The Reel Dr. Bob

OCTOBER 16, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) LUCKY THEM– Netflix

2) GONE GIRL- At the Theater

3) BIG FISH– Netflix

4) MY OLD LADY- At the Theater

5) BLUE RUIN- Netflix

6) FORT BLISS– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) GONE GIRL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

2) MY OLD LADY– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is a down-on-his-luck New Yorker who inherits a Parisian apartment from his estranged father. But when he arrives in France to sell the vast domicile, he’s shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not prepared to budge. His apartment is a viager – an ancient French real estate system with complex rules pertaining to its resale – and the feisty Englishwoman Mathilde Girard (Maggie Smith), who has lived in the apartment with her daughter Chloe.”

9/16/14- Fair critical review but audiences have liked it more. TRDB.

10/13/14- I liked it both because of the superior talent involved and because of the story. A lot of the acting felt like a live play rather than a movie. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

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.

10/9/14- A bit flimsy but fun never-the-less. TRDB.

2) BIG FISH– 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this disarming fantasy told largely through flashbacks, young reporter William Bloom attempts to learn more about his dying father by finding the truth behind a lifetime of his fanciful tall tales and legends of epic proportions.”

10/10/14- A wide variety of reviews– some good, some bad. A few said that there was more form than substance. TRDB.

10/12/14- Definitely different from what you’ve seen before but I liked it. Just enough of a mixture of fact and fantasy. TRDB.

3) 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.

10/14/14– A suspenseful, well done thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of blood so be warned. TRDB.   

4) FORT BLISS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Army field doctor Maggie Swann returns from a long and grueling tour in Afghanistan, she finds that her absence has fractured her bond with her 5-year-old son. As she begins to heal the breach, Maggie learns that she’s being redeployed.”

9/19/14- Mostly good reviews. Audiences have like it more than the critics. I saw the lead actress of this movie, Michelle Monaghan, in the movie “Trucker” a few years ago and thought that she was terrific in the role. I’ll look forward to seeing this one. TRDB.

10/15/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and again thought that Michelle Monaghan was great in the role. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 21-

1) SIDDARTH- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After sending his 12-year-old son away to work, impoverished street merchant Mahendra Saini launches a search for the boy when he doesn’t return on the expected date. But Mahendra has no money and no picture of his child, hampering the hunt.”6/27/14– Good critical review but audiences didn’t care for it. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) NEIGHBORS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “New parents Mac and Kelly Radner love their neighborhood — until a rowdy fraternity moves next door and changes the block into party central. As Mac tries to restore a baby-friendly environment, an epic battle ensues.”5/9/14- The movie sounds silly but received some very good reviews. TRDB.

4) SNOWPIERCER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The Earth’s remaining inhabitants are confined to a single train circling the globe as revolution brews among the class-divided cars. Based on a French graphic novel and set in a new ice age, this futuristic thriller stars a top-notch ensemble cast.”6/27/14- Very good reviews from critics and fairly good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, OCT. 28-

1) CHEF- 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.

2) BOUND BY FLESH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Perhaps the most famous conjoined twins of all time, the Hiltons became a vaudeville sensation before falling on hard times and dying in poverty. This absorbing documentary follows their unique life, which was fraught with exploitation and hardship.”6/27/14- Very good reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) BEGIN AGAIN- 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.

4) RUNNING FROM CRAZY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Plagued by her family’s history of mental illness, including the suicides of her uncle Ernest and her sister Margaux, actress Mariel Hemingway becomes an advocate for suicide prevention and strives to find balance in her life.”11/1/13- A good review in today’s NY Times but mixed reviews in general. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 10-

1) ST. VINCENT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent. A hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers, Vincent finds his life changed by the boy’s presence.”10/10/14- Just fair professional reviews but audiences have liked it more. Most said that Bill Murray made the movie. TRDB.

2) AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This meticulously assembled documentary chronicles the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, who played a key role in changing Western attitudes toward Asian spiritual traditions and expanding the popularity of yoga and meditation around the world.”

10/10/14- Just 3 reviews and they are all very good. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

3) THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: HIM/HER– Synopsis by IMDB. “Told from the male perspective, the story of a couple trying to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone.”

10/10/14- This is really 2 movies (Her and Him) directly related to the movie “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them” that I liked. That one opened a month ago. These 2 movies give the perspective of the husband and wife separately, and they have received some good reviews so far. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

4) EVOLUTION OF A CRIMINAL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1997, honors student and empathetic teen Darius Clark Monroe was desperate to help his impoverished family … so he robbed a Texas bank. Years later, he’s ready to tell his story and make amends, with no excuses or plea for forgiveness.”

10/10/14- Very good reviews for this documentary from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

5) HARMONTOWN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix.”Recording the wild cross-country jaunt of TV writer and producer Dan Harmon as he and his crew take his podcast to the people, this candid documentary insightfully illuminates his private and public lives.”

10/10/14- Very good reviews in general. Audiences have loved it. The NY Times did not. TRDB.

6) I AM ALI- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drawing from a collection of audiotapes recorded by Muhammad Ali as a personal journal, this affecting documentary offers new perspectives on the legendary boxer’s life outside the ring.”

10/10/14- Poor professional reviews but audiences have liked it very much. I’ll chance it. TRDB.

7) 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.”

10/10/14- Fair reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

8) THE OVERNIGHTERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Local pastor Jay Reinke tries to help the unemployed men drawn to North Dakota by the lure of jobs in the state’s booming shale oil industry. This documentary portrait of desperation, charity and hope reveals multiple facets of the human spirit.”

10/10/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

9) #STUCK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After an alcohol-fueled sexual encounter, virtual strangers Guy and Holly get stuck together in gridlocked Los Angeles traffic. As a result, they end up revealing far more about themselves than they ever intended to during their “casual” meeting.”

10/10/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

10) WHIPLASH- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven by his demanding music teacher, drummer Andrew is determined to succeed as a jazz musician — even if it destroys his personality. Under the shadow of his father’s failed artistic attempts, Andrew practices until his hands bleed.”

10/10/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11) WAITING FOR AUGUST– 2004. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “There is a generation of young people being raised by their teen siblings in Eastern Bloc countries such as Romania, while their parents are working in other European countries sending money back home to their children called The Home Alone Generation.’

10/14- Very good reviews from critics– audiences did not like it. TRDB.

12) BOTSO- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Raised in the Soviet Union’s stifling cultural atmosphere under Josef Stalin, musician and artist Wachtang “Botso” Korisheli survived a tragic childhood to become a much-loved teacher and musical mentor, as chronicled in this touching documentary.”

10/10/14- Just 2 reviews at this time– 1 up (the NY Times) and 1 down. TRDB.

NOT RECOMMENDED-

1) THE CANAL– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “While cataloging old footage, a film archivist finds a reel showing his family’s home — once the scene of some gory slayings. As he digs into the details of the killings, his wife is murdered, making him suspect an evil force inhabits his house.”

10/10/14- Mixed reviews but this movie I’ll skip. TRDB.

2) DEAD SNOW 2: RED VS. DEAD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After medical student Martin escapes from Nazi zombies, he finds himself charged with murdering his friends. But now he’s got more important things to worry about: gathering an army to face off against the bloodthirsty, undead battalion.”

10/10/14- Hard to believe but this film got good reviews. Guaranteed I will miss it. TRDB.

3) ADDICTED– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a caring husband, three kids and a great career, Zoe has it all, until she develops an insatiable hunger for sex with other men. Though she’s still devoted to her husband, Zoe’s new addiction puts her marriage — and her life — in danger.”

10/10/14- Awful professional reviews and OK audience ones. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

Oct. 17–23

1) TWO FACES OF JANUARY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

2) 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working with a creative team of filmmakers, Nick Cave offers a staged look at the interior worlds behind his iconoclastic music and writing. Within the frame of the 20,000th day since Cave’s birth, the film sums up the artist’s life until then.”10/13/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

Oct. 24–30

1) THE LIBERATOR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Édgar Ramírez stars as 19th-century revolutionary Simón Bolívar in this epic chronicle of the charismatic leader’s personal evolution. From his aristocratic roots to the loss of his wife, it’s the story of the events that shaped his destiny.”10/13/14- Mediocre professional reviews but good audience ones. TRDB.

2) 1,000 TIMES GOOD NIGHT- Synopsis by Netflix. “After a near-death experience, top war photojournalist Rebecca (Juliette Binoche) is forced to choose between her work and the family on whom she depends. Putting family first, the conviction that her photos make a difference remains, making it difficult to walk away entirely.”10/13/14- Fair audience and professional reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW- NONE RECOMMENDED

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) FURY– Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the waning days of World War II in Europe, U.S. Army Sgt. Wardaddy leads his tank crew against overwhelming German forces. As both sides prepare for a last bloody battle, Wardaddy embarks on a mission behind enemy lines.”

10/14/14- Good early reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) THE BLUE ROOM– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despierre, meet regularly for erotic encounters — until he’s arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.”10/3/14- Fairly good reviews although a few were very negative and several brought up the violence. TRDB.

2) KILL THE MESSENGER– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disturbing, fact-based thriller is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb’s involvement in revealing the CIA’s secret funding and assistance for Nicaraguan Contra rebels during the 1980s.”

10/6/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

3)  PRIDE– 2014. Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an unlikely alliance, striking British mineworkers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) GONE GIRL– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in a media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

10/9/14- Very well done mystery with interesting characters. A bit too long but I liked it. TRDB.

5) MY OLD LADY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is a down-on-his-luck New Yorker who inherits a Parisian apartment from his estranged father. But when he arrives in France to sell the vast domicile, he’s shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not prepared to budge. His apartment is a viager – an ancient French real estate system with complex rules pertaining to its resale – and the feisty Englishwoman Mathilde Girard (Maggie Smith), who has lived in the apartment with her daughter Chloe.”

9/16/14- Fair critical review but audiences have liked it more. TRDB.

10/13/14- I liked it both because of the superior talent involved and the story but more because of the superior talent. TRDB.

6) THE SKELETON TWINS– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When near-death experiences on the same day motivate estranged twins Milo and Maggie to reunite, they’re forced to reevaluate their empty lives as they attempt to mend the long-broken bond between them.”

9/3/14- Reviews are very positive for this drama. TRDB.

9/19/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and except for a bit of Hollywood it seemed very realistic and poignant to me. TRDB.

7) THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young American working as a tour guide and part-time con artist in Greece finds himself caught in a dangerous arrangement when a wealthy couple invites him to dinner at their hotel — and an accident forces them to flee the scene together.”

9/26/14- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences have been 50/50. TRDB.

8) KILL THE MESSENGER– Jacob Burns, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disturbing, fact-based thriller is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb’s involvement in revealing the CIA’s secret funding and assistance for Nicaraguan Contra rebels during the 1980s.”

10/6/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This insightful social drama examines the countless ways the online landscape affects the relationships, communication and self-images of digital-age adolescents, whose parents try to contend with the pitfalls.

10/2/14- Poor reviews from both critics and viewers as well. TRDB.

2) THE JUDGE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After attending his mother’s funeral in rural Indiana, defense attorney Hank Palmer heads home to Chicago, only to be called back when his senile father is charged with murder. But when Hank takes the case, he uncovers some shocking family secrets.”

10/14/14- Weak professional reviews but audiences have enjoyed this movie. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB