The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #617

November 24th, 2016

NOVEMBER 24, 2016

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

DUE TO MY TRANSITION TO FLORIDA I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEND OUT NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER SO THIS WEEK’S EDITION WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE–

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) GLEASON- Netflix Disc

2) DISTURBING THE PEACE- At the Theater

3) DON’T WORRY BABY– Netflix Streaming

4) UNDER THE SUN– Netflix Streaming

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) DISTURBING THE PEACE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary chronicles the true story of veteran Palestinian fighters who join together with former Israeli soldiers to establish Combatants for Peace, a group committed to practicing nonviolent activism.”

11/11/16-Just a few reviews so far but they are all very good. TRDB.

11/19/16- I liked the movie very much and it made me a bit more hopeful about the future of the Middle East. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) GLEASON– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Five years after a blocked punt made New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason a hero, he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. This compelling documentary, begun as a video diary for his then-unborn son, charts Gleason’s struggle.”

7/29/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

11/17/16- A sad, moving documentary about courage, parenthood and motivation despite adversity. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) DON’T WORRY BABY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “The relationship between Harry Lang and his son, Robert, takes an unexpected turn when they discover that they slept with the same woman years earlier, a few days apart — which means either one could be the father of her 4-year-old daughter.”

7/22/16- Mixed reviews but it does sound interesting. TRDB.

11/20/16- Some very good and some very bad reviews but with the premise it was bound to be at least somewhat interesting. Having said that, I think you can skip it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) 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’s 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 meddling by authorities. TRDB. Netflix.

11//21/16- Watching this documentary, with the authorities observing, censoring and orchestrating felt like a waste of time but, for me, it highlighted the differences in our systems. Interesting at times but the individual scenes were much too long and ultimately because of the North Korean authorities we don’t get a great picture of life there. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, NOV. 29-

1) 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.

2) 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.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK, DEC. 6-

Recommended-

1) 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.

2) WHITE GIRL– 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) IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARENCE– 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.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spirited and rebellious, 12-year-old Gilly Hopkins has been in and out of a long string of foster homes. When she’s sent to live with the unorthodox Maime Trotter, Gilly doesn’t intend to stay long, but Maime isn’t about to quit on her young charge.”

10/7/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9) HEART OF A DOG– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her rat terrier Lolabelle provides the focus for Laurie Anderson’s meditation on love and remembrance, her lyrical essay also touches on topics as far-ranging as Buddhism’s concept of the hereafter and surveillance in the wake of Sept. 11.”

10/28/15- Great reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.

Not Recommended

1) ORDINARY WORLD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Perry (Billie Joe Armstrong of the band, Green Day) is a happily married father of two living a comfortable but sedate life in the suburbs. On the occasion of his 40th birthday, he seeks to revisit his former life as the lead singer in a popular punk band though his middle-aged reality quickly (and hilariously) clashes with the indulgences of his youth.”

10/14/16- Generally weak reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, NOV. 18-

Recommended-

1) ALI AND NINO– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in Azerbaijan, Muslim teen Ali and his Christian sweetheart, Nino, have been in love since they were children. But the outbreak of World War I and their nation’s battle for independence put the young couple’s love to the test.”

11/18/16- Mixed early reviews but it sounds interesting. One critic called in near great and another said that the director was more interested in the cross country movement than the characters. TRDB.

2) BEST WORST THING THAT EVER COULD HAVE HAPPENED– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “ new Stephen Sondheim-Harold Prince musical is always an event, so it was amid much fanfare that “Merrily We Roll Along” opened in 1981 — but the show closed 16 performances later. This nostalgic documentary recounts the experiences of the cast.”

11/18/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) BLEED FOR THIS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Legendary boxer Vinny Pazienza rocketed to stardom after he unseated then-champion Gilbert Dele, but Pazienza’s reign was cut short when he was involved in a near-fatal car crash. This inspiring biopic depicts the pugilist’s remarkable comeback.”

11/18/16- Fair reviews from the critics and better ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) BLOOD ON THE MOUNTAIN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “West Virginia is rich in natural resources, yet its residents have benefited little from them. This documentary details how industrial concerns have controlled the state’s politics, economy and environment while failing to protect the populace.”

11/18/16– Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nadine and Krista are the closest of high school chums. But after Nadine finds out that Krista is secretly dating Nadine’s detested older brother, the two friends soon turn into the worst of enemies.”

11/14/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

6) I AM NOT MADAME BOVARY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “To qualify for the apartment they covet, Li Xuelian and her husband, Qin Yuhe, agree to divorce. But to Li’s astonishment, Qin moves into the apartment with another woman. Outraged, Li begins a years-long campaign to expose Qin’s chicanery.”

11/18/16- Very good reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) THE ILLINOIS PARABLES– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking one state as her subject and exploring it through 11 chapters, or “parables,” documentarian Deborah Stratman ties narratives to specific geographic locations, demonstrating how belief systems shape our landscapes and identities.”

11/18/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

8) THE LOVE WITCH– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Gorgeous young witch Elaine is a serial seductress, intent on finding the perfect mate and armed with love potions that will turn any man into her willing, spineless slave — but that’s the exact opposite of what she’s looking for.”

11/18/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones by audiences. TRDB.

9) MAGNUS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “At age 13, chess whiz Magnus Carlsen set his sights on becoming the world chess champion. This absorbing documentary recounts Carlsen’s relentless pursuit of his goal, which he achieved only nine years later.”

11/18/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

10) MANCHESTER BY THE SEA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While working as a handyman in Boston, taciturn loner Lee Chandler gets word that his brother Joe has died of a coronary. After returning to the siblings’ hometown, Lee receives another shock: He’s been named legal guardian of Joe’s 16-year-old son.”

11/18/16- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.

11) NOCTURNAL ANIMALS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Susan Morrow receives a book manuscript from her estranged ex-husband, she finds herself confronting her past while becoming increasingly immersed in the story — a thriller in which a professor’s ordinary life is violently derailed.”

11/18/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

12) OFF THE RAILS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Diagnosed with Asperger’s, young Darius McCollum found refuge from bullies in New York City’s subway. Taught to drive the trains, Darius later began commandeering them — which became an uncontrollable obsession that’s landed him in lockup 32 times.”

11/18/16- Very good reviews for this odd sounding documentary. TRDB.

13) A STREET CAT NAMED BOB– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Long a solo act, street busker and recovering addict James Bowen finds himself part of a team when he adopts a stray cat who’s as interested in taking care of James as he is in taking care of the feline. Soon, the cat becomes part of the act.”

11/18/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

14) UNCLE HOWARD– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he goes looking for the lost negative of his Uncle Howard’s 1983 documentary about writer William S. Burroughs, Aaron Brookner uncovers a wealth of footage, photos and letters — all of which he uses to craft this homage to the director.”

11/18/16- Very good reviews by both audiences and professionals. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) NE ME QUITTE PAS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leading uninspiring lives, two Belgian buddies — Marcel and Bob — lean on each other and on alcohol for solace. But when Marcel decides it’s time for them to stop drinking, Bob is reluctant to get with the new plan.”

11/18/16- Just a few reviews and they are mixed. So far I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

11/18/16- Mixed early reviews but it sounds interesting. One critic called in near great and another said that the director was more interested in the cross country movement than the characters. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) 4th MAN OUT- I saw it and it was fun overall if a little too full of “frat-boy” behavior

2) ANTS ON A SHRIMP- Good reviews

3) THE BIG SHORT- Excellent movie and I liked it a lot

4) A BIGGER SPLASH- I liked this one very much

5) BROOKLYN- Liked it very much

6) CITY OF GOLD- I liked this documentary very much

7) COME AND FIND ME- Mixed reviews

8)CREED- Good reviews despite Sly Stallone

9) DANCER- I liked it very much

10) THE DANISH GIRL- Good movie- not great

11) DOUGH- Most of my friends liked this movie- I didn’t

12) DREAMLAND- Mixed reviews

13) FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK- Excellent reviews for this documentary

14) GLASSLAND- I liked it but a few too many loose ends at the conclusion

15) GRANDMA- Very good and not really a comedy despite Lilly Tomlin

16) THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS- Good reviews

17) HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS- Very good reviews and I’ll see this one

18)HER- Enjoyable

19) A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING- I liked it

20) HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE- I enjoyed this movie

21) IMPERIUM- I didn’t care for it

22) IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE- I liked this Western/Comedy

23) IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE- Good reviews but NOT for me

24) INDIGNATION- I enjoyed this movie

25) THE INNOCENTS- I liked this very much

26) JOSHY- Just OK27) THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON- I liked this documentary that explored more than just the moon

28) LO AND BEHOLD- Good reviews

29) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR- Preposterous but OK

30) THE MEDDLER- Very enjoyable

31) MAGGIE’S PLAN- An enjoyable drama

32) OTHER PEOPLE- Sounds OK and I’ll probably see it eventually

33) PETER AND THE FARM- Excellent reviews for this documentary

34) PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW- I liked it

35) ROOM- Fascinating

36) SING STREET- I liked it very much

37) SPOTLIGHT- Very, very good

38) STEVE JOBS- I liked it

39) TRUMBO- Great movie with great acting

40) WEINER- I saw it and it was painful to watch but a good documentary never-the-less

41) YOUTH- I liked this very much

42) ZERO DAYS- I liked this movie

Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters

DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) MANCHESTER BY THE SEA– Jacob Burns. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “While working as a handyman in Boston, taciturn loner Lee Chandler gets word that his brother Joe has died of a coronary. After returning to the siblings’ hometown, Lee receives another shock: He’s been named legal guardian of Joe’s 16-year-old son.”

11/18/16- Great reviews from everybody. TRDB.

2) NOCTURNAL ANIMALS- Clearview 100. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Susan Morrow receives a book manuscript from her estranged ex-husband, she finds herself confronting her past while becoming increasingly immersed in the story — a thriller in which a professor’s ordinary life is violently derailed.”

11/18/16- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

3) RULES DON’T APPLY- Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Southern beauty Marla Mabrey arrives in Hollywood to work for Howard Hughes, his driver, Frank Forbes, meets her at the airport. Sparks fly immediately between the two, but dating among the billionaire’s employees is strictly prohibited.”

11/15/16- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

4) BLEED FOR THIS- Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Legendary boxer Vinny Pazienza rocketed to stardom after he unseated then-champion Gilbert Dele, but Pazienza’s reign was cut short when he was involved in a near-fatal car crash. This inspiring biopic depicts the pugilist’s remarkable comeback.”

11/18/16- Fair reviews from the critics and better ones from audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) MOONLIGHT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I saw this and felt it was OK– not as good as others thought t was

2) LOVING– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews. I saw the documentary about this case a few years ago called “The Loving Story” and it was very good

3) THE EAGLE HUNTRESS– Jacob Burns. Very good reviews

4) DISTURBING THE PEACE– Jacob Burns. Highly Recommended! (limited showings this week

5) ARRIVAL– Bethel, Danbury. Very good reviews

6) ALLIED– Bethel, Danbury. 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During a perilous World War II mission in Casablanca, French-Canadian operative Max Vatan falls in love with and weds French spy Marianne Beausejour. After learning that Marianne may be a Nazi double agent, Max launches an investigation of his wife.”

11/15//16- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

7) DENIAL– Clearview 100. I liked the movie but not as much as the critics liked it

8) A MAN CALLED OVE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it very much

9) THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN– Danbury. Very good reviews.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) ALLIED– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “During a perilous World War II mission in Casablanca, French-Canadian operative Max Vatan falls in love with and weds French spy Marianne Beausejour. After learning that Marianne may be a Nazi double agent, Max launches an investigation of his wife.”

11/15//16- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

2) RULES DON’T APPLY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Southern beauty Marla Mabrey arrives in Hollywood to work for Howard Hughes, his driver, Frank Forbes, meets her at the airport. Sparks fly immediately between the two, but dating among the billionaire’s employees is strictly prohibited.”

11/15/16- Fair to good reviews. TRDB.

3) ARRIVAL- Great reviews for this ridiculous sounding movie. TRDB.

4) LOVING– Good reviews and I plan to see it

5) MOONLIGHT– I enjoyed it but you might need sub-titles to understand the English

6) LITTLE MEN– Good reviews

7) A MAN CALLED OVE– I liked this movie very much

B) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

Nov. 25–Dec. 1

1) PETER AND THE FARM– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmed over the course of a year, this absorbing documentary profiles Vermont farmer Peter Dunning, a grizzled alcoholic who continues to work the gradually deteriorating farm he’s nurtured for decades, despite the toll it has taken on him.”

11/4/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) CERTAIN WOMEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this quiet drama, three Montana women try to find their way when life throws them curveballs. As lawyer Laura deals with a hostage crisis, Gina clashes with an elderly neighbor, and ranch hand Jamie becomes smitten with an adult education teacher.”

10/14/16- Excellent reviews by the critics but poor ones by audiences. TRDB.

10/31/16- Slow paced but very interesting with wonderful acting as well. TRDB.

FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 2—8

1) EVAN’S CRIME– Synopsis taken from the Stonzek website. “A dramatic portrayal of the capriciousness and inequities of the American justice system and one young man’s struggle against it: A dramatic portrayal of the capriciousness and inequities of the American justice system and one young man’s struggle against it: when Evan, a college kid, is busted for mere marijuana possession, he quickly finds himself caught up in the crosswinds the grand political ambitions of overzealous District Attorney Frank Coleman (David Arquette). On the basis of little proof and questionable testimony, Coleman decides to throw the book at Evan and prosecutes him on 7 different counts with a possible sentence of 28 years. Eventually, Evan must choose between freedom and revenge.”

2) THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK- THE TOURING YEARS-

Good reviews but I haven’t seen it as yet.

C) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS-

1) A MAN CALLED OVE– I liked it very much

2) DENIAL– I liked it but not great

3) HARRY AND SNOWMAN– Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

4) THE EAGLE HUNTRESS– Good reviews

5) THE PICKLE RECIPE– Good reviews (limited screenings this week)

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

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