Posts filed under 'Seen at the Theater'
A BETTER LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid social drama tracks the relationship and conflicts between Mexican immigrant gardener Carlos and his teenage son Luis, whom he’s trying to interest in earning an honest living rather than drifting into the East L.A. gang scene.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.
6/24/11- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7/24/11- I think that this is a wonderful movie with a real life glimpse into the plight of the illegal immigrant and the extraordinary measures taken by some parents to protect their children in this situation. TRDB.
Tags: drama
May 17th, 2011
THE TREE OF LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.” Good audience reviews so far but no professional ones as yet. TRDB. The movie won best picture at Cannes 2011.
6/6/11- While grand in scale I felt that I was watching a series of coming attractions, each lasting 1 or 2 minutes. What a waste of time. My friend Sue said it well– “Judging by the award of Best Picture at Cannes I feel like I am watching “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” I agree. TRDB. At the theater.
Tags: drama
May 10th, 2011
1959: THE YEAR THAT CHANGED JAZZ- A documentary about some of the great jazz stars of that time including Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis.
5/6/11- I liked this documentary for the film itself and for the music. TRDB. Theater.
Tags: documentary
May 6th, 2011
OCTOBER (OCTUBRE)- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “While trying to track down the missing prostitute who left her newborn at his doorstep, solitary loan shark Clemente (Bruno Odar) forms unexpected attachments to the baby — which might be his — and Sofia (Gabriela Velasquez), the single neighbor helping him care for the child. Written and directed by brothers Daniel and Diego Vega, this bittersweet Peruvian drama also stars Carlos Gasols, Maria Carbajal and Sheryl Sánchez Mesco.” No reviews as yet but did sound interesting and I plan to see it. TRDB.
5/16/11- As far as I’m concerned this movie was like a character study of a man with NO character. No emotion and no dialogue. Miss it!! Theater.
Tags: drama, Foreign
April 19th, 2011
THE DOUBLE HOUR- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.
5/11/11- A real thriller and I’d like to watch it again to figure out what actually happened. It’s fun and recommended. TRDB. Theater
Tags: Mystery
April 15th, 2011
NAOMI- 2010. An Israeli movie featuring veteran actors Yassi Pollak and Orna Porat. About a beautiful 28yr. old woman (Naomi) married to a much older man who is consumed with obsessive desire for her.
4/11- A very interesting character study with building suspense and I enjoyed the movie very much. TRDB. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival.
Tags: drama, Foreign
April 10th, 2011
JEWS AND BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY- 2010. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The movie explores the connection between Jewish Americans and baseball, our nation’s most iconic institution. More than a film about sports, it is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, and the shattering of stereotypes.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
4/11- Directed by Peter Miller this movie was great and personified America as well as the importance that a few very good Jewish baseball players had for Jewish Americans. TRDB. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival.
Tags: documentary
April 6th, 2011
ANITA- 2009. Directed by Marcos Carnevale and starring Norma Aleandro and Alejandra Manzo as the young woman with Down’s Syndrome. About a handicapped young lady who is wandering the streets of Buenos Aires after a tragic event. Very good. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.
Tags: drama, Foreign
April 2nd, 2011
WIN WIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.
4/11- Well acted, very funny at times and very poignant at times as well. I liked it a lot. TRDB.
Tags: drama
February 27th, 2011
THE LINCOLN LAWYER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.
3/11- A fun movie and I enjoyed it. TRDB. At the theater.
Tags: drama
February 27th, 2011
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