The Reel Dr. Bob

JUNE 8, 2017

DEAR FRIENDS:

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

THIS HAS BEEN A VERY QUIET MOVIE-WEEK FOR ME. I’VE SEEN NEARLY ALL OF THE MOVIES AROUND AND SINCE THEY ARE GOOD THEY HAVE STAYED AROUND LONGER THAN USUAL.

THIS WEEK BRINGS SOME NEW ONES.

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) KEEP QUIET– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) KEEP QUIET– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Virulently anti-Semitic, right-wing Hungarian politician Csanad Szegedi finds his views undermined after learning about his Jewish heritage. Over a three-year period, he comes to embrace his new faith, as chronicled in this fascinating documentary.”2/17/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

6/6/17- The truth is stranger than fiction. A fascinating documentary. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 13-

1) GROWING UP SMITH–  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. ” When an Indian family moves to America in 1979 with the hope of living the American Dream, their 10-year-old-son, Smith, falls head-over-heels for the girl next door. With an American Dream of his own, Smith strives to become a “good ol’ boy,” propelling him and his family further away from their traditional ideals than ever before. GROWING UP SMITH is a heartfelt coming-of-age comedy about an irrepressibly-like-able 10-year-old boy from India who may possibly lose it all–including the love of his life–when his obsession for living the American Dream unexpectedly takes a wrong turn.”

2) SUNTAN–  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “On a small Greek resort island, middle-aged physician Kostis comes to the aid of nubile young vacationer Anna when she injures her leg. After falling under her spell, Kostis becomes dangerously obsessed with her.”3/10/17- Fair reviews from the critics but audiences really disliked this movie. TRDB.

3) 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.

4) 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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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) THE EXCEPTION– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This turbulent drama portrays the converging fates of Kaiser Wilhelm, exiled to Holland after Germany’s defeat in World War I, and a young Jewish woman whose presence in the Kaiser’s household raises the suspicions of an SS officer looking for spies.”6/2/17- Most critics liked it but nobody had great things to say. Audiences were mixed. TRDB.

2) BERLIN SYNDROME– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A holiday fling in Berlin turns into something far more sinister when Australian photojournalist Clare spends a passionate night with a man who refuses to part with her, imprisoning her in his apartment as he goes about his business.”5/26/17- I generally will not see horror or “stalking” movies but this one got fairly good reviews. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, JUNE 2-

1) THE EXCEPTION– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This turbulent drama portrays the converging fates of Kaiser Wilhelm, exiled to Holland after Germany’s defeat in World War I, and a young Jewish woman whose presence in the Kaiser’s household raises the suspicions of an SS officer looking for spies.”6/2/17- Most critics liked it but nobody had great things to say. Audiences were mixed. This is On-Demand also. TRDB.

2) BAND AID– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Most bands start out getting along and then fall out as egos clash on the group’s way to the top. But for married couple Anna and Ben, their constant rows become the reason for their band’s formation and the inspiration behind their music.”

6/2/17- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

3) RADIO DREAMS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This wry comedy follows Hamid Royani, the program manager for a Farsi-language radio station in San Francisco, as he attempts to bring together Afghani rock band Kabul Dreams and the legendary Metallica for an on-air jam session.”

6/2/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) DEAN- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still grappling with his mom’s death, New York City illustrator Dean impulsively takes a trip to Los Angeles but stays on after meeting cute Nicky at a party. Meanwhile, much to Dean’s dismay, his dad is trying to move on by selling the family home.”

6/2/17- Fair reviews from the critics but fairly good ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) WONDER WOMAN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by the classic DC Comics character, this epic tale charts the origins of the mighty Wonder Woman, who leaves her all-female island home hoping to deploy her powers to help end to the carnage of World War I.”

6/2/17- Critics and audiences have loved this movie. TRDB.

6) CHURCHILL- 2017. This was reviewed last week but I’m including it here as well. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the hours before the June 1944 D-Day landings, this World War II drama chronicles the growing tensions between Churchill and the Allied leaders as they prepare to retake Nazi-occupied Europe.”

5/30/17- Fair reviews at best but I might just see it for its historical value. TRDB.

7) PAST LIFE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a keen sense of characterization, this moving drama follows two Israeli sisters — one an aspiring composer, the other a journalist — who dredge up dark family secrets when they attempt to learn the truth about their Holocaust-survivor father.”

6/2/17- Very good reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. I plan to see it. TRDB.

8) HANDSOME DEVIL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Odd man out at a rugby-obsessed boarding school, self-styled rebel Ned is ready for another semester of abuse when his new roommate — a hunky transfer student and rugby star — extends an olive branch of friendship. Too bad not everyone approves.”

6/2/17- Very good reviews from the critics and weak ones from audiences. I’ll try it. TRDB.

9) LETTERS FROM BAGHDAD– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dubbed the female Lawrence of Arabia, archaeologist Gertrude Bell swapped the strictures of Edwardian England for the wilds of the Arabian Desert, where she helped shape the modern Middle East. This documentary tells Bell’s story in her own words.”

6/2/17- Good reviews. TRDB.

10) FROM THE ASHES– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the effects of coal’s resurgence as an energy source, this timely documentary examines the risks — including climate change and threats to public health — posed by a continuing reliance on coal.”

6/2/17- Just 3 reviews and they are all good. TRDB.

11) THE INCOMPARABLE ROSE HARTMAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary blend of art, biography and celebrities charts the career of New York City photographer Rose Hartman, whose iconic images of the rich and famous have made her a star in her own right.”

6/2/17- I’ve read 3 reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

12) SAMI BLOOD– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1930s Lapland, teen Elle-Marja is attending a boarding school for the indigenous Sami people. But when she realizes her ethnicity is stifling her educational opportunities, she makes the radical choice to turn her back on her family and culture.”

6/2/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) MY COUSIN RACHEL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s captivating mystery novel, young Englishman Philip suspects that his alluring cousin Rachel murdered his guardian. But as Philip plans his revenge, he finds himself falling in love with the enigmatic Rachel.”6/6/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) MEGAN LEAVY– Bethel. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this affecting true-life drama, U.S. Marine Megan Leavey and her bomb-sniffing dog build a bond of trust and loyalty that sees them through more than 100 missions during the Iraq War — until an improvised explosive device injures them both.”6/6/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) DEAN– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still grappling with his mom’s death, New York City illustrator Dean impulsively takes a trip to Los Angeles but stays on after meeting cute Nicky at a party. Meanwhile, much to Dean’s dismay, his dad is trying to move on by selling the family home.”

6/2/17- Fair reviews from the critics but better ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) BAND AID– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Most bands start out getting along and then fall out as egos clash on the group’s way to the top. But for married couple Anna and Ben, their constant rows become the reason for their band’s formation and the inspiration behind their music.”

6/2/17- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) CHURCHILL- Bethel. Fair reviews at best but I would see it just for historical value

2) PARIS CAN WAIT– Jacob Burns, Bethel. Good reviews but friends have not liked it.

3) THE WOMEN’S BALCONY– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. I saw this movie and liked it very much.

4) THE WEDDING PLAN– Clearview 100. I enjoyed this movie very much.

5) NORMAN– Clearview 100. I liked it very much.

6) PARIS CAN WAIT– Clearview 100. Good reviews but friends didn’t like it.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) I, DANIEL BLAKE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A carpenter for most of his life, Daniel Blake is forced to seek state welfare after suffering a heart attack at 59. While trudging through an endless maze of red tape, he befriends a young single mother of two stuck in similar circumstances.”12/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) CHURCHILL– Fair reviews at best

3) PARIS CAN WAIT– Good reviews but friends haven’t liked it

4) THE LOVERS– I liked this very much

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) I, DANIEL BLAKE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A carpenter for most of his life, Daniel Blake is forced to seek state welfare after suffering a heart attack at 59. While trudging through an endless maze of red tape, he befriends a young single mother of two stuck in similar circumstances.”12/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) CHURCHILL– Fair reviews at best

3) PARIS CAN WAIT– Good reviews but friends haven’t liked it

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1)  RISK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this insightful documentary that unspools in the vein of a thriller, filmmaker Laura Poitras trains her lens on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose whistle-blowing operation has reveled in a decade of exposing government surveillance programs.”5/5/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) SACRED– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recruiting the labors of filmmakers the world over, director Thomas Lennon creates a stunning montage of the spiritual practices and beliefs — some solemn, some celebratory and some mysterious — followed by dozens of cultures.”

5/5/17- Only a few reviews but they are all good. TRDB.

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

1) I, DANIEL BLAKE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “A carpenter for most of his life, Daniel Blake is forced to seek state welfare after suffering a heart attack at 59. While trudging through an endless maze of red tape, he befriends a young single mother of two stuck in similar circumstances.”12/23/16- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) CHURCHILL– Fair reviews at best

3) NORMAN- I liked this movie a lot

4) PARIS CAN WAIT– Good reviews but friends have not liked it

5) LOVERS– I liked this one very much

6) THE WEDDING PLAN– I really enjoyed this movie

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB