The Reel Dr. Bob

JUNE 18, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

NOTE THE NEW FLORIDA SECTION AT THE END!!

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) FANNY– Netflix Streaming

2) TALKING STICKS– At the Unitarian Church in Westport, CT

3) ROSEWATER– Netflix Streaming

4) THE NUN– Netflix Streaming

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) TALKING STICKS- 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “A musician embarks on a path of musical discovery with the keyboard percussion instruments vibraphone and marimba. Taking us on his inner and outer journeys is Arthur Lipner, one of today’s top players. Learn of the central roles marimba plays in the cultures of Ghana and Mexico. Watch marimbas being made in Ghana, Mexico and USA factories. Hear vibes and marimba with the National Symphony of Brazil, and experience Carnival in streets of Rio. In Norway, Lipner improvises on a xylophone he makes out of ice! A historical perspective of Jazz vibes is interwoven through personal interviews with legendary percussionists Gary Burton, Mike Mainieri and others. Experience extraordinary concert footage, along with fascinating information and Lipner’s inspiring story of global musical connection.”:6/13/15- I saw this movie at the Unitarian Church in Westport, CT and enjoyed it very much. Arthur Lipner was present and played with his group for 45 minutes. This movie has not been released as yet. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) FANNY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her true love sails away, a pregnant young woman who sells seashells marries a much older man to avoid scandal. But when the father of her child returns several months later, a complicated love triangle results.”7/18/14- Reviews have been luke warm- the NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

6/12/15- Fair reviews at best but I enjoyed the movie. I like most of Daniel Auteuil’s work, this time as actor and director. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) ROSEWATER– 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. ” The film marks the directorial debut of “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, and stars Gael García Bernal. Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi’s supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad’s victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC.”

9/17/14- Very good reviews in general. TRDB.

6/15/15- Very well done and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) THE NUN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Forced into a convent, 17-year-old Suzanne Simonin fights for physical and emotional freedom in this adaptation of Denis Diderot’s classic novel.”

6/16/15- I liked this movie very much despite the slow pace. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 23-

1) IF YOU  BUILD IT–  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hoping to renew the economic health of a rural North Carolina town, a designer and architect together create a new kind of high school design class. This documentary records their unique approach to the art of design and the positive results.”6/11/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) STOP THE POUNDING HEART– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This dramatic portrait of a family of devout Christians living in Texas uses non-actors in familiar surroundings to relate an intimate tale. When daughter Sara meets young bull-rider Colby, her emotions bring her into direct conflict with her faith.”

9/19/14- Very good reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) SET FIRE TO THE STARS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he invites Dylan Thomas to America for a series of poetry readings, hidebound academic John M. Brinnin is well aware of the Welshman’s reputation as a hell-raiser. But Brinnin is unprepared for the lengths he’ll have to go to keep Thomas sober.”6/11/13- Fair reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cruising through his senior year, high schooler Greg Gaines spends his free time making parody versions of famous films with his pal Earl. But when Greg’s mother asks him to befriend Rachel, a leukemia patient, his blithe outlook begins to change.”

6/11/15- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) THE YES MEN ARE REVOLTING– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Going by the pseudonyms Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, infamous duo the Yes Men continues to expose company shills and government stooges through phony events and prankster activism — this time focusing on global warming.”

6/11/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) SOAKED IN BLEACH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With mystery still clinging to grunge icon Kurt Cobain’s death, this intriguing docudrama examines the case from the perspective of a private eye hired by Courtney Love to find her husband after he left a rehab facility days before his demise.”

6/11/15- Great audience reviews but no professional ones as yet. TRDB.

5) AN OPEN SECRET– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lifting the veil on a taboo show business subject, this alarming documentary looks beyond the winsome smiles of Hollywood’s child stars to the long history of young actors who’ve been sexually exploited by powerful industry insiders.”

6/12/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

6) THE WOLFPACK– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the heart of Manhattan, Baghavan and Susanne have raised their seven kids with virtually no exposure to the outside world. This startling documentary captures their offspring’s unique views of society — molded largely by films they’ve watched.”

6/12/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) THE SEARCH FOR FREEDOM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set against a backdrop of spectacular action footage, this inspiring documentary delves into the history and human stories behind the acceptance of once-fringe action and extreme sports into mainstream culture.”

6/11/15- I’ve seen only 1 review and it’s miserable. TRDB.

2) CHAGALL-MALEVICH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Regarded as one of history’s most gifted artists, Marc Chagall remains a towering figure in modern art. This dramatized biopic focuses on the young Chagall’s brief — and ultimately antagonistic — association with fellow painter Kazimir Malevich.”

6/12/15- Nearly all of the critics panned this movie but a few said it was “ambitious.” I’d skip it. TRDB.

3) THE 11th. HOUR (I AM HERE)– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told by her doctor that she’s too old to carry a baby to term, successful businesswoman Maria remains determined to become a mom. Driven to desperate measures, she seeks out prostitutes, hoping to find a mother-to-be willing to sell her child.”

6/12/15- Terrible reviews all around for this movie that actually sounded like it could be interesting. TRDB.

4) MADAME BOVARY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this faithful adaptation of Gustave Flaubert’s immortal novel, young Emma Bovary’s passions overwhelm her solemn vows of marriage when the dashing Marquis d’Andervilliers captivates her heart, ultimately leading her down the path to ruin.”

6/12/15- Weak critical review and just OK audience reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) THE YES MEN ARE REVOLTING– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Going by the pseudonyms Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, infamous duo the Yes Men continues to expose company shills and government stooges through phony events and prankster activism — this time focusing on global warming.”6/11/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) TESTAMENT OF YOUTH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this adaptation of her World War I memoir, smart and ambitious Vera Brittain breaks free of her conservative home life to attend Oxford University, but news of war soon brings her studies and a blossoming romance to a halt.”6/5/15- Very good reviews by audiences and by professionals. TRDB.

2) THE WOLFPACK– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the heart of Manhattan, Baghavan and Susanne have raised their seven kids with virtually no exposure to the outside world. This startling documentary captures their offspring’s unique views of society — molded largely by films they’ve watched.”

6/12/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cruising through his senior year, high schooler Greg Gaines spends his free time making parody versions of famous films with his pal Earl. But when Greg’s mother asks him to befriend Rachel, a leukemia patient, his blithe outlook begins to change.”

6/11/15- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) IRIS– Bethel. 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.

2) LOVE AND MERCY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk.  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid biopic traces the winding path of Brian Wilson, creator of the Beach Boys’ unique sound. Battling mental illness, Wilson traded stardom for an isolated existence in the 1960s but returned to the stage in the ’80s after taming his demons.”6/2/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6/9/15- I liked this movie very much. The acting and the music were great. TRDB.

3) I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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 this movie and for Blythe Danner as well. TRDB.

5/30/15- A delightful comedy/romance movie with a very good and accurate script. Blythe Danner was wonderful. TRDB.

4) FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD– 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.

5) WOMAN IN GOLD– Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

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A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) LOVE AND MERCY–  I liked this movie very much. The acting and, of course, the music were great. TRDB.

2) I’LL SEE YOU IN  MY DREAMS– A delightful comedy/romance movie with a very good and accurate script. Blythe Danner was wonderful. TRDB.

3) 5 TO 7- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “An aspiring young novelist finds his conservative beliefs about love and relationships tested when a chance encounter outside a New York City hotel leads to an intense affair with a French diplomat’s beautiful wife.”4/3/15- Fairly good critical review and very good audience reaction. TRDB.

4/12/15- I enjoyed this romantic movie that effectively brought out some of the important differences between French and U.S. customs and mores. TRDB.

4) GEMMA BOVARY– Weak critical review and just OK audience reviews. TRDB.

B) THE STONZEK THEATER-

1) TU DORS NICOLE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her parents leave her at home while they embark on a summer holiday, 22-year-old Nicole is enjoying a peaceful and aimless life when her rocker brother, Remi, and his mates arrive with plans to turn the house into a recording studio.”5/30/15- Great professional reviews and fairly good audience reviews as well. TRDB.

2) WELCOME TO NEW YORK– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Modeled on the real-life scandal involving French statesman Dominique Strauss-Kahn, this cautionary drama of politics and lust tracks the fate of a powerful public figure whose reputation begins to crumble after he’s accused of raping a hotel maid.”6/16/15- Fairly good professional reviews but awful audience ones. TRDB.

C) THE LIVING ROOM THEATER-

1) 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.

2) LOVE AND MERCY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid biopic traces the winding path of Brian Wilson, creator of the Beach Boys’ unique sound. Battling mental illness, Wilson traded stardom for an isolated existence in the 1960s but returned to the stage in the ’80s after taming his demons.”

6/2/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6/9/15- I liked this movie very much. The acting and, of course, the music were great. TRDB. At the Theater.

3) ABOUT ELLY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After years abroad, Ahmad (Shahab Hosseini) returns to his native Iran to recover from his recent divorce, where he joins some old pals on a trip to the Caspian Sea. His friend also invites Elly (Taraneh Alidoosti), a young teacher who may be the cure for Ahmad’s broken heart. But when Elly mysteriously disappears, the group is forced to review their actions to figure out what happened to her in this thoughtful Iranian drama.”6/17/15- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

4) THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN– 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.

5) GEMMA BOVARY– Weak critical review and just OK audience reviews. TRDB.