The Reel Dr. Bob

APRIL 30, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

AS A NEW FEATURE I WILL INCLUDE THE FILMS SHOWING AT THE “MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH” IN LAKE WORTH (Lake Worth Rd.) AND AT THE “LIVING ROOM THEATERS” IN BOCA RATON WHENEVER POSSIBLE!!!

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) BESIDE STILL WATERS– Netflix

2) TRACKS– Netflix Streaming

3) LET’S GO- At the Theater as part of the Westchester Jewish Film Festival

4) THE DOVE FLYER– At the Theater as part of the Westchester Jewish Film Festival

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) LET’S GO– 2015. Synopsis by The Hollywood Reporter- “German filmmaker Michael Verhoeven has long revealed a preoccupation with his country’s past in such acclaimed films as The White Rose and The Nasty Girl. The trend continues with his adaptation of Laura Waco‘s autobiographical novel about her upbringing at the hands of her concentration camp survivor parents who made the decision to remain in Germany after the war. An insightful examination of German-Jewish identity, Let’s Go! is also a probing family drama that well merits international arthouse exposure. Originally produced for German television, the film was recently showcased at the New York Jewish Film Festival.4/28/15- I enjoyed this movie very much and highly recommend it if you are able to find it. Seen as part of the Westchester Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.2) THE DOVE FLYER– 2015. Synopsis taken from JBFC website. “Kabi is a young man coming of age in the brutal and chaotic Baghdad of the 1950s. Under pressure by local authorities, he and his family must make the gut-wrenching decision to stay in their homeland or to flee to the newly created state of Israel. Based on a novel, this is a beautifully rendered, rare look at the tumultuous postwar period and its violent dismantling of Jewish communities in the Middle East.”

4/29/15- Another very heavy movie from the Westchester Jewish Film Festival 2015, this was a history lesson as well as a drama about a community and a family. A bit confusing for me (and for the people I attended with) but we all enjoyed the movie very much. The movie was originally called “Farewell Baghdad.” TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) BESIDE STILL WATERS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by losing his parents in a car crash, Daniel Thatcher is upset when none of his friends attends the funeral. Looking for closure, he insists that they come to a memorial celebration in the family home, leading to a night of reminiscences.”11/14/14- Mixed reviews from critics. Audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.4/23/15- Despite a few goofy scenes this movie had something to say and I liked it very much TRDB.

2) TRACKS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mia Wasikowska is affecting as adventurer Robyn Davidson, who crossed the Australian desert alone — and on foot — in 1977. Drawn from Davidson’s memoir, this drama depicts her arduous journey and explores her reasons for undertaking it.”

8/18/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4/23/15- It’s not easy to make a drama about walking across the desert alone interesting but this drama does just that. Definitely recommended. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 5-

1) SPARE PARTS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “The journey of 4 undocumented Mexican-American high school students from Phoenix, AZ who form a robotics club and are led by their teacher with nothing but spare parts and a dream to compete against MIT in a National Underwater Robotics Competition.”1/16/15- Weak critical review but audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.2) MR. TURNER– 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.

3) 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. 

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.

4) THE KILL TEAM– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This jarring documentary spotlights the 2010 killings of Afghani civilians by U.S. troops, and the fate of one GI who tried to expose the crimes. Once Specialist Adam Winfield reports the events, he becomes another target of the Army’s investigation.”

7/8/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11/22/14- This was an excellent documentary that everybody should see! TRDB.

5) AMIRA & SAM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still struggling to readjust to American culture, Iraq War veteran Sam visits his former translator and is mesmerized by the man’s attractive niece, Amira. But if Sam wants to capture her heart, he must first find a way to prevent her deportation.”

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

6) 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.

1) 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.2) LOVE, ROSIE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Best friends from the time they were tykes, Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart remain close as adults. Although each takes a different partner, an intimate attachment between them lingers — one that could dramatically affect the course of their lives.”

2/6/15- Awful professional reviews and weak audience ones. TRDB.

3) THE LAST 5 YEARS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Telling their story through song, novelist Jamie and his actress wife Cathy retrace the blossoming and decay of their five-year romance from opposite ends of the timeline and meeting in the middle — with Jamie’s marriage proposal.”

2/13/15- Fair reviews from critics and audiences but the timelines here sound very interesting. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) THE AGE OF ADALINE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 29-year-old Adaline recovers from a nearly lethal accident, she inexplicably stops growing older. As the years stretch on and on, Adaline keeps her secret to herself — till she meets a man who changes her life.”

4/21/15- OK reviews but it sounds awful to me.

2) BECAUSE I WAS A PAINTER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Nazi Germany’s hellish concentration camps, many inmates secretly composed drawings and sketches of their grim circumstances. While some view the preserved art as inspirational, others see only the grisly artifacts of human suffering.”4/24/15- Good reviews, especially from critics. TRDB.3) BODY AND SOUL: THE STATE OF THE JEWISH NATION– 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This documentary investigates the connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel from a historical perspective.”

4/24/15- Very good early reviews. TRDB.

4) GARDENERS OF EDEN– 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Africa’s elephants are hurtling towards extinction to fuel the worldwide ivory trade. While conservationists howl and corrupt governments fail to address the ongoing slaughter, one brave family has been working for decades to stem the tide, one elephant at a time. This is a gripping, first-person experience inside the operations of Kenya’s David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.”

4/24/15- Just 2 reviews– both very positive for what sounds like a very good documentary. TRDB.

5) THE GREAT MUSEUM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary reveals the day-to-day operations at a prominent Vienna museum, from curating and restoration to budgets and marketing. Cameras follow employees as they do their part in keeping the museum running and preserving a cultural legacy.”

4/24/15- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

6) THE WATER DIVINER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following the carnage of the Gallipoli campaign, an Australian farmer travels from his home Down Under to the battlefields of Turkey in an attempt to find his three sons, all of whom went missing during the conflict.”

4/21/15- More good reviews than poor although nearly all of the good ones had something negative to add. I’d take a chance. TRDB.

7) 24 DAYS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2006, the shocking abduction and torture of young Jewish man Ilan Halimi in Paris set emotions aflame on the issue of anti-Semitism and the alleged inability of police investigators to comprehend the true motivations behind Ilan’s abduction.”

4/24/15- OK reviews by critics but audiences have not liked this movie at all. TRDB.

8) IRIS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “At 93, fashion legend Iris Apfel is clearly still at the top of her game — supervising the dress selections for a tour, advising models and negotiating with buyers — in this affectionate documentary by Albert Maysles, himself an octogenarian.”

4/29/15- Excellent reviews by all critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.

9) SOUL BOYS OF THE WESTERN WORLD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Formed in 1978 by five blue-collar London lads, Spandau Ballet set the pace for pop music in the 1980s, capturing the electronic beat of the times. This nostalgic documentary produced 30 years later spotlights the band’s memories of the era.”

4/29/15- Fairly good reviews from both audiences and critics. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) ADULT BEGINNERS– 2015. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When what was to be a major business coup turns into a financial disaster, penniless entrepreneur Jake decamps from Manhattan and lands on his sister’s doorstep in suburbia — where he ends up as nanny to his 3-year-old nephew.4/24/15- Poor reviews from most critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.2) THE FORGER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his son dying from cancer, art forger and prison inmate Ray Cutter is desperate to share some time with him. A local mobster offers to arrange Ray’s early release — but only if he copies a priceless painting and switches it with the original.”

4/24/15- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

3) JUST BEFORE I GO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Courteney Cox makes her directorial bow with this darkly comic feature about Ted Morgan, a man contemplating suicide — but not before revisiting his hometown. As he begins to attack his bucket list, he soon realizes he’s not the only one suffering.”

4/24/15- Terrible reviews by the professionals but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

4) LITTLE BOY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “An 8-year-old boy with developmental challenges is devastated when his devoted father — and lone friend — is drafted during World War II. With his dad out of the picture, the youngster is determined to fight the bullies who torment him at school.”

4/21/15- Awful reviews. TRDB.

5) MISERY LOVES COMEDY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Entertainment industry lore suggests that comics and other funny showbiz folks are often sad or bitter in their personal lives. This engaging documentary explores that belief through candid interviews with Tom Hanks, Martin Short and more.”

4/24/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

6) WA-SHOKU: BEYOND SUSHI– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring interviews with well-known top chefs and culinary connoisseurs, this delicious documentary explores the history of traditional Japanese cuisine, from its origins to its rapid rise in popularity throughout the world.”

4/24/15- Just 4 reviews noted– 1 up and 3 down. TRDB.

7) BLACKBIRD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Even as Mississippi teen Randy Rousseau maintains a virtuous lifestyle, he’s troubled by dreams and daydreams that eventually lead to the realization that he’s gay, bringing him into direct conflict with his conservative Baptist upbringing.”

4/27/15- Poor critical review but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- Week of May 1–May 7

1) DIOR AND I- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Asked to fill the shoes of iconic designer John Galliano, Raf Simons is given two months to prepare his inaugural fashion collection for Christian Dior in this behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure world of haute couture.”4/10/15- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION– 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. 

MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) DANNY COLLINS– OK reviews. I don’t like Al Pacino

2) WOMAN IN GOLD– Everybody I know liked this movie despite weak reviews

3) TRUE STORY– Probably worth seeing- OK reviews

4) THE AGE OF ADALINE– Fair reviews

5) THE CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA– I saw this one and liked it

 

LIVING ROOM THEATERS- I’ll recommend 3 out of the 6 movies playing there

1) THE CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA- I enjoyed this movie- Juliette Binoche was great

2) GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANNE AMSELEM- I liked this movie very much

3) WILD TALES- Very creative and highly recommended

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) SOUL BOYS OF THE WESTERN WORLD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Formed in 1978 by five blue-collar London lads, Spandau Ballet set the pace for pop music in the 1980s, capturing the electronic beat of the times. This nostalgic documentary produced 30 years later spotlights the band’s memories of the era.”4/29/15- Fairly good reviews from both audiences and critics. TRDB.

2) MOMMY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Diane Després is a flamboyant middle-aged widow and mother to Steve, an adolescent with severe emotional and behavioral problems. As Diane struggles with Steve’s radical mood swings, she begins receiving help from a solicitous new neighbor.”1/23/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) FELIX & MEIRA– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After their lives intersect at a Montreal pizzeria, a stifled young Hasidic wife and an atheist grappling with his father’s demise embark on a tentative romance that must bridge their two disparate worlds.”4/17/15- Fairly good reviews. This movie was shown at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival and is being held over from that event. TRDB.2) THE SALT OF THE EARTH– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “As this artfully crafted documentary proves, legendary Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado has created a spectacular body of work during his long career, capturing both the planet’s stunning beauty and humankind’s heartbreaking atrocities.”

12/12/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) DANNY COLLINS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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) DIOR AND I- Bethel. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Asked to fill the shoes of iconic designer John Galliano, Raf Simons is given two months to prepare his inaugural fashion collection for Christian Dior in this behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure world of haute couture.”4/10/15- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) EX MACHINA– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After winning a chance to spend a week at his boss’s Alaskan compound, tech whiz Caleb Smith finds he’s been selected to help evaluate a sentient humanoid dubbed Ava — whose feminine wiles prove more formidable than expected.4/10/15- Good reviews for this strange sounding movie. TRDB.

4) WOMAN IN GOLD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Six decades after World War II, Jewish octogenarian Maria Altmann begins a quest to reclaim the artwork confiscated from her family by the Nazis — including a famed Gustav Klimt masterpiece.”4/1/15- Poor reviews!! Everyone I know who has seen this has loved it!! TRDB.5) CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Twenty years after her breakthrough role as a young woman who beguiles and ultimately destroys her mentor, Maria Enders is invited — in an ironic twist — to play the part of the older woman in a stage production of the same drama.”

4/10/15- Excellent reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

4/20/15- Very well acted- Juliette Binoche was wonderful- and an interesting story make for an enjoyable viewing.

6) WHILE WE’RE YOUNG– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentary filmmaker Josh Srebnick is up against a creative wall when he meets an attractive and quirky young couple, Jamie and Darby, who bring new vigor and energy to the lives of Josh and his wife — until a professional conflict arises.”

3/27/15– Mostly good professional reviews– the NY Times gave it a good review with some qualifications. Audiences have been luke warm to the film. TRDB.

4/12/15- Overall I’ll give this movie a passing grade but I was not overly impressed. Come in mid-way and see the better second half. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB