The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 20, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

SLIM PICKIN’S THIS WEEK-

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITE OF THE WEEK-

1) ONLY THE YOUNG– Netflix

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) ONLY THE YOUNG– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this poetic documentary, teens Garrison and Kevin use their love of skateboarding and devotion to Christianity to cope with their sometimes-troubled friendship with their female pal Skye and the severe economic slump of their California community.”12/7/12- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

8/17/15- A mildly entertaining documentary about the coming of age of a few high school students in a rural community with a touch of religion thrown in. TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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.

8/17/15- Good reviews as noted above but I found it boring and without any significant tension after the first 5 minutes. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 25-

1) TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT–  2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the verge of losing her job, Sandra comes up with a last-ditch strategy: get her workmates to give up their bonuses so that she can stay on. With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.”12/24/14- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Marion Cotillard. TRDB.

1/31/15- I liked this movie very much and highly recommend it. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) A WOLF AT THE DOOR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 6-year-old Clarinha is kidnapped from school, parents Sylvia and Bernardo frantically look to the police for help rescuing their daughter. Reluctantly, Bernardo reveals to a detective that his mistress, Rosa, may have been the abductor.”3/27/15- Very good reviews by both critics and audiences. TRDB.

4) CITIZENFOUR– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tension-fueled documentary from filmmaker Laura Poitras follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.”

10/24/14- Great reviews all around. I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

11/1/14- Watching this movie I felt like I was watching history being made. Very well done and again brings up the big question for us as to whether Snowden is whistle-blower or a traitor but clearly the movie has its own agenda. TRDB.

5) IRIS- 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.

Not Recommended–

1) WHERE HOPE GROWS

2) ALOHA

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENED LAST FRIDAY, AUG. 14 IN ADDITION TO THOSE ALREADY WRITTEN UP LAST WEEK-

1) FORT TILDEN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Setting off on bicycles to the beach at Fort Tilden, pals Allie and Harper face a series of maddening but self-inflicted setbacks along the way. Before long, they realize the trek reflects their lives — and the uncertainty of their destinations.”8/14/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) THE GREAT MAN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two vets of the French Foreign Legion, Markhov and Hamilton, are bound by fate after a tragic episode during their service in Afghanistan. As Markhov’s health declines, Hamilton is left to consider the fate of his compatriot’s 7-year-old-son.”

8/14/15- I’ve seen just 3 reviews- 2 up including the NY Times and 1 down. TRDB.

3) THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With both their countries threatened by a powerful global crime cartel, the CIA’s Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin must work together in this Cold War thriller inspired by the classic 1960s TV series.”

8/14/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

4) ROSENWALD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary profiles businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who rose from immigrant roots to become the president of Sears in 1908. In addition, he committed millions to improving educational opportunities for black children.”

8/14/15- Fairly good reviews by critics and less so by audiences. TRDB.

1) AIR- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Earth’s air ceases to be breathable, two engineers become caretakers of an underground bunker housing cryogenically preserved humans — the species’ last hope. But as the pair maintains the environment, they struggle to hold on to their sanity.”8/14/15- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

OPENING THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 21-

Recommended–

1) BEING EVEL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling the life and lore of motorcycle daredevil Robert “Evel” Knievel, this revealing documentary details the triumphs and bone-crushing failures of his spectacular career, his humble origins and his personal battles.”8/18/15- Great reviews for this movie. TRDB.

2) GRANDMA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Urgently in need of $600 to pay for an abortion, 18-year-old Sage seeks help from her acerbic grandmother, Elle Reid — who has no extra money. Setting off to raise the cash from Elle’s erstwhile friends and exes, the two instead dredge up the past.”

8/18/15– Excellent reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

3) GUIDANCE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Once the star of a children’s TV show, David Gold gets by doing voiceovers, until even that work dries up. Posing as a guidance counselor, Gold gets hired at Grusin High School, where the staff finds him suspect and so do the students — at first.”

8/18/15- Very good reviews for this stupid sounding movie. TRDB.

4) Z FOR ZACHARIAH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Believing she’s the lone survivor of a global catastrophe, Ann Burden soon learns she’s not the only human alive when a research scientist shows up. But as the two slowly get acquainted, their relationship is strained by the arrival of another man.”

8/18/15- Very good reviews in general along with a few really poor ones. TRDB.

5) AFTER WORDS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Plagued by a midlife crisis, a timid librarian gets a fresh start when she moves to Costa Rica in search of something more — and unwittingly ends up hiring a young lothario to show her around the exotic countryside.”

8/18/15- I read a single review that sounded very good so I’ll recommend this one starring Marcia Gay Harden. TRDB.

6) MATEO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mateo is a complicated guy. Born Matthew Stoneman and raised in New Hampshire, he loves nothing more than singing mariachi — a talent he acquired while serving time in prison. Now, his life is all about getting to Cuba to complete his dream project.”

8/18/15- So far just 2 reviews– one very good and the other very bad. I’d try it. TRDB.

7) TOP SPIN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing a courtside view of competitive table tennis, this briskly paced documentary follows a trio of determined teen athletes as they undergo the rigors of training for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.”

8/18/15- Just 1 or 2 reviews and they look good. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) DIGGING FOR FIRE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix.”While house-sitting at a posh Hollywood Hills home, young couple Tim and Lee find their marital fidelity tested when the discovery of a rusty pistol and a bone in the backyard sends them on separate adventures.”8/18/15- Mixed reviews, some terrible and others just OK. TRDB.

2) LEARNING TO DRIVE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When soon-to-be-divorced Wendy Shields signs up for driving lessons, her instructor is Darwan, a Sikh immigrant to America. Though their cultural perspectives are poles apart, the two begin to develop a bond that transcends their differences.”

8/18/15- Mostly poor reviews with a few good ones thrown in. TRDB.

3) SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “New York City is the backdrop for this farcical romp that centers on a randy theater director who offers a call girl a tidy sum to quit the profession — and soon finds her auditioning for his latest production … starring his wife.”

8/18/15- Weak reviews and I think I’ll skip this one. TRDB.

4) SOME KIND OF BEAUTIFUL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Poetry professor Richard Haig weaves a tangled web out of his romantic life, which includes an affair with a graduate student whom he’s impregnated. But when he falls in love with her stepsister, Haig begins to reassess his profligate life.”

8/18/15- Just 2 reviews and they are both terrible. TRDB.

5) SLOW LEARNERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When platonic pals (and colleagues) Jeff Lowry and Anne Martin fail to ignite sparks in their romantic lives, they make a pact to “improve” themselves, launching a makeover campaign they’re certain will leave them confident and lucky in love.”

8/18/15- I’ve seen 4 reviews– 3 just OK and 1 poor. TRDB.

6) SHANGHAI– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four months before the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, an American operative is investigating the murder of a close friend in Japanese-occupied Shanghai — and uncovers a web of conspiracy in the process.”

8/18/15- I’ve read 3 reviews and they are all terrible. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) 10,000 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

8/17/15- Good reviews as noted above but I found it boring and without any significant tension after the first 5 minutes. TRDB.

4) FORT TILDEN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Setting off on bicycles to the beach at Fort Tilden, pals Allie and Harper face a series of maddening but self-inflicted setbacks along the way. Before long, they realize the trek reflects their lives — and the uncertainty of their destinations.”

8/14/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) MISTRESS AMERICA– Jacob Burns. 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.

2) LISTEN TO ME MARLON– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drawing from an untapped treasure trove of Marlon Brando’s personal archives, including a host of audio recordings, this up-close look at the enigmatic actor reveals surprising details about his views on life and himself.”

8/19/15- Great reviews and I can’t wait to see this one. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) BEST OF ENEMIES– 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) 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) IRRATIONAL MAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, 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.

4) THE END OF THE TOUR– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

5) 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.

6) MR. HOLMES– 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.

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.

8) SOUTHPAW– 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.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY-

1) DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL– Very good reviews including some great ones

B) STONZEK THEATER- At the Lake Worth Playhouse

1) COURT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a sewage worker is found dead after listening to a song by social activist Narayan Kamble, he’s accused of provoking the decedent to suicide. But at Kamble’s trial, it’s clear that he’s the victim of an obscure law — and politics.”7/14/15- Great reviews for this film from India. TRDB.

2) 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.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER- At FAU in Boca

1) IRRATIONAL MAN– I liked this movie by Woody Allen

2) PHOENIX– I enjoyed this one very much

3) A BORROWED IDENTITY– Very good reviews and I’d like to see it

4) MR. HOLMES– Good reviews

5) THE END OF THE TOUR- Very good reviews and I’m planning on seeing it this weekend

6) DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL– Very good reviews including some great ones

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB