The Reel Dr. Bob

 JULY 23, 2016

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) VERONICA– Netflix Streaming

2) FAULTS- Netflix Streaming

3) TRAINWRECK– At the Theater

4) AMY– At the Theater

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) TRAINWRECK- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Single and successful, Amy has no intention of settling down — or even going on a second date — until she meets the subject of her next magazine piece, a handsome doctor. Confronted with a real-life good guy, she begins to reconsider bachelorhood.”7/14/15- Very good critical reviews. TRDB.

7/20/15- I really enjoyed this movie- funny and poignant. TRDB.

2) AMY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though singer Amy Winehouse released only two albums during her brief and stormy career, she left an indelible mark on pop music. This affecting documentary recounts her meteoric rise to fame and the addictions that ended her life at age 27.”

7/3/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/21/15- A well done documentary about a troubled jazz singer. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) VERONICA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After graduating from medical school, Verônica begins her residency at a city hospital. But her heart isn’t in it, and she plunges into an existential crisis that’s exacerbated by an unfulfilling relationship and her father’s worsening health.”7/18/15- Good Brazilian music and some fine cinematography trump the story itself but make this film worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) FAULTS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Desperate to free their daughter Claire from a cult, her parents hire deprogramming expert Ansel Roth, despite his checkered reputation. Roth kidnaps Claire and holds her captive in a motel room, but his real challenge has barely begun.”

3/6/15- Generally good reviews from both critics and audiences with a few very negative ones thrown in as well. TRDB.

7/19/15- This movie, more like a play, was very interesting as the whole idea of control unfolded between the characters.  I liked it but I enjoyed many of the scenes more than the entire movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) MARFA GIRL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this sexually charged coming-of-age drama, growing up proves a complex job for Adam, who’s about to turn 16 in the border town of Marfa, Texas, when he meets a visiting artist with a lust for life — and for him.”

3/27/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

7/20/15- I saw this despite the poor reviews and I totally agree with the critics. The film had a few good scenes but was tedious for the most part. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 28-

Recommended-

1) WHITE GOD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a cruel father dumps his daughter’s beloved dog, Hagen, out on the highway to fend for himself, Hagen not only survives the horrors of abandonment, dog fights and starvation, but rouses an angry army of mongrels out to exact vengeance.”3/27/15- Very good reviews. The NY Times said it was like nothing you have seen on screen before. TRDB.

2) 3 HEARTS– Synopsis by Netflix. “After a missed train leads to a chance meeting between Marc Beaulieu and 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.

3) 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.

4) 52 TUESDAYS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmed over the course of a year — and only on Tuesdays — this bittersweet coming-of-age drama charts a teenager’s struggle toward independence as her mother makes plans to transition from female to male.”

3/27/15– Fairly good reviews including some very good ones as well. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) COMET– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking a fluid approach to time, this bittersweet indie tale cohesively interweaves the decisive moments in the tumultuous six-year romance between jaded Kimberly and abrasive intellectual Dell.”12/5/14- Mediocre reviews at best. TRDB.

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MOVIES THAT OPENED LAST FRIDAY, JULY 17- NOT ALREADY WRITTEN UP LAST WEEK-

Recommended-

1) ALLELUIA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a notorious real-life case from the 1940s, this chilling tale of romance gone wrong follows a lonely morgue worker who meets a man she hopes will return her love but instead inspires murderous jealousy.”7/17/15- Very good reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.

2) FAMOUS NATHAN– 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A Coney Island-inspired, densely-layered visually dynamic documentary portrait of the life and times of the original Nathan’s Famous, created in 1916 by filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker’s grandparents, Nathan and Ida Handwerker. 30 years in the making, Famous Nathan interweaves decades-spanning archival footage, family photos and home movies, an eclectic soundtrack and never-before-heard audio from Nathan: his only interview, ever as well as compelling, intimate the occasional tall tale.”

7/17/15- I’ve seen just 3 reviews– all very positive including the NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE LOOK OF SILENCE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through the companion documentary The Act of Killing, a family learned how their son was murdered in the 1960s Indonesian genocide. Now, the victim’s kin confronts the culprits — an unthinkable act in a country where the killers remain in power.”

7/17/15- Excellent reviews from everyone. TRDB.

4) STEAK (R)EVOLUTION– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Crossing four continents in search of the tastiest steak on the planet, director Franck Ribiere provides an encyclopedic look at the world of gourmet beef and the vast menu of methods used to prepare the classic carnivore’s delight.”

7/17/15- Just 2 critics weighed in and both were positive. Audiences have not liked the movie. I’ll taste it. TRDB.

5) TWINSTERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Alerted to a You Tube video featuring a woman who bears an eerie resemblance to her, adoptee Anaïs Bordier makes contact with her lookalike via social media — and the two discover they’re twins who were separated at birth.”

7/17/15- Three professional reviews and they are very good, including the NY Times. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) LILA & EVE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two mothers each lost a child to a murderer on the same day. After meeting at a support group, the women join forces to conduct their own investigation of the crimes when law enforcement authorities fail to vigorously pursue either case.”

7/17/15- Weak reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.

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MOVIES OPENING THIS COMING WEEK- JULY 24- (Partial List)

1) 10 CENT PISTOL–  2015. Synopsis by IMDB. “A story about two lifelong criminals who maneuver through the shady underbelly of Los Angeles in search of wealth, love and redemption.”7/19/15- Just a few reviews but they are good so far. TRDB.

2) UNEXPECTED- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Soon after high school teacher Samantha becomes pregnant, she discovers that star student Jasmine is expecting as well. Their already-close bond deepens as the women help each other come to terms with the sudden changes in their lives.’

7/19/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) PAPER TOWNS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Quentin Jacobsen’s longtime crush — fabulously cool high school senior Margo Roth Spiegelman — vanishes soon after drafting him for a revenge-fueled mission, he sets off on a cross-country road trip to find her.”

7/19/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) AMERICAN HEIST– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “JAMES (Hayden Christensen) owes his life to his older brother, FRANKIE (Adrien Brody) after taking the rap for a crime they committed together. Now, Frankie is released and back on the street with no money and no place to go. He turns to his underworld connections and convinces James to join him in hopes that one last job would be the solution to change both their lives.”

7/19/15- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW- A FEW NEW ONES BUT NONE RECOMMENDED

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

The Garden Cinema Norwalk schedule is not available yet.

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT– Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Conducting a study on the psychology of incarceration, a Stanford professor assigns prisoner and guard roles to 24 male test subjects in a mock jail. Authority quickly escalates to abuse of power, which is allowed to continue in the name of research.”7/14/15- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) IRRATIONAL MAN- Jacob Burns. Synopsis by Netflix. “A middle-aged professor at a small Rhode Island college edges close to his breaking point, until he finds renewed purpose in his life after embarking on an unusual relationship with one of his students.”

7/14/15- As usual, Woody Allen’s reviews are all over the place– some very good and others horrible. More negative than positive but that won’t stop me from seeing it. TRDB.

3) SOUTHPAW– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his unique and brutally effective boxing style, Billy has become a rising star in the fighting word. But when his wife’s death sends the pugilist into a downward spiral, it will take a former boxer to intervene and remake Billy as a champion.”

7/21/15- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

4) PAPER TOWNS– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Quentin Jacobsen’s longtime crush — fabulously cool high school senior Margo Roth Spiegelman — vanishes soon after drafting him for a revenge-fueled mission, he sets off on a cross-country road trip to find her.”

7/19/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) AMY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though singer Amy Winehouse released only two albums during her brief and stormy career, she left an indelible mark on pop music. This affecting documentary recounts her meteoric rise to fame and the addictions that ended her life at age 27.”7/3/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/21/15- A well done documentary about a troubled jazz singer. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB.

2) MR. HOLMES– Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100.  2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Long retired to a country farmhouse, 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes tends his apiary and reflects on his remarkable career. But the legendary sleuth, whose mental powers are fading, remains haunted by the unsolved case that caused him to call it quits.”7/13/15- Mostly good reviews with some notable exceptions. TRDB.

3) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR– Bethel, Clearview 100. 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.

7/6/15- Even though this theme has been seen on the screen many times before, this movie, with great acting and a touching story was very enjoyable. TRDB.

4) CARTEL LAND- Bethel. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the law failing to protect citizens from the drug cartels wreaking havoc in Mexico, vigilante groups have sprung up on both sides of the border. This potent documentary tracks two such groups, one in Mexico’s Michoacán state and one in Arizona.”

7/3/15- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones by audiences. TRDB.

5) LOVE & MERCY– Bethel. 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.

6) ) I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS– Bethel. 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.

7) TRAINWRECK- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Single and successful, Amy has no intention of settling down — or even going on a second date — until she meets the subject of her next magazine piece, a handsome doctor. Confronted with a real-life good guy, she begins to reconsider bachelorhood.”

7/14/15- Very good critical reviews. TRDB.

7/20/15- I really enjoyed this movie- funny and poignant. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH– Not available at this time

B) STONZEK THEATER–

1) A POEM IS A NAKED PERSON– 1974. Synopsis by IMDB. “Les Blank’s first feature-length documentary captures music and other events at Leon Russell’s Oklahoma recording studio during a three-year period (1972-1974).”7/20/15- Good reviews. TRDB.

2) 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.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER-

1) LILA & EVE- Mostly weak reviews

2) MR. HOLMES– Mostly good reviews

3) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR– I liked it

4) A BOROWED IDENTITY– Very good reviews for this movie.

5) JIMMY’S HALL– Fairly good reviews by the professional and just OK ones from audiences.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB