The Reel Dr. Bob

JULY 2, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE-

www.thereeldrbob.com–

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE– Netflix Streaming

2) ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL- At the Theater

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) 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.

7/1/15- Very well done and even funny at times, the movie handles a complex situation with finesse. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

1) WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This epic documentary of legendary recording artist and civil rights activist Nina Simone uses rare concert footage and her most memorable songs, along with diaries, letters, and interviews with Nina’s daughter, friends and collaborators, to tell the story of this beloved singer and black power icon. In “What Happened, Miss Simone?” Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus creates an unforgettable portrait of this iconic, controversial artist.”6/24/15- Fairly good reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

6/30/15- An excellent documentary about a special person. The music was great as well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) IN HARMS WAY– 1965. Synopsis by Netflix. “This World War II epic focuses on the effect the Pearl Harbor attack had on military lives. After a failed counterstrike on the Japanese, Capt. Torrey gets shore duty, finds love with a nurse, reconciles with his son and is finally sent back to sea.”

7/1/15– Starring John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Patricia Neal plus many others. I’ve seen this a few times before and never thought it was worth nearly 3 hours of my time. I still don’t. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 7-

 1) 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.

2) WOMAN IN GOLD– 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.

3) ALEX OF VENICE–  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by her husband’s abrupt departure, hard-driving attorney Alex must try to pick up the pieces of her life as best she can. With an important case looming and a son and father to look out for, Alex is forced to reappraise her priorities.”4/17/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4/17/15- An enjoyable light drama with fun characters and good acting The sum of the scenes was even better than the entire movie. TRDB.

4) DELI MAN– 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.

5) ECHOES OF WAR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Upon returning to his Texas home after the Civil War, ex-soldier Wade Riley becomes entangled in the battle between his family of animal trappers and Randolph McCluskey, a cattle rancher whose men have been stealing animals from the Rileys’ traps.”5/15/15- Poor reviews by critics but audiences have liked it very much. I’ll give it a try. TRDB.

6) 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. 

7) MERCHANTS OF DOUBT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This revealing documentary examines the network of scientific “experts” paid by major corporations to spread disinformation about looming environmental threats, including chemical pollution and global climate change.”

3/6/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8) COOPER AND HEMINGWAY: THE TRUE GEN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrating the friendship between renowned actor Gary Cooper and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, this absorbing documentary traces their sometimes contentious bond that lasted until their deaths a few weeks apart in 1961.”

10/11/13- Very few reviews but the NY Times liked it. TRDB.

9) ZERO MOTIVATION– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Serving out their required term in the military, a collection of young Israeli soldiers are posted to a desolate base in the middle of the desert. As their collective boredom mounts, personal frictions begin to surface among the all-female company.”

An Israeli military comedy that reminded me of MASH with the absurdity of war as a backdrop. I enjoyed it. 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.

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.

3) GERONTOPHILIA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 18-year-old Lake realizes that he’s attracted to much older men, he starts working at a senior citizens home, where he begins a tender romance with a former actor. But the lovers must hit the road when their affair causes consternation.”5/1/15- Generally poor reviews but a few critics thought it was excellent. The NY Times did not like it. I might give this one a try. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

1) FRESH DRESSED– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just as hip-hop music transformed the entertainment world, the genre has left its mark on the fashion industry. This stylish documentary takes a look at a generation of designers who turned youth culture into a billion-dollar business.”

6/26/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) RUNOFF– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her husband’s health and business failing, Betty Freeman is forced to take on a host of burdens — including preventing foreclosure of the family’s rural Kentucky home. Before long, she learns that desperate times require desperate measures.”

6/26/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) BATKID BEGINS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “On November 15, 2013, young leukemia patient Miles Scott got his wish to become Batman when San Francisco transformed itself into Gotham City to become Miles’s playground — a singular act of charity that became an Internet sensation.”

6/26/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) A BOROWED IDENTITY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brought up in Israel, a bright young Arab admitted to a top-tier boarding school in Jerusalem struggles to blend in with his Jewish classmates. Finding himself pulled in two directions, he faces a life-altering choice regarding his identity.”

6/26/15- Very good reviews for this movie. TRDB.

5) GLASS CHIN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his boxing career in sharp decline, Bud Gordon relies on a shady restaurant owner to recover his self-respect and financial stability. But the decision turns out to be disastrous when Gordon is wrongly blamed for a murder.”

6/26/15- Very good professional reviews but weak audience ones. I’d give it a try. TRDB.

6) A MURDER IN THE PARK– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This arresting documentary chronicles a murder case that made headlines in 1999 when Alstory Simon’s confession led to the release of death-row inmate Anthony Porter, who was convicted of the crime. But his exoneration has been called into question.”

6/26/15- Good reviews from critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) MALA MALA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nine members of the LGBT community in Puerto Rico recount their efforts to accept and embrace their true sexual identities in this witty social documentary highlighting the island’s dynamic and diverse transgender culture.”

7/1/15- Very good reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) MAX– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting drama based on real events, military dog Max is adopted by the family of his trainer, who was killed in Afghanistan. Besides helping the family overcome their grief, Max’s arrival provides new clues about the soldier’s death.”

6/26/15- Weak critical review but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

2) ADVANTAGEOUS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When age threatens her job as spokesperson for a radical procedure that offers lasting youth, a single mom faces a difficult decision to undergo the treatment — a sacrifice that may forever alter her but will secure her daughter’s future.”

6/26/15- Professional critics liked it but audiences did not. I’m not into sci-fi. TRDB.

3) BIG GAME– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. ” In the rugged countryside of Finland, a young thirteen-year-old (Onni Tommila) embarks on a traditional quest to prove himself by spending twenty-four hours alone in the wild, armed with only a bow and arrow. After witnessing a spectacular crash, he discovers the escape pod from Air Force One, containing the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson). When they realize a group of kidnappers is hot on their trail with the intention of taking the president, this unlikely duo must escape their hunters as they search for the American Special Forces team sent out to find them.”

6/26/15- Some ridiculous reviews by critics and audiences did not care for it. My guess is that I wouldn’t either. TRDB.

4) ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While visiting his brother on Colombia’s idyllic Pacific coast, young surfer Nick falls in love with a woman named Maria — only to discover that she’s the niece of notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.”

6/26/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

5) FELT- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an effort to escape the overwhelming pain of sexual trauma from her past, a haunted artist crafts bizarre costumes that help her disappear into various alter egos — whose behavior is unpredictable.”

6/26/15- Weak critical review and poor audience reviews. TRDB.

6) THE LITTLE DEATH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a typical suburban neighborhood, the veil over four couples’ personal lives are pulled aside to reveal their erotic fetishes, including a woman turned on by tears, a couple’s out-of-control experimentation and phone sex for the hearing impaired.”

6/26/15- Weak reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) THE MIDNIGHT SWIM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Amelia Brooks dives into the deep waters of Spirit Lake and never resurfaces, her three daughters go there together to hunt for an explanation. Instead, the mysteries of the lake only grow deeper once the women arrive.”

6/26/15- Fairly good reviews although the movie sounds stupid to me. TRDB.

8) THE PRINCESS OF FRANCE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his father’s death, theater director Victor returns to Buenos Aires to helm a radio version of a Shakespeare comedy, which attracts the interest of several actresses who have been — or hope to be — amorously involved with him.”

6/26/15- Decent reviews by critics, mostly for mood and language rather than drama alone. Audiences have given this movie terrible ratings. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON DEMAND-

NEW-

1) FRESH DRESSED– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just as hip-hop music transformed the entertainment world, the genre has left its mark on the fashion industry. This stylish documentary takes a look at a generation of designers who turned youth culture into a billion-dollar business.”6/26/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2)  WOMAN IN GOLD– 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.

REPEATS-

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

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his wife heads to New York for an 18-month job, bipolar Harvard dropout Cameron is left to care for their two daughters. Struggling with his illness, Cameron brings his innate creativity — and love of his children — to the challenge.”6/19/15- Very good reviews from audiences and critics alike. TRDB.

2) THE OVERNIGHT– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Transplants from Seattle, Alex and Emily feel like fish out of water in Los Angeles until a meeting at a park leads to a play date for their son and a dinner date for them. But they soon discover that their hosts have more in mind than friendship.”

6/15/15- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, 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.

2) LOVE & 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) ME, EARL AND THE DYING GIRL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 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.

7/1/15- Very well done and even funny at times, the movie handles a complex situation with finesse. TRDB.

4) 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.

6/24/15- About young love and the realities of war. Very well acted and I liked it very much. TRDB.

5) 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.

6/19/15- This documentary proves once again that the truth is stranger than fiction. Nobody could make this up. The film was very different, creative and disturbing but definitely worth seeing. TRDB.

5) A LITTLE CHAOS– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When headstrong landscape designer Sabine De Barra is chosen to work on the gardens of King Louis XIV’s opulent new palace at Versailles, she finds herself at odds with the project’s famed chief architect — and thrust into a web of court intrigue.”

6/23/15- Weak reviews. TRDB.

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A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

New films have reviews-

1) A LITTLE CHAOS- Weak reviews

2) LOVE & MERCY– I liked it very much

3) TESTAMENT OF YOUTH– I really liked this movie

4) 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.

B) STONZEK THEATER– Lake Worth Playhouse

1) A PIDGEON SAT ON A BRANCH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Connecting a succession of absurdist vignettes through running jokes and a pair of unsuccessful traveling salesmen, director Roy Andersson wraps up his comic existential trilogy about being human.”6/3/15- Excellent reviews except for 1 reviewer who said that it was “absurdism to the point of incoherence.” TRDB.

2) 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.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER– In Boca Raton

1) A LITTLE CHAOS– Weak reviews

2) TESTAMENT OF YOUTH- Very good reviews by audiences and by professionals. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

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 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.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

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