The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 10, 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) ICARUS– Netflix Streaming

2) MENASHE- At the Theater

3) THE EXCEPTION– Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) 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.

8/6/17- I liked this movie very much– a real slice of Hasidic life in a NY community with a very sad but eventually upbeat story. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) ICARUS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When documentarian Bryan Fogel begins to investigate doping in the sports world, he comes into contact with a Russian scientist involved in his nation’s anti-doping program — and the two soon uncover the largest scandal in sports history.”8/4/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8/5/17- An excellent documentary that held my interest throughout. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) 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.

8/10/17- One critic called this movie a “soapy melodrama” and I have to agree. Still, it did have some good historical points and is worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 15-

1) CHUCK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Known for his ability to take punches and keep standing, boxer Chuck Wepner — nicknamed the “Bayonne Bleeder” — served as the inspiration for movie pugilist Rocky Balboa. This fast-paced biopic chronicles Wepner’s life in and out of the ring.5/5/17- OK reviews by the critics and weak ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) THE WALL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A crumbling concrete wall is all that stands between an American sharpshooter and the Iraqi sniper intent on killing him and his spotter. As the enemies converse over their radios, they know just one thing: Not all of them will come out alive.”

5/12/17- OK reviews. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

1) STEP– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on three seniors — and members of the Lethal Ladies dance team — at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, this documentary tracks the teens as they strive to attend college while cultivating their creative game on the step team.”8/4/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary from all. TRDB.

2) COLUMBUS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After traveling from Korea to Columbus, Indiana — where his architect father lies in a coma — middle-aged Jin meets young Casey, who’s put her dreams on hold to care for her mother. As Jin and Casey bond, her architectural ambitions are reignited.”

8/4/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) 4 DAYS IN FRANCE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leaving his lover, Paul, without a word, restless Parisian Pierre takes off on a road trip across France. Along the way, he uses his smartphone dating app as his compass, making contact with a gallery of oddball characters as Paul tries to find him.”

8/4/17- Very good reviews for this strange sounding French drama. TRDB.

4) ICARUS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When documentarian Bryan Fogel begins to investigate doping in the sports world, he comes into contact with a Russian scientist involved in his nation’s anti-doping program — and the two soon uncover the largest scandal in sports history.”

8/4/17- Very good reviews for this documentary- I saw it on Netflix Streaming and liked it very mucy. TRDB.

5) 68 KILL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This southern-fried caper focuses on infatuated nice guy Chip and his crazy girlfriend, Liza, whose relationship takes a sharp turn into homicide when they try to rob Liza’s sugar daddy — only to end up with two corpses and a hostage.”

8/4/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) THE BATTLESHIP ISLAND– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this historical drama based on events that occurred near the end of World War II, 400 Koreans attempt to escape from Hashima Island, where they’re being forced into mining coal by their colonial Japanese rulers.”

8/4/17- Just 3 reviews so far- 2 poor and 1 so-so. It sounds like it might be interesting from a historical point. TRDB.

7) IT’S NOT YET DARK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary charts the story of filmmaker Simon Fitzmaurice, who develops ALS syndrome at age 34 but refuses to let it deter his ambitions. Incapacitated five years later, Fitzmaurice helms a feature film using only his eye movements.”

8/4/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8) THIS TIME TOMORROW- 2017. This movie is about a Columbian family that is confronted with an unexpected death.

8/4/17- A review in today’s NY Times is mixed. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) KIDNAP– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “How far will a mom go to rescue her kidnapped child? When that mother is Kate McCoy, the answer is, “as far as necessary.” Desperate to catch her son’s abductors, Kate takes off on a high-speed chase as the clock ticks down on his fate.”

8/4/17- Terrible reviews. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST-

1) 68 KILL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This southern-fried caper focuses on infatuated nice guy Chip and his crazy girlfriend, Liza, whose relationship takes a sharp turn into homicide when they try to rob Liza’s sugar daddy — only to end up with two corpses and a hostage.”8/4/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) WIND RIVER– Jacob Burns.  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When U.S. Fish and Wildlife employee Cory Lambert stumbles upon the frozen body of a teenage girl, FBI Agent Jane Banner is quickly dispatched to get to the bottom of the mystery. Unprepared for the harsh conditions, she enlists Cory as a tracker.”8/4/17- Very good reviews by most. Be prepared for violence. TRDB.

2) STEP– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on three seniors — and members of the Lethal Ladies dance team — at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, this documentary tracks the teens as they strive to attend college while cultivating their creative game on the step team.”8/4/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary from all. TRDB.

3) THE GLASS CASTLE– Bethel, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from the novel of the same name, this family drama follows future writer Jeannette Walls, who spends her hardscrabble childhood on the run with her negligent artist mother and storytelling alcoholic father.”

8/9/17- Mixed reviews but it sounds quirky enough to be enjoyable. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) LANDLINE– Jacob Burns (limited screenings), Bethel, Clearview 100. Good reviews but the trailer looked stupid

2) THE MIDWIFE– Clearview 100. I liked this very much

3) THE BIG SICK– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I really enjoyed this movie very much

4) MAUDIE- Clearview 100. Very good movie- NOT SCHMALTZY as it could have been

5) DETROIT– Bethel, Danbury. Very good reviews

6) AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Bethel. Good reviews for Al Gore’s new movie

7) MENASHE– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I saw this movie and liked it

8) WONDER WOMAN– Danbury. I liked it!!

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) THE GLASS CASTLE– Mixed reviews but it sounds quirky enough to be enjoyable.

2) DETROIT– Very good reviews

3) THE MIDWIFE– I liked this movie very much

4) MAUDIE– I enjoyed this movie

5) LADY MACBETH– Very good reviews

B) MOVIES OF DELRAY-

1) 13 MINUTES– OK reviews

2) THE MIDWIFE– I liked this movie very much

3) LADY MACBETH– Very good reviews

4) THE BIG SICK– I liked it very much

5) DETROIT– Good reviews and I intend to see it

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) POP AYE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A stalled career and failing marriage have left architect Thana disillusioned. But his attitude slowly begins to change as he leads his childhood pet elephant — rediscovered in Bangkok — on a journey to the farm where they grew up.”8/8/17- Very good reviews from the critics and OK ones from audiences. I’d see it. TRDB.

2) MALI BLUES- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mali’s renowned musical culture has come under grave threat from radical Islamists, who view music as offensive to the faith. This urgent documentary spotlights the anxieties of Malian singer Fatou prior to her first concert in her home country.”

6/30/17- Just 4 reviews noted and they are all good. TRDB.

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

1) LADY MACBETH– Good reviews

2) LANDLINE– Good reviews but the trailer looked stupid

3) 13 MINUTES–  Fair reviews at best but I’ll see it.

4) THE MIDWIFE– I liked it very much

5) LOST IN PARIS– I enjoyed this farce (limited screenings)

6) MAUDIE– I liked this very much (limited screenings)

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB