THE GARDENER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf travels to Jerusalem, capital of the Baha’i faith, which has been outlawed in his native Iran for decades. The film examines Baha’i and captures debates on religion as a whole between the director and his atheist son.”
8/9/13- A good review in today’s NY Times as well as a good review on IMDB. TRDB.
Add comment August 9th, 2013
CHENNAI EXPRESS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “What could have been a sad journey turns into a joyful one for Rahul when he falls in love with a woman en route to submerging his grandfather’s ashes. Exotic landscapes and rousing musical numbers follow as the pair traverses South India.”
8/9/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times for this Bollywood. TRDB.
Add comment August 9th, 2013
BLOOD- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in the shadow of their police chief father, two detective brothers commit the ultimate crime while interrogating a suspect, and the fear of being caught turns their lives into a downward spiral of guilt and paranoia.”
8/9/13- Poor reviews all around but several critics brought out some good points in the film. TRDB.
Add comment August 9th, 2013
WE’RE THE MILLERS- Synopsis by Netflix. “When a small-time pot dealer gets mugged, he needs to find a way to pay back his supplier. Agreeing to smuggle in a major stash from Mexico, he rounds up a fake family to act as his cover, and they head for the border in an RV.”
8/7/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and from nearly everyone else as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 7th, 2013
HAUTE CUISINE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on real characters and lives, this food-rich drama recounts Hortense Laborie’s experiences as personal chef for the president of France. After reluctantly accepting the job, Hortense braves the intimidating atmosphere of the Elysee Palace.”
8/6/13- Very good early reviews for this film. TRDB.
9/20/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times but mixed reviews in general, more positive than negative. TRDB.
11/7/13- I enjoyed this French movie quite a bit, especially the food. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment August 6th, 2013
ASHLEY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “At age 17, Ashley isn’t connecting with anyone — not her estranged mother and certainly not the other kids at school. So she starts cutting herself. But an online relationship with an older woman offers hope of acceptance for the isolated teen.”
8/3/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2013
JAMEL SHABAZZ STREET PHOTOGRAPHER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “New York street culture photographer Jamel Shabazz’s images defined the visual impact of hip-hop culture, a style that quickly led to mainstream success. This character-rich documentary includes interviews with musicians and historians of the 1970s.”
8/2/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and a few good reviews from other sources. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2013
DRIFT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1970s, the two Kelly brothers spend their youth searching for the perfect wave and launch a backyard surf business out of their van. Battling big waves, small town conservatism and criminals, the brothers give rise to a global brand.”
8/2/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and from most reviewers as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2013
COCKNEYS VS. ZOMBIES- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an attempt to save their granddad’s old age home, slacker Cockneys Terry and Andy team up with three friends to rob a bank. But their caper goes awry when they run afoul of a horde of hungry zombies, who then do battle with the feisty pensioners.”
8/2/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times and OK reviews in general. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2013
BREAKUP AT A WEDDING- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On the eve of their wedding, Alison gets cold feet and decides to break up with her fiancé Phil. But rather than face the embarrassment of calling off the ceremony, Alison suggests to Phil that they proceed with a sham wedding.”
8/2/13- A barely OK review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews from others. TRDB.
Add comment August 3rd, 2013