The Reel Dr. Bob

February 25, 2021

DEAR FRIENDS:

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

1) I CARE A LOT– Netflix

2) MARTIN EDEN- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK-

1) CUBA  AND THE CAMERAMAN– 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reflecting on Cuban history and the effects of Fidel Castro’s long rule on three Cuban families, this absorbing documentary incorporates candid interviews with Castro, collected over more than four decades by director Jon Alpert.”

11/23/17- Few reviews and they are very good. TRDB.

11/25/17- I enjoyed this wonderful documentary for the second time even though Jon Alpert- the writer/director- frequently got on my nerves. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) I CARE A LOT– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “When it comes to bilking seniors in retirement homes, predatory Marla is the consummate professional. But when she and her partner, Fran, underestimate their latest mark, they quickly find themselves in a ruthless gangster’s crosshairs.”

2/20/21- Critics liked this movie and audiences did not. I’m in-between– just OK! TRDB.

3) MARTIN EDEN– 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Moving the action from California to an Italian port city, this adaptation of Jack London’s 1909 novel follows an uneducated sailor who falls for a rich university student and attempts to remake himself as a writer to win her heart.”

10/16/20- Very good reviews. TRDB.

2/25/21- I liked the movie. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT WEEK ON DISC- NONE THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND

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NEW STREAMABLE MOVIES-

1) NOMADLAND– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her rural Nevada company town goes belly up, Fern packs up her van and starts driving. Becoming a modern-day nomad, she finds work and adventure along the way as she travels across the West.”

2/16/21- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB. In Theaters and Hulu

2) I CARE A LOT– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “When it comes to bilking seniors in retirement homes, predatory Marla is the consummate professional. But when she and her partner, Fran, underestimate their latest mark, they quickly find themselves in a ruthless gangster’s crosshairs.”

2/20/21- Critics liked this movie and audiences did not. I’m in-between– just OK! TRDB. On Netflix

3)- MAFIA INC.- 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Crime boss Frank Paternò is looking to go straight by investing in a bridge to connect Sicily with Southern Italy. But he needs funds, and the tactics that protégé Vincent Gamache uses to get them sets off a war between the Paternòs and the Gamaches.”

2/20/21- Excellent reviews for this crime drama. TRDB. Prime Video

4) THE VIOLENT HEART– 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Fifteen years after the murder of his older sister, 24-year-old Daniel (2020 Emmy nominee Jovan Adepo) finds himself falling for Cassie (Grace Van Patten), an outgoing high school senior, in this Romeo & Juliet-style thriller set in the American heartland.”

2/20/21- Poor reviews in general but a few good ones tossed in as well. TRDB. Streaming on various platforms.

5) TEST PATTERN– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Interracial couple Renesha and Evan have a loving and supportive relationship. But their bond is tested after Renesha is sexually assaulted, and the two begin a frustrating journey going from hospital to hospital trying to obtain a rape kit.”

2/20/21- Very good reviews for this drama. TRDB.

6) DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel, DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER is a funny yet sweet coming-of-age story about single motherhood and Metallica. Daniel was supposed to spend the summer with his dad and his dad’s new wife in Florida, but when his dad cancels the trip Daniel and his mom suddenly face the prospect of six long weeks together.”

2/20/21- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB.

SKIP THESE–

1) SILK ROAD– Awful reviews by everyone

2)  FLORA & ULYSSES

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MOVIES PLAYING AT THE LIVING ROOM THEATERS AT FAU IN BOCA RATON-

1) DAYS OF BAGNOLD SUMMER– 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel, DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER is a funny yet sweet coming-of-age story about single motherhood and Metallica. Daniel was supposed to spend the summer with his dad and his dad’s new wife in Florida, but when his dad cancels the trip Daniel and his mom suddenly face the prospect of six long weeks together.”

2/20/21- Excellent reviews by all. TRDB.

2) MINARI- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. The family home changes completely with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother. ”

Netflix had this to say– The patriarch of a Korean family living in Michigan during the 1980s wants to be a farmer in Arkansas, but his family experiences severe culture shock as they try to assimilate and become part of the community.

2/11/21- Excellent reviews for this drama. TRDB. 

3) NOMADLAND– 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her rural Nevada company town goes belly up, Fern packs up her van and starts driving. Becoming a modern-day nomad, she finds work and adventure along the way as she travels across the West.”

2/16/21- Excellent reviews by the critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.