The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #659

September 21st, 2017

SEPTEMBER 21, 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) IN THE SHADOW OF WOMEN– Netflix Disc.

2) DEAN– Netflix Disc.

3) FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER- Netflix Streaming

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) IN THE SHADOW OF WOMEN– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite being happily married to his creative partner, filmmaker Pierre finds himself mired in a love triangle when he falls for a young intern. Unable to choose between the two women, Pierre tries to keep them both as his lovers.”

1/15/16- Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/18/17- I found this French drama quite interesting even though the topic is familiar. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) DEAN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still grappling with his mom’s death, New York City illustrator Dean impulsively takes a trip to Los Angeles but stays on after meeting cute Nicky at a party. Meanwhile, much to Dean’s dismay, his dad is trying to move on by selling the family home.”

6/2/17- Fair reviews from the critic but better ones from audiences. TRDB.

9/18/17- A delightful drama/comedy. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

3) FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling biopic recounts the story of Loung Ung, who is born into a life of privilege in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. But in 1975, that life comes to an abrupt end for 5-year-old Loung when the brutal Khmer Rouge takes over the city.”

9/15/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

9/19/17- The movie was excellent!! TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 26-

 

1) DAVID LYNCH: THE ART LIFE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this candid look at the life of David Lynch, the eccentric film and TV auteur recounts — from his home and painting studio in the Hollywood Hills — the formative experiences that fueled and shaped his enigmatic imagination.”

3/31/17- Excellent reviews from everybody. TRDB.

2) BORN IN CHINA– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring spectacular imagery, this nature documentary takes viewers on an expedition into the wilds of China to follow the lives of three families of animals: pandas, golden monkeys and snow leopards.”

4/21/17- Very good reviews by critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

3) 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.

4) THE DEATH OF LOUIS IV– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling period drama recounts the slow and painful demise of King Louis XIV as the bedbound French monarch — surrounded by doctors and family — tries to maintain control of his empire for as long as he can.”

3/31/17- Fairly good reviews by the critics and weak ones by audiences. TRDB.

5) DO NOT RESIST– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unsettling documentary examines the implications of police departments acquiring armored vehicles and other military-grade weaponry. Director Craig Atkinson questions whether this nationwide trend truly serves the goal of protecting the public.”

9/30/16– Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) JEREMIAH TOWER: THE LAST MAGNIFICENT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This tasty documentary profiles renowned master chef Jeremiah Tower, an uncompromising epicurean who created a new American cuisine, revolutionized the restaurant business and became the country’s first celebrity chef.”

6/14/17- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

 

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY, SEPT. 15-

 

Recommended–

 

1) FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling biopic recounts the story of Loung Ung, who is born into a life of privilege in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. But in 1975, that life comes to an abrupt end for 5-year-old Loung when the brutal Khmer Rouge takes over the city.”

9/15/17- Excellent reviews for this movie by Angelina Jolie. Available by Netflix Streaming. TRDB.

9/19/17- The movie was excellent!! TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) THE FUTURE PERFECT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After moving to Argentina to rejoin her family, 18-year-old Xiaobin enrolls in a Spanish course for Chinese immigrants. As she slowly masters the new language, Xiaobin starts to imagine prospects and choices outside her traditional Chinese community.”

9/15/17- Great reviews for this drama. TRDB.

3) BRAD’S STATUS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “While touring East Coast colleges for his son’s benefit, Brad Soares bumps into some former college buddies whose success leaves him dismayed by his relative lack of achievement. Increasingly vexed by his failings, Brad begins a redemptive journey.”

9/15/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

4) IN SEARCH OF FELLINI– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this coming-of-age drama about the life-changing power of art, shy Lucy Cunningham travels to Cleveland for a job interview, where she discovers Federico Fellini’s film masterpieces — a revelation that leads her to search for the famed director.”

9/15/17- Unanimously positive reviews for this drama. TRDB.

5) INDIVISIBLE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Conjoined twins Viola and Dasy both possess superb singing voices and support their family by performing at weddings and other events. But as they’re about to turn 18, the sisters face an agonizing choice when they learn that they can be separated.”

9/15/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

6) STRONG ISLAND– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “More than two decades after Yance Ford’s unarmed brother was shot and killed during a dispute with a mechanic — who was allowed to go free — the filmmaker re-examines the events surrounding the tragedy and its effect on their family.”

9/15/17- Excellent reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. Available by Netflix Streaming. TRDB.

7) WOODPECKERS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Julián arrives at Najayo Prison, a big shot inmate enlists him to communicate via sign language with his lover, Yanelly, who’s locked up at a women’s compound 150 yards away. But before long, an attraction develops between Yanelly and Julián.”

9/15/17- Good reviews from the critics and excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.

8) RAT FILM– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fascinating documentary, an eye-opening portrait of Baltimore emerges as filmmaker Theo Anthony surveys the city’s history through its enormous population of Norway rats and the observations of those who love and hate them.”

9/15/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

9) THIRST STREET– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “During a layover in Paris, American flight attendant Gina becomes infatuated with urbane bartender Jérôme after one night of passion. But when he fails to return her feelings, Gina begins to lose her grip on reality.”

9/20/17- Fairly good reviews for this drama/comedy. TRDB. (Opened 9/20)

 

 

Not recommended-

 

1) AMERICAN ASSASSIN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mitch Rapp’s action-packed life moves from heroics as a college athlete to becoming a covert ops recruit, he’s tasked with combating a wave of terrorist attacks. But his hunt for the perpetrators soon turns into a crusade for vengeance.”

9/15/17- Awful reviews by the critics and just OK ones by audiences. It is definitely NOT on my list. TRDB.

2) MOTHER!- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this psychological thriller, a couple’s relationship is subjected to the ultimate challenge when some uninvited guests show up at their home and proceed to destroy all traces of domestic tranquility.”

9/12/17- Some very good reviews and some very bad reviews as well. I’d skip this one. TRDB.

3) WETLANDS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a drug problem lands him in rehab, former top cop “Babs” Johnson is assigned to the no-man’s-land of Atlantic City’s Wetlands, where he’s determined to get his life back. But when a local girl turns up dead in a swamp, suspicion falls on Babs.”

9/15/17- Poor reviews. TRDB.

4) THE WILDE WEDDING– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “For her fourth wedding, former film star Eve Wilde makes the mistake of inviting her first husband –renowned stage actor Laurence Darling — to the festivities, giving rise to some unforeseen and wacky repercussions.”

9/15/17- Awful reviews and included here at all because of the star cast. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON COMCAST- NONE I WOULD RECOMMEND

REPEATS-

 

1) BEATRIZ AT DINNER- I enjoyed this movie very much

 

2) THE BIG SICK- A very good movie– liked it very much

 

3) CHUCK- Good reviews

4) THE DINNER- I liked it

5) GET OUT- I liked it

6) GIFTED- Just ok reviews but friends have liked it very much and so did I

7) THE GOOD CATHOLIC- Weak reviews by critics but good ones from audiences

8)MANCHESTER BY THE SEA- I loved this movie

9) MEGAN LEAVY- I enjoyed this movie. A bit of a tearjerker

10) THE SALESMAN- An excellent movie from Iran

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

12) SHOT CALLER- Good reviews

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

14) THE TRIP TO SPAIN- Fair reviews at best for this 3rd. movie of its type. If you’re desperate!

15) THE UNKNOWN GIRL- I liked it

16) VICEROY’S HOUSE- Fairly good reviews

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

THIS WEEK THE JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER IS PRESENTING THEIR ANNUAL “CONTEMPORARY ARAB CINEMA”- I ADVISE CHECKING IT OUT AS THE FILMS ARE GENERALLY VERY GOOD AND THOUGHT PROVOKING.

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) BRAD’S STATUS– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “While touring East Coast colleges for his son’s benefit, Brad Soares bumps into some former college buddies whose success leaves him dismayed by his relative lack of achievement. Increasingly vexed by his failings, Brad begins a redemptive journey.”

9/15/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2)  NOBODY’S WATCHING– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Already a star in Argentina, Nico relaunches his career in New York City after breaking up with his lover and producer. But landing acting gigs proves tough, and Nico — loath to face the humiliation of going home — must take on odd jobs to survive.”

9/8/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) STRONGER– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, life changes irrevocably for Jeff Bauman when a bomb goes off at his feet as he’s celebrating his completion of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Despite losing his legs, Bauman is determined to help find the culprits.”

9/19/17- Great reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) REBEL IN THE RYE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Poor reviews

2) WIND RIVER– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked it a lot

3) POLINA– Bethel. I really liked this one very much

4) UNKNOWN GIRL– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. I liked it

5) WIND RIVER– Clearview 100. I liked this movie

6) VICEROY’S HOUSE– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk.. Ok reviews

7) THE BIG SICK– Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this very much

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) RED TREES- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Marina Willer — a descendant of one of 12 Jewish families to survive the Nazi occupation of Prague (thanks to her granddad’s ability to make citric acid) — chronicles her family’s life during wartime and their immigration to Brazil.”

9/20/17- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

2) VICEROY’S HOUSE– Fairly good reviews

3) STRONGER– Excellent reviews and I’m looking forward to seeing this movie

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- Same as Lake Worth

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

9/22-9/28- THE SEVENTH ANNUAL L-DUB FILM FESTIVAL

9/25 to 9/28-

1) BONES OF CONTENTION– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”Bones of Contention” explores the theme of historical memory in Spain, focusing on the repression of lesbians and gays under Franquismo. What happened to LGBT people during the Franco regime?”

9/20/17- I’ve seen just 1 review and it was excellent. TRDB.

2) THE LAST DALAI LAMA?- 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.

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

1) SCHOOL LIFE-  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the eve of retirement, spouses Amanda and John Leyden look back on their shared career teaching at a boarding school in County Meath, Ireland, where they’ve applied imagination, creativity and a sense of fun to the goal of enriching young minds.”

9/8/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) POLINA– I saw this and it was excellent

3) STRONGER- Very good reviews and I’d like to see it

4) VICEROY’S HOUSE– Good reviews

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

 

Entry Filed under: Newsletter from 2 weeks ago