The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #588

April 7th, 2016

APRIL 7, 2016

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE-

 

www.thereeldrbob.com

 

I WILL BE RETURNING TO NY SOON SO THERE MAY NOT BE

A NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK-

THIS ISSUE WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS REGARDING NETFLIX

THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ON APRIL 21 IF NOT SOONER

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) MARGUERITE– At the Theater

2) YOUTH- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 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.

4/6/16- Well acted with a very interesting story. I would have liked it much more had it not been so slow at times. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

Recommended-

 

1) 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.

4/7/16- I enjoyed this film very much– well acted by Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel and Paul Dano with some important messages as well. Sign me up for the spa they were all visiting. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended–

 

1) 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.

4/2/16- Despite the good reviews I just could not get into this dark movie and turned it off fairly quickly. If it got better please let me know. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 12-

 

Recommended-

 

1) 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.

Not Recommended-

1) SISTERS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Forced to clean up their childhood bedroom one last time, adult sisters Maura and Jane return to the family home. As long as they’re there, they decide to return to high school as well — throwing the party to end all parties for their ex-classmates.”

12/18/15- Just fair reviews and the positives were related to the actors and not the movie. TRDB.

2) THE FOREST– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her twin sister vanishes in Japan’s storied Aokigahara Forest — where many go to commit suicide — Sara travels to the region to find her sibling but soon discovers that the woods are a far more sinister place than she ever imagined.”

1/8/16- Awful reviews. TRDB.

 

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, APRIL 19-

 

Recommended-

 

1) DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded in 1970 as a wacky, shocking and irreverent humor magazine, “National Lampoon” touched off a revolution in American comedic style, as chronicled in this affectionate look at the publication’s history and legacy.”

9/25/15- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences alike for this documentary. TRDB.

2) LAMB– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While living in misery after his father’s death and the failure of his marriage, middle-aged David Lamb has a chance meeting with a rudderless 11-year-old outcast, leading to a strange — and questionable — relationship between the two.”

1/8/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) ALL MISTAKES BURIED– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bent on recovering a stolen pendant he’d given to his estranged wife, struggling crack addict Sonny takes on a dangerous gang of crooks — certain that if he can retrieve the necklace, he can save his marriage.”

1/22/16- Weak reviews by the critics but excellent ones from audiences. I might just give this a try. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE LETTERS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring biographical drama portrays the remarkable life of Mother Teresa through the lens of a decades-long correspondence with her confidant and spiritual mentor, Father Celeste van Exem.”

11/29/15- Just saw 1 review and she called it necessary but punishingly dull. TRDB.

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

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, MARCH 31-

Recommended-

1) CATCHING THE SUN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering an illuminating look at our energy future, this topical documentary focuses on the increasing adoption of solar power worldwide, and the opportunities and obstacles faced by those hoping to accelerate the shift toward solar power.”

3/31/16- Just 4 reviews so far– 3 good and 1 not so good, but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

2) THE DARK HORSE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Genesis Potini is a forgotten man, locked away for years battling bipolar disorder. Finally free and hoping to help others, the imposing Maori hulk and chess genius inspires tens of thousands of troubled youth to embrace the game of kings.”

12/6/15- Excellent reviews for this drama that sounds more like a documentary. TRDB.

3) THE FLIGHT FANTASTIC– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1960s, the family trapeze troupe known as the Flying Gaonas began astonishing and thrilling circus audiences with their aerial acrobatics. This absorbing documentary traces the Gaonas’ history, from shows in their native Mexico to global fame.”

3/31/16- Just a few reviews but they are good. TRDB.

4) FRANCOFONIA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spotlighting the legacy and priceless art collection of the Louvre Museum, this vivid docudrama recounts many dramatic moments in the institution’s history, including the hasty caching of its treasures when German forces occupied Paris in 1940.”

3/31/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) MARINONI: THE FIRE IN THE FRAME– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “First a bike racer and later a bike builder, Giuseppe Marinoni has long been obsessed with two-wheel travel. Now 75, he’s ready to enter the arena again in pursuit of his age-group world record for distance cycled in an hour.”

3/31/16- Good reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.

6) MILES AHEAD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recounting his emergence from a five-year artistic hiatus, this ambitious biopic chronicles a slice in the life of renowned jazz trumpeter Miles Davis as he tries to recover a recording stolen from his house, aided by a “Rolling Stone” reporter.

3/31/16- Fairly good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

7) NO HOME MOVIE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chantal Akerman’s mother, Holocaust survivor Natalia, has long been at the core of the filmmaker’s work. In this touching documentary, Chantal memorializes her mom through conversations recorded during the last months of Natalia’s life.”

3/31/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8) NOTFILM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted playwright Samuel Beckett ventured only once into cinema, penning the script for a 22-minute piece simply titled “Film.” This fascinating history of the project includes rare audio recordings of the author discussing aspects of the production.”

3/31/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

9) STANDING TALL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shunted around the juvenile justice system after his irresponsible mother abandons him as a child, young Malony grows up to be a recalcitrant teenage hell-raiser. But a patient magistrate and an empathetic youth counselor refuse to quit on him.

3/31/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10) TOO LATE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hired to find a missing woman he was once involved with, tenacious private investigator Mel Sampson crisscrosses Los Angeles in a search that takes him deep into the city’s soul — and his checkered past.”

3/31/16- OK reviews but it sounds interesting and I’d give it a try. TRDB.

11) VITA ACTIVA: THE SPIRIT OF HANNAH ARENDT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt, who coined the controversial phrase “the banality of evil,” provides rich subject matter for this absorbing documentary that uses archival footage to chart her life and explore the evolution of her thinking.”

4/6/16– I’ve seen just 3 professional reviews– 2 up and 1 down. Audiences have liked this movie very much. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) DARLING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eager to take up her new job as the caretaker of an old Manhattan mansion, a young woman named Darling learns only later of the building’s dark history. After moving in, Darling is disturbed to find a mysterious locked door in the house.”

3/31/16- Very good professional reviews and terrible audience ones. Horror movies are just not my style and I’ll skip it. TRDB.

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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND–

NEW-

1) ANOMALISA- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Charlie Kaufman uses stop-motion animation and felt puppets to tell the tale of motivational speaker Michael Stone, whose anxieties have robbed him of all joy. But on a speaking tour, he meets a woman who may just revive his soul.”

11/28/15- Terrific reviews. TRDB.

1/23/16- I can assure you that this movie will be rated as one of the top 5 strangest movies you’ll ever see. I’m not sure if I understood this animated feature or if it is understandable at all but it held my interest throughout and I definitely recommend it.

REPEATS-

1) 4^th. 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 but I’ll skip it

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) FASTBALL- Very good reviews

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

15) INFINITELY POLAR BEAR- I enjoyed this movie

16) LABYRINTH OF LIES- A very good movie

17) LAMB- Good reviews

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

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

20) ROOM- An excellent movie

21) SAMBA- I enjoyed it

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

23) SPOTLIGHT- An excellent movie

24) STEVE JOBS- I liked it.

25) THEEB- Excellent reviews and I liked it

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

 

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) DEMOLITION– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shattered by his wife’s tragic death in a car crash, investment banker Davis Mitchell is rendered emotionally numb — until his frustration with an uncooperative vending machine leads to an unlikely correspondence and some therapeutic destruction.

4/5/16- Weak reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) EYE IN THE SKY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. Very good reviews

2) I SAW THE LIGHT– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Poor reviews

3) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews

4) REMEMBER– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Fairly good reviews, especially from audiences

5) BORN TO BE BLUE– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews

6) MY GOLDEN DAYS– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews but a few friends have not enjoyed this movie

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY–

1. A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH (AND DELRAY)

1) SHELLY ISAACS MOVIE ON FRIDAY APRIL 8 at the Movies of Lake Worth will be at 1pm and the showing on Thursday April 7 at the Movies of Delray will be at 10:30am.

SWORN VIRGIN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fleeing her Albanian village to escape the prospect of wifely servitude, Hana assumes a new identity as a man. She spends the next decade living in the mountains, until a visit to her sister in Italy leads Hana to question the path she’s taken.”

4/6/16- Just 1 review and it is weak but it sounds interesting to me and I nearly always like the movies that Shelly Isaacs presents. TRDB.

2) DOUGH– Good reviews

3) EYE IN THE SKY– Very good reviews

4) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Very good reviews

5) MARGUERITE– Very good reviews and I liked it

1. B) STONZEK THEATER AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE–

1) FILM/NOT FILM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted playwright Samuel Beckett ventured only once into cinema, penning the script for a 22-minute piece simply titled “Film.” This fascinating history of the project includes rare audio recordings of the author discussing aspects of the production.”

3/31/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) 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.

Very good reviews and I liked it

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

1) DOUGH- Good reviews

2) EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT– Good reviews

3) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS– Very good reviews

4) EYE IN THE SKY- Very good reviews

5) I SAW THE LIGHT– Poor reviews

6) LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER– Sounds interesting

7) REMEMBER– Fairly good reviews, especially from audiences

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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Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters