THE HOST- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an alien race implants a parasite soul named Wanderer into Melanie Stryder’s body, she resists the takeover. Soon, Melanie and Wanderer become reluctant allies as they go on a quest to track down the men they love in this sci-fi thriller.”
3/29/13- Poor reviews all around. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
DOG POUND- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a spirit-crushing juvenile correctional facility, teenage offenders Butch (Adam Butcher), Davis (Shane Kippel) and Angel (Mateo Morales) desperately struggle to steer clear of trouble while simultaneously confronting violent challenges from aggressive inmates and abusive adults. Director Kim Chapiron’s intense drama also stars Lawrence Bayne as Goodyear, a stern yet ultimately understanding guard.”
3/29/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
CODE OF THE WEST- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This political documentary follows a 2011 attempt by Montana lawmakers to repeal the state’s medical marijuana law — the first U.S. state to do so. The film portrays the complexities of the legislative process and the emotions raised by the issue.”
3/29/13- There are only a few professional reviews and they are mixed. Audiences have not liked it, however. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
THE REVOLUTIONARY OPTOMISTS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Travel to Kolkata’s worst slums, where Amlan Ganguly inspires children to overcome their own obstacles and gain a fighting chance at a better future. This award-winning documentary profiles Ganguly and three young people whose lives he’s changed.”
3/29/13- Very good reviews in general but a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
RESCUE IN THE PHILLIPINES- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary chronicles the story of a handful of men — including future U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower — who hatched a plan during a series of late-night poker games to save 1,300 Jewish refugees from the Nazis.”
Here’s what Rotten Tomatoes had to say–“”Rescue in The Philippines” is a one-hour documentary of the previously untold story of how the five Frieder brothers, Cincinnati businessmen making two-for-a-nickel cigars in pre-WWII Manila, together with Manuel Quezon, the charismatic first president of the Philippines, Paul McNutt, US High Commissioner and former governor of Indiana (preparing for his own presidential campaign) and an ambitious Army Colonel named Dwight Eisenhower – helped 1,200 Jews escape the Nazis and immigrate to the Philippines.”
3/29/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
DETOUR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Trapped inside his car by a mud slide, smooth-talking Jackson Alder suddenly finds himself in a situation he can’t talk his way out of. With no hope of rescue, he must defy the odds, battling Mother Nature for his survival.”
3/29/13- Mixed reviews in general and a good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
FAMILY WEEKEND- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her preoccupied parents fail to attend her jump-rope competition, 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy decides to hold them hostage until they change their attitude. But her plan hits a snag when the police step in.”
3/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. Skip it. TRDB.
Add comment March 29th, 2013
THE BRASS TEAPOT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this cautionary comedy, an impoverished young couple finds the answer to their money woes in the form of a magical brass teapot that dispenses cash whenever they feel pain. But as the teapot ups the ante, how far will they go to make a fast buck?”
3/22/13- Just a few reviews and they are poor. TRDB.
4/5/13- Poor review in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment March 22nd, 2013
FREE ANGELA & ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Marking the 40th anniversary of activist Angela Davis’s acquittal, this detailed documentary charts the remarkable life of an African-American icon linked with civil rights, Communism and the Black Panther Party.”
4/5/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and a few other good ones as well. TRDB.
Add comment March 22nd, 2013
EVERYBODY HAS A PLAN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Viggo Mortensen stars in this thriller as twin brothers Agustín, a doctor living a comfortable but mundane life, and Pedro, who has a criminal past. When Pedro dies, Agustín adopts his identity and gets a taste of Argentina’s underworld.”
3/22/13- A good review in today’s NY Times that put more emphasis on the moods created and acting than on the story itself. TRDB.
Add comment March 22nd, 2013