The Reel Dr. Bob

MAY 28, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) GOOD KILL– Comcast On-Demand

2) MISS AND THE DOCTORS (SAY AHH)- Netflix Streaming

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) LEVIATHAN– 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.

5/21/15- This movie, Russia’s candidate for the Best Foreign Film for the 2015 Academy Awards, received super reviews but I can’t believe that. While not without merit, one reviewer said the movie was one big Russian stereotypical problem after another (booze, corruption etc). and I could not agree more. Way too long also. P.S.- it didn’t win. TRDB. Netflix.

2) SLOW WEST– 2015. “A 16-year-old boy (Smit-McPhee) heads west on a journey across 19th Century frontier America in search of the woman he loves. He encounters a mysterious traveler named Silas (Fassbender) who protects him from the savage elements and outlaws in a lawless land, but is Silas really watching out for him¿or tied to the band of thieves tracking their every step?”

5/15/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5/23/15- Slow, slow like the title only slower. A meandering western that could have been much better in my book. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

3) GOOD KILL- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sitting in an operations facility 7,000 miles away, U.S. Air Force pilot Tommy Egan directs strikes from an armed drone deployed over Afghanistan. But eventually, the moral quandaries raised by Egan’s job begin to gnaw at his psyche.”

5/15/15- Good reviews by the critics. The NY Times liked it but the WSJ did not. Audiences were divided. TRDB.

5/26/15- Basically a fairly weak script but the visuals and the “anti-war” messages make the film enjoyable. Ethan Hawke was very good– the women leads not so good. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

4) MISS AND THE DOCTORS (aka “Say Ahh”)- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Things get dicey between two doctors, who are also brothers, when they both fall for the single mother of one of their patients.”

5/26/15- A good story and superb acting made this movie very enjoyable. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 2-

1) 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.

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.

Not Recommended–

1) CAMP X-RAY–  2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fresh Army recruit Amy Cole is assigned to Guantanamo Bay’s Camp X-Ray, where she forms a surprising bond with one of the prisoners in her charge. For Cole, who is routinely harassed by the detainees, the man’s friendship is a welcome change.”10/17/14- Just OK reviews from critics and audiences including a few very negative ones. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST WEEK-

Recommended-

1) THE FAREWELL PARTY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inventor Yehezkel lives at a facility for the elderly, where he comes up with gadgets to assist his fellow seniors. When neighbor Max asks him to build a machine that will enable Max to take his own life, Yehezkel must decide whether to oblige.”5/22/15- Fairly good reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

2) WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A lonely city girl with chronic asthma, Anna Sasaki is sent to spend the summer with relatives in a seaside town where the air is clean. Before long, Anna makes friends with a mysterious girl living in a deserted villa — but is she real or a dream?”

5/22/15- Very good reviews for this animated film. TRDB.

3) SUNSHINE SUPERMAN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Obsessed with skydiving since childhood, Carl Boenish pioneered foot-launched human flight — aka BASE jumping — as chronicled in this fascinating documentary. Footage of Boenish’s earliest feats includes his famed leap from Yosemite’s El Capitan.”

5/22/15- Generally good reviews with a few noted exceptions. TRDB.

4) (DIS)HONESTY: THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “From little white lies to earth-shattering deceits, this documentary explores how and why human beings lie. Interviews with psychologists, behavioral scientists and liars themselves reveal much about the impetus and impacts of fibbing.”

5/22/15- Critics gave this movie fairly good reviews and audiences liked it very much. Sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

5) SOMETHING BETTER TO COME– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shedding a harsh light on the lives of Russia’s poorest citizens, this grimly affecting documentary depicts the seemingly hopeless existence of a family living on the Svalka, a colossal waste dump on the outskirts of Moscow.”

5/22/15- Very few reviews but they are overwhelmingly positive for this documentary. TRDB.

6) SEEDS OF TIME– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Sandy McLeod trains a thought-provoking lens on agricultural scientist Cary Fowler as he traverses the globe on a mission to preserve and stockpile seeds that may someday avert a worldwide famine.”

5/22/15- OK reviews. TRDB.

7) LOVE AT FIRST FIGHT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he meets the intense, muscular and beautiful Madeleine Beaulieu on France’s southwest coast, mild-mannered Arnaud Labrède becomes obsessed with her — so much so that when she signs up for a military training course, he follows suit.”

5/22/15- A wide spectrum from fair to good reviews- mostly good, however. TRDB.

8) THE JAPANESE DOG– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having lost his wife and seen his entire world obliterated by a flood, Costache Moldu receives a visit from his long-estranged son, Ticu, whose 21st-century lifestyle proves to be as incompatible as ever with his father’s simple tastes.”

5/22/15- Just 4 reviews noted– 3 positive, including the NY Times and 1 negative. TRDB.

9) GUIDELINES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through discussions between errant students, teachers and guidance counselors at a rural Quebec high school, this pensive documentary looks at the challenges the teens face and education’s role in helping them navigate the winding path to adulthood.”

5/26/15- Just a few reviews so far and they are good. TRDB.

10) WELCOME TO THIS HOUSE: A FILM ON ELIZABETH BISHOP– 2015. Synopsis by IMDB. ” Welcome To This House, a feature documentary film on the homes and loves of poet Elizabeth Bishop, is about life in the shadows, and the anxiety of art making without full lesbian disclosure.”

5/26/15- Few reviews but this movie sounds interesting. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) ALOFT- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Twenty years after their traumatic separation, Nana and the son she abandoned have an intense reunion, surrounded by a dizzying landscape. The dialogue between the estranged mother and son changes both their lives in this tragedy-driven drama.”5/22/15- Terrible critical review and audiences just so-so. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) GOOD KILL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sitting in an operations facility 7,000 miles away, U.S. Air Force pilot Tommy Egan directs strikes from an armed drone deployed over Afghanistan. But eventually, the moral quandaries raised by Egan’s job begin to gnaw at his psyche.”5/15/15- Good reviews by the critics. The NY Times liked it but the WSJ did not. Audiences were divided. TRDB.

5/26/15- Basically a fairly weak script but the visuals and the “anti-war” messages make the film enjoyable. Ethan Hawke was very good– the women leads not so good. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) 5 FLIGHTS UP-  I enjoyed this comedy/drama

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) ALOHA– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to Hawaii to coordinate the launch of a revolutionary weapons satellite, defense contractor Brian Gilcrest reconnects with an old flame. Before long, however, he’s distracted by the alluring Air Force officer assigned to be his escort.”

5/26/15- No reviews but plenty of hype. The jury’s still out. TRDB.

2) I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her well-ordered life thrown out of balance by the death of her beloved canine companion, aging widow Carol Petersen — who hasn’t dated in 20 years — unexpectedly finds herself involved with two very different men.”5/15/15- Excellent reviews for the movie and for Blythe Danner as well. TRDB.

3) THE CONNECTION– Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Pierre Michel goes from serving as a court magistrate to investigating the Marseille crime cartel that controls the city’s heroin trade. In the process, he becomes obsessed with bringing down the operation’s powerful and feared leader, Gaëtan Zampa.”

5/15/15- Weak reviews in general. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) 5 FLIGHTS UP– Bethel. 2015.  Synopsis by Netflix. “Married for four decades, New Yorkers Ruth and Alex have had a wonderful life together — most of it spent in their cherished Brooklyn walk-up. But now that it’s time to sell, the universe seems determined to thwart them.”5/5/15- Reviews were more negative than positive but I did read a more extensive review and I will recommend the movie. TRDB.

5/18/15- A delightful drama/comedy starring Morgan Freeman, Diane Keaton and Cynthia Nixon, all of whom play very well with each other. TRDB.

2) FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this period drama based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, winsome Bathsheba Everdene wins the hearts of three disparate men: sheep farmer Gabriel Oak, dashing soldier Frank Troy and William Boldwood, a moneyed older man.”5/1/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

3) WOMAN IN GOLD– Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

4) IN THE NAME OF MY DAUGHTER– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving a soured marriage behind, Agnès Le Roux returns home to live with her mother, who owns a casino. Before long, Agnes begins a fateful romance with her mother’s closest adviser, the conniving Maurice Agnelet — and then vanishes into thin air.”

5/15/15- Poor reviews for this drama with a cast that includes Catherine DeNeuve. TRDB.

5) THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Allan Karlsson caps off his long and colorful life by escaping from his nursing home on his 100th birthday. In short order, he comes into a possession of a suitcase stuffed with cash. With his new friend Julius, Allan decides to take it on the lam.”

5/8/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

5/16/15- This movie was a big hit in Sweden but for me and for many critics it seemed ridiculous. There were a few funny scenes. TRDB.

6) GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM– Jacob Burns. 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.

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH- On Lake Worth Rd.

1) ALOHA–  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to Hawaii to coordinate the launch of a revolutionary weapons satellite, defense contractor Brian Gilcrest reconnects with an old flame. Before long, however, he’s distracted by the alluring Air Force officer assigned to be his escort.”

2) IN THE NAME OF MY DAUGHTER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving a soured marriage behind, Agnès Le Roux returns home to live with her mother, who owns a casino. Before long, Agnes begins a fateful romance with her mother’s closest adviser, the conniving Maurice Agnelet — and then vanishes into thin air.”5/15/15- Poor reviews for this drama with a cast that includes Catherine DeNeuve. TRDB.

3) THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Allan Karlsson caps off his long and colorful life by escaping from his nursing home on his 100th birthday. In short order, he comes into a possession of a suitcase stuffed with cash. With his new friend Julius, Allan decides to take it on the lam.”5/8/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

5/16/15- This movie was a big hit in Sweden but for me and for many critics it seemed ridiculous. There were a few funny scenes. TRDB.

4) 5 FLIGHTS UP- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Married for four decades, New Yorkers Ruth and Alex have had a wonderful life together — most of it spent in their cherished Brooklyn walk-up. But now that it’s time to sell, the universe seems determined to thwart them.”5/5/15- Reviews were more negative than positive but I did read a more extensive review and I will recommend the movie. TRDB.

5/18/15- A delightful drama/comedy starring Morgan Freeman, Diane Keaton and Cynthia Nixon, all of whom play very well with each other. TRDB.

5) FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this period drama based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, winsome Bathsheba Everdene wins the hearts of three disparate men: sheep farmer Gabriel Oak, dashing soldier Frank Troy and William Boldwood, a moneyed older man.”5/1/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

B) STONZEK THEATER- LAKE AVE. in Downtown Lake Worth

1) WHILE WE’RE YOUNG– 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.

2) THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED–  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Allan Karlsson caps off his long and colorful life by escaping from his nursing home on his 100th birthday. In short order, he comes into a possession of a suitcase stuffed with cash. With his new friend Julius, Allan decides to take it on the lam.”5/8/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

5/16/15- This movie was a big hit in Sweden but for me and for many critics it seemed ridiculous. There were a few funny scenes. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER- in Boca

1) IN THE NAME OF MY DAUGHTER– Poor reviews for this drama with a cast that includes Catherine DeNeuve.

2) SAINT LAURENT– Weak reviews all around.

3) DIOR AND I- Good reviews for this documentary

4) FELIX & MEIRA– I liked this one very much

5) THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN– I did not care for this one at all

6) SLOW WEST– The movie was slower than the title- bring pajamas

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB