The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #664

October 25th, 2017

OCTOBER 25, 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) LANDLINE– Netflix Disc.

2) ONE OF US- Netflix Streaming

3) IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE– 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) LANDLINE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this nostalgic portrait of New York City family life in the 1990s, Dana Jacobs is exploring her wild side before her wedding, while younger sister Ali is taking drugs, having sex and making discoveries of her own — including her father’s affair.”

7/21/17- Mixed reviews for this drama/comedy– more positive than negative. TRDB.

10/20/17- The movie was just OK. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) ONE OF US– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “One of Us explores the opaque world of Hasidic Judaism through a cadre of fascinating characters. Through unique and intimate access over the span of three years, acclaimed observational filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp, Detropia) delve into the lives of three brave individuals who have recently made the decision to leave the insular ultra-orthodox community at the expense of all else, including relationships with their family members.”

10/2/17- Excellent reviews from critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

10/24/17- An excellent documentary. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Just what is Israeli cuisine? That’s the question restaurateur Michael Solomonov sets out to answer as he travels the country. As he talks to chefs, cheese makers, winemakers, farmers, fisherman and more, a portrait of the Israeli people emerges.”

10/24/17- I liked this documentary very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT.31-

 

1) THE BOOK OF HENRY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Susan Carpenter’s son Henry has a genius IQ — and a crush on next-door neighbor Christina Sickelman, who’s being abused by her father. After discovering that Henry has devised a scheme to rescue Christina, Susan decides to help carry out the plan.”

6/15/17- Weak reviews in general. A few critics liked it but most really disliked it. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) MAJORIE PRIME– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this futuristic sci-fi tale, the subjective nature of memory and identity is explored through 86-year-old Marjorie and her interactions with a hologram — a lookalike of her deceased husband programmed to stir her fading memories.”

8/18/17- Very good reviews by critics and just OK ones from audiences. Sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

 

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, NOV. 7- ( in case there is no Newsletter next week)

 

1) YOUR NAME–  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living in a mountain village, restless teen Mitsuha, dreams of escaping her boring rural life and making her way to Tokyo. Meanwhile, Tokyo high schooler Taki has been having strange dreams in which he becomes a girl living in a mountain village.”

4/7/17- Excellent reviews for this animated film. TRDB.

2) THE JOURNEY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this reimagining of events surrounding the 2006 St. Andrews Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland, Protestant preacher Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin politician Martin McGuinness take a ride together that will alter the course of history.”

6/16/17- Reviews were just OK. TRDB.

3) THE BEGUILED– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the 1971 drama set during the Civil War, a wounded Union soldier finds refuge in a Southern boarding school for girls and soon becomes a catalyst for a torrent of jealousy and animosity among the occupants.”

6/23/17- Fair to good reviews by nearly all of the critics. TRDB.

4) THE GLASS CASTLE– 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.

5) PATTI CAKE$- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Defying the typical rapper profile, Jersey girl Patricia Dombrowski is determined to make it in the hip-hop world and escape her dead-end life. After a chance meeting with a reclusive heavy metal devotee named Basterd, her dream may become reality.”

8/18/17- OK reviews. TRDB.

6) TE ATA– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Born in 1895, Chickasaw Nation member Mary Thompson Fisher discovered her love for acting early in life. But she soon realized that her true vocation came in sharing her people’s stories and songs, as recounted in this historical drama.”

10/16/17- Weak reviews from the critics but excellent ones from audiences. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY–

 

Recommended-

 

1) WONDERSTRUCK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on the novel of the same name, this period drama unspools two tales that play out 50 years apart. In 1927, a girl runs away to New York City to meet the actress she idolizes, while in 1977, a boy travels to the Big Apple find his long-lost dad.

10/20/17- Fair reviews for this new movie by Todd Haynes. TRDB.

2) BPM(BEATS PER MINUTE)- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1990s France, the government’s seeming indifference to the AIDS epidemic incites a strident activist response as two very different men — one of whom is facing the last months of his life — fall in love.”

10/20/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB.

3) AIDA’S SECRETS– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This moving documentary chronicles the reunion of brothers Izak and Shep, born in the same refugee camp in postwar Germany yet unaware of each other’s existence for 65 years. But they soon learn there’s more to the story, including a family secret.”

10/20/17- Audiences have loved this movie. I’ve seen 4 professional reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.

4) DEALT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although Richard Turner lost his sight early in life, his determination to become a virtuoso card magician would bring him global fame. In this fascinating documentary, Turner shares his unique perspectives on his life and his craft.”

10/20/17- Very good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

5) LIBERATION DAY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Famed for their glum cover versions of popular tunes, Slovenian art-rockers Laibach become the first rock band invited to play North Korea. This documentary chronicles the culture clashes and censorship issues that unfold before the performance.”

10/20/17- Poor reviews by the critics but audiences have liked this movie very much. I’ll probably try it at some point. TRDB.

6) JANE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “The discovery of half-century-old footage of celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall and her jungle menagerie of chimpanzees provides a new and engrossing look at her lifetime of work with humans’ closest evolutionary relatives.”

10/20/17- Great reviews!! TRDB.

7) ONE OF US- 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “One of Us explores the opaque world of Hasidic Judaism through a cadre of fascinating characters. Through unique and intimate access over the span of three years, acclaimed observational filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp, Detropia) delve into the lives of three brave individuals who have recently made the decision to leave the insular ultra-orthodox community at the expense of all else, including relationships with their family members.”

10/2/17- Excellent reviews from critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

10/24/17- An excellent documentary. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

8) ONLY THE BRAVE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This action-drama chronicles the true story of 19 elite firefighters from Arizona’s Prescott Fire Department who lost their lives in June 2013 while battling the Yarnell Hill wildfire that was ignited by lightning.”

10/20/17- Excellent reviews by nearly everyone. TRDB.

9) NEVER HERE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Installation artist Miranda Fall is comfortable photographing strangers’ lives, but when she suspects someone is watching her, she’s decidedly less comfortable — because her “watcher” may be the perpetrator of an assault seen by her secret lover.”

10/20/17- Very good reviews with the notable exception of the NY Times who called it a jumble of puzzles. I generally do not like this type of movie but it does sound interesting. TRDB.

10) TEMPESTADE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Depicting the human cost of anarchism in Mexico, documentarian Tatiana Huezo chronicles the parallel stories of two women — Miriam and Adela — whose lives turn into nightmares as a result of the corruption and injustice plaguing the nation.”

10/20/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.

Not recommended–

1) THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER– 2017. “In this tale of horror based on a Euripides tragedy, a surgeon begins to regret his decision to help a troubled teenage boy after being drawn ever-deeper into the dramas revolving around the young man’s dysfunctional family.”

10/20/17- Wildly different reviews– definitely more positive than negative but I won’t see this horror movie. TRDB.

2) JUNGLE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A group of friends trek into the Amazon jungle with a guide who has a mysterious past. Their journey quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal as the deadliest threats of the wilderness lead to an all-out fight for survival.”

10/20/17- Weak reviews from the critics and mixed reviews by audiences. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW ON COMCAST-

 

1) NEVER HERE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Installation artist Miranda Fall is comfortable photographing strangers’ lives, but when she suspects someone is watching her, she’s decidedly less comfortable — because her “watcher” may be the perpetrator of an assault seen by her secret lover.”

10/20/17- Very good reviews with the notable exception of the NY Times who called it a jumble of puzzles. I generally do not like this type of movie but it does sound interesting. TRDB.

 

2) 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.

 

3) THE WOMEN’S BALCONY- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “As an Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem is celebrating the bar mitzvah of one of its members, the balcony that holds the women collapses. When an ultraconservative new rabbi takes charge of the repairs, he incites a gender war in the process.”

3/7/17- Just a few reviews but they are all good. TRDB.

3/13/17- I really enjoyed this movie. TRDB.

 

 

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 and I liked it

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)LADY MACBETH- Good reviews

9)MANCHESTER BY THE SEA- I loved this movie

10) MAUDIE- I liked this movie very much

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

12) THE SALESMAN- An excellent movie from Iran

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

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

15) TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON- Great reviews

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

17) THE UNKNOWN GIRL- I liked it

18)VICEROY’S HOUSE- Fairly good reviews

19) WALKING OUT- I really liked this very much

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) JANE- Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “The discovery of half-century-old footage of celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall and her jungle menagerie of chimpanzees provides a new and engrossing look at her lifetime of work with humans’ closest evolutionary relatives.”

10/20/17- Great reviews!! TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) LOVING VINCENT– Clearview 100. Good reviews

2) GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. Good reviews

3) VICTORIA & ABDUL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Clearview 100- No interest in seeing this

4) THE FLORIDA PROJECT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100- Friends hated this movie

5) BREATHE– Bethel. Poor reviews from the critics

6) WONDERSTRUCK– Jacob Burns. Fair reviews

7) MARSHALL– Jacob Burns, Danbury. Fair reviews.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

 

1. A) MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH- Not Available at this time

 

1. B) MOVIES OF DELRAY- Not Available at this time

 

1. C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

 

1) LUCKY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This wry character study follows Lucky, a lonely 90-year-old living in a dusty desert town, as he meditates on his inevitable death. Despite his strong belief that God does not exist, Lucky isn’t ready to make the jump into nothingness.”

9/29/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE UNTOLD TALES OF ARMISTEAD MAUPIN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This affectionate documentary traces the singular life of social diarist Armistead Maupin, whose serial novel “Tales of the City” wittily captured the spirit of San Francisco’s gay community in the 1970s while helping foster the gay rights movement.”

9/29/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

 

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

 

1) AIDA’S SECRETS–  2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This moving documentary chronicles the reunion of brothers Izak and Shep, born in the same refugee camp in postwar Germany yet unaware of each other’s existence for 65 years. But they soon learn there’s more to the story, including a family secret.”

10/20/17- Audiences have loved this movie and I’ve seen 4 professional reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.

2) LOVING VINCENT– Good reviews

 

3) THE FLORIDA PROJECT– Friends hated this movie

 

4) THE KING’S CHOICE- Very good reviews

 

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

 

Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters