The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 25, 2016

DEAR FRIENDS:

I WILL BE AWAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THIS ISSUE WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

THE NEXT ISSUE SHOULD BE ON SEPT. 8th., 9th. OR  10th.- PERHAPS SEPT. 22

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- (Just one this week)

1) L’ATESSA (THE WAIT)- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) EQUITY- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While veteran investment banker Naomi Bishop has thrived in the cutthroat, male-dominated financial world, her leadership of a technology company’s initial public offering exposes her to intense pressure from colleagues — and a prosecutor.”7/29/16- Fairly good reviews from the critics and mixed ones from audiences. TRDB.

8/23/16- I agree with the audience reviews on this one. I felt like I had seen this movie 3 or 4 times before only better! You can safely skip it. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) SEPTEMBERS OF SHIRAZ– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set during the turbulent days of the Iranian Revolution, this tense drama chronicles the plight of a wealthy Jewish family whose patriarch is arrested, brutally interrogated and accused of spying for Israel.”6/24/16- Although this movie got poor reviews I’d like to see it just for the history. TRDB.

8/18/16- One critic described this movie as “lifeless and by the numbers” and I agree. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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- OK professional reviews and the same for audiences. TRDB.

8/21/16- I was riveted to the screen. Juliette Binoche is great in the part and despite the slow pace I really enjoyed the movie. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG 30.

1) THE PHENOM–  2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Playing in the big leagues is as much a mental game as a physical one. So when rookie ace Hopper Gibson suddenly loses his stuff and is sent to the minors, he’s also sent to a psychologist, who pushes the hurler to get to the root of his problems.”6/24/16-  Good reviews from the critics and weak ones from audiences. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 6-

1) CASA GRANDE– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Surrounded by the trappings that wealth can afford, Rio de Janeiro teenager Jean is used to a life of privilege. But his family’s financial collapse soon forces Jean to make some unpleasant and embarrassing changes in his life.”11/13/15- Very good reviews and I liked it. TRDB.

2) NEON BULL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working behind the scenes of the macho Brazilian sport of vaquejada, Iremar prepares bulls for their entry into the arena, where cowboys try to tug the animals to the ground by their tails. But Iremar’s real ambition is to become a costume designer.4/8/16– Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) THE MEDDLER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the heels of her husband’s death, Marnie Minervini moves to Los Angeles and begins interfering with her daughter Lori’s life. But after Marnie’s chance encounter with a charismatic security guard, she turns her attention in a different direction.”4/22/16- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

5/8/16- A delightful, poignant comedy with a wonderful Susan Sarandon. TRDB.

4) LOVE & FRIENDSHIP– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this adaptation of a Jane Austen novella, scheming widow Lady Susan Vernon retreats to her in-laws’ rural estate while waiting for scandalous rumors about her to subside. Soon, she’s on the hunt for a husband — and one for her teenage daughter.”

5/13/16- Great reviews. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) MONEY MONSTER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Landing in dire financial straits after following a stock tip from bombastic TV persona Lee Gates, fuming Kyle Budwell takes the lout hostage on live television and threatens to kill him unless he turns the stock price around before the closing bell.”

5/10/16- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

2) THE ONES BELOW–  2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Kate and Justin nervously await the birth of their first child, a couple who’s also expecting moves into the downstairs flat. The couples become fast friends, but their relationship turns ugly when their first joint dinner party ends in tragedy.”5/27/16- Mixed reviews including some really poor ones and I’ll definitely skip this thriller. TRDB.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 13-

1) PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the Internet awash in millions of videos by musicians seeking notice, few such artists have much success. But singer-songwriter Samantha Montgomery becomes an exception after drawing the attention of Ophir Kutiel, a master mixer of viral videos.”

5/27/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) THE MEASURE OF A MAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his long and humiliating search for employment — while scrambling to feed his family — Thierry Taugourdeau lands a job at a megamarket catching shoplifters. But he faces a moral quandary as he begins to sympathize with those he apprehends.”

4/15/16- Excellent reviews and I’ll try to see this one. TRDB.

3) THE FITS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Captivated by a dance drill team known as the Lionesses and yearning for social acceptance, insecure tomboy Toni tries out for the squad and lands a spot. But just as she starts to gain confidence, inexplicable episodes of fainting plague the group.”

6/3/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

4) POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking aim at the modern music industry, this rollicking mockumentary follows a rap star whose life nose-dives after his latest album flops. Looking to make a comeback, he reluctantly resurrects his former boy band.”

6/3/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED ON FRIDAY, AUG. 19-

1) IMPERIUM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based thriller, young and eager FBI Agent Nate Foster takes on an undercover role that involves penetrating a hard-core white supremacist organization rumored to be gathering the components for a dirty bomb.”8/19/16- Good reviews by critics and audiences, more so by the critics TRDB.

2) IXCANUL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As she awaits an arranged marriage in her remote village, 17-year-old Maria dreams of making her way to the big city. When she accidentally becomes pregnant, Maria gets her chance to experience the modern world, but it’s far from what she expected.”

8/19/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) LO AND BEHOLD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by prolific documentarian Werner Herzog, this meditative examination of the history and future of the Internet features interviews with many of the experts whose insights and technological breakthroughs helped fuel the network revolution.”

8/16/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) MAKING A KILLING: GUNS, GREED AND THE N.R.A.- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Interlaced with stories from victims of gun violence, this topical documentary details how the National Rifle Association and firearms manufacturers — driven by profit motives — lobby against all attempts to pass new gun-control laws.”

8/19/16- Just 3 reviews– 2 up and 1 down. I’ll recommend it for now. TRDB.

5) MORRIS FROM AMERICA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After moving to the provincial city of Heidelberg, Germany, African-American teen Morris Gentry has trouble making friends and takes refuge in hip-hop music — until pretty Katrin enters the picture.”

8/19/16- Excellent reviews from critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

6) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While serving as a state attorney general in postwar Germany, Fritz Bauer receives word that fugitive Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann is living in Argentina. To bring him to justice, Bauer secretly enlists help from the Israeli Mossad.”

8/19/16- Good reviews by the critics and excellent reviews by audiences. TRDB.

7) SPA NIGHT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As he stands on the cusp of adulthood, David Cho is living with his first-generation immigrant family in Los Angeles’ Koreatown. To help them when money gets tight, David takes a job at a Korean spa, where he discovers an erotic new world of gay sex.”

8/19/16- Excellent reviews from the critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended–

1) BEN-HUR- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the biblical-era epic, Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur is condemned to slavery after his boyhood best friend falsely accuses him of an assassination attempt. Years later, it’s time for Ben-Hur to take his revenge.”8/19/2016- Awful reviews and I’ll skip it. TRDB.

2) KAMPAI: FOR THE LOVE OF SAKE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite the popularity of Japanese cuisine, less attention has been paid to sake, the rice wine traditionally served with meals. This engrossing documentary explores sake’s long history and the ongoing evolution of the unique beverage.”

8/19/16- Weak reviews. TRDB.

3) A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bringing to life the memoir of celebrated Israeli author Amos Oz, this affecting drama depicts his early years, when his family was swept up in the turbulence and violence of Israel’s founding as a nation.”

8/19/16- Poor reviews, several critics calling it “inert.” I have to see it just for the story but I can not recommend it. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) IMPERIUM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based thriller, young and eager FBI Agent Nate Foster takes on an undercover role that involves penetrating a hard-core white supremacist organization rumored to be gathering the components for a dirty bomb.”8/19/16- Good reviews by critics and audiences but more so by the critics TRDB.

2) LO AND BEHOLD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by prolific documentarian Werner Herzog, this meditative examination of the history and future of the Internet features interviews with many of the experts whose insights and technological breakthroughs helped fuel the network revolution.”

8/16/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES- for Sept. 9

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU– Jacob Burns, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling a fateful summer day in 1989 when a Harvard Law student wooed a pretty young attorney by taking her on a memorable South Side Chicago date, this engaging romantic drama charts the beginnings of Barack and Michelle Obama’s relationship.”8/23/16- Very good reviews from both critics and audiences as well. TRDB.

2) A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bringing to life the memoir of celebrated Israeli author Amos Oz, this affecting drama depicts his early years, when his family was swept up in the turbulence and violence of Israel’s founding as a nation.”

8/19/16- Poor reviews, several critics calling it “inert.” I have to see it just for the story but I can not recommend it. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) CAFE SOCIETY– Bethel, Clearview 100. Garden Cinema Norwalk. Woody’s newest– I liked it

2) INDIGNATION– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this movie very much

3) HELL OR HIGH WATER– Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews

4) FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. Good reviews but it doesn’t appeal to me

5) EQUITY– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews but I was disappointed

6) DON’T THINK TWICE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY-

1) FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS- Good reviews but it doesn’t appeal to me

2) INDIGNATON– I saw it and liked it very much

3) EQUITY- Very good reviews. Very good reviews but I was disappointed

B) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) SUMMERTIME– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fleeing her rural life and moving to Paris, the gay but unschooled Delphine meets avowed feminist Carole, and they begin a passionate affair. When her father falls ill, Delphine goes home to help her mother, and Carole must decide whether to follow.”7/22/16- Very good reviews for this French drama. TRDB.

2) THE CHILDHOOD OF A LEADER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After World War I, a U.S. diplomat moves his family to France, where he’s deeply involved in drafting the Treaty of Versailles. But while he’s preoccupied with his work, his neglected 7-year-old son begins to display ominous personality traits.”7/22/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

1) INDIGNATION– I saw it and liked it very much

2) HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE– Good reviews (limited screenings)

3) CAPTAIN FANTASTIC– I liked it but not as much as others

4) EQUITY- Very good reviews but I was disappointed

5) DON’T THINK TWICE– Good reviews

6) OUR LITTLE SISTER– Excellent reviews for this Japanese film

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB