The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 3, 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) THE MIDWIFE– At the Theater

2) THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES– Netflix Streaming

3) MAUDIE– At the Theater

4) SOMM– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) THE MIDWIFE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the clinic where she works about to shut down, dedicated midwife Claire is undecided about her future when her purposeful life is upended by the sudden reappearance of her dead father’s former mistress, Béatrice — who’s seeking closure.”7/21/17- Very good reviews from the critics and from audiences as well. TRDB.

7/29/17- I liked this French movie very much. Typical slow development of the plot with excellent acting by Catherine DeNeuve and Catherine Frot. TRDB.

2) 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.

8/2/17- A real love story between 2 characters who provided the strength to each other to overcome their handicaps. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “An aspiring NYC playwright (Jessica Williams) gets over a painful breakup by bonding with a man who was also recently dumped.”7/30/17- Well written and well acted, I enjoyed this drama/comedy very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) TOMMY’S HONOUR– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Links legend Tom Morris works as greenkeeper at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland — a position he expects his son to fill one day. But headstrong young Tommy has other plans, which include becoming golf’s first touring pro.”

4/14/17- Critics were mixed on this one. Audiences liked it, however. TRDB.

7/31/17- This movie was really bad and I had to turn it off. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

3) SOMM– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmed in six countries over a two-year period, this documentary follows four sommeliers as they embark on an all-consuming course of study for the prestigious (and nearly impossible to pass) Master Sommelier exam.”

6/21/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed professional reviews at best. Audiences, however, have liked the movie. TRDB.

8/3/17- I’m not sure where the critics are coming from but I found this documentary interesting and a very good character study as well. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 8-

1) GIFTED– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his sister dies, 30-something bachelor Frank Adler assumes the care of her 7-year-old daughter. But his plans to raise her are threatened when the child reveals herself to be a math prodigy, and his mom suddenly gets involved.”4/5/17- Awful reviews but nearly everyone I know liked it. TRDB.

2) GOING IN STYLE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his sister dies, 30-something bachelor Frank Adler assumes the care of her 7-year-old daughter. But his plans to raise her are threatened when the child reveals herself to be a math prodigy, and his mom suddenly gets involved.”4/5/17- Awful reviews. TRDB.

3) THE DINNER– 2017- Synopsis by Netflix. “During a tense meal at an elegant restaurant, two brothers and their wives discuss how far to go in order to prevent their sons from being identified and arrested for a violent crime they committed that was caught on a security camera.”5/2/17- Poor reviews but I like Richard Gere and Laura Linney so I might see this anyway. TRDB.

4) THE EXCEPTION– Good reviews but I haven’t seen it yet.

5) SEED: THE UNTOLD STORY– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on an issue vital to human survival, this documentary follows a host of seed keepers, farmers and others who are waging a fight against the biotech industry, which is producing genetically modified seeds that threaten agricultural diversity.”9/23/16- Very few reviews for this documentary but all are positive with the exception of the NY Times. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

1) DETROIT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This historical drama is set during the citizen unrest that occurred in 1967 Detroit, when the deaths of three black men inflamed the residents and led to 40 additional fatalities, along with the destruction or looting of 2,500 buildings.”7/28/17- Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

2) AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ten years after providing the world with a wake-up call regarding climate change in “An Inconvenient Truth,” Al Gore is still at it, traveling the globe to influence policy and raise awareness about the sustainable-energy revolution under way.’

7/28/17- Fair reviews from the critics and really poor ones from audiences. I will see this eventually. TRDB.

3) ATOMIC BLONDE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an MI6 agent is murdered in 1989 Berlin, fellow spy Lorraine Broughton is dispatched to investigate and retrieve the list of double agents he was carrying. But that means working with the Berlin station chief — which could prove tricky.”

7/28/17- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative. TRDB.

4) MENASHE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Menashe’s wife dies, tradition in his Hasidic Jewish community dictates that he must not raise his young son alone. Instead, he’s obligated to give the boy up to an uncle for adoption — a custom Menashe is unwilling to accept.”

7/28/17- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5) BRIGSBY BEAR– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an FBI raid ends 25 years of isolation for abducted James Pope, the most upsetting part of his new life is learning that his imposter father produced James’ favorite TV show for him alone. Looking for closure, James sets out to finish the story.”

7/28/17- Very good reviews for this comedy. TRDB.

6) FROM THE LAND OF THE MOON– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this absorbing adaptation of novelist Milena Agus’ “Mal de Pierres,” passionate Frenchwoman Gabrielle finds herself torn between the man she’s expected to wed and a disarming veteran of World War II.”

7/28/17- The premise sounds interesting but reviews have been negative– better from audiences than from the critics. I’d try it. TRDB.

7) I DREAM IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Trying to keep the dying Zikril language alive, young linguist Martín arrives in a remote Mexican village to find and record the only two remaining speakers in conversation. Unfortunately, they’re not on speaking terms because of a 50-year feud.”

7/28/17- Mixed reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.

8) PERSON TO PERSON– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A single day in New York City — one that involves a death that may be suicide or a homicide — unfolds through the eyes of various characters, including a crime reporter, a record collector seeking a rare vinyl platter, and a headstrong teen.”

7/28/17– Weak reviews from the critics but very good ones from audiences. I would try it. TRDB.

9) IMPERFECTIONS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With her acting career going nowhere, Cassidy Harper takes a job moving inventory for her mom’s boyfriend, a Chicago diamond importer. But Cassidy’s impatience to get to Hollywood inspires a dubious decision to stage a heist and keep the jewels.”

7/28/17–  Just 4 reviews so far– 2 up and 2 down. Audiences have given it rave reviews. TRDB.

10) SLED DOGS- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “The competitive heroics of the sled dogs powering the legendary Iditarod race (and other long-distance runs) are the focus of this riveting documentary — along with ethical questions posed by those who view such events as animal abuse.”

7/28/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

11) WATER AND SUGAR: CARLO DI PALMA THE COLOURS OF LIFE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Training a lens on the man behind the camera, this well-crafted documentary looks at the life and oeuvre of cinematographer Carlo Di Palma, who worked for a gallery of famous filmmakers that included Woody Allen and Michelangelo Antonioni.”

7/28/17- Mixed reviews- more positive than negative but not by much. TRDB.

12) THE LAST DALAI LAMA?- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following up on his 1993 profile of the Dalai Lama, director Mickey Lemle returns more than two decades later to revisit the revered leader of Tibetan Buddhism and seek his perspectives on the contemporary world.”

7/28/17- Just 4 reviews noted– 3 excellent and 1 underwhelming. TRDB.

13) STRANGE WEATHER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still haunted by her son’s suicide, Darcy Baylor sets out with her best friend on a road trip through the Deep South to confront the college buddy she believes stole her boy’s restaurant concept and used it to make millions.”

7/28/17- Critics were 50/50 on this movie but I try not to miss a road trip if possible. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) THE LAST FACE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In civil war-ravaged Liberia, international aid director Dr. Wren Petersen meets surgeon Miguel Leon, and the two begin a love affair. But their opposing views about how best to help the victims of the fighting soon strains the pair’s relationship.”

7/28/17- Awful reviews and included here because of the excellent cast- Charlize Theron and Javier Badem. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) STRANGE WEATHER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still haunted by her son’s suicide, Darcy Baylor sets out with her best friend on a road trip through the Deep South to confront the college buddy she believes stole her boy’s restaurant concept and used it to make millions.”7/28/17- Critics were 50/50 on this movie but I try not to miss a road trip if possible. TRDB.

2)  THE LAST FACE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In civil war-ravaged Liberia, international aid director Dr. Wren Petersen meets surgeon Miguel Leon, and the two begin a love affair. But their opposing views about how best to help the victims of the fighting soon strains the pair’s relationship.”

7/28/17- Awful reviews and included here because of the excellent cast- Charlize Theron and Javier Badem. TRDB.

REPEATS-

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER– Jacob Burns, Danbury. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Ten years after providing the world with a wake-up call regarding climate change in “An Inconvenient Truth,” Al Gore is still at it, traveling the globe to influence policy and raise awareness about the sustainable-energy revolution under way.’7/28/17- Fair reviews from the critics and really poor ones from audiences. I will see this eventually. TRDB.

2) MENASHE- Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Menashe’s wife dies, tradition in his Hasidic Jewish community dictates that he must not raise his young son alone. Instead, he’s obligated to give the boy up to an uncle for adoption — a custom Menashe is unwilling to accept.”7/28/17- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) DETROIT- Bethel, Danbury. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This historical drama is set during the citizen unrest that occurred in 1967 Detroit, when the deaths of three black men inflamed the residents and led to 40 additional fatalities, along with the destruction or looting of 2,500 buildings.”

7/28/17- Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) LANDLINE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews but the trailer looked kind of stupid

2) THE MIDWIFE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk.I liked it very much

3) A GHOST STORY– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews

4) THE BIG SICK– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I really enjoyed this movie

5) MAUDIE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews and I liked it very much

6) LADY MACBETH– Bethel. Excellent reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences

7) DUNKIRK– Bethel, Danbury. Great reviews for this action/drama. Friends haven’t cared much for it

8) WONDER WOMAN– Danbury. I liked it- action with a message and a great Israeli actress

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) DETROIT– Great reviews

2) DUNKIRK– Good reviews but friends have not liked it at all

3) THE MIDWIFE– I liked it very much

4) LADY MACBETH– Excellent reviews

5) 13 MINUTES– Fair reviews at best

6) MAUDIE– I liked it very much

7) THE BIG SICK– I enjoyed this movie

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Same as Lake Worth (above) except MAUDIE is not playing at Delray

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) THE LITTLE HOURS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this medieval romp, convent life is far from pure — or even pure of heart — for Sisters Alessandra, Fernanda and Ginevra, who drive the nunnery’s laborer away with their taunts and drive his replacement crazy with their attempts at seduction.”6/30/17- Fairly good reviews in general with a few negative ones in there as well. Sounds interesting and I’ll see it if I can. TRDB.

2) CITIZEN JANE- BATTLE FOR THE CITY- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1960s, when urban renewal became synonymous with the destruction of historic neighborhoods, Jane Jacobs battled some of New York’s most powerful people to save places like Greenwich Village and Little Italy.”4/21/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON

1) 13 MINUTES– Fair reviews at best

2) LADY MACBETH– Excellent reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) LANDLINE– Good reviews but the trailer looked kind of stupid

4) THE MIDWIFE– With Catherine DeNeuve and Catherine Grot. I enjoyed this very much

“LOST IN PARIS” ( I LIKED IT) AND “MAUDIE” (HAVEN’T SEEN IT YET) ARE ALSO SHOWING HERE BUT WITH LIMITED SCREENINGS

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

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