Posts filed under 'Opening Regionally or Nationwide'

THE DO-DECA PANTATHLON

THE DO-DECA PANTATHLON- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “From Jay and Mark Duplass, the writer/directors of the Sundance hits The Puffy Chair, Cyrus and the upcoming Jeff Who Lives at Home comes The Do-Deca-Pentathlon, the story of two grown brothers who secretly compete in a homemade Olympics during a family reunion. When their fierce and disruptive competition is uncovered, the brothers must choose between their passion for beating the hell out of each other and the greater good of the family.”

OK early reviews. TRDB.

7/6/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Add comment June 23rd, 2012

ORDINARY MIRACLES

ORDINARY MIRACLES- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “From 1936 to 1951, the Photo League was the center of the documentary movement in American photography. This tribute presents seldom-seen photos of New York City urban life in the ’30s and ’40s from 50 of the group’s leading members.”

6/22/12- Good review in today’s NY Times and in general as well. TRDBB.

Add comment June 22nd, 2012

NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS

NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following rocker Neil Young to his Toronto hometown, Jonathan Demme captures the artist live in concert at Massey Hall and on the road in Ontario. This film is the third in Demme’s Neil Young concert trilogy, following Heart of Gold and Trunk Show.”

Mediocre early reviews. TRDB.

6/29/12- The NY Times gave this movie a good review today. TRDB.

Add comment June 16th, 2012

PEOPLE LIKE US

PEOPLE LIKE US- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Sam flies home for his estranged father’s funeral, the reading of the will reveals a sister he never knew he had — and an order that Sam must bring his alcoholic sibling and her young son their inheritance.”

Very good early reviews. TRDB.

6/29/12- Only a fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/7/12- An interesting drama that was a bit soap-opera-ish but there was some very good writing embedded in this story about family. TRDB. Netflix.

Add comment June 16th, 2012

IKLAND

IKLAND- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Ik were described as sadists who starved their own children and crapped in front of each others’ homes for fun. They were reviled as the worst and most depraved beings on Earth, and it was recommended that their culture be destroyed for its own good. No one has dared to film them in the 40 years since they were first studied. Ikland recounts a quest to re-connect with a lost corner of humanity. For producer Cevin Soling, they represented the last outpost of imagination in a world devoid of myth. Soling and his crew risked their lives by traveling through war-ravaged northern Uganda to reach them. Their experience was alien and surreal in ways only Jonathan Swift might have imagined”

6/15/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Add comment June 15th, 2012

PATAGONIA RISING

PATAGONIA RISING- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Over the past century more than 45,000 large dams have redefined river corridors around the globe with disastrous results. Descending the Baker River from the Northern Patagonia Ice-cap to its terminus at the Pacific Ocean, Patagonia Rising investigates a controversial plan to build five large hydroelectric dams in Chile’s famed wilderness. Stopping off at Patagonia’s most remote frontier ranches, this engaging story brings voice to the iconic South American cowboys, Gauchos, caught in the crossfire of future energy demands. Chile could become a leader in sustainable energy development, or it could continue down the road to squandering the pure watersheds of Patagonia. Juxtaposing the pro-dam business sector with renewable energy experts, Patagonia Rising brings intimate awareness to this global conflict over water and power.”

The NY Times on 6/8/12 called this documentary beautifully filmed but without emotion. Others said the same.  TRDB.

Add comment June 13th, 2012

CORPO CELESTE

CORPO CELESTE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this unusual coming-of-age tale, shy 13-year-old Marta returns with her family to their native Italy, where she begins catechism classes to prepare for her confirmation, although her relationship with the Catholic Church proves to be complicated.

Weak review in the NY Times n 6/8/12 but professional reviews have been good. TRDB.

Add comment June 13th, 2012

FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY

FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to escape the brutality of his youth in Tel Aviv, Izek tries to start anew in L.A. — only to find himself thrown into more violence as threats from a gangster, a Columbian drug lord and his outlaw cousin force him to deal with his past.”

Good early audience reaction but a poor review in the NY Times on 6/8/12 and by other professionals as well. TRDB.

Add comment June 13th, 2012

STELLA DAYS

STELLA DAYS- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A small town cinema in rural Ireland in the 1950s becomes the setting for a dramatic struggle between Rome and Hollywood, and a man and his conscience. Martin Sheen stars as Father Daniel Berry in a story about the excitement of the unknown versus the security of the familiar, as those in the town find themselves on the cusp of the modern but still clinging to the traditions of church and a cultural identity forged in very different times.”

Poor early reviews but it does sound interesting and I like Martin Sheen. TRDB.

6/22/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Add comment June 13th, 2012

HIDE AWAY

HIDE AWAY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A deceptively tranquil harbor helps turn around the life of a businessman who is looking to escape his tragic past. As he puts together a broken-down sailboat, three mysterious people enter his life: a single dad, a seasoned mariner and a waitress.”

Poor review in the NY Times on 6/1/12. TRDB.

Add comment June 13th, 2012

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