The Reel Dr. Bob

1) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a John le Carré novel, this taut spy thriller follows an English couple’s deadly entanglement with a desperate Russian mobster who solicits their help in negotiating sanctuary with British intelligence authorities.”6/26/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7/5/16- A bit preposterous but still OK. Definitely not as good as most critics gave it credit for. TRDB.

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.

6/30/16- Boring as hell and I turned it off after my usual 18 (Chai) minutes. TRDB.

1) 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.

2)  MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering a glimpse of China’s past, present and potential future, this epic drama unwinds in three parts, beginning with a Chinese beauty choosing between two suitors and ending in Australia with her 18-year-old son detached from his roots.”

2/13/16- Good reviews. TRDB.

3) 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.

4) 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 listed as a drama it might be considered sci-fi by others. TRDB.

5) 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. TRDB.

6) BORN TO BE BLUE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inventive reimagining of jazzman Chet Baker’s life picks up during the late 1960s, when the trumpeter is almost as famous for his addiction as he is for his music. Looking for a career boost, he agrees to take part in a movie about his life.”

3/25/16- Very good reviews by critics and audiences. TRDB.

4/22/16- A good drama about Baker, his talent and his failings. TRDB.

7) 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.”

 4/22/16- I saw this movie and thought it was interesting as I knew nothing about this group of people from Albania. TRDB.

8) EVERYBODY WANTS SOME– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in the 1980s, this campus comedy chronicles the triumphs and humiliations of a group of freshman friends intent on making the school’s baseball team — while exploring a brave new world of adult temptations off the field.”

4/13/15- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

9) THE ARMOR OF LIGHT- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking a hard look at the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in America, this thoughtful documentary follows Rev. Rob Schenck, a conservative activist crusading to end the damage inflicted by his countrymen’s long love affair with firearms.”

6/30/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and mixed reviews by audiences. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFIX ON JULY 19-

1) 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.

2) ELVIS & NIXON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Among the many strange episodes that took place in Richard Nixon’s presidential administration, one of the most bizarre was Elvis Presley’s surprise visit to the White House, followed by a secret meeting with the nation’s commander-in-chief.”

4/19/16- Fairly good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

5/1/16- A light fluff comedy with some poignant moments as well and I did enjoy it. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON JULY 26-

1) HARMONTOWN– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix.”Recording the wild cross-country jaunt of TV writer and producer Dan Harmon as he and his crew take his podcast to the people, this candid documentary insightfully illuminates his private and public lives.”

10/10/14- Very good reviews in general. Audiences have loved it. The NY Times did not. TRDB.

2) THE RUSSIAN WOODPECKER– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Affected as a boy by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Ukrainian artist Fedor Alexandrovich travels to the Exclusion Zone to pursue his suspicions about the meltdown’s link to the Duga, a huge Soviet radio antenna located near the Chernobyl site.”

10/16/15- Excellent reviews by critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) THE INVITATION– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Will’s ex-wife, Eden, invites him to a dinner party at the home they once shared, he assumes she wants to put unresolved tensions to rest. But soon, Will senses that Eden and her new spouse have something sinister in mind.”

4/8/16- Excellent reviews all around for this mystery. TRDB.

4) SING STREET– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grappling with a difficult home life, 14-year-old Conor faces more woes when financial problems force his parents to transfer him from a private school to an inner-city public school. Looking for an escape, he forms a band with a group of classmates.”

4/15/16- Great reviews from all! TRDB.

5/22/16– I liked this movie very much. Poignant screenplay, wonderful acting and great music. What else can I say? TRDB.

5) THE WAIT (L’ATTESA)- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As single mother Anna mourns her son’s death, Jeanne, a stranger claiming to be his lover arrives for a visit — unaware of his demise. Withholding the unspeakable truth for as long as possible, Anna begins to grow close to Jeanne.”

4/29/16- Weak professional reviews and somewhat better audience ones. TRDB.

1) THE INNOCENTS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of World War II, French physician Mathilde Beaulieu travels to Warsaw to care for survivors and is taken to a convent where numerous nuns were raped by Russian soldiers. With her help, the women begin to regain their faith in God’s mercy.”7/1/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) MICROBE AND GASOLINE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to break away from their oppressive home lives, teen misfits Microbe and Gasoline construct a miniature motor home with a top speed of 10 mph and set off on a whimsical journey across France, looking for adventure and girls.”

7/1/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) CAPTAIN FANTASTIC– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having raised his six children in the wooded isolation of the Pacific Northwest, Ben Cash is suddenly drawn back into civilization by a shocking tragedy. As the kids face an unfamiliar world, Ben begins to reexamine his approach to parenting.”

7/1/16- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative. However, the trailer looks interesting to me and I like Vigo Mortensen and, of course, Frank Langella. TRDB.

4) LIFE, ANIMATED– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When once-chatty Owen Suskind stops speaking at age 3, the only stimuli he responds to are Disney films. Four years later, his dad breaks Owen’s silence by talking to him as a character from one of those movies — which suddenly opens up his world.”

7/1/16- Uniformly very good reviews for this documentary with the notable exception of the NY Times. TRDB.

5) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a John le Carré novel, this taut spy thriller follows an English couple’s deadly entanglement with a desperate Russian mobster who solicits their help in negotiating sanctuary with British intelligence authorities.”

6/26/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

7/5/16- A bit preposterous but still OK. Definitely not as good as most critics gave it credit for. TRDB.

6) UNDER THE SUN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intriguing documentary centers on 8-year-old Zin-mi, who’s about to join North Korea’s Children’s Union on the “Day of the Shining Star”: Kim Jong Il’s birthday. As the film crew follows Zin-mi and her parents, state watchdogs are ever present.”

7/7/16- Very good reviews from the critics and just so-so ones from audiences. One reviewer called it the deconstruction of a documentary because of the continued meddling of the North Korean authorities. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) THE LEGEND OF TARZAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fully readapted to London society after his long sojourn in the jungle, Lord Greystoke returns to Africa as a trade emissary. But little does he know that he’s being used to advance the schemes of villainous Capt. Leon Rom.”

7/1//16- Poor reviews for this movie. TRDB.

2) THE BFG– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Roald Dahl’s spooky children’s book is transformed into a family-friendly fantasy centering on young orphan Sophie, who meets a colossus called the Big Friendly Giant — who’s exiled from his peers for refusing to eat boys and girls.”

7/1/16- Fair reviews from most critics. TRDB.

3) CARNAGE PARK– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bad luck continues to dog two dimwitted bank robbers after their planned heist goes awry. With a hostage in tow, they manage to elude police but stumble into even worse circumstances when they intrude on the domain of a deranged ex-military sniper.”

7/1/16- Decent reviews but I hate this type of movie- a mixture of suspense and horror and I’ll miss it. It’s on Comcast On-Demand. TRDB.

4) ROSEANNE FOR PRESIDENT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “An American icon by way of her wildly popular sitcom and stormy private life, Roseanne Barr elected to run for president in 2012 as a third-party candidate — a quixotic crusade recounted in this candid documentary.”

7/1/16- Very few reviews and they are mixed. I would nix it for now. It’s on Comcast On-Demand. TRDB.

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1) HUNT FOR WILDERPEOPLE- Jacob Burns, Bethel. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young misfit Ricky Baker has grown comfortable with his foster parents, Aunt Bella and Uncle Hec. But when Bella’s death threatens to send Ricky back to child services, the irascible Hec heads for the bush with Ricky, setting off a national manhunt.”6/24/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) THE INNOCENTS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of World War II, French physician Mathilde Beaulieu travels to Warsaw to care for survivors and is taken to a convent where numerous nuns were raped by Russian soldiers. With her help, the women begin to regain their faith in God’s mercy.”

6/30/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) SWISS ARMY MAN– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Stranded alone on a deserted island, forlorn Hank has lost any hope of getting back to civilization. But as he’s about to end his life, a gaseous corpse washes ashore — giving Hank an idea that may just take him home.”

6/24/16- Fair reviews at best. The NY Times found it incredibly creative. I like Paul Dano and I will see this movie eventually.

4) LIFE, ANIMATED– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When once-chatty Owen Suskind stops speaking at age 3, the only stimuli he responds to are Disney films. Four years later, his dad breaks Owen’s silence by talking to him as a character from one of those movies — which suddenly opens up his world.”

7/1/16- Uniformly very good reviews for this documentary with the notable exception of the NY Times. TRDB.

1) ART BASTARD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary profiles the career of artistic rebel Robert Cenedella, whose vivid urban portraits reflect his determination to go his own way during an era dominated by pop art, minimalism and money.”6/3/16- Not many reviews as yet but the ones available are fairly good. TRDB.

2) THE MUSIC OF STRANGERS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Founded by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Silk Road Ensemble includes more than 50 musicians, composers and other artists. Touring the globe, the group collaborates with local performers in a quest to broaden the world’s musical horizons.”6/10/16- Very good reviews from critics and fair ones from audiences for this documentary. TRDB.

July 15–July 21-

1) DE PALMA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this absorbing look at Hollywood director Brian De Palma’s adventurous and turbulent career, the iconoclastic auteur discusses each of his films, the creative ambition behind them and his spotty reputation in the movie industry.”

6/10/16- Great reviews for this documentary! TRDB.

2) RIGHT NOW, WRONG THEN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Beginning with a chance meeting between film director Ham Cheon-soo and young painter Yoon Hee-jeong, this insightful drama plays out two versions of their romantic encounter, each with a very different conclusion.”

6/24/16– Very good early reviews from critics with one actually calling this movie the best one so far in 2016. Audiences haven’t been as enthusiastic. TRDB.

July 22– July 28-

1) HUNT FOR WILDERPEOPLE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young misfit Ricky Baker has grown comfortable with his foster parents, Aunt Bella and Uncle Hec. But when Bella’s death threatens to send Ricky back to child services, the irascible Hec heads for the bush with Ricky, setting off a national manhunt.”

6/24/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2)  GURUKULAM- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This meditative documentary travels to a remote ashram in southern India, where the sage Swami Dayananda Saraswati tutors a diverse group of acolytes on the connection between the spiritual and material worlds, and the process of self-discovery.”

6/3/16- Very few reviews and they are evenly divided. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATERS-

1) MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting documentary about human love and mortality, an ailing 98-year-old man and his 89-year-old wife reluctantly recognize that their time together is drawing to a close after 76 years of marriage.”

6/17/16- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

2) MAGGIE’S PLAN- I liked this one very much

3) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR– Just OK– over rated by the critics

4) WEINER-DOG– Fair reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences

5) OUR LAST TANGO– Great reviews by the critics– just fair ones from audiences. (limited screenings)

6) THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY- OK reviews. (limited screenings)