The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 22, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) PRINCE AVALANCHE– Comcast On-Demand

2) PLANES– At the Theater

3) THE SAPPHIRES– Netflix

4) EMPEROR- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) PLANES- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This spinoff of the beloved Cars films follows Dusty the crop duster, who dreams of flying in a race around the world. But in order to qualify for the competition, he’ll have to overcome his fear of heights.”8/15/13- Jane and I went to the movies today with our daughter, her husband and their 2 children. It was the kid’s first movie theater experience and they enjoyed it very much and we, of course, enjoyed them enjoying it very much. Don’t pass out but we actually enjoyed the movie and SO DID THE KIDS!! TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) 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.

8/15/13- Not really a road movie but these 2 guys were working on a road. A good story about male bonding and I enjoyed it very much. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

2) THE SAPPHIRES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “The spirit and vitality of 1960s soul music are at the core of this film about a real-life Australian aborigine singing group and their bumpy career. Three sisters and a cousin are brought together as the Sapphires by a talent scout with a plan”

3/14/13- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

3/22/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/19/13- Although one feels like they’ve seen this formulaic movie 100 times before it was still fun when the characters weren’t acting stupid. TRDB. Netflix.

3) EMPEROR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As World War II ends, Gen. MacArthur oversees Japan’s surrender, an act that dispels the nation’s centuries-old beliefs about its emperor. With the eyes of the world — and history — upon them, MacArthur and his protégé will change Japan forever.”

3/8/13- Weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

8/21/13- Generally well deserved poor reviews but I feel that the movie was at least interesting from a historical point of view. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 27-

 

1) AT ANY PRICE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 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.

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. TRDB.

3) KON-TIKI– 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.

4) SCATTER MY ASHES AT BERGDORF’S– 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.

5) BETWEEN US– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A newly married New York couple visit their old friends in their huge Midwestern home. Despite their wealth, the hosts are in a bitterly destructive marriage. A few years later, the couples reunite in New York, but the tables are turned.”

7/9/13- Mixed reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK (AUG. 16) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON AUG. 15-

 

1) YOU WILL BE MY SON– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Paul de Marseul (Niels Aretrup) is the passionate, demanding proprietor of his prestigious family wine estate. But he has no faith in his son, Martin (Loran Deutsch), who works at the vineyard. Paul dreams of a harder-working, successful son-a dream that one day seemingly materializes when he meets Philip (Nicolas Bridet), the son of his dying estate manager (Patrick Chesnais). Can Paul turn against his own blood and turn Philip into the rightful heir of his family estate?”Here’s what Netflix had to say– “Doubtful that his own son is up to the task, the demanding owner of a vintage chateau and wine label turns to the offspring of his late caretaker to maintain the strict principles of his prestigious business.”

8/16/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

2) DREW: THE MAN BEHIND THE POSTER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A feature-length documentary film highlighting the career of poster artist Drew Struzan, whose most popular works include the Indiana Jones, Back to the Future and Star Wars movie posters. Telling the tale through exclusive interviews with George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Frank Darabont, Guillermo del Toro, Steven Spielberg and many other filmmakers, artists and critics, the journey spans Drew’s early career in commercial and album cover art through his recent retirement as one of the most recognizable and influential movie poster artists of all time.”8/16/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times, mostly because the film did not delve into anything less than positive about the subject. Other critics agreed with the rating. TRDB.

3) THE HAPPY SAD– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Black, white, gay, straight: Relationships are tough regardless of your race or sexuality, as the couples at the heart of this movie find out. When Annie and Stan take a break from coupling, both end up with same-sex partners — at least temporarily.”

8/16/13- Weak reviews in general and also in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) IN SEARCH OF BLIND JOE DEATH: THE SAGA OF JOHN FAHEY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Known as the father of American Primitive Guitar, many consider John Fahey to be a foundational figure in American folk music. As both musician and musicologist, Fahey made a fundamental contribution to our understanding and appreciation of such music genres as Delta blues, Appalachian bluegrass and New Orleans jazz.”

