The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 2, 2018

DEAR FRIENDS:

I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEND A NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK SO I’M INCLUDING NETFLIX SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS

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

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) JOURNEY’S END– Netflix Disc.

2) THE BLEEDING EDGE– Netflix Streaming

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

1) JOURNEY’S END- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in March 1918, this tense World War I drama focuses on a small group of British soldiers in the trenches at Mont Saint-Quentin, France, who know exactly what’s coming: a massive German offensive. But what they don’t know is when.”

3/16/18- Excellent reviews from all sources. TRDB.

7/28/18- I enjoyed this movie which shows yet again that war is certainly like hell. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

2) THE BLEEDING EDGE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “America has the most technologically advanced health care system in the world, yet medical interventions have become the third leading cause of death, and the overwhelming majority of high-risk implanted devices never require a single clinical trial. In THE BLEEDING EDGE, Academy Award (R) nominated filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (THE INVISIBLE WAR, THE HUNTING GROUND) turn their sights on the $400 billion medical device industry, examining lax regulations, corporate cover-ups, and profit driven incentives that put patients at risk daily.”

7/27/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

7/29/18- An excellent and important documentary that is both informative and exasperating. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 7-

1) THE MIRACLE SEASON- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Caroline Found — the undisputed star of West High School’s volleyball team — dies suddenly, the Iowa City squad is left floundering until her father and the team’s tough but caring coach inspire them to pursue the state championship.”

4/6/18- Poor reviews by the critics but good ones from audiences. I will skip this one for now. TRDB.

2) ZAMA– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the late 18th century, Magistrate Don Diego de Zama languishes in a regional office of the Spanish crown, awaiting a transfer to the city where his family lives. But as years pass and nothing happens, he joins a quest to pursue a notorious bandit.”

4/13/18- Excellent reviews from the critics and OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) THE RIDER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Brady Blackburn’s singular focus on being a professional rodeo rider ends with a severe head injury sustained in competition, he suddenly faces the prospect of an entirely different life, with no inkling of how to begin.”

4/13/18- Excellent reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. TRDB.

5/9/18- A good slice of life drama, this one portrays the culture of the rodeo riders very well. TRDB. 

4) REVENGE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tagging along on a hunting trip with married lover Richard and two of his pals, nubile mistress Jen is raped by one of his friends. To ensure her silence, the trio leaves her for dead in the desert, but Jen survives — and unleashes her rage on them.”

5/11/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) ON CHESIL BEACH– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1962, newlyweds Florence and Edward embark on a seaside honeymoon in a state of wedded bliss, but their shared ignorance of how to engage in sex makes for an awkward and apprehensive wedding night.”

5/18/18- Mixed reviews– more positive than negative. TRDB.

6) THE MUSIC OF SILENCE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Faithfully rendering the moving saga of blind tenor Andrea Bocelli, this musical biopic chronicles his meteoric rise to fame and the crossover success that turned him into a worldwide star.”

2/2/18- Terrible, terrible reviews for this movie. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, AUG. 14-

1) THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With college out of the way and the rest of his life ahead of him, Thomas is taking his time to decide what he really wants. On the other hand, his father’s young mistress, Johanna, knows exactly what she wants — and it’s Thomas.”

8/24/17- Terrible reviews from the critics and just OK ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) LOVE & BANANAS: AN ELEPHANT STORY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a dramatic chapter in the struggle to rescue trekking Asian elephants, noted conservationist Lek Chailert leads a team on a 480-mile journey to save 70-year-old Noi Na, a nearly blind pachyderm that has labored for humans for decades.”

4/18/18- I’ve seen just 1 review and it was very positive. TRDB.

3) GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT & BAMI– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Sophie Fiennes spent 10 years filming ageless “glamazon” Grace Jones to compile this fascinating portrait. Mixing performance footage with travelogue, the documentary follows Jones on a road trip across Jamaica as she reconnects with family.”

4/20/18- Very good reviews by the critics and poor ones by audiences. TRDB.

4) THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Raised by his overbearing grandmother in a geodesic dome and steeped in futurist Buckminster Fuller’s theories, 16-year-old Sebastian gets a look at a different kind of life when she suffers a stroke and he strikes up a friendship with a punk rocker.”

4/27/18- Fair reviews at best. Several called it quirky. TRDB.

5) THE ESCAPE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Suffocating in her seemingly picture-perfect existence as a stay-at-home mom with two young children and a prosperous husband, Tara does the unthinkable: She deserts her family to find herself and determine what she wants from life.”

5/11/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

6) THE YELLOW BIRDS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Friends since training, soldiers Bartle and Murph ship off to Iraq under the command of a ready-to-rumble sergeant. When only Bartle returns, a military investigator and Murph’s grieving mother are determined to make Bartle reveal what happened.”

6/15/18- This movie sounds interesting but received really poor reviews from the critics and from audiences as well. There were a few good ones- one from the NY Times. I think I’d give it a try. TRDB.

7) SHOCK AND AWE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “This real-life drama about the manipulation of public opinion recounts the tragically successful efforts of George W. Bush’s administration to convince the American people, wrongly, that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.”

7/12/18- Terrible reviews from everyone. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

Recommended-

1) MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Überspy Ethan Hunt and his fearless cohorts on the Impossible Missions Force are tested as never before — physically and mentally — in this stunt-heavy installment of the action-thriller series.”

7/27/18- Excellent reviews for this action based thriller. TRDB.

2) PUZZLE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “While leading an empty suburban existence, Agnes discovers the pleasure of solving jigsaw puzzles and finds she has a rare talent for it. Before long, her hobby provides an entrée into a new life through the world of competitive puzzling.”

7/27/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) SCARRED HEARTS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Suffering from bone tuberculosis, 20-year-old Emanuel moves into a sanatorium, where he faces torturous therapy and years of confinement in bed. Despite his situation, he finds love and camaraderie — and inspires his fellow patients to embrace life.”

7/27/18- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.

4) GOOD MANNERS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In stratified São Paulo, a close bond develops between wealthy Ana, a pregnant socialite, and impoverished Clara, who’s hired as the child’s nanny. But the women’s relationship soon moves beyond friendship into the realm of the macabre.”

7/27/18- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

5) KILLER BEES– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Bridgehampton High School basketball team defends its Class D title and offers a way in to learn more about the African-American population in the Hamptons.”

7/27/18– I’ve seen just 4 reviews– 2 good and 2 poor. TRDB.

6) THE BLEEDING EDGE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “America has the most technologically advanced health care system in the world, yet medical interventions have become the third leading cause of death, and the overwhelming majority of high-risk implanted devices never require a single clinical trial. In THE BLEEDING EDGE, Academy Award (R) nominated filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (THE INVISIBLE WAR, THE HUNTING GROUND) turn their sights on the $400 billion medical device industry, examining lax regulations, corporate cover-ups, and profit driven incentives that put patients at risk daily.”

7/27/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

7/29/18- An excellent and important documentary that is both informative and exasperating. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

7) THE CAPTAIN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this black-and-white drama set during World War II’s last days, a 19-year-old German deserter — starving and desperate — dons a scavenged Nazi captain’s uniform and becomes increasingly intoxicated by his new authority.”

7/27/18-  Fair reviews by the critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.

Not Recommended-

1) HOT SUMMER NIGHTS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “When gawky teen Daniel is packed off to spend the summer with his aunt in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, he soon falls in with bad-boy Hunter, and they begin peddling drugs together. As Daniel’s confidence grows, he sets his sights on his new pal’s sister.”

7/27/18- Really poor reviews from the critics with slightly better ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) DAMASCUS COVER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “After failing to bring a mole home alive, Israeli spy Ari Ben-Sion is called back to Jerusalem but soon sent to Syria on a covert mission to smuggle out a chemical weapons scientist. When the job unravels, Ari finds that he has a target on his back.”

