FILM REVIEWS #608
September 22nd, 2016
9/8/16– Lots of love and lots of darkness in this drama by and starring Natalie Portman that follows a family that made it to Israel after WW 2. All was not so rosy for them. TRDB.
2) SULLY– 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.
9/10/16- I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I was sweating as it played out despite knowing what was going to happen. There have been some interesting discussions in the press about artistic license and accuracy related to this movie. Tom Hanks was great in the role of Sully! TRDB.
3) THE PATRIARCH (MAHANA)– 2016. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the 1960s on the east coast of New Zealand, two Maori sheep-shearing families – the Mahanas and the Poatas – are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son, is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta, he risks not just his own future prospects, but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.”
9/17/16- I saw this movie at the Toronto Film Festival last week and liked it very much. TRDB.
4/29/16- Fair professional reviews and fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.
9/19/16- This movie was OK but seemed corny and overacted to me in general. It’s worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix.
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.
9/20/16- I really enjoyed this film from France and found myself rooting for Thierry to succeed. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
3) DEFYING THE NAZIS: THE SHARPS’ WAR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This historical documentary recounts the heroic efforts of Unitarian minister Waitstill Sharp and his wife, Martha, who traveled to Nazi-occupied countries during World War II to help shepherd thousands of persecuted refugees to safety.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
9/21/16- It WAS an excellent documentary about this couple. TRDB. PBS
4) 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.
9/21/16- I enjoyed this drama very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
5) 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.
9/22/16- I liked this touching movie very much. Interesting story and wonderful acting. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
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2) CITY OF GOLD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From behind the wheel of his green pickup truck, acclaimed food writer Jonathan Gold sets off on a journey to explore the panoply of regional cuisines and trademark dishes to be found within the vast urban sprawl of Los Angeles.”
3/11/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
3) THE JUNGLE BOOK– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by the animated Disney classic, this live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved novel follows young Mowgli as he navigates a jungle full of wonder and peril with his animal allies Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear.”
4/15/16- Great reviews. TRDB.
4) HUNT FOR THE 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.
5) EAT THAT QUESTION: FRANK ZAPPA IN HIS OWN WORDS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blending a wealth of personal interviews and concert footage, this in-depth biography paints a fascinating portrait of avant-garde musician Frank Zappa, whose iconoclastic influence has continued decades after his death.”
6/24/16- Great reviews. TRDB.
6) 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.”
6/30/16- Very good reviews and I’ve wanted to see this movie for months. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) ME BEFORE YOU– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Planning to stay just six months, Lou Clark takes on the job of looking after rich but depressed Will Traynor, who’s been left a quadriplegic by an accident. Despite Will’s disillusionment, Lou is determined to show him that his life is worth living.”
6/2/16- Weak reviews from most of the critics. TRDB.
2) THE NEON DEMON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Everyone says modeling is a cutthroat business, but Jesse has no idea that anyone means it literally until she arrives in Los Angeles and finds herself surrounded by women who’ll stop at nothing to possess her youth and beauty.”
6/24/16- Reviews are mainly poor plus I will not see horror movies like this anyway. TRDB.
2) AS I OPEN MY EYES– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the social ferment of Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution swirls around 18-year-old rock singer Farah, her provocative lyrics draw attention from the police. When she’s detained for questioning, Farah realizes that one of her friends has betrayed her.”
9/9/16- The critics loved the movie– audiences liked it. TRDB.
3) AUTHOR: THE JT LEROY STORY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Perpetrating a literary fraud, Laura Albert — a 40-year-old punk rocker — posed as a transgender teenage boy to publish three novels that were widely hailed as brilliant. In this fascinating documentary, Albert reveals the reasons behind the hoax.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
4) CAMERAPERSON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Longtime cinematographer Kirsten Johnson turns her hand to directing in this compelling visual memoir that combines images from far-flung locations she’s filmed — including Bosnia, Yemen and Rwanda — with touching scenes of her family.”
9/9/16– Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
5) DEFYING THE NAZIS: THE SHARPS’ WAR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This historical documentary recounts the heroic efforts of Unitarian minister Waitstill Sharp and his wife, Martha, who traveled to Nazi-occupied countries during World War II to help shepherd thousands of persecuted refugees to safety.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
9/21/16- It WAS an excellent documentary about this brave couple. TRDB.
6) DEMON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While digging the hole for a pool at his new home, soon-to-be husband Piotr comes across some old human remains. Keeping the find to himself, Piotr is assailed by deathly nightmares the night before his wedding — but the worst is yet to come.”
9/9/16- Very good reviews by the critics and mediocre ones by audiences. I’ll skip it, but others may like it. TRDB.
7) FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actor Leonard Nimoy played Mr. Spock in the original “Star Trek” TV series, creating a character that would become an icon of American pop culture. In this affectionate documentary, Nimoy looks back on nearly 50 years of playing the wise Vulcan.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
8) KICKS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fifteen-year old Brandon ventures into the tough streets of East Oakland to get back a pair of stolen sneakers. The odyssey him and his two best friends embark on is at once the night of their lives and a gamble with life and death stakes.”
9/9/16- Fairly good reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.
9) LANDFILL HARMONIC– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fashioning musical instruments from the acres of trash around them, a group of Paraguayan youths living atop a landfill forms the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura and unexpectedly rises to world fame, as chronicled in this uplifting documentary.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones by audiences as well. TRDB.
10) LONDON ROAD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix “In 2006, five women’s bodies are discovered in the English town of Ipswich. In the wake of the tragedy, the shaken residents struggle to deal with the aftermath and the realization that the killer was a member of the community.”
9/9/16- Fairly good professional reviews but poor audience ones. I’d give it a try. TRDB.
11) OTHER PEOPLE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of a painful breakup, New York City comedy writer David Mulcahy decides to suspend his floundering career and help care for his dying mother in Sacramento. Though he puts on a brave face for his family, David is falling apart inside.”
9/9/16- Mostly good reviews– the NY Times was so-so on it. TRDB.
12) STARVING THE BEAST– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This disquieting social documentary studies the shift in American values regarding the advantages of a college education, as more schools feel the pressure to adopt academic models that emphasize career advantage over a well-rounded education.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
13) SULLY– 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.
9/10/16- I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I was sweating as it played out despite knowing what was going to happen. There have been some interesting discussions in the press about artistic license and accuracy related to this movie. Tom Hanks was great in the role of Sully! TRDB.
14) TRANSPECOS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Most days are dull for U.S. Border Patrol agents Davis, Flores and Hobbs. But that can change in an instant, as the trio finds out when a routine stop gone wrong leaves them with a dead body, a wrecked vehicle and a cache of cocaine.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews from critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) BROTHER NATURE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After years of working as a congressman’s top aide, an aspiring politician gets his chance to run for a seat. But when he meets his girlfriend’s family, he realizes that his potential future brother-in-law may represent a serious electoral handicap.”
9/9/16- Poor reviews. TRDB.
2) COME WHAT MAY- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Nazi forces rout the French army in May 1940, the denizens of a threatened village abandon their homes and head west. Traveling together are a German dissenter in search of his son, and a Scottish officer whose entire unit has been slaughtered.”
9/9/16- This movie sounds interesting but received poor reviews from nearly all critics. TRDB.
3) ITHACA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “It’s the summer of 1942, and with his older brother off at war and his dad dead, 14-year-old Homer Macauley is the man of the house. To support his mom, sister and toddler brother, Homer turns his bike into cash by becoming a telegraph messenger.”
9/9/16- Terrible reviews and this movie is included here because of Tom Hanks. TRDB.
4) THE VESSEL— 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Years after a tsunami wipes out a coastal community’s elementary school, washing away all the town’s children, residents remain in mourning. When a young villager miraculously comes back to life after drowning, they believe he can resurrect the dead.”
9/16/16- Good reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some called it spiritual– many called it beautiful and very few didn’t like it. TRDB.
5) FINDING ALTAMIRA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an amateur archaeologist and his young daughter stumble upon some prehistoric cave paintings in 1879, it’s a groundbreaking discovery that flies in the face of the Catholic Church’s teachings, sparking intense controversy.”
9/16/16- This movie was well rated by the professionals but poorly received by audiences. I’d give it a try as it sounds interesting. TRDB.
6) MISS STEVENS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still shaky after her mom’s death, high school teacher Rachel Stevens is asked to chaperone a trio of students to a state drama competition. During the trip, she begins a disquieting flirtation with one of her charges, the emotionally troubled Billy.”
9/16/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
7) SILICON COWBOYS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary traces the rise and fall of Compaq Computer, a company founded in 1982 by three friends who decided to design and manufacture a personal computer that could challenge IBM’s dominance of the rapidly expanding PC market.”
9/16/16- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
8) SOUTHWEST OF SALEM: THE STORY OF THE SAN ANTONIO FOUR– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the “satanic panic” of the 1980s and ’90s — when reports of covens, cults and child abuse were rampant — four Texas lesbians were convicted of gang-raping two girls. More than 15 years later, the women continue to proclaim their innocence.”
9/16/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
9) TANNA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living on an isolated Pacific island, a young girl from the indigenous Yakel tribe refuses to submit to an arranged marriage and flees with her lover instead. The couple’s defiance soon threatens to ignite a bitter blood feud on the island.”
9/16/16- Good reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB.
10) BRIDGET JONES’S BABY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this third chapter of Bridget’s madcap existence, she unexpectedly finds herself pregnant at the age of 43. But with two suitors in her life — barrister Mark Darcy and dashing tycoon Jack Qwant — which one is the father?”
9/16/16- Not my kind of movie but it did receive good reviews. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) HILLSONG: LET HOPE RISE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Springing from humble church roots, Hillsong United has since become one of the world’s most popular Christian rock bands. This upbeat documentary recounts the ascent of the 11-member Aussie group and follows them as they perform around the globe.”
9/16/16- Audiences liked this documentary much more than the critics. I can easily skip it. TRDB.
2) IS THAT A GUN IN YOUR POCKET?- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the town of Rockford, Texas, a schoolboy accidentally shoots a crossing guard, touching off a row between male and female residents. When the men refuse to give up their firearms, the women retaliate by declaring a sex moratorium.”
9/16/16- Terrible reviews and listed here only because of an interesting premise. TRDB.
3) OPERATION AVALANCHE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reworking an old conspiracy theory, this inventive film follows two CIA operatives posing as documentarians to catch a Russian mole in NASA. Upon learning that Apollo 11 will miss its targeted launch date, they hatch a plan to fake the moon landing.”
9/16/16- OK reviews but it sounds stupid to me. TRDB.
4) SNOWDEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2013, CIA technical expert Edward Snowden stunned the world by revealing a stolen trove of classified U.S. government documents. This Oliver Stone-helmed drama tells the story of the bold theft that exposed secret NSA mass surveillance programs.”
9/16/16- Weak reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it. Even the positive reviews have disclaimers. SEE “CITIZENFOUR” INSTEAD. TRDB.
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2) 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.
3) FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actor Leonard Nimoy played Mr. Spock in the original “Star Trek” TV series, creating a character that would become an icon of American pop culture. In this affectionate documentary, Nimoy looks back on nearly 50 years of playing the wise Vulcan.”
9/9/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
4) DANCER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though blessed with ballet skills that brought him global fame, Sergei Polunin had misgivings about the meaning and worth of stardom. At the age of 25, he abandoned the dance world — a decision he candidly reflects on in this immersive documentary.”
9/16/16- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. I’ll see it. TRDB.
DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
2) WHITE GIRL– Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shortly after moving into a new apartment, hedonistic college student Leah meets a drug dealer named Blue, and the two hit it off. But when Blue gets busted, Leah must decide what to do with his enormous stash of cocaine.”
9/2/16- OK reviews by the critics and by the NY Times as well. TRDB.
3) SNOWDEN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2013, CIA technical expert Edward Snowden stunned the world by revealing a stolen trove of classified U.S. government documents. This Oliver Stone-helmed drama tells the story of the bold theft that exposed secret NSA mass surveillance programs.”
9/16/16- Weak reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it. Even the positive reviews have disclaimers. SEE “CITIZENFOUR” INSTEAD. TRDB.
4) THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK- THE TOURNING YEARS- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From gigs at Liverpool’s Cavern Club to their final concert in 1966 in San Francisco, this insightful documentary centers on the Beatles’ touring years, using found footage and interviews to paint a picture of the band in the context of their time.”
9/16/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and generally good ones from audiences. This documentary was made by Ron Howard. TRDB.
2) SNOWDEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2013, CIA technical expert Edward Snowden stunned the world by revealing a stolen trove of classified U.S. government documents. This Oliver Stone-helmed drama tells the story of the bold theft that exposed secret NSA mass surveillance programs.”
9/16/16- Weak reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it. Even the positive reviews have disclaimers. SEE “CITIZENFOUR” INSTEAD. TRDB.
3) THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK- THE TOURNING YEARS- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “From gigs at Liverpool’s Cavern Club to their final concert in 1966 in San Francisco, this insightful documentary centers on the Beatles’ touring years, using found footage and interviews to paint a picture of the band in the context of their time.”
9/16/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and generally good ones from audiences. This documentary was made by Ron Howard. TRDB.
4) SULLY- I liked it very much.
5) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– Very good reviews.
2) LITTLE MEN– Good reviews.
3) INDIGNATION– I liked it (limited screenings)
4) EQUITY– I didn’t care for it (limited screenings)
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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