The Reel Dr. Bob

SEPT. 8, 2016

DEAR FRIENDS:

I’M BACK THIS WEEK BUT I’LL BE AWAY AGAIN BRIEFLY NEXT WEEK SO THIS ISSUE WILL HAVE INFORMATION FOR 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES SINCE THE LAST ISSUE-

1) OUR LAST TANGO- Netflix DVD

2) SUMMERTIME- At the Theater

3) INGRID BERGMAN: IN HER OWN WORDS– Netflix DVD

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MOVIES I SAW AT THE THEATER SINCE LAST TIME-

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.

8/29/16- I saw this and liked it very much. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW AT HOME SINCE LAST TIME-

1) OUR LAST TANGO– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Maria Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes fell in love as teenagers, neither imagined that it would mark the beginning of a stormy 50-year relationship during which they would become the world’s most celebrated tango dancers.”4/15/16- Great reviews by the critics– just fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

8/24/16– The great reviews are accurate. Very well done movie and if you like tango be prepared to watch the best. TRDB. Netflix.

2) INGRID BERGMAN: IN HER OWN WORDS– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although she was one of cinema’s most legendary stars, Ingrid Bergman managed to keep her private life invisible to the public. This intimate documentary explores the actress’s revealing and eloquent diaries, as well as her personal film collection.”

11/11/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

9/8/16- A wonderful documentary about the legendary actress, mostly in her own words but also from her adult children. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 13-    LISTED IN THE LAST ISSUE

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 20-

1) SUNDAY BALL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In Brazil, soccer is the sport of the masses — and nowhere is it more evident than in this engrossing documentary celebrating the competition among 14 favela teams playing just down the road from the site of the World Cup matches.”12/11/15- I’ve seen just 3 reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) WEDDING DOLL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mildly mentally challenged, Hagit works at a toilet-paper factory by day and crafts wedding dolls with the leftover materials by night. Longing for romance, she finds it with the plant owner’s son — to the dismay of her fiercely protective mother.”

4/15/16- Very good reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences for this Israeli film. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) THE NICE GUYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1970s Los Angeles, this noirish mystery tracks a private eye who teams with a hired bruiser to investigate a missing persons case and a porn star’s suspicious suicide. In the process, the pair stumbles onto evidence of a vast conspiracy.”

5/19/16- Excellent reviews for this drama starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. TRDB.

5/24/16- One critic said that the two stars enjoying working together was the best part of the movie and I agree. Some funny parts but basically stupid. TRDB.

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OPENED  FRIDAY, SEPT. 2-

1) THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Off the coast of Australia, a lighthouse keeper and his wife’s efforts to have a child prove futile, until one day an infant in a rowboat washes ashore. Their choice to raise the girl as their own, however, later places them in a difficult situation.”

9/2/16- Fairly good reviews in general including the NY Times who added the fact that it was like a soap opera at times. I’ll see it. TRDB.

2) ZOOM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this inventive tale that blends live action and animation, smug filmmaker Edward, would-be novelist Michelle and insecure cartoonist Emma each create a story about one of the others while existing in different realities.”9/2/16- Fair reviews including a few very good and a few very bad ones. TRDB.

3) EQUAL MEANS EQUAL– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite talk of female empowerment, the Equal Rights Amendment has yet to be passed, and women remain on uneven footing when it comes to wage discrimination, reproductive rights and more. This cogent documentary makes the case for ratification.”

9/2/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) THE ACADEMY OF MUSES– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “”Using a real-life professor and his students as actors, this cerebral drama — an earnest inquiry into the nature of language and desire — centers on a married teacher whose interest in his female students is more than merely academic.”

9/2/16– Just 4 reviews at this time but 3 are very good. Sounds interesting. TRDB.

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OPENED FRIDAY, AUG. 26-

1) DYING TO KNOW: RAM DASS AND TIMOTHY LEARY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When estranged Harvard professors Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (who later became Ram Dass) reconcile after Leary’s terminal cancer diagnosis, the reunion of the 1960s counterculture icons produces a fascinating dialogue about life and death.”8/26/16- Mostly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) FATIMA– 2016. Despite raising two teen daughters on her own in France, Algerian immigrant Fatima has never mastered the language of her adopted land. When a fall takes her off her feet, she begins a diary, expressing her feelings to her girls in her native Arabic.ings to her girls in her native Arabic.”

8/26/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) FLOYD NORMAN: AN ANIMATED LIFE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary traces the life and career of Floyd Norman, the first African-American animator to work for Walt Disney Productions. Ultimately, his hand could be seen in a long list of films, from “The Jungle Book” to “Monsters, Inc.”

8/26/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) MIA MADRE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thrown off balance by her mother’s grave illness, film director Margherita must also struggle with the brash and uncooperative Hollywood actor who’s starring in the dramatic feature she’s trying to finish shooting.”

8/26/16- Very good reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he sets out to avenge his son’s murder, mild-mannered snowplow driver Nils sparks a war between a Norwegian mobster and his Serbian rival. As the two drug lords battle for supremacy, Nils dodges bullets to fulfill his own quest.”

8/26/16- Fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.

6) KATE PLAYS CHRISTINE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intriguing mash-up of documentary and drama follows actress Kate Lynn Sheil as she heads to Florida to prepare for her film role as Christine Chubbuck, the Sarasota newscaster who committed suicide on the air in 1974.

8/26/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones by audiences. TRDB.

7) THE INTERVENTION– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Ruby and Peter join three other couples for a weekend holiday, they’re dismayed to discover that their friend Annie has engineered the entire trip to help the pair address their marital problems.”

8/26/16- Fairly good reviews from critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

1) BLOOD FATHER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ex-con, ex-drunk and ex-drug addict John Link has hardly set a sterling example for his estranged teenage daughter. But when she gets into trouble with a Mexican drug cartel after her boyfriend sets her up, Dad finally has a chance to prove himself.”8/26/16- Good reviews but I’ll skip the chance to see Mel Gibson. TRDB.

2) COMPLETE UNKNOWN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While hosting a birthday dinner party, Tom recognizes a friend’s date as a woman he was once close to and is surprised that she doesn’t seem to remember him. Intent on finding out why, Tom follows her from the party, and a revealing odyssey ensues.”

8/26/16- Poor reviews from nearly everybody but the plot does sound interesting. TRDB.

3) DON’T BREATHE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A blind, rich and reclusive billionaire is hiding a mountain of cash in his home — he’s the perfect target for a trio of teens carrying out a string of robberies. Too bad the kids didn’t consider that their would-be victim may be a psychopath.”

8/26/16- This movie sounds terrifying and I will not see it. TRDB.

4) HANDS OF STONE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “The life and legend of championship boxer Roberto Duran are captured in this biographical drama, which depicts his impoverished childhood, his professional debut at 16, and the 34-year career that made him one of the most revered boxers of all time.”

8/26/16- Poor reviews for this movie but I might see it anyway. TRDB.

5) I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Troubled by his homicidal impulses, teenage John Cleaver does his best to keep his dark imagination at bay. But when a serial killer descends on his town, John must turn to his dark side to track down and destroy the murderer — who may not be human.”

8/26/16- Definitely NOT my kind of movie but it did receive OK reviews. TRDB.

6) IS THAT YOU?- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After losing his job, 60-year-old Israeli Ronnie flies to the United States to make contact with his long-lost love Rachel. During his search, he crosses paths with student filmmaker Myla, who joins Ronnie on his sentimental quest.”

8/26/16- Weak reviews all around. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND–

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) ZOOM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this inventive tale that blends live action and animation, smug filmmaker Edward, would-be novelist Michelle and insecure cartoonist Emma each create a story about one of the others while existing in different realities.”9/2/16- Fair reviews including a few very good and a few very bad ones. It sounds weird also. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN OUR BURBS-

1) LITTLE MEN– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 13-year-old Jake moves into his late grandfather’s home, he’s happy to find a built-in pal in Tony, the son of the seamstress who rents the downstairs shop. But while the boys hit it off, a rent dispute quickly puts their parents in conflict.”8/5/16- Very good reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.

2) MIA MADRE– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thrown off balance by her mother’s grave illness, film director Margherita must also struggle with the brash and uncooperative Hollywood actor who’s starring in the dramatic feature she’s trying to finish shooting.”8/26/16- Very good reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS– Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Off the coast of Australia, a lighthouse keeper and his wife’s efforts to have a child prove futile, until one day an infant in a rowboat washes ashore. Their choice to raise the girl as their own, however, later places them in a difficult situation.”9/2/16- Fairly good reviews in general including the NY Times who added the fact that it was like a soap opera at times. I’ll see it. TRDB.

4) SULLY– Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Viewers around the world were astonished in 2009 when airline pilot Chesley Sullenberger safely landed an Airbus 320 on the Hudson River after both engines were disabled. This fact-based drama illuminates Sullenberger’s life and heroic achievement.”9/7/16- Mostly very good reviews for the movie and for Tom Hanks who plays Sully. A few negatives thrown in as well. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS– Jacob Burns, Bethel. I’ll skip this one

2) EQUITY- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Garden Cinema Norwalk. I didn’t care for it.

3) A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS– Jacob Burns. I plan to see this one.

4) HELL OR HIGH WATER– Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews and I’ll see it eventually.

5) COMPLETE UNKNOWN– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Really poor reviews.

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

7) INDIGNATION– Clearview 100. I saw it and liked it.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH AND DELRAY-

1) SULLY– Good reviews but I’d see this one even if it had bad reviews

2) THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS–

3) FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS– Not my kind of movie

4) HELL OR HIGN WATER– Good reviews

5) INDIGNATION– I saw it and liked it

6) HANDS OF STONE– Decent reviews

B) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

SEPT. 9–SEPT.15

1) LITTLE MEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When 13-year-old Jake moves into his late grandfather’s home, he’s happy to find a built-in pal in Tony, the son of the seamstress who rents the downstairs shop. But while the boys hit it off, a rent dispute quickly puts their parents in conflict.”8/5/16- Very good reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences as well. TRDB.

2) RIVER OF GRASS-1995. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cozy and Lee (Lisa Bowman and Larry Fessenden), lovers who are as criminally inclined as they come, plan a road spree of robbery and mayhem. But after bungling a series of heists and having to outrun the police for a crime they didn’t commit, they decide that doin’ what comes naturally requires more effort than they can exert. Talk about laid-back gangsters!”5/4/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5/7/16- I enjoyed the movie despite the lack of action. TRDB.

 

SEPT. 16–SEPT. 22-

1) MY KING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While recuperating from a severe skiing injury, Tony takes time to look back at her turbulent, decade-long marriage to former husband Georgio. In the process, she realizes that her accident may not have been an accident after all.”

8/12/16- Fairly good reviews in general with a smattering of poor ones. TRDB.

2) MADE IN VENICE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rife with gangs in the 1970s, Venice, California, was called the “slum by the sea.” This documentary shows how skateboarding offered another path for Jesse Martinez and how he gave back by getting a skate park built and then slavishly maintaining it.”

9/8/16- Just 1 review noted and it’s good. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) MIA MADRE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thrown off balance by her mother’s grave illness, film director Margherita must also struggle with the brash and uncooperative Hollywood actor who’s starring in the dramatic feature she’s trying to finish shooting.”8/26/16- Very good reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) MY KING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While recuperating from a severe skiing injury, Tony takes time to look back at her turbulent, decade-long marriage to former husband Georgio. In the process, she realizes that her accident may not have been an accident after all.”

8/12/16- Fairly good reviews in general with a smattering of poor ones. TRDB.

3) DON’T THINK TWICE- Decent reviews.

4) EQUITY– I didn’t care for it.

5) INDIGNATION– A very good movie

6) COMPLETE UNKNOWN– Poor reviews.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB