The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #331

July 8th, 2010

  JULY 8, 2010,

DEAR FRIENDS:  

THERE ARE LOTS OF GOOD MOVIES PLAYING IN THE SUBURBS THIS WEEK INCLUDING 2 NEW ONES-

I PLAN TO SEE “RESTREPO” SOON- IT HAS RECEIVED GREAT REVIEWS AND I’LL TRY TO SEE “THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE” AS WELL.  

SEE “BOB’S PICKS” AND ENJOY!!!  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FROM LAST WEEK-  

1) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY

2) EVERLASTING MOMENTS   _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- Premise by Netflix. “Seven years after she was inspired by the bold debut of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” famed fashion designer Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) — reeling from the death of her beau, Boy Capel (Anatole Taubmann) — meets and falls for the Russian composer (Mads Mikkelsen) in 1920s Paris. A forbidden romance ensues in Jan Kounen‘s sumptuous period drama, the closing film of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.”

7/10- Very well done, well photographed and really an epic about the romance between two people trying to revolutionize their respective fields. Great history lesson also. I liked it. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) ANTARCTICA- Premise by Netflix. “Facing down his quickly approaching 30th birthday, gay librarian Omer (Tomer Ilan) hasn’t found his place in life or his ideal man, until fetching journalist Ronen (Guy Zoaretz) enters the scene. Meanwhile, Omer’s sister Shirley (Lucy Dubinchik) struggles to decide between settling down with the woman of her dreams and indulging her long-held fantasy of traveling to Antarctica. Yair Hochner directs this comedy that also stars Rivka Neuman.”

7/10- Lots of bed hopping in this Israeli drama about gay life. Just OK. TRDB. Netflix.

2) EVERLASTING MOMENTS- Premise by Netflix. “After marrying charming but coarse Sigfrid (Mikael Persbrandt), Maria (Maria Heiskanen) finds that her life isn’t the fairy tale she expected, as her husband gradually becomes more brutal. But when she becomes involved in photography, Maria gains a new lease on life. Filmmaker Jan Troell based this Golden Globe-nominated drama on a manuscript written by his wife, Agneta Ulfsäter-Troell, chronicling the events of her ancestors in the early 20th century.” I saw this for the second time a few days ago in preparation for a talk I will be giving at Heritage Hills on Thursday July 22 and again liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.

3) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his highly religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly). Interesting topic with poor reviews.

7/10- Generally poor reviews and a bit like made-for-TV but I still liked it as I gained insight into the mind of this  famous scientific pioneer. TRDB. Netflix.

4) A CALL GIRL- Premise by Netflix. “This insightful, allegorical drama follows Aleksandra (Nina Ivanisin), a student, as she travels from a small town to the big city. A cynical and callous young woman, Aleksandra uses the move to transform herself into a well-paid call girl. Her self-imposed isolation and guilt-free life end, however, when a politician client dies. As the police pursue her, Aleksandra must figure out how to finish growing up without losing her soul.”

7/10- This movie, about an isolated woman, was only mildly interesting to me. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

5) ACCORDING TO GRETA- Premise by Netflix. “Dumped on her grandparents (Ellen Burstyn and Michael Murphy) for the summer by her indifferent mother (Melissa Leo), acerbic and self-destructive teenager Greta (Hilary Duff) disrupts the elderly couple’s staid life on the Jersey Shore in this coming-of-age melodrama. But eventually, a romance with a charming short-order cook (Evan Ross) and the unconditional love of her grandparents help Zoe face down her demons.”

7/10- Cute story and decent script made this movie enjoyable and made up for a weak ending. Grandparents were fun too. TRDB. Netflix.

6) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Generally good reviews.

7/10- Well done and interesting documentary leaving many questions as to the daughter’s motivation for doing this film. TRDB. Netflix.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 13-  

1) VIVERE- Premise by Netflix. “After her impulsive little sister Antonietta (Kim Schnitzer) runs off to Rotterdam with her musician boyfriend, dutiful daughter Francesca (Esther Zimmering) is dispatched to find her. But the journey becomes one of unexpected self-discovery when Francesca picks up depressed Gerlinde (Hannelore Elsner). Soon, the three women’s fates become intertwined in surprising ways in this lyrical drama from Germany. Angelina Maccarone directs.” Mixed reviews, more negative than positive.  

2) SAVING MARRIAGE- Premise by Netflix. “In the recent intense debate over same-sex marriage, Massachusetts emerged as a key battleground state. Mike Roth and John Henning’s documentary follows progressive politicians, lobbyists and civil rights activists who brought attention to the issue. Along the way, the filmmakers meet ordinary people whose passion for this controversial topic helped them make state history and expand national awareness.” A documentary with very good reviews.   

3) THE GREATEST- Premise by Netflix. “Allen (Pierce Brosnan) and Grace (Susan Sarandon) Brewer are still mourning the accidental death of their teenage son, Bennett (Aaron Johnson), when the boy’s troubled girlfriend reveals that she is carrying his baby. Now Bennett’s family must release their anger to make room for the new life. Shana Feste writes and directs this moving drama; Carey Mulligan, Michael Shannon, Johnny Simmons and Zoë Kravitz co-star.” More negative than positive reviews, this film may be saved by the cast.  

4) HERE AND THERE- Premise by Netflix. “The lives of two men intersect in this comedy-drama from writer-director Darko Lungulov. Serbian immigrant Branko (Branislav Trifunovic) wants his girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), to come live in America, while struggling New York musician Robert (David Thornton) desperately needs money. Robert agrees to travel to Belgrade to marry Ivana, but during the course of his chaotic trip, he encounters plenty of surprises. Pop icon Cyndi Lauper co-stars.” Mixed reviews, slightly more positive.  

5) CHLOE- Premise by Netflix. “Suspecting her husband, David (Liam Neeson), of infidelity, doctor Catherine (Julianne Moore) hires sexy escort Chloe (Amanda Seyfried) to seduce him and test his faithfulness. But as Catherine checks in on Chloe’s encounters with David, Chloe’s reports become increasingly lurid. Soon, the relationships between all three intensify in unexpected ways. Renowned filmmaker Atom Egoyan directs this psychological drama.” Mixed reviews but sounds interesting.  

6) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker and ex-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member Reed Cowan examines that church’s nationwide efforts to prevent the legalization of gay marriage — including California’s Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in 2008. Confidential church documents, statements by high-ranking church officials and other sources detail 30 years of efforts to turn back gay rights, particularly by the Mormon-sponsored National Organization for Marriage.” Fairly good early reviews.  

7) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBERGER- Premise by Netflix. “A total outcast at her private school, Esther (Danielle Catanzariti) suffocates under her mother’s (Essie Davis) constant pressure at home. But after forming an unlikely friendship with well-liked Sunni (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Esther starts taking daring risks and suddenly becomes popular. A smart, good-natured comedy about learning to be yourself, this Australian coming-of-age story also features Toni Collette.”

5/10- Esther is a 13yr. old Jewish girl in Australia who just does not fit in. Interesting story with good acting and it held my interest. TRDB.

8)TERRIBLY HAPPY- Premise by Netflix. “When Copenhagen cop Robert (Jakob Cedergren) winds up in the isolated town of Skarrild, he plans to bide his time recovering from his disreputable past so he can return to the city. But life in Skarrild is anything but peaceful in this tense thriller set in Denmark. As Robert becomes drawn into the odd local happenings, he also finds himself protecting mysterious beauty Ingerlise (Lene Maria Christensen) from her abusive husband.” Very good reviews.

9) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Generally good reviews. This movie came last week without prior notice and I did see it this week. See “above.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-  

1) AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- Premise by Zap2it. “A wanderer joins a woman’s small traveling circus and helps her overcome her tortured past.” One very good review is all I found.  

2) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- Premise by Netflix. “Disaster hits Millennium magazine when publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) launches an exposé of the Swedish sex trade, leading to the deaths of two staffers and then to the police pursuit of a third — tech expert Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) — as the prime suspect. In Part 2 of the trilogy, based on the action novels of Stieg Larsson, the vampiric Salander vanishes as Blomkvist digs deep into a possible conspiracy.” Mostly good reviews.  

3) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- Premise by Netflix. “The children of same-sex parents Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson) become curious about the identity of their sperm-donor dad (Mark Ruffalo) and set out to make him part of their family unit, with frequently comical results. With his arrival, the household dynamics quickly become complicated, and nobody’s quite sure where or how he fits in, if at all.” Excellent reviews.   ________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-  

1) LA MISSION- Premise by Netflix. “Ultra-macho ex-con Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) learns the true meaning of being a father when he discovers his son (Jeremy Ray Valdez) is gay. Rivera turns violent at first, but when a beautiful neighbor (Erika Alexander) helps him see through his anger, he begins to reconcile his long-held beliefs. Peter Bratt (Benjamin’s brother) writes and directs this compelling drama, while Max Rosenak and Talisa Soto co-star.” Weak early reviews.  

2) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Premise by Netflix. “Documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg provide an uncompromising glimpse into the personal and professional life of comedian and red-carpet mainstay Joan Rivers, a woman clinging stubbornly and steadfastly to the pop-culture bandwagon. Stern and Sundberg — whose previous film, The Devil Came on Horseback, covered the Darfur genocide — take a no-less-intensive approach to their subject here, taking a hard look at fame’s bitter toll.” Fairly good reviews.   _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-  

NEW-  

1) GREENBERG- Premise by Netflix. “At a crossroads in his life in New York, Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) takes some time to figure things out and travels to Los Angeles, where he house-sits for his brother and forges an unlikely bond with his brother’s assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig). Acclaimed director Noah Baumbach‘s (The Squid and the Whale, Margot at the Wedding) finely observed relationship comedy also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rhys Ifans.” Fairly good reviews and this film stayed in theaters for a while with good attendance. TRDB.   

2) A SINGLE MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, this touching 1960s-era drama centers on a day in the life of George (Colin Firth), an English-born, Los Angeles college professor reeling from the recent death of his lover of 16 years. Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin and Nicholas Hoult also star in this directorial debut from former Gucci fashion designer Tom Ford.”   12/26/09- I liked this movie very much. Be ready to enjoy a very sad movie. TRDB.  

REPEATS-  

1) A CALL GIRL- Slovenia. Premise by Netflix. “This insightful, allegorical drama follows Aleksandra (Nina Ivanisin), a student, as she travels from a small town to the big city. A cynical and callous young woman, Aleksandra uses the move to transform herself into a well-paid call girl. Her self-imposed isolation and guilt-free life end, however, when a politician client dies. As the police pursue her, Aleksandra must figure out how to finish growing up without losing her soul.”

7/10- This movie, about an isolated woman, was only mildly interesting to me. TRDB.

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie. Also on Netflix.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) A YEAR AGO IN WINTER- Premise by Netflix. “After her beloved 19-year-old son, Alexander, dies suddenly, Eliane (Corinna Harfouch) commissions a local artist named Max (Josef Bierbichler) to paint a portrait that includes both Alexander and his sister, Lilli (Karoline Herfurth). But Max must understand the siblings in order to paint them. Although Lilli resents Max’s probing questions, they soon forge a bond as the artist helps his subject work through her pain. Only a few reviews and they are mixed. I plan on seeing it. TRDB.  

 5) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie. On Netflix.  

6) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- A bit slow, nothing in particular happens but a slice of life and very real. I liked it. TRDB.

7) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

8)BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

9) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

10) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

11) CREATION- Premise by Netflix. “Paul Bettany stars as Charles Darwin in this BBC biographical drama that captures the legendary scientist in a period of intense mourning — and expansive intellectual discovery — following the untimely death of his young daughter, Annie. As Darwin dares to question the existence of God, he pens his groundbreaking tome, On the Origin of Species — much to the chagrin of his highly religious wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly). Interesting topic with poor reviews. TRDB.

7/10- Generally poor reviews and a bit like made-for-TV but I still liked it as I gained insight into the mind of this  famous scientific pioneer. TRDB.

  12) DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

13) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

14) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

15) EXTRA MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Forced to quit his prep school job after a humiliating incident, would-be dramatist Louis Ives (Paul Dano) heads to New York City, where he rents a room from has-been playwright Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline) — who earns a living escorting rich dowagers about town. Despite their huge age difference, the two develop a bond as Henry takes Louis under his wing and leads him on a series of wild adventures. Katie Holmes and John C. Reilly also star.” Mixed reviews, more plus than minus. TRDB.  

16) FOR MY FATHER- Premise by Netflix.  “Strapped into a vest of explosives, young Palestinian Terek (Shredi Jabarin) enters Tel Aviv on a suicide mission to restore his father’s honor. But a faulty fuse leaves him stranded among Israelis, and he begins to question his ingrained beliefs about his enemy. While he waits the weekend for a repair, he meets beautiful Keren (Hili Yalon). Still wearing his remote-controlled bomb, Terek must decide his fate before a decision is made for him.”

5/10- The movie is a slice of life and is OK only if you can suspend reality for a while. TRDB.

17) GREEN ZONE- Premise by Netflix. “U.S. Defense Intelligence Agent Clark Poundstone (Greg Kinnear) doesn’t want to hear what Army Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon) has to say about not finding the weapons of mass destruction — evidence that could launch a war — he’s been sent to Iraq to unearth. Why the cover-up? Rajiv Chandrasekaran’s exposé Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone inspired this frenetic wartime drama. Paul Greengrass directs.GREEN ZONE”

3/10- I usually do not go for this type of rockem-sockem type war movie but this one packed the important message noted above. Very realistic if a little too drawn out at times. TRDB.

  18) INVICTUS- Premise by Netflix. “In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin’s book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.   I was disappointed in this movie as I felt it trivialized the accomplishments of Nelson Mandela. I also felt that Matt Damon was just a shouting actor and a famous name. TRDB.    

19) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. TRDB.  5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB.On Netflix.  

20) LET IT RAIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Returning to her provincial home in the south of France, feminist politician Agathe Villanova (Agnès Jaoui) struggles to reconcile herself with the old-fashioned family she left behind, as well as the undignified demands of her profession. After an interview for a political documentary falls flat, Agathe faces further challenges in dealing with her sister, Florence (Pascale Arbillot), and her lover, Antoine (Frédéric Pierrot).”

6/10- I found the movie a little cute, a little slow and a little funny. Just OK. TRDB.

  21) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews but I felt that it was trivial. TRDB.  

22) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

23) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB.

24) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs — a crew that includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost) — have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs.” Very popular movie but I thought it was just so-so. TRDB.

25)  PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. TRDB.

26) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

27) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player.

2/10- Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.

28) THE EXPLODING GIRL- Premise by Netflix. “Zoe Kazan carries this indie romance from writer-director Bradley Rust Gray with her finely nuanced performance as Ivy, a college student who uses her Brooklyn spring break sojourn to reevaluate her life and loves. With her current relationship fizzling out via cell phone, Ivy finds herself rethinking her longtime platonic friendship with best pal Al (Mark Rendall). Franklin Pipp and Maryann Urbano co-star.” Fairly good reviews.

29) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- Premise by Netflix. “When a man who seemingly has everything takes his own life, the question on everyone’s mind is, why? This drama penned and helmed by Mia Hansen-Løve explores that quandary by recounting the weeks before and after a film producer’s suicide. With an adoring family, a job that fulfills him completely and a charismatic bearing that masks all woes, producer Grégoire Canvel appears at the top of his game. But underneath the surface, trouble is brewing.” Very good reviews.

6/10- A sad drama about a loving family and the grief process. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB.

30) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.”

2/10- I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

31) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.

32)  THE YOUNG VICTORIA- Premise by Netflix. “Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.”

5/10- I liked this movie a lot. TRDB.

33) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.

34) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

35) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews. Netflix also.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix as well.

36) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

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

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

1) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Seven years after she was inspired by the bold debut of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” famed fashion designer Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) — reeling from the death of her beau, Boy Capel (Anatole Taubmann) — meets and falls for the Russian composer (Mads Mikkelsen) in 1920s Paris. A forbidden romance ensues in Jan Kounen‘s sumptuous period drama, the closing film of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.”  

2) I AM LOVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.”

6/10- Beautifully photographed, very good story with good acting. I enjoyed this one very much. Highly recommended!! TRDB.

3) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- NEW!! Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Disaster hits Millennium magazine when publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) launches an exposé of the Swedish sex trade, leading to the deaths of two staffers and then to the police pursuit of a third — tech expert Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) — as the prime suspect. In Part 2 of the trilogy, based on the action novels of Stieg Larsson, the vampiric Salander vanishes as Blomkvist digs deep into a possible conspiracy.” Mostly good reviews.

4) CYRUS- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Indie favorites Jay and Mark Duplass co-direct this wry look at modern love and family dysfunction. John C. Reilly plays a recently divorced man who thinks he’s found just the right woman (Marisa Tomei) to help him recover and move on. Unfortunately, the woman’s son, played by Jonah Hill, has no interest in allowing another man into their lives — a stance he proceeds to demonstrate in a variety of obnoxious ways.” Very good early reviews.

5) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Jacob Burns, Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg provide an uncompromising glimpse into the personal and professional life of comedian and red-carpet mainstay Joan Rivers, a woman clinging stubbornly and steadfastly to the pop-culture bandwagon. Stern and Sundberg — whose previous film, The Devil Came on Horseback, covered the Darfur genocide — take a no-less-intensive approach to their subject here, taking a hard look at fame’s bitter toll.” Fairly good reviews.

6) SOLITARY MAN- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good review in NY Times.

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.

7) WINTER’S BONE- Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” Great reviews.

6/10-Very good acting in this Appalachian slice of life but I was disappointed in the film. I felt that not enough happened and what did seemed contrived to me. A friend who I saw this with spent a year in Missouri and felt that it was indeed realistic. TRDB.

8)RESTREPO- NEW!! Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Sebasatian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm, teamed with photographer Tim Hetherington to spend a year embedded with the Second Platoon in Afghanistan, documenting the hard work, fear and brotherhood that come with repelling a deadly enemy. Hunkered down with the soldiers in one of the region’s most strategic valleys, the filmmakers uncover the dark humor, sleepless surreality and constant anxiety of war in this Best Documentary winner at Sundance.” Very good early reviews.

9) CITY ISLAND- 2009. Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Netflix. “When he recognizes his son Tony (Steven Strait), whom he hasn’t seen in over 20 years, among a crop of new inmates in the jail he works at, Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) decides to bring the troubled young man home with him, much to the surprise of his wife and kids. Helmed by writer-director Raymond De Felitta, this offbeat comedy also stars Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Dominik Garcia-Lorido and Oscar winner Alan Arkin.” Generally good reviews.

4/10- It’s about people in families and the secrets they keep from each other. Know that this is a comedy despite some serious issues. I liked it. TRDB.

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

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB 

Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters