FILM REVIEWS #647
June 22nd, 2017
1) 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.
6/15/17- An excellent documentary about Egypt and about freedom in general. My only criticism is that they could have used sub-titles when English was spoken. TRDB. Seen at Temple Beth El in Chappaqua.
2) BIATRIZ AT DINNER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her car breaks down at the home of rich clients, holistic health practitioner Beatriz is invited to stay for the couple’s important dinner party — which becomes a battleground as Beatriz clashes with billionaire real-estate developer Doug.”
6/9/17- Fairly good reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.
6/16/17- I liked this movie very much. Interesting and foreboding and definitely recommended. TRDB. .
1) 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.
6/15/17- A very strange movie. All I can say is that for the most part it held my interest as we knew that something bad was going to happen. TRDB.
2) DHEEPAN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Forced into exile by war in his native Sri Lanka, former Tamil resistance fighter Dheepan is able to find refugee housing in the suburbs of Paris. However, he soon discovers that his new world is nearly as oppressive as the one he left behind.”
5/6/16- Excellent professional reviews and very good audience reaction as well. TRDB.
6/16/17- A wonderful movie that focused on the effects of war on those who flee for “satety.”. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
3) A RISING TIDE– 2016. Synopsis by IMDB. “An inspirational story of redemption, A Rising Tide tells the tale of a young chef, Sam Rama (Hunter Parrish). After the destruction of his family’s well-established Atlantic City restaurant during Hurricane Sandy, Sam must grow up quickly, taking the biggest risks of his life, both in business and love. When Sam comes to the aid of a wealthy patron (Tim Daly) and then falls for the newly separated Sarah Bell (Ashley Hinshaw), a chain of unexpected events unfolds for all of them.”
6/17/17- I enjoyed watching this movie and rooting for the characters to succeed. The plot was a bit formulaic but the acting easily made up for it, especially Tim Daly who is very good as usual. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand (Showtime)
4) LAND OF MINE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Illuminating a little-known piece of history from World War II’s aftermath, this gripping drama follows a group of German prisoners of war as the Allies force them to defuse thousands of land mines buried in Denmark during the Nazi occupation.”
2/10/17- Very good reviews from the critics and from audiences alike. TRDB.
6/22/17- An excellent movie about a topic I knew nothing about. SEE THIS MOVIE! TRDB. Netflix Disc.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 27-
1) HELI– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his father vanishes, young Heli searches for him in a part of Mexico where people work either at an auto plant or for the local drug cartel. Along the way, Heli comes face-to-face with drug trafficking, sexual exploitation and corrupt cops.”
6/13/14– Barely OK reviews from critics and audiences alike. 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.
3) ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL– 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary follows four persevering schoolchildren from different corners of the world as they go to great lengths — literally — to obtain an education, overcoming disabilities and danger in the process.”
2/6/15- I’ve seen just 4 professional reviews- 3 down and 1 up. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
COMING TO NETFLIX ON JULY 4 –
1) A UNITED KINGDOM– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Meeting at a dance in 1947, African prince Seretse Khama and London office worker Ruth Williams share a love of jazz and an instant attraction. When they wed after a brief courtship, their interracial union sparks an international political crisis.”
2/10/17- Very good reviews. 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.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
OPENED LAST WEEK-
Recommended-
1) MAUDIE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This affecting biopic charts the story of Maud Lewis, who rises above the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that made her a social outcast and finds a passion for painting, becoming a beloved Canadian folk artist in the process.”
6/16/17- Good to excellent reviews. TRDB.
2) F(L)AG FOOTBALL– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Three teams and their journey to become the next Gay Bowl Champions. With everything on the line, some teams will come together and others will fall apart, but gay sports will never be seen the same way again.”
6/16/17- I’ve seen 3 reviews of this movie– all were positive but none very enthusiastic. TRDB.
3) THE JOURNEY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this reimagining of events surrounding the 2006 St. Andrews Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland, Protestant preacher Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin politician Martin McGuinness take a ride together that will alter the course of history.”
6/16/17- Reviews were just OK. TRDB.
4) SCORE: A FILM MUSIC DOCUMENTARY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Movie fans may give it little thought, but a film’s music is key to establishing mood and drama. This absorbing look at the craft of composing for movies features interviews with several masters, including John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Quincy Jones.”
6/16/17- Critics liked it very much and audiences loved it. TRDB.
5) HARMONIUM– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just out of prison, Yasaka shows up at the workshop of his longtime friend Toshio, who — without consulting his wife — offers Yasaka a room and a job. As he slowly encroaches on the family’s lives, Yasaka’s presence becomes increasingly alarming.”
6/16/17- Critics raved about this movie but audiences gave it just OK reviews. TRDB.
Not Recommended-
1) HEARING IS BELIEVING– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “”Hearing Is Believing” introduces the world to the young musician & composer Rachel Flowers. Born premature, she soon lost her eyesight but had perfect pitch. The film illuminates the bonds of family and the divine mysteries of creativity.”
6/16/17- Only a few reviews noted and they are weak. TRDB.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
4) BURN COUNTRY- Fairly good reviews- I haven’t seen it yet
5) CAFE SOCIETY- I liked this movie and I never miss a Woody
6) CAPTAIN FANTASTIC- I liked it very much
7) DANCER- I liked this very much
8)DHEEPAN- I liked it very much
9) THE EAGLE HUNTRESS- Very good
10) THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN- Very good
11) THE EXCEPTION- Good reviews and I hope to see it soon
12) GET OUT- I liked it
13) FENCES- Very good– like watching the play
14) I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO- Very good reviews- I liked it but didn’t love it
15) I, DANIEL BLAKE- Great movie
16) LA LA LAND- I liked it a lot
17) LO AND BEHOLD- Fascinating and everybody should see it
18)LOVING- An excellent drama
19) MANCHESTER BY THE SEA- I loved this movie
20) MOONLIGHT- Good but not nearly as good as the critics said
21) OTHER PEOPLE- I liked this very much
22) PATERSON- Very different but I liked this slow moving film
23) ROOM- Very good
24) THE SALESMAN- An excellent movie from Iran
25) THE SENSE OF AN ENDING- Good reviews
26) SNOWDEN- I liked it– it’s still in the news
27) SULLY- I liked it very much
28) ZERO DAYS- Very interesting and I recommend it
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) THE HERO– Jacob Burns, Bethel. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Now in the sunset of his long film career as a Western cowboy, Lee Hayden earns a living doing voice-overs while spending his spare time in a marijuana haze. But a cancer diagnosis leads him to reassess his past and mend his fractured relationships.”
6/9/17- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.
2) THE JOURNEY– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this reimagining of events surrounding the 2006 St. Andrews Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland, Protestant preacher Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin politician Martin McGuinness take a ride together that will alter the course of history.”
6/16/17- Reviews were just OK. TRDB.
3) PAST LIFE– Jacob Burns. 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.
REPEATS-
1) BIATRIZ AT DINNER– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100. I liked it very much
2) THE WOMEN’S BALCONY– Clearview 100. I enjoyed this movie very much
3) MEGAN LEAVY– Bethel, Danbury. Good reviews
4) PARIS CAN WAIT– Bethel. Good reviews but friends have not liked it
5) MY COUSIN RACHEL– Jacob Burns. Good reviews but friends haven’t liked it
6) LETTERS FROM BAGHDAD– Jacob Burns. Good reviews
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-
1) I, DANIEL BLAKE– A great movie– See it!
2) THE EXCEPTION– Very good reviews
B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-
1) 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.
2) THE EXCEPTION– Very good reviews
C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-
1) SLACK BAY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With tourists vanishing from the shores of Channel Coast, famed sleuths Malfoy and Machin are brought in to work the case. Their investigation leads to two clans on opposite ends socially: the rabble-rousing Bréforts and the bourgeois Van Peteghems.”
4/21/17- Weak reviews from audiences and critics. TRDB.
2) MANIFESTO– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this unique drama, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett brings to life — via 13 different characters — the manifestos of influential 20th-century artists, including sculptor Claes Oldenburg, film director Jim Jarmusch and dancer Yvonne Rainer.”
6/20/17- Critics have liked it but audiences have not. TRDB.
D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON
1) BIATRIZ AT DINNER– I saw it and liked it very much
2) CHURCHILL– Weak reviews
3) I, DANIEL BLAKE– I saw it– a GREAT FILM
4) PAST LIFE– Very good reviews
5) THE EXCEPTION– Very good reviews
ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB
Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>
Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed