The Reel Dr. Bob

NOVEMBER 19, 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) SPOTLIGHT– At the Theater

2) BROOKLYN- At the Theater

3) MY ITALIAN SECRET: THE FORGOTTEN HEROES– Netflix Streaming

4) ANIMALS– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) SPOTLIGHT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Revealing a string of cover-ups stretching back decades, a team of “Boston Globe” reporters exposes the Catholic Archdiocese’s history of keeping reports about child molestation and other priest-initiated abuse under wraps.”10/28/15- Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

11/13/15- The great reviews were well deserved. A very good drama and very realistic as well. TRDB.

2) BROOKLYN– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After emigrating from Ireland, Eilis Lacey readily adapts to the vastly different New York City, where she falls for a young Italian. But when tragedy pulls her back to her hometown, she finds her loyalties divided between two nations — and two men.”

10/28/15- Great reviews. TRDB.

11/14/15- I really liked this movie very much. Great acting and a very interesting story with some humor thrown in as well. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) MY ITALIAN SECRET: THE FORGOTTEN HEROES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Under the shadow of the Nazi crusade to exterminate European Jews, cycling champ Gino Bartali and an army of his compatriots went to perilous lengths to save thousands of Italian Jews from capture and death, as recounted in this moving documentary.”3/27/15- I’ve seen just 3 reviews– two up and one down. Sounds interesting. TRDB.

11/17/15- An excellent documentary giving tribute to many Italians who gave sanctuary to Jews during the war. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) ANIMALS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While living near a Chicago zoo in their wreck of an auto, a drug-addicted young couple supports their habit through petty theft and hustling. But they’re forced to face reality when one of them requires medical help.’

5/15/15- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

11/18/15- A well acted, well written powerful story about 2 junkies in love. Very good. TRDB. Netflix.

Not Recommended–

1) 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.

11/13/15- A lightweight comedy that was not very funny. Skip it!! TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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.

11/14/15- An at times funny spoof of a Bond type movie but I ran out of patience and finally turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

3) TELL NO ONE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A traditional family and an untraditional lifestyle provide the fodder for this quirky comedy that chronicles one man’s attempt to come out to his kin. Unfortunately, the right moment proves elusive — and someone else may beat him to the punch.”

11/15/15- OK reviews. Some friends have liked this movie so I’ll give it a try.  TRDB.

11/17/15- This movie was supposed to be funny but it wasn’t and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

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CAME TO NETFLIX ON 11/17 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

1) SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tracing the artistic path of a singular man, this affectionate documentary examines the life and times of revered piano teacher Seymour Bernstein, who chose teaching and composition over the chance to pursue a career as a concert pianist.”3/13/15- Excellent reviews from critics but only fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) MERU- 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.

3)  BEST OF ENEMIES- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1968, two patrician intellectuals with opposite political views — William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal — participated in a series of televised debates that shocked America with their level of vitriol, as recounted in this riveting documentary.”

7/29/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) DO I SOUND GAY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking to explore his self-doubt and curious about other men’s discomfort with “sounding gay,” journalist David Thorpe helms this candid documentary about his research into the matter, which includes interviews with a host of gay celebrities.”

7/10/15- Good reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) FELIX & MEIRA– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After their lives intersect at a Montreal pizzeria, a stifled young Hasidic wife and an atheist grappling with his father’s demise embark on a tentative romance that must bridge their two disparate worlds.”

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

5/2/15- I enjoyed this movie whose main characters, while on the surface seemed very different, actually had more in common than first noted. TRDB.

6) THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Conducting a study on the psychology of incarceration, a Stanford professor assigns prisoner and guard roles to 24 male test subjects in a mock jail. Authority quickly escalates to abuse of power, which is allowed to continue in the name of research.”

7/14/15- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

7) MY ITALIAN SECRET: THE FORGOTTEN HEROES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Under the shadow of the Nazi crusade to exterminate European Jews, cycling champ Gino Bartali and an army of his compatriots went to perilous lengths to save thousands of Italian Jews from capture and death, as recounted in this moving documentary.”

3/27/15- I’ve seen just 2 reviews– one up and one down. Sounds interesting. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) 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.”

11/15/15- Weak reviews all around. TRDB.

2) BUZZARD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After ripping off his employer, paranoid flimflam man Marty Jackitansky decides to lay low in Detroit. But as his growing fear of capture makes Marty ever-more desperate, a truly monstrous side of him begins to emerge.”

3/6/15- Good reviews by critics but after reading them I am less likely to see the movie. TRDB.

3) 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- Not to be confused with the movie “Tangerines” that came out at roughly the same time. 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. Still, it was weird and I can not in good conscience recommend the film. See Tangerines instead. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 24-

1) RICKI AND THE FLASH– 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.

2) THE SQUARE– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intimate documentary filmed in the midst of the Egyptian revolution follows its subjects on a life-changing journey through the euphoria of victory into the uncertainties and dangers of a “transitional period” under military rule.”

10/25/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from everyone else as well. TRDB.

11/24/13- An excellent documentary about the political changes in Egypt over the last 2 years with an emphasis on the realities involved in a popular revolution. TRDB.

3) TWINSTERS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Alerted to a You Tube video featuring a woman who bears an eerie resemblance to her, adoptee Anaïs Bordier makes contact with her lookalike via social media — and the two discover they’re twins who were separated at birth.”

7/17/15- Three professional reviews and they are very good, including the NY Times. TRDB.

11/11/15- A remarkable story proving yet again that the truth is stranger than fiction. Very well done. TRDB.

4) STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After he’s chided for skipping class, autistic 13-year-old Ricky escapes his life for a journey on the subway, spending days underground. As his family carries out a desperate search for him on the surface, Hurricane Sandy approaches the city.”

5/23/14- Very good professional reviews and OK audience ones too. TRDB.

5) GUIDANCE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Once the star of a children’s TV show, David Gold gets by doing voiceovers, until even that work dries up. Posing as a guidance counselor, Gold gets hired at Grusin High School, where the staff finds him suspect and so do the students — at first.”

8/18/15- Very good reviews for this stupid sounding movie. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) 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.”

11/10/15- Weak reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED ON FRIDAY NOV. 13-

1) MADAM PHUNG’S LAST JOURNEY– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cross-dressing crooners, games of chance and a big helping of glamour are all on the bill when Madame Phung and her band of traveling transgender showgirls come to town. Filmmaker Tham Nguyen Thi spends a year on the road with the performers.”11/12/15- Just 4 reviews but they are all very good. TRDB.

2) CASA GRANDE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Surrounded by the trappings that wealth can afford, Rio de Janeiro teenager Jean is used to a life of privilege. But his family’s financial collapse soon forces Jean to make some unpleasant and embarrassing changes in his life.”

11/13/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) SONG OF LAHORE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “The city of Lahore was once an artistic haven famous for its music, but that changed with the imposition of Sharia law. This engaging documentary follows some passionate Pakistani musicians trying to revive a tradition in a shrinking cultural sphere.”

11/13/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) FUNNY BUNNY– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While spreading information about the dangers of childhood obesity, neurotic crusader Gene meets a shy trust-fund teen smitten with an online animal-rights activist. But after persuading the boy they should track her down, Gene falls for her, too.”

11/13/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.

2) THE 33- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unspooling one of the most compelling true-life tales of survival in the modern age, this gripping drama chronicles the massive 69-day effort to rescue 33 Chilean miners who were trapped more than 2,000 feet underground.”

11/13/15- Weak reviews. TRDB.

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OPENING ON NOV. 20 ( Partial List- the remainder will be reviewed next week)

1) CAROL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in a 1950s society that considers lesbian romance taboo, two women from disparate backgrounds — young store clerk Therese Belivet and wealthy socialite Carol Aird — develop an attachment to each other that ultimately turns passionate.”10/18/15- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. TRDB.

2) CENSORED VOICES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1967, author Amos Oz and editor Avraham Shapira tape-recorded the sentiments of Israeli soldiers returning from the Six-Day War. This riveting documentary combines that long-censored audio with archival clips to provide a personal picture of war.”

11/16/15- Excellent reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) KINGDOM OF SHADOWS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “By profiling three disparate people — an activist nun in Mexico, a U.S. federal agent working the border and a former Texas smuggler — filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz shines a light on the human consequences of the U.S.-Mexico drug war.”

11/16/15- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) VERY SEMI-SERIOUS: A PARTIALLY THOROUGH PORTRAIT OF NEW YORKER CARTOONISTS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling the New Yorker’s 90-year tradition of publishing urbane and occasionally bizarre single-panel cartoons, this lighthearted documentary centers on Bob Mankoff, the magazine’s cartoon editor since 1997.”

11/16/15- Just 2 reviews but they are both positive. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Convinced they’re on to a sure thing, four friends put together a risky investment scheme but recklessly borrow gangland money to finance the deal. When their gamble fails, they’re forced to do the mob’s bidding.”

11/16/15- Just a few reviews but they are all bad. TRDB.

Too Soon To Tell-

1) SECRET IN THEIR EYES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirteen years after a colleague’s daughter is savagely murdered, former FBI investigator Ray remains haunted by the unsolved case. But as he gets close to nabbing the killer, Ray unearths a shocking truth that casts a different light on past events.”

11/18/15- Early reviews are not so good. TRDB.

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

1) ENTERTAINMENT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While on his way to a birthday-party gig in Los Angeles — where he hopes to reconcile with his estranged daughter — an abysmal middle-aged comedian plays a succession of shows at dead-end dives across the Mojave Desert.”11/11/15- Good reviews by critics and less so by audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES

NEW IN THE BURBS- NONE

REPEATS-

1) SPOTLIGHT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Revealing a string of cover-ups stretching back decades, a team of “Boston Globe” reporters exposes the Catholic Archdiocese’s history of keeping reports about child molestation and other priest-initiated abuse under wraps.”10/28/15- Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

11/13/15- The great reviews were well deserved. A very good drama and very realistic as well. TRDB.

2) SUFFRAGETTE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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) TRUTH– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On the morning of September 9, 2004, veteran CBS News producer MARY MAPES (Cate Blanchett) believed she had every reason to feel proud of a broadcast journalism job well done. By the end of the day, Mapes, CBS News, and the venerable CBS News anchor DAN RATHER (Robert Redford) would be under harsh scrutiny.”

10/11/15- Fair reviews at best. Cate Blanchett is noted in particular. TRDB.

11/8/15- I found the movie a bit tedious at times but I enjoyed the discussion of the difficult issues involved. I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB.

4) BURNT– Danbury, Clearview 100. 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- Mixed reviews– more negative than positive. TRDB.

5) ROOM– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

10/26/15- A splendid movie with wonderful acting and a great screenplay. The movie is fiction but there is ample precedent for this scenario. TRDB.

6) 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.

7) BROOKLYN– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “After emigrating from Ireland, Eilis Lacey readily adapts to the vastly different New York City, where she falls for a young Italian. But when tragedy pulls her back to her hometown, she finds her loyalties divided between two nations — and two men.”

10/28/15- Great reviews. TRDB.

11/14/15- I really liked this movie very much. Great acting and a very interesting story with some humor thrown in as well. TRDB.

8) HEART OF A DOG– Jacob Burns. 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her rat terrier Lolabelle provides the focus for Laurie Anderson’s meditation on love and remembrance, her lyrical essay also touches on topics as far-ranging as Buddhism’s concept of the hereafter and surveillance in the wake of Sept. 11.”

10/28/15- Great reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY-

1) SECRET IN THEIR EYES– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirteen years after a colleague’s daughter is savagely murdered, former FBI investigator Ray remains haunted by the unsolved case. But as he gets close to nabbing the killer, Ray unearths a shocking truth that casts a different light on past events.”11/18/15- Early reviews are not so good. TRDB.

2) SUFFRAGETTE- Mostly good reviews

3) LABYRINTH OF LIES- A good movie and I enjoyed it

B) STONZEK THEATER AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) ENTERTAINMENT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While on his way to a birthday-party gig in Los Angeles — where he hopes to reconcile with his estranged daughter — an abysmal middle-aged comedian plays a succession of shows at dead-end dives across the Mojave Desert.”11/11/15- Good reviews by critics and less so by audiences. TRDB.

2) 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.”11/19/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA-

1) A BRILLIANT YOUNG MIND– Very good reviews

2) LABYRINTH OF LIES– I liked this movie very much

3) RUN BOY RUN- Very good reviews

4) THEEB– Terrific reviews

5) TRUTH– I liked this a lot

6) WHAT OUR FATHERS DID: A NAZI LEGACY– Very good reviews

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB