The Reel Dr. Bob

SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW– Netflix

2) IXCANUL– At the Theater

3) EUNGYO– Netflix Streaming

4) THE INNOCENTS– Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) 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.

9/25/16- An excellent movie portraying a real slice of these indigenous Guatemalans. Be warned that this film was painful to watch. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

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.

9/24/16- An interesting documentary (docudrama) both in terms of content and technique. TRDB. Netflix.

2) EUNGYO (A MUSE)- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Director Ji-woo Jung unabashedly infuses the proceedings with a fierce emotional resonance that boils these characters’ blood into remorseless anger and unconscionable actions.”

9/25/16- An interesting drama about the relationship between a 70 year old poet and a high school girl. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) 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. TRDB.

9/28/16-A very good movie based on a true story that most people know nothing about. The only  down side is that it was a bit too long. Highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 4-

1) A BIGGER SPLASH–  2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As wealthy Americans Paul and Marianne are enjoying a serene vacation on a remote Italian island, two surprise guests arrive: Marianne’s former lover and his teenage daughter — who quickly change the social and sexual dynamics.”5/4/16- Very good professional reviews and fair audience reaction. TRDB.

5/13/16- I liked the movie a lot- great acting and a very good story. TRDB.

2) BEING CHARLIE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “For Charlie, spending his 18th birthday in a Utah rehab clinic is not OK. So he busts out and heads back to California — only to be greeted by his politico dad, who promptly enrolls him in another facility. Here, things begin to change.”5/6/16- A few good reviews but mostly poor ones. My nephew Matt co-wrote this movie and he is very funny and very creative so I’d make every attempt to see this film. TRDB.

3) CHEVALIER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While on a yacht in the Aegean Sea, six men engage in a competition that includes everything from singing to building furniture. As the challenges escalate from mundane to elaborate, the contest turns into a revealing game of machismo.”5/27/16- Very good reviews from the critics but audiences have panned it. Still, I’d give it a try. TRDB.

4) LAST CAB TO DARWIN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seventy-year-old taxi driver Rex has been content to live his entire life in his dusty hometown. But when he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer, the news prompts Rex hit the road on an epic journey, determined to end his days on his terms.”6/10/16- Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

5) SWISS ARMY MAN– 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. TRDB.

6) 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.

7) INTO THE FOREST– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this near-future vision of America’s collapse, two sisters living in an isolated forest cabin slowly become aware that a continental power outage may be permanent, leaving them in uncharted territory that will test their fortitude and their bond.”7/29/16- Sounds a bit weird but good critical review. Audiences have not cared for the movie. TRDB.

8) JOSHY- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though he’s still reeling four months after his fiancée’s death, Josh elects to go ahead with a backwoods bachelor party — which soon turns into a wild weekend binge complete with booze, drugs and hookers.”8/12/16- Sounds like trash but this movie has received fairly good reviews from the critics so I expect that it has more to offer than the synopsis would imply. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 23-

1) QUEEN OF KATWE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary recounts the amazing but true story of Phiona Mutesi, an impoverished Ugandan girl whose early skill in chess, nurtured by her dedicated coach, would lead her all the way to the World Chess Olympiad.”9/23/16- Fairly good reviews from critics and from audiences. TRDB.

2) THE AGE OF SHADOWS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During Japan’s occupation of Korea, a former resistance member now working for the Japanese police is tasked with infiltrating a band of freedom fighters intent on blowing up key Japanese facilities. But he soon ends up in an impossible situation.”

9/23/16- Excellent reviews for this movie although it sounds mighty confusing after reading the full review. TRDB.

3) AUDRIE & DAISY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After two high school girls in different parts of America suffered sexual assaults at the hands of “friends,” the young women were subjected to online bullying. While one survived, the other did not. This powerful documentary recounts their stories.”

9/23/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) CHICKEN PEOPLE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While many people view chickens as less-than majestic creatures, competitive poultry breeders — a large and eclectic flock — disagree. This lively documentary follows three breeders as they prepare for the all-important Ohio National Poultry Show.”

9/23/16- Very few reviews so far but all are good. One reviewer said that this documentary is much better than you’d expect. I hope so! TRDB.

5) CHRONIC- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working as a home-care nurse, David’s dedication leads him to form strong bonds with his terminally ill patients. Managing friendships in his personal life, however, proves far more challenging.”

9/23/16- Mostly good reviews but all critics said that it was very difficult to watch this film because of the content. The full reviews sounds even more interesting and I will try to see this movie. TRDB.

6) CLOSET MONSTER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Part coming-of-age tale, part horror saga, this is the story of teen Oscar Madly, who’s scared to reveal his sexuality because of a hate crime he witnessed as a child. Now ready to make his way in the world, Oscar must first find himself.”

9/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) GOAT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As he starts college, Brad Land decides to pledge to the same fraternity that his older brother, Brett, already belongs to. But a series of humiliating hazing rituals soon rattles both siblings to the core.”

9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics and fairly weak ones by audiences. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

8) THE LOVERS AND THE DESPOT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary thriller, a leading South Korean director and his former wife, a famous actress, find themselves abducted by North Korean agents and forced to make films for the government of dictator Kim Jong-il.”

9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences. We’ll see! TRDB.

9) THE JAZZ LOFT ACCORDING TO W. EUGENE SMITH– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the mid-1900s, composer Hall Overton’s New York City loft was the hub of the jazz world. Luckily, the scene was captured by famed photojournalist and building resident W. Eugene Smith, whose life is the focal point of this fascinating documentary.”

9/23/16- Just 2 reviews but they are both very good. TRDB.

10) 1000 RUPEE NOTE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Impoverished housemaid Budhi receives an unexpected windfall when a campaigning politician handing out bribes stuffs several 1,000-rupee notes into her hand. Elated by her good fortune, Budhi embarks on an ill-considered shopping spree.”

9/23/16- Just 2 reviews-  1 up and 1 down. I would probably try it at home. TRDB.

11) THE RUINS OF LIFTA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the village of Lifta near Jerusalem was the one local Palestinian area left intact by occupying forces. This contemplative documentary traces the latter-day efforts to save Lifta from redevelopment.”

9/23/16- Early reviews look good for this documentary from Israel. TRDB.

12) SEED: THE UNTOLD STORY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on an issue vital to human survival, this documentary follows a host of seed keepers, farmers and others who are waging a fight against the biotech industry, which is producing genetically modified seeds that threaten agricultural diversity.”

9/23/16- Very few reviews for this documentary but all are positive with the exception of the NY Times. TRDB.

13) THARLO– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “To get ready for his official photo ID card, Tibetan shepherd Tharlo has his dirty, straggly locks styled by a beautiful young town girl — who soon upends the infatuated Tharlo’s entire life.”

9/28/16- I’ve seen just 5 reviews. Four are positive and one by the NY Times is very negative saying that the bottom dropped out of the film at the end. I’d try it anyway. TRDB.

14) SAND STORM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As Suliman takes another bride, wife Jalila and daughter Layla bridle at the strictures put on their lives, with Jalila seething as she’s forced to host a wedding celebration welcoming the new spouse into the family and Layla pursuing forbidden love.”

9/28/16- I’ve read only 1 review of this Israeli film– by the NY Times- and it sounds interesting. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the rousing 1960 Western, a motley group of gunslingers comes together to protect the residents of a mining town, who are being terrorized and victimized by a ruthless gold tycoon and his gang of thugs.”

9/22/16- Unfortunately, reviews are fairly weak and even the positives were barely positive. TRDB.

2) THE DRESSMAKER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven away when she was young, Tilly Dunnage returns to rural Australia after years of working as a dressmaker in Paris — and she’s ready to make waves in her conservative hometown not only with her haute couture but a hidden agenda.”

9/23/16- The critics did not like this movie. Audiences were a bit more generous. I think I’ll skip it for now. TRDB.

3) THE FREE WORLD- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two decades after being wrongly imprisoned, Mo Lundy struggles to adjust to life in the outside world but finds purpose in his job at an animal shelter. Soon, however, his growing involvement with a battered woman puts his freedom in jeopardy.”

9/23/16- Poor reviews in general with the few positives not convincing. TRDB.

4) MY BLIND BROTHER– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Handsome and generous by nature — but also smug and vain — overachiever Robbie has never let his blindness slow him down. By contrast, his resentful younger brother, Bill, is a sad sack. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to steal Robbie’s girl.”

9/23/16- This film got decent reviews but most of the positives had some issue with it also. I’m NOT going. TRDB.

5) I.T.- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Apparently, businessman Mike Regan didn’t learn the workplace’s Golden Rule: Never mess with your tech expert! But he’s about to learn it as his disgruntled information technology consultant sets out to make Mike’s life a living hell.”

9/23/16- So far the few reviews I’ve seen are negative. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) THE LOVERS AND THE DESPOT– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary thriller, a leading South Korean director and his former wife, a famous actress, find themselves abducted by North Korean agents and forced to make films for the government of dictator Kim Jong-il.”9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences. TRDB.

2) GOAT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “As he starts college, Brad Land decides to pledge to the same fraternity that his older brother, Brett, already belongs to. But a series of humiliating hazing rituals soon rattles both siblings to the core.”

9/23/16- Good reviews by the critics but fairly poor ones by audiences. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

3) 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. TRDB.

9/28/16-A very good movie based on a true story that most people know nothing about. The only  down side is that it was a bit too long. Highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE DRESSMAKER– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driven away when she was young, Tilly Dunnage returns to rural Australia after years of working as a dressmaker in Paris — and she’s ready to make waves in her conservative hometown not only with her haute couture but a hidden agenda.”9/23/16- The critics did not like this movie. Audiences were a bit more generous. I think I’ll skip it for now. TRDB.

2) QUEEN OF KATWE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary recounts the amazing but true story of Phiona Mutesi, an impoverished Ugandan girl whose early skill in chess, nurtured by her dedicated coach, would lead her all the way to the World Chess Olympiad.”

9/23/16- Fairly good reviews from critics and from audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

6) IXCANUL– Jacob Burns. I really liked this movie very much but it was painful to watch.

7) THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK: THE TOURING YEARS- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews

8) DON’T THINK TWICE– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Excellent reviews.

9) THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS– Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good Reviews.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) DEEPWATER HORIZON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Replaying the catastrophic explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in 2010, this tense drama recounts the horrific experiences of the 126 crew members onboard and the numerous acts of courage that saved untold lives.”9/28/16- Generally good reviews with a bunch of negative ones thrown in as well. TRDB.

2) TIME TO CHOOSE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Proclaiming that now is the time to act in order to avert climate change’s catastrophic effects, filmmaker Charles Ferguson sets out to prove it in this topical documentary that looks at the array of challenges and offers potential solutions.”6/3/16- Very good reviews from critics and from audiences as well. TRDB.

3) SNOWDEN- Skip it and see “Citizenfour” instead.

4) SULLY- I liked it very much.

5) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– Very good reviews.

6) THE DRESSMAKER– Weak reviews.

7) THE MAGNIFICANT SEVEN– Weak reviews for this anticipated re-make.

B) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

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) DON’T THINK TWICE–  2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After years of treading the boards together, improv troupe the Commune has yet to gain much recognition for its satirical skills. When a member of the group lands a plum TV job, the news creates tumult among those left behind.”7/22/15- Excellent reviews from the critics and fairly good ones by audiences. TRDB.

C) LIVING ROOM THEATER AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) 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 unfortunately received poor reviews. TRDB.

2) HIERONYMUS BOSCH: TOUCHED BY THE DEVIL- Synopsis by Netflix. “Medieval artist Hieronymus Bosch’s fantastical, religious-themed paintings are regarded as masterpieces. In this absorbing documentary, experts X-ray his paintings to uncover clues about the celebrated artist’s creative methods.”

3) LITTLE MEN– Good reviews

4) THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER– Very good reviews

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB