FILM REVIEWS #654

August 17th, 2017

AUGUST 17, 2017
DEAR FRIENDS:
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST ONES ON MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER– At the Theater
2) WIND RIVER– At the Theater
3) ME BEFORE YOU– Amazon Prime
4) THE DINNER– Netflix Disc.
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
1) 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.

8/10/17- Weak reviews as noted but I enjoyed this documentary if one can use the term “enjoyed” in this type of situation. TRDB.

2) WIND RIVER– 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.

8/12/17- An interesting mystery including marvelous scenery and yes, loads of violence as well. Plenty of mumbling also and I could have used subtitles. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
1) ME BEFORE YOU– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Planning to stay just six months, Lou Clark takes on the job of looking after rich but depressed Will Traynor, who’s been left a quadriplegic by an accident. Despite Will’s disillusionment, Lou is determined to show him that his life is worth living.”6/2/16- Weak reviews from most of the critics but better received by audiences. TRDB.

8/13/17- Somewhat soapy but the movie has some good moments as well and I’d recommended it if you’re in the mood. TRDB. Amazon Prime.

2) 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.

8/15/17- If you can get by all of the zigzagging from present to past you can really enjoy the movie. Very well acted and I recommend it. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 22-
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– it sounded better than that to me. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-
Recommended
1) THE FARTHEST– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Measured by time and distance, NASA’s two “Voyager” space probes — launched in 1977 — represent humanity’s most ambitious achievement. This absorbing documentary tracks the spacecrafts’ virtually endless mission: to make humans known to the galaxy.”8/11/17- Great reviews! TRDB.

2) GOOD TIME– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an ill-fated bank robbery attempt puts his brother behind bars, Constantine Nikas begins a frenzied all-night scramble to get his sibling out of lockup while trying to stay one step ahead of a police manhunt himself.”

8/11/17- I usually don’t recommend movies of this sort but this one received excellent reviews– with a few notable exceptions. TRDB.

3) IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in the doomed city of Hiroshima during World War II, this hand-drawn animated tale chronicles the struggles of Suzu Urano, who must keep her family and herself alive and sane after an atomic bomb destroys the city on Aug. 6, 1945.”

8/11/17- Great reviews for this animated movie. TRDB.

4) THE NILE HILTON INCIDENT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Cairo police detective Noredin is assigned to investigate a pop singer’s murder, he soon begins unraveling a more complicated case that links the victim to members of the top echelons of business and government.”

8/11/17- Fair reviews. TRDB.

5) PILGRIMAGE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a small band of monks in 13th-century Ireland is charged with transporting their monastery’s holiest relic to Rome, they embark on a dangerous journey that brings them into conflict with warring clans, conquering Normans and one another.”

8/11/17- Mixed reviews at best including a few very good ones. I’d try it. TRDB.

6) WHOSE STREETS?- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the police killing of unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, young black residents fought back by protesting in the streets. Their demand for justice sparked the Black Lives Matter movement, as detailed in this powerful documentary.”

8/11/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) NOCTURAMA– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Angry with the French establishment, a group of young Parisians from diverse backgrounds plants a series of bombs around the city. As the band of radicals hides out in a closed-for-the-night department store, authorities launch a colossal manhunt.”

8/11/17-  Good reviews by the critics and weak ones by audiences. TRDB.

8) THE TRIP TO SPAIN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Again tasked with a culinary tour — this time of Spain — Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon arm themselves with celebrity impressions, witty banter and observations about aging, and set off on a road trip steeped in paella, gazpacho and wine.”

8/11/17- Mixed reviews at best. This is the 3rd. movie of this type with the same 2 actors and was the least well reviewed. I did like the first two so I’ll probably try this one also. TRDB.

9) A TAXI DRIVER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1980, a German journalist hires Seoul taxi driver Man-seob to drive him to the distant town of Gwangju, which is rumored to be experiencing civil unrest. But what neither man knows is that a full-fledged insurrection is under way in the city.”

8/11/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

9) INGRID GOES WEST– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After getting out of a mental hospital, Ingrid Thorburn becomes fixated on making friends with Instagram star Taylor Sloane, going to great lengths to get close to her. But when Taylor’s brother enters the picture, Ingrid’s behavior turns dangerous.”

8/11/17- Very good reviews by critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

1) PLANETARIUM– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “As American sisters Laura and Kate are turning their psychic skills into profit by conducting séances at cabaret shows in 1930s Paris, a wealthy film producer asks them to become involved in his latest project — a move they may come to regret.”

8/11/17- Terrible reviews by nearly everyone. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW ON COMCAST-
1) PILGRIMAGE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a small band of monks in 13th-century Ireland is charged with transporting their monastery’s holiest relic to Rome, they embark on a dangerous journey that brings them into conflict with warring clans, conquering Normans and one another.”8/11/17- Mixed reviews at best including a few very good ones. I’d try it. TRDB.

2) 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.

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) CERTAIN WOMEN- I enjoyed it

7) DANCER- I liked this movie 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- Just OK- somewhat melodramatic

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) NORMAN- I liked it very much

22) OTHER PEOPLE- I liked this very much

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

24) ROOM- Very good

25) THE SALESMAN- An excellent movie from Iran

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

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

28) SOMM- I really liked this documentary very much and I predict that you will too even if you hate wine

29) STRANGE WEATHER- Critics are 50/50 on this one but I love road trips

30) SULLY- I liked it very much

31) ZERO DAYS- I liked it a lot

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) LOGAN LUCKY– Bethel, Danbury. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amping up the adrenaline with film shot during the real race, this pedal-to the-metal comedy revolves around an impossible heist attempted by two brothers during the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.”8/16/17- Very good reviews for this crime caper movie. TRDB.

2) THE TRIP TO SPAIN– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Again tasked with a culinary tour — this time of Spain — Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon arm themselves with celebrity impressions, witty banter and observations about aging, and set off on a road trip steeped in paella, gazpacho and wine.”

8/11/17- Mixed reviews at best. This is the 3rd. movie of this type with the 2 actors and the least well reviewed. I did like the first two so I’ll probably try this one also. TRDB.

3) COLUMBUS- Jacob Burns.- 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.

REPEATS-
1) IN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury. I liked this documentary.
2) THE BIG SICK– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this very much.
3) WIND RIVER– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it
4) THE GLASS CASTLE– Bethel. OK reviews
5) MENASHE- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this movie very much
6) DETROIT– Danbury. Very good reviews
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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-
A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-
1) LOGAN LUCKY– Synopsis by Netflix. “Amping up the adrenaline with film shot during the real race, this pedal-to the-metal comedy revolves around an impossible heist attempted by two brothers during the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.”8/16/17- Very good reviews for this crime caper movie. TRDB.

2) AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL– A very good documentary that I recommend
3) MENASHE– I enjoyed this movie
4) MAUDIE– I saw this one and liked it very much
5) THE GLASS CASTLE– OK reviews
B) MOVIES OF DELRAY-
1) LOGAN LUCKY– Synopsis by Netflix. “Amping up the adrenaline with film shot during the real race, this pedal-to the-metal comedy revolves around an impossible heist attempted by two brothers during the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.”  Very good reviews for this crime caper movie
2) THE GLASS CASTLE– OK reviews
3) WIND RIVER– A good movie
4) AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL– A very good documentary that I recommend
5) MENASHE– I liked this movie
C) STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE
1) 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.”8/13/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

2) 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.

D) THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON
1) LOGAN LUCKY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amping up the adrenaline with film shot during the real race, this pedal-to the-metal comedy revolves around an impossible heist attempted by two brothers during the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.”8/16/17- Very good reviews for this crime caper movie. TRDB.

2) MENASHE– I liked it very much
3) LANDLINE– Good reviews and it has been playing for a while
“MAUDIE“, “LOST IN PARIS” AND “THE MIDWIFE” are showing here also with limited screenings
ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB

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