresh viewpoint.”

6/7/19- Very good reviews for this drama/ comedy. TRDB.

2) PAVAROTTI– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he died in 2007, Luciano Pavarotti had realized his dream of bringing opera to the masses. This documentary paints a compelling portrait of the tenor by drawing on family archives, home videos, behind-the-scenes material and concert footage.”

6/7/19- Good reviews. TRDB.

3) THE DEAD DON’T DIE– Jacob Burns. Poor reviews for this zombie movie

4) FRAMING JOHN DeLOREAN– Jacob Burns. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Archival film interlaces with dramatized vignettes to chart the rise and fall of auto-design genius John DeLorean, who developed a revolutionary vehicle but ended up on trial when he tried to save his struggling company by making a massive drug deal.”

6/7/19- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) BOOKSMART– Jacob Burns, Danbury. Good reviews but friends have not liked it

2) THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM– Bethel. I really enjoyed this very much

3) ROCKETMAN– Bethel, Danbury, Clearview. Great movie

4) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Clearview 100. Very good reviews

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) ROCKETMAN- A great movie

2) LATE NIGHT– Very good reviews for this comedy

3) SHELTER– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mossad agent Naomi returns to work after a long absence, she’s assigned to guard Mona, a Lebanese informant recovering from plastic surgery in a German safe house. Meanwhile, Mona’s former Hezbollah comrades are determined to hunt her down.”

6/5/19- No reviews yet but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) SAY MY NAME– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Casual sex turns into a chaotic nightmare when a robbery disrupts Mary Page and Statton Taylor’s hookup at a hotel. Determined to go after their stolen property, the two soon end up involved in a series of wild misadventures.”

6/12/19- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

2) ROCKETMAN– A great movie

3) THE SOUVENIR–  Great reviews by the critics and terrible ones from audiences. I’ll try to see this one. TRDB.

4) SHELTER–  No reviews yet but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) NON-FICTION– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this diverting comedy, Parisian book editor Alain and his longtime author Léonard — both contending with midlife crises — reluctantly find themselves trying to get a handle on the publishing industry’s new rules in the digital age.”

5/3/19- Very good reviews and I’ll definitely try to see this, especially with Juliette Binoche. TRDB.

2) THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to the village where he made a student film of the classic tale “Don Quixote,” disenchanted adman Toby finds that the man who was cast as the idealist now believes he’s Don Quixote and that Toby is his squire, Sancho Panza.”

4/19/19-Weak reviews at best. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS

1) LATE NIGHT– Very good reviews

2) ROCKETMAN– I loved the movie

3) SAY MY NAME–  2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Casual sex turns into a chaotic nightmare when a robbery disrupts Mary Page and Statton Taylor’s hookup at a hotel. Determined to go after their stolen property, the two soon end up involved in a series of wild misadventures.”

6/12/19- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

4) THE SOUVENIR– Mixed reviews

5) THE THIRD WIFE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 19th-century Vietnam, 14-year-old May becomes a rich landowner’s third wife, knowing that she must give birth to a son to increase her status. But after she becomes pregnant, dormant desires force her to choose between safety and freedom.”

5/15/19- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.

JUNE 6, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

I PLAN TO  SEE “ROCKETMAN” TODAY AND I’LL REVIEW IT NEXT WEEK-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE– Netflix Streaming

2) APOLLO 11– Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Childhood sweethearts have a falling out and don’t speak for 15 years. They reconnect as adults when Sasha, now a celebrity chef opening a restaurant in San Francisco, runs into Marcus, a happily struggling musician still living at home working for his dad.”

5/31/19- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) COMBAT OBSCURA– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a combat cameraman in Afghanistan from 2011-12, Miles Lagoze’s primary role was to gather footage for use in Marine Corps recruiting. But his camera kept rolling after the battles ended, capturing the boredom, banality and futility of endless war.”

3/13/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) WRESTLE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though Huntsville’s J.O. Johnson High has been on Alabama’s list of failing schools for years, its wrestling team is determined to win despite facing a bevy of obstacles, as chronicled in this affecting documentary.”

2/22/19- Very good reviews from the critics. TRDB.

3) THE MUSTANG– I liked this very much.

_____________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE- 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Childhood sweethearts have a falling out and don’t speak for 15 years. They reconnect as adults when Sasha, now a celebrity chef opening a restaurant in San Francisco, runs into Marcus, a happily struggling musician still living at home working for his dad.”

5/31/19- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

6/1/19- Surprisingly I actually enjoyed this movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) FOR THE BIRDS– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In Richard Miron’s surprising and empathetic ?For the Birds?, we follow an unusual woman named Kathy who lives with 200 pet chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. What starts as a story seemingly about Kathy’s battle with local animal advocacy groups slowly transforms into an intimate drama about her relationship with her husband Gary, and the toll the birds have taken on their marriage and her well-being.”

5/31/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE IMAGE YOU MISSED– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Drawing on over 30 years of unique and never-seen-before imagery, The Image You Missed is an experimental essay film that weaves together a history of the Northern Irish Troubles with the story of a son’s search for his father. In the process, the film creates a candid encounter between two filmmakers born into different political moments, revealing their contrasting experiences of Irish nationalism, the role of images in social struggle, and the competing claims of personal and political responsibility.”

5/31/19- Great reviews. TRDB.

4) TOO LATE TO DIE YOUNG– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this coming-of-age tale set in 1990 Chile, teenage Sofía lives off the grid with her family and a group of like-minded ex-urbanites at the foot of the Andes — where disquieting adult truths soon disrupt her youthful idyll.”

5/31/19- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5) YOMEDDINE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Abandoned at a leper colony in his youth, Beshay leaves the community for the first time after his wife’s death. Determined to find his kin, he sets off with his donkey cart — not realizing that a 10-year-old orphan has stowed away.”

5/31/19- Reviews are fair to good. TRDB.

6) ECHO IN THE CANYON– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the mid-1960s, Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills became the creative nexus for a generation of young musicians who would become rock ‘n’ roll icons. This affectionate documentary looks at that famous scene’s history and ongoing influence.”

5/31/19- Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) THE RUSSIAN FIVE 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dubbed the “Dead Wings” after many dismal seasons, Detroit’s professional hockey team looked to a new source of talent in the 1980s, enticing members of the Soviet Union’s Red Army team to defect to the West and join the Motor City squad.”

5/31/19- Great reviews all around. TRDB.

8) THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Spy Behind Home Plate is the first feature-length documentary to tell the real story of Morris “Moe” Berg, the enigmatic and brilliant Jewish baseball player turned spy.”

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) ECHO IN THE CANYON– Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the mid-1960s, Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills became the creative nexus for a generation of young musicians who would become rock ‘n’ roll icons. This affectionate documentary looks at that famous scene’s history and ongoing influence.”

5/31/19- Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Spy Behind Home Plate is the first feature-length documentary to tell the real story of Morris “Moe” Berg, the enigmatic and brilliant Jewish baseball player turned spy.”

REPEATS-

1) THE SOUVENIR– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic drama, film student Julie is struggling to find her voice when she falls for the charismatic but mysterious Anthony. As love blooms, so does her creativity, but her mother and friends fear that the relationship will destroy Julie.”

5/17/19- Great reviews by the critics and terrible ones from audiences. I’ll try to see this one. TRDB.

2) ROCKETMAN– Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early 1970s, Elton John begins a rocket ride to fame. With his topnotch composing skills and over-the-top showmanship, he becomes one of the world’s most beloved rock stars over the next four decades, as recounted in this tuneful biopic.”

5/28/19- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) BOOKSMART– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Clearview 100. Good reviews but friends have not liked it

4) THE TOMORROW MAN- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Retiree Ed Hemsler is focused on the future, specifically on the disaster he’s certain is just around the corner. But in the midst of his doomsday preparations, he meets shopaholic Ronnie Meisner, and the two quirky characters develop a bond.”

5/24/19- Poor reviews with most critics saying that great acting kept this movie alive at all. TRDB.

5) ALL IS TRUE– Bethel.

6) THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM– Jacob Burns, Bethel. A great movie.

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) SHELTER– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mossad agent Naomi returns to work after a long absence, she’s assigned to guard Mona, a Lebanese informant recovering from plastic surgery in a German safe house. Meanwhile, Mona’s former Hezbollah comrades are determined to hunt her down.”

6/5/19- Poor early reviews for what sounds like an interesting movie.  TRDB.

2) ROCKETMAN– Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) THE TOMORROW MAN– Poor reviews with most critics saying that great acting kept this movie alive at all. TRDB.

4) THE WHITE CROW– Reviews are mixed with more positives than negatives. TRDB.

5) RED JOAN–  Terrible reviews. TRDB.

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) SHELTER– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mossad agent Naomi returns to work after a long absence, she’s assigned to guard Mona, a Lebanese informant recovering from plastic surgery in a German safe house. Meanwhile, Mona’s former Hezbollah comrades are determined to hunt her down.”

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) DIAMANTINO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Disgraced by his poor play, international soccer star Diamantino begins a soul-searching odyssey that exposes him to social ills he didn’t know about. But his first attempt to improve the world puts him in the hands of an undercover tax investigator.”

5/24/19- Very good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB.

2) MEETING GORBACHEV– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Co-directed by prolific filmmaker Werner Herzog, this admiring documentary takes a look at the Soviet Union’s last leader, Mikhail Gorbachev — a charismatic statesman who initiated reforms that led to the end of the Cold War and changed the world.”

5/3/19- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

1) ROCKETMAN– Good reviews

2) THE THIRD WIFE–  2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 19th-century Vietnam, 14-year-old May becomes a rich landowner’s third wife, knowing that she must give birth to a son to increase her status. But after she becomes pregnant, dormant desires force her to choose between safety and freedom.”

5/15/19- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.

3) THE SOUVENIR– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic drama, film student Julie is struggling to find her voice when she falls for the charismatic but mysterious Anthony. As love blooms, so does her creativity, but her mother and friends fear that the relationship will destroy Julie.”

5/17/19- Great reviews by the critics and terrible ones from audiences. I’ll try to see this one. TRDB.

4) PHOTOGRAPH– My kind of movie- I’ll see it.

5) NON-FICTION– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this diverting comedy, Parisian book editor Alain and his longtime author Léonard — both contending with midlife crises — reluctantly find themselves trying to get a handle on the publishing industry’s new rules in the digital age.”

5/3/19- Very good reviews and I’ll definitely try to see this, especially with Juliette Binoche. TRDB.

MAY 30, 2019

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) ARCTIC- Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) ARCTIC– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his plane crashes in the Arctic, Danish explorer Overgård hunkers down to await rescue. But after a helicopter promising salvation also crashes — leaving its copilot badly hurt — Overgård must decide whether to begin a long trek to find help.”

2/1/19- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Mads Mikkelsen. TRDB.

5/24/19- I liked the movie but to be honest it was similar to various movies I’ve seen that relate to being stranded under impossible condition, whether by land or by sea. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK-

1) GLORIA BELL– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This English-language remake of director Sebastián Lelio’s Chilean drama charts the life of Gloria, an aging divorcée who meets the disarming Arnold at a singles bar. But baggage from his tangled family relationships may upend their romance.”

3/8/19- Excellent reviews by the critics and weak ones by audiences. I saw the original about 6 years ago and liked it very much. TRDB.

3/25/19- Great acting by Julienne Moore. I liked it but many of you may not. TRDB.

2) J.T. LEROY– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, writer Laura Albert — aided by her husband and sister-in-law — pulls off one of the greatest literary charades of all time by publishing several novels posing as a street-smart teenage boy from West Virginia.”

4/26/19- Weak reviews from the critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) WOMAN AT WAR– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Believing that the aluminum industry is destroying the Icelandic environment, middle-aged Halla begins waging a secret eco-war to protect the landscape. But her crusade is interrupted when she gets a chance to fulfill her dream of adopting a child.”

3/1/19- Excellent reviews from all sources. TRDB.

3/15/19- Very different to say the least but interesting and very well acted. I recommend it. TRDB.

4) THE KID- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still barely a teen, young Rio is thrust into the adult world when he goes on the run to save his sister from an evil uncle. Along the way, Rio crosses paths with Sheriff Pat Garrett and the man he’s chasing: notorious outlaw Billy the Kid.”

3/6/19- Just 1 review noted at this time and it’s not too good. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) DIAMANTINO– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Disgraced by his poor play, international soccer star Diamantino begins a soul-searching odyssey that exposes him to social ills he didn’t know about. But his first attempt to improve the world puts him in the hands of an undercover tax investigator.”

5/24/19- Very good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB.

2) THE PROPOSAL– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “As artist Jill Magid prepares an exhibition that pays tribute to Mexico’s revered architect Luis Barragán, her efforts to access his professional archive challenge the copyright that makes his work largely inaccessible to the masses.”

5/24/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) WOODSTOCK: THREE DAYS THAT DEFINED A GENERATION– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With never-before-seen footage, WOODSTOCK: THREE DAYS THAT DEFINED A GENERATION tells the story of the political and social upheaval leading up to those three historic days, as well as the extraordinary events of the concert itself.

5/24/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) HALSTON- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This in-depth documentary charts the life of fashion designer Halston, who rose to fame in the 1960s as the creator of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic pink pillbox hat and held court at Studio 54 but tragically succumbed to complications of AIDS in 1990.”

5/24/19- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) BARBARA RUBIN & THE EXPLODING N.Y. UNDERGROUND– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “At 18, Barbara Rubin burst onto the 1960s avant-garde scene in New York City with her art-porn film “Christmas on Earth.” But within a few years, she stunned everybody by leaving the art world, becoming a Hasidic Jew and seeking anonymity in France.”

5/24./19- Just 4 reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

6) Q BALL– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Q Ball” follows the lives of the San Quentin Warriors — teammates and inmates at “The Q”, California’s San Quentin State Prison. Kevin Durant and fellow Golden State Warriors team members’ previous visits to the prison helped kick-start the project. The documentary explores the inmates’ personal struggles, as they search for redemption and transcendence both on and off the court.”

1) THE PERFECTION– 2019. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “When troubled musical prodigy Charlotte (Allison Williams) seeks out Elizabeth (Logan Browning), the new star pupil of her former school, the encounter sends both musicians down a sinister path with shocking consequences.”

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS- NONE

REPEATS-

_____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) ROCKETMAN- Good reviews

2) PHOTOGRAPH– I look forward to seeing this

3) ALL IS TRUE– Fair to poor reviews

4) THE WHITE CROW– Mixed reviews

5) RED JOAN– Poor reviews but friends have liked it

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Same as Lake Worth above

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) HAIL SATAN?- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering a classic example of irony in the modern age, this documentary tracks the rapid rise in popularity of the Satanic Temple, a religious group dedicated to promoting social justice and equality through the lens of Satan’s symbols.”

4/18/19- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) AMAZING GRACE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “More than 40 years after Aretha Franklin delivered two spellbinding nights of gospel music at a Baptist church in Los Angeles, this documentary — long shelved because of technical problems — takes viewers back to the legendary concerts.”

12/7/18- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) ALL IS TRUE– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the Globe Theatre burns down in 1613, master playwright William Shakespeare returns to his wife and two daughters in Stratford, seeking to renew ties with the family he neglected during his long stay in London.”

5/21/19- Fair reviews by the critics and poor ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) NON-FICTION– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this diverting comedy, Parisian book editor Alain and his longtime author Léonard — both contending with midlife crises — reluctantly find themselves trying to get a handle on the publishing industry’s new rules in the digital age.”

5/3/19- Very good reviews and I’ll definitely try to see this, especially with Juliette Binoche. TRDB.

3) PHOTOGRAPH– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “For young photographer Rafi’s ailing grandmother, time is running out, and she wants to see her grandson married. To placate her, Rafi asks a stranger to pose as his bride-to-be — an arrangement that will transform them both.”

5/17/19- Good reviews and it sounds like my type of movie. TRDB.

4) THE WHITE CROW– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “This stylish biopic charts the early years of Soviet ballet star Rudolf Nureyev, from his birth on a train in 1938 to his rise during the Cold War to the life-altering decision he makes while performing in Paris in 1961.”

4/26/19- Reviews are mixed with more positives than negatives. TRDB.

5) ROCKETMAN– 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early 1970s, Elton John begins a rocket ride to fame. With his topnotch composing skills and over-the-top showmanship, he becomes one of the world’s most beloved rock stars over the next four decades, as recounted in this tuneful biopic.”

5/28/19- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.