The Reel Dr. Bob

DECEMBER 11, 2014

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE-

I WILL BE SETTING UP IN FLORIDA SO THERE WILL BE NO NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK. THIS ONE WILL HAVE INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) LUNCH- Netflix

2) SEXUAL CHRONICLES OF A FRENCH FAMILY- Netflix

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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) LUNCH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “For 40 years, a group of comedy legends that includes Sid Caesar, Monty Hall and Carl Reiner has been meeting every two weeks for lunch. This documentary examines the strong friendships within the group, which has seen members come and go over time.”

11/9/12- Uniformly good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12/9/14- An excellent documentary with all of these legends being themselves. TRDB.

2) SEXUAL CHRONICLES OF A FRENCH FAMILY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her son is caught filming himself masturbating at school, his mother rounds up the whole family to discuss their sexual issues. The revelations that follow involve all three generations of the clan.”

A fair review in the NY Times on 6/1/12. TRDB.

12/10/14- This movie had 2 sides– one side was actually interesting as the mother in the family got the entire family to recognize and talk about their sexuality (not with each other). The boring side was the actual sex of each of the 3 generations which occupied way too much of the film. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) ABUSE OF WEAKNESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this semi-autobiographical tale from helmer Catherine Breillat, Isabelle Huppert plays a director who returns to her craft after suffering a debilitating stroke. Regrettably, the con man she casts in her film comes to see her as his biggest mark.”

8/15/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

12/5/14– I just could not get into this film and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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CAME TO NETFLIX ON 12/9 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

1) INCH’ALLAH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A Canadian obstetrician living in Israel makes multiple passes through heavily guarded checkpoints to get to her job at a women’s health clinic in Palestine. But political tensions take on personal overtones when she befriends a pregnant patient.”8/16/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed ones in general, some loving it and some calling it contrived at best. TRDB.6/20/14- A thought provoking drama that uses minimal dialogue and maximum acting to convey the story. I liked it but it is controversial for sure. TRDB. 

2) 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- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

3) McCONKEY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This exhilarating documentary tells the story of pioneering extreme skier Shane McConkey, a trailblazer for freeskiing and ski-BASE jumping — covering both his high-octane career and his poignant personal life.”10/7/13- A few early reviews and they are very good. TRDB.10/11/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) NUCLEAR NATION–  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This harrowing documentary centers on refugees from Futaba, ground zero for the Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 2011. Three stories unfold against a backdrop of government indifference and a history of local exploitation.”12/11/13- Good review from everyone including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.Not Recommended-

1) NOTHING BAD CAN HAPPEN–  2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rebelling against organized religion but embracing Christ’s teachings, a young Christian “punk” has his faith sorely tested in this gritty drama. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, he finds himself tortured by the very man he’s helped.”7/4/14- The reviews of this movie sounded really weird but the film got mostly good reviews. I don’t think I’ll see it. TRDB.2 ) CINCO DE MAYO- LA BATALLIA– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This action-packed historical epic depicts the political strategy, war tactics and human drama leading up to the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when a scrappy Mexican army astonished its French occupiers with its resilience.”

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 16-

1) 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.2) SPARK: A BURNING MAN STORY– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Each year, Nevada’s Burning Man festival gathers revelers for one free-spirited weeklong party in the middle of the desert. Capturing the energy of the festivities, organizers and attendees share their passion for this renowned artistic event.”

8/16/13- A few professional reviews and they are good including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE SKELETON TWINS– 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.

4) 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.”

7/25/14- Woody’s latest has gotten poor reviews from most critics. I’m certain to see it anyway. TRDB.

8/4/14- As mentioned above, there have been many negative reviews of this movie but I found it a delightful drama obviously NOT meant to be  a comedy. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 23-

1) PRIDE– 2014. 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.2) THE TRIP TO ITALY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following in the footsteps of the great romantic poets, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traverse the Italian countryside musing about life and love. Work enters the conversation as well in this largely improvised sequel to the roadtrip comedy “The Trip.”

8/15/14– Good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/22/14- I enjoyed the movie but with the views and food from the Italian coast it’s hard not to. TRDB. 

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OPENED ON FRIDAY, DEC. 5-

1) WILD– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone.”12/3/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.2) ZERO MOTIVATION– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Serving out their required term in the military, a collection of young Israeli soldiers are posted to a desolate base in the middle of the desert. As their collective boredom mounts, personal frictions begin to surface among the all-female company.”

12/3/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

3) THE BAREFOOT ARTIST– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspirational and affecting documentary charts the long and fruitful life of 70-year-old artist Lily Yeh, who has traveled the globe helping broken communities restore hope and a sense of purpose through public art projects.”

12/5/14– Excellent early reviews. TRDB.

4) CONCERNING VIOLENCE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Africa’s long struggle against colonial domination gets stunning visual treatment in this documentary that includes previously unseen archival footage and illuminates the continuing exploitation of the continent’s resources by foreign interests.”

12/5/14- Very good critical reviews for this documentary. Audiences have been less than enthusiastic. TRDB.

5) STILL ALICE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 50-year-old linguistics professor Alice Howland begins having trouble remembering words, her symptoms ultimately lead to a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s — which forces Alice and her family to make radical changes in their lives.”

12/5/14- Mostly very good reviews but a few really did not like it at all calling it a TV type movie. TRDB.

6) DELUSIONS OF GUINEVERE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Once a popular child TV star, Guinevere James has bottomed out as an actress at age 29, gaining weight and obsessing about former cast mates via social media. Determined to regain her fame online, Guinevere starts uploading her off-kilter videos.”

12/5/14- I’ve seen just 3 reviews– all positive including the NY Times. TRDB.

7) THE FOXY MERKINS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When hapless lesbian hooker Margaret meets confident con artist and woman-seducer Jo in this lighthearted comedy, the two women form an unexpected bond as they service everyone from Manhattan matrons to suburban soccer moms.”

12/5/14- This one sounds stupid but has received more good reviews than poor ones. TRDB.

8) LIFE PARTNERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although Paige and Sasha aren’t on the same page sexually — one is straight, the other is gay — they’re deeply committed to each other. But when Paige begins dating a young dermatologist, Sasha fears losing her place her best friend’s life.”

12/5/14- Critics and audiences are about 50/50 on this one. TRDB.

9) THE PASSIONATE THIEF– 1960. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This fast-paced crime comedy stars Anna Magnani as the fly in the ointment for a pair of thieves. Pickpockets Toto and Ben don’t want Anna around while they ply their trade, but she manages to foul up their plans by falling in love with their “pigeon,” American tourist Fred Clark.”

12/5/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

10) RED KNOT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Opting to take their honeymoon cruise to Antarctica aboard a research ship, Chloe and Peter find the going rough in more ways than one. When journalist Peter starts spending most of his time with the scientists, Chloe responds by switching cabins.”

12/5/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

11) SHE’S BEAUTIFUL WHEN SHE’S ANGRY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking middle-class U.S. culture by surprise, the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s was spearheaded in the media by a diverse collection of women. Their collaborative and individual struggles are chronicled in this illuminating documentary.”

12/5/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

12) UZUMASA LIMELIGHT– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Uzumasa (Kyoto) is considered the Hollywood of Japan. It has produced many “jidaigeki” films (period dramas with sword fighting) that are loved by many Japanese, and are highly praised all over the world. These films wouldn’t be what they were if it weren’t for the “kirareyaku” (actors whose main job is to be killed by the lead star). Men who are killed, without ever being lit by the limelight.”

12/5/14- Just 4 professional reviews but they are all very positive. Audiences have liked it also. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) BILLY BATES– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “From director Jennifer DeLia and producer Julie Pacino, BILLY BATES is an absorbing portrait of a troubled artist who seeks solace in lover, Kaia (Savannah Welch), a beautiful singer.”

12/6/14- Awful reviews. TRDB.

2) COMET- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking a fluid approach to time, this bittersweet indie tale cohesively interweaves the decisive moments in the tumultuous six-year romance between jaded Kimberly and abrasive intellectual Dell.”

12/5/14- Mediocre reviews at best. TRDB.

3) MISS JULIE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At her family’s rural estate, young Julie spars with and seduces her father’s handsome valet in an intense encounter that stretches over the course of a summer night before reaching a shocking conclusion.”

12/5/14- Poor reviews despite the excellent cast. TRDB.

4) MURDER OF A CAT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mouser the cat turns up dead with an arrow through his gut, owner Clinton Moisey vows to find the culprit and deliver him (or her) to justice. Along the way, Clinton discovers he wasn’t Mouser’s only master — and that a conspiracy is afoot.”

12/5/14- Critics did not like this movie but audiences have. TRDB.

5) PIONEER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “At the beginning of the Nordic oil boom of the 1980s, a deep-sea diver begins to suspect a conspiracy involving a team of Americans and the Norwegian government, a hunch that puts his very life at stake.”

12/5/14- Awful reviews. TRDB.

6) POVERTY, INC.- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Challenging the record of global poverty-assistance programs in genuinely relieving deprivation in many areas around the world, this thought-provoking documentary also questions the overall structure of what is a multibillion-dollar industry.”

12/5/14– I’ve seen just 2 professional reviews and they are both terrible. Audiences have liked this documentary, however. TRDB.

7) A SPELL TO WARD OFF THE DARKNESS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Passing through a trio of disparate communities and subcultures, including an isolated island commune and an ear-piercing heavy metal festival, a young man pursues an existential quest in this abstract meditation on spiritual values.”

12/5/14- Very good professional reviews but audiences gave it terrible reviews. TRDB.

8) TAKE CARE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Home from a stint in the hospital after being struck by a car, a bedridden New Yorker can’t find a soul willing to take care of her. Desperate for help, she reluctantly turns to a former beau — which doesn’t sit well with his new girlfriend.”

12/5/14- Bad, bad professional reviews but audiences have uniformly enjoyed this comedy. I think we can safely miss it. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

DEC. 12-18

1) GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When country music giant Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, he chose to make his condition public. He then began his farewell tour — a remarkable musical journey chronicled in this affecting documentary.”10/24/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

2) THE WAY HE LOOKS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Overprotected by his mother and smitten best friend Giovana, blind teenager Leonardo dreams of being independent. But the arrival of new classmate Gabriel complicates matters when the two boys’ friendship deepens into something more.”11/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

DEC.19-25-

1) POINT AND SHOOT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “How does a shy young American afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder become a man? In Matthew VanDyke’s case, it involves riding a motorcycle across North Africa and the Middle East, and joining the Libyan revolt to topple Muammar Gaddafi.”10/31/14- Mixed reviews by critics but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

DEC. 26- JAN.1-

1) HORSES OF GOD (LES CHEVAUX DE DIEU)– 2013. About a group of kids growing up in a shanty town just 5 miles outside of Casablanca.6/5/13- One reviewer said that this movie was less about terrorism and more about what happens when kids grow up in a toxic atmosphere. I could not agree more. 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) WILD- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone.”12/3/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.2) THE IMITATION GAME-Jacob Burns. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling mathematical wizard Alan Turing’s key role in Britain’s successful effort to crack Germany’s Enigma code during World War II, this historical biopic also recounts how his groundbreaking work helped launch the computer age.”

11/29/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) BIRDMAN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100.- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Keaton delivers a winking performance in this dark comedy about a cinematic superhero trying to forge a comeback with a Broadway play. With none of the super-powers of his former character, the actor struggles to rebuild his career and life.”10/17/14- Excellent reviews from nearly all critics and audiences have liked it as well. The NY Times loved it. 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) THE HOMESMAN– Bethel, Clearview 100. 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.

3) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

4) WHIPLASH– 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.

5) FOXCATCHER– Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

12/1/14- I liked this movie very much and highly recommend it. TRDB.

6) 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.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

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