FILM REVIEWS #461
June 20th, 2013
6/13/13- A very timely documentary in our nation’s history. I liked the movie but I thought that the movie was a bit too long and I would have liked to understand Assange’s real psychological motivation for the risks he has taken. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
2) THE BIG PICTURE– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Successful Paris attorney Paul Exben (Romain Duris) has everything going for him, including power, wealth and a picture-perfect family. But the mirror suddenly cracks when Paul discovers that his wife, Sarah, is carrying on an affair with a photographer. After a tragic error closes the door on all that he’s achieved, Paul makes a fateful decision to escape, fleeing abroad to try and begin a new life as someone else altogether.”
10/12/12- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
6/16/13- A moving drama about a successful man whose life is falling apart and the decisions he makes at the time. TRDB. Netflix.
3) MOSQUITA Y MARI– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Neighbors but by no means friends, high schoolers Yolanda and Mari discover a bond and an attraction when they‘re made study partners. One a star student, the other more focused on work — both are rocked to the core by their growing connection.”
8/3/12- Great review in today’s NY Times and by others as well. TRDB.
6/18/13- This movie received very good reviews but I found it just OK. I might have liked it more if I understood the attraction between the two young girls. TRDB. Netflix.
3/15/13- The NY Times liked this movie in today’s review but most critics did not. TRDB.
2) A PLACE AT THE TABLE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using personal stories, this powerful doc illuminates the plight of the 49 million Americans struggling with food insecurity. A single mother, a small-town policeman and a farmer are among those for whom putting food on the table is a daily battle.”
3/1/13- A “just OK” review in today’s NY Times with the reviewer saying that the movie had too much restraint and none of the deserved outrage. I’ll skip this one. TRDB.
3) INTO THE WHITE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the early days of World War II, two military airplanes — one British and one German — are shot down over Norway. Now, the crews of both aircraft are forced to work together in a desperate attempt to survive the harsh winter conditions.”
3/30/13- Mixed reviews but none said that it was very good. TRDB.
4) NO– 2012- Synopsis by Netflix. “In this engaging drama from Chile, Gael García Bernal portrays René Saavedra, a hot-shot ad executive who creates a controversial media campaign opposing military dictator Augusto Pinochet during the referendum on his presidency in 1988.”
Very good reviews so far. TRDB.
2/15/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3/12/13-I enjoyed the basic premise of voter empowerment and of course the history lesson but I felt that the movie was a bit tedious at times and I also agree with one critic who called the movie “gimmicky.” TRDB.
5) SUPPORTING CHARACTERS– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Crack film editors Nick and Darryl are hired to save a movie in desperate need of their skills, a gig that turns out to be filled with bad luck. Both men’s relationships are upended and their partnership is tested by the film’s delusional director.”
1/25/13- Good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
2) ALIYAH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Low-level drug dealer Alex dreams of a better life away from his needy older brother and distant father, but before he can leave France to join a cousin in Tel Aviv, Alex must make a lot of money and come to terms with his complicated relationships.”
4/10/13- Seen as part of the Jewish Film Festival at Jacob Burns this drama was not as good as the individual scenes especially one scene near the end in a restaurant, but the lead actor and his girlfriend were appealing. TRDB.
6/14/13- A fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3) VEHICLE 19- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recent parolee Michael Woods unsuspectingly rents a car that ends up entangling him in a dangerous web of corruption involving the local police. With his future freedom at stake, Michael has to decide whether to flee or to try and be a good citizen.”
6/14/13- Weak reviews all around including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4) IN THE FOG– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “An innocent man accused of treason by Russian partisans fighting the German occupation is marked for death by two of his fellow countrymen. When the trio is ambushed, the man, eager to clear his name, faces a moral choice under immoral circumstances.”
6/14/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times as well as good reviews from most critics. TRDB.
5) THE BLING RING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on fact, this comic thriller tracks the saga of the Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch, who used the Web to time their robberies of stars’ homes. The teenage band stole millions in cash, jewelry and other items from victims including Paris Hilton.”
6/14/13- Mixed reviews in general and a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
6) FUKREY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four young male friends tackle the challenges and unexpected catastrophes of growing up clueless in this music-packed Bollywood teen drama. Each has his own dream to pursue, but all four are fated to get into trouble while pursuing their goals.”
6/14/13- A barely “fair” review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7) THE STROLLER STRATEGY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After suddenly becoming the surrogate parent of an infant boy, Thomas Platz has to learn the ropes quickly in this babies-and-romance French comedy. When Thomas poses as the baby’s real father to win back his ex-lover, various complications ensue.”
6/14/13- An awful review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8)MY BEST DAY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Small-town life is far from dull in this indie charmer that follows refrigerator repair company receptionist Karen in pursuit of her long-lost dad. After fielding a service call from the almost-stranger, Karen convinces a pal to pose as a mechanic.”
6/14/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times but audiences have liked the film. TRDB.
9) STORM SURFERS 3D– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Now in their 40s, surfing legends Ross Clarke-Jones and Tom Carroll team with meteorologist and surf forecaster Ben Matson to track down and conquer the biggest, most dangerous waves in Australia. Actress Toni Collette narrates.”
6/14/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5/10/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5/14/13- A very good drama with especially good acting by the lead actor. Be advised that there are no sub-titles and the Irish English is a bit difficult to understand. TRDB.
2) DIRTY WARS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring America’s covert operations in the war on terror, investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill takes viewers on a revealing journey through drone strikes, night raids, kill lists that include U.S. citizens and secret government-condoned torture.”
5/25/13- I’ve seen just one review and it was good. TRDB.
6/7/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.
3) 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.
11) FLIGHT- Good reviews
13) GIMME THE LOOT- Good reviews
22) PARENTAL GUIDANCE- I enjoyed it but it was not great
29) THE SESSIONS- I loved this movie
30) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS- I didn’t care for the movie
37) WAITING FOR LIGHTNING- The NY Times called this movie boring
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
5/24/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) THE BLING RING– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on fact, this comic thriller tracks the saga of the Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch, who used the Web to time their robberies of stars’ homes. The teenage band stole millions in cash, jewelry and other items from victims including Paris Hilton.”
6/14/13- Mixed reviews in general and a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5/31/13- Just an OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Joss Whedon’s modern take on the Shakespearean comedy, Claudio’s love for the beautiful Hero makes him a target of his friend Benedick’s mockery. But as Benedick trades barbs with Hero’s cousin Beatrice, he just may be falling in love.”
6/7/13- Very good reviews from multiple sources including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3) MUD- Bethel. 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) FRANCES HA- Bethel. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to make it as a modern dancer in New York, young Frances Ha pursues her unlikely goal with more enthusiasm than natural talent. The rest of the time, she and her sardonic best friend, Sophie, put off growing up for as long as they can.”
9/5/12- Mentioned briefly in the NY Times as being shown at the Telluride Film Festival this September. TRDB.
5/4/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.
5/17/13- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5/25/13- I liked this movie very much. Very good acting and an insightful screenplay. TRDB.
5) BEFORE MIDNIGHT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Before Midnight is an upcoming American romance drama film and the sequel to Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). Like its predecessors, the film was directed by Richard Linklater. As with the previous film, Linklater shares screenplay credit with both actors from the movies, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy”
5/13/13- Uniformly excellent reviews. TRDB.
5/24/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
6/11/13- An excellent movie that beautifully depicted the tensions that exist between spouses even when they deeply love each other. TRDB.
6) THE EAST– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As an agent for a private intelligence firm, Sarah Moss is charged with infiltrating an anarchist group whose attacks threaten her corporate clients. But after penetrating the organization, she finds herself drawn to its charismatic leader.”
5/31/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times and positive reviews from others as well for this thriller. TRDB.
7) WHAT MAISIE KNEW– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this updated rendering of the timeless Henry James novel, a perceptive 6-year-old girl becomes a bargaining tool when she gets caught in the midst of a toxic custody fight between her self-seeking, childish parents.”
4/21/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.
5/3/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8)MAN OF STEEL– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.”
6/5/13- No reviews as yet but I can’t imagine NOT seeing this movie. TRDB.
For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org
For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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