FILM REVIEWS #530
January 30th, 2015
1/26/15- I enjoyed the movie, especially the very realistic war scenes but I thought it was about a half hour too long and the hackneyed theme of men returning from war damaged both physically and emotionally a bit too familiar. TRDB.
2) ROCK THE CASBAH– 2015.
This movie is about a unit of Israeli soldiers assigned to patrol the Gaza Strip. The movie makes very real the trials and tribulations of doing the job in a war torn hostile environment and the soldiers’ attempt to bring some sense of normalcy to their everyday life. TRDB. Seen at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival.
11/7/14- Awful professional reviews but audiences have given this movie average reviews. TRDB.
1/23/15– Fairly predictable but Maclaine and Plumer make it worthwhile. TRDB. Netflix.
2) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a bisexual Iranian-American, Shirin doesn’t quite fit in to her perfect Persian family — and she can’t make a relationship work. So she goes on a journey of self-discovery and sexual adventure in an effort to come to terms with her identity.”
1/16/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.
1/25/15- I found this movie enjoyable and very different from other break-up gay stories. TRDB. Hotwire On-Demand.
3) THE LAST SUMMER OF LA BOYITA– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luciana is becoming a teenager and has little time or patience for her younger sister, Jorgelina. For summer vacation, the girls part ways, and Jorgelina travels to the countryside, where she befriends a young ranch hand with an unusual secret.”
1/26/15- The drama held my interest despite the worst set of sub-titles I have ever encountered. TRDB.
4) WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 17-year-old Kat Conners’s mom, Eve, vanishes, the teen relishes her newfound freedom — until the reality of her loss sets in. While on break from college, Kat returns home and learns the strange facts behind Eve’s disappearance.”
10/24/14- Reviews are evenly divided for this movie but it sounds interesting to me and I’ll try to see it. TRDB.
1/28/15- Half of the movie is predictable and the other half is contrived but, believe it or not, the movie is not without merit. That’s the best I can do. TRDB.
5) THE NOTEBOOK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the maelstrom of World War II, two twin boys are exiled from their urban home and sent to the country to live with their grandmother. Soon after their arrival, the boys find out that their alcoholic granny is loathed by her entire village.”
8/25/14- Just 2 reviews– both positive. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
1/30/15- Overall, I enjoyed the movie but it was, as one reviewer said, a relentless grind. A few reviews said that it covered material that had been covered before but I think there was enough original for the movie to stand alone. TRDB.
2) 1000 TIMES GOODNIGHT– 2014. 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 22/14- The movie is very heavy and received many very positive reviews but a fair number of critics did not care for it. It put a different twist on an old theme and I liked it very much 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) FOOD CHAINS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary call to arms details the questionable ethics of the food supply industry, pointing out the power of huge supermarket chains to dictate low wages and inhumane labor conditions for farmworkers in the United States.”
11/21/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5) JOHN WICK– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the son of a Russian gang boss steals John Wick’s classic car and kills his dog, the former hit man returns to his lethal specialty in a quest for vengeance — and soon finds that he has a price on his head.”
10/24/14- Sounds ridiculous but this movie has received lots of good reviews from both professionals and audiences. TRDB.
6) DEAR WHITE PEOPLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A racially themed bash thrown by white Ivy League students sparks four black classmates to reflect on their identity in this knowing satire. Inspired by helmer Simien’s popular Twitter feed, the comedy skewers the idea of a “post-racial” America.”
10/17/14- Great reviews from critics and mixed reviews from audiences. TRDB.
7) GET ON UP- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This powerhouse biopic traces the legendary James Brown’s rocky road from humble origins to superstardom as the Godfather of Soul. The film also reveals the demons — drugs, violence and near-bankruptcy — that haunted Brown on his rise to fame.”
7/31/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.
9) 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. From the producer of Cheap Thrills and Jodorowsky¿s Dune, Dennis Widmyer & Kevin Kolsch¿s STARRY EYES is an occult tale of ambition, possession, and the true cost of fame.”
11/14/14- OK reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
2) BLACK SEA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a former submarine captain is recruited for a deep-sea mission in search of lost treasure, the vessel’s hard-bitten crew begins to quarrel with one another, leading to dire and perilous consequences.”
1/23/15- Fairly good reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.
3) THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When dedicated butterfly collector Cynthia hires a new housekeeper, Evelyn, the relationship soon turns sexual. In time, their role-playing encounters transform Evelyn’s role from employee to personal slave — even though she’s the real boss.”
1/23/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
4) MISS HILL: MAKING DANCE MATTER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A woman whose life was defined by her love of dance, Martha Hill emerged from a Bible Belt childhood to battle great odds in legitimizing the art form in America, becoming a leader of modern movement and Juilliard’s founding director of dance.”
1/23/15- Very good early reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
5) SALVATION ARMY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moroccan writer Abdellah Taïa directs this big-screen adaptation of his own largely autobiographical novel, telling the complex, coming-of-age story of a young, gay Arab man’s sexual awakening.”
1/23/15- OK reviews from the critics and weaker ones from audiences. TRDB.
6) SON OF A GUN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Locked up for a minor crime, 19 year old JR quickly learns the harsh realities of prison life. Protection, if you can get it, is paramount. JR soon finds himself under the watchful eye of Australia’s most notorious criminal, Brendan Lynch. But protection comes at a price. Lynch and his crew have plans for their young protegee. Upon release, JR must help secure Lynch’s freedom, staging a daring prison break. As a reward, he’s invited to join the crew as they plan a gold heist that promises to deliver millions.”
1/23/15- Weak critical review but audiences have liked this film. I’d give it a try. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) AGAINST THE SUN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After their torpedo bomber crashes into the ocean during a World War II scouting mission, three crewmen end up in a life raft without food or water — and sharks closing in. With safety 1,000 miles away, they must keep their wits intact to survive.”
1/23/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.
2) AMERICONS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the midst of the superheated real-estate market of 2007, Jason Kelley is in debt and looking for a break when mortgage broker Devin Weiss offers to bring him into the business. But after a hot start, Jason sees a grim future approaching.”
1/23/15- Awful professional reviews but audiences have liked it. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
3) THE HUMBLING– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a Philip Roth novel, this steamy drama follows an elderly, fading actor after he retires and moves to a farmhouse, where he develops a strange and intense relationship with a young woman.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews from critics and audiences. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
4) KILLERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A series of horrific murders have just gone viral, posted anonymously by the handsome and seductive Nomura with a taste for torture. Thousands of miles away, disgraced journalist Bayu can’t stop watching , and in a reckless moment discovers he, too, can kill. One man in Tokyo. One in Jakarta. A serial killer and a vigilante. As the posts multiply and the body count rises, a bizarre and psychotic rivalry begins, and the face-to-face showdown that’s coming will paint the city in blood.”
1/23/15- Fairly good reviews although most had qualifications about the blood and gore. I will definitely miss this one. TRDB.
5) MANNY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Manny Pacquiao’s storied boxing career is only a small part of the turbulent and inspiring story of his life, captured in this detailed documentary. After fighting his way out of the poverty of his youth, Manny was destined to become a national hero.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews for this film. TRDB.
6) SONG ONE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. Fanny, desperate to reach her comatose brother Henry, gives a book of his song lyrics to James Forrester, Henry’s favorite singer, to set to music. As the project unfolds, it changes James’s and Fanny’s lives as neither could have expected.”
1/23/15- Weak reviews all around. A few really liked it. TRDB.
7) WE’LL NEVER HAVE PARIS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After unintentionally breaking up with his longtime girlfriend while trying to propose, a neurotic, vacillating man-child pursues her to Paris — only to discover that she’s taken up with a handsome young Frenchman.”
1/23/15- Awful critical reviews and OK audience ones. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) MR. TURNER– Jacob Burns. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This incandescent biographical portrait of famed 19th-century painter J.M.W. Turner spotlights his artistic genius, along with the eccentric and frequently insensitive behavior that he exhibited in his private life.”
12/19/14 Excellent reviews by critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.
1/26/15- I enjoyed the movie, especially the very realistic war scenes but I thought it was about a half hour too long and the hackneyed theme of men returning from war damaged both physically and emotionally a bit too familiar. TRDB.
2) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, 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.
3) THE IMITATION GAME– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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? TRDB.
4) WHIPLASH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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) A MOST VIOLENT YEAR– Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.
6) TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the verge of losing her job, Sandra comes up with a last-ditch strategy: get her workmates to give up their bonuses so that she can stay on. With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.”
12/24/14- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Marion Cotillard. TRDB.
7) SELMA– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.
1/17/15- An excellent depiction of Martin Luther King, warts and all, and a good reminder of how far we have come as a nation. TRDB.
8) BIRDMAN– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.
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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