The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 15, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) FILLY BROWN– Netflix

2) MR. JEALOUSY– Netflix

3) OFF WHITE LIES– Netflix Streaming

 

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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) FILLY BROWN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offered a chance to be a star, a young rapper must decide whether to go for the gold or remain true to herself and the friends who’ve helped her. Meanwhile, her family struggles, with her mom in jail and her ex-gangbanger dad trying to go straight.”4/19/13- Mixed professional reviews but audiences have liked this movie. TRDB.

8/13/13- Even though I felt like I had seen this movie’s story many times before it was still entertaining and complete with some fine acting as well. Worth a viewing. TRDB. Netflix.

2) MR. JEALOUSY– 1998. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lester Grimm (Eric Stoltz) can’t control the jealousy he feels toward Dashiell Frank (Chris Eigeman), the best-selling author ex of his gal, Ramona (Annabella Sciorra). He takes his unfettered insecurity issues to a new level when he goes undercover to attend Dashiell’s group therapy sessions. Writer-director Noah Baumbach’s romantic comedy co-stars Bridget Fonda, who plays Dashiell’s current squeeze, Irene.”

8/14/13- I found this romantic comedy interesting and creatively structured with a few appealing characters. TRDB. Netflix.

3) OFF WHITE LIES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirteen-year-old Libi is sent to Israel to join her father, Shaul, a wiz at white lies. But it doesn’t take long for her to chafe at his lifestyle. Soon, she begins to unravel the web of lies her father has constructed around him.”

12/7/12- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/14/13- This Israeli movie was very well acted with an interesting premise and I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 20-

 

1) TRANCE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Danny Boyle directs this psychological thriller about an art heist gone wrong and the hypnotist who’s hired to ferret out the missing masterpiece. Everything is a jumble after an auctioneer gets hit in the head while double-crossing some art thieves.”3/21/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

4/5/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

2) RAPTURE-PALOOZA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this revelatory comedy, a pair of teenagers survives the apocalypse only to find themselves on an all-or-nothing mission to defeat the Antichrist — who turns out to have numerous psychiatric issues and a powerful yen for an Earth virgin.”

6/7/13- The NY Times gave this a luke warm review but others have not been so kind. TRDB.

3) AMOUR- 2012. Synopsis by IMDB. “Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple’s bond of love is severely tested.”

5/28/12- This movie won Best Picture in Cannes this year. TRDB.

2/14/13- This movie was a look into the reality of dementia and it’s toll on ALL members of the family. Well done and I liked it very much.  TRDB.

4) DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary presents the musical saga of Arnel Pineda, who goes from singing in Manila nightclubs to fronting the legendary rock band Journey. Brought into the group just before a world tour, Arnel must sell himself to Journey’s many fans.”

3/8/13 Good reviews for this documentary from today’s NY Times and from most others as well. TRDB.

5) SHADOW DANCER– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Collette, a single mother and career IRA terrorist, is captured after an abortive bombing in London and faces an excruciating ultimatum. She can either turn against her lifelong compatriots or go to prison and be separated forever from her son.”

5/31/13- Very good reviews in general and a very good one in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

6) POST TENEBRAS LUX– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “An affluent couple lives in the Mexican countryside with their two adorable children. But their idyllic surroundings belie a disturbing existence where violence and suffering are commonplace and light and darkness struggle to eliminate one another.”

4/17/13- Early reviews are weak. TRDB.

7) NO PLACE ON EARTH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary sheds light on a long-untold story of World War II: the 18-month sanctuary of 38 Jewish refugees in a Ukrainian cave. Five surviving members discuss their ordeal, as the film chronicles the accidental discovery of the cave in 1993.”

3/21/13- Just a few reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

4/5/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK (AUG. 9) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I’VE WRITTEN ABOUT-

 

1) BLOOD– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in the shadow of their police chief father, two detective brothers commit the ultimate crime while interrogating a suspect, and the fear of being caught turns their lives into a downward spiral of guilt and paranoia.”8/9/13- Poor reviews all around but several critics brought out some good points in the film. TRDB.

2) CHENNAI EXPRESS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “What could have been a sad journey turns into a joyful one for Rahul when he falls in love with a woman en route to submerging his grandfather’s ashes. Exotic landscapes and rousing musical numbers follow as the pair traverses South India.”

8/9/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times for this Bollywood. TRDB.

3) ELYSIUM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this dystopian thriller set in 2159, the wealthiest humans move to a fabulous private space station, while life on Earth grows ever more grim. With no other options, an ex-con agrees to join a risky mission to bring balance to the two worlds.”

8/9/13- Mixed reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

4) THE GARDENER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf travels to Jerusalem, capital of the Baha’i faith, which has been outlawed in his native Iran for decades. The film examines Baha’i and captures debates on religion as a whole between the director and his atheist son.”

8/9/13- A good review in today’s NY Times as well as a good review on IMDB. TRDB.

5) THE GOOD SON: THE LIVE OF RAY BOOM BOOM MANCINI– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Decades after the fateful match in which Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini defeated Duk Koo Kim — which led directly to Kim’s tragic death — Kim’s son comes to meet the man who killed his father.”

8/9/13- Good reviews all around and also in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) I GIVE IT A YEAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic comedy, newlyweds Nat and Josh find their marriage beginning to fall apart almost immediately after their fairy tale wedding. The couple seeks the advice of a counselor, but both are also tempted by old and new lovers.”

8/3/13- I’ve seen several reviews and they are mixed. TRDB.

8/9/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7) IN A WORLD…- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lake Bell (“Children’s Hospital”) stars in In a World…, a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script.”

8/9/13- Good reviews from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

8)JUG FACE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenage Ada is pregnant, which means she’ll make the ideal sacrifice to a monstrous beast that lives in a pit near her backwoods village. When she learns of her fate, however, she flees, leaving the community to cope with the unfed creature’s wrath.”

8/9/13- Today’s NY Times did not like this horror film but most other critics did. TRDB.

9) THE MACHINE WHICH MAKES EVERYTHING DISAPPEAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Tinatin Gurchiani asked auditioning young actors to simply talk about themselves, and turned the engaging results into their own film. This series of mini-interviews creates a fascinating cross-section of Georgia’s young people.”

8/9/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

10) OFF LABEL– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A pair of filmmakers explore the influence of prescription drugs by profiling “off label” pharmaceutical users who take medication in unintended ways. The result is an emotional and sobering look at health and healing.”

8/9/13- Poor reviews from everybody, including the NY Times today. TRDB.

11) THE UNITED STATES OF AUTISM– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking insight and answers for his son, a caring father travels across America to interview individuals and families dealing with autism — and discovers meaningful connections that lead to life-changing experiences for him and those he meets.”

8/9/13- The NY Times gave this a favorable review today but most critics haven’t weighed in yet. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.

12) ZIPPER: CONEY ISLAND’S LAST WILD RIDE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This social documentary highlights Coney Island’s unique charms and the efforts of residents and other advocates to save the area from redevelopment. Among the concerned locals is Eddie Miranda, who’s being forced to close his legendary Zipper ride.”

8/9/13- Good reviews all around. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS WEEK (AUG. 16)-

 

1) THE PATIENCE STONE– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes said- “Author Atiq Rahimi’s adapts his own bestselling novel about a Muslim woman whose paralyzed husband unconsciously assumes the role of a magical force, which shields her from the sorrows of life in her war-torn village. Her unnamed Middle Eastern country caught up in an insurrection, the loyal, thirtysomething wife faithfully sits watch over her vegetative husband, who has been all but forgotten by his brothers and fellow Jihadists. Over time, she gathers the courage to tell her husband all of the things she had remained silent about during their 10 years of marriage. Throughout the course of these missives, she speaks frankly of the disappointments, sorrows, and sacrifices that have made her life so difficult throughout the previous decade. Only weeks later, when the isolated wife enters into a relationship with a young soldier, does she begin to reveal the woman who she had kept locked up deep inside ever since the day she was married.”8/6/13- Very good early reviews and I’ll definitely try to see this one. TRDB.

2) AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After escaping prison, Bob Muldoon begins a search for his girlfriend and young daughter, but their reunion doesn’t go as planned: He took the rap for a crime she committed, but now she’s involved with a lawman from their past.”

8/6/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) AUSTENLAND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jane Hayes is so taken with Jane Austen’s novels that she decides to splurge on a trip to an English resort that caters to Austen fans. But when the authentic period romance Jane was promised proves unacceptable, she acts to alter her fate.”

8/6/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

4) CUTIE AND THE BOXER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Explore the work and marriage of Ushio and Noriko Shinohara, who took America’s art scene by storm after leaving Japan for New York. Each has created their own unique space, both in style … and in their 40-year relationship.”

8/6/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

5) HAUTE CUISINE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on real characters and lives, this food-rich drama recounts Hortense Laborie’s experiences as personal chef for the president of France. After reluctantly accepting the job, Hortense braves the intimidating atmosphere of the Elysee Palace.”

8/6/13- Very good early reviews for this film. TRDB.

6) JOBS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ashton Kutcher delivers a tour de force performance as Apple founder Steve Jobs in this biopic that spans three decades of the entrepreneur’s life. The story follows Jobs from the obscurity of a Palo Alto garage to global fame as a technology icon.”

8/6/13- Early reviews are weak. TRDB.

7) LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.”

8/6/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY APPLY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This cautionary documentary looks into the consumer implications of pushing the “I Agree” button on commercial and social websites. As more information about us is shared ever more widely, former notions of privacy are becoming obsolete.”6/27/13- Just a few reviews at this time and they are all good. TRDB.

7/12/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

2) HANNAH ARENDT– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After fleeing Nazi Germany for the United States, a Jewish-German philosopher accepts an assignment from the New Yorker to cover the trial of an infamous war criminal, resulting in an article that ignites controversy all over the world.”5/14/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

8/6/13- Good reviews all over. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) LOVELACE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amanda Seyfried stars as adult film icon Linda Lovelace, a woman coerced into and abused by the porn industry before taking charge of her life. The supporting cast includes all manner of Hollywood A-listers stepping into meaty roles.”8/9/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

2) COCKNEYS VS. ZOMBIES– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an attempt to save their granddad’s old age home, slacker Cockneys Terry and Andy team up with three friends to rob a bank. But their caper goes awry when they run afoul of a horde of hungry zombies, who then do battle with the feisty pensioners.”

8/2/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times and OK reviews in general. TRDB.

3) MUD- 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) PRINCE AVALANCHE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While repainting traffic lines along a burnt-out stretch of rural highway, a mismatched pair — straightlaced Alvin and his girlfriend’s harebrained brother, Lance — form an unlikely bond that builds upon their differences.”

8/3/13- Good reviews all around. TRDB.

8/9/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luke is a professional motorcycle rider who turns to bank robberies to support his newborn son, but when he crosses paths with a rookie police officer, their violent confrontation spirals into a tense generational feud.”

3/28/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times but  better reviews from other critics. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.”8/6/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) IN A WORLD…- Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lake Bell (“Children’s Hospital”) stars in In a World…, a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script.”

8/9/13- Good reviews from today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.

3) THE SPECTACULAR NOW–  Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When high school loner Aimee Finicky finds her classmate Sutter Keely passed-out drunk on a lawn, it marks the start of an unlikely friendship. After deciding to help Aimee raise her social confidence, Sutter finds himself falling for his creation.”

7/15/13- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

8/2/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL– Jacob Burns. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1943, disillusioned by the horrors of two world wars, sculptor Marc Cros gives up his art to live quietly in occupied France. When his wife brings home a young Spanish refugee, her beauty inspires the 80-year-old man to return to work.”

8/2/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

1) BLUE JASMINE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.”7/26/13- A great review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

8/7/13- Woody is as creative as ever as he constructs another story that most audiences can relate to. Cate Blanchett’s acting was great but after the rave reviews I was a little disappointed. Good but not great. TRDB.

2) THE WAY WAY BACK- Jacob Burns, Bethel.  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A stifled teen finds his voice with encouragement from the manager of a local water park, where he takes a summer job to escape his unbearable home life with his mom and her overbearing boyfriend.”

7/5/13- Uniformly good reviews but just an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) FRUITVALE STATION– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic rendering of a real-life tragedy recounts the final hours of Oscar Grant, shot by San Francisco transit police on New Year’s Day, 2009. In portraying the energy Oscar brought to life, the film mourns the tragic loss of a unique soul.”

6/27/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/12-13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/4/13- An excellent movie with great acting taken from a true story a few years ago. My only objection was some difficulty understanding the conversation at times. TRDB.

4) STILL MINE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “His home in disrepair, elderly farmer Craig Morrison must build a better shelter for his wife, whose health is deteriorating rapidly. He faces the wrath of an overzealous government inspector but refuses to back down.”

 

 

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB