The Reel Dr. Bob

SEPTEMBER 16, 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) THE WATER DIVINER– Netflix

2) 24 DAYS– Netflix

3) ABOUT ELLY– Netflix Streaming

4) BOULEVARD– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) 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.

9/10/15- This movie seemed to struggle to have something for everybody. Did it really need a love interest? I’ll say it was just OK. Russell Crowe directed and starred in the movie. TRDB. Netflix.

2) 24 DAYS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2006, the shocking abduction and torture of young Jewish man Ilan Halimi in Paris set emotions aflame on the issue of anti-Semitism and the alleged inability of police investigators to comprehend the true motivations behind Ilan’s abduction.”

4/24/15- Good reviews by critics but audiences have not liked this movie so much. TRDB.

9/11/15- Despite knowing what was going to happen in this true to life movie I found it very suspenseful and well done. TRDB. Netflix.

3) ABOUT ELLY– 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.

9/12/15- This drama from Iran was interesting and very well done. A realistic look at friendship, trust and honesty. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) 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.

9/15/15- I liked the movie and Robin Williams also. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 22-

1) RED KNOT– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Opting to take their honeymoon cruise to Antarctica aboard a research ship, Chloe and Peter find the going rough in more ways than one. When journalist Peter starts spending most of his time with the scientists, Chloe responds by switching cabins.”12/5/14- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) RESULTS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Pursuing personal renewal in the wake of an ugly divorce, the wealthy but unhappy Danny takes himself to the neighborhood gym and soon develops an unusual relationship with the gym’s owner, Trevor, and captivating trainer, Kat.”

5/30/15- Very good reviews from the critics and just OK reviews from audiences. TRDB.

6/6/15- I enjoyed this drama/comedy, especially the interaction between the main characters. TRDB.

3) THE FAREWELL PARTY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inventor Yehezkel lives at a facility for the elderly, where he comes up with gadgets to assist his fellow seniors. When neighbor Max asks him to build a machine that will enable Max to take his own life, Yehezkel must decide whether to oblige.”

5/22/15- Fairly good reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) IN THE NAME OF MY DAUGHTER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving a soured marriage behind, Agnès Le Roux returns home to live with her mother, who owns a casino. Before long, Agnes begins a fateful romance with her mother’s closest adviser, the conniving Maurice Agnelet — and then vanishes into thin air.”

5/15/15- Poor reviews for this drama with a cast that includes Catherine DeNeuve. TRDB.

2) SAINT LAURENT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spanning a decade in the life of couture designer Yves Saint Laurent — who left an indelible stamp on high fashion — this sleek biopic delves into a turbulent private life that was beset with drugs, romantic frustration and other personal crises.”

5/8/15- Weak reviews all around. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 IN ADDITION TO THOSE I WROTE ABOUT IN THE LAST ISSUE-

1) TIME OUT OF MIND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Homeless and struggling to survive on the streets of New York City, George Hammond admits himself to Bellevue Hospital as a last resort. Before long, he finds a sympathetic soul named Dixon, who encourages George to reshape his future.”9/9/15- Fairly good professional reviews for this drama starring Richard Gere. Weak reviews from audiences so far. TRDB.

2) THE BEAUTY INSIDE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Woo-jin’s life enters the supernatural realm after he begins waking up in a different body each day while remaining the same person inside. Though the woman he loves knows his secret, will Woo-jin’s endless transformations doom their relationship?”

9/11/15- Generally positive early reviews. TRDB.

3) GOODNIGHT MOMMY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After plastic surgery, a mother returns home to her 10-year-old identical twin sons with her face swathed in bandages. But as she recovers, her increasingly odd behavior fuels the boys’ fears about the identity of the woman behind the gauze.”

9/11/15- Fairly good reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.

4) HOME FROM HOME: CHRONICLE OF A VISION– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shot largely in black-and-white but splashed with bursts of color, this installment of Edgar Reitz’s Heimat series again focuses on Schabbach village. In the 1840s, residents are looking at South America as a place to escape poverty and start anew.”

9/11/15- Very good reviews from critics and excellent reviews from audiences. TRDB.

5) THE MOVING CREATURES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this meditative drama about the ties of blood — especially those between a mother and child — director Caetano Gotardo weaves together a trio of stories about three families grappling with loss.”

9/11/15- Just 4 professional reviews– 3 up including the NY Times and 1 down. Audiences are 50/50. TRDB.

6) MEET THE PATELS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Caught between his American dreams and Indian culture’s complex social imperatives, 29-year-old Ravi Patel — fresh on the heels of a breakup — initiates a global search for a woman whom he and his family both deem acceptable.’

9/11/15- Fairly good reviews by the critics and excellent reviews by audiences. TRDB.

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OPENING FRIDAY, SEPT.18-

Recommended-

1) BLACK MASS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fact-based drama recounts the story of notorious Boston gangster “Whitey” Bulger, who turned FBI informant to get rid of his mob rivals. Later facing imminent indictment, he eluded authorities for more than 15 years, until his arrest in 2011.”9/15/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

2) EVEREST– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true-life tale of death and survival on the world’s tallest mountain, this epic adventure tracks the fate of two climbing parties that become trapped when a savage snowstorm engulfs the summit of Mount Everest.”

9/15/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

3) PAWN SACRIFICE– Synopsis by Netflix. “Set during the height of the Cold War, this compelling biopic charts the tumultuous life of chess wunderkind Bobby Fischer, from his formative years to his epic world championship match against Soviet archrival Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland.”

