The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 6, 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) AN HONEST LIAR– Netflix Streaming

2) 52 TUESDAYS– Netflix Streaming

3) 3 HEARTS– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

1) AN HONEST LIAR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This revealing documentary profiles magician and escape artist James Randi, who after retiring set about exposing faith healers, psychics and others as frauds. But all the while, Randi was carrying out a deception of his own.”3/6/15- Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

7/31/15- An excellent documentary– especially if you like the concept of “magic.” TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) 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.

8/1/15- A bit slow and tedious but definitely interesting and yet another take on the transgender issue. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) 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.

8/4/15- I enjoyed this French movie despite the director’s attempt to make a movie with little suspense suspenseful. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 11-

Recommended-

1) 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.

2) MATCH- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Patrick Stewart stars as Tobi Powell, a former dancer and aging Julliard choreographer being interviewed by a Seattle couple for a dissertation. But when their questions get too personal, the couple’s hidden agenda becomes evident.”

1/14/15- Fairly good reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE LONGEST RIDE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told via concurrent stories that ultimately converge, this adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel follows an old man consoled by reminiscences of his late wife as he’s trapped after a car crash, and a young couple falling in love in a nearby town.”4/10/15- Critics panned it but audiences have liked it. I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.

2) THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a sequel to the Golden Globe-nominated film, hotel owner Sonny is overwhelmed with the task of finding a second property to accommodate the influx of new residents, while his upcoming wedding plans may be too much for the hotel’s staff to handle.”

3/3/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences but most of my friends called it “fluff.” TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY (7/31) IN ADDITION TO THOSE ALREADY WRITTEN UP-

1) TWO STEP– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After getting booted out of college, James visits his beloved grandmother, who soon passes on. While wrapping up her affairs, James discovers that she’d been bilked out of thousands by a con man — who suddenly shows up on the doorstep.”7/31/15- Great reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) PAOLO COELHO’S BEST STORY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by novelist Paulo Coelho’s recollections of his eventful life, this unflinching biopic delves into his early obsessions — including rock ‘n’ roll and black magic — and the inner torments he had to quell to become a world-famous writer.”

7/31/15- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 7- (partial list)-

1) CALL ME LUCKY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Flame-throwing comic and social critic Barry Crimmins shocked and delighted audiences for decades with his caustic view of America and its leaders. Over time, his rage would give way to a calmer but committed life as a peace activist.”8/4/15- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Life and love are complicated — a lesson that aspiring comic-book artist Minnie Goetze learns at the age of 15 when she embarks on an affair with her mother’s handsome boyfriend, Monroe Rutherford.”

8/4/15- Very good reviews including some great ones. TRDB.

3) THE FALLING- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a conservative English boarding school suffers a tragic and mysterious death, 16-year-old best friends Lydia and Abbie begin exhibiting disturbing swooning fits. Soon the inexplicable affliction spreads en masse to the other students.”

8/4/15- Good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) DARK PLACES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “A quarter-century after Libby Day’s mother and sisters were brutally murdered in a crime she believes her brother committed, a group of amateur sleuths begins casting doubt on his guilt. Now, Libby must re-examine details of her painful memories.”

8/4/15- Awful reviews and I’d skip it despite Charlize Theron. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) TRUE STORY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on true events, this cat-and-mouse thriller follows the complex relationship between accused murderer Christian Longo and disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel, whose identity Longo had usurped until he was captured by the FBI.”4/14/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) 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.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW-

1) RICKI AND THE FLASH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Abandoning her family to chase — and ultimately attain — her dream of rock stardom, guitarist Ricki Rendazzo returns years later to try to mend fences. Unfortunately, her estranged sons and daughter want little to do with her … at first.”8/4/15- OK reviews. TRDB.

2) TANGERINE– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Back on the streets on Christmas Eve after serving a month in jail, transgender prostitute Sin-Dee Rella launches a vengeful search across Los Angeles for her unfaithful pimp boyfriend, Chester, and his new squeeze, Dinah..”

7/10/15- Excellent reviews from the critics and very good reviews from audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) IRRATIONAL MAN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthoren, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

7/29/15- I think that the critics have it in for Woody. While surely not one of his best I did very much enjoy the movie. TRDB.

2) PHOENIX– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a reconstructive facial operation, concentration-camp survivor Nelly Lenz tracks down her husband, Johnny, who believes she’s dead. Unrecognizable to Johnny, Nelly befriends him to find out whether he betrayed her to the Nazis.”7/24/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) SAMBA- Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in Paris illegally for nearly a decade, Senegalese refugee Samba suddenly finds himself in a detention center and on the verge of deportation. When immigration caseworker Alice steps in to help, the two are irresistibly drawn to each other.”7/24/15- Fair reviews at best but I plan on seeing it as I like the star Charlotte Gainsbourg very much. TRDB.

4) MR. HOLMES- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

5) 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.

7/28/15- Despite the predictability of this movie and the familiar format I still enjoyed the film. The choreography of the boxing scenes was terrific. TRDB.

6) 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.

7) AMY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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 and well worth seeing. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH– on Lake Worth Rd.

1) RICKI AND THE FLASH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Abandoning her family to chase — and ultimately attain — her dream of rock stardom, guitarist Ricki Rendazzo returns years later to try to mend fences. Unfortunately, her estranged sons and daughter want little to do with her … at first.”8/4/15- OK reviews. TRDB.

2) IRRATIONAL MAN— 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.

7/29/15- I think that the critics have it in for Woody. While surely not one of his best I did very much enjoy the movie. TRDB.

3) SAMBA- Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in Paris illegally for nearly a decade, Senegalese refugee Samba suddenly finds himself in a detention center and on the verge of deportation. When immigration caseworker Alice steps in to help, the two are irresistibly drawn to each other.”7/24/15- Fair reviews at best but I plan on seeing it as I like the star Charlotte Gainsbourg very much. TRDB.

4) SOUTHPAW– 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.

7/28/15- Despite the predictability of this movie and the familiar format I still enjoyed the film. The choreography of the boxing scenes was terrific. TRDB.

5) THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT– Good reviews

B) STONZEK THEATER- Downtown Lake Worth-

1) MR. HOLMES– Good reviews and I’ll see it eventually

2) THE TRIBE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this dark-edged drama conveyed completely in sign language, teenager Sergey arrives at a boarding school for deaf-mute students and quickly discovers that there’s far more going on among the students than meets the eye.”6/19/15- Fairly good reviews– some very good. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER- at Florida Atlantic University

1) A BORROWED IDENTITY– Very good reviews for this movie

2) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR– I liked it very much

3) IRRATIONAL MAN- I liked it very much

4) MR. HOLMES– Mostly good reviews

5) THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT– Very good reviews

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB