The Reel Dr. Bob

JULY 17, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

I WILL BE AWAY FOR A WEEK SO THIS ISSUE WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE-

THE NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE ON JULY 31.

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) REDWOOD HIGHWAY– Netflix

2) BRAVE MISS WORLD– Netfli.

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

1) NYMPHOMANIAC: VOLUME 1- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A self-diagnosed nymphomaniac reveals a lifetime of sexual experiences to a man who saves her from being beaten in an alley. As the aging but charming bachelor tends to the woman, she shares erotic details of encounters from her youth to her present.”3/21/14- Very good reviews for Lars von Trier’s latest. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.7/9/14- Definitely different and I can’t say I liked it. I will not see Volume 2. TRDB.

2) JODOROWSKY’S DUNE– 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.

7/11/14– Lots of very good reviews but I lost interest after half of the movie at most. I think I “got it” too early and didn’t need a whole parade singing Jodorowsky’s praise. 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.”

6/10/14- Mostly positive reviews but none are very exciting. TRDB.

7/15/14- A certain charm and good acting kept me in this film despite what I feel was a mediocre script. TRDB.

4) BRAVE MISS WORLD– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The film explores the trauma of sexual assault through one young woman’s journey from teenage rape victim to Miss World to empowered lawyer and activist.”

7/16/14- I liked this documentary very much. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JULY 22-

1) BLUE RUIN– 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bad news from the past unhinges vagabond Dwight Evans, sending him on a mission of bloody retribution that takes him to his boyhood hometown. After killing his quarry, Dwight holes up in a relative’s house to await payback from his victim’s family.”4/27/14- Good reviews from critics and audiences as well. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.2) GMO OMG- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This provocative documentary follows one father’s search for answers to the question “What are we feeding our families?” and examines the risks of consuming genetically modified foods, or GMOs.”

9/13/13- Mixed reviews but a good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) CESAR CHAVEZ– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the 1960s and ’70s, Cesar Chavez served as an inspirational leader to tens of thousands of migrant farm workers trying to improve their rights. This biopic recounts Chavez’s efforts as the head of the United Farm Workers labor union.”3/28/14- Weak critical reviews but audiences so far have liked it a little more. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JULY 29-

1) THE DEN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While spending time investigating webcam chat habits, a young woman accidentally witnesses a gruesome murder online. Now the killer has decided to pursue her — and those she loves — to be his next victims.”3/14/14- Good reviews and the NY Times liked it. TRDB.2) ON MY WAY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Prompted by a post-midlife crisis, Bettie goes out for cigarettes and decides to keep on driving, abandoning the restaurant she owns. But the farther she gets from her previous life, the closer she gets to reinvention.”

3/14/14- Good reviews in general. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

3) IT FELT LIKE LOVE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to explore her budding sexuality, 14-year-old Lila develops romantic delusions about an older guy that soon turn to obsession. Soon, her string of lies leads her down a dark path that transforms her from predator to prey.”

3/21/14- Very good reviews and the NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.

4) FINDING VIVIAN MAIER– 2014. Synopsis  by Netflix. “When longtime nanny Vivian Maier died in 2009, she left behind thousands of photo negatives that she’d produced over the years. But the now-famous shutterbug’s unique body of work lay in storage until an amateur historian uncovered the trove.”

3/28/14- Very good reviews all around. TRDB.

1) 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.2) NOAH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This ambitious adaptation of the story of Noah depicts the visions that led him to voice dire prophesies of apocalypse and to build an ark to survive. As he labors to save his family, Noah asks for help from a band of angels called the Watchers.”

3/28/14- Mixed reviews in general. The NY Times was “so-so” on it. TRDB.

3) THE FRENCH MINISTER– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Alexandre Taillard de Vorms is tall and impressive, a man with style, attractive to women. He also happens to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the land of enlightenment: France. With his silver mane and tanned, athletic body, he stalks the world stage, from the floor of the United Nations in New York to the powder keg of Oubanga.”

3/21/14- Mediocre reviews in general but the NY Times liked it. I saw 10 minutes of this movie and I think that was enough. TRDB.

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OPENED ON JULY 11-

1) AS IT IS IN HEAVEN– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “After the death of the Prophet, a man is called to lead his small religious sect as they anxiously await the end of the world they were promised.”7/11/14- Very good reviews from most critics and audiences have liked it also. TRDB.2) THE BATTERED BASTARDS OF BASEBALL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary tells the little-known story of how actor Bing Russell (of TV’s “Bonanza”) created an independent baseball team in the 1970s. Armed with big-time dreams and plenty of spirit, Russell’s Portland Mavericks become lovable underdogs.”

7/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) BOYHOOD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After divorcing, a mother and father continue to share the task of guiding their young son through youth and adolescence, and finally to adulthood. As the years roll by, the relationships among the three characters continue to evolve as well.”

7/11/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

4) THE EMPTY HOURS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the desolated coast of Veracruz, 17 year-old Sebastián takes over running his uncle’s small and cozy rent-by-the hour motel. There he meets Miranda, a regular customer who comes to the motel to meet a lover who always keeps her waiting. As Sebastián and Miranda get to know each other, an ambiguous game of seduction begins between them.”

7/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) HONOUR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A story centered on a young woman named Mona (Aiysha Hart) is targeted by her family for an “honour killing” and the bounty hunter who takes the job. Starring Paddy Considine and Faraz Ayub.”

7/11/14– Weak reviews in general but the NY Times liked it and a few gave it good reviews. Audiences were 50/50. TRDB.

6) LAND HO!- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a bid to gain life perspective, retired Mitch persuades his ex-brother-in-law to join him on a journey through the frigid landscapes of Iceland. This freewheeling road comedy follows the pair through a series of encounters that changes them both.”

7/11/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7) ROAD TO PALOMA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After meting out his brand of justice to avenge his mother’s rape and murder, biker Robert Wolf goes on the lam, with the FBI in pursuit. As Wolf heads to the Grand Tetons to scatter his mom’s ashes, he faces some unexpected bends in the road.”

7/11/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

8) UNDERWATER DREAMS- 2014. The boys put their heads together and hilariously came up with a brilliant solution. Twelve hours later, armed with 8 super-plus tampons to plug the leak in Stinky’s mechanical housing, the robot was lowered into the pool again. Only this time, Stinky performed admirably. Fast forward to a shocking result. This rag-tag high school team of undocumented Mexican boys did what no one thought possible – they won!.

7/11/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) AFFLUENZA– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Suburbia, 2008. Swept up in a heady pre-recession world of absentee parents, plentiful booze and casual sex, aspiring photographer Fisher Miller (Ben Rosenfield) escapes his middle-class life for the moneyed mansions of the young, beautiful elite.”

7/11/14- A poor review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.

OPENING ON JULY 18-

1) MOOD INDIGO– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a novel by Boris Vian, this visually dazzling love story centers on Chloé and Colin, a pair of newlyweds whose marriage is tested when Chloé suffers a mysterious illness that causes a flower to grow in her lung.”7/8/14- OK reviews but some with qualifications. TRDB.2) VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “From executive producer Zach Braff and director Jeremy Snead, VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE is an epic feature length documentary chronicling the meteoric rise of video games from nerd niche to multi-billion dollar industry.”

7/8/14- Only 1 review and it’s good. TRDB.

3) THE KILL TEAM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This jarring documentary spotlights the 2010 killings of Afghani civilians by U.S. troops, and the fate of one GI who tried to expose the crimes. Once Specialist Adam Winfield reports the events, he becomes another target of the Army’s investigation.”

7/8/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

4) A MOST WANTED MAN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A half-Russian, half-Chechen man, brutalized by torture, arrives in Hamburg, where he seeks a British banker’s help in recovering his father’s estate. But the man may not be all he seems to be in this riveting adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.”

7/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exposing a phony soothsayer proves harder than expected when the debunker (an Englishman) becomes smitten with the purported fraud (a French beauty). This deft romantic comedy unwinds amid the gilt and glamour of the French Riviera in the 1920s.”

7/8/14- No reviews as yet but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

6) LUCY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this action-thriller set in Taiwan, a young woman forced to become a drug mule for the mob develops superhuman abilities when the narcotics she’s carrying in her stomach accidentally leak into her system.”

7/8/14- No reviews yet but I think I’ll recommend it. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) I ORIGINS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the brink of a profound discovery, a molecular biologist has a chance encounter with a young woman who is the only one who can prove his theory. Their connection ends up transforming both their lives, as well as the direction of his research.”7/8/14- Lots of poor reviews among a few good ones. TRDB.2) WISH I WAS HERE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his acting career moribund, Aidan Bloom steers a new tack in life, taking over his children’s education when private school becomes too costly. Finding much to learn as well as teach, Aidan develops his own unique curriculum for the kids.”

7/8/14- Bad reviews. TRDB.

1) ALIVE INSIDE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This moving documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen as he uses music to unlock memory in nursing-home patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.”6/23/14- Just 2 reviews so far, one up and one down. TRDB.2) AMONG RAVENS– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Inspired by real events, Among Ravens follows the intertwined lives of a group of friends and family as seen through the eyes of a 10-year old girl, Joey (Sequoyah). When the group gathers for their annual 4th of July holiday weekend in Idaho, her mom (Smart), step-father (Leonard) and father (Friedenberg), along with a combustible mix of friends and entanglements, secrets begin to unravel and have an impact on young Joey.”

7/8/14- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

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OPENING ON JULY 25-

1) HAPPY CHRISTMAS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After splitting up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, a young woman moves in with her older brother and his family. But as she tries to climb out of her rut and start over, her self-destructive behavior gets in the way.”7/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.2) A MOST WANTED MAN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A half-Russian, half-Chechen man, brutalized by torture, arrives in Hamburg, where he seeks a British banker’s help in recovering his father’s estate. But the man may not be all he seems to be in this riveting adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.”

7/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) AND SO IT GOES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he’s obliged to take over the care of a previously unknown granddaughter, wealthy and self-absorbed Oren is suddenly in need of major help. His neighbor Leah comes to the rescue — not only bailing out Oren but also capturing his heart.”7/15/14- Poor reviews. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

July 18– July 24

1) LUCKY THEM- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seattle music journalist Ellie Klug is ordered to write a feature on her ex-boyfriend, celebrated musician Matthew Smith, who disappeared 10 years earlier, but her reluctant mission is complicated by the presence of Charlie, an amateur documentarian.”5/30/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

2) HELLION– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 13-year-old delinquent Jacob lures his little brother, Wes, into trouble, the state sends the younger boy to live with an aunt. Now Jacob and his recently widowed father struggle to reform their lives and put their family back together.”6/13/14- Weak professional reviews and only slightly better audience reaction to this movie. TRDB.

July 25–July 31

1) MANUSCRIPTS DON’T BURN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This Iranian drama is based on a dark chapter in the nation’s history: the murder of more than 80 individuals seen as threats to order. In this fictionalized account, two security enforcers set out to execute a dissident writer and seize his memoirs.”6/13-14- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

2) A COFFEE IN BERLIN– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A Coffee in Berlin, which swept the 2013 German Oscar Awards, paints a day in the life of Niko, a twenty-something college dropout going nowhere fast. Niko lives for the moment as he drifts through the streets of Berlin, curiously observing everyone around him and oblivious to his growing status as an outsider.”6/13/14- Fairly good reviews from most critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) BAD WORDS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blessed with a photographic memory but no high school education, Guy Trilby discovers that he’s eligible to enter spelling bees intended for children. As Guy steamrolls his pre-teen competition, a journalist tries to find out what motivates him.”3/14/14- Good reviews in general and the NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS- NONE

REPEATS-

1) IDA– Bethel. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Raised in a Catholic orphanage during the Nazi occupation of Poland, Anna is poised to join the order when she learns she has a surviving aunt. But visiting the woman before taking her vows uncovers some inconvenient truths about her heritage.”5/2/14- Excellent reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.5/23/14– Difficult to watch at times but a very interesting story. Definitely recommended. TRDB.

2) BEGIN AGAIN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moving to New York City proves disastrous for a young singer after her boyfriend yields to the temptation of another woman. But opportunity comes knocking when she meets a recently axed music producer looking to launch her career — and save his own.”6/27/14– Fairly good reviews by critics and audiences. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.7/6/14- A well done fun movie with great music and very likable characters. I liked it very much. TRDB.

3) CHEF– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When chef Carl Casper’s plans for opening a restaurant in Los Angeles fail to pan out, he returns home to Miami and debuts a food truck instead. While trying to regain his zest for cookery, Carl also tries to mend his fractured family ties”5/9/14- Very good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.6/8/14- A Hollywoodish feel good movie that made me feel good. TRDB.

4) JERSEY BOYS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from the hit Broadway musical, this nostalgic look at the Four Seasons and their bumpy offstage lives stretches across four decades.”6/13/14- Mixed reviews by critics although audiences have liked it. TRDB.

5) THIRD PERSON– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014.  Synopsis by Netflix. “A trio of relationship stories set alternately in New York, Paris and Rome explore the range of human emotion when it comes to love — and love lost.”6/18/14- Weak early reviews but a more complete description did sound interesting. The NY Times didn’t care for it. TRDB.6) LIFE ITSELF– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Follow Roger Ebert from his school newspaper days to his status as America’s premier film critic in this documentary drawn from his memoir.”

6/23/14- Great reviews. TRDB.

7) THE GRAND SEDUCTION– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The cash-strapped burg of Tickle Cove must persuade a doctor to move to town if they want a plastics manufacturer to build a new factory there. But selling the advantages of the tiny Newfoundland village to a young professional won’t be easy.”

5/30/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB