LOW DOWN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jazz pianist Joe Albany’s turbulent life story is recounted by his daughter Amy, who grew up surrounded by the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Amy’s memories of her father are shadowed by his heroin addiction in this candid family memoir.”
10/24/14- Poor reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
LIFE OF RILEY- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Romantic chaos abounds in this satire of love and manners inspired by a character named George Riley, who’s constantly spoken of but never seen. When Kathryn learns that her ex-lover George doesn’t have long to live, she’s drawn to him anew.”
10/24/14- Fair reviews at best. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
LAGGIES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her friends are starting families and advancing their careers, 28-year-old Megan clings to youthful irresponsibility. After agreeing to attend a professional-development retreat, she instead spends the time with a teenager she’s befriended.”
10/24/14- Mixed reviews, slightly more positive than negative. TRDB.
3/13/15- A drama about a woman who is lost between stages of her life. I’d say it’s marginal and worth seeing just for Keira Knightley’s performance. Netflix.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
JOHN WICK- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the son of a Russian gang boss steals John Wick’s classic car and kills his dog, the former hit man returns to his lethal specialty in a quest for vengeance — and soon finds that he has a price on his head.”
10/24/14- Sounds ridiculous but this movie has received lots of good reviews from both professionals and audiences. TRDB.
3/21/15- A ridiculous Rambo style movie that had value only for the well choreographed scenes when the lead actor did all of his killing. I couldn’t finish it. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
THE HEART MACHINE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder for Cody and Virginia, who are pursuing a relationship online while living on different continents. Soon, however, New Yorker Cody begins to suspect that Virginia may be living much closer than she’s letting on.”
10/24/14- Excellent reviews from critics. Audiences have been luke warm. TRDB.
11/30/15- A very good mystery that calls into question the limits to the type of relationship that you can have on the Internet alone. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
FORCE MAJEURE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”
10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.
11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment October 28th, 2014
YOUNG ONES- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Earth withers in drought, farm owner Ernest defends his property and his children, Mary and Jerome, from the harsh frontier. But Mary’s manipulative suitor plots to take Ernest’s land for a devious scheme, and Jerome is forced to fight back.”
10/17/14- Very weak reviews but a few critics really liked it including the NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014
THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Legendary Studio Ghibli cofounder Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Pom Poko) revisits Japan’s most famous folktale in this gorgeous, hand-drawn masterwork, decades in the making. Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter (James Caan) and his wife (Mary Steenburgen), a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady (Chloë Grace Moretz). The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her – but ultimately she must confront her fate.”
10/17/14– Great reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014
RUDDERLESS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated over his son’s death, former ad exec Sam removes himself from society to drink away his grief. When he summons the will to perform his son’s songs at a local bar, the music gains popularity and Sam claims to have written the tunes himself.”
10/17/14- A few positive reviews but most did not care for it and one called it manipulative and infuriating. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: IT’S COMPLICATED- 2014. About a guy who is about to be married and re-unites with an old flame.
10/17/14– I found just a single review- from the NY Times- and while the reviewer “sort of” liked it he felt that it could have been much better. TRDB.
Add comment October 18th, 2014