The Reel Dr. Bob

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

MY SCHEDULE DURING THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WILL BE SOMEWHAT HECTIC SO THIS COMBINED NEWSLETTER WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 4 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. I EXPECT, BUT DON’T PROMISE, THAT THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ON MARCH 13.

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) A PERFECT MAN- Netflix

2) I USED TO BE DARKER- Netflix

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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) A PERFECT MAN- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On the cusp of their ninth anniversary, James and Nina seem to have the perfect marriage and ideal lives – an affluent life in Amsterdam, lucrative jobs and adoring friends. Yet when Nina discovers James’s infidelity with a mutual friend of theirs after a long line of extramarital affairs, it’s the final straw, shattering whatever illusions they’ve created about their relationship and leaving them separated. Heartbroken about their separation, a stroke of luck leads Nina to impersonate James’s chatty travel agent on the phone, and he’s soon pouring his heart out and unwittingly falling for his wife all over again as they discuss the uncertainty of love and the eternal misunderstanding between men and women.”11/1/13– A really poor review in today’s NY Times. I’ve seen one other professional review and it was good. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

2/8/14- Poor reviews as noted but I felt that the movie had something to offer and I did like it. I also love the acting of Liev Schreiber in this and in other films as well. TRDB. Netflix.

2) I USED TO BE DARKER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When runaway Taryn seeks help from her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, she discovers a family in crisis and a marriage in ruins — and finds herself in the middle of the emotional fallout between everyone involved.”

9/25/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

10/4/13- Mostly good reviews. The NY Times gave it a mixed but good review in today’s issue. TRDB.

2/12/14- I enjoyed the movie but it could have been much better. What was with all of the music when there should have been dialogue? TRDB. Netflix

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 18-

1) HELLBENDERS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “To prepare themselves for the fires of hell, the demon-hunting members of the aptly named Hellbound Saints of Brooklyn Parish take vows to commit every type of sin they can possibly fathom.”10/18/13- This one sounds weird and most reviews were negative. The NY Times thought it had merit and liked it. JUST! TRDB.

2) ZAYTOUN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1982 Beirut, an Israeli fighter pilot named Yoni crashes outside a camp of young Palestinian refugees, where he’s met by gun-toting orphan Fahed. In exchange for his freedom, Yoni agrees to take the boy back to the village where his parents lived.”9/20/13- This sounds interesting but it has received weak reviews all around. TRDB.

3) AFTERNOON DELIGHT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although 30-something wife and mother Rachel appears to have the perfect life, she’s being driven crazy by boredom. While attempting to spice up her marriage, Rachel befriends a stripper named McKenna who educates her about being true to herself.”8/30/13- This movie received poor reviews in general but the NY Times liked it in today’s review. TRDB.

4) THE PERVERT’S GUIDE TO IDEOLOGY-2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Weaving together four stories of people living in different Chinese provinces, this drama follows a miner protesting corruption, a migrant worker with a gun, a factory drone always drifting to a new job and a receptionist who’s been assaulted.”10/4/13- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked this movie very much and so did audiences. TRDB.

5) MORNING- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Five days in the life of an American couple immediately following the accidental death of their child. An every day story of tragedy, loss, acceptance, hope and renewal. Morning follows the divergent paths of Mark and Alice Munroe as they circle each other in a heart-breaking pas-de-deux of grief before finally coming to grips with their shared loss.”

9/15/13- This one sounds gut-wrenching. TRDB.

9/27/13- The NY Times liked this film very much. Others have given it mixed reviews. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, FEB. 25-

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.

10/27/13- I loved the acting, the story and the characters. What else can I say? You should see this one! TRDB.

2) RUSH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrayal of the intense 1970s rivalry between race drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt captures the contrasts between the two champions. While Hunt was a charming and handsome ladies’ man, Lauda was a loner with a single goal: victory.”9/4/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/20/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) NARCO CULTURA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring the lives of a Mexican crime scene investigator and a Mexican American narcocorrido singer, this documentary examines how the culture of narcotics trafficking has become a twisted new version of the American Dream.”11/12/13- I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both good. TRDB.

11/22/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) NEBRASKA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.”

11/15/13- Good reviews in general and a good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12/4/13- Basically I enjoy almost every road movie I see and this was no exception. An interesting story about families. Dern was great. TRDB.

5) BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR-2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele focuses on Thomas. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. Soon, Adele begins exploring her desire for girls as she negotiates her way to becoming a woman.”

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A 15-year-old girl finds her naïve perceptions of human sexuality challenged upon meeting a blue-haired girl who encourages her to assert her individuality in director Abdel Kechiche’s deeply perceptive drama. The recipient of the prestigious Palme d’ Or at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival, Blue is the Warmest Color stars Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.”

9/28/13- Excellent reviews although A.O. Scott from the NY Times wrote a negative review after this film won at Cannes. TRDB.

11/2/13- Great acting by the two lead women and a lot of graphic lesbian sex have contributed to making this movie, the winner of the Palme d’Or Award in Cannes, the most talked about movie in a long time. The story itself was very good as well and I recommend the film. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4-

1) DALLAS BUYERS CLUB- 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.

2) HOURS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Nolan’s wife dies in childbirth during Hurricane Katrina, his newborn daughter is placed on a ventilator. When the hospital is evacuated, he stays with her, desperate to keep her alive as the storm rages around them.”

12/13/13- Mixed reviews in general but the NY Times liked it. TRDB.

3) SALINGER– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Interviews with 150 of J.D. Salinger’s friends and colleagues shed light on the reclusive author in this absorbing documentary. High-profile writers and actors, including Martin Sheen, Gore Vidal and John Cusack, discuss how Salinger influenced them.”

9/6/13- Mostly poor reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) OLDBOY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being unaccountably held captive for years, Joe Doucett is suddenly released. Now, his only mission is to hunt down and punish his captors. Aided by a young stranger, he sets about unlocking his past in this remake of a popular Korean thriller.”

11/27/13- Weak reviews all around and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

5) BAGGAGE CLAIM- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Desperate to escape her single status, flight attendant Montana Moore vows to find a spouse in 30 days or 30,000 miles in this airy romantic comedy. While several prospects look promising at first, Montana quickly discovers problems under the hood.”

9/27/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and from nearly every other critic as well. TRDB.

6) THE IRAN JOB– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This eye-opening documentary follows American basketball player Kevin Sheppard during his 2008-09 season playing for a professional team in Iran. Although Kevin is nervous, he makes many friends, including several politically active Iranian women.”

10/12/12- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 11-

1) BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Elise is a tattoo artist and religiously devout, while Didier is an atheist banjo player in a bluegrass band, but the two fall instantly in love. Years later, when their daughter becomes ill the crisis brings new challenges to their relationship. 11/1/13- Fairly good reviews in general but a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) GEOGRAPHY CLUB- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking for a haven from the social hell of high school, the teens in this dramedy form a social club they know no one else will join. Here, it doesn’t matter that Min and Terese are more than just friends, or that the quarterback is seeing a guy.”11/15/13- Weak reviews in general but an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS- 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.

5) THE COUNSELOR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Fassbender stars in this thriller penned by iconic novelist Cormac McCarthy as an attorney who mistakenly believes he can dabble in the drug business without any consequences — only to find himself drowning in a nightmarish downward spiral.”10/25/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/7/13- There are as many strong negative reviews as strong positive reviews about this movie. One critic called it a lot of  “naughty fun” and I’d have to agree. Despite the violence I really liked the various characters, most played by real name stars. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, FEB. 7 IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON FEB. 6-

1) THE ATTORNEY- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “SONG Woo-seok has no clients, connections, or even a college degree, but his eye for business and appetite for money turn him into one of the most successful lawyers in town. But right at the peak of his success, a local teenager is falsely accused of a crime, then beaten and tortured while waiting in jail. Shocked by these conditions, SONG changes the course of his life, and takes on the case no one else will. This story is based on true events.”2/7/14- A good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics too. TRDB.

2) MARS AT SUNRISE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At the deadly frontier between Israel and Palestine, young Jewish poet Azzadeh and Muslim painter Khaled meet and become accidental friends. After hearing Khaled’s grim tale of his arrest and questioning, Azzadeh’s political views begin to evolve.”

2/7/14- Audiences have liked this one as did the NY Times but other critics have not cared for it. TRDB.

3) THE LAST OF THE UNJUST– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dark documentary examines the history of Theresienstadt, the Nazis’ model ghetto created to counter rumors about mistreatment of interned Jews. Director Claude Lanzmann interviews Benjamin Murmelstein, one of the ghetto’s last living witnesses.”

2/7/14- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

4) LOVE & AIR SEX– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Upon learning that his ex will be visiting Austin, lovelorn Stan hops on a plane hoping to cross paths with her and rekindle their romance. But his mission grows more complex when he runs into her best friend, who’s determined to keep the two apart.”

2/7/14- The NY Times gave this a mixed review in today’s issue. TRDB.

5) VIC AND FLO SAW A BEAR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When newly paroled Victoria Champagne returns home to rural Quebec, her parole officer, a former lover and a menacing stranger disrupt her attempt to begin life anew. As she struggles to find normality, signs of looming peril start to grow.”

2/7/14- Very good reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) 7 BOXES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an outdoor Paraguayan market, a butcher offers a 17-year-old delivery boy $100 to transport seven sealed boxes to a drop-off point — a task that seems simple until he finds himself pursued by a rival and his gang, thieves and the cops.”

2/7/14- Good reviews from the NY Times and from most other critics. TRDB.

7) A FIELD IN ENGLAND– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 17th-century England, this black-and-white drama portrays the strange and psychedelic ordeal faced by two deserters from a battle. Captured by a demented alchemist and forced to dig for hidden treasure, the men unearth horror instead.”

2/7/14- Fairly good reviews– the NY Times liked it also. TRDB.

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OPENING FEB. 14-

1) ABOUT LAST NIGHT- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a couple’s flirtation quickly moves from the bar to the bedroom, they test if their physical chemistry is enough to carry a real relationship. The pair consult their skeptical best friends along the way in this remake of an ’80s rom-com.”2/2/14- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

2) ADULT WORLD- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix “Recent college graduate Amy is sure she’s going to be a famous poet. But until then, she takes a job at an adult book and video store to make ends meet. Meanwhile, she stalks reclusive punk poet Rat Billings in an effort to make him her mentor.”

2/2/14- I saw just 1 review and it’s poor. TRDB.

3) GIRL ON A BICYCLE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just when he’s on the brink of proposing to his beautiful girlfriend, tour bus driver Paolo becomes mesmerized by a woman he sees on a bicycle. Driven to track down the object of his obsession, Paolo ends up knocking her down with his bus.”

9/28/13- Weak early reviews. TRDB.

4) THE WIND RISES- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Master animator Hayao Miyazaki spins a decades-spanning tale inspired by the life of Jirô Horikoshi, designer of the World War II fighter plane the Zero. Too nearsighted to become a pilot, Jirô settles for building planes, with spectacular results.”

11/8/13- Very good reviews all around and audiences have liked it as well. TRDB.

OPENING FEB. 21-

1) BAREFOOT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Asked to treat a young psychiatric patient who’s been living in utter isolation, a doctor from a wealthy family forms an unusual bond with her. This subtle romantic comedy reveals the beliefs, ambitions and passions of two wandering souls.”

2/2/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

2) OMAR- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his girlfriend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her. But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.”

2/2/14- Good reviews from most critics. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

FEB. 14

1) OLD GOATS- 2010. Synopsis by IMDB. “Old Goats is a comedy that features three elderly men playing themselves, but within a fictional framework. The story blends fiction and reality. Britt lives alone on a boat and searches for excitement and romance in his life. Bob writes a book of memoirs about his life as a soldier, para-trooper, and bush pilot, but is uneasy about revealing his sins as a younger man. David is struggling to adapt into retired life while living with his bossy wife. The story is about each man’s attempt to change his ways.12/20/12- An interesting premise and interesting quirky characters but I found the movie way too slow, I was exhausted from the day, and I drifted several times. The couple we went with liked it more. TRDB.

2)  OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS-

FEB. 21-

1) STRANGER BY THE LAKE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this gay murder thriller, young Franck notices the middle-aged Henri sitting on a beach by himself and starts a conversation. Their dialogue continues over several days, in between Franck’s repeated trysts with a seductive killer named Michel.”1/24/14- Very good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB

2) THE GREAT FLOOD- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary explores the chain reaction set off by the great Mississippi flood of 1927 that led to the creation of Chicago blues and rock ‘n’ roll. An inspired selection of tunes accompanies footage of the flood and its aftermath.”2/10/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON DEMAND-

NEW- NONE THAT I RECOMMEND

REPEATS-

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

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE PAST (LE PASSE)- Bethel. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. When Iranian Ahmad returns to France after a four-year separation from his French wife, Marie, he discovers that she now has a boyfriend — and that behind her difficult relationship with their daughter lies a secret from the past.”12/3/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

12/20/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

1/28/14- From the same director who did “A Separation” this film is driven by the frank emotional talk between the characters. Just a bit slow but definitely a very good movie well worth seeing. TRDB.

2) GIRL ON A BICYCLE– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just when he’s on the brink of proposing to his beautiful girlfriend, tour bus driver Paolo becomes mesmerized by a woman he sees on a bicycle. Driven to track down the object of his obsession, Paolo ends up knocking her down with his bus.”

9/28/13- Weak early reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1)  DALLAS BUYERS CLUB-  Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

2) THE INVISIBLE WOMAN- Bethel. 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) THE MONUMENTS MEN- Bethel. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them. Written, directed and starring George Clooney.”

2/1/14- Poor reviews. TRDB.

4)  PHILOMENA- Bethel, 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.

5) GLORIA- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A middle-aged divorcée looking to fill the void in her life sees an opportunity for a permanent relationship when she meets a charming former naval officer. But baggage from the past may derail their romance.”

1/24/14- Great reviews in general and also from the NY Times in today’s review. TRDB.

6) THE GREAT BEAUTY– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As charming 65-year-old journalist Jap Gambardella writes about Rome’s culture and social life, he reflects with bitterness on the passions of his lost youth, even as he paints a complex portrait of the lovely and ancient city.”

11/15/13- Very good review in today’s NY Times and equally good reviews from most other critics. My friends have hated it. TRDB.

7) THE MONUMENTS MEN- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them. Written, directed and starring George Clooney.”

2/1/14- Poor reviews. TRDB.

8)  THE WOLF OF WALL STREET- Danbury. 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.”

12/27/13- The NY Times liked this very much. TRDB.

12/29/13- Similar to American Hustle that I saw last week- way over the top but I liked it. TRDB.

9)  AMERICAN HUSTLE- 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.

12/20/13- Way over the top in every way but lots of fun and I liked it. TRDB.

10) NEBRASKA- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.”

11/15/13- Good reviews in general and a good review in today’s 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 movie. TRDB.

11)  12 YEARS A SLAVE- Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB