FILM REVIEWS #483
December 20th, 2013
12/11/13- Despite the poor reviews I enjoyed this movie very much. TRDB.
12/6/13- An extremely well done documentary that held my interest despite its two and a half hour length. It should be required viewing for all lawyers. TRDB.
2) THE GIRL- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “While transporting illegal immigrants across the Texas border, a cash-strapped single mother finds herself caring for a young Mexican girl. Along the way, she’s forced to reexamine her life with a critical eye.”
12/14/12- Fair reviews in today’s NY Times and by other professional critics as well. Audiences have not liked this film. TRDB.
12/6/13- Weak reviews but I found it interesting and I got into the story. TRDB.
2) INFORMANT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “What turned Brandon Darby from an outspoken radical to a right-wing FBI informant in only three years? This doc gets the story from the man himself. Darby explains the shift in his allegiances that made him one of activism’s most maligned figures.”
9/13/13- Excellent reviews all around with a somewhat weaker review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/16/13- A very well done and informative documentary about Brandon Darby leaving us with many questions about his motivation in changing sides. TRDB.
6/12/13- The review in today’s NY Times called this movie fascination but rambling. TRDB.
2) CAESAR MUST DIE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brothers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani take their cameras inside Rome’s Rebbibia Prison as its inmates stage a production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The film reveals the Bard’s power to enlighten as the men connect the play to their own lives.”
2/6/13- Good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
3) 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.”
8/23/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
9/11/13- I liked this movie that was about coming of age in the setting of Havana, Cuba but instead of rebelling against their parents they are rebelling against the state. Excellent acting made this movie excel. TRDB.
4) 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.
8/16/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
DEC. 31-
1) CBGB- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Renewing the legend of one of New York’s most storied nightclubs, this raucous drama features the punk and rock legends who made CBGB famous. While the club’s owner had hoped to open CBGB as a country venue, it soon became something quite different.”
10/11/13- Poor reviews from nearly all critics including the NY Times. TRDB.
2) LOVE, MARILYN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A diverse group of actresses read from Marilyn Monroe’s recently discovered diaries and personal papers in this intimate portrait that examines the luminous star’s life and legend through her own words.”
11/30/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times but weak critical review so far. TRDB.
12/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE EVENING- 2013. About NY City musicians cut down by AIDS.
12/6/13- An OK review from the NY Times today and a few other critics have liked it as well. TRDB.
3) COMMITMENT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “To free his sister from a labor camp, 19-year-old Myung-hoon takes on a spying mission for North Korean authorities, posing as a defector. But while living a secret life in South Korea, Myung-hoon becomes a target of his own government.”
12/6/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4) IMPLANTED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After undergoing a mysterious medical procedure that he remembers nothing about, Ethan can’t grasp what’s real and what isn’t in this sci-fi drama. As he tries to piece together his memories, his friends and family are hiding details about his past.”
12/6/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. Other critics are negative too but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
5) KHUMBA- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Rejected by his superstitious herd, a half-striped zebra embarks on a daring quest to earn his stripes but finds the courage and self-acceptance to save all the animals of the Great Karoo.”
12/6/13- A surprisingly good review for this animated movie. TRDB.
6) LENNY COOKE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lenny Cooke was America’s top-ranked high school basketball player in 2001, but surprisingly, no team picked him up in the NBA draft. This documentary captures the story of a promising young player who never fulfilled his destiny.”
12/6/13- Very good reviews in general but the NY Times gave it a poor review. TRDB.
7) S#X ACTS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “New at her Tel Aviv school, insecure 17-year-old Gili hooks up with the coolest guy in an effort to become popular. But after he passes her on to a friend, she winds up in a series of increasingly sexually exploitative situations.”
9/28/13– A good rating on IMDB but I can’t find any individual reviews at this time. TRDB.
12/6/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. Other reviews have been mixed, more positive than negative. TRDB
8) SWERVE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This Australian outback thriller brings together the classic film noir ingredients when a man’s cross-country drive is diverted by car trouble. Soon after, he witnesses a spectacular car crash that includes one survivor and a money-stuffed suitcase.”
12/6/13- Poor reviews in general and from the NY Times today. TRDB.
9) TWICE BORN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Summoned by a longtime friend, a middle-aged woman returns to Bosnia with her teenage son, who was conceived amid the tumult of the 1990s Balkan wars. But the visit soon sparks a torrent of memories that force her to confront painful truths.”
12/6/13- Weak reviews all around, including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10) NIGHT TRAIN TO LISBON- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Raimund Gregorius, a classics professor in Switzerland, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about the life and death of charismatic Portuguese poet Amadeu de Prado, whose life in the 1970s was dedicated to overthrowing Salazar’s dictatorship.”
12/6/13- Weak reviews all over including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11) WHITE RAINDEER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This downbeat Christmas comedy follows the ordeal of property agent Suzanne, whose husband Jeff is killed just as her favorite holiday approaches. On learning that Jeff was having an affair before his demise, Suzanne seeks out his ex-lover, Fantasia.”
12/6/13– Good reviews. TRDB.
12) REVOLUTION- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Continuing his adventurous journey around the world, filmmaker Rob Stewart brings us Revolution, a full length feature film that is inspiring humans to change the world and save our planet. Along with world renowned experts, he learns that past evolutions can help solve some of our current and future environmental problems. Startling, beautiful, and provocative, Revolution has already won awards at international film festivals and shows us that we can make a difference.”
12/6/13- Good reviews. TRDB.
13) LIVE AT THE FOXES DEN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Disillusioned lawyer Bobby seeks to shake off a bad day at the Foxes Den, an old-school lounge, and immediately feels at home. He soon quits his job and starts singing nightly at the Den, whose welcoming clientele happen to need some legal advice.”
12/6/13- Critics have not liked this movie including the review in today’s NY Times. Audiences, however, have liked it very much.
DEC. 13-
1) AMERICAN HUSTLE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fictionalization of the “Abscam” scandal of the early 1980s follows con man Irving Rosenfeld and his lover, Sydney Prosser, as they help an eccentric FBI agent expose corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
12/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.
2) BEATOCELLO’S UMBRELLA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “For 40 years, Swiss pediatrician and cellist Beat Richner has lifted spirits through music — and his comic alter ego, Beatocello. But he’s also devoted decades to building children’s hospitals in Cambodia and saving thousands of lives.
12/13/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. I’ve seen just 1 other review and it’s good also. TRDB.
3) FRIEND 2: THE LEGACY- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The long-awaited sequel to Korea’s cultural phenomenon of 2001, Friend 2: The Legacy opens with LEE Joon-seok (YOO Oh-seong) preparing to complete his 17-year prison sentence for ordering the hit on his best friend turned rival gang boss. Joon-seok still has the affection of the crime boss and is the rightful heir, but must face the reality that the intervening period has significantly eroded his mentor’s health and power as well as his own standing.”
12/13/13- Weak reviews in general but an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4) LIV AND INGMAR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary chronicles the collaboration of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and actress Liv Ullmann, who made 12 films together over 42 years. The film weaves behind-the-scenes footage, film clips, and excerpts from letters and memoirs.”
12/13/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5) SAVING MR. BANKS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Walt Disney sets his sights on obtaining the rights to the children’s classic “Mary Poppins,” he reaches out to the book’s author, P.L. Travers, only to find that she proves a tough nut to crack.”
12/13/13- Good reviews all around including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
6) SOME VELVET MORNING- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Pretty young Velvet is amazed when her ex-lover Fred shows up unannounced at her New York home with his suitcases, eager to rekindle their romance. What follows is a long emotional dialogue between the two, as Fred’s hopes are thoroughly dashed.”
12/13/13- Mixed reviews from critics but audiences have liked it. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.
7) WHAT’S IN A NAME?- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vincent and Elizabeth join her brother, his wife and a friend for dinner, and the impending birth of their child is the topic of the evening. Their shared warmth dissolves when Vincent reveals the hideous name he’s chosen for his first offspring.”
12/13/13- Good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8) TRICKED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This in-depth documentary examines all sides of America’s sex-trafficking trade, which destroys lives as it generates $3 billion a year. Prostitutes (both voluntary and forced), law enforcement, pimps, and johns discuss the enterprise and its impact.”
12/13/13- The NY Times liked this film but other reviews are mixed. TRDB.
9) THE UNBELIEVERS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss — the dynamic duo of science — travel the globe seeking to promote a scientific worldview and the rational questioning of religious belief, with celebrities, professors and ordinary folks supporting their work.”
12/13/13- Poor critical review from most professionals including the NY Times. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
2) THE INVISIBLE WOMAN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ralph Fiennes directs and stars in this drama about the affair Charles Dickens began with a teen actress while at the height of his career. Felicity Jones plays the young thespian who catches Dickens’s eye, and Kristin Scott Thomas plays her mom.”
12/3/13- Mixed reviews but more good than bad. TRDB.
3) NUCLEAR NATION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This harrowing documentary centers on refugees from Futaba, ground zero for the Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 2011. Three stories unfold against a backdrop of government indifference and a history of local exploitation.”
12/11/13- Good review from everyone including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4) HER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this sci-fi romantic comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix, love comes to a lonely young writer in the sleekest of packages when he finds himself falling for the advanced operating system he purchased to run his life.”
12/18/13- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
OPENING NEXT WEEK (DEC. 27)-
1) THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the 1947 classic comedy, shy photo manager Walter Mitty is constantly daydreaming to escape his humdrum life and domineering mother, but when he gets embroiled in a real-life adventure, he discovers that being a hero is tough work.”
12/15/13- Weak reviews from most critics. TRDB.
2) THE WOLF OF WALL STREET- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Martin Scorcese’s high-rolling Wall Street drama is based on the memoirs of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, whose giddy career — involving audacious scams and confrontations with the FBI and other agencies — ended in federal prison.”
12/15/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
3) ONE CHANCE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “From shop worker to worldwide phenomena, this film tells the story of Paul Potts, who shot to stardom on his vocal talents in “Britain’s Got Talent.” James Cordon stars as the shy singer Simon Cowell brought to the public’s attention.”
12/15/13- Good reviews. TRDB.
11/8/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) ROLLING STONES: SWEET SUMMER SUN- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Captured live in the summer of 2013, the Rolling Stones historic and triumphant return to Hyde Park was without doubt the event of the summer. Over 100,000 fans of all ages packed into the park for two spectacular outdoor concerts to watch Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood do what they do best.”
12/18/13- I found just one critical review and it was good. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) AMERICAN HUSTLE- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fictionalization of the “Abscam” scandal of the early 1980s follows con man Irving Rosenfeld and his lover, Sydney Prosser, as they help an eccentric FBI agent expose corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
12/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.
11/29/13- I liked this movie very much. Great and true story with great acting and very realistically done. Sad beyond sad at times. Everybody should see this movie. TRDB.
2) PHILOMENA- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago.”
11/22/13- Excellent reviews all around including the NY Times. TRDB.
11/29/13- I liked this movie very much. Great and true story with great acting and very realistically done. Sad beyond sad at times. Everybody should see this. TRDB.
3) DALLAS BUYERS CLUB- Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Loosely based on true events, this drama follows Ron Woodroof, who refuses to accept he’ll die in 30 days when he’s diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. He extends his life and eventually helps many other AIDS patients by smuggling medications from abroad.”10/16/13- Very good reviews for this Indie drama. TRDB.
11/1/13- The review in today’s NY Times gave this movie an OK review but said that it lacked passion and “played it safe.” TRDB.
11/23/13- Very good reviews but not from this guy. I felt that the movie was predictable at every stage and the acting from Jennifer Gardner was weak. The story however could have been more interesting if anyone other than McConaughey showed any interest. TRDB.
4) ) 12 YEARS A SLAVE- Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”
9/29/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
10/18/13- A glowing review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11/6/13- Overall I enjoyed this movie as this is clearly a story needing to be told. The acting was wonderful. Throughout the movie I couldn’t help thinking about this as another Holocaust movie with the dehumanizing, the oppression, the splitting of families and the often random nature of the violence inflicted on the victims, in this case Blacks. My only objection was that too many scenes seemed the same to me, each showing the difficult daily life on the plantation in one form or another. TRDB.
5) THE BOOK THIEF- Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young Liesel steals books to teach herself to read, giving her refuge from the horrors of Nazi Germany and her cold foster parents. When not reading, she forms a bond with the Jewish man her adoptive family is hiding in their home.”
11/8/13- A really bad review in today’s NY Times and from most critics as well. TRDB.
6) INSIDE LLEYN DAVIS- Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The Coen Brothers helm this chronicle of struggling musician Llewellyn Davis, set during the height of the folk era in the early 1960s. The drama follows Davis through a week of creative highs and lows amid a bleak New York winter.
11/21/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.
12/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org
For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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