The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 13, 2915

DEAR FRIENDS:

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS ON MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) THE WAY HE LOOKS– Netflix

2) PHOENIX- At the Theater

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) PHOENIX– 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.

8/9/15– Another beautifully done German movie, this one post Holocaust with yet a new twist. TRDB.

2) TANGERINE– 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.

8/10/15- When I saw this movie there was only 1 other person in the theater and he walked out. The film was extremely creative and very well acted and like nothing you’ve seen before but I can not in good conscience recommend it. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE WAY HE LOOKS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Overprotected by his mother and smitten best friend Giovana, blind teenager Leonardo dreams of being independent. But the arrival of new classmate Gabriel complicates matters when the two boys’ friendship deepens into something more.”11/8/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

8/8/15- A very good story with fine acting as well made this movie most enjoyable. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON OR ABOUT NEXT TUESDAY,  AUG. 18

Recommended-

1) LAMBERT & STAMP– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary follows aspiring filmmakers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert as they search London’s youth scene in the early 1960s for a subject for their new movie — and wind up discovering and managing legendary band the Who.”4/3/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) I AM CHRIS FARLEY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Comedian Chris Farley’s public persona effectively disguised the inner demons that would lead to the star’s fatal drug overdose at age 33. This in-depth documentary offers a revealing look at the fragile soul behind the legendary funnyman’s image.”

7/29/15- Reviews are mixed but I’ll put it on my “yes” list. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

2) THE LONGEST RIDE

3) LOST FOR WORDS

4) SOAKED IN BLEACH

5) THE RIOT CLUB

6) THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, AUG. 7, IN ADDITION TO THOSE ALREADY REVIEWED LAST WEEK-

Recommended-

1) COP CAR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When two rambunctious 10-year-olds come across an unattended police car with the keys inside, they take off on a joyride, only to discover that they’ve put themselves in the thick of a lethal cops-and-robbers drama.”8/7/15- Good reviews although the movie sounds a bit trivial. Kevin Bacon stars.TRDB.

2) GOD BLESS THE CHILD– 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Five siblings, left on their own, spend a summer’s day full of fantasy and chaos.”

8/7/15- Just 1 review and it’s good. TRDB.

3) HOMME LESS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Delving into the flip side of the American Dream, documentarian Thomas Wirthenson trains his lens on New York City fashion photographer Mark Reay, whose prosperous and elegant veneer hides the truth: He’s homeless.”

8/7/15- Just 4 reviews— 2 up and 2 down. TRDB.

4) THE GIFT- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Simon and his wife, Robyn, are trying to revitalize their relationship, a string of encounters with someone from Simon’s high school days and a shocking 20-year-old secret threaten to unravel the couple’s lives.”

8/7/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE RUNNER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the aftermath of the 2010 BP oil spill, an idealistic but flawed politician (Nicolas Cage) is forced to confront his dysfunctional life after his career is destroyed in a sex scandal.”8/7/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 14- (partial list)

1) MERU– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking on one of the most extreme challenges in mountaineering, three elite climbers set out to scale the imposing Shark’s Fin on India’s Mount Meru. This high-altitude documentary follows the tenacious team as they experience heartbreak and triumph.”8/10/15- Great reviews. TRDB.

2) MISTRESS AMERICA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Feeling disconnected from and underwhelmed by New York City, misfit college freshman Tracy is plodding through life until Brooke, her spirited future stepsister, sweeps her into a heady world — and a crazy scheme.”

8/10/15- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

3) PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When graphic novelist Will Henry discovers his wife’s infidelity, it sends him into exile from his family. Living in a tiny apartment, Will is too depressed to write and can’t let go of his ex — until a student challenges him to move forward.”

8/10/15- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

4) PRINCE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fast cars and fancy clothes are out of reach for most residents of a low-income Amsterdam housing project, but that doesn’t stop them from dreaming. For 17-year-old Ayoub, that dream includes beautiful neighbor Laura, but unfortunately, she’s taken.”

8/10/15- Just 1 review and it’s positive. TRDB.

5) TANGO NEGRO: THE AFRICAN ROOTS OF TANGO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Angolan director Dom Pedro surveys the broad influence of African culture on South America’s musical heritage — particularly the role played in the evolution of tango, which is based on styles imported to the region by African slaves.”

8/10/15- Just 2 reviews and both are positive. TRDB.

6) TEN THOUSAND SAINTS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a friend overdoses, 17-year-old Jude is uprooted from his Vermont home and sent to live with his father in New York City. Amid a social scene awash in drugs and alcohol, Jude unexpectedly finds kinship with a group of straight-edge abstainers.”

8/10/15- Reviews are just OK for this drama. TRDB.

7) TOM AT THE FARM- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In rural Quebec for his lover’s funeral, city denizen Tom is shocked to learn the dead man’s mother had no idea her son was gay. Tom keeps the secret, largely because his lover’s brother has threatened him with violence should he reveal the truth.”

8/10/15- Fairly good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

8) WE COME AS FRIENDS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Crisscrossing war-torn Sudan in a small plane, director Hubert Sauper creates a documentary record of the human tragedy taking place there. Among the film’s grim discoveries is a village slowly being poisoned by pollution from a nearby oilfield.”

8/10/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

9) HOW TO SMELL A ROSE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary about a documentarian, filmmaker Les Blank visits cinema verité pioneer Richard Leacock in Normandy, France, to talk movies, food and life. Footage from Leacock’s films and his personal reminiscences round out the portrait.”

8/12/15- I’ve seen just 4 reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.

Uncertain for now on this one-

1) ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still numb from her father’s death, 16-year-old Lane Speer is shocked a year later when her mother marries a Mormon. During the newlyweds’ honeymoon, Lane is sent to Bible camp, where she learns that faith may hold the key to conquering her grief.”

8/10/15- No reviews as yet . TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) FIVE STAR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Putting gang culture under the microscope, this potent drama follows John, a teen tempted by thug life, and Primo, an ex-con trying to escape it. With his father dead from a gunshot, John looks to street veteran Primo for life lessons.”8/7/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) BEST OF ENEMIES– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1968, two patrician intellectuals with opposite political views — William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal — participated in a series of televised debates that shocked America with their level of vitriol, as recounted in this riveting documentary.”7/29/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) THE END OF THE TOUR- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1996, “Rolling Stone” reporter David Lipsky accompanied acclaimed author David Foster Wallace on a five-day promotional tour, which is chronicled in this affecting drama that focuses on the bond they form through casual and profound discussions.”7/29/15- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) IRRATIONAL MAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

8/9/15– Another beautifully done German movie, this one post Holocaust with yet a new twist. TRDB.

3) MR. HOLMES- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

4) RICKI AND THE FLASH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

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FLORIDA-

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH (On Lake Worth Rd.) and MOVIES OF DELRAY

1) RICKI AND THE FLASH- OK reviews

2) IRRATIONAL MAN– I like Woody and I liked this

3) PHOENIX- I liked this one

4) SOUTHPAW– I enjoyed the film despite its predictability

5) THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT– Very good reviews

B) STONZEK THEATER– Downtown Lake Worth

1) 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.

2) THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT– 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.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER– at FAU in Boca

1) THE END OF THE TOUR– Excellent reviews for this drama.

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

3) PHOENIX- Another beautifully done German movie, this one post Holocaust with yet a new twist. TRDB.

4) IRRATIONAL MAN– I liked it very much

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB