FILM REVIEWS #494
April 17th, 2014
4/11/14– Good reviews as noted but I found the movie really boring and pretentious, even with a naked Scarlett Johansson. TRDB.
2) THE LUNCHBOX– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mumbai’s eerily reliable lunchbox delivery service erroneously sends a meal prepared by a young housewife to a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, the mistake ignites an exchange of notes and mutual fantasy between them.”
2/28/14-Very good reviews in general. I’ll see it. TRDB.
4/12/14- A sensitive movie about several lonely people. I enjoyed it very much. TRDB.
3) THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Between the world wars, Gustave H, the concierge at a prestigious European hotel, takes a bellboy named Zero as a trusted protégé. Meanwhile, the upscale guests are involved in an art theft and a dispute over a vast family fortune.”
3/7/14- Good reviews all around. TRDB.
4/13/14- A fun over-the-top comedy. TRDB.
2) AN AFGHAN LOVE STORY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Soon after waiter Mustafa woos pretty student Wajma, they begin a covert relationship that’s as passionate as it is risky in their Afghan culture. But when Wajma becomes pregnant, her father must choose between tradition and mercy.”
4/11/14- An excellent depiction of the concept of “honor” and its consequences for the family of a young woman. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
11/22/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and from most others as well. TRDB.
2) BETTIE PAGE REVEALS ALL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “20th-century America’s most famous pinup girl recounts her drama-filled life, both in front of the camera and facing Senate investigators. This adoring documentary pays homage to Page’s bold willingness to model for racy fetishistic photos.”
11/22/13- Very good reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3) THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring issues of race, religion and wartime conscientious objection, this documentary gives viewers an inside look at Muhammad Ali’s biggest battle: his struggle to overturn a five-year prison sentence after refusing to fight in Vietnam.”
8/23/13- Good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. Audiences have liked this film very much. TRDB.
4) BAREFOOT– 2014. 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.”
1/21/14- Awful reviews from everybody. TRDB.
3/30/14- A very good movie that was really like a fable about an optimistic child and what he can accomplish using his wits and leftover war materials. TRDB.
1/17/14- I liked this movie very much and would definitely recommend it. TRDB.
1/5/14- This movie got very good reviews but frankly I just can’t understand it. One negative reviewer said that she checked her watch several times and that about says it for me. TRDB.
3/26/14- Wonderful acting by the leading lady and an interesting story make this Chilean movie definitely worth seeing. TRDB.
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1) ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Depressed over the state of the human world, underground musician Adam — a vampire — hooks up again with Eve, his mysterious lover of many centuries. But the antics of Eve’s spirited little sister threaten to destroy their eternal love.”
4/11/14– Good reviews for this movie and I’ll probably see it despite recently saying that I’ll never see another vampire movie. TRDB.
2) CUBAN FURY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two decades after retiring his dancing shoes, former almost-champion salsa expert Bruce Garrett tries to regain his form in this romantic comedy. Neither a flabby body nor lack of confidence will discourage his efforts to woo his boss through dance.”
4/11/14- Weak reviews in general and from the NY Times today as well. TRDB.
3) DANCING IN JAFFA– Synopsis by Netflix. “Confident that dance will dissolve political and cultural differences, celebrated ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine returns to his hometown of Jaffa, Israel, after years abroad and teaches 11-year-old Jewish and Palestinian Israelis to dance together.”
4/11/14- Good reviews all around although the NY Times was not as enthusiastic as others. TRDB.
4) DRAFT DAY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the day of the NFL player draft, Cleveland general manager Sonny Weaver trades up to get the first pick in this breezy sports drama. And while his decision may save football in his city, it just might cost him his girlfriend … and his team.”
4/11/14- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.
5) HANK AND ASHA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An Indian woman studying in Prague and a lonely New Yorker begin an unconventional correspondence through video letters – two strangers searching for human connection in a hyper-connected world. When their relationship deepens, they must decide whether or not to meet face to face. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2013 Slamdance Film Festival, “Hank and Asha” is a film about identity, longing, and the irresistible appeal of entertaining life’s what-ifs.”
4/11/14- OK reviews from critics. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
6) THE RAILWAY MAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Decades after his brutal captivity under the Japanese during World War II, Eric Lomax still has nightmares about the ordeal. But when he unexpectedly meets and falls for Patti, a bizarre coincidence brings his past back into focus.”
4/11/14- Mixed reviews for this war related movie. TRDB.
7) PERFECT SISTERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On January 18, 2003, police, alerted by a frantic 911 call from a distraught pair of teenage girls, arrived at the girls Toronto area town house to find their mother dead. It appeared the 44-year-old alcoholic, having slipped into a booze-and-pill stupor, drowned in her own bathwater. The death was ruled accidental by the authorities. But rumors quickly start to circle the girls, was it an accident or something more sinister?”
4/11/14– Good reviews for the teen actresses but NOT for the movie. TRDB.
8) UNTHINKABLE: AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN’S STORY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a pilot turned author of several books about 9/11 is found dead along with his two children, authorities rule it a murder-suicide. But an investigative journalist soon becomes suspicious and begins looking into the case.”
4/11/14- I’ve seen just one critical review– from the NY Times- and it was awful. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
9) NO GOD, NO MASTER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1919, federal agent William Flynn is assigned to track down those responsible for mailing packet bombs to prominent citizens and politicians. Upon learning that anarchists are behind the attacks, Flynn pursues them into a world of secrets.”
4/11/14- Mixed reviews from critics. The NY Times did not like it but audiences have. TRDB.
10) THOMAS KEATING– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This thoughtful documentary profiles Fr. Thomas Keating, from his days as a Trappist monk to his role as one of the world’s foremost spiritual figures. Interviews and historical footage convey his teachings, which dare to look beyond Catholicism.”
4/11/14- Mixed critical review– the NY Times did not care for it but others did. Audiences have universally liked it. TRDB.
11) THE KING OF ESCAPE– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Staring down a severe midlife crisis, gay tractor salesman Armand (Ludovic Berthillot) tries to “turn straight” by pursuing a cute 16-year-old girl (Hafsia Herzi) who fancies him, but harsh disapproval from her parents and the cops forces the mismatched pair to go on the run. Written and directed by Alain Guiraudie, this delightfully offbeat French comedy co-stars Pascal Aubert, Luc Palun and François Clavier.”
4/11/14- A good review in today’s NY Times. Audiences have not liked it. TRDB.
12) OCULUS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Now young adults, sibs Tim and Kaylie are still trying to recover from — and get to the bottom of — their parents’ deaths more than a decade ago. Tim is skeptical, but Kaylie believes an antique mirror is to blame, and sets out to prove it.”
4/11/14– Surprisingly good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
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SCHEDULED TO OPEN NEXT WEEK- APRIL 18-25-
1) TASTING MENU– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the closing night at a world-famous bistro, the evening turns into a farce of manners and misunderstandings as an eclectic mix of customers flocks to the eatery, including an estranged couple and an eccentric widow dining with her husband’s ashes.”
4/13/14- This sounds interesting but early reviews are poor. TRDB.
2) FADING GIGOLO– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Middle-aged Fioravante and Murray are an unlikely gigolo and pimp in this farce about two cash-strapped friends who turn to the sex trade to make ends meet. Their new enterprise is fruitful, but things get complicated when romance enters the picture.”
4/12/14- Mixed reviews but more positive than negative. I’ll see it just to see Woody Allen in a movie that’s not his. TRDB.
3) REDWOOD HIGHWAY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Itching to get out of her retirement community but estranged from her family, Marie uses her granddaughter’s wedding as an excuse to go on a walk. A long one. On foot on the Redwood highway, Marie sets out on the 80-mile journey to the ocean.”
4/12/14- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
4) THE GERMAN DOCTOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young family opens a lakeside lodge in Patagonia, they have no idea that their first guest will be a Nazi war criminal. Unbeknownst to them, the charming doctor so entranced with 12-year-old Eva is none other than Josef Mengele.”
3/18/14- Good reviews for this movie. TRDB.
5) YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told over the course of four seasons with four songs, this lyrical film portrays the coming of age of a 17-year-old French girl as she experiences a sexual awakening, explores love and goes on a quest to understand her own identity.”
4/13/14- Good early reviews. TRDB.
6) BICYCLING WITH MOLIERE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A TV celebrity faces an uphill battle as he tries to persuade his old pal, once-famous actor Serge Tanneur, to take on the lead in a Moliere play, no easy task considering the reclusive Serge has given up acting and burns every script he receives.”
4/13/14- Just a few reviews and they look good. TRDB.
7) 2 STATES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “2 States is love story of a Punjabi boy who falls in love with a Tamil girl and the film revolves around the cultural clash they and their families go through. Directed by Sreerag Nambiar, the film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name written by Chetan Bhagat. Produced by Sajid Nadiawala and Karan Johar.”
4/14/14- I haven’t seen any reviews for this movie. TRDB.
8) GABRIELLE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Musicians Gabrielle and Martin fall in love and want to begin a relationship, which is against the rules at the home for the disabled where they live. Refusing to part with Martin, Gabrielle is determined to prove that she can live independently.”
4/14/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
9) SMALL TIME– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While enduring a devastating mid-life crisis, used car dealer Al is thrilled when his estranged son decides to skip college and join the business. But it doesn’t take long for Al to realize that both he and his son deserve more than this job.”
4/14/14– I found just 1 review and it was good. TRDB.
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4/7/14– I enjoyed this ultimately sad movie about people’s relationships with their spouses. TRDB.
In 2 Weeks–
1) THE MISSING PICTURE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the film version of his harrowing memoir, director Rithy Panh uses ceramic figures to represent the Cambodian masses murdered in the 1970s. Panh’s painful memories include the loss of his parents and sisters in one of history’s darkest episodes.”
3/19/14- Great reviews. TRDB.
2) 4000 MILES– 2014.
I have no information about this movie except that it is a production of the Lake Worth Playhouse. TRDB.
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2) PERFECT SISTERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On January 18, 2003, police, alerted by a frantic 911 call from a distraught pair of teenage girls, arrived at the girls Toronto area town house to find their mother dead. It appeared the 44-year-old alcoholic, having slipped into a booze-and-pill stupor, drowned in her own bathwater. The death was ruled accidental by the authorities. But rumors quickly start to circle the girls, was it an accident or something more sinister?”
4/11/14– Good reviews for the teen actresses but NOT for the movie. TRDB.
3) HATESHIP LOVESHIP– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hired to look after an elderly man and his teenage granddaughter, a dowdy caretaker finds herself drawn to the girl’s ne’er-do-well father, never realizing that the subversive teen has been sending her tender e-mails in her father’s name.”
4/11/14- Poor reviews in general but the NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.
1) 12 YEARS A SLAVE- I didn’t like this film as much as the critics
6) BLUE JASMINE- I liked it but not as much as other Woody films
7) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS- Good but definitely not great
8)DALLAS BUYERS CLUB- I liked it but not as much as the critics
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) JODOROWSKY’S DUNE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the mid-1970s, director Alejandro Jodorowsky was determined to make a film version of Dune, Frank Herbert’s landmark science-fiction novel. This documentary recounts Jodorowsky’s efforts to gather a crew and find funding for the project.”
3/21/14- Very good reviews for this movie. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.
4/8/14- Very weak reviews from most critics. A few liked it. TRDB.
2) DRAFT DAY- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the day of the NFL player draft, Cleveland general manager Sonny Weaver trades up to get the first pick in this breezy sports drama. And while his decision may save football in his city, it just might cost him his girlfriend … and his team.”
4/8/14- I’ve seen just 1 professional review and it was negative. TRDB.
3) GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Between the world wars, Gustave H, the concierge at a prestigious European hotel, takes a bellboy named Zero as a trusted protégé. Meanwhile, the upscale guests are involved in an art theft and a dispute over a vast family fortune.”
3/7/14- Good reviews all around. TRDB.
4) THE LUNCHBOX- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mumbai’s eerily reliable lunchbox delivery service erroneously sends a meal prepared by a young housewife to a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, the mistake ignites an exchange of notes and mutual fantasy between them.”
2/28/14-Very good reviews in general. I’ll see it. TRDB.
5) LE WEEK-END- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to Paris long after their honeymoon there, a British couple hopes to rediscover the magical feelings of their early years together. There, they meet an old friend whose perspectives on love and marriage help them recover what was lost.”
3/14/14- Good reviews from critics– audiences so-so. TRDB.
4/7/14- I enjoyed this ultimately sad movie about people’s relationships with their spouses. TRDB.
6) UNDER THE SKIN– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jonathan Glazer’s atmospheric, visually arresting abstraction stars Scarlett Johansson as a seductive alien who prowls the streets of Glasgow in search of prey: unsuspecting men who fall under her spell, only to be consumed by a strange liquid pool.”
4/4/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
4/11/14– Good reviews as noted but I found the movie really boring and pretentious. TRDB.
For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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