December 9th, 2010
DEC. 8, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
After this Review (#351) I will be out of my “Northern office” for about 6 weeks. In this issue, I will give information for the next few weeks whenever possible and I will send my reviews from my “Southern office” a few times during the following 6 weeks.
Regular issues will begin again on Jan. 27. 2011. HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) DANCING ACROSS BORDERS- Netflix Streaming
2) WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY- Netflix
3) THE MILK OF SORROW- Netflix
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MOVIES THAT I SAW AT THE THEATER- There is nothing in the burbs of interest to me that I haven’t already seen- Nada.
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MOVIES THAT I SAW AT HOME-
1) I’M STILL HERE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In 2008, Oscar nominee
Joaquin Phoenix walked away from acting to pursue a rap career, an inexplicably bizarre detour captured in stunning detail in this documentary directed by Phoenix’s brother-in-law,
Casey Affleck. Some speculated Phoenix’s behavior was part of a well-orchestrated hoax — or, even worse, a mental breakdown. But some of the film’s graphic footage suggests it could have been a little of both.”
Mixed reviews but some really bad ones included.12/10-
I agree with the BAD reviews as this “documentary” lost all steam and became ridiculous quickly. I hated it. TRDB. Netflix.
2) COUNTDOWN TO ZERO- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Since the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945, scientists and world leaders have grappled with the apocalyptic dangers and paradoxes posed by nuclear weapons. Lucy Walker‘s documentary presents an unblinking look at humanity’s lethal predicament. The film outlines current threats posed by a growing list of nuclear-armed states and weighs the prospects for global disarmament, soliciting insights from a gallery of world leaders and policy experts.” Just a few reviews and they are good.
12/10- Great documentary!! TRDB. Netflix.
3) DANCING ACROSS BORDERS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. ” Art enthusiast and philanthropist Anne Bass makes her first foray into filmmaking with this moving documentary that traces the journey of a talented young Cambodian man in his transformation from street performer to classically trained ballet dancer. Discovered by Bass in his native land, Sokvannara “Sy” Sar must learn to assimilate to the rigid structures of Western ballet to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional dancer.” Reviews just more positive than negative.”
12/10- OK reviews but I liked the movie a lot, especially the parts with the dancer speaking about his 2 disparate worlds. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
4) WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Walt Disney Studios veteran Don Hahn directs and produces this documentary that shines a light on Disney animation work during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s — from the team’s humble beginnings at CalArts to the box office triumph of The Lion King. In exploring the works of that era, the film illuminates the careers of top animators of the time, including John Lasseter, Brad Bird, John Musker, Ron Clements and many others.” Mixed reviews for this documentary.
12/10- An good documentary about the venerable company. TRDB. Netflix.
5) THE MILK OF SORROW- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Stricken with a pathological fear she contracted from her mother’s breast milk — the “milk of sorrow,” a condition suffered by women who were raped during Peru’s civil wars — Fausta (Magaly Solier) goes to extreme lengths to protect her own sexuality and safety. But when her anguished mother finally dies, Fausta finds herself compelled to embark on a frightening journey that could lead her to freedom and wholeness. Claudia Llosa directs this Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film.” Good reviews.
12/10- I enjoyed this movie a lot despite it’s being slow moving. One scene of a traditional mass wedding was worth the movie. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, DEC. 14-
1) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “The children of same-sex parents Nic (
Annette Bening) and Jules (
Julianne Moore), Joni (
Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (
Josh Hutcherson) become curious about the identity of their sperm-donor dad (
Mark Ruffalo) and set out to make him part of their family unit, with frequently comical results. With his arrival, the household dynamics quickly become complicated, and nobody’s quite sure where or how he fits in, if at all.”
Excellent reviews.7/10-
Great acting, great script and great idea make this a must see. Really about how couples slog through life at times, gay or straight. I loved the movie. TRDB.2) MICMACS- Premise by Netflix. “French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet takes a satirical look at the global arms trade with this foreign-language comedy starring Dany Boon as Bazil, who rallies his friends to take down weapons manufacturers responsible for his father’s death. Bazil also transforms a dump into an underground haven for cool tools and sculptures crafted from discarded junk. Dominique Pinon, André Dussollier and Jean-Pierre Marielle co-star.” Good review in NY Times.
3) MOTHER AND CHILD- Premise by Netflix. “A stellar cast heads this emotional drama about motherhood, romance and self-fulfillment. Embittered matron Karen (Annette Bening) regrets having given up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption, and 35 years later, Elizabeth is questioning her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption, even though her need for a child jeopardizes her marriage.” Very good early reviews.
6/10- I really enjoyed this well written and well acted drama about mothers and children. TRDB
4) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Premise by Netflix. “Documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg provide an uncompromising glimpse into the personal and professional life of comedian and red-carpet mainstay Joan Rivers, a woman clinging stubbornly and steadfastly to the pop-culture bandwagon. Stern and Sundberg — whose previous film, The Devil Came on Horseback, covered the Darfur genocide — take a no-less-intensive approach to their subject here, taking a hard look at fame’s bitter toll.” Fair reviews and good reviews in equal number.
5) LOTTERY TICKET- Premise by Netflix. “Kevin Carson (Bow Wow), a young man living in the projects, dreams of having his life changed by winning the lottery — as do all his neighbors — but when Kevin finally hits it big, he must keep his good luck secret until he can claim the prize. Thrilled to be in possession of the $370 million ticket, Kevin endeavors to keep his scheming and sometimes hostile neighbors at bay in this uproarious comedy co-starring Ice Cube.” Generally poor reviews.
6) EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Thierry Guetta had been casually documenting the underground world of street art for years, but when he encounters Banksy, an elusive British stencil artist, his project takes a fascinating twist. Unimpressed with Guetta’s footage, Banksy takes over filmmaking duties and Guetta reinvents himself as a street artist named Mr. Brainwash — and, much to Banksy‘s surprise, immediately becomes a darling of the Los Angeles art scene.” Great reviews.
7) TROPICO DE SANGRE (RAINS OF INJUSTICE)- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Writer Juan Delancer also directs this stirring foreign-language drama based on the true story of Minerva Mirabal (Michelle Rodriguez) and her sisters (Sharlene Taulé, Celines Toribio and Luchi Estevez), married women and political dissidents who lost their lives standing up to Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (Juan Fernández). Although they once led lives of privilege, the sisters risked everything for what they believed was right.” Only 1 review and it’s bad.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 21-
1) EASY A- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “High school is the setting for this freewheeling comedic twist on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 19th-century novel
The Scarlet Letter. Ambitious student Olive (
Emma Stone) decides to boost her popularity by pretending to be the school slut. As the school’s swirling rumor mill increases both her notoriety and her finances, Olive enjoys her newfound status but eventually must decide which is more important: popularity or self-esteem.”
Fairly good reviews.
2) LET IT RAIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Returning to her provincial home in the south of France, feminist politician Agathe Villanova (
Agnès Jaoui) struggles to reconcile herself with the old-fashioned family she left behind, as well as the undignified demands of her profession. After an interview for a political documentary falls flat, Agathe faces further challenges in dealing with her sister, Florence (
Pascale Arbillot), and her lover, Antoine (
Frédéric Pierrot).”6/10-
I found the movie a little cute, a little slow and a little funny. Just OK. TRDB.3) FLIPPED- Premise by Netflix. “From director Rob Reiner comes a multigenerational family saga about the highs and lows of love. Bryce and Juli first meet as second graders, with Juli having a crush on the uncertain Bryce, and as they mature, it appears their love may blossom. As they wrestle with the problems of adolescence, their parents cope with an assortment of issues of their own. Aidan Quinn, Rebecca De Mornay and Anthony Edwards co-star in this poignant romantic comedy.” Reviews were just OK, more positive than negative.
4) EAT PRAY LOVE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Julia Roberts stars in the adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir about coping with a traumatic divorce. After failing to conceive a child and deciding to reshape her life, Elizabeth (Roberts) travels the world in search of direction. She heads to Italy, India and Indonesia, seeking the perfect pasta, a route to self-enlightenment and the true meaning of faith. Along the way she meets a bevy of odd characters and, possibly, her true love.” Poor reviews.
5) SOUL KITCHEN- Premise by Netflix. “Young restaurant owner Zinos (Adam Bousdoukos) decides to revamp Soul Kitchen, his dumpy diner, but the customer response isn’t what he was hoping for. To make matters worse, his girlfriend (Anna Bederke) flies off to Shanghai, and the tax collector comes knocking. But with the help of an inspired new chef (Birol Ünel), Zinos still has a chance at redemption. German director Fatih Akin delivers a riotous modern romantic comedy.” The reviews I read all barely liked the movie- none liked it a lot.
6) PEEPLI LIVE- Premise by Netflix. “When indigent farmers Natha (Omkar Das) and Budhia (Raghuvir Yadav) stand to lose their land over a loan they can’t repay, a government official comes up with a modest proposal: Commit suicide and collect a subsidy that’s paid to the relatives of deceased farmers. As Natha weighs his options, a journalist learns of his predicament and the media circus begins. Anusha Rizvi directs this satirical take on a real-life crisis afflicting India’s underclass.” OK review in NY Times 8/13/10.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 28-
1) HANDSOME HARRY- Premise by Netflix. “For many years, small-town resident Harry Sweeney (
Jamey Sheridan) has avoided confronting painful memories from his past. But when his best friend becomes seriously ill, Harry builds up enough courage to explore long-hidden secrets and uncover his true identity. Directed by
Bette Gordon, this character-driven drama boasts a strong ensemble cast that features
Steve Buscemi,
Aidan Quinn,
John Savage and
Campbell Scott.”
Only one review and it’s great.
2) GOING THE DISTANCE- Premise by Netflix. “New couple Erin (
Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (
Justin Long) don’t want their summer fling to end, but Erin must move across the country to finish school. As the bicoastal lovers try to keep their relationship going, they experience the tricky challenges of living long-distance. Directed by established documentary filmmaker
Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Picture), this romantic comedy also stars
Christina Applegate and
Ron Livingston.”
OK review in NY Times 9/3/10.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY THIS WEEK- (Dec. 10th.)
1) THE COMPANY MEN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Written, directed and produced by John Wells (“The West Wing”), this indie drama stars Ben Affleck as a successful businessman who comes face-to-face with America’s downsizing epidemic when he loses his job and is forced to take a construction gig. Rounding out the all-star cast are Kevin Costner as Affleck’s brother-in-law, Tommy Lee Jones as a conflicted corporate bigwig and Chris Cooper as a struggling blue-collar worker.” No professional reviews yet but enjoyed by audiences so far.
2) THE FIGHTER- 2020. Premise by Netflix. “Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer “Irish” Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter’s rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. After a string of defeats, Mickey rediscovers his fighting will with support from Dicky, himself a once talented fighter now battling drug addiction. Together, they aim to clinch boxing glory.” Very good reviews.
3) HEMINGWAY’S GARDEN OF EDEN- 2010. Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set in the jazz age years, prior to the depression, the story follows a successful young American writer, David Bourne (JACK HUSTON), and his beautiful wife, Catherine (MENA SUVARI), on their extended honeymoon in Europe. Catherine soon becomes restless and starts to test her husband’s devotion, pushing him to the limits of her imagination.” I saw only one review and it was not good.
4) THE TOURIST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Watery, enchanted Venice provides the setting for this thriller starring Johnny Depp as an American tourist seeking solace there for his shattered heart — only to find it in danger once again after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Angelina Jolie). Little does the poor Yank know that the artful agent has gone to great lengths to arrange their “chance” meeting and is using him to trap a criminal who also happens to be her ex-lover.” Very good audience reviews, none professional.
5) YOU WON’T MISS ME- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After a brief stint at a psychiatric hospital, emotionally intense Shelly Brown (Stella Schnabel), a 23-year-old aspiring actress, struggles to find her own path in the world while auditioning for roles, hooking up with the wrong guys and clashing with friends. Blending footage shot on multiple film and video formats, writer-director Ry Russo-Young’s evocative character portrait also stars Carlen Altman, Borden Capalino and Simon O’Connor.” No reviews yet.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY NEXT WEEK- (On or about Dec. 17th.)
1) CASINO JACK- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Kevin Spacey stars in this drama as disgraced political lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who defrauded Native American tribes out of tens of millions of dollars in his efforts to peddle influence in Washington’s corridors of power. As justice closes in on Abramoff and his associates, the audacious scope of his scams comes to light. Based on true events, this film from director George Hickenlooper co-stars Kelly Preston and Barry Pepper.” OK reviews.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY IN 2 WEEKS- ( On or about Dec. 24th.)
1) THE ILLUSIONIST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Compelled to perform in obscure venues as his profession becomes overshadowed by rock stars, a magician gets an emotional boost when a girl from a remote Scottish village believes he possesses real magic in this animated film. She comes with him to the city and takes care of his domestic chores while he performs. Delighted by her enthusiasm, the Illusionist begins “magically” acquiring generous presents for her in spite of his limited finances.” Good professional reviews but only fair audience reviews.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY IN 3 WEEKS- (On or about Dec.31st.)
1) ANOTHER YEAR- Premise by Netflix. “Over the course of a tumultuous year, contented medical counselor Gerri (
Ruth Sheen) and her geologist husband, Tom (
Jim Broadbent), see their friends and relations through a series of happy events and heartbreaks — including a birth and a death.
Imelda Staunton and
Oliver Maltman co-star in this character-driven ensemble dramedy from writer-director
Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky, Vera Drake, Secrets & Lies).”
2) BIUTIFUL- Premise by Netflix. “When a love affair goes bitterly awry, Uxbal (
Javier Bardem) must pick up the pieces of his broken heart while protecting his children and facing the powerful demons of his past. A run-in with a childhood friend proves pivotal. Acclaimed director
Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel) is reunited with his ace cinematographer,
Rodrigo Prieto, for this probing Spanish drama shot in Barcelona, Badalona and Santa Coloma.”
Good early reviews.
3) BLUE VALENTINE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Once crazy about each other, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and David (Ryan Gosling) have now grown apart. Cindy is bored and disenchanted with her life while David languishes in the emotional emptyness of their sexless, routine life in rural Pennsylvania. As they muddle through their marriage, they hearken back to the golden days when life was filled with possibility and romance. Derek Cianfrance writes and directs this drama.” Very good reviews.
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY IN 4 WEEKS (On or about Jan. 7)- NOTHING OF INTEREST TO ME-
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY IN 5 WEEKS (On or about Jan. 14)- NOTHING OF INTEREST TO ME-
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OPENING REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY IN 6 WEEKS- (On or about Jan. 21)
1) DHOBI GHAT (MUMBAI DIARIES) 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Taking its name from the Mumbai neighborhood where much of the city’s washing is done — traditionally by members of the Dhobi caste — this ensemble film represents the directorial debut of Kiran Rao, wife of Bollywood star Aamir Khan. The intimate social drama focuses on a quartet of individuals from different castes — a situation that would normally preclude them from forming friendships. Unique circumstances, however, draw them together.” Good early reviews.
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FLORIDA- at the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
Dec. 10–16-
2) CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELIOT SPITZER- Premise by Netflix. “Director
Alex Gibney turns the spotlight on the life and career of politician
Eliot Spitzer, the New York governor whose potential to become the first Jewish president of the United States was thwarted by his indiscretions. Supporters and opponents opine about Spitzer, who was a well-respected attorney general before becoming governor. Spitzer’s career crashed and burned with the revelation that he was involved with prostitutes.”
Very good early reviews.11/10-
Very good documentary which centered on Spitzer’s personality, method of governing and his growing list of enemies rather than the prostitution scandel. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
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Dec. 17–23-
1) FOUR LIONS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Comedy writer Christopher Morris makes his feature directorial debut with this outrageous comedy about a group of young Islamic Brits who fancy themselves bloodthirsty jihadis of the first order. Co-written with Simon Blackwell, the film showcases Morris’s satirical talents at their vicious best in a scathingly hilarious indictment of true believers and the social systems that create them. Viewers took note and bestowed it the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the L.A. Film Festival.” Very good reviews.
2) A FILM UNFINISHED- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “This potent documentary uses a long-lost film reel to illustrate how the Nazis controlled images of Jewish life during World War II. Though the Nazis made a propaganda movie of contented Jews in the Warsaw ghetto, the missing spool exposes the truth. Director
Yael Hersonski shows how the imagery was staged to distort historical knowledge and, with the aid of Jewish survivors’ testimony, chronicles the horrifying reality of ghetto life.”
A few reviews, all positive.9/10-
Yet one more piece of the most horrific time in history as shown by this revealing footage! Everyone should see this. TRDB.________________________________________________________________________________________
Dec. 24–30-
1) KINGS OF PASTRY- Premise by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarians
D.A. Pennebaker and
Chris Hegedus venture inside the deliciously cutthroat Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the legendary French pastry competition, to capture this fascinating account of what it takes to be the best
pâtissier. Held every four years, the contest separates not only the yolks from the whites but the amateurs from the artisans. Renowned chefs from around the world let their tempers fly as they vie for the crown.”
I read 3 reviews, all good (tasty).
2) TINY FURNITURE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When twenty-something film theory major Aura (Lena Dunham) returns home after college to live with her artist mother in TriBeCa, she confronts a long list of personal and professional failures and wonders whether her dismal past will become her future. It’s an early midlife crisis for sure, but there’s hope on the horizon if Aura can figure out who she is and what she’s really meant to do. Dunham also wrote and directed this wry comedy.” OK review in NY Times on 11/12/10. Some friends hated it.
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Dec. 31–Jan. 6-
1) INSPECTOR BELLAMY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “From renowned French director Claude Chabrol comes this intriguingly low-key police thriller in which vacationing detective Paul Bellamy (Gérard Depardieu) can’t keep himself from getting involved when a mystery rears its head on holiday. Of course, his wife (Marie Bunel) is less than thrilled to share her vacation with criminals, and when Bellamy’s brother pays an unexpected visit, the family tensions ratchet up as high as the professional ones.” Good reviews.11/10- Classic Claude Chabrol who died shortly after making this movie. I liked it. TRDB.
2) INSIDE JOB- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Good audience reviews as of now.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) ATONEMENT- 2007. Premise by Netflix. “When 13-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) discovers a lustful letter and witnesses a sexual encounter between her older sister (Keira Knightley) and a servant’s son (James McAvoy), her confusion prompts her to finger the young man for a violent crime. Her half-truth changes their lives forever in this Oscar-nominated drama based on the critically acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan. Brenda Blethyn and Vanessa Redgrave co-star.”12/10- I saw this a few years ago and I liked it very much. TRDB.
2) GOING THE DISTANCE- Premise by Netflix. “New couple Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) don’t want their summer fling to end, but Erin must move across the country to finish school. As the bicoastal lovers try to keep their relationship going, they experience the tricky challenges of living long-distance. Directed by established documentary filmmaker Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Picture), this romantic comedy also stars Christina Applegate and Ron Livingston.” OK review in NY Times 9/3/10.
3) MY NAME IS KHAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Rizwan Khan (Shahrukh Khan), a Muslim man with Asperger syndrome, lives happily with his wife, Mandira (Kajol), in San Francisco until a tragedy drives her away after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Now he is on a quest to recapture the heart of the woman he loves. Traveling across America, Rizwan faces prejudice because of his religion and unusual behavior, but he also inspires the people he meets with his unique outlook on life.” The reviews were mostly very good.
8/10- I can’t believe that I liked this schmaltz infested piece of Bollywood, but I did. TRDB. Netflix.
4) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.
