The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #583

March 3rd, 2016

MARCH 3, 2016

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) THEEB- Hot Wire On-Demand

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

Again, I’ve seen pretty much all of the movies out there right now but I expect that next week a few new ones will be out and hopefully I’ll get to go.

 

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) INSIDE OUT– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her family relocates across the country, tween Riley Anderson struggles with the stress of her new situation and her animated emotions get carried away — quite literally — on a fantastic journey through her mind.”

2/26/16- A very clever animated movie but I have trouble getting into animated films in general and this one too. TRDB.

2) 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- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2/26/16- I don’t know what the critics were thinking but this movie was “the worst.” I had to turn it off. TRDB. Netflix.

3) THEEB– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this adventure tale set in the far corners of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, a Bedouin boy who comes from a family of pilgrim guides must use all of his acquired skills to survive a desert journey gone seriously awry.”

11/2/15- Terrific reviews. TRDB.

2/28/16- A well done if a bit slow movie that has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for 2015. I liked it- very good but not great. TRDB. Hotwire On-Demand.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 8-

 

Recommended-

 

1) THE TRIBE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this dark-edged drama conveyed completely in sign language, teenager Sergey arrives at a boarding school for deaf-mute students and quickly discovers that there’s far more going on among the students than meets the eye.”

6/19/15- Fairly good reviews in general– some very good. TRDB.

2) 10,000 km– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Deeply in love and planning to have a baby, Barcelona residents Alex and Sergi must alter those plans when Alex is offered a one-year artist residency in America. But the couple vows to stay close via digital technology.”

7/10/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

3) 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.”

9/4/15- Fairly good reviews.  TRDB.

4) COMING HOME– 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) THE FORBIDDEN ROOM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this wildly surreal comedic mystery tale, the crew of a submarine trapped in the ocean depths can’t imagine that things could get any worse. Then they discover that a dangerous band of forest thieves has joined them on board.”

12/1/15- Lots of positive reviews from the critics but they all called it an “unusual” movie. Audiences have liked it also. TRDB.

8) MACBETH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Justin Kurzel gives a full-bodied treatment to this inspired retelling of William Shakespeare’s classic tale about an ambitious Scottish nobleman thirsting for power, who’s egged on by his conniving wife.

12/4/15- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) THE WONDERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “At age 12, Gelsomina is being groomed to inherit a beekeeping kingdom in rural Italy. But despite her family’s efforts to preserve their pastoral existence, modern life intervenes by way of a TV contest and the arrival of a juvenile delinquent.”

10/23/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

11/9/15- It beats me as to what all of the critics saw in this movie. Aside from it being a slice of life if anyone can tell me what this was about— please do. Miss this movie. TRDB. 

2) SPECTRE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “James Bond continues his run of romance and foreign intrigue in this tense thriller that pits him against the global terrorist organization SPECTRE. Already battling political interference, MI6 and Bond must again take on their most implacable foe.”

11/6/15- Fair reviews at best! TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, FEB. 26-

 

Recommended-

 

1) EDDIE THE EAGLE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Forever endearing himself to the British public, Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards becomes the first Englishman to compete in the Winter Olympics ski jump, relying on valor to make up for his lack of experience and bad eyesight.”

2/26/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

2) JACK OF THE RED HEARTS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the lam from the law, teenage runaway Jack finagles her way into a job as caregiver and live-in companion to an autistic 11-year-old girl. But after making a surprising connection with her young charge, Jack’s past catches up with her.”

2/26/16- Weak professional reviews but audiences have liked it much more. TRDB.

3) KING GEORGES– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary focuses on Georges Perrier, owner of Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin, one of the nation’s best French restaurants. As he ponders retiring from the frenetic world of the kitchen, Perrier frets over the eatery’s future.”

2/26/16- Critics said that this film is great but audiences have not liked it. TRDB.

4) THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this artful blend of memoir and documentary, former Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan looks back to the glory days of NASA’s lunar landings and his unique distinction of being the last man to stand on the moon.”

2/26/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) VIRUS OF FEAR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When swimming instructor Jordi kisses a terrified child on the cheek to comfort him, the boy’s infuriated parents interpret the gesture as abuse. Struggling to defend himself, Jordi must also bear the nightmarish shame of his alleged crime.”

2/26/16- Just 1 review so far and it’s pretty good. TRDB.

 

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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND-

 

1) 4^th. MAN OUT- Good reviews

2) 99 HOMES- I liked it

3) ALL MISTAKES BURIED- Mixed reviews

4) BRIDGE OF SPIES- I liked this movie very much (new last week)

5) CLOSED SEASON-  (NEW) A very good movie and I liked it very much

6) CREED- The recent one with Sly Stallone- good reviews

7) DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL- Very good reviews and I liked it a lot

8)THE END OF THE TOUR- Great movie!!

9) GRANDMA- I liked it a lot– not really a comedy despite Lily Tomlin

10) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR- I enjoyed this movie

11) LABYRINTH OF LIES- A very good movie

12) LAMB- Good reviews and I plan on seeing it

13) THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON– (NEW) 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this artful blend of memoir and documentary, former Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan looks back to the glory days of NASA’s lunar landings and his unique distinction of being the last man to stand on the moon.”

2/26/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

14) MAN-UP- Good reviews and I enjoyed it as well

15) THE MARTIAN- Excellent reviews and many awards- I didn’t care for it

16) MISTRESS AMERICA- I enjoyed this movie

17) MR. HOLMES- I enjoyed it but was a bit disappointed

18)THE NEW GIRLFRIEND- I enjoyed it

19) PAWN SACRIFICE- Just a so-so movie about the chess player Bobby Fisher

20) ROOM- An excellent movie

21) RUN BOY RUN- I enjoyed this very much

22) SAMBA- I enjoyed it

23) SOUTHPAW- I enjoyed this movie despite its predictable plot

24) SPOTLIGHT- An excellent movie

25) THEEB- Excellent reviews and I hope to see this one soon

26) TRAINWRECK- I liked the movie

27) TRUMBO- Excellent movie- don’t miss it

28) YOSEMITE– (NEW) 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1985 California, this engaging drama follows three suburban fifth-graders as they navigate shifting friendships, grapple with death for the first time in their young lives and encounter danger after a mountain lion is spotted in town.”

1/1/16- Fairly good reviews from the critics and audiences have liked it a lot. TRDB.

 

Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters

DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN FAIRFIELD AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS- NONE

 

REPEATS-

 

1)  EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through parallel story threads set 40 years apart, this absorbing odyssey follows two Western scientists who travel deep into the Amazon jungle looking for a rare plant that possesses healing powers, with enigmatic shaman Karamakate as their guide.”

2/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) BROOKLYN- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I enjoyed this a lot.

 

3) HAIL CAESAR– Bethel. I doubt if I’ll see this one.

 

4) THE LADY IN THE VAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. A waste of time as far as I’m concerned.

 

5) SON OF SAUL– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very difficult to sit through– a fair movie in general.

 

6) THE BIG SHORT– Bethel. I liked it very much.

 

7) SPOTLIGHT- Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. I liked it very much and it just won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

 

8) ROOM- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. An excellent movie with wonderful acting and a great screenplay. The movie is fiction but there is ample precedent for this scenario.

 

9) 45 YEARS– This movie was described as “too slow” by many, while it was a bit slow at times I feel that this was what was needed in order to portray the relationship properly. This movie stimulated a whole lot of discussion and I liked it very much.

 

11) WHERE TO INVADE NEXT– Jacob Burns.  Fairly good reviews from some critics and pretty bad ones from others. Audiences have seemed to like it.  TRDB.

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

 

1. A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

 

1) LONDON HAS FALLEN– Poor early reviews

2) RACE– Many of my friends have liked this one

3) DOUGH– Reviews have been good for this comedy

4) THE LADY IN THE VAN– I didn’t care for it

5) SPOTLIGHT– A very good movie that just won for Best Picture

6) ROOM– I liked it very much.

 

1. B) STONZEK THEATER AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

 

1) AFERIM!- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this passionate historical drama, 19th-century Romanian policeman Constadin is hired by a local nobleman, Boyar Iordache Cindescu, to track down the Gypsy slave Garfin. The constable soon learns Garfin has been intimate with Iordache’s wife.”

1/22/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) RAMS- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite the fact that they live next door to each other, brothers and fellow sheep farmers Gummi and Kiddi have gone 40 years without speaking to each other. When a deadly virus attacks both their herds, the brothers are forced to communicate again.”

3/1/16- Very good reviews for this foreign drama. TRDB.

 

1. C) LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this artful blend of memoir and documentary, former Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan looks back to the glory days of NASA’s lunar landings and his unique distinction of being the last man to stand on the moon.”

2/26/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) 45 YEARS– This movie was described as “too slow” by many, while it was a bit slow at times I feel that this was what was needed in order to portray the relationship properly.

2) DOUGH–  Early reviews are positive for this comedy.

3) IN THE SHADOW OF WOMEN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite being happily married to his creative partner, filmmaker Pierre finds himself mired in a love triangle when he falls for a young intern. Unable to choose between the two women, Pierre tries to keep them both as his lovers.”

1/15/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) SON OF SAUL– The movie was difficult to watch and just OK

5) THE LADY IN THE VAN– I didn’t care for it

6) MUSTANG– I liked it very much. Limited Screening time.

 

 

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

 

 

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