The Reel Dr. Bob

OCTOBER 8, 2015

DEAR FRIENDS:

I’M BACK!!

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS-

1) PAWN SACRIFICE– At the Theater

2) THE SECOND MOTHER– At the Theater

3) PEACE OFFICER– At the Theater

4) 99 HOMES– At the Theater

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MOVIES I SAW DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS- AT THE THEATER-

1) 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.

9/15- Overall OK but a trivial screenplay. I’ve always been fascinated with this event and the movie left me somewhat cold. TRDB.

2) 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.

9/15- A very good movie with excellent portrayal of class relationships. The mother-daughter relationship was also very interesting. TRDB.

3) 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.

10/8/15- A very well done piece of work without the invasive methods of a Michael Moore. This documentary was prescient of what was to come with police activity vs. unarmed citizens. TRDB.

4) 99 HOMES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being evicted from his home by a flinty real-estate dealer, jobless Dennis Nash unexpectedly ends up working for the man. But to Nash’s dismay, his new boss soon begins ordering him to turn other families out of their houses.”

9/22/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/8/15- A realistic look at the issue of foreclosure of homes and what people will do to prevent that from happening to them. Also a good look at the people who take over these homes. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS AT HOME-

1) THE LONGEST RIDE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Told via concurrent stories that ultimately converge, this adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel follows an old man consoled by reminiscences of his late wife as he’s trapped after a car crash, and a young couple falling in love in a nearby town.”4/10/15- Critics panned it but audiences have liked it. I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.

10/6/15- Corny as hell and I’m not sure why I watched the whole thing. Even Alan Alda was miscast. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14-

1) CALL ME LUCKY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Flame-throwing comic and social critic Barry Crimmins shocked and delighted audiences for decades with his caustic view of America and its leaders. Over time, his rage would give way to a calmer but committed life as a peace activist.”8/4/15- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) MONKEY KINGDOM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This all-ages nature documentary follows the perilous lives of a monkey and her newborn daughter in the jungles of southern Asia. As part of a larger group, mom and baby risk starvation if they fail to abide by the stringent social rules.”

4/17/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) THE LITTLE DEATH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a typical suburban neighborhood, the veil over four couples’ personal lives are pulled aside to reveal their erotic fetishes, including a woman turned on by tears, a couple’s out-of-control experimentation and phone sex for the hearing impaired.”6/26/15- Weak reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

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OPENED  SEPT. 25 IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON SEPT. 22-

1) BECOMING BULLETPROOF– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling the making of a Western film that employs a crew of disabled actors and movie technicians, this inspiring documentary tears down stereotypes and preconceived ideas by demonstrating what people with disabilities can accomplish.”9/25/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded in 1970 as a wacky, shocking and irreverent humor magazine, “National Lampoon” touched off a revolution in American comedic style, as chronicled in this affectionate look at the publication’s history and legacy.”

9/25/15- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences alike for this documentary. TRDB.

3) WESTERN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two border towns, one in Texas and the other across the Rio Grande in Mexico, have enjoyed harmonious relations for many years. But the emergence of drug-cartel violence and U.S. plans to shut down the crossing bring tension to both communities.”

9/25/15- Early reviews are very good for this documentary. TRDB.

4) MISSION TO LARS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Kate and Will Spicer’s brother, Tom, has Fragile X Syndrome, the most common form of inherited learning disability. He is also a massive fan of Lars Ulrich from Metallica. They made a promise to Tom that they would get him to meet Lars. Tom’s dream is their promise. Together they went on a Mission to Lars.”

9/25/15-  Good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) SLEEPLESS IN NEW YORK– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Anthropologist Helen Fisher delves deep into the paradoxes of love and heartbreak in this sensitive documentary that focuses on three lovesick young souls. In Fisher’s view, the pain of heartbreak is genuine but can also lead to personal renewal.”

9/25/15- Just 2 reviews– 1 up (The NY Times) and 1 down. It sounds like it could be interesting. TRDB.

1) ASHBY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Arriving in a new town, high-schooler Ed Wallis has trouble fitting in until he meets his eccentric neighbor, Ashby Holt, and the two become friends. But what Ed doesn’t know is that Ashby is a former CIA assassin with only a short time to live.”9/25/15- Weak reviews by both critics and audiences. TRDB.

2) LOST IN HONG KONG– Synopsis by Netflix. “In this anarchic sequel to the wildly popular “Lost in Thailand,” Xu Lai plans a holiday trip to Hong Kong with his wife and brother-in-law — but his hidden agenda also includes visiting with his former lover.”

9/25/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED ON OCT. 2-

1) BRAND: A SECOND COMING– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Entertaining and powerful, this engaging profile of funnyman-turned-activist Russell Brand charts his unique career arc, from no-holds-barred comic provocateur to impassioned advocate for sociopolitical change.”10/2/15- Generally positive reviews along with some very bad ones as well. It’s probably worth a try. TRDB.

2) GOING AWAY (UN BON DIMANCHE)- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When young Mathias’s father fails to pick him up from school, substitute teacher Baptiste takes the boy on a weekend motorcycle journey. While teacher and pupil quickly form a bond, things grow more complicated when they happen upon Mathias’s mother.”

10/2/15- I’ve seen just 2 reviews. The NY Times liked it and the other did not. TRDB.

3) HE NAMED ME MALALA– Synopsis by Netflix. “Vividly portraying the obstacles Pakistani women face in getting an education because of prohibitions by the Taliban, this affecting documentary chronicles the story of Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old who was shot because of her advocacy efforts.”

10/2/15- Just OK reviews. Most said it was too timid and it felt like everything was rehearsed. I would see it just for the history. TRDB.

4) THE MARTIAN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Abandoned on the surface of Mars after his crew concludes that he perished in a dust storm, astronaut Mark Watney must find a way to survive the planet’s harsh environment — despite having only 28 days of supplies left.”

10/2/15- Very good reviews but it sounds like a crowd pleaser to me. I’ll probably give it a chance, however. TRDB.

5) SHERPA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Beginning as an account of a 2014 expedition up Mount Everest from the perspective of the unheralded Sherpas who make such climbs possible, this riveting documentary shifts focus when tragedy intervenes, killing 16 of the Himalayan guides.”

10/2/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

6) SHOUT GLADI GLADI- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Meryl Streep narrates this documentary about how one woman, Ann Gloag, fought to empower women and save mothers’ lives in Africa by eliminating fistula, a debilitating but preventable condition that can stem from obstructed labor.”

10/2/15- Just 2 reviews but they are both very positive. TRDB.

7) TAKEN BY STORM: THE ART OF STORM THORGERSON AND HIPGNOSIS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary chronicles the long and storied career of Storm Thorgerson, the most famous artist you’ve never heard of — the brilliant photographer who created scores of iconic album covers for bands such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.”

10/2/15- There are just 2 reviews- one from the NY Times, and both are very positive. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) ADDICTED TO FRESNO– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sisters Shannon and Martha both take jobs as maids at a Fresno hotel as each tries to work out the next step in her life. But when Shannon accidentally kills a hotel guest, their focus quickly shifts to getting rid of the corpse.”

12/2/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

2) DEATHGASM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking for a way to quell teenage boredom, friends Zakk and Brodie start a heavy metal band. But their music takes a dark turn when they begin playing from mysterious sheet music that causes them to inadvertently awaken an ancient evil.10/2/15- Very good reviews but this sounds pretty stupid to me. TRDB.

3) FREEHELD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, same-sex partners Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree face tragedy and discrimination when Laurel is diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her request to pass on her pension benefits to Stacie is denied.”

10/2/15- Weak reviews, most calling it a worth cause but just not interesting. TRDB.

4) 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.”

10/2/15- Awful reviews. TRDB.

5) THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Synopsis by Netflix. “Traveling to seven diverse locations that are facing serious threats from climate change, this impassioned documentary outlines a plan for restructuring the global economy to turn back the looming threat of environmental disaster.”

10/2/15- Weak reviews. TRDB.

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OPENING OCT. 9- These are just some of the new films. More will be reviewed next week.

A) Recommended-

1) STEVE JOBS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Everyone knows about the products Steve Jobs designed, but few people really knew the man behind the technology. This revealing biopic focuses on a few key incidents and relationships to tell the story of a digital visionary who changed the world.”

10/8/15- Great reviews. TRDB.

2) TRASH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “As three homeless teens struggle to survive in a world of poverty, they discover a leather bag that leads them to believe something suspicious is afoot — and they soon find themselves eluding authorities while attempting to rectify a terrible wrong.”

10/8/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) VICTORIA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When adventurous Victoria goes out for a night of clubbing, she meets four young men who invite her to join them for some after-hours revelry. Only after they start planning a brazen heist does Victoria realize she’s running with a dangerous crowd.”

10/8/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) XENIA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When gay teen Danny loses his mother, he travels from his home in Crete to Athens to meet up with his older brother. Together, they set out on a surreal journey to find the Greek father they’ve never met — stopping for a talent show along the way.”

10/8/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

B) Not Recommended–

1) BIG STONE GAP– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While living an uneventful existence with her mother in a Virginia coal-mining community, pharmacist Ave Maria Mulligan comes upon information that eventually transforms not only her life but the life of the town.”

10/8/15- Just a few reviews but they are generally negative and call the movie a corny rural romance. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) A BRAVE HEART: THE LIZZIE VELASQUEZ STORY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Sara Bordo traces the inspiring journey of Lizzie Velasquez, who was born with a medical condition that left her with distorted facial features. Suffering verbal abuse during her youth, she rose above it to become an anti-bullying advocate.”10/4/15- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded in 1970 as a wacky, shocking and irreverent humor magazine, “National Lampoon” touched off a revolution in American comedic style, as chronicled in this affectionate look at the publication’s history and legacy.”

9/25/15- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences alike for this documentary. TRDB.

3) NORTHERN SOUL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1970s Northern England, Lancashire pals John and Matt have tunnel vision. Their quest: to travel to the United States, discover a gold mine of unknown soul music and bring it back to the home country, where they will become famous DJs.”

10/8/15- Good reviews by critics and so-so reviews by audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) HE NAMED ME MALALA– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Vividly portraying the obstacles Pakistani women face in getting an education because of prohibitions by the Taliban, this affecting documentary chronicles the story of Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old who was shot because of her advocacy efforts.”10/2/15- Just OK reviews. Most said it was too timid and it felt like everything was rehearsed. I would see it just for the history. TRDB.

2) FREEHELD– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, same-sex partners Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree face tragedy and discrimination when Laurel is diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her request to pass on her pension benefits to Stacie is denied.”10/2/15- Weak reviews, most calling it a worthy cause but not really interesting. TRDB.

3) THE WALK– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit made headlines worldwide with his daring high-wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. This elevating drama recalls the unauthorized and unforgettable feat pulled off by Petit and his team.”

10/6/15- Mostly positive reviews but many of them expressed qualifications. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) PAWN SACRIFICE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015.  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.

9/15- Overall OK but a trivial screenplay. I’ve always been fascinated with this event and the movie left me somewhat cold. TRDB.

2) COMING HOME– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the waning days of China’s Cultural Revolution, dissident Lu Yanshi returns home after he’s released from a labor camp, only to find his wife suffering from amnesia. But Lu is determined to bring back her lost memory.”9/8/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) LEARNING TO DRIVE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 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) 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.

5) GRANDMA– 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.

6) 99 HOMES- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being evicted from his home by a flinty real-estate dealer, jobless Dennis Nash unexpectedly ends up working for the man. But to Nash’s dismay, his new boss soon begins ordering him to turn other families out of their houses.”

9/22/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/8/15- A realistic look at the issue of foreclosure of homes and what people will do to prevent that from happening to them. Also a good look at the people who take over these homes. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB.

7) SICARIO– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.

8) THE INTERN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Agreeing to participate in a community outreach program, e-commerce entrepreneur Jules Ostin hires a 70-year-old intern — who ends up bringing his special brand of business savvy to her fashion enterprise.”

10/6/15- Just barely more positives from critics than negatives but audiences, including many of my friends, really liked this movie. TRDB.

9) 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.

10) EVEREST- Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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

11) THE MARTIAN– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Abandoned on the surface of Mars after his crew concludes that he perished in a dust storm, astronaut Mark Watney must find a way to survive the planet’s harsh environment — despite having only 28 days of supplies left.”

10/2/15- Very good reviews but it sounds like a crowd pleaser to me. I’ll probably give it a chance, however. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY–

1)  RUN BOY RUN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the run after fleeing the Warsaw ghetto during World War II’s dark days, an 8-year-old Jewish boy is by no means out of danger as he must scrounge for food and shelter — and disguise his faith if he’s to survive.”3/21/15- No reviews in English but friends have told me that this movie is great. TRDB.

2) 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 but less so by audiences. TRDB.

3) LEARNING TO DRIVE– I have no interest in seeing this

4) PAWN SACRIFICE– Good but not great

5) BLACK MASS- Good reviews

6) THE INTERN– Poor reviews but most people have liked it very much

B) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE–

1) DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded in 1970 as a wacky, shocking and irreverent humor magazine, “National Lampoon” touched off a revolution in American comedic style, as chronicled in this affectionate look at the publication’s history and legacy.”9/25/15- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences alike for this documentary. TRDB.

2) 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.

9/2/15- A well acted, well written French movie that was painful to watch. Not for the faint of heart. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU- In Boca

1) 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 but less so by audiences. TRDB.

2) RUN BOY RUN– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the run after fleeing the Warsaw ghetto during World War II’s dark days, an 8-year-old Jewish boy is by no means out of danger as he must scrounge for food and shelter — and disguise his faith if he’s to survive.”

3/21/15- No reviews in English but friends have told me that this movie is great. TRDB.

3) THE SECOND MOTHER– I saw this and liked it very much. TRDB.

4) PAWN SACRIFICE– I thought it was just so-so. Others enjoyed it more. TRDB

5) TIME OUT OF MIND– With Richard Gere who plays a homeless man. I liked it.

6) GRANDMA-  Excellent reviews for this comedy with Lily Tomlin. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB