The Reel Dr. Bob

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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) WHITE GOD- Netflix

2) RIDE– Netflix

3) QUEEN OF EARTH– Comcast On-Demand

4) GLEN CAMPBELL: I’LL BE ME– Netflix

4) THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL- At the Theater

5) MATCH- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) 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.

9/2/15- An unusual coming of age story that honestly depicts the female side of young sexuality. Worth seeing but I did not think it was as wonderful as did the critics. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

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.

8/27/15- A fascinating movie with many possible meanings although I could have done with a little less of the “horror” component. TRDB. Netflix.

2) RIDE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Jackie’s free-spirited son swaps college for the breakers of California, she decides to follow him west, hoping to mend fences between them. Soon after arriving, Jackie meets a young surfing instructor who helps her rediscover her sexuality.”

5/1/15- Wildly mixed reviews but I like Helen Hunt and I think I’ll give this one a try. TRDB.

8/29/15- Overall I’d say that I did enjoy this movie despite its predictability. Also, one critic said that Helen Hunt, who wrote the script, seemed to be trying too hard and I would agree. TRDB. Netflix.

3) QUEEN OF EARTH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Catherine experiences a series of life-altering events, her best friend Virginia invites her to her lake house to recuperate. Instead of reconnecting, the two women find their bond fractured when Catherine can’t control her obsessive thoughts.”

8/24/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

8/31/15- Great acting. You feel that you are in the head of Catherine and it does not feel good. I can’t say that the movie was terrific but I did enjoy it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

4) 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.

9/2/15- A great documentary about a serious subject, handled with love. Plenty of music as well. TRDB. Netflix.

5) 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.

9/3/15- I liked the movie especially the first 48 minutes which I found fascinating. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9-

1) ABOUT ELLY (9/1)- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After years abroad, Ahmad (Shahab Hosseini) returns to his native Iran to recover from his recent divorce, where he joins some old pals on a trip to the Caspian Sea. His friend also invites Elly (Taraneh Alidoosti), a young teacher who may be the cure for Ahmad’s broken heart. But when Elly mysteriously disappears, the group is forced to review their actions to figure out what happened to her in this thoughtful Iranian drama.”6/17/15- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) LOVE AT FIRST FIGHT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he meets the intense, muscular and beautiful Madeleine Beaulieu on France’s southwest coast, mild-mannered Arnaud Labrède becomes obsessed with her — so much so that when she signs up for a military training course, he follows suit.”5/22/15- A wide spectrum from fair to good reviews- mostly good, however. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE AGE OF ADALINE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 29-year-old Adaline recovers from a nearly lethal accident, she inexplicably stops growing older. As the years stretch on and on, Adaline keeps her secret to herself — till she meets a man who changes her life.”4/21/15- OK reviews but it sounds awful to me.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, AUG. 28 ( not already included in the last issue)

1) MY VOICE, MY LIFE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Ruby Yang focuses an affecting lens on a group of disadvantaged students — each facing singular challenges — as they train for six months to put on a musical production at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.”8/28/15- I’ve seen just 2 professional reviews and they are both good. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

2) FEVER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “For no better reason than lethal boredom, privileged high schoolers Damien and Pierre decide to murder a complete stranger. When young optician Zoé sees them fleeing the scene, her curiosity about the crime takes a turn toward the erotic.”

8/28/15- The NY Time reviewed this movie and said it was ultimately unsatisfying but the description of the movie did sound interesting. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While trying to break through as a DJ in Hollywood’s competitive club scene, ambitious Cole Carter finds a mentor in James, a charismatic older DJ. But complications arise when Cole makes the mistake of falling for James’ young girlfriend.”

8/28/15- Poor reviews and I’ll skip this one. TRDB.

2) WHEN ANIMALS DREAM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenager Marie and her parents live a reclusive life in a small coastal town, where they frighten the townspeople and Marie doesn’t know why. As puberty descends, Marie’s body changes in unexpected ways, revealing clues to a terrifying family secret.”

8/28/15- Good professional reviews and weak audience ones. TRDB.

3) SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lainey and Jake were each other’s first lovers in college but quickly split, with both trying to bury their one-night stand in the past. Years later, they meet by chance in a support group for sex addicts — and sparks start to fly again.”

8/28/15- Weak reviews. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS FRIDAY, SEPT. 4-

1) STEVE JOBS: THE MAN IN THE MACHINE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the harsher side of Apple’s mercurial CEO Steve Jobs, this unflinching documentary examines the demanding work environment he created for the company’s employees and his cultlike influence on technology culture.”9/1/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) BREAK POINT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Doubles tennis player Jimmy Price’s poor on- and off-court behavior has cost him his partner, along with his spot on the professional circuit. In a last grab at glory, Jimmy persuades his estranged brother to team with him for a major tournament.”9/1/15- Mostly positive reviews. TRDB.

1) BEFORE WE GO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Brooke Dalton is mugged and misses the last train back to Boston, she’s by herself in the predatory darkness of New York City. After busker Nick Vaughan comes to her aid, the two forge a connection — which brings complications in the morning.”9/1/15- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

Not sure yet-

1) CHLOE & THEO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to save his Arctic Inuit homeland from environmental ruin, Theo — hoping to reason with the powers that be — sets off for New York City, where he finds an unexpected ally in a homeless young woman named Chloe.”

9/1/15- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW and RECOMMENDED

1)  QUEEN OF EARTH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Catherine experiences a series of life-altering events, her best friend Virginia invites her to her lake house to recuperate. Instead of reconnecting, the two women find their bond fractured when Catherine can’t control her obsessive thoughts.”8/24/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

8/31/15- Great acting. You feel that you are in the head of Catherine and it does not feel good. I can’t say that the movie was wonderful as did most of the critics but I did enjoy it. 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.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) STEVE JOBS: THE MAN IN THE MACHINE– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the harsher side of Apple’s mercurial CEO Steve Jobs, this unflinching documentary examines the demanding work environment he created for the company’s employees and his cultlike influence on technology culture.”9/1/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) GRANDMA- Jacob Burns. 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) THE SECOND MOTHER– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

4) A WALK IN THE WOODS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning to America after living abroad many years, aging travel writer Bill Bryson decides to focus on his native land by hiking the length of the Appalachian Trail with his long-estranged pal Stephen Katz — a tottering, wisecracking ex-alcoholic.
9/1/15- Reviews are 50/50 and the positive ones have qualifiers but despite the reviews I will probably see this movie just to see Robert Redford act. TRDB.

5) LEARNING TO DRIVE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

REPEATS-

1) MISTRESS AMERICA– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, 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.

2) THE END OF THE TOUR- 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.

3) THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 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.

9/2/15- An unusual coming of age story that honestly depicts the female side of young sexuality. Worth seeing but I did not think it was as wonderful as did the critics. TRDB.

4)  MERU- Jacob Burns, Bethel. 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.

5)  IRRATIONAL MAN– Clearview 100. 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.

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FLORIDA- BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEARCH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY-

1) PHOENIX– Excellent and I highly recommend it.

2) A WALK IN THE WOODS– Mostly poor reviews but it’s with Robert Redford

3) RICKI AND THE FLASH– OK reviews

B) STONZEK THEATER AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE- Downtown Lake Worth

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. However, I can not in good conscience recommend this film. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER- At FAU in Boca

1) BEST OF ENEMIES– Very good reviews

2) IRRATIONAL MAN– I saw it and liked it– many people did not like it

3) PHOENIX- Very good movie and I liked it very much

4) LISTEN TO ME MARLON– Very good reviews- I haven’t seen it yet but I definitely will

5) THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL– I saw it and liked it- but not as much as the critics did