8/16/13- Poor reviews in general but an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) HERBLOCK: THE BLACK & THE WHITE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this lively documentary, luminaries including Tom Brokaw, Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, Ted Koppel and Jon Stewart salute the remarkable life, career and indelible influence of Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Herbert Block.”

8/16/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

6) INCH’ALLAH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A Canadian obstetrician living in Israel makes multiple passes through heavily guarded checkpoints to get to her job at a women’s health clinic in Palestine. But political tensions take on personal overtones when she befriends a pregnant patient.”

8/16/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and weak ones in general. TRDB.

7) PARANOIA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blackmailed by his company’s CEO, low-level employee Adam Cassidy finds himself forced to spy on the boss’s rival and former mentor. As Adam enjoys all the trappings of an executive position, he soon learns he can trust no one.

8/16/13- A terrible review from nearly everybody. TRDB.

8)SPARK: A BURNING MAN STORY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Each year, Nevada’s Burning Man festival gathers revelers for one free-spirited weeklong party in the middle of the desert. Capturing the energy of the festivities, organizers and attendees share their passion for this renowned artistic event.”

8/16/13- A few professional reviews and they are good including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS WEEK (AUG. 23)-

 

1) DEVIL’S PASS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Five students retrace the steps of a group of hikers who famously perished in Russia’s Ural Mountains more than five decades prior. It isn’t long, however, before trouble besets the new group of adventurers in this found-footage chiller.”8/9/13- No reviews as yet but this movie sounds very scary and I probably won’t see it even if it gets good reviews. TRDB.

2) THE FROZEN GROUND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based thriller starring Nicolas Cage, an Alaska state trooper looking to bring a notorious serial killer to justice teams with a 17-year-old prostitute who escaped the predator’s clutches.”

8/9/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative. TRDB.

3) SPARROWS DANCE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an overflowing toilet forces an agoraphobic ex-actress to let in the outside world for the first time in months, romance blooms. But making it to her musician-boyfriend’s first professional gig will prove the real test for the shut-in.”

8/9/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

4) THERESE DESQUEYROUX– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In southwest France in the 1920s, two wealthy families are joined by an arranged marriage between the dull Bernard and the restless Thérèse. Desperately bored and longing for meaning in her life, Thérèse concocts a drastic solution to her problems.”

8/9/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative–just. TRDB.

5) THERESE DESQUEYROUX– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In southwest France in the 1920s, two wealthy families are joined by an arranged marriage between the dull Bernard and the restless Thérèse. Desperately bored and longing for meaning in her life, Thérèse concocts a drastic solution to her problems.”

8/9/13- Mixed reviews, more positive than negative–just. TRDB.

6) UNA NOCHE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Cuban teenager Raul is accused of assault, he and his best friend decide to flee the country and make the 90-mile journey to the United States. Elio’s twin sister — whom he is reluctant to leave behind — narrates their harrowing story.”

8/9/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) THE ACT OF KILLING– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unique documentary recalls the bloody era in Indonesia when pro-government death squads slaughtered more than a million suspected Communists. Now in positions of power, two ex-squad leaders gleefully reenact their atrocities for the filmmakers.7/3/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/19/13- The NY Times liked this movie very much. TRDB.

2) 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.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) SPARROWS DANCE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an overflowing toilet forces an agoraphobic ex-actress to let in the outside world for the first time in months, romance blooms. But making it to her musician-boyfriend’s first professional gig will prove the real test for the shut-in.”8/9/13- Very few reviews but they are good. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) AND WHILE WE WERE HERE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jane accompanies her cellist husband to Naples and spends her days trying to shake a case of writer’s block while he’s in rehearsal. She hoped the trip would help their troubled marriage, but she finds unexpected romance with a young American ex-pat.”

8/20/13- No reviews but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

4) A TEACHER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A popular young high school teacher engaged in a passionate secret affair with one of her students gets pulled deeper into their mutual fantasy world, even as the danger of discovery threatens their relationship.”

8/20/13- No reviews yet but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

 

 

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

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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- Mixed reviews with some very good ones and some really poor ones too. TRDB.

8/16/13- A negative review in today’s NY Times saying that the film was unconvincing. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

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) THE SPECTACULAR NOW–  Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

 

 

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB