The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #634

March 23rd, 2017

MARCH 23, 2017

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) LOVING– Netflix Disc.

2) FRANTZ– At the Theater

3) STRAY BULLETS– Netflix Disc.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) FRANTZ– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of World War I, young Anna tends her fallen fiancé’s grave each day. During one of her visits, she sees a stranger placing a bouquet on the grave and soon comes to learn that the two men were once friends — but all is not what it seems.”

3/17/17- An excellent drama that I thoroughly enjoyed. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) LOVING– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recounting a landmark chapter in the struggle for civil rights, this absorbing drama depicts the 1958 arrest and imprisonment of Richard and Mildred Loving for violating Virginia’s law against interracial marriage.”

11/4/16- Excellent reviews by the critics and just “good” ones from audiences. TRDB.

3/16/17- A well acted drama about an important story. I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

3) STRAY BULLETS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “For teenagers Ash and Connor, the dreary task of clearing out their dad’s old mobile home takes an unexpected turn when they discover that a trio of crooks is using the place to hide out from a hit man.”

2/10/17- Very good reviews by the critics and awful ones by audiences. TRDB. 

3/19/17– I really enjoyed this strange movie directed by a 16 year old boy. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 28-

 

1) A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bringing to life the memoir of celebrated Israeli author Amos Oz, this affecting drama depicts his early years, when his family was swept up in the turbulence and violence of Israel’s founding as a nation.”

8/19/16- Poor reviews, several critics calling it “inert.” I have to see it just for the story but I cannot recommend it. TRDB.

9/8/16– Lots of love and lots of darkness in this drama by Natalie Portman that follows a family that made it to Israel after WW2. All was not so rosy. I liked it. TRDB. 

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OPENED LAST WEEK-

 

1) AFTER THE STORM– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Once a prize-winning novelist, Ryota now works as a private eye — whose wages go toward gambling rather than child support. But after learning that his ex-wife is moving on with another man, Ryota makes a last-ditch effort to reclaim his family.”

3/17/17- Excellent reviews by critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

2) SONG TO SONG– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two love triangles intersect amid the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, fomenting all sorts of conflicting emotions. Director Terrence Malick filmed scenes from the ensemble drama during live performances at the Austin City Limits music festival.”

3/17/17- Fair at best reviews from the critics but most audiences have liked it more. TRDB.

3) BETTING ON ZERO– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2012, Wall Street hedge fund manager Bill Ackman released a report that was highly critical of Herbalife, calling the business a “pyramid scheme.” Ever since, Ackman has battled with Herbalife’s owners and shareholders about the company’s worth.”

3/17/17-  Critics loved the movie but audiences did not care for it at all. TRDB.

4) P.S. JERUSALEM– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “While raising her family in New York, filmmaker Danae Elon felt drawn to Jerusalem, the city of her birth. Thus, the family began a three-year sojourn there, during which Elon assembled this video diary of her mixed feelings about modern Israel.”

3/17/17- The critics loved it. TRDB.

4) ACTOR MARTINEZ– 2017. “The difference between ambition and talent is on full display in this film-within-a-film-within-a-film. When computer repairman Arthur Martinez hires two indie directors to make a film starring him, the focus devolves into a study of his boring life.”

3/17/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) TICKLING GIANTS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 2011, Egyptian heart surgeon Bassem Youssef traded his scalpel for a microphone and soon became the most popular satirical voice on Egyptian television with “Al Bernameg,” a show that regularly tests the tolerance of government authorities.”

3/17/17- Critics loved this movie– audiences liked it but were less enthusiastic. TRDB.

6) TAIPEI STORY– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Lung, a former member of the national Little League team and now operator of an old-style fabric business, is never able to shake a longing for his past glory. One day, he runs into a forme teammate who is now a struggling cab driver. The two talk about old times and they are struck by a sense of loss. Lung is living with his old childhood sweetheart Ah-chin, a westernized professional woman who grew up in a traditional family. Although they live together, Ah-chin is always weary of Lung’s past liaison with another girl.”

3/17/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) MEAN DREAMS. Synopsis by Netflix. “After learning that new neighbor Casey is being abused by her corrupt lawman father- 15-year-old Jonas resolves to save her. Rashly stealing a bag of her dad’s dirty drug money, Jonas goes on the run with Casey as her father chases them relentlessly.”

3/17/17- Fairly good reviews for this drama although the synopsis is a bit of a turn-off. TRDB.

8) THE SHOW ABOUT THE SHOW– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Independent Filmmaker Caveh Zahedi is trying to make a television show. He persuades BRIC TV, a Brooklyn non-profit Arts organization, to finance a television show

3/17/17- Just 1 review noted and it is positive. TRDB.

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HOTWIRE ON-DEMAND

 

NEW ON HOTWIRE- NOTHING OF INTEREST TO ME

 

REPEATS-

 

1) AMERICAN HONEY- Good reviews but I didn’t like it

2) BURN COUNTRY- Good reviews

3) CAFE SOCIETY- I enjoyed it and I never miss a Woody

4) CHRONIC- I liked it

5) CLAIRE IN MOTION- Back on the list– good reviews

6) DENIAL- A good movie

7) DYING LAUGHING- Fairly good reviews for this comedy

8)THE EAGLE HUNTRESS- Excellent

9) THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN- I liked this movie

10) FENCES- An excellent movie

11) FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS- Good reviews but I resisted seeing this one

12) FRANK & LOLA- OK reviews

13) THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS- Predictable but fun

14) HELL OR HIGHWATER- I enjoyed this movie quite a bit

15) IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE- I liked it

16) JOSHY- Partly frat-boy antics and part meaningful conversation. Judge for yourself.

17) LOVING- An excellent drama and great acting

18)MOONLIGHT- A good movie but not as good as the critics said

19) MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE- Good reviews

20) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR- A bit preposterous but still OK. Definitely not as good as most critics gave it credit for.

21) PUNCHING HENRY- Very good reviews

22) SNOWDEN- OK but not nearly as good as the documentary “Citizenfour”

23) SULLY- I liked it very much

24) A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS- I liked it

25) TANNA- A wonderful movie

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) WILSON- Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel comes to life in this comic tale about a man who gets back together with his long-estranged wife … and learns he has a daughter. Set in his ways and decidedly neurotic, he’s determined to win his offspring’s affection.”

3/21/17- Mostly poor reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) PERSONAL SHOPPER– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A few months after her twin brother’s death, Maureen is working in Paris as a personal shopper for a demanding celebrity, hoping a better job will come along. Meanwhile, she waits for a sign from her sibling, who had the ability to talk to spirits.”

3/10/17- Fairly good reviews from the critics but weak ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) THE LAST WORD– Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Clearview 100. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Not about to cede control of any facet of her life — or death — retired businesswoman Harriet Lawler hires a young writer to pen an obituary worthy of her. When the results fall short of Harriet’s expectations, she sets out to reshape her legacy.”

3/3/17- The critics didn’t like this movie at all but audiences loved it. The premise sounds funny to me and I would definitely try it. TRDB.

3) THE SENSE OF AN ENDING– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk.  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Retired and living alone, Tony Webster learns of long-kept secrets from his past and realizes that his own memories are filled with errors. Seeking the truth, Tony obtains the diary of an old friend and is unnerved by what he finds.”

3/10/17- Very good reviews from the critics but weak ones from audiences. I’ll see it. TRDB.

4) THE WOMAN’S BALCONY– Jacob Burns. An excellent movie that I really enjoyed.

5) THE SALESMAN– Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this Iranian movie very much.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

 

1. A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

 

1) THE SENSE OF AN ENDING– Mixed reviews but I’ll see it

 

2) THE LAST WORD– Mixed reviews as well

 

3) THE WOMEN’S BALCONY– I liked this very much

 

4) A UNITED KINGDOM– Good reviews- I haven’t seen it yet but I will

 

5) FANNY’S JOURNEY– A good story but a bit too Hollywood for me

 

6) LION- A good movie but also too Hollywood for my taste

 

1. B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

 

Same as Lake Worth but has “LAND OF MINE” with good reviews and does NOT have “LION” which has been around for a while.

 

1. C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

 

1) MEN AND CHICKEN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Siblings Gabriel and Elias are none-too close, but when it’s revealed in their dad’s will that they were adopted, they unite to find their biological father — a journey that takes them to an isolated island and a decaying sanatorium.”

3/22/17- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) KRISHA– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reuniting with her family for Thanksgiving after years of estrangement, aging hippie Krisha arrives at her sister’s house with the best intentions. But things soon go downhill as Krisha’s presence creates confusion, animosity and embarrassment.”

3/18/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

1. D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

 

1) THE WOMEN’S BALCONY– I liked it very much.

 

2) PERSONAL SHOPPER– I haven’t seen this yet but I plan to.

 

3) THE LAST WORD- Mixed reviews. I think I’ll see it.

 

Also Playing with limited screenings at the Living Room are:

1) Fanny’s Journey

2) Year By the Sea

3) The Salesman

 

ENJOY!!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters