FILM REVIEWS #650

July 20th, 2017

JULY 20, 2017
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) LOST IN PARIS– At the Theater
2) THE LOST CITY OF Z- Netflix Disc.
3) CHASING CORAL– Netflix Streaming
4) WONDER WOMAN– At the Theater
_________________________________________________________________________________________
MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) LOST IN PARIS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her elderly Aunt Martha in Paris asks for help, Canadian librarian Fiona sets off for France, but by the time she arrives, Martha has vanished. While searching for her, Fiona crosses paths with a pesky vagabond — and can’t seem to shake him.”6/16/17- Very good reviews by the critics– audiences did not like it. TRDB.

7/14/17- At times hilarious, this was a creative and energetic farce. I liked it but many won’t. TRDB.

2) 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.

7/`9/17- A very good action movie with a message. Read about Gal Gadot, the female lead. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) THE LOST CITY OF Z- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing tale of mystery recounts the story of real-life British explorer Percy Fawcett, who in 1925 embarked on a journey through the Amazon jungle to locate a fabled ancient city — and never returned.”4/14/17- Very good reviews from the critics but only fair ones from audiences. I’d see it. TRDB.

7/13/17-The topic was interesting– more so than the movie itself. Way to long! Still, I slogged through it and I’m glad I did. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) 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.

7/17/17- While the topic is of historical value, that’s the only thing that made this movie watchable- at least until I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

3) CHASING CORAL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Richard Vevers abandoned an advertising career to become an underwater photographer, his intent was to reveal the beauty of a world few humans see. Instead, he found a disaster in progress: coral bleaching, which is detailed in this documentary.”

7/14/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/17/17- A fascinating and beautifully photographed documentary. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JULY 25- NONE OF INTEREST TO ME
_________________________________________________________________________________________
OPENED LAST FRIDAY, JULY 14-
Recommended-
1) WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Completing the “Planet of the Apes” trilogy, this epic of interspecies war pits the apes led by Caesar against a deadly human army. After catastrophic losses, Caesar reluctantly adapts ruthless tactics to assure his clan’s survival.”7/14/17- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

2) CHASING CORAL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Richard Vevers abandoned an advertising career to become an underwater photographer, his intent was to reveal the beauty of a world few humans see. Instead, he found a disaster in progress: coral bleaching, which is detailed in this documentary.”

7/14/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7/17/17- A fascinating and beautifully photographed documentary. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) ENDLESS POETRY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this dreamlike autobiographical drama, visionary Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky recalls his youthful artistic awakening, focusing on his immersion in Santiago’s flourishing creative scene of the 1940s and ’50s.”

7/14/17- Excellent reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) LADY MACBETH– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Stifled by her arranged marriage to a middle-aged husband, young Victorian wife Katherine begins an affair with a brash groom who works on the family estate. When scandal erupts, she’s prepared to take drastic steps to continue their illicit liaison.”

7/14/17- Excellent reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) BIRTHRIGHT: A WAR STORY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With access to abortion being curtailed and the crusade to end “Roe v Wade” accelerating, filmmaker Civia Tamarkin shows how U.S. women are suffering as religious groups, states and the courts attempt to dictate reproductive health care.”

7/14/17- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

6) ALMOST SUNRISE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Friends Tom and Anthony have more in common than multiple tours of duty overseas: They also suffer from the mental anguish many veterans face upon coming home — and decide to walk it off in a 2,700-mile journey of reflection and healing.”

7/14/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

7) THE WRONG LIGHT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary sets out to tell the heroic story of Mickey Choothesa, the leader of a group that rescues Thai girls forced to work as prostitutes. But things take a startling turn when the filmmakers learn that he isn’t the savior he claims to be.”

7/14/17- Mixed reviews but this documentary sounds very interesting and controversial to me. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) FALSE CONFESSIONS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Secretly enamored with well-heeled widow Araminte, penniless but well-born Dorante lands a job as her private secretary. Abetted by her manservant, Dorante attempts to arouse reciprocal feelings in Araminte.”

7/14/17- Terrible reviews despite Isabelle Hupert as the lead. TRDB.

2) BLIND– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Since losing his wife, his sight and his writing career to a car crash, Bill Oakland has become embittered. But when socialite Suzanne Dutchman begins reading to him as part of her community service, their growing connection reignites his passion.”

7/14/17- Poor reviews. TRDB.

3) FOOTNOTES- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this musical comedy inspired by the movies of genre masters Jacques Demy and Stanley Donen, unemployed Julie gets a job in a luxury shoe factory, only to learn that it will soon close. When her co-workers go on strike, Julie must choose sides.”

7/14/17- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW ON COMCAST-
1) NORMAN: THE MODERATE RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF A NEW YORK FIXER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “As a small-time “fixer” whose business involves arranging quiet deals among politicos and other power brokers, opportunistic Norman Oppenheimer makes a golden connection when a politician he once befriended later becomes Israel’s prime minister.”4/14/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and fairly good ones by audiences. TRDB.

5/6/17– I liked this movie very much. Richard Gere did a great job as did the others as well. 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.

3) A QUIET PASSION– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Famously reclusive poet Emily Dickinson comes to life in this lush biopic that follows her from her days as a gifted but insecure student through her years as an introverted adult whose attachment to her family leads to self-imposed sequestration.”

4/14/17– Excellent reviews by the critics but only mediocre one from audiences. TRDB.

REPEATS-
1) 20th.CENTURY WOMEN- I liked it
2) BERLIN SYNDROME- Good reviews
3) BURDEN- Great reviews

4) CAFE SOCIETY- I liked this movie and I never miss a Woody

5) CAPTAIN FANTASTIC- I liked it very much

6) DANCER- I liked this movie very much

7) DHEEPAN- I liked it very much

8)THE EAGLE HUNTRESS- Very good

9) THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN- Very good

10) THE EXCEPTION- Good reviews and I hope to see it soon

11) GET OUT- I liked it

12) FENCES- Very good– like watching the play

13) I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO- Very good reviews- I liked it but didn’t love it

14) I, DANIEL BLAKE- Great movie

15) LA LA LAND- I liked it a lot

16) LO AND BEHOLD- Fascinating and everybody should see it

17) LOVING- An excellent drama

18)MANCHESTER BY THE SEA- I loved this movie

19) MOONLIGHT- Good but not nearly as good as the critics said

20) OTHER PEOPLE- I liked this very much

21) PATERSON- Very different but I liked this slow moving film

22) ROOM- Very good

23) THE SALESMAN- An excellent movie from Iran

24) THE SENSE OF AN ENDING- I liked the movie and Jim Broadbent in particular

25) SNOWDEN- I liked it– the topic is still in the news

26) SULLY- I liked it very much

27) ZERO DAYS- I liked it a lot

_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) LADY MACBETH– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Stifled by her arranged marriage to a middle-aged husband, young Victorian wife Katherine begins an affair with a brash groom who works on the family estate. When scandal erupts, she’s prepared to take drastic steps to continue their illicit liaison.”7/14/17- Excellent reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) DUNKIRK– Bethel, Danbury. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This action-thriller chronicles the epic battle to evacuate more than 300,000 Allied soldiers who find themselves trapped on the beaches of Northern France after the country falls to the Third Reich in 1940.”7/18/17- Great reviews for this action/drama. TRDB.

3) A GHOST STORY– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young husband suffers a tragic premature death, his mournful spirit lingers, unable to leave the home or wife he loves. But after she moves on and moves out, he remains, eventually learning lessons about life, love and loss.”7/7/17- Fairly good reviews– better from the critics than audiences. TRDB.

4) 13 MINUTES– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “By 1939, Adolf Hitler has mesmerized most of Germany with his oratory and charisma. But carpenter Georg Elser is convinced that Hitler’s rule will lead to a devastating war and plans a daring attempt on the Nazi leader’s life.”

6/30/17- Fair reviews at best but I’ll see it. TRDB.

REPEATS-
1) BEATRIZ AT DINNER– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this very much
2) THE BIG SICK– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Great movie- I enjoyed it very much
3) MAUDIE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews and I plan to see it
4) LOST IN PARIS– Jacob Burns, Bethel. I liked it.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH
1) DUNKIRK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This action-thriller chronicles the epic battle to evacuate more than 300,000 Allied soldiers who find themselves trapped on the beaches of Northern France after the country falls to the Third Reich in 1940.”7/18/17- Great reviews for this action/drama. TRDB.

2) 13 MINUTES– Synopsis by Netflix. “By 1939, Adolf Hitler has mesmerized most of Germany with his oratory and charisma. But carpenter Georg Elser is convinced that Hitler’s rule will lead to a devastating war and plans a daring attempt on the Nazi leader’s life.”

6/30/17- Fair reviews at best but I’ll see it. TRDB.

3) THE BIG SICK– I liked this very mjuch

4) LOST IN PARIS– Hilarious at times this is definitely worth seeing

5) MAUDIE– Very good reviews

6) THE HERO– I liked this movie very much

THE EXCEPTION” AND “THE JOURNEY” ARE PLAYING HERE ALSO BUT WITH VERY LIMITED SCREENINGS

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY
1) DUNKIRK-
2) THE BIG SICK-
3) MAUDI-
4) LOST IN PARIS
THE EXCEPTION” AND “THE JOURNEY” ARE PLAYING HERE ALSO BUT WITH VERY LIMITED SCREENINGS
C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE
1) MOKA- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grieving her son’s death in a hit-and-run accident — and frustrated by the police’s failure to find the culprit — Diane Kramer takes matters into her own hands. With revenge on her mind, she sets off for Évian in pursuit of the person responsible.”6/14/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2) I AM THE BLUES– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tuneful documentary takes a journey through the land where the blues were born, visiting old-time jazz legends still residing in the Deep South while peeling back layers of history that led to the creation of a new American art form.”7/18/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON
1) LOST IN PARIS– I liked this very funny farce
2) MAUDIE– Good reviews and I’d like to see it
3) MOKA- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Grieving her son’s death in a hit-and-run accident — and frustrated by the police’s failure to find the culprit — Diane Kramer takes matters into her own hands. With revenge on her mind, she sets off for Évian in pursuit of the person responsible.”6/14/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) THE B-SIDE: ELSA DORFMAN’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this endearing profile of renowned photographer Elsa Dorfman, documentarian Errol Morris visits her in her Massachusetts studio, which is packed with decades’ worth of pictures that include everyone from counterculture icons to everyday people.”

6/29/17- Very good to excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB

Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters

Leave a Comment

hidden

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


All Movie Reviews

What’s New!

Find out what's playing near you

What's playing at Independent theaters near you

Archives of Past Reviews