The Reel Dr. Bob

MARCH 26 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEND AN ISSUE NEXT WEEK SO THIS NEWSLETTER WILL CONTAIN INFO FOR 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) WILD TALES– At the Theater

2) WHEN I SAW YOU- Netflix Streaming

3) LISTEN UP PHILLIP– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

Recommended-

1) WILD TALES– 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Inequality, injustice and the demands of the world we live in cause stress and depression for many people. Some of them, however, explode. This is a movie about those people. Vulnerable in the face of a reality that shifts and suddenly turns unpredictable, the characters of Wild Tales cross the thin line that divides civilization and barbarism.” TRDB.2/16/15- An article in yesterday’s NY Times about this movie sounds very interesting. The film just won a Golden Bear in Berlin. TRDB.

2/26/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3/22/15– I enjoyed this movie very much. Like nothing you’ve seen before, it crosses the line and goes over-the top frequently. TRDB

Not Recommended-

1) ’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

3/20/15- Excellent reviews but NOT from me. One reviewer said-  “If you are in the mood for a confusing and thoroughly depressing immersion into Irish history, you can’t do better.” I AGREE!! TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) 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.

3/26/15- I’m glad I saw it but I’m not sure if I liked it or not– Professional critics seemed to feel the same way. TRDB. Netflix.

2) WHEN I SAW YOU– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Displaced to a Jordanian refugee camp with his mother in the wake of the Six-Day War, a restless 11-year-old Palestinian has trouble adjusting. Yearning to reunite with his missing father, the headstrong boy sets out on a life-changing journey.”

1/15/14-A very good  review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3/23/15- An interesting and thought provoking Palestinian movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

Not Recommended–

1) 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.

3/21/15- A ridiculous Rambo style movie that had value only for the well choreographed scenes when the lead actor did all of his killing. I couldn’t finish it. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 31-

BOTH RECOMMENDED–

1) 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? TRDB.

2) THE CIRCLE– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the turbulent cultural climate of 1950s Zurich, a naïve teacher and a transvestite cabaret artist — both members of a secret gay group — fall in love. But as they grapple with social and legal victimization, their future may prove even darker.”

11/21/14- Excellent professional reviews and audiences have liked it also. TRDB.

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, APRIL 7-

Recommended- ALL

1) VOICES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leading a quiet bachelor existence, factory employee Jerry develops a crush on the lovely Fiona from accounting but ends up killing her by accident. Luckily for Jerry, his suddenly verbal cat and dog are there to help him consider his next move.”2/6/15- Good reviews for this ridiculous sounding movie. TRDB.

2) MONK WITH A CAMERA– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary charts the journey of photographer Nicholas Vreeland, grandson of fashion icon Diana Vreeland, who left behind the jet-set world he was born into and turned toward a spiritual path that led to his becoming a Buddhist monk.”

11/21/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) HUMAN CAPITAL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a tragic roadway accident, the fates of two families become intertwined as a result of the relationship between two of their children. Love, ambition and class all play a part in this piercing look at social climbers and the überwealthy.”

1/14/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

6) PELICAN DREAMS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary chronicles the journey of a California pelican named Gigi, who starts a new life at a seabird rescue facility after landing in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge, causing a major traffic tie-up.”

11/7/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) THE IMMIGRANT – 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After arriving in New York, Polish immigrant Ewa must provide for her ill sister — and soon falls under the thumb of charming thug Bruno, who forces her into a life of prostitution. But when she falls for a magician, her fortunes may turn.”

5/16/14- Good critical review but audiences were just luke warm on this movie. TRDB.

6/18/14- The movie was OK but it did not move me as I thought it might, perhaps because it was so long and drawn out. The best part was the last 20 or so minutes but this should have come 30 minutes earlier. Also, a bit too Hollywoodish  at times for my taste. TRDB.

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OPENED THIS WEEK- (March 20)

Recommended-

1) BACKCOUNTRY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking to get away from it all, urbanites Alex and Jenn embark on an ambitious weekend trek into the Canadian woods. But when they change course to avoid a strange hiker, the couple unwittingly wanders into the territory of a menacing black bear.”3/20/15- Very good reviews for this “thriller” that sounds more like a horror flick. Not my usual type of  movie I still may see this one. TRDB.

2) JAUJA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the late 1800s, Danish military engineer Gunnar Dinesen travels to the South American desert with his daughter, Ingeborg, after being dispatched to map the region for European settlers. When Ingeborg steals away, Dinesen sets out after her.”

3/20/15-Fairly good critical reviews but weak audience reaction. The full synopsis sounded interesting to me and I’ll try to see it. TRDB.

3) METALHEAD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her brother is killed in a horrific accident for which she blames herself, a young girl in rural Iceland loses herself in heavy metal music. As the years pass, she dreams of rock stardom but ultimately realizes she must find her own voice.”

3/20/15- Excellent professional reviews and good audience ones as well. TRDB.

4) PLEASE BE NORMAL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Struggling playwright Victor and his pregnant girlfriend Mary hope for the best, but their bohemian Brooklyn apartment, an inability to make ends meet and Mary’s rich, meddling father drive Victor to feel trapped — and to do the unthinkable.”

3/20/15- I’ve seen just 1 professional review- from the NY Times- and it’s good. Audiences have not liked this movie at all. TRDB.

5) LA SAPIENZA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to a project abandoned years ago, a successful yet jaded architect travels to Switzerland with his wife for a dose of creative inspiration — and a fresh start. But an encounter with a pair of teenage siblings alters the couple’s plans.”

3/20/15- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

6) THE SECRET OF WATER– 2015.

3/20/15- An anonymous reviewer had this to say– “from the moment life first came into existence upon our planet, it was dependent upon the vitality of water. Over the years, our use and misuse of this precious resource has altered the vital information it carries in unexpected ways. As we consult with prominent scientists, including Konstatin Korotkov and Masaru Emoto, we gain insights into unlocking the secret of water so we can begin restoring vitality and vibrancy to all life on Earth.”

No reviews at present.TRDB.

7) SHE’S LOST CONTROL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While trying to earn her master’s degree in psychology, Ronah works as a sex surrogate, despite her issues with intimacy. But her life begins to fall apart when a new client challenges her need for control and ensnares her in a volatile relationship.”

3/20/15- OK reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

8) SPRING– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Distraught by his mother’s death, Evan makes a sudden decision to visit Europe, choosing Italy as his destination. After arriving, he makes his way to an idyllic seaside town — where a beguiling young woman will forever alter his fate.”

3/20/15- Very good professional reviews and good audience reviews as well. TRDB.

9) THE KIDNAPPING OF MICHEL HOUELLEBECQ– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When French author Michel Houellebecq disappeared for a time during the publicity tour for his newest novel, speculation regarding his fate ran wild. This faux-documentary imagines one explanation: Houellebecq was kidnapped for his own good.”

3/25/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) DANNY COLLINS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Clinging to memories of his 1970s heyday, former rock star Danny Collins gets a wake-up call when his manager finds an unopened 40-year-old missive written to Danny by John Lennon. Newly inspired, Danny decides to reinvent his future.”3/20/15- An interesting premise but poor reviews all around plus I’ve never been an Al Pacino fan. TRDB.

2) CAN’T STAND LOSING YOU– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Iconic rock guitarist Andy Summers reflects on his high-flying years with The Police, including the group’s unlikely origins and its inevitable demise, due to the antagonisms and emotional stress that came with world fame.”

3/20/15 Awful professional reviews but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

3) GROWING UP AND OTHER LIES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As struggling artist Jake prepares to take leave of New York City and return to his hometown, he and three buddies decide to commemorate the occasion by walking the length of Manhattan — but the expedition doesn’t go as planned.”

3/20/15- Awful professional reviews and weak audience reaction. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.

