FILM REVIEWS #585
March 17th, 2016
MARCH 17, 2016
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE-
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) COLLIDING DREAMS– At the Theater
2) 10,000 km- Netflix
3) POVERTY, INC.- To be shown at the Lake Worth Film Festival
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) COLLIDING DREAMS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking a considered look at the history of conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people, this comprehensive documentary explores Zionism’s ideals and aims, and the difficulty of finding compromise in a land scarred by decades of hostility.”
3/4/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
3/11/16- An exhaustive and exhausting account of Zionism and its role from inception to the present day. An interesting study if perhaps a bit too long. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) 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.
3/14/16- An interesting premise and good acting made this movie enjoyable. A bit slow in the middle. TRDB.
2) POVERTY, INC.- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Challenging the record of global poverty-assistance programs in genuinely relieving deprivation in many areas around the world, this thought-provoking documentary also questions the overall structure of what is a multibillion-dollar industry.”
3/15/16- Very few professional reviews but most are good. I found the movie interesting but, sad to say, I think I’m getting a little tired of this important topic, especially in documentaries. TRDB.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 22-
Recommended-
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES– Premise by Netflix. “A startling discovery comes to light for retired Argentine criminal investigator Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) as he pens a biographical novel about the unsolved case of a young newlywed’s brutal rape and murder years ago. Past and present intertwine for Espósito and colleague Irene Menéndez Hastings (Soledad Villamil) in director Juan José Campanella’s Oscar-winning character study in which justice, pain and love collide.”
8/10- Interesting and well acted but I felt that the plot was full of holes. The back and forths were well done and not confusing as usual. TRDB.
4) JAMES WHITE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his mother’s terminal illness forces party-loving James White to drastically refocus his life, the transformation doesn’t come easily. As time passes, however, the bond between mother and son grows ever stronger.”
11/11/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) NOMA: MY PERFECT STORM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this gastronomic documentary, Chef René Redzepi — the father of modern Nordic cuisine — seeks to redeem himself by reclaiming the title Best Restaurant in the World for his Noma eatery, an honor it had retained for three years running.’
3/12/16- Poor reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, MARCH 11-
Recommended-
1) BOOM BUST BOOM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using humor, puppets and interviews with leading economists, this eye-opening documentary examines the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, concluding that mainstream economic theories ignore a central truth about human behavior.”
3/12./16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
2) CITY OF GOLD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From behind the wheel of his green pickup truck, acclaimed food writer Jonathan Gold sets off on a journey to explore the panoply of regional cuisines and trademark dishes to be found within the vast urban sprawl of Los Angeles.”
3/11/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
3) EYE IN THE SKY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leading an operation to nab a terrorist and her collaborators in Kenya, Col. Katherine Powell ends up in a political and moral quagmire as the mission changes and a drone strike is ordered, putting a young girl at risk of becoming collateral damage.”
3/11/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
4) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by insights gained through a self-help seminar, 60-year-old Doris Miller brazenly steps forward to pursue the affections of a much younger co-worker — and inadvertently becomes a hit with his hipster cohorts.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5) MARGUERITE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “French socialite Marguerite Dumont has one great passion in life: singing opera. Unfortunately, she’s exceedingly bad at it. But with no one brave enough to tell her, she throws her heart and soul into preparing for her first solo recital.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
6) REMEMBER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As lifelong friends Zev and Max move into their last years, they make a solemn pact to hunt down and take revenge on the Nazi commander who was responsible for slaughtering their families during World War II.”
3/11/16– Fairly good reviews especially by audiences. TRDB.
7) FIREWORKS WEDNESDAY– Premise by Netflix. “As fireworks light the sky on the eve of the Persian New Year, a young Iranian maid named Rouhi begins a new job working for a middle-class couple whose marriage is on the verge of implosion. The tension mounts when Rouhi’s employer decides to use her as a spy to determine whether her husband is being unfaithful. Asghar Farhadi directs this Farsi-language drama that offers a rare glimpse of private life in modern-day Iran.”
I saw and reviewed this film 6 years ago and here’s what I said at that time:
3/10- Another interesting slice of life from Iran and I liked it. TRDB.
8) MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on real-life events, this intriguing drama recounts the story of young Annabel Beam, who suffers from an incurable digestive disorder. But when a string of miracles leads to her complete recovery, Annabel’s family and doctors are mystified.”
3/16/16- Fairly good reviews for this movie. While considered a drama it might be considered sci-fi by others. TRDB.
Not Recommended–
1) ABOUT SCOUT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Scout’s estranged father abducts her sister, Lulu, the teenage rebel boosts a car and sets off across Texas to track down her sibling, aided by a mentally unstable young man named Sam.”
3/12/16- Just 2 reviews so far– one poor and the other mixed. I think I can safely skip this one. TRDB.
2) THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A suave secret agent accepts a mission that requires him to go on the run with his brainless soccer hooligan of a brother in this uproarious and spectacularly vulgar.”
3/11/16- Poor reviews. TRDB.
3) CREATIVE CONTROL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blurring the line between reality and fantasy, a young ad executive begins to lose touch when he uses a client’s new Augmenta eyeglasses to create — and have a virtual affair with — a sexy avatar who looks like his best buddy’s girlfriend.”
3/11/16- Fair reviews by the critics although audiences have liked it more. I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.
4) HYENA ROAD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Canadian Ryan Sanders and his team of snipers are protecting a strategic route into Taliban territory, guerillas ambush them. When the enemy is forced to retreat, Ryan’s crew returns to home base, where he’s drafted for a tricky covert operation.”
3/11/16- Weak professional reviews and OK audience ones. TRDB.
5) LOLO– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ultra-chic Parisian Violette is on holiday with her best friend when she falls for geeky Jean-René, who’s unlike any man she’s met before. When the pair return to Paris together, however, Violette’s 20-year-old son plots to undermine their romance.”
3/11/16- Really poor reviews which is a shame as I love Julie Delpy who both directs and acts in this movie. TRDB.
6) ME HIM HER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Handsome TV star Brendan has a secret, one he’s kept even from himself for many years: He’s gay. To help him take his first baby steps out of the closet, he calls upon his longtime pal Cory — who has his own romantic problems.”
3/11/16- Poor reviews. TRDB.
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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND-
1) 4th. MAN OUT- Good reviews
2) 99 HOMES- I liked it
3) ALL MISTAKES BURIED- Back On-Demand. Good reviews
4) THE BIG SHORT- Very good review and I liked it very much
5) BRIDGE OF SPIES- I liked this movie very much (new last week)
6) BROOKLYN – I liked it a lot
7) CAROL- I liked it very much
8)CLOSED SEASON- A very good movie and I liked it very much
9) CREED- The recent one with Sly Stallone- good reviews
10) THE DANISH GIRL- A very good movie
11) DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL- Very good reviews and I liked it a lot
12) THE END OF THE TOUR- Great movie!!
13) GRANDMA- I liked it a lot– not really a comedy despite Lily Tomlin
14) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR- I enjoyed this movie
15) LABYRINTH OF LIES- A very good movie
16) LAMB- Good reviews
17) THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON- Good reviews
18)MAN-UP- Good reviews and I enjoyed it as well
19) THE MARTIAN- Excellent reviews and many awards- I didn’t care for it
20) MISTRESS AMERICA- I enjoyed this movie
21) MR. HOLMES- I enjoyed it but was a bit disappointed
22) THE NEW GIRLFRIEND- I enjoyed it
23) PAWN SACRIFICE- Just a so-so movie about the chess player Bobby Fisher
24) ROOM- An excellent movie
25) RUN BOY RUN- I enjoyed this very much
26) SAMBA- I enjoyed it
27) SOUTHPAW- I enjoyed this movie despite its predictable plot
28) SPOTLIGHT- An excellent movie
29) STEVE JOBS- I liked it.
30) THEEB- Excellent reviews and I liked it
31) TRAINWRECK- I liked the movie
32) TRUMBO- Excellent movie- don’t miss it
33) YOSEMITE- I found it just OK.
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 WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) MARGUERITE– Jacob Burns, Bethel. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “French socialite Marguerite Dumont has one great passion in life: singing opera. Unfortunately, she’s exceedingly bad at it. But with no one brave enough to tell her, she throws her heart and soul into preparing for her first solo recital.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
2) REMEMBER– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As lifelong friends Zev and Max move into their last years, they make a solemn pact to hunt down and take revenge on the Nazi commander who was responsible for slaughtering their families during World War II.”
3/11/16– Fairly good reviews especially by audiences. TRDB.
3) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by insights gained through a self-help seminar, 60-year-old Doris Miller brazenly steps forward to pursue the affections of a much younger co-worker — and inadvertently becomes a hit with his hipster cohorts.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
4) MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN– Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on real-life events, this intriguing drama recounts the story of young Annabel Beam, who suffers from an incurable digestive disorder. But when a string of miracles leads to her complete recovery, Annabel’s family and doctors are mystified.”
3/16/16- Fairly good reviews for this movie. While considered drama it might be considered sci-fi by others. TRDB.
5) CITY OF GOLD– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From behind the wheel of his green pickup truck, acclaimed food writer Jonathan Gold sets off on a journey to explore the panoply of regional cuisines and trademark dishes to be found within the vast urban sprawl of Los Angeles.”
3/11/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) KNIGHT OF CUPS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Weak reviews.
2) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Bethel. Excellent reviews.
3) THE LADY IN THE VAN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk
4) SPOTLIGHT– Bethel. Excellent movie.
5) SON OF SAUL– Clearview 100. Very difficult to watch and the movie was just fair.
6) ROOM– Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it very much
7) WHERE TO INVADE NEXT– Jacob Burns. OK reviews.
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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
- A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-
1) COLLIDING DREAMS– I liked it
2) DOUGH- OK reviews and lots of people have enjoyed this one
3) ROOM- I liked this movie very much
- B) STONZEK THEATER AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-
1) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Very good reviews
2) THE WITCH– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this unsettling tale of horror set in the 17th century, a family of devout Christian homesteaders on the edge of the New England wilderness faces hardships so extreme that they begin to fear the devil is lurking among them.”
2/19/16- Good reviews but not my kind of movie. TRDB.
- C) LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-
1) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by insights gained through a self-help seminar, 60-year-old Doris Miller brazenly steps forward to pursue the affections of a much younger co-worker — and inadvertently becomes a hit with his hipster cohorts.”
3/11/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
2) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Very good reviews
3) COLLIDING DREAMS– I liked it
4) DOUGH- OK reviews and lots of people have liked it
5) THE LADY IN THE VAN– A waste of time- skip it
6) SON OF SAUL– Very depressing– the movie was fair
7) 45 YEARS– I liked it very much- Limited Screening
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
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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