FILM REVIEWS #521
November 20th, 2014
2) FOR A WOMAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though 35-year-old Anne knows little about her parents’ past, the old photos and letters she examines after her mother’s death hint at a buried secret. As Anne digs deeper, she uncovers a hidden affair and other surprises in her family history.”
5/2/14- A good review in today’s NY Times and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.
11/19/14- I liked this movie very much. Very realistic acting and screenplay. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
11/17/14- A fairly weak, Hollywood type movie but it was a slice of life of the families living on POW bases in the United States so it did hold my interest. TRDB. Netflix.
2) WHITEY: USA VS. JAMES J. BULGER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarian Joe Berlinger lays bare the real story of South Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger, including his sensational 2013 trial.”
6/27/14- A very good review in today’s NY Times and OK reviews by other critics. Some really bad ones too. Audiences have liked it more. TRDB.
11/17/14- I was looking forward to seeing this movie but I found it incredibly boring. TRDB. Netflix.
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2) WHAT IF– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Wallace meets Chantry an animator and form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. There is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend?”
8/8/14- The movie sounds corny but has received good reviews. The NY Times didn’t care for it. TRDB.
3) THE LESSER BLESSED– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “The story of three unlikely friends isolated in a small rural town discovering what they can of life and love amid racial tensions and the recklessness of youth, in a world clouded by a dark mystery from his past.”
7/9/13- Mixed reviews. TRDB.
4) HOLLYWOOD TO DOLLYWOOD– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Gay twin brothers Gary and Larry are determined to get their screenplay to Dolly Parton. They embark on a tumultuous quest in their RV from Hollywood to Dolly’s theme park in Tennessee to meet their idol.”
8/31/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times and audiences have loved it. TRDB.
5) HAWKING– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking narrates his own story via the voice-synthesis device that he has used since ALS silenced his speech. Hawking’s memories capture his youth and college years as well as his extraordinary scientific career.”
9/13/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and by nearly all critics as well. TRDB.
6) 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.
7) LEVEL 5– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Chris Marker’s futuristic reverie, game-developer Laura creates a video game based on the WWII Battle of Okinawa. Laura searches the Internet for information on the battle, and interviews Japanese experts and witnesses.”
8/15/14- Very good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) THE SKINNY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A year after college graduation, a pact reunites four gay men and a lesbian friend in New York City for a fateful Gay Pride weekend. As they catch up, some painful memories rise to the surface, bringing mistrust and bitterness into their celebration.”
A weak review in the NY Times on 6/8/12. TRDB.
2) BESIDE STILL WATERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by losing his parents in a car crash, Daniel Thatcher is upset when none of his friends attends the funeral. Looking for closure, he insists that they come to a memorial celebration in the family home, leading to a night of reminiscences.”
11/14/14- Mixed reviews from critics. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.
3) BEYOND THE LIGHTS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unprepared for the demands of fame and the conflicts that success generates, rising musical star Noni Jean finds herself in a moment of suicidal despair — until she’s rescued by a young policeman who’s destined to become her lover.”
11/14/14- Generally good reviews but several said it was VERY cheesy and one said if it was any cheesier they could pour it on macaroni. TRDB.
4) BRAHMIN BULLS– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “When Ashok makes a surprise visit to Los Angeles to visit his estranged son, the two begin a journey to mend their relationship until Sid discovers that his father has actually come in search of an old flame.”
11/14/14- Just 2 professional reviews and they are both positive. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
5) BUTTER ON THE LATCH– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Old friends Sarah and Isolde reunite at a Balkan folk festival in the California forest, where Sarah is soon enchanted by the handsome Steph. As she seduces him, Sarah all but ignores Isolde, arousing strange visions that blur reality and fantasy.”
11/14/14- Good professional reviews. Audiences have mixed reviews. TRDB.
6) DRUG LORD: THE LEGEND OF SHORTY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two documentary filmmakers begin a quest to find the legendary “El Chapo,” Mexico’s most powerful drug lord and a highly controversial figure. Though authorities portray him as a ruthless killer, many still see the elusive gangster as a folk hero.”
11/14/14- Mediocre professional reviews but audiences have invariably liked it. TRDB.
7) FOXCATHER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Preparing for the 1988 Olympics, two sibling wrestlers cross paths with a paranoid schizophrenic millionaire in this drama based on a true story. The competitive Schultz brothers soon learn their new acquaintance is a dangerous distraction.”