7/27/18- I’ve seen just a few reviews and they are poor. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW-

1) LITTLE PINK HOUSE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this fact-based drama, a small-town nurse becomes a national hero after daring to go up against corporate giant Pfizer in a fight to keep the homes in her blue-collar neighborhood from being bulldozed to accommodate redevelopment.”

4/20/18- Very good reviews with the notable exception of the NY Times. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) DISOBEDIENCE– I enjoyed this movie

2) WONDER– Good reviews

3) THE SHAPE OF WATER– My favorite of 2017

4) LEAN ON PETE– Very good reviews

5) THE LEISURE SEEKER– I enjoyed this “road trip”

6) TULLY– I liked it

7) CHAPAQUIDICK- I plan to see this just for the history

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BOB[S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) McQUEEN– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “One of the most innovative fashion designers of his day, Alexander McQueen had a brilliant career that ended tragically with his suicide at age 40. This revealing documentary details McQueen’s achievements in couture and his emotional woes.

7/19/18- Uniformly good reviews but nowhere did I see “excellent.” TRDB.

2) BLACKkKLANSMAN– Jacob Burns. 2018. Synopsis by IMDB. “Taking on a dangerous undercover assignment, black Colorado cop Ron Stallworth manages to join the Ku Klux Klan’s Colorado Springs chapter — and is named its leader — by disguising his race on the phone while a white officer attends the meetings.”

7/31/18- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) EIGHTH GRADE– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Clearview 100. Excellent reviews

2) DON’T WORRY, HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Fairly good reviews from the critics and excellent reviews from audiences. TRDB.

3) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I liked this documentary very much

4) LEAVE NO TRACE– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Very good reviews and friends have said it is excellent

5) SORRY TO BOTHER YOU– Jacob Burns. Fairly good reviews for this comedy that didn’t sound so good to me. TRDB.

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) THE KING– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driving a Rolls-Royce once owned by Elvis Presley — with a revolving crew of musicians in the backseat — director Eugene Jarecki embarks on a 2016 cross-country road trip to explore how Elvis lost his authenticity as America lost its democracy.”

6/22/18- Fair reviews from the critics and terrible ones from audiences.

2) THE CAKEMAKER– Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences.

3) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– I enjoyed this documentary very much

Mission Impossible and Mama Mia are playing here also

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY- (see above for reviews)

1) THE KING– see above

2) THE CAKEMAKER– Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences.

3) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– I enjoyed this documentary very much

4) BYE BYE GERMANY– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1946 Frankfurt, David Bermann and his Jewish friends long to flee to America, but first they need to earn the money to emigrate by selling linens door-to-door. Meanwhile, a dogged U.S. agent begins investigating David’s dubious wartime activities.”

4/24/18- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Mission Impossible and Mama Mia are playing here also

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) THE KING– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driving a Rolls-Royce once owned by Elvis Presley — with a revolving crew of musicians in the backseat — director Eugene Jarecki embarks on a 2016 cross-country road trip to explore how Elvis lost his authenticity as America lost its democracy.”

6/22/18- Fair reviews from the critics and terrible ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) YELLOW SUBMARINE– 1968. The classic Beatles movie

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

1) LOVE, CECIL– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “A photographer, set and costume designer, and writer, Cecil Beaton takes his own turn in the spotlight in this engaging documentary that draws on personal diaries, archival footage and photos to profile one of the 20th century’s great tastemakers.”

6/29/18- Good reviews from the critics but poor ones from audiences. TRDB.

2) THE KING– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Driving a Rolls-Royce once owned by Elvis Presley — with a revolving crew of musicians in the backseat — director Eugene Jarecki embarks on a 2016 cross-country road trip to explore how Elvis lost his authenticity as America lost its democracy.”

6/22/18- Fair reviews from the critics and terrible ones from audiences. TRDB.

3) THE CAKEMAKER– Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

4) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– I liked this documentary very much

5) LEAVE NO TRACE– Very good reviews and friends have liked it very much. Limited screenings

6) DON’T WORRY, HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT- Good reviews. Limited screenings

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB