FILM REVIEWS #559
August 27th, 2015
8/23/15- I liked many of the scenes more than I liked the entire movie but it’s well worth seeing. It reminded me of a Woody Allen movie. TRDB.
2) THE END OF THE TOUR- 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.
8/26/15- All of the excellent reviews were, as far as I’m concerned, well deserved. Great screenplay and great acting. TRDB.
8/21/15- What the hell? This movie brings a new definition to a slow movie and, I’ll add, a boring one too. Some of the most lingering shots at the end of scenes as well. TRDB. Netflix.
2) 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.
8/22/15- Most of the movie was enjoyable but the conclusion- the interchange between the two main characters was way overacted and without real emotion. Still, I’ll recommended seeing this film. TRDB. Netflix.
3) 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.
8/22/15- An enjoyable comedy involving New York stereotypes and some clever writing. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
4) 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.
8/25/15- A well written and well acted drama. TRDB. Netflix.
2) GOOD KILL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sitting in an operations facility 7,000 miles away, U.S. Air Force pilot Tommy Egan directs strikes from an armed drone deployed over Afghanistan. But eventually, the moral quandaries raised by Egan’s job begin to gnaw at his psyche.”
5/15/15- Good reviews by the critics. The NY Times liked it but the WSJ did not. Audiences were divided. TRDB.
5/26/15- Basically a fairly weak script but the visuals and the “anti-war” messages make the film enjoyable. Ethan Hawke was very good– the women leads not so good. TRDB.
3) 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.
4) OUR MAN IN TEHRAN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following close on the heels of Hollywood’s version of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis (Argo), this documentary focuses on Canada’s role in the ordeal, revealing new details about the efforts of the Canadian ambassador and the CIA to save six Americans.”
5/15/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5) 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.
6) GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “When country music giant Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, he chose to make his condition public. He then began his farewell tour — a remarkable musical journey chronicled in this affecting documentary.”
10/24/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences as well. TRDB.
6) DIOR AND I– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Asked to fill the shoes of iconic designer John Galliano, Raf Simons is given two months to prepare his inaugural fashion collection for Christian Dior in this behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure world of haute couture.”
4/10/15- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
7) BOULEVARD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Accustomed to his comfortable life and sexless marriage, unassuming bank employee Nolan Mack finds himself at a crossroads as he’s forced to confront his long-suppressed desires after meeting a troubled young hustler.”
7/10/15- Mediocre reviews from both critics and audiences. It’s Robin Williams’ last film and I’ll probably see it. TRDB.
8) BACKCOUNTRY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking to get away from it all, urbanites Alex and Jenn embark on an ambitious weekend trek into the Canadian woods. But when they change course to avoid a strange hiker, the couple unwittingly wanders into the territory of a menacing black bear.”
3/20/15- Very good reviews for this “thriller” that sounds more like a horror flick. Not my usual type of movie but I still may see this one. TRDB.
9) THAT SUGAR FILM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Damon Gameau experiments on himself in this documentary look at the ubiquitous presence of sugar in the typical diet of Americans. Under medical supervision, Gameau begins a 60-day, high-sugar regimen that produces disturbing results.”
7/29/15- OK reviews- the naysayers said that there was too little new material in the documentary. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) CAS & DYLAN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “At 61, Dr. Cas Pepper is facing terminal cancer when he decides to give a lift to 22-year old Dylan, whose own unmoored life soon turns Cas’s world upside down. Soon, they’re both on the lam through the heartlands of Canada.”
5/1/15- Poor critical review, most calling it tired and clichéd. Audiences have enjoyed it, however. TRDB.
2) 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.
3) THE D TRAIN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Being committee chairman for his high school class’s 20-year reunion provides perpetual loser Dan Landsman with a golden opportunity to prove his coolness. But it all hinges on persuading semifamous ex-classmate Oliver Lawless to attend.”
5/8/15- Weak reviews from critics and audiences although a few gave it fairly good reviews. TRDB.
2) THE MEND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Upon returning home from a vacation cut short, a dispirited New Yorker finds his apartment in disarray — and commandeered by his irredeemable brother, his girlfriend and her son. Exacerbated by a power failure, the family threads begin to unravel.”
8/21/15- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.
3) SEARCHING FOR HOME: COMING BACK FROM WAR– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “From nightmares to anxiety, depression and violent outbursts, this documentary explores the struggles and recovery experienced by PTSD-afflicted veterans who must return to civilian life after risking their lives and facing the horrors of war.”
8/21/15- Just 2 reviews- 1 liked it very much and the other didn’t. He said it belonged in a VA waiting room. TRDB.
4) THE IRON MINISTRY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the years since World War II, China’s vast interior has slowly become connected with the rest of the country by the expansion of the state railway. This documentary resulted from three years of touring and filming the colossal and vital network.”
8/21/15- Fairly good reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.
2) 7 CHINESE BROTHERS– Synopsis by Netflix. “Lazily treading water on the sea of life, sad sack Larry drifts from job to job and bottle to bottle. But his apathetic attitude toward his latest place of employment — a Quick Lube station — changes when he starts to fall in love with the boss.”
8/24/15- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.
3) I TOUCHED ALL YOUR STUFF– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this offbeat documentary, American computer geek Christopher Kirk recounts his journey to Colombia to track down drug lord Pablo Escobar’s abandoned hippos. Instead, Kirk landed in jail after becoming obsessed with an enigmatic beauty.”
8/24/15- Very few full reviews but it sounds interesting to me and I’d go for it. TRDB.
4) THE SECOND MOTHER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the longtime housekeeper for a wealthy São Paulo family, Val is committed to the ideas of loyalty and respect. But her values are challenged when her estranged daughter — who has a very different attitude about class — comes to visit.”
8/24/15- Excellent reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.
2) NO ESCAPE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When American Jack Dwyer and his family relocate to Southeast Asia, they quickly learn that their timing couldn’t have been worse. Soon after arriving, they find themselves trapped in a violent coup that could wind up costing them their lives.”
8/24/15- Very weak reviews. TRDB.
2) DROWN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “All is not sun and fun on the beaches of Sydney when the insular world of competitive Surf Lifesaving — and the reign of one of its legends — is punctured by the arrival of an openly gay contender.”
8/24/15- I’ve seen just 1 review and it is negative. TRDB.
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2) 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.
3) 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.
8/22/15- I saw this a few days ago and it was an enjoyable comedy involving New York stereotypes and some clever writing. TRDB.
4) I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS– 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.
5) THAT SUGAR FILM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Damon Gameau experiments on himself in this documentary look at the ubiquitous presence of sugar in the typical diet of Americans. Under medical supervision, Gameau begins a 60-day, high-sugar regimen that produces disturbing results.”
7/29/15- OK reviews. The naysayers said that there was too little new material in the documentary. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
3) ROSENWALD- Jacob Burns. 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.
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.
8/9/15– Another beautifully done German movie, this one post Holocaust with yet a new twist. TRDB.
3) MISTRESS AMERICA- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.
8/23/15- I liked many of the scenes more than I liked the entire movie but it’s well worth seeing. It reminded me of a Woody Allen movie. TRDB.
4) RICKI AND THE FLASH- Bethel, 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.
5) THE END OF THE TOUR- Jacob Burns, Bethel. 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.
8/26/15- All of the excellent reviews were, as far as I’m concerned, well deserved. Great screenplay and great acting. 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) MR. HOLMES– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.
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.
9) 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.
For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org
For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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