11/14/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
8) THE HOMESMAN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a frontier town in the Nebraska Territory, self-reliant spinster Mary Bee Cuddy is tasked with escorting a trio of deranged women to a sanctuary in Iowa. Joining her on the arduous trek is George Briggs, an Army deserter Mary rescued from hanging.”
11/14/14- Good professional reviews and weak audience ones. I’d see anything with Hilary Swank. TRDB.
9) LEVITATED MASS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2012, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art installed Michael Heizer’s sculpture Levitated Mass — a 340-ton boulder perched atop a trench. This film traces the piece’s journey — from conception to the monolith’s 11-day transport from Riverside.”
11/14/14- Excellent reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.
10) LOVE HUNTER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ten years after trading rock stardom in Serbia for the bright lights of New York City, Milan Mumin is driving a cab and trying to scrape up the money to record an album. But his plans are thrown for a loop when his Serbian girlfriend comes to town.”
11/14/14- Just 2 professional reviews (the NY Times in one) and they liked it very much. Audiences have uniformly liked this movie also. TRDB.
11) OCCUPY THE FARM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this conservation-minded documentary, 200 urban farmers join forces to save the last big piece of farmland in California’s East Bay region. Their solution: Occupy the land and plant 15,000 seedlings to discourage future development.”
11/14/14- Just 3 professional reviews– 2 up and 1 down (the NY Times). Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
12) RED ARMY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Captain of the Red Army hockey team during its glory years in the 1970s and ’80s, “Slava” Fetisov recalls the pride and constant pressure felt by the players on the squad during a turbulent political era in the Soviet Union.”
11/14/14- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
13) ROSEWATER– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”
9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.
14) STARRY EYES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to make it as an actress in Hollywood, Sarah Walker spends her days working a dead-end job, enduring petty friendships and going on countless casting calls in hopes of catching her big break. After a series of strange auditions, Sarah lands the leading role in a new film from a mysterious production company. But with this opportunity comes bizarre ramifications that will transform her both mentally and physically into something beautiful… and altogether terrifying.11/14/14-
OK reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
15) HAPPY VALLEY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “The town nicknamed Happy Valley searches for answers as Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is arrested on 40 counts of child molestation. Key figures talk openly in this documentary about how the scandal unfolded.”
11/19/14- Very good reviews from critics and good reviews from audiences. The NY Times liked it as well. TRDB. (opened 11/19)
16) BAD HAIR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in the slums of Caracas, Venezuela, this pensive drama focuses on a 9-year-old boy whose determination to straighten his curly hair creates discord with his mother — who fears the fixation may be a sign of homosexuality.”
11/19/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB. (opened 11/19)
17) PULP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On their long, bumpy ride to rock fame in the 1980s and ’90s, the celebrated pop group Pulp often changed their style and personnel but always maintained their spell over a legion of fans, as demonstrated in this synergistic documentary.”
11/19/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB. (opened 11/19)
2) THOU WAST MILD & LOVELY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thou Wast Mild and Lovely is a sensual thriller inspired by East of Eden and starring love, death, guns, goats and a farm in the wilds of Kentucky.”
11/14/14- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.
11) FELONY- Mixed reviews
12) FORT BLISS- Mixed reviews– more good than bad. I liked the movie, especially Michelle Monaghan
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his body progressively ravaged by ALS, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking must rely on his wife, Jane, to continue his life’s work as he faces various challenges. This affecting biographical drama centers on the couple’s fertile partnership.”
11/7/14- Good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
10/31/14- Very original and interesting mixing fact and fantasy. Keaton was excellent and I enjoyed the movie. Labeled a comedy, it surely isn’t. TRDB.
2) WHIPLASH– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.
11/7/14- Great acting, great music and a very good story. I liked the movie a lot despite a bit of Hollywood at the end. TRDB.
3) ROSEWATER- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”
9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.
4) ST. VINCENT– Bethel, Danbury. 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.
5) FORCE MAJEURE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.”
10/24/14- Very good reviews and I’ll plan on seeing this movie. TRDB.
11/2/14- I enjoyed this movie very much and it led to lively discussion. TRDB.
6) CITIZENFOUR– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”
10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.
11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB.
7) GONE GIRL– 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.
For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com
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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