FILM REVIEWS #566
October 22nd, 2015
10/17/15- I enjoyed this cold war spy thriller, even with the few touches of Hollywood thrown in by Steven Spielberg. Tom Hanks is great as usual. TRDB.
2) 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- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
10/21/15- I enjoyed this movie very much and I think I got a good picture of the creative genius of this man who to many was a real son-of-a-bitch. TRDB.
10/16/17– I found the movie generally interesting, particularly the relationship between the two guys. I had some trouble understanding their speech at the beginning of the movie. The movie is definitely worth seeing. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
10/16/15- A bit slow but I liked the movie very much, particularly the “evolution” of the leading lady. TRDB. Netflix.
3) BEASTS OF NO NATION- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name, this searing drama focuses on the stolen childhood of Agu, one of many young boys forced to take up arms in his West African nation’s brutal civil war.”
10/16/15- Very good reviews for this drama although a few critics said that it was repetitive. TRDB.
10/17/15- Very well done movie even though it feels like I’ve seen this a few times before. The kid was great. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
4) 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.
10/18/15- Much to my surprise I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. TRDB. Netflix.
5) THE SEVEN FIVE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1980s and ’90s, cop Michael Dowd terrorized New York City’s drug dealers, shaking them down at gunpoint for cash and cocaine. This riveting documentary looks at his fall from grace and the biggest police corruption scandal in Gotham’s history.”
5/8/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
10/19/15- This movie was interesting for about 30 minutes or so and then became repetitious with most of the cop’s illegal escapades narrated by Dowd himself. I lost patience and turned if off. TRDB. Netflix.
2) TU DORS NICOLE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her parents leave her at home while they embark on a summer holiday, 22-year-old Nicole is enjoying a peaceful and aimless life when her rocker brother, Remi, and his mates arrive with plans to turn the house into a recording studio.”
5/30/15- Great professional reviews and fairly good audience reviews as well. TRDB.
3) SOUTHPAW– 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.
4) SPY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unassuming CIA analyst Susan Cooper is far from being a James Bond type, but when she’s thrust into the field to investigate the disappearance of her partner, she turns into an improbable superspy.”
6/5/15- Very good reviews both by critics and by audiences. TRDB.
5) 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.
2) THE ASSASSIN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this action epic set in 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang is abducted at age 10 and trained to become an assassin who uses her skills to get rid of corrupt public officials — until she’s ordered to kill her beloved cousin.”
10/16/15- Generally good reviews but the reviewers stressed the beauty of the film rather than the plot. We’ll see what that means. TRDB.
3) BEASTS OF NO NATION– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name, this searing drama focuses on the stolen childhood of Agu, one of many young boys forced to take up arms in his West African nation’s brutal civil war.”
10/16/15- Very good reviews for this drama although a few critics said that it was repetitive. TRDB.
10/17/15- Very well done movie even though it feels like I’ve seen this a few times before. The kid was great. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
4) THE BOY FROM GEITA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adam, a young Tanzanian boy persecuted because of his albinism, finds a kindred spirit in Peter, a Canadian man with the same condition. Together they embark on an unlikely journey that transcends cultures and continents.”
10/16/15- Mixed reviews with one in particular saying how difficult this film was to watch. TRDB.
5) EXPERIMENTER- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on true events, Yale researcher Stanley Milgram’s psychological experiments reveal troubling findings on test subjects’ conscience and ethics when lab “technicians” request they deliver theoretically deadly electric “shocks” to total strangers.”
10/16/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
6) FIELD NIGGAS– 2015.
Below is what 1 reviewer had to say— I’ve seen 4 other reviews– all very positive. TRDB.
“‘The combination is simple: a lot of slow motion portraiture combined with a soundtrack of snippets of people’s conversation and interview. This straightforward method yields one of the most powerful and compassionate statements on race, on politics, on class, on policing, on drugs, that I’ve encountered in contemporary American cinema.”- Zach Campbell Critics RoundUp.
7) MEADOWLAND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Anguished by their son’s disappearance, Sarah and Phil struggle to keep their bearings. But as months pass without word of their child, Sarah’s desperate search for answers drives her to take increasingly greater risks.”
10/16/15- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
8) THE RUSSIAN WOODPECKER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Affected as a boy by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Ukrainian artist Fedor Alexandrovich travels to the Exclusion Zone to pursue his suspicions about the meltdown’s link to the Duga, a huge Soviet radio antenna located near the Chernobyl site.”
10/16/15- Excellent reviews by critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB.
9) TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While he was one of Hollywood’s most bankable romantic stars during the 1950s, Tab Hunter was also gay. This candid showbiz biography reveals the pressures of Hunter’s double life — and his eventual decision to step out of the closet.”
10/16/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
10) MI AMERICA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When five migrant Latino workers are murdered in Braxton, N.Y., Det. Roe Ramirez is assigned to investigate the white-hot case. But as he works to bring the killers to justice, he begins to question his beliefs about the meaning of being an American.”
10/16/15- Reviews are mostly very good. TRDB.
11) HOMEMAKERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While living a chaotic life in Austin, punk rocker Irene McCabey inherits a rundown row house in Pittsburgh. But as she works to revamp the place with help from a boozy cousin, wild child Irene starts to embrace the notion of putting down roots.”
10/16/15- I’ve seen just 3 reviews– 2 up and 1 down (The NY Times). I’d take a chance. TRDB.
2) SUFFRAGETTE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dreaming of the right to vote, working-class Maud eagerly joins the early feminist movement. But when the peaceful protests of the suffragettes accomplish nothing, they’re driven to more radical methods of effecting change.”
10/20/15- Fairly good reviews from most critics. TRDB.
3) THE PEARL BUTTON– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blending incisive interviews, lyrical cinematography and philosophical reflection, this compelling documentary looks at Chile’s recent history, connecting the nation’s violent past and its complicated relationship with the sea.”
10/20/15- I’ve seen 3 excellent reviews. TRDB.
4) A WONDERFUL CLOUD– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Aiming to persuade her former lover, Eugene, to hand over control of their jointly owned clothing company, Katelyn travels to the freak-show world of Los Angeles. Though the purpose of the meeting is business, Eugene harbors hope of a reconciliation.”
10/20/15- Just 1 review and it’s very good for this comedy. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) ROCK THE KASBAH- 2015. synopsis by Netflix. “Some unlikely turns of fate bring luckless rock producer Richie Vance the chance of a musical lifetime: After being stranded in Afghanistan on a USO tour, he meets a young singer with a magical voice and is convinced he can make her a star.”
10/20/15- No reviews as yet for this drama with Bill Murray. Not to be confused with the Israeli movie “ROCK THE CASBAH.” TRDB.
2) ASTHMA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven to distraction by his chronic asthma and constant poverty, young drug addict Gus impulsively steals a classic Rolls-Royce. He soon comes across another rebel, Ruby, and together they abandon New York to embark on an anarchic road trip.”
10/20/15- Just 1 review and it’s terrible. TRDB.
3) BURNT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In his ambitious attempt to open a world-class restaurant, cutting-edge chef Adam Jones encounters a platterful of obstacles — which includes assembling a staff capable of helping him win a coveted third star in the Michelin guidebook.”
10/20/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.
1) DEATH VALLEY– 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Four strangers on a drunken wedding dash from LA to Vegas hit a mysterious woman in the desert and must overcome injuries, the elements, and ultimately each other to survive.”
10/20/15- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
2) BACK IN TIME– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Three decades after young Marty McFly plunged back into the past in Dr. Brown’s time-traveling DeLorean, this absorbing documentary looks at the lasting cultural effects of the epic “Back to the Future” trilogy.”
10/20/15- No professional reviews as yet but audiences have enjoyed this movie. TRDB.
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DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) ROOM- Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being abducted, raped and imprisoned in a small windowless room, a young woman gives birth and is forced to raise her son, Jack, in the same improvised space. But after five years, Jack’s mother begins planning their escape.”
10/11/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
3) THE ASSASSIN– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this action epic set in 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang is abducted at age 10 and trained to become an assassin who uses her skills to get rid of corrupt public officials — until she’s ordered to kill her beloved cousin.”
10/16/15- Generally good reviews but the reviewers stressed the beauty of the film rather than the plot. We’ll see what that means. TRDB.
9/15- Overall OK with what I felt to be a trivial screenplay. I’ve always been fascinated with this event and the movie left me somewhat cold. TRDB.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) STEVE JOBS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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 except from someone from the NY Times who said the movie did not reflect Steve Jobs at all and was a big con. TRDB.
8) BRIDGE OF SPIES– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “At the height of the Cold War in 1960, the downing of an American spy plane and the pilot’s subsequent capture by the Soviets draws Brooklyn attorney James Donovan Tom Hanks) into the middle of an intense effort to secure the aviator’s release.”
10/11/15- Excellent reviews for this drama/mystery. TRDB.
10/17/15- I enjoyed this cold war spy thriller, even with the few touches of Hollywood thrown in by Steven Spielberg. Also, I read that the Tom Hanks character, portrayed as a novice, actually had been involved in the Nuremberg trials. TRDB.
9) FREEHELD- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.
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2) 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.
2) PAWN SACRIFICE– 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org
For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com
Entry Filed under: Newsletter from 3 weeks ago
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