The Reel Dr. Bob

MARCH 5, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

I EXPECTED TO BE AWAY THIS WEEK BUT PLANS CHANGED AND I AM AT MY DESK–

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) FOUR– Netflix Streaming

2) ST. VINCENT– Netflix

3) ABOVE AND BEYOND– At the Theater

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) ABOVE AND BEYOND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a little-known slice of history, this absorbing documentary looks at a diverse group of veteran World War II pilots who defied the U.S. Neutrality Act and volunteered to fly for Israel at a critical moment in its battle for independence.”1/21/15- Friends have seen this and liked it very much. TRDB.

1/30/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

3/5/15- Just saw this and enjoyed it. The movie looked into the men as well as their heroic deeds. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) FOUR– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a middle-aged black man goes on a date with a young white man he met on the Internet, his teen daughter spends an evening with an ex-basketball star. But their attempts to make intimate connections are hindered by the secrets each holds.”9/13/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

2/27/15- This movie was enjoyable primarily because of the acting but also because of the story itself. TRDB.

2) 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.

3/4/15- I’m with audiences on this one. A delightful if somewhat predictable drama. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) 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.

2/26/15- I didn’t find this movie particularly interesting and that’s with some top talent performing. I did watch the whole thing, however. TRDB.

2) FELONY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When police officer Malcolm Toohey hits a young boy while driving drunk, he makes the fateful decision to conceal his crime. But while one senior officer is willing to support the cover-up, that officer’s new partner feels differently.”

10/17/14- Good professional reviews and average audience reaction. The NY Times did not care for it. TRDB.

3/1/15- A fair suspense story with very little new and suspenseful. TRDB.

3) THE JUDGE– 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.

3/2/15- I’m with the critics on this one. A few nice scenes but the movie in general left lots to be desired, even with Robert Duvall and Vera Farmiga. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 10-

RECOMMENDED-

1) NIGHTCRAWLER– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eager for any work that will make ends meet, Lou Bloom joins the flock of camera crews prowling the nighttime streets of Los Angeles in search of scandal and crime. But before long, Lou finds himself caught in the tabloid limelight.”

10/31/14- Very good reviews with some notable exceptions including the NY Times and NY Magazine. TRDB.

2) KILL THE MESSENGER-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 from audiences and critics. TRDB.

3) LISTEN UP PHILIP– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A self-absorbed New York writer juggles the pressures of promoting his second book, watching his relationship deteriorate and living in an unforgiving city. His literary hero offers him an escape in the form of a summer home.”

10/17/14- Widely divergent reviews. Some liked it a lot and some hated it. Probably worth a try. TRDB.

______________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 17- (I will repeat these next week)

1) BIRDMAN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael Keaton delivers a winking performance in this dark comedy about a cinematic superhero trying to forge a comeback  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 THEORY OF EVERYTHING- 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) SONG OF THE SEA- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This animated tale follows young Saoirse, the last of a magical race of beings who exist as seals in water but turn into humans on land. After she and her brother are sent to live in the city, they begin an epic quest to return to their seaside home.”12/19/14- Excellent reviews for this animated feature. TRDB.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) TOP FIVE- 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. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

OPENED ON FEB. 27–

1) BLUEBIRD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following her usual workday routine, rural school bus driver Lesley makes a mistake that proves tragic in the middle of a frozen Maine winter. The reverberations of her mistake echo through the fabric and friendships of an entire community.”2/27/15- Good reviews from the critics and average ones from audiences. Sounds interesting to me and I’ll try to see it. TRDB.

2) EASTERN BOYS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A middle-aged Frenchman gets more than he bargained for when he cruises the Gare du Nord train station for a lover and invites an attractive young Eastern European hustler back to his apartment.”

2/27/15- Very good reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) FUTURO BEACH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Brazilian lifeguard Donato fails to save a tourist from drowning, he disconnects from reality, to the despair of his admiring brother Ayrton. Years later, with Donato in Berlin, Ayrton tracks him down and demands to know why he left.”

2/27/15- Good reviews from critics and just OK reviews from audiences. TRDB.

4) THE HUNTING GROUND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the epidemic of sexual assaults at U.S. colleges, this often-harrowing documentary combines the recollections of victims with disturbing statistics demonstrating the depth of the problem, while officials continue to downplay the issue.”

2/27/15- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

5) ’71– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young British soldier is separated from his unit in Belfast at the height of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, he must survive the night alone in a city that’s swarming with would-be enemies.”

2/27/15- Excellent reviews from nearly everybody. TRDB.

6) THE WIDOWMAKER- 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this revealing documentary, prominent cardiologists discuss the disturbing prevalence of heart disease in the United States, and the secret, 30-year medical-industry battle that may be hindering proper care for heart-attack victims.”

2/27/15- Great critical review for this documentary. TRDB.

NOT RECOMMENDED–

1) FOCUS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After falling for his pretty young protégé, expert con man Nicky Spurgeon ends their romance when he realizes it will only complicate matters. But his decision comes back to haunt him when she turns up later on the other side of Nicky’s newest scam.”

2/27/15- Very weak reviews from most of my sources. TRDB.

2) MAPS TO THE STARS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Centering on a showbiz family desperate to maintain celebrity status, director David Cronenberg’s biting satire lampoons a host of Tinseltown stereotypes, including fading leading ladies, insufferable child stars and pushy stage mothers.”

2/27/15- Poor reviews and I’d suggest missing this one. TRDB.

_____________________________________________________________________

FLORIDA-

At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT– 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.

1/31/15- I liked this movie very much and highly recommend it. TRDB.

2) MR. KAPLAN–  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Depressed by his advancing age, Uruguayan transplant Jacob Kaplan is lamenting his irrelevance when he becomes convinced that a local bar owner is an ex-Nazi — and promptly embarks on a quest to expose the old German.”3/2/15- No reviews as yet but it sounds interesting. TRDB.

MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) ABOVE AND BEYOND-

2) SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS–

3) STILL ALICE-

4) WHIPLASH–

5) MR. KAPLAN–

_____________________________________________________________________

HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND-

____________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a sequel to the Golden Globe-nominated film, hotel owner Sonny is overwhelmed with the task of finding a second property to accommodate the influx of new residents, while his upcoming wedding plans may be too much for the hotel’s staff to handle.”3/3/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

2) ’71– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young British soldier is separated from his unit in Belfast at the height of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, he must survive the night alone in a city that’s swarming with would-be enemies.”

2/27/15- Excellent reviews from nearly everybody. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1)  STILL ALICE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

2)  BIRDMAN- Bethel, 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 did like the movie. Labeled a comedy, it surely isn’t, and I don’t think it was worth an Academy Award. TRDB.

3) 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.”

An excellent drama with a bit of schmaltz at the end. TRDB.

4)  MR. TURNER- Bethel. 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.

5)  IMITATION GAME– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, 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.

6) AMERICAN SNIPER– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.

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.

7)  LEVIATHAN– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living with his family in a village on Russia’s northern fringe, auto-shop owner Kolya finds himself in a jam when the corrupt mayor insists on acquiring his property. Loath to concede defeat, Kolya secures an attorney, and a battle of wills ensues.”

12/25/14- Great reviews. TRDB.

3) ’71– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young British soldier is separated from his unit in Belfast at the height of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, he must survive the night alone in a city that’s swarming with would-be enemies.”

2/27/15- Excellent reviews from nearly everybody. TRDB.