TIMBUKTU- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this piercing tale of oppression set in 2012 A, fear grips Timbuktu after the Malian city is seized by Islamic rebels determined to impose their extreme beliefs on the moderate Muslim populace.”
1/30/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
2/9/15- A fascinating drama that really gave the viewer a picture of what it’s like living or trying to live under these circumstances. TRDB.
Add comment January 30th, 2015
GIRLHOOD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set amid the projects of Paris, this absorbing depiction of a disaffected 16-year-old girl chronicles the transformation of her social identity after she falls in with a gang of female dropouts.”
1/30/15- Very good reviews from critics and fair reviews from audiences. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment January 30th, 2015
ROCK THE CASBAH- 2015.
This movie is about a unit of Israeli soldiers assigned to patrol the Gaza Strip. The movie makes very real the trials and tribulations of doing the job in a war torn hostile environment and the soldiers’ attempt to bring some sense of normalcy to their everyday life. TRDB. Seen at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival.
Add comment January 30th, 2015
THE LAST SUMMER OF LA BOYITA- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luciana is becoming a teenager and has little time or patience for her younger sister, Jorgelina. For summer vacation, the girls part ways, and Jorgelina travels to the countryside, where she befriends a young ranch hand with an unusual secret.”
1/26/15- The drama held my interest despite the worst set of sub-titles I have ever encountered. TRDB.
Add comment January 26th, 2015
SON OF A GUN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Locked up for a minor crime, 19 year old JR quickly learns the harsh realities of prison life. Protection, if you can get it, is paramount. JR soon finds himself under the watchful eye of Australia’s most notorious criminal, Brendan Lynch. But protection comes at a price. Lynch and his crew have plans for their young protegee. Upon release, JR must help secure Lynch’s freedom, staging a daring prison break. As a reward, he’s invited to join the crew as they plan a gold heist that promises to deliver millions.”
1/23/15- Weak critical review but audiences have liked this film. I’d give it a try. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
SALVATION ARMY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moroccan writer Abdellah Taïa directs this big-screen adaptation of his own largely autobiographical novel, telling the complex, coming-of-age story of a young, gay Arab man’s sexual awakening.”
1/23/15- OK reviews from the critics and weaker ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
KILLERS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A series of horrific murders have just gone viral, posted anonymously by the handsome and seductive Nomura with a taste for torture. Thousands of miles away, disgraced journalist Bayu can’t stop watching , and in a reckless moment discovers he, too, can kill. One man in Tokyo. One in Jakarta. A serial killer and a vigilante. As the posts multiply and the body count rises, a bizarre and psychotic rivalry begins, and the face-to-face showdown that’s coming will paint the city in blood.”
1/23/15- Fairly good reviews although most had qualifications about the blood and gore. I will definitely miss this one. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
THE HUMBLING- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a Philip Roth novel, this steamy drama follows an elderly, fading actor after he retires and moves to a farmhouse, where he develops a strange and intense relationship with a young woman.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews from critics and audiences. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
5/10/15- I’m not an Al Pacino fan but in this movie he is great playing a washed up actor with all of the fear and desperation that goes along with it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When dedicated butterfly collector Cynthia hires a new housekeeper, Evelyn, the relationship soon turns sexual. In time, their role-playing encounters transform Evelyn’s role from employee to personal slave — even though she’s the real boss.”
1/23/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
10/11/15- Maybe I’m missing something but I turned this movie off after 22 minutes. Boring. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015
BLACK SEA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a former submarine captain is recruited for a deep-sea mission in search of lost treasure, the vessel’s hard-bitten crew begins to quarrel with one another, leading to dire and perilous consequences.”
1/23/15- Fairly good reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment January 23rd, 2015