The Reel Dr. Bob

JANUARY 2, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) WILD- At the Theater

2) THE LESSER BLESSED– Netflix

3) THE IMITATION GAME– At the Theater

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

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.

12/25/14- I enjoyed this movie very much. Reese Witherspoon was very believable in this part as a young woman determined to turn her life around. TRDB.

2)  BIG EYES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keane, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950s and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large doe eyes.”

12/25/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

12/31/14– Lots of good reviews but I thought it was mostly a waste of time, ending in a ridiculous court scene. As predictable as Old Faithful. TRDB.

3) THE IMITATION GAME– 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.

12/31/14- This movie was very well done with excellent acting and a basically true story. I enjoyed it very much but why did they need to sprinkle the schmaltz late in the movie- it was doing fine without it? TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) 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.

12/28/14- An interesting coming of age story with some unusual differences from others of the same genre. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

12/31/14- 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. Netflix.

12/31/14- Very confusing and very difficult to understand the dialogue. Skip it. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JAN.6

1) WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Twelve-year-old Sam has a long list of things he want to learn and do — and not much time to accomplish them, thanks to a leukemia diagnosis. This warm-hearted drama follows Sam as he unravels the secrets of his life and his approaching death.”7/19/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) MIELE– 2013- Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite the controversial nature of her work, Miele remains convinced she’s doing the humane thing by helping suffering people end their lives. But when a client insists he’s lived long enough — despite being healthy — her belief system is shaken.”

3/7/14- Excellent reviews from everybody including the NY Times. 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) CALVARY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An anonymous man comes to Father James in confession and vows to kill him in one week, simply because the priest is himself a good man. The father spends the week contemplating good and evil, viewing his small Irish community with new eyes.”

7/27/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/20/14- A wonderful drama with enough tension to keep you on edge. TRDB.

5) TO BE TAKEI– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Proving there’s life after “Star Trek,” this documentary profiles the career of actor George Takei, who played Lieutenant Sulu in the series and later became a well-known advocate for gay rights, backed by a legion of enduring fans.”

8/22/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) TWO NIGHT STAND– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After an ill-considered one-night stand, two young New Yorkers are obliged to extend their time together when a paralyzing snowstorm strikes the city, confining the pair to a small cramped apartment.”

9/26/14- Weak reviews but it did sound interesting. TRDB.

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OPENED ON THURSDAY, DEC. 25 AND FRIDAY DEC. 26-

1) SELMA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.”12/25/14- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences.  TRDB.

2) LEVIATHAN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the very waters where Melville’s Pequod gave chase to Moby-Dick, this haunting documentary — shot on a dozen cameras and presented with no spoken commentary — captures the collaborative clash of man, nature and machine.”

3/1/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12/25/14- Great reviews. TRDB.

3) AMERICAN SNIPER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on his memoir of the same name, this military biopic centers on legendary sniper Chris Kyle, who amassed a record number of kills on the battlefield during his 10-year career as a Navy SEAL.”

12/25/14- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

4) A MOST VIOLENT YEAR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amid New York City’s crime-filled winter of 1981, immigrant Abel Morales and his wife try to operate a successful business, only to see their efforts threatened by the lawless atmosphere permeating the streets.

12/31/14- Excellent critical review. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) INTO THE WOODS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Woven from a collection of revered fairy tales and characters, this enchanting musical mash-up focuses on a childless couple who venture into the woods hoping to end a curse put on them by a vindictive witch.”

12/25/14- Fair reviews from critics and audiences. I saw the trailer and I was not impressed. TRDB.

2) THE GAMBLER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A literature college professor and high stakes gambler (played by Mark Wahlberg) runs afoul of a loan shark and his bodyguard-like gangsters while he has an affair with one of his students.”

12/25/14- Very bad reviews from everybody. TRDB.

3) UNBROKEN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring tale of survival is based on the real-life experiences of Louis Zamperini, an American pilot held by the Japanese during World War II. After his plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, Zamperini spends 47 days adrift before his capture.”

12/25/14-  Weak professional reviews and somewhat better audience ones. TRDB.

4) THE INTERVIEW– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Talk-show host David Skylark is overjoyed when he gets the chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Kim Jong-Un, the leader of North Korea. But Skylark’s perspective on his big break shifts when the CIA asks him to assassinate the ruler.”12/25/14- Awful reviews. TRDB.

4) BIG EYES– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keane, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950s and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large doe eyes.”

12/25/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

12/31/14– Lots of good reviews but I thought it was mostly a waste of time, ending in a ridiculous court scene. As predictable as Old Faithful. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) THE BABADOOK- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sam’s frequent tantrums turn sinister when a creepy children’s book called Mister Babadook mysteriously appears in his room, and he asks his mother, “Do you want to die?” Is Sam losing his mind, or is a real monster lurking in the house?”11/28/14- Excellent reviews and despite the “horror” the movie sounds very interesting. TRDB.

2) 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.

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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) BIG EYES– Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keane, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950s and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large doe eyes.”12/25/14- Good reviews. TRDB.

12/31/14– Lots of good reviews but I thought it was mostly a waste of time, ending in a ridiculous court scene. As predictable as Old Faithful. TRDB.

2) TOP FIVE- Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Written, directed, and starring Chris Rock, TOP FIVE tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind.”

12/12/14- Very good reviews although a few friends have not liked it. TRDB.

3) UNBROKEN– Saw Mill Hawthorne,  Danbury. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring tale of survival is based on the real-life experiences of Louis Zamperini, an American pilot held by the Japanese during World War II. After his plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, Zamperini spends 47 days adrift before his capture.”

12/25/14-  Weak professional reviews and somewhat better audience ones. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) WILD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, 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.”

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB