The Reel Dr. Bob

MAY 9, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLD REVIEWS AT www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) CHICKEN WITH PLUMS– Netflix

2) THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST– Comcast On-Demand

3) CAROLINE AND JACKIE– Comcast On-Demand

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) CHICKEN WITH PLUMS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1950s Tehran, a musician’s life comes undone: an old flame doesn’t recognize him, his violin is broken and he becomes bedridden with worry. As he spirals into despair without the ability to play music, he teeters on the edge of oblivion.”8/17/12- A good review in today’s NY Times and very good professional reviews in general. Fairly good audience reaction as well. TRDB.

5/3/13- This movie is a bit strange but stick with it and I think you won’t be sorry. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST– 2012. “Pakistani professor Changez Khan regales a journalist with his U.S. experiences in the opening scene of this compelling post-9/11 drama. As their chat continues, however, it emerges that Khan has much more on his mind than the past.”

4/19/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

4/26/13- A fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5/5/13- Despite a bit of Hollywood this movie held my interest and portrayed fairly well the ambivalence of the lead character. This movie is currently in a few local theaters. TRDB.

3) THE IMPOSSIBLE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tracking one family’s harrowing experiences, this gripping drama depicts the chaos generated by the massive 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. On December 26, Maria, Henry and their sons are vacationing in Thailand when unthinkable disaster strikes.”

12/21/12- Basically a good review of the movie itself in today’s NY Times but the reviewer noted that the story was about wealthy tourists and had little to do with the thousands of native Asians who suffered. TRDB.

5/6/13- A real dichotomy here- after a very real opening scene with the tsunami the movie sunk into a cheesy Hollywood drag. TRDB. Netflix.

4) CAROLINE AND JACKIE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “To celebrate her birthday, Caroline visits her sister Jackie. But what starts out as a fun evening with friends quickly goes awry, as the sisters’ obscure past gives rise to a profound emotional tension that takes a toll on the night’s affair.”

4/17/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

5/8/13- A very difficult movie to watch as a get-together falls apart and you begin to wonder who is the healthy one of the group. TRDB.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 14-

 

1) ORCHESTRA OF EXILES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary focuses on Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, who rescued hundreds of Jews from the holocaust and founded the globally renowned orchestra that would eventually become the Israel Philharmonic.”10/26/12- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times and by most professional critics as well. Audiences have uniformly enjoyed it. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK (MAY 3) IN ADDITION TO THOSE I WROTE ABOUT ON MAY 2-

 

1) FRAGMENTS OF KUBELKA– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This epic documentary subtly introduces the complex world view of iconic filmmaker and theoretician Peter Kubelka (born 1934, Vienna). While Kubelka’s radical and pioneering body of films is a highly condensed work of about an hour focussing on the essence of cinema.”5/3/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. Be aware that this documentary is nearly 4 hours long. TRDB.

2) ONCE UPON A TIME IN BROOKLYN– 2013. Released after serving several prison sentences, Bobby Baldano is torn between returning to a lucrative life of crime on the mobbed-up streets and honoring his family — a decision that may prove dangerous.”

5/3/13- Awful reviews all over including today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) FREE THE MIND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary follows the efforts of neuroscientist Richard Davidson as he prescribes yoga and meditation in an attempt to ease the suffering of two war veterans with PTSD and a child with anxiety and ADHD.”

5/3/13- A mixed review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) GENERATION UM- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of an all-night party in New York City, John and his beautiful friends Mia and Violet have a series of frank conversations. These insights change their attitudes toward each other in the hours leading up to yet another party.”

5/3/13- Awful reviews. TRDB.

5) WUSS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this black comedy, Mitch is a timid teacher at a rough high school. After he’s repeatedly beaten up by several thuggish students, he decides to get revenge with the help of eccentric schoolgirl Maddie, who has a few problems of her own.”

5/3/13- Poor review of the movie in today’s NY Times but some good words included about the directing. TRDB.

6) TURTLE HILL BROOKLYN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his conservative sister shows up unexpectedly at his 30th birthday party, Will is forced to come out to her for the first time. As the festivities progress and the alcohol flows, the guests’ attitudes and some shocking truths begin to emerge.”

5/3/13- Generally poor reviews including the one in today’s NY Times which called the ending and everything else about this movie inconclusive. TRDB.

7) UNMADE IN CHINA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This riotous documentary follows American director Gil Kofman to Xiamen, China, where he’s making a state-sanctioned thriller that unravels due to interfering bureaucrats who rewrite his script and replace his leading lady and key crew members.”

5/3/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

8)DESPARATE ACTS OF MAGIC– 2013. Snyopsis by Netflix. “Jason, an office drone who dreams of making it big as a magician, meets Stacy, who puts her own sleight-of-hand skills to use picking pockets. But their budding romance may not survive a high-stakes magic competition that pits them head-to-head.”

5/3/13- Fairly good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS WEEK (MAY 10)-

 

1) GIPPI– 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “Gippi is a 14-year-old girl who lives in Simla with her mother Pappi and little brother Booboo. She is overweight and awkward and doesn’t know how to handle the physical, emotional and social changes happening in her life.”4/29/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

2) THE GREAT GATSBY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo DiCaprio stars as literary icon Jay Gatsby in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Fascinated by the mysterious, affluent Gatsby, his neighbor Nick Carraway bears witness to the man’s obsessive love and spiral into tragedy.”

4/29/13- No reviews as yet but the coming attractions did not impress me. TRDB.

3) STORIES WE TELL– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using a mix of interviews and sly home movies, Sarah Polley creates an intriguing profile of her family, especially her mother, Diane, who died when Polley was 11 years old. In a family of storytellers, does the truth depend on who does the telling?”

4/29/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

4) VENUS AND SERENA– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering an inside look at the Williams sisters — Venus and her younger sibling Serena — this documentary follows the tennis megastars throughout 2011, when disabling injuries and illness threatened to end their careers.”

4/29/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) REALITY-  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jovial fishmonger and small-time con artist Luciano hopes to enrich his humble family by participating in the Italian version of “Big Brother,” but his obsession with appearing to be an ideal contestant soon has his family doubting his sanity.”3/15/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

2) IN THE HOUSE–  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moved by mesmerizing prose, a teacher pushes a student with extraordinary gifts to keep on writing — even though he knows the young author’s research methods involve a serious invasion of privacy.”4/19/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) CAROLINE AND JACKIE–  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “To celebrate her birthday, Caroline visits her sister Jackie. But what starts out as a fun evening with friends quickly goes awry, as the sisters’ obscure past gives rise to a profound emotional tension that takes a toll on the night’s affair.”4/17/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

2) THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST-  2012. “Pakistani professor Changez Khan regales a journalist with his U.S. experiences in the opening scene of this compelling post-9/11 drama. As their chat continues, however, it emerges that Khan has much more on his mind than the past.”4/19/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

4/26/13- A fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5/5/13- Despite a bit of Hollywood this movie held my interest and portrayed fairly well the ambivalence of the lead character. It is currently showing in a local theater. TRDB.

3) SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a four-year stay in a psychiatric institution, former teacher Pat Peoples has no choice but to move back in with his mother. While he’s trying in vain to reunite with his wife, Pat meets another woman fated to change his life.”11/16/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12/4/12- A very enjoyable piece of fluff that had a few lessons about life as well. TRDB.

 REPEATS-

 

 

Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters

 

DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) THE GREAT GATSBY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo DiCaprio stars as literary icon Jay Gatsby in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Fascinated by the mysterious, affluent Gatsby, his neighbor Nick Carraway bears witness to the man’s obsessive love and spiral into tragedy.”4/29/13- No reviews as yet but the coming attractions did not impress me. TRDB.

2) AT ANY PRICE- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne.  2012. Synopsis by NetflixIn this father-vs.-son drama, Dean Whipple is fixated on auto racing, while his dad, Henry, wants him to take over the family’s farm business. However, Henry’s penchant for shady deals and bribery unexpectedly puts the whole empire at risk.”4/19/13- Mixed early reviews with more positive than negative. TRDB.

3) SCATTER MY ASHES AT BERGDORF’S– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary peels back the curtain at Bergdorf Goodman, the iconic New York store that’s been launching design careers for more than a century. Key creative personnel and fans such as Joan Rivers and Candice Bergen discuss Bergdorf’s appeal.”

5/3/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well.  TRDB.

4) KON-TIKI- Jacob Burns. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “With five loyal friends in tow, explorer Thor Heyerdal sails a fragile balsa wood raft along an ancient path some 4,300 miles across the Pacific. Along the way, they’re attacked by tidal waves, sharks and all the dangers the ocean can muster.”

4/19/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

4/26/13- A really poor review in today’s NY Times but other critics seemed to have liked it. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) 42– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic focuses on the relationship between baseball icon Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson and in 1947 made him the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era.”3/30/13- No reviews as yet but I can’t wait to see this movie. TRDB.

4/12/13- Today’s NY Times gave this movie an OK review basically saying that the movie was good but that it fell into the “hero worship” category. TRDB.

4/19/13- Very disappointed! I really wanted to like this movie but, as written by one critic, it was a superficial historical tribute with very little about the man himself. TRDB.

2) RENOIR– Bethel. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1915, elderly painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir is crippled by both loss and arthritis, but when vibrant teenager Andrée brightens his life, he finds new purpose — as does his son Jean, a wounded soldier who is inspired by Andrée’s love of cinema.”3/18/13- A few early reviews and they are very good. TRDB.

3/29/13- A good review in today’s NY Times emphasizing the visual aspect of the film. TRDB.

4/5/13- I enjoyed the story, the acting and the beautiful photography. TRDB.

3) MUD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two Mississippi teens, Ellis and Neckbone, meet a mysterious drifter named Mud hiding on a deserted river island and get caught up in his tangled web of tall tales about bounty hunters, crimes of passion, lost love and a perfect woman named Juniper.”4/19/13- Very good reviews so far. TRDB.

4/26/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/27/13- As far as I’m concerned this movie could have been titled “Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn Meet Rambo. What a waste! TRDB.

4) THE COMPANY YOU KEEP– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford stars as Jim Grant, a lawyer and single dad who has to go on the lam after a reporter identifies him as a long-sought U.S. terrorist. As the journalist locates more of Grant’s old contacts, his guilt begins to appear less certain.”

3/21/13- Fairly good reviews for this Robert Redford movie. TRDB.

4/5/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/19/13- I liked the movie but I felt that there was very little new information here and that I had seen this all before. I think that the talent (and plenty of it) was better than the screenplay. And what’s with the Hollywood ending? TRDB.

5) THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST– Clearview 100. 2012. “Pakistani professor Changez Khan regales a journalist with his U.S. experiences in the opening scene of this compelling post-9/11 drama. As their chat continues, however, it emerges that Khan has much more on his mind than the past.”

4/19/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

4/26/13- A fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5/5/13- Despite a bit of Hollywood this movie held my interest and portrayed fairly well the ambivalence of the lead character. This movie is currently in a few local theaters. TRDB.

 

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org  

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB