THE RAMBLER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Freshly released from prison, a man sets off on a surreal journey through the back roads of America to reconnect with his estranged brother. Along the way, he encounters horrific supernatural hallucinations, grisly violence and other depravities.”
6/7/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and by others as well. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
THE PREY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This thriller follows the ups and downs of thief Franck Adrien, who’s serving prison time for a job whose proceeds he’s safely stashed away. But when the hidden loot and his family are compromised, Franck has no choice but to bust out early.”
6/7/13- With some initial disclaimers, the NY Times gave this a good review. Mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
HELLO HERMAN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just after 16-year-old Herman Howards embarks on a shooting spree that kills 42 people, he sends a message to journalist Lax Morales. When Lax interviews the bullied youth who became a killer he gets entangled in a national dialogue about violence.”
6/7/13- This movie has received poor professional reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. Audiences, however, have liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
FREE SAMPLES- 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jillian has dropped out of law school and migrated to Los Angeles in this comedy about deferred adulthood and the romantic hazards of heavy drinking. But a day spent doling out ice cream samples to the Angelenos dramatically changes her attitude.”
6/7/13- Mixed reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
3/19/18- Almost embarrassed to say this but I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
AS COOL AS I AM- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “About to turn 16, Lucy realizes that her parents’ marriage is on shaky ground — and that theirs is not the only relationship that’s in trouble. After her longtime boyfriend leaves town, Lucy opts to ditch her tomboy image and restyle her life.”
6/7/13- Awful reviews by everybody. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
THIS IS MARTIN BONNER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eschewing his old East Coast life, Martin Bonner moves to Nevada and goes to work for a program that prepares prisoners for life on the outside. But when he meets ex-convict Travis Holloway, they forge a bond that surprises them both.”
6/7/13- Just a few reviews as of now but they are very good. TRDB.
8/14/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2/4/15- Very realistic, interesting and worth a viewing for sure. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
SONG FOR MARION (UNFINISHED SONG)- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his wife Marion terminally ill, 72-year-old Arthur sees a future that’s nothing but grim. But when he takes Marion’s place in their church’s very unconventional choir, he begins to find joy in life again.”
6/7/13- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
6/21/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7/7/13- A very enjoyable movie about an older couple and their adjustment to old age. A bit schmaltzy at times but definitely worth seeing. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
A HIJACKING- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tension mounts when a Danish cargo ship bound for harbor is hijacked by Somali pirates and held for a hefty ransom in the millions, prompting the shipping company’s CEO to hire a professional negotiator.”
6/7/13- Uniformly good reviews. TRDB.
6/21/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7/5/13- A well done suspenseful drama and I liked it very much. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
THE ATTACK- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “An Arab Israeli physician offers assistance at the scene of a gruesome suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and then learns that the bomber was his own wife. Stunned and furious, he sets out to confront the people who encouraged her deadly decision.”
6/7/13- Only a few reviews so far but they are all excellent. TRDB.
6/21/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
6/30/13- A riveting thriller that according to one critic is about politics, love and betrayal. I can’t agree more. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2013
HORSES OF GOD (LES CHEVAUX DE DIEU)- 2013. About a group of kids growing up in a shanty town just 5 miles outside of Casablanca.
6/5/13- One reviewer said that this movie was less about terrorism and more about what happens when kids grow up in a toxic atmosphere. I could not agree more. TRDB. At the Arab Film Festival at Jacob Burns Film Center.
Add comment June 6th, 2013