AWAKENED- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Samantha returns to her hometown seeking to solve the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, and finds no shortage of friends and relatives to help. But not everyone’s who they seem, and a few aren’t pleased to see Samantha poking around.”
3/21/14- I’ve seen a few professional reviews— all negative. Audiences have liked it so far. TRDB.
Add comment March 22nd, 2014
AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Philosopher and social activist Grace Lee Boggs has been a fervent crusader for equality — not just in the United States but around the globe. This documentary captures Boggs at age 97, still promoting a new American Revolution.”
3/21/14- Good reviews so far. The NY Times liked it too. TRDB.
Add comment March 22nd, 2014
ILO ILO- 2013- Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving the Philippines to work in Singapore, Teresa is hired as a maid by a couple whose spoiled son delights in bullying and belittling her. Over time, the household dynamic shifts as the son comes to revere Teresa — much to his mom’s annoyance.”
3/20/14- Good early reviews. TRDB.
3/21/14- A moving drama with very interesting characters and wonderful acting. Really a story about how one person can influence your life and its often not family. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment March 20th, 2014
OUT OF THE FURNACE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working-class siblings Russell and Rodney Baze are desperate to flee the Rust Belt and find better lives. But when a twist of fate lands Russell in jail, Rodney gets mixed up with a crime syndicate — and their brotherly bond is soon put to the test.”
3/15/14- Weak reviews. TRDB.
Add comment March 17th, 2014
EXPOSED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The stars of New York’s new underground cabaret scene take the stage in this over-the-top documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Beth B. The film captures outrageous performances at the Slipper Room, where gender bending is only the beginning.”
3/14/14- Fairly good reviews and the NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
BIG MEN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Where oil flows, money follows. This documentary picks up the trail of that liquid gold as it streams through Western Africa. Shot over a four-year period, the film looks at the nascent oil industry in Ghana and the more established one in Nigeria.”
3/14/14- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unhappily married small-town pharmacist Douglas Varney has a predictable life. But when he hooks up with a hot customer, everything changes. Soon, he’s caught up in a web of fantasy sex, illegal pharmaceuticals and potential murder.”
3/14/14- Awful reviews all over. The NY Times called it “tepid but pleasant.”
Add comment March 15th, 2014
THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Greg Williams, The Anonymous People features prominent people who are living publicly in long-term recovery, like former NBA star Chris Herren, award-winning actress Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock From the Sun, The Exes), Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, best-selling author William Cope Moyers, former congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad – and many others. Their brave testimonies dispel long-standing clichés about addiction and recovery.”
3/14/14- Audience reaction has been mixed but the NY Times definitely did not like it. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
JOURNEY TO THE WEST- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Stephen Chow’s unique take on a Chinese literary classic boasts eye-popping effects and wicked humor as Chen Xuanzang, who fights evil with love and nursery rhymes, clashes with Duan, a showy female warrior who’s in it for the thrill of the hunt.”
3/7/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment March 11th, 2014
MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Resurrected from the 1960s animated series “Rocky and Bullwinkle,” canine genius Mr. Peabody and young Sherman take a dizzying ride through time as events in history begin to change when Sherman misuses the WABAC machine.”
3/7/14- Good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment March 11th, 2014