July 14th, 2010
JULY 14, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
There are lots of good movies out there at this time so NO EXCUSES. Get out and see a film!
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) RESTREPO- At the theater
2) QUIET CHAOS- Netflix
3) OUT IN THE SILENCE- Netflix
4) HERE AND THERE- Netflix and Comcast On-Demand
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) RESTREPO- 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.7/10-
Excellent documentary and clearly done by two men who won the confidence of their subjects. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) AMERICAN SON- Premise by Netflix. “While visiting home for Thanksgiving, 19-year-old Marine Mike Holland (
Nick Cannon) begins an unexpected romance, clashes with family and old friends and confronts his fears about his imminent deployment to Iraq. An emotional roller coaster, Mike’s four-day holiday leave finds the young man reassessing past relationships, forging a new love and coming to grips with his own mortality.
Melonie Diaz,
Jay Hernandez and
Chi McBride co-star.”
Fairly good reviews.7/10-
I liked the film as it portrayed one more casualty of war. Well acted and realistic. TRDB. Netflix.
2) SWEDISH AUTO- 2006. Premise by Netflix. “Lukas Haas stars as Carter, a shy mechanic in a Virginia garage, in this delicately wrought indie drama from first-time director Derek Sieg about loneliness, love and escape. Away from work, Carter spends most of his time trailing a beautiful violinist (Brianne Davis) who’s oblivious to him. Soon, however, Carter discovers he has a stalker of his own — the waitress from the local diner (January Jones) — and his attention begins to shift.”
7/10- Suspend reality a few times, especially the ending and the movie was OK. TRDB. Netflix.
3) QUIET CHAOS- Premise by Netflix. “After helping his brother (Alessandro Gassman) save two women from drowning, film exec Pietro (Nanni Moretti) returns home only to find that his wife has suddenly died, plunging him into a quiet chaos of grief as he assumes sole parenting duties of his 10-year-old daughter, Claudia (Blu Yoshimi). Valeria Golino co-stars as Pietro’s beautiful sister-in-law, Marta, in this tender and thoughtfully understated portrait of mourning and survival.”
7/10- A very good story with good acting and I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.
4) THE VICIOUS KIND- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “When angry Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott) reluctantly agrees to drive his younger brother, Peter, and Peter’s girlfriend, Emma Gainsborough (Brittany Snow), home for Thanksgiving, he finds himself attracted to his brother’s pretty companion. Before long, his desire morphs into an obsession that could either completely unhinge the family — or be the catalyst he needs to confront feelings he has long repressed. J.K. Simmons and Alex Frost co-star.”
7/10- Very difficult to watch at times but I stuck it out and did find some merit. TRDB. Netflix.
5) AMERICANO- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Joshua Jackson moves on from the teenage angst of “Dawson’s Creek” in this coming-of-age drama from first-time director Kevin Noland. Before beginning a conservative career as a buttoned-up businessman, a recent college graduate (Jackson) decides to participate in the world-famous running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, where he meets a beautiful local (Leonor Varela) and an expatriate barkeep (Dennis Hopper) who change his life forever.”
7/10- A travelogue of Pamplona and very little else. TRDB. Netflix.
6) OUT IN THE SILENCE- Premise by Netflix. “When filmmaker Joe Wilson runs an announcement of his wedding to another man in the newspaper of the conservative Pennsylvania town where he grew up, the resulting controversy enables him to examine the depth and fragility of his social bonds. By stepping outside of the traditional documentary frame, Wilson illuminates the challenges facing those who grow up “different” in rural America, and the courage that simple tolerance can sometimes require.” Very few reviews but they are all good. TRDB.
7/10- Very good documentary about the issues and the people involved. TRDB. Netflix.
7) ACTS OF WORSHIP- 2001. Premise by Netflix. “Alix (Ana Reeder) is a druggie living on the streets of Manhattan. Digna (Michael Hyatt) is an acclaimed photographer in the same city. Their worlds intersect when Digna finds Alix passed out in a stairwell and decides to take her in and help her get back on her feet. At first, it seems the two women couldn’t be more different, but as they get to know each other, they realize they’re both driven by the same fear and soon form a strong bond.”
7/10- The first 10 minutes showed what it’s like to live as a junkie on the streets of NY and after that I Truly disliked this boring movie and turned it off after a half hour. TRDB. Netflix.
8)VIVERE- 2007. Germany. 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.”
7/10- The story is told through the story of each of the three women and that is what makes this movie mildly interesting. TRDB. Netflix.
9) 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.”
7/10- A very good drama and excellent performance by David Thornton. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix and Comcast On-Demand.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 20
1) THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA: DANIEL ELLSBERG AND THE PENTAGON PAPERS- Premise by Netflix. “Revisit a pivotal point in American history in this documentary that chronicles Pentagon insider Daniel Ellsberg’s daring endeavor to leak top-secret government papers that disclosed shocking truths about the Vietnam War and Nixon’s presidency. Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith direct this absorbing, Oscar-nominated account that features compelling interviews with Ellsberg, retired New York Times editor Max Frankel and other key figures.” Great reviews.
2) THE RUNAWAYS- Premise by Netflix. “Dakota Fanning stars in this musical biopic as Cherie Currie, lead singer of the 1970s all-girl rock group the Runaways, whose meteoric rise up the charts was saturated with drugs and other excesses of the era. Though the Runaways start out as a novelty act, the rock ‘n’ roll chops of Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart), Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton) and the other girls lift the group to international stardom. Floria Sigismondi directs.” Reviews were just OK.
3) 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.”
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.
4) MOTHER- Premise by Netflix. “A murder rocks a South Korean town and suspicion quickly falls on a reclusive, mentally challenged — and alibi-free — young man (Bin Won). When an inept public defender botches the boy’s case, his mother (Hye-ja Kim) sets out to prove her son’s innocence. Acclaimed director Joon-ho Bong (Memories of Murder) explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child in this atmospheric crime thriller.”
3/10- While a bit slow, the wonderful acting and the story itself made this a very good movie. TRDB.
5) 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.
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OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-
1) KISSES- Premise by Netflix. “In this incisive Irish import, best friends Dylan (
Shane Curry) and Kylie (
Kelly O’Neill) find urban beauty — and peril — when they flee their dysfunctional homes in a squalid housing project after Dylan has a terrible row with his tosspot father. Arriving in Dublin to hunt for Dylan’s older brother, the youngsters embark on a shopping spree using cash Kylie stole from her sister. But as night falls, the city takes on a menacing air.”
Fairly good early reviews.
2) UDAAN- Premise by Netflix. “After spending eight long, lonely years in a boarding school, Rohan (
Rajat Barmecha) returns to his industrial hometown in India, where he must decide whether to follow his own dreams or acquiesce to his imperious father’s (
Ronit Roy) plans for his future. As he begins work at his father’s steel factory and ponders his ambition to become a writer, Rohan also tries to build a relationship with the younger half-brother he didn’t even know existed.”
No reviews available.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
1) PLEASE GIVE- Premise by Netflix. “It’s a comedy that threatens to rip the lid off the New York housing market as a young couple engages in a tenant feud with the wily granddaughters of an elderly woman to whom they rent an apartment. The indie all-star cast includes
Oliver Platt,
Amanda Peet,
Catherine Keener,
Kevin Corrigan and
Lois Smith in this feature from veteran writer-director
Nicole Holofcener (“Lovely & Amazing,” “Friends with Money”).”
Very good reviews.5/10-
I think that this film is overrated. As far as I’m concerned nothing of interest happened and nobody grew up. Mildly interesting characters propelled the film forward. A slice of life. TRDB.
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.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) JUNO- Premise by Netflix. “Facing an unplanned pregnancy while she’s still in high school, quirky teen Juno MacGuff (
Ellen Page) devises a plan to locate her unborn baby’s perfect adoptive parents. But the seemingly ideal couple (
Jason Bateman and
Jennifer Garner) Juno chooses still has some growing up to do.
Michael Cera co-stars in this offbeat coming-of-age comedy with an Oscar-winning original screenplay penned by
Diablo Cody.”7/10-
Great story, great acting and I liked this movie a lot. TRDB. 2) 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.”
7/10- A very good drama and excellent performance by David Thornton. I liked it. TRDB. On Netflix also.
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) 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.
4) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.
5) 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.
6) BLUEBEARD- Premise by Netflix. “French director Catherine Breillat serves up an inspired take on Charles Perrault’s 17th-century fairy tale about a murderous nobleman whose wives have been disappearing in droves in this fantastical foreign-language drama partially set in the 1950s. Dominique Thomas stars as the titular Bluebeard, with Lola Creton playing the part of his most recent bride, the virginal, beautiful — and terrified — Marie-Catherine.” Fairly good reviews.
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. Until 7/17. 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) 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.
10) 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.
11) 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.
12) 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.
13) 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.
14) 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.
15) 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.
16) 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.
17) 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.
18) 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.
19) 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.
20) 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.
21) 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.
22) 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.
23) 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.
24) 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.
25) 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.
26) 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.
27) 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.
28) 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.
29) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie25) 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.
26) 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.
27) 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.
28) 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.
30) 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.
31) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.
32) 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 and highly recommended. On Netflix.
33) 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.
29) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.
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. Until 7/17. 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) 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.
10) 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.
11) 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.
12) 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.
13) 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.
14) 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.
15) 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.
16) 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.
17) 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.
18) 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.
19) 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.
20) 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.
21) 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.
22) 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.
23) 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.
24) 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.
25) 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.
26) 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.
27) 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.
28) 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.
29) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie25) 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.
26) 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.
27) 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.
28) 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.
30) 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.
31) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix also.
32) 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 and highly recommended. On Netflix.
33) 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.
29) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB. On Netflix.
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) CYRUS- Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.
2) 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.3) THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE- Bethel, 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) INCEPTION- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Intellectual property assumes another dimension in writer-director
Christopher Nolan‘s sci-fi thriller, in which entrepreneur Cobb (
Leonardo DiCaprio) wields a technology that lets him enter people’s dreams and pilfer their ideas. The enterprise sends Cobb and his team — including engineers Ariadne (
Ellen Page) and Arthur (
Joseph Gordon-Levitt) — hurtling across space and time, but nemesis Saito (
Ken Watanabe) has a notion to stop them.”
Very good reviews.
5) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- 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.”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.
6) I AM LOVE- Jacob Burns, 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.
7) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Jacob Burns. 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.”
Good reviews.
8)RESTREPO- 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.7/10-
Excellent documentary and clearly done by two men who won the confidence of their subjects. TRDB.9) 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.
10) 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.
Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters
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