FILM REVIEWS #342
September 22nd, 2010
SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
I just returned from a quick trip to Florida where I attended the First Annual L-Dub (Lake Worth) Film Festival. I enjoyed many of the films and was very impressed by the amount of young talent in the area. Over the next few weeks I will write about different aspects of the festival.
Today I want to mention one movie in particular from the festival that I liked very much. It’s a feature film, written, directed and starring Keri Lurtz called “LOST ANGEL.” It won the Audience Award and is about three actor friends (two women and a man) who go to LA to “make it” there. It’s painful, poignant and very well done. I can’t help thinking about it since viewing it. Ms. Lurtz has real talent– I’ll watch for this movie and let you all know when it is released.
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) HELEN- Netflix.
2) LOVELY, STILL- Theater
3) LOST ANGEL- Film Festival– see “above”
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) LOVELY, STILL- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “When his beautiful new neighbor Mary (Ellen Burstyn) asks him out on a date, elderly bachelor Robert (Martin Landau) suddenly finds himself swept up in the excitement and panic of new love. But as romance blossoms between the couple, an unexpected challenge arises that threatens to undermine the fledgling relationship. Nicholas Fackler directs this touching drama that also stars Adam Scott and Elizabeth Banks.” Excellent reviews in general. Only a fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.9/10- I saw this in Florida and I thought it was excellent. Great story with great acting. TRDB.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) HELEN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Ashley Judd stars as Helen, an adored wife, mother and successful music professor who also struggles to mask her debilitating depression until a breakdown lands her in the hospital. But this apparent setback offers Helen a new perspective on life and her condition in the form of Mathilda (Lauren Lee Smith), a fellow patient with whom Helen forms a potent bond. Sandra Nettelbeck directs this touching drama; Goran Visnjic and Alexia Fast co-star.” Good review in NY Times.9/10- Reviews for this drama were only fair at best but I thought that it was an excellent depiction of what it’s like to be severely depressed for the individual involved and for the entire family. TRDB. Netflix.
2) JOHN RABE- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Florian Gallenberger directs this gripping drama about John Rabe (Ulrich Tukur), a German businessman living in Nanking, China, who in 1937 used his Nazi party affiliation to save some 200,000 Chinese civilians from slaughter at the hands of the Japanese army. As Rabe labors to establish an official safety zone to shelter the innocent, he forms an unlikely friendship with an American doctor (Steve Buscemi). Anne Consigny and Daniel Brühl co-star.” Very good reviews.
9/10- It was nice to learn about this man but the movie was so full of melodrama that for me it took away from the importance of the topic. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 28-
1) SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Music was a powerful tool in the American civil rights movement, spreading a message that was difficult for many to hear and serving as an energizing force for nonviolent protest. This documentary celebrates that intersection of movement and music. Featuring new performances of freedom songs by artists such as Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean and John Legend, the film also includes archival footage and interviews with civil rights leaders.” Very good reviews.
2) THE OATH- Premise by Netflix. “Oscar-nominated director Laura Poitras’s documentary tells of two men whose fateful meeting in 1996 led them on a journey that would include Osama bin Laden, the horrific events of 9/11, Guantanamo Bay and a brush with the U.S. Supreme Court. Shot in Yemen, this intriguing film is the second installment — after My Country, My Country — of Poitras’s “The New American Century” trilogy about post-9/11 America.” Very good reviews.
3) BABIES- Premise by Netflix. “Documentary filmmaker Thomas Balmes charts the simultaneous early development of four babies from different parts of the world, illustrating what makes human life unique, similar and precious wherever it occurs. Training his camera on newborns Hattie from San Francisco, Ponijao from Namibia, Bayarjargal from Mongolia and Mari from Tokyo, Balmes captures every moment, from their first screaming breaths to their first tentative steps.” Fairly good reviews.
4) MERCY- Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.
5) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- Premise by Netflix. “Seven years after she was inspired by the bold debut of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” famed fashion designer Coco Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) — reeling from the death of her beau, Boy Capel (Anatole Taubmann) — meets and falls for the Russian composer (Mads Mikkelsen) in 1920s Paris. A forbidden romance ensues in Jan Kounen‘s sumptuous period drama, the closing film of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.”7/10- Very well done, well photographed and really an epic about the romance between two people trying to revolutionize their respective fields. Great history lesson also. I liked it. TRDB.
6) LEGENDARY- Premise by Netflix. “Fed up with fending off bullies, bookish teen Cal Chetley (Devon Graye) joins his high school’s wrestling team with hopes that his older brother, Mike (WWE star John Cena) — a gifted athlete who wrestled in high school and college — will want to whip him into shape. Trouble is, the brothers haven’t had much of a relationship since their father was killed in a car accident and Mike left Cal and their mother behind.” I saw one review and it referred to SCHMALTZ.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY THIS WEEK-
1) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- Premise by Netflix. “When a woman (Naomi Watts) consults a fortune-teller to learn what fate has in store for her, she’s told she’ll meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life in this quirky romantic dramedy from iconic writer-director Woody Allen. But the not-yet-lovestruck heroine isn’t the only character in search of answers. The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch and Anna Friel.” Sad for me to say, this film has received many poor early reviews.
2) WAITNG FOR SUPERMAN- Premise by Netflix. “Dynamic documentarian Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) weaves together the stories of students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences on the future of the United States. In this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary, Guggenheim deftly examines the options to improve public education and provide America’s teachers and students with the help they need.” Very good reviews.
3) LIKE DANDELION DUST- Premise by Netflix. “Jack (Cole Hauser) and Molly Campbell (Kate Levering) are horrified to learn that the biological father (Barry Pepper) of their adopted son, Joey (Maxwell Perry Cotton), has been released from prison and wants custody of the boy. As the legal case builds against the Campbells, the couple hatches a risky plan to save their family. Mira Sorvino also stars in this gripping drama as Pepper’s girlfriend, Wendy.” Only one review but it’s very good.
4) BURIED- Premise by Netflix. “While on a job in Iraq, civilian contractor Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is attacked and kidnapped, then awakens to find himself buried alive in the middle of the desert with nothing but a lighter, a candle, a cell phone and a knife. Does Paul have the instincts he’ll need to save himself? Director Rodrigo Cortés crafts a tense psychological thriller with sociopolitical undertones that doubles as an exercise in claustrophobic terror.” Good reviews.
5) HOWL- Premise by Netflix. “James Franco steps into the shoes of famed Beat poet Allen Ginsberg in this star-studded biopic centered around Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” — and the widely publicized obscenity trial that followed its publication in 1957. Documentarians Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (The Times of Harvey Milk) direct, with an A-list ensemble cast that includes Jon Hamm, David Strathairn, Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Paul Rudd.” Mostly poor reviews.
6) WALL STREET- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “20-plus years after he introduced us to the phrase “greed is good,” controversial filmmaker Oliver Stone (W., World Trade Center) returns to the world of high finance, unfettered capitalism and white-collar crime. Michael Douglas reprises his Oscar-winning role as Gordon Gekko, the deliciously diabolical money magnate who never passes up a chance to make a buck. Shia LaBeouf also stars as a young trader embroiled in a puzzling murder.” Poor reviews.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinema of Lake Worth-
1) JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIET: THE RADIANT CHILD- Premise by Netflix. “Controversial, charismatic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is the subject of this insightful documentary from director Tamra Davis, who has uncovered a never-before-seen interview with the artist conducted before his untimely death at the age of 27. Also featured are numerous interviews with people who knew and loved Basquiat, a survey of his thought-provoking artworks, little-seen archival materials and footage of the artist at work in his studio.” Very good reviews.
2) CAIRO TIME- Premise by Netflix. “When magazine editor Juliette (Patricia Clarkson) travels to Cairo to meet her diplomat husband, Mark (Tom McCamus), she learns from his friend Tareq (Alexander Siddig) that Mark has been delayed. As Tareq introduces her to the city and its customs, an unexpected attraction arises between them. Juliette soon grows accustomed to life in Cairo while she and Tareq try to find the best way to deal with their complex feelings in this romantic drama.” Mostly good reviews. NY Times felt it was good but a bit timid.8/10- I felt that the movie was poorly scripted and the characters weak, particularly the waif-like Patricia Clarkson whose acting I generally enjoy. Too many lessons about the Muslim culture. TRDB.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW to On-Demand
1) A PROPHET- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After refusing to snitch, 18-year-old Arab Malik (Tahar Rahim) is thrown into a French prison, where the Corsican mafia rules with a firm fist. The obedient newcomer slowly rises through the organization’s ranks but soon begins to double-cross his superiors. A follow-up to his 2005 gem The Beat My Heart Skipped, French director Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.”3/09- I liked the movie but found it way too long and convoluted. TRDB.
REPEATS on On-Demand
1) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Haven’t Seen It
2) AJAMI- Well received Israeli award winner but I was disappointed
3) A SINGLE MAN- Recommended
4) AVATAR- Haven’t Seen It
5) BABIES- Very good reviews
6) CAIRO TIME- I was disappointed but others liked it
7) CALVIN MARSHALL- OK reviews
8)CHANGE OF PLANS- Mixed reviews
9) CHLOE- Back again. I liked it
10) CITY ISLAND- I’d recommend it
11) CRAZY HEART- Recommended
12) GHOST WRITER- Recommended
13) GREEN ZONE- Recommended
14) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBERGER- I liked it
15) INVICTUS- Just OK
16) IT’S COMPLICATED- Recommended
17) JOHN RABE- I did not like this well reviewed film
18) KISSES- Good reviews
19) LA MISSION- I liked it
20) LET IT RAIN- Just OK
21) LIFE DURING WARTIME- Very different but I’d recommend it
22) LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND- I did not like this
23) MAKING PLANS FOR LENA- I haven’t seen it but very mixed reviews
24) MANUELA AND MANUEL- I liked this film
25) ME AND ORSON WELLES- I haven’t seen this yet but plan to
26) MOTHER- I liked it
27) MULTIPLE SARCASMS- Bad!
27) MY NAME IS KHAN- I liked it
28) SOUL KITCHEN- Good reviews
29) THAT EVENING SUN- I liked it
30) THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION- OK
31) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
32) THE EXTRA MAN- Haven’t Seen It
33) YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG- I liked it
34) YOUTH IN REVOLT- I liked it
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
Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)
NEW-
1) JACK GOES BOATING- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and stars in this romantic comedy about Jack, a marijuana-smoking Manhattan limo driver who begins an unlikely regimen of self-improvement to win the heart of a fellow misfit named Connie (Amy Ryan). But as Jack learns to cook and swim for the benefit of his girl, he also witnesses the breakup of his best friends’ marriage. John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega co-star in this adaptation of Bob Glaudini’s play.” Only a few reviews available and they are mixed.
2) HEARTBREAKER- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Hardworking brother-and-sister team Alex (Romain Duris) and Mélanie (Julie Ferrier) don’t run a matchmaking business; rather, they get paid to break matches by splitting up unhealthy couples. But their 100 percent success rate is in serious jeopardy when their own hearts get involved. Now, falling in love could be an occupational hazard. Pascal Chaumeil directs this French-language romantic comedy.” Fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.
3) A FILM UNFINISHED- 2010. Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “This potent documentary uses a long-lost film reel to illustrate how the Nazis controlled images of Jewish life during World War II. Though the Nazis made a propaganda movie of contented Jews in the Warsaw ghetto, the missing spool exposes the truth. Director Yael Hersonski shows how the imagery was staged to distort historical knowledge and, with the aid of Jewish survivors’ testimony, chronicles the horrifying reality of ghetto life.” A few reviews, all positive.
4) WALL STREET- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “20-plus years after he introduced us to the phrase “greed is good,” controversial filmmaker Oliver Stone (W., World Trade Center) returns to the world of high finance, unfettered capitalism and white-collar crime. Michael Douglas reprises his Oscar-winning role as Gordon Gekko, the deliciously diabolical money magnate who never passes up a chance to make a buck. Shia LaBeouf also stars as a young trader embroiled in a puzzling murder.” Poor reviews.
REPEATS-
1) GET LOW- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek team up to tell the true story of Felix “Bush” Breazeale, a Tennessee loner who planned his own funeral in 1938 while he was still around to attend — and enjoy — the proceedings. Also starring Bill Murray and Lucas Black as the co-proprietors of the funeral home, the dramatic thriller was penned by the screenwriting team of C. Gaby Mitchell (Blood Diamond) and Chris Provenzano (“Mad Men”).” Great reviews.
8/10 To my surprise I did like this movie even though it was clearly a vehicle for Duvall to shine once more. I have never liked Murray outside of the comic role and didn’t here either. TRDB.
2) LOVELY, STILL- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “When his beautiful new neighbor Mary (Ellen Burstyn) asks him out on a date, elderly bachelor Robert (Martin Landau) suddenly finds himself swept up in the excitement and panic of new love. But as romance blossoms between the couple, an unexpected challenge arises that threatens to undermine the fledgling relationship. Nicholas Fackler directs this touching drama that also stars Adam Scott and Elizabeth Banks.” Excellent reviews in general. Only a fair review in NY Times 9/10/10.
3) THE TOWN- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “As tenacious FBI agent Adam (Jon Hamm) hunts him down, ingenious bank robber Doug (Ben Affleck) pursues a risky relationship with Claire (Rebecca Hall), one of his former hostages. But while Doug and his cohorts plan their next hit, Adam hones in on Claire and falls for her in the process. Directed by Affleck and based on Chuck Hogan’s novel Prince of Thieves, this intricate thriller also stars Chris Cooper, Blake Lively and Jeremy Renner.” Fairly good reviews.
4) CAIRO TIME- Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “When magazine editor Juliette (Patricia Clarkson) travels to Cairo to meet her diplomat husband, Mark (Tom McCamus), she learns from his friend Tareq (Alexander Siddig) that Mark has been delayed. As Tareq introduces her to the city and its customs, an unexpected attraction arises between them. Juliette soon grows accustomed to life in Cairo while she and Tareq try to find the best way to deal with their complex feelings in this romantic drama.” Mostly good reviews. NY Times felt it was good but a bit timid.
8/10- I felt that the movie was poorly scripted and the characters weak, particularly the waif-like Patricia Clarkson whose acting I generally enjoy. Too many lessons about the Muslim culture. TRDB.
5) MAO’S LAST DANCER- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. Premise by Netflix. “A delegation from Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China’s greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin’s autobiography.” Fairly good reviews but a few said the movie was too timid. TRDB.
8/10- Great dancing makes up for a somewhat weak story. I enjoyed the movie despite all the schmaltz. TRDB.
6) THE TILLMAN STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When Pat Tillman, a former pro football player and decorated U.S. soldier, was killed in Afghanistan, the military reported that he’d died battling the Taliban. But later, a much different story emerged: Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Since that day, Tillman’s family has waged their own war, fighting tirelessly with the government in order to unravel the truth behind the cover-up. Filmmaker Amir Bar-Lev documents their struggle.” Very good reviews.
9/10- Very well done and a scathing indictment of the government’s actions in this case. TRDB. Theater.
For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com
For all films go to- www.fandango.com
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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