FILM REVIEWS #586
March 24th, 2016
MARCH 24, 2016
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE-
THIS WAS A VERY SLOW MOVIE-WEEK FOR ME!
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
NONE
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) 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.
3/18/16- Very good acting, good photography of the favelas and some good chase scenes were among the merits. Can’t say I really loved the movie, however. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
NONE
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 29-
Recommended-
1) CARTEL LAND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the law failing to protect citizens from the drug cartels wreaking havoc in Mexico, vigilante groups have sprung up on both sides of the border. This potent documentary tracks two such groups, one in Mexico’s Michoacán state and one in Arizona.”
7/3/15- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones by audiences. TRDB.
2) YOUTH– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “On vacation in the Alps, two friends on the verge of turning 80 look to each other for support as both rush to face potentially momentous career landmarks, realizing that time is no longer on their side.
12/4/15- Fairly good reviews for this film starring Sir Michael Caine . TRDB.
3) MEDITERRANEA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Unlike many of the African migrants trying to reach the coast of Italy, Burkina Faso natives Ayiva and Abas aren’t escaping horrors: They simply want to better their financial lots. Unfortunately, life in Europe turns out to be anything but easy.”
11/20/15– Fairly good reviews for this timely drama. TRDB.
4) THE DANISH GIRL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1930, Danish painter Einar Wegener elects to have gender-reassignment surgery, with the blessing of his wife, Gerda. This true-life narrative of personal courage also sheds light on the medical origins of transsexual surgery.”
11/24/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.
12/29/15- This movie is more of a love story than about the transgender issue and is definitely worth seeing. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) LEGEND– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Among the most notorious characters in Britain’s gangster history, identical twins Reginald and Ronald Kray frustrated authorities while transfixing and terrifying the public with untold criminal exploits, as recounted in this riveting biopic.”
11/2/0/15- Weak reviews from the critics but audiences have liked it. TRDB.
2) THE HATEFUL EIGHT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Quentin Tarantino’s stylish Western set in post-Civil War Wyoming, eight travelers stranded at a stagecoach way station — including bounty hunters, outlaws and former soldiers — become enmeshed in a duplicitous plot as a savage blizzard rages outside.”
12/29/15- Fairly good reviews and some weak ones too. I’ll skip it. TRDB.
3) FORSAKEN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Civil War veteran John Henry Clayton tires of the life he’s made for himself as a renowned quick-draw gunfighter, he returns to his hometown hoping to mend fences with his estranged father. But a gang of baddies soon tests John Henry’s patience.”
2/19/16- Really poor professional reviews but audiences have liked it. Starring both Keith and Donald Sutherland. TRDB.
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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, MARCH 18-
Recommended-
1) THE BIRTH OF SAKE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “At Yoshida Brewery, which is nearly 150 years old, a small group of skilled artisans practices the 2,000-year-old tradition of saké-making, spending months away from friends and family as they devote themselves to preserving the ancient craft.”
3/18/16- Just 2 professional reviews— 1 up and 1 down. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
2) THE CLAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true story, this chilling crime saga follows the exploits of the Puccio clan, an outwardly respectable Argentinean family who earns a living by abducting the wealthy to extort ransoms — while authorities look the other way.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
3) THE CONFIRMATION– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When boozy carpenter Walt is offered a job, he thinks his bad luck may be changing — only to find that someone has pilfered his toolbox. As Walt sets out with his estranged young son to hunt down the culprit, the pair unexpectedly form a bond.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.
4) EVERYTHING IS COPY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Author and screenwriter Nora Ephron became famous first for her acerbic wit and later for her stormy marriage to journalist Carl Bernstein, as chronicled in this candid but affectionate documentary directed by Ephron’s son Jacob.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
5) KRISHA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reuniting with her family for Thanksgiving after years of estrangement, aging hippie Krisha arrives at her sister’s house with the best intentions. But things soon go downhill as Krisha’s presence creates confusion, animosity and embarrassment.”
3/18/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
6) MIDNIGHT SPECIAL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After discovering that his young son possesses extraordinary powers, a father must try to safeguard the boy not only from the intensive pursuit of government authorities but also a band of religious fanatics.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
7) MY GOLDEN DAYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this episodic drama that unfolds in three segments, middle-aged anthropologist Paul Dédalus leaves the field and takes a desk job in Paris, where he muses on his turbulent youth and the love of his life, Esther.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews from critics and fairly good ones from audiences. The NY Times and WSJ both rated it highly. Two friends thought it was only fair. TRDB.
8) A SPACE PROGRAM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This high-spirited documentary chronicles a project by bricolage artist Tom Sachs, who assembled a team to help him construct a homemade spaceship. The vessel then launches on a mission to Mars carrying two female astronauts.”
3/18/16- Fairly good critical review. TRDB.
9) SWEET BEAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Looking for help in his bakery — where he specializes in doriyaki pastries — Sentaro hires 76-year-old Tokue. To Sentaro’s surprise, his new employee has a unique talent for making the popular delicacy … but she’s also hiding a troubling secret.”
3/18/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
10) THANK YOU FOR PLAYING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by the news of his 4-year-old son’s terminal cancer diagnosis, video game developer Ryan Green starts building a new game — this one designed to help ease the grief of his entire family, and potentially many others.”
3/18/16- Very good early reviews. TRDB.
Not Recommended–
1) THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Alarmed and intrigued by her father’s gradual conversion to hard-right political views, documentarian Jen Senko examines the ascent of right-wing media, which whips up civic resentments daily through an army of conservative talk-radio pundits.”
3/18/16- Poor reviews by both critics and audiences. TRDB.
2) THE PROGRAM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “For years, journalist David Walsh doggedly pursued his conviction that bicycle racer Lance Armstrong was using performance-enhancing drugs. In 2012, Armstrong’s admission of guilt finally confirmed Walsh’s claims. This docudrama tells their story.”
3/18/16- Bad reviews. TRDB.
3) TAKE ME TO THE RIVER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a family reunion in rural Nebraska, gay teen Ryder becomes a target of suspicion as a result of a bloodstain on his 9-year-old cousin’s dress. When a flood of accusations begins to fly, dark family secrets come to the surface.”
3/18/16- Fair at best critical review. Audiences have not liked this movie at all. TRDB.
4) KAPOOR & SONS- SINCE 1921- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Estranged brothers Arjun and Rahul are obliged to meet when their grandfather suffers a heart attack. With the family under one roof, old grudges begin to fly as the two brothers start hurling insults — and objects — at each other.”
3/21/16- Just 1 review noted (from the NY Times) and it’s OK. Audiences have liked it very much. I’ll skip it for now. TRDB.
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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND- (No Changes Since Week)
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) EYE IN THE SKY– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 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.
2) MY GOLDEN DAYS– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this episodic drama that unfolds in three segments, middle-aged anthropologist Paul Dédalus leaves the field and takes a desk job in Paris, where he muses on his turbulent youth and the love of his life, Esther.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews from critics and fairly good ones from audiences. The NY Times and WSJ both rated it highly. Two friends thought it was just fair. TRDB.
3) THE CLAN– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a true story, this chilling crime saga follows the exploits of the Puccio clan, an outwardly respectable Argentinean family who earns a living by abducting the wealthy to extort ransoms — while authorities look the other way.”
3/18/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.
4) KRISHA- Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reuniting with her family for Thanksgiving after years of estrangement, aging hippie Krisha arrives at her sister’s house with the best intentions. But things soon go downhill as Krisha’s presence creates confusion, animosity and embarrassment.”
3/18/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) MARGUERITE- Bethel. Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones from audiences as well
2) REMEMBER– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Fairly good reviews especially by audiences
3) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Excellent reviews
4) KNIGHT OF CUPS– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Weak reviews
5) SPOTLIGHT- Bethel. Excellent reviews and I liked it very much
6) SON OF SAUL– Clearview 100.
7) THE LADY IN THE VAN– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I didn’t care for this one
8) ROOM– Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it very much
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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
- A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-
1) DOUGH– Lots of people have enjoyed this one
2) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Good reviews
- B) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE
1) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Very good reviews
2) THE WITCH– Good reviews but it’s not my kind of movie
- C) LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA RATON
1) COLLIDING DREAMS– I liked it
2) DOUGH– Lots of people have enjoyed this one
3) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Excellent reviews
4) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Good reviews
5) THE LADY IN THE VAN– I didn’t care for it
6) LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Candidly recalling the abusive treatment she received from her carping mother in childhood, filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum turns the lens on herself and her family, trying to gain insight into and resolve the issues that made them bitter adversaries.”
3/23/16- Just 1 review but it sounds interesting. TRDB.
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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