9/15/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) PEACE OFFICER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling former Utah sheriff Dub Lawrence’s long probe of his son-in-law’s killing in a police standoff 30 years ago, this sadly ironic documentary recounts Lawrence’s key role in founding the SWAT unit that he believes was guilty of homicide.”

9/15/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) ABOUT RAY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a New York City teen seeks a sex change from female to male, her life-changing decision raises identity issues for her family as her single mother and lesbian grandmother struggle to make sense of it all.”

9/15/15- Mixed early reviews– more positive than negative. TRDB.

6) THE CUT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the fall of the Ottoman empire, an Armenian blacksmith and father of twin girls is drafted into slave labor and informed that his family is dead. Years later, he discovers his daughters may be alive and embarks on a global quest to find them.”

9/15/15- Mixed reviews but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

7) EAST SIDE SUSHI– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When she begins working at a Japanese restaurant, single mother Juana soon learns the journey from fruit cart vendor to sushi chef isn’t an easy one — especially if neither your race nor your gender matches up with people’s expectations.”

9/15/15- Just 2 reviews but they are both very positive. TRDB.

8) THE MAN WHO SAVED THE WORLD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1983, Russian radar indicated that America had launched five nuclear missiles against the U.S.S.R. This riveting documentary relates the true story of Stanislav Petrov, the Soviet commander who had to decide whether to launch a retaliatory strike.”

9/15/15- Just OK reviews but this sounded very interesting. TRDB.

9) OLVIDADOS (FORGOTTEN)- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing a look back at the grim era of mass killings and torture inflicted by Bolivia’s military dictatorship during the 1970s, a retired colonel’s deathbed confession reveals the extent of the atrocities and the vast numbers of innocent victims.”

9/15/15- No reviews but this sounds very good. TRDB.

10) SICARIO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recruited to assist in an undercover operation targeting a Mexican drug lord, federal agent Kate Macy finds her moral standards put to the test when she’s plunged into the middle of a plan that goes beyond the boundaries of the law.”

9/15/15- Great reviews. TRDB.

 

Too Early to tell-

1) CAPTIVE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a tragic 2005 incident in Atlanta, this real-life crime thriller follows accused rapist Brian Nichols as he kills four people during a brazen escape from a courthouse jail and then holds single mother Ashley Smith hostage in her home.”

9/15/15- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

2) JEREMY SCOTT: THE PEOPLES DESIGNER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “On his journey from small-town boy to internationally known fashion star, designer Jeremy Scott has attracted both controversy and a legion of celebrity adherents. This intimate biographical documentary examines Scott’s dizzying rise.”

9/15/15- No reviews as yet but I don’t think I’ll like it. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) THE OVERNIGHT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Transplants from Seattle, Alex and Emily feel like fish out of water in Los Angeles until a meeting at a park leads to a play date for their son and a dinner date for them. But they soon discover that their hosts have more in mind than friendship.”6/15/15- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) A BRILLIANT YOUNG MIND– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though Nathan Ellis possesses exceptional talent with numbers, he struggles with his social skills — until a caring new teacher helps him step outside of his shell and fully realize his potential as a mathematician.”9/9/15- Very good reviews from most reviewers. TRDB.

2) BLACK MASS– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fact-based drama recounts the story of notorious Boston gangster “Whitey” Bulger, who turned FBI informant to get rid of his mob rivals. Later facing imminent indictment, he eluded authorities for more than 15 years, until his arrest in 2011.”

9/15/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

3) CAPTIVE- 2015. Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a tragic 2005 incident in Atlanta, this real-life crime thriller follows accused rapist Brian Nichols as he kills four people during a brazen escape from a courthouse jail and then holds single mother Ashley Smith hostage in her home.”

9/15/15- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

4) EVEREST- Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true-life tale of death and survival on the world’s tallest mountain, this epic adventure tracks the fate of two climbing parties that become trapped when a savage snowstorm engulfs the summit of Mount Everest.”

9/15/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

5) TIME OUT OF MIND–  Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Homeless and struggling to survive on the streets of New York City, George Hammond admits himself to Bellevue Hospital as a last resort. Before long, he finds a sympathetic soul named Dixon, who encourages George to reshape his future.”

9/9/15- Fairly good professional reviews for this drama starring Richard Gere. Weak reviews from audiences so far. TRDB.

6) BREATHE– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the worldly and charismatic Sarah enrolls at Charlie’s high school, they soon become the best of friends — until a holiday at the beach leads to emotional complications and misunderstandings between the two girls.”

9/8/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) PHOENIX–  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.

2) GRANDMA- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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) LEARNING TO DRIVE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

4) AMERICAN MISTRESS – Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

5) RICKI AND THE FLASH- 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.

6) TRAINWRECK– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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) A WALK IN THE WOODS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY– Not available at this time

B) STONZEK THEATER AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE–

1) LOVE & MERCY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid biopic traces the winding path of Brian Wilson, creator of the Beach Boys’ unique sound. Battling mental illness, Wilson traded stardom for an isolated existence in the 1960s but returned to the stage in the ’80s after taming his demons.”6/2/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6/9/15- I liked this movie very much. The acting and, of course, the music were great. 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.

C) THE LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU-

1) BREATHE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When the worldly and charismatic Sarah enrolls at Charlie’s high school, they soon become the best of friends — until a holiday at the beach leads to emotional complications and misunderstandings between the two girls.”9/8/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) MERU– Very good reviews

3) PHOENIX– Excellent– I liked it very much

4) GRANDA– Good reviews

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB