Posts filed under 'Drama'
LEBANON, PA- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Urbane Philadelphia ad man Will (Josh Hopkins) heads to small-town Lebanon for his father’s funeral, and the road leads not only to closure but to a revelation when the 35-year-old meets his precocious teenage cousin, CJ (Rachel Kitson), and her winsome teacher, Vicki (Samantha Mathis). As his friendship with CJ deepens and his warmth for the married Vicki grows, Will comes to realize that life can’t always be summed up in a catchphrase.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.
7/8/11- Good acting and a fairly interesting story make this one OK but not great. It feels a bit like an extended TV series. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
April 10th, 2011
THE FIRST BEAUTIFUL THING- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring superb cinematography, Italian director Paolo Virzi’s ambitious tale stars Valerio Mastandrea as Bruno Michelucci, an embittered teacher who grudgingly returns to his parochial hometown to see his estranged, terminally ill mother (Stefania Sandrelli). But what was intended to be a brief visit to say farewell instead becomes an opportunity for Bruno to come to terms with the turbulent past — and his wayward parent.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
7/18/12- A bit formulaic but an interesting and creative story about family and reconciliation. The part of the mother was great. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama, Foreign
April 10th, 2011
MEEK’S CUTOFF- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1845, this drama follows a group of settlers as they embark on a punishing journey along the Oregon Trail. When their guide leads them astray, the expedition is forced to contend with the unforgiving conditions of the high plain desert. Inspired by a true story, this effort from director Kelly Reichardt (Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy) illustrates the harsh difficulties, monotony and desperation endured by covered-wagon travelers.” Good review in NY Times on 4/8/11. TRDB.
9/20/11- I liked this film very much. A reviewer called it more of an experience than a story and I agree. I can still smell the earth. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
April 8th, 2011
MEET MONICA VELOUR- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eccentric teenager Tobe (Dustin Ingram) loves 1980s soft-core “art movies” so much that he steals his grandfather’s (Brian Dennehy) Wienermobile and travels cross-country to meet his favorite star, Linda Romanoli (Kim Cattrall) — but the reality of her life is more than Tobe bargains for. Tobe finds the still beautiful Linda performing at a low-rent strip joint and then tries to help the trailer-trash single mom win a contentious custody battle.” Poor professional reviews and average viewer response. TRDB.
8/25/11- I tried to turn this off 3 different times but was compelled to continue and despite the ridiculous plot I managed to actually enjoy this film. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: Comedy, drama
April 6th, 2011
HANNA- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is a teenager raised in Finland and trained by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA operative, to become a highly skilled assassin. But when she’s sent on a deadly mission across Europe, Hanna takes to a French family and starts longing for a normal life. She must first solve the puzzle of her mysterious past, however. Joe Wright (Atonement) directs this tense actioneer; Cate Blanchett also stars.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
10/16/11- A great idea that would have been better with a better screenplay but enjoyable never-the-less. The young actress was great. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama, Foreign
April 5th, 2011
PUTTY HILL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a vacant house in Baltimore’s skid row, a young man named Cory dies of a heroin overdose. As his friends and family unite for his funeral, their reflections reveal as much about the condition of the city as their tragic loss. Filmed over just a few days and largely improvised, this moving drama by director Matthew Porterfield was an official selection of the 2010 South By Southwest Film Festival.” Very good professional reviews and average audience reaction. TRDB.
11/23/11- Despite it’s creativity I just could not get into this drama and it’s characters including the deceased. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
April 2nd, 2011
QUEEN TO PLAY- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Intrigued by a pair of vacationing lovers playing chess, hotel maid Hélène (Sandrine Bonnaire) sets her sights on mastering the game. With some coaching from a doctor (Kevin Kline) who employs her services, Hélène hones her chess skills and begins to notice big changes in her life. Written and directed by Caroline Bottaro, this charming French drama also stars Jennifer Beals and Francis Renaud.” Good review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.
8/16/11- I really liked this movie and felt that it captured beautifully the need for people to stake out something that they own for themselves. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: Drama/Romance, Foreign
April 1st, 2011
TRUST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After curious and vulnerable teenager Annie (Liana Liberato) falls into a trap set by an online sexual predator, her family begins to disintegrate, uncertain how to cope with such a devastating tragedy. Utterly consumed by rage, her father (Clive Owen) sets out seeking vengeance. Directed by David Schwimmer, this intensely emotional drama also stars Viola Davis, Thomas McCarthy and Catherine Keener.” Excellent reviews. Just OK review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.
8/2/11- The screenplay was a little bit formulaic but freightening never-the-less with well acted parts. I’d recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
March 25th, 2011
MARGIN CALL- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “An all-star cast shines in this engrossing drama about a critical 24-hour period at a high-profile investment bank in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, when young analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers information that could destroy the firm. When he alerts upper management to the precarious position of their risky investments, an emergency meeting is held to decide if they should alert clients or abscond with the profits.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.
10/21/11- Excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10/31/11- A good “financial thriller” and although I enjoyed it I could have used a bit less of Kevin Spacey’s lessons. Jeremy Irons as the head honcho was great. TRDB.
Tags: drama
March 23rd, 2011
HARVEST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When college student Josh (Jack Carpenter) returns to his Connecticut home for a weekend visit, his mother, Anna (Victoria Clark), convinces him to stay for the summer to spend time with his cancer-stricken grandfather, Silvio (Robert Loggia). As the season wears on, Anna’s brothers Benny (Arye Gross) and Carmine (Peter Friedman) also come home, renewing old family conflicts. Marc Meyers directs this touching drama.” Good review in NY Times on 5/6/11. TRDB.
7/9/11- A good drama that I enjoyed despite being drawn out about 20min. too long. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: drama
March 22nd, 2011
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