5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) A SINGLE MAN- Recommended
2) CARLOS- Good reviews
3) CHARLIE ST. CLOUD- Poor reviews
4) GHOST WRITER- Recommended
5) COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY- I liked it
6) COUNTDOWN TO ZERO- Good reviews
7) EAT PRAY LOVE- Fair reviews at best
8)EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP- Great reviews
9) FLIPPED- Mixed reviews
10) HANDSOME HARRY- Very good reviews
11) HEARTBREAKER- I liked it
12)HOLY ROLLERS- I liked it
13) I AM LOVE- Great movie
14) I’M STILL HERE- I hated it
15) JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT- THE RADIANT CHILD- I didn’t care for this one
16) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK- Fair reviews
17) LA DANSE- I haven’t seen it yet but I will
18) LEAVING (PARTIR)- I liked this a lot
19) LETTERS TO JULIET- Not for me
20) MID-AUGUST LUNCH- Well reviewed but I found this just OK
21) MULTIPLE SARCASMS- Bad!
22) THE DRY LAND- Enjoyable
23) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
24) WHITE MATERIAL- I didn’t care for this one
25) WILD GRASS- Weird but enjoyable movie
26) WINTER’S BONE- I didn’t care for it but it won all kinds of Gotham awards
27) YOO-HOO, MRS. GOLDBERG- I liked it
28) YOUTH IN REVOLT- I liked it
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-
NEW-
1) I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS- 2009. Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra directs this comedy based on a true story.” Reviews just more positive than negative.
REPEATS-
1) 127 HOURS- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) re-teams with writer Simon Beaufoy and producer Christian Colson to tell the harrowing story of real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who literally cut himself loose from danger — and lived to tell about it. When sliding rock pinned his right forearm under a boulder during a climb in the Utah mountains, Ralston resorted to his basest survival instincts to stay alive.” Very good early reviews.
2) LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS- 2010. Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Reidy (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy’s memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.” Fair reviews at best.
3) FAIR GAME- 2010. Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “After her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson (
Sean Penn), writes op-ed columns accusing the Bush administration of misleading the public to justify invading Iraq, Valerie Plame Wilson’s (
Naomi Watts) status as a covert CIA agent is leaked by administration officials. Based on events described in Plame Wilson’s memoir, this drama explores the political scandal that led to the conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.”
Fair review in NY Times on 11/5/10.11/10-
This movie was very well done and packed a wallop. I liked it a lot. TRDB. At the theater.
4) ALL GOOD THINGS- 2010. Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “When David Marks (Ryan Gosling), the heir to a New York real estate fortune, gets entangled in the mystery of Katie McCarthy’s (Kirsten Dunst) disappearance, he risks everything in this drama set in the 1980s and inspired by the true story of real estate scion Robert Durst. While unexpected evidence turns up and increases political heat, people with ties to the case begin to die. Andrew Jarecki (“Felicity”) directs.” Generally poor reviews.
5) THE KING’S SPEECH- 2010. Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “Tom Hooper directs this drama based on the true story of Britain’s King George VI (Colin Firth), a man who for years struggled with a nervous disposition and an embarrassing stutter — until he seeks help from unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Logue’s pioneering treatment and unlikely friendship give the royal leader a sense of confidence that serves him and his country well during the dark days of World War II. Very good reviews.
6) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Netflix. “David Fincher‘s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and founding president Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay based on Ben Mezrich’s best-seller The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook.” Reviews just OK.
10/10- I liked this movie a lot even though there was probably a good deal of artistic license given to the story. Well acted (Eisenberg was great) and truly a success story. TRDB.
7) THE TOURIST- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Watery, enchanted Venice provides the setting for this thriller starring Johnny Depp as an American tourist seeking solace there for his shattered heart — only to find it in danger once again after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Angelina Jolie). Little does the poor Yank know that the artful agent has gone to great lengths to arrange their “chance” meeting and is using him to trap a criminal who also happens to be her ex-lover.” Very good audience reviews, none professional.
8)INSIDE JOB- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Good audience reviews as of now.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters
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