CODEBREAKER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic follows the life of Alan Turing, the pioneering computer scientist who saved countless lives in World War II as a codebreaker. Turing was also gay, and his shameful treatment by the British government led to a tragic conclusion.”
9/29/14– A fascination documentary about a complex man. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 30th, 2014
TWO NIGHT STAND- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After an ill-considered one-night stand, two young New Yorkers are obliged to extend their time together when a paralyzing snowstorm strikes the city, confining the pair to a small cramped apartment.”
9/26/14- Weak reviews but it did sound interesting. TRDB.
1/19/15- Conventional in many ways but the acting and the frank dialogue kept me interested. TRDB.
Add comment September 26th, 2014
LILTING- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of her son’s untimely death, a grieving mother reaches out to her son’s roommate in an attempt to understand more about who he was. But she’s surprised to learn the roommates were actually lovers.”
9/26/14- Very good reviews from critics and audiences as well. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.
2/21/15- I enjoyed this movie about 2 polar opposite type people grieving about the loss of a young man and trying to connect with each other. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 26th, 2014
FORT BLISS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Army field doctor Maggie Swann returns from a long and grueling tour in Afghanistan, she finds that her absence has fractured her bond with her 5-year-old son. As she begins to heal the breach, Maggie learns that she’s being redeployed.”
9/19/14- Mixed reviews. Audiences have like it more than the critics. I saw the lead actress of this movie, Michelle Monaghan, in the movie “Trucker” a few years ago and thought that she was terrific in the role. I’ll look forward to seeing this one. TRDB.
10/15/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and again thought that Michelle Monaghan was great in the role. TRDB.
Add comment September 19th, 2014
ROSEWATER- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”
9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.
6/15/15- Very well done and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 17th, 2014
WETLANDS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Antisocial teen Helen’s only interest in other people is reuniting her divorced parents, and a freak shaving accident may hold the answer. During a short hospital stay, she uses her outsized personality to unite the staff in her mission.”
9/7/14- Very good reviews for what sounds like a foolish story. The NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.
1/21/15- While the plot may be somewhat familiar I can guarantee you that the film is NOT. Very creative, vulgar at times and very original!!TRDB.
Add comment September 7th, 2014
GUINEVERE- 1999. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the verge of a breakdown at her sister’s wedding, a Harvard-bound teen finds the love she seeks in a photographer who’s as old as her parents.”
9/3/14- A fairly weak story that I and most critics liked anyway. Sarah Polley as the lead was very good. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment September 3rd, 2014
PATEMA INVERTED- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”Time of Eve director Yasuhiro Yoshiura is a perspective-twisting sci-fi adventure about two kids separated by opposite gravities. Patema lives in an underground world of tunnels, the long-abandoned ruins of a giant industrial complex.”
8/29/14- Excellent reviews for this animated feature. TRDB.
1/7/15- I tried to get into this animated film but could not. TRDB.
Add comment August 29th, 2014
THE NOTEBOOK- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the maelstrom of World War II, two twin boys are exiled from their urban home and sent to the country to live with their grandmother. Soon after their arrival, the boys find out that their alcoholic granny is loathed by her entire village.”
8/25/14- Just 2 reviews– both positive. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
1/30/15- Overall, I enjoyed the movie but it was, as one reviewer said, a relentless grind. A few reviews said that it covered material that had been covered before but I think there was enough original for the movie to stand alone. TRDB.
Add comment August 25th, 2014
SALVO- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Salvo is a dead-cold Mafia hit man who invades a rival gangster’s home to off him and encounters his target’s sister, the attractive but blind Rita. Unwilling to take Rita’s life, Salvo takes her hostage instead, growing ever more fascinated by her.”
8/14- Mostly good reviews from the critics and less so from audiences. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
1/2/15- Very little dialogue in this mostly disappointing drama from Italy. TRDB.
Add comment August 22nd, 2014