4) LOST AND LOVE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. ” Synopsis by Netflix. “After kidnappers snatch his 2-year-old son, farmer Lei Zekuan spends the next 14 years looking for him. Along the way, Lei meets a young man who was also abducted as a child, and the two form a special bond as they search for their loved ones.”

3/20/15- Despite an interesting idea this movie received weak reviews from critics. Audiences, however, have liked it very much. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

1) QUEEN AND COUNTRY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1952, Bill Rohan’s carefree teenage years are cut short when he’s conscripted for service in the Korean War. At boot camp, Bill soon forges a bond with a fellow draftee: rabble-rousing prankster Percy Hapgood.”2/18/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

2) WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Three roommates deal with the usual give and take of sharing space — but since they’re vampires, things are a bit more complicated. For one thing, they must adapt to contemporary society, not to mention sunlight crises and fang emergencies.”2/13/15- I don’t do Vampires. TRDB.

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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND-

NEW- NONE RECOMMENDED

REPEATS-

1) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR- I saw this one and liked it

2) BEGIN AGAIN- Saw it and liked it

3) CALVARY- I recommend this movie

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) RED ARMY– Bethel.  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.

2) DELI MAN– Bethel.  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Arriving in the United States with 19th-century Jewish immigrants, deli cuisine quickly found its way into the nation’s mainstream appetite. This affectionate documentary celebrates Jewish delicatessens and their place in American history.”3/6/15- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) LA SAPIENZA– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to a project abandoned years ago, a successful yet jaded architect travels to Switzerland with his wife for a dose of creative inspiration — and a fresh start. But an encounter with a pair of teenage siblings alters the couple’s plans.”

3/20/15- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) GETT- THE TRIAL OF VIVIAN ANSELMA– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2005. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this intense courtroom drama, Viviane Amsalem faces an uphill five-year battle as she seeks a divorce from her intractable spouse, who opposes the dissolution of the marriage — and holds all the cards under Israeli law.”2/13/15- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB. 

2/13/15- A very well done drama/expose of the Gett system and the basic denial of woman’s rights that is truly an embarrassment for Israelis. TRDB.

2) TIMBUKTU–  Bethel. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this piercing tale of oppression set in 2012 A, fear grips Timbuktu after the Malian city is seized by Islamic rebels determined to impose their extreme beliefs on the moderate Muslim populace.”

1/30/15- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.

2/9/15- A fascinating drama that really gave the viewer a picture of what it’s like living or trying to live under these circumstances. TRDB.

3) 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 but most of my friends called it “fluff.” TRDB.

4)  SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tracing the artistic path of a singular man, this affectionate documentary examines the life and times of revered piano teacher Seymour Bernstein, who chose teaching and composition over the chance to pursue a career as a concert pianist.”

3/13/15- Excellent reviews from critics but only fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) 3 HEARTS– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a missed train leads to a chance meeting between Marc Beaulieu Sylvie Berger, they agree to reconnect a few days later — but Marc doesn’t make it to  the rendezvous. When he goes looking for Sylvie, he unwittingly falls for her sister.”

3/13/15- Fairly good professional reviews but awful audience reaction. I’d like to see it. TRDB.

6) WILD TALES– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Inequality, injustice and the demands of the world we live in cause stress and depression for many people. Some of them, however, explode. This is a movie about those people. Vulnerable in the face of a reality that shifts and suddenly turns unpredictable, the characters of Wild Tales cross the thin line that divides civilization and barbarism. TRDB.

2/16/15- An article in yesterday’s NY Times about this movie sounds very interesting. The film just won a Golden Bear in Berlin. TRDB.

2/26/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7)  WHIPLASH– 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

8) ’71– 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.

9)  STILL ALICE– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

2/23/15- I thought that this was an excellent movie with very good acting and a really special screenplay. Very scary!! TRDB.

10)  IMITATION GAME– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

11)  AMERICAN SNIPER– 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.

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB