The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 30, 2018

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) THE CAKEMAKER– At the Theater

2) LEAN ON PETE– Netflix Disc.

3) SWEET COUNTRY- Netflix Disc.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

1) THE CAKEMAKER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thomas, a young German baker, is having an affair with Oren, an Israeli married man who has frequent business visits in Berlin. When Oren dies in a car crash in Israel, Thomas travels to Jerusalem seeking answers regarding his death. Under a fabricated identity, Thomas infiltrates into the life of Anat, his lover’s newly widowed wife, who owns a small Café in downtown Jerusalem. Thomas starts to work for her and create German cakes and cookies that bring life into her Café. Thomas finds himself involved in Anat’s life in a way far beyond his anticipation, and to protect the truth he will stretch his lie to a point of no return.”

6/29/18- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

8/25/18- I liked this movie very much. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) LEAN ON PETE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Passing his teen years largely neglected, Charley Thompson finds a part-time job with a slightly shady horse trainer and develops a strong bond with worn-out racehorse Lean on Pete — whom Charley resolves to save from the slaughterhouse.”

4/6/18- Excellent reviews for this movie. TRDB.

8/26/18-  I liked this movie very much. Really about a 15 year old who comes of age with more problems loaded on his back than he deserves. TRDB.  Netflix Disc.

2) SWEET COUNTRY 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Australia’s dusty outback of the 1920s is the setting for this well-crafted Western about an aboriginal stockman who faces little chance of a fair trial after killing the racist white owner of a cattle station in self-defense.”

4/6/18- Excellent reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.

8/28/18- I enjoyed the movie but not nearly as much as the critics did.  Also a bit too long and drawn out. TRDB. Netflix Disc.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 4-

1) DEVIL’S GATE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Trouble is afoot in Devil’s Gate, North Dakota, and FBI agent Daria and local deputy Colt think the source is Jackson Pritchard, whose wife and son have vanished. But Daria and Colt get more than they bargained for when they arrive at Jackson’s farm.”

1/5/18- Weak reviews by the critics and good ones by audiences. I’ll pass on this one. TRDB.

2) THE FEMALE BRAIN– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on a nonfiction book of the same name about the effect of male vs. female brain chemistry on relationships, this ensemble comedy follows several couples struggling to navigate the treacherous path of romantic partnerships.”

2/9/18- Poor reviews for this comedy/drama but it might be of interest to some. TRDB.

3) 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.

4) BEAST– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moll has always been a handful, at least according to her parents, who’ve kept her on a tight leash too long. Eager to escape, she moves in with an attractive stranger she meets at a nightclub — only to find he’s a suspect in a string of murders.”

5/11/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) ADRIFT– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Anticipating a great adventure, Tami sets sail on a Pacific Ocean voyage with her fiancé, Richard. But the trip doesn’t go as planned when a massive hurricane leaves Richard badly hurt and the boat in shambles, with the closest port 1,500 miles away.”

5/31/18- Fair reviews for this adventure story. TRDB.

6) NIGHT COMES ON– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “About to turn 18, Angel LaMere emerges from juvenile detention with big plans: She’s going to rescue younger sister Abby from foster care and then track down and kill their father — the man who murdered their mom.”

8/3/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Touching on the many facets and talents of a unique and beloved personality, this affectionate documentary profiles ingenuous and kindly Fred Rogers, host of the children’s show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” for more than 30 years.”

6/6/17- Great reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

8) OH LUCY!- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “After Tokyo office worker Setsuko Kawashima begins taking an English class, she cautiously comes out of her shell as she dons a blond wig, adopts a new persona and falls for her handsome tutor. When he suddenly disappears, she sets off to find him.”

3/2/18- Excellent reviews for this movie. TRDB.

9) 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.

10) THIS IS OUR LAND–  2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this topical drama that shines a cautionary light on extremist politics, a popular small-town nurse is persuaded to run for election as a representative of France’s far-right party. But she slowly realizes her image is being cynically misused.”

4/20/18- Fair reviews but it sounded interesting to me. TRDB.

11) DARK RIVER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of her father’s death, Alice returns to her hometown in Yorkshire after 15 years away to settle the inheritance of the family farm with brother Joe. But a bitter quarrel between the two soon brings traumatic memories to the surface.”

6/29/18- Fairly good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.

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OPENED LAST FRIDAY-

1) SUPPORT THE GIRLS– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “As general manager at a sports bar, Lisa Conroy is den mother to a bevy of scantily clad beauties who serve food and drink. But when she attempts to raise money for one of her employees, Lisa runs into opposition from the crusty owner.”

8/24/18- Excellent reviews for this comedy including some great ones. TRDB.

2) CRIME + PUNISHMENT– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “At the New York Police Department, the math is simple: More summonses and arrests equal more money for the city — but at a high cost for minorities and the whistle-blower cops bent on exposing unjust policing, as chronicled in this documentary.”

8/24/18- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.

3) THE BOOKSHOP– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1950s England, cultural growth has largely bypassed the quiet seaside village of Hardborough, but that changes when a middle-aged widow opens the town’s first bookshop. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself at odds with a local arts patron.”

8/24/18- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

4) MAISON DU BONHEUR– 2018. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Maison du bonheur is a documentary that studies the day-to-day life of a Parisian astrologer, who has been residing in the same Montmartre apartment for over 50 years.”

8/24/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

5) MAKALA- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary focuses on young Kabwita, who ekes out a living producing charcoal in the Congolese countryside and then transporting it to the city to sell — a journey that involves three days of pushing a bicycle overloaded with his product.”

8/24/18- Very good to excellent reviews. TRDB.

6) SEARCHING– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an age dominated by electronic devices, David Kim communicates with his teenage daughter largely via iMessages and FaceTime chats. So, when she vanishes, he begins a virtual hunt for her on her laptop as a cop searches for her in the real world.”

8/24/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

7) THE REST I MAKE UP– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “A fine ode to the excitement that Off Off Broadway theater once generated, and a wistful look at an ailing artist as she contemplates her life.”

8/24/18- Just 2 reviews but they are very good. TRDB.

8) JOHN McENROE: IN THE REALM OF PERFECTION– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though John McEnroe was the No. 1 tennis player of his day, he never won the French Open. Director Julien Faraut uses the toughest of those losses — to Ivan Lendl in 1984 — to anchor this cinematic study of McEnroe’s wily game and notorious anger.”

8/25/18- Very good reviews for this film. TRDB.

Not Recommended–

1) PAPILLON– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this remake of the 1973 film based on his memoir, safecracker Henri Charrière, wrongly convicted of murder, forms an unlikely alliance with fellow inmate and counterfeiter Louis Dega to finance an escape Henri spends years planning and attempting.”

8/21/18- Weak reviews especially when compared to the original. TRDB.

2) HOT TO TROT– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “The world of same-sex ballroom dancing comes out of the shadows in this engaging documentary that profiles four dynamic competitors over a four-year period as they prepare to vie for top honors at the 2014 Gay Games.”

8/24/18- Poor reviews. TRDB.

3) BLUE IGUANA– Awful reviews

4) AN L.A. MINUTE– Terrible reviews

5) WHAT KEEPS YOU ALIVE– Another bloody/horror movie. I’ll skip it despite its fair ratings.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

NEW ON DEMAND- NONE

REPEATS-

1) CHAPPAQUIDDICK

2) FIRST REFORMED

3) A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN

4) THE RIDER

5) WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR

6) TULLY

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BOB’S PICKS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES-

NEW IN THE BURBS-

1) THE WIFE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Great artists’ spouses often sacrifice their dreams for their mates’ careers, and Joan Castleman — a gifted writer — is no exception. But with hubby about to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, Joan’s long-simmering resentment begins to emerge.”

8/15/18- Excellent reviews in general but a few critics said that the movie was carried by Glenn Close. TRDB.

2) THE BOOKSHOP– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1950s England, cultural growth has largely bypassed the quiet seaside village of Hardborough, but that changes when a middle-aged widow opens the town’s first bookshop. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself at odds with a local arts patron.”

8/24/18- Fair reviews at best. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) BLACKkKLANSMEN– Jacob Burn, Bethel, Danbury. I liked it but not as much as others did

2) PAPILLON– Bethel, Clearview 100. Weak reviews

3) JULIET, NAKED– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews

4) EIGHTH GRADE– Clearview 100. Good reviews but friends have not liked it

5) THE CAKEMAKER– Clearview 100

6) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– Clearview 100.

7)  OPERATION FINALE– Jacob Burns, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Weak reviews at best

8) PUZZLE- Jacob Burns. I loved the movie

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BOB’S PICKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY-

A) THE MOVIES OF LAKE WORTH-

1) OPERATION FINALE– Mediocre reviews

2) JOHN McENROE: IN THE REALM OF PERFECTION– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Though John McEnroe was the No. 1 tennis player of his day, he never won the French Open. Director Julien Faraut uses the toughest of those losses — to Ivan Lendl in 1984 — to anchor this cinematic study of McEnroe’s wily game and notorious anger.”

8/25/18- Very good reviews for this film. TRDB.

3) THE WIFE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Great artists’ spouses often sacrifice their dreams for their mates’ careers, and Joan Castleman — a gifted writer — is no exception. But with hubby about to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, Joan’s long-simmering resentment begins to emerge.”

8/15/18- Excellent reviews in general but a few critics said that the movie was carried by Glenn Close. TRDB.

4) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS– An excellent documentary

5) PUZZLE- I loved it

6) BLACKkKLANSMAN– I liked it but not as much as others

B) THE MOVIES OF DELRAY ( see Movies of Lake Worth above for description)

1) BLACKkKLANSMAN–

2) THE WIFE–

3) PUZZLE

4) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS

C) THE STONZEK THEATER AT THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE-

1) MADELINE’S MADELINE- 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “While her mom sees Madeline as a fragile, emotional teen, the director of her theater workshop sees her as a raw talent with a troubled history that can be exploited for her art. Before long, Madeline’s loyalties are torn between mother and mentor.”

8/10/18- Excellent reviews. TRDB.

2) THE THIRD MURDER– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intricate crime thriller follows renowned defense attorney Shigemori, whose client Misumi has confessed to the murder he’s charged with. But Shigemori’s investigations suggest that there’s more to the case than meets the eye.”

7/20/18- Very good reviews from the critics and fair ones from audiences. A few very negative ones as well. TRDB.

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

1) BLACKkKLANSMAN- I liked it but not as much as others

2) JULIET, NAKED– Good reviews

3) PUZZLE- I loved it- limited screenings

4) THE WIFE– 2018. Synopsis by Netflix. “Great artists’ spouses often sacrifice their dreams for their mates’ careers, and Joan Castleman — a gifted writer — is no exception. But with hubby about to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, Joan’s long-simmering resentment begins to emerge.”

8/15/18- Excellent reviews in general but a few critics said that the movie was carried by Glenn Close. TRDB.

ENJOY!!

THE REEL DR. BOB