The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #665

November 2nd, 2017

NOVEMBER 2, 2017

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

I WILL PROBABLY NOT BE SENDING OUT A NEWSLETTER FOR THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO!!

 

YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND PAST REVIEWS AT MY WEBSITE- www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) VICTORIA & ABDUL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this historical drama, young Indian clerk Abdul Karim journeys to Britain to participate in the celebration of Queen Victoria’s 50th year on the throne. In the process, he unexpectedly forms a deep friendship with the monarch.”

9/22/17- I saw the trailer to this movie and it looked superficial to me. Also, I read so-called positive reviews that I thought were weak. TRDB.

11/1/17- Just saw it and even and my opinion hasn’t changed. I think that the movie was a vehicle for Judi Dench to cop yet another award for a part well played. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME- NONE

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 7- (this was included in last week’s Newsletter also)

 

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, OCT. 27-

 

Recommended-

 

1) THE SQUARE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Testing the thin line between art and reality, a famed museum’s new creative director mounts an installation — “The Square” — intended to foster altruism. But he sets off a hue and cry after enlisting a public relations firm to tout the exhibition.”

10/27/17- Fairly good reviews for this odd sounding drama/comedy. I’ll see it. TRDB.

2) JOAN DIDION: THE CENTER WILL NOT HOLD– 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Across more than 50 years of essays, novels, screenplays, and criticism, Joan Didion has been our premier chronicler of the ebb and flow of America’s cultural and political tides with observations on her personal – and our own – upheavals, downturns, life changes, and states of mind. In this intimate, extraordinary documentary, actor and director Griffin Dunne unearths a treasure trove of archival footage and talks at length to his “Aunt Joan” about the eras she covered.”

10/27/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

3) THE DIVINE ORDER– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Young Nora lives a serene life in a Swiss village, but in 1971 the reverberations of feminist movements elsewhere prompt her to begin campaigning for women’s suffrage. The residents’ reaction to Nora’s advocacy, however, is surprisingly hostile.”

10/27/17- Mostly very good reviews. TRDB.

4) FELICITE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “A nightclub chanteuse and single mother, independent-minded Félicité finds her mettle tested when her 14-year-old son is hurt in a motorcycle crash, forcing her to bargain and beg to raise enough money to pay for his operation.”

10/27/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) BILL NYE: SCIENCE GUY– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bill Nye, who’s famous for making science fun and engaging for kids, targets the millennial generation with this illuminating documentary that looks at the dangers and challenges of global climate change.”

10/27/17- Excellent reviews by the professionals and fair to good ones by audiences. TRDB.

6) NOVITIATE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inflamed with spiritual passion, young Cathleen joins a convent to prepare for life with her chosen husband, Jesus Christ. But as she completes her training, she begins to question her faith and the Catholic Church.”

10/27/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

7) MULLY– 2017. Synopsis by  Rotten Tomatoes. “What happens when a six-year-old boy in Kenya is abandoned by his family and left to raise himself on the streets? Mully is no ordinary rags-to-riches tale. It’s the true story of Charles Mully, whose unlikely stratospheric rise to wealth and power leaves him questioning his own existence, searching for meaning in life.”

10/27/17- Just a few professional reviews and they are all very good. Audiences have loved it. TRDB.

8) THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE– 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This empathetic documentary chronicles the experiences of three U.S. military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder following their service in Iraq — focusing on their struggle to reintegrate with the civilian world.”

10/28/16- An excellent review for this documentary in today’s NY Times. There may be a drama out there with the same name so make sure it’s the documentary that you look for. TRDB.

9) THE WORK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Twice a year, California’s Folsom Prison opens a group therapy program to inmates and outsiders. This documentary, codirected by a court videographer who’s a veteran of the sessions, offers a look into the participants as they delve into their pasts.”

10/27/17- Great reviews by everyone. TRDB.

10) MAYA DARDEL– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “When famed author Maya Dardel thinks her talents and looks are fading, she takes matters into her own hands: She announces her plan to commit suicide and launches a contest to name the executor of her estate. But … the winner must be a male poet.”

10/27/17- Mixed reviews at best but it does sound original. TRDB.

11) THE LIGHT OF THE MOON– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a successful architectural career and a happy romantic relationship, Bonnie has the world on a string — till she’s raped on her way home one night. Though she tries to put the event out of her mind, she can’t stop the ripple effect on her life.”

11/1/17- Great reviews all around. TRDB.

12) FRANK SERPICO– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “More than 40 years after turning whistle-blower, former undercover cop Frank Serpico — familiar to many from director Sidney Lumet’s classic 1973 film “Serpico” — reflects on his life in this engrossing documentary.”

11/1/17- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.

 

Not Recommended-

 

1) SUBURBICON– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “The American Dream is manifest in 1957 Suburbicon, but beyond the manicured lawns, trouble is brewing. When a young mom dies in a home invasion, her household unravels — yet the community is far more concerned about the arrival of a black family.”

10/27/17- Awful reviews!! TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW ON COMCAST-

 

1) 78/52: HITCHCOCK’S SHOWER SCENE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With one two-minute shower scene in “Psycho,” Alfred Hitchcock changed the face of cinematic horror. In this absorbing documentary, filmmakers and movie  dissect the scene’s 78 setups and 52 cuts, revealing the film’s elaborate symbolism.”

10/16/17- Great reviews for this documentary. 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) LADY MACBETH- Good reviews

8)MANCHESTER BY THE SEA- I loved this movie

9) MAUDIE- I liked this movie very much

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

11) MENASHE- I liked it very much

12) NEVER HERE- Good reviews

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)THE WOMEN’S BALCONY- I enjoyed it a lot

19) VICEROY’S HOUSE- Fairly good reviews

20) 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) THE SQUARE– Jacob Burns. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Testing the thin line between art and reality, a famed museum’s new creative director mounts an installation — “The Square” — intended to foster altruism. But he sets off a hue and cry after enlisting a public relations firm to tout the exhibition.”

10/27/17- Fairly good reviews for this odd sounding drama/comedy. I’ll see it. TRDB.

2)  LBJ– Danbury. 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After taking the reins of state in the wake of President Kennedy’s 1963 assassination, Lyndon Baines Johnson assumes leadership at one of the most tumultuous times in U.S. history. This engrossing biopic looks at the man behind the political mask.”

10/31/17- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) VICTORIA & ABDUL– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I haven’t wanted to see this movie but it has been around for a long time and still getting good attendance.

11/1/17- I finally saw this movie and did not care for it

 

2) THE FLORIDA PROJECT– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Friends hated it.

 

3) WONDERSTRUCK– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Fair reviews.

 

4) GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews

 

5) LOVING VINCENT– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100.

 

6) THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE– Bethel. Good reviews

 

7) JANE- Jacob Burns, Great reviews for this documentary.

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

 

1. A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

 

1) AIDA’S SECRETS– Excellent reviews

 

2) BREATHE– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “This spirit-lifting biodrama tells the story of Robin Cavendish, whose charmed and colorful life suddenly darkens when he’s paralyzed by polio. Rather than become imprisoned by his disability, however, Robin and his wife decide to tour the world.”

10/15/17- Weak reviews from the critics but OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) VICTORIA & ABDUL– I may see this reluctantly as it has received good reviews.

11/1/17- I finally saw this and did not like it

 

4) THE FLORIDA PROJECT– Friends have hated this movie

 

1. B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY-

 

1)  AIDA’S SECRETS– Excellent reviews

2) THE FLORIDA PROJECT– Friends have hated this movie

3) WONDERSTRUCK- Good reviews

4) LOVING VINCENT– Fairly good reviews

 

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

 

1) WALKING OUT– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Texas teen David visits his father’s off-the-grid Montana home once a year, and this time Dad decides David is ready for his first big-game hunt. But when a run-in with a grizzly bear leaves Dad injured, David is forced to take charge.”

10/6/17- Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/8/17- A very good movie if perhaps a bit too long. Great photography and very good music score as well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) RUMBLE: THE INDIANS WHO ROCKED THE WORLD– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although routinely omitted from pop music archives, the substantial contributions of Native American musicians in an array of genres are detailed in this compelling documentary featuring stars ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Buffy Sainte-Marie.”

10/31/17- Excellent reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.

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

 

1) AIDA’S SECRETS– Excellent reviews

 

2) LBJ– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “After taking the reins of state in the wake of President Kennedy’s 1963 assassination, Lyndon Baines Johnson assumes leadership at one of the most tumultuous times in U.S. history. This engrossing biopic looks at the man behind the political mask.”

10/31/17- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

3) LOVING VINCENT– Good reviews

 

4) MANSFIELD 66/67- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blond, busty and beautiful, Jayne Mansfield was as famous for her offscreen high jinks as for her onscreen roles. This documentary looks at the final two years of her life, including her liaison with a Satanist, which some believe led to her death.”

11/1/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

5) THE KINGS CHOICE– Very good reviews. Limited screenings

 

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB

 

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Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters