January 27th, 2011
JAN. 27, 2011
DEAR FRIENDS:
I’m Back!!!
As many of you know I have just returned home after spending 6 weeks in Florida. During that time I also traveled California for the Palm Springs International Film Festival where I saw lots of very good movies- a fruitful trip. A few of these have distributors already and one (Undertow) was showing briefly at an artsy theater in Boca Raton, FL. I’ll be sure to let you know when ANY of these films become available either by DVD, Theaters or On-Demand.
Here’s a brief description of the FESTIVAL MOVIES that I saw- To learn more about any of these go to
www.psfilmfest.orgMy 2 favorites were Precious Life and Undertow.
1) FIFTY- NOTHING- About 2 old friends in their early 50’s, feeling their age, who go on a road trip to Palm Springs. Very good.
2) CIRKUS COLUMBIA- About a family in Bosnia. The father, after a 20yr. absence living in Germany, comes back to his old town with a very young fiancee, ostensibly to reclaim his family home from his estranged wife. I liked this a lot.
3) PRECIOUS LIFE- Great documentary about a hospital and doctors in Israel taking care of a Palestinian baby from Gaza with a rare disease that is fatal without a bone marrow transplant. It was fascinating and informative on many levels and I Loved it!
4) THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER- After a factory worker dies in a terrorist attack in Israel the human resources manager where she works attempts to return her body to her native Rumania. Very good.
5) KAWASAKI’S ROSE- About a man who is about to receive an award for his dissident activities against
the Czech. government during the cold war. His son-in-law who despises him gets some secret information that will change his image. Very interesting moral questions are dealt with and I enjoyed the movie.
6) UNDERTOW- About a man in a small town in Peru whose wife is pregnant. He is really in love with another man. Very well done movie about this subject that is taboo in many cultures including the town where it was filmed. I liked it a lot.
7) SON OF BABYLON- About a young boy who travels through Iraq with his grandmother after the fall of Saddam looking for his imprisoned father. Very good.
8) SOLEMN PROMISE- Serbia. A man who is going off to war asks his Muslim servant to watch over his young beautiful wife while he is gone. Very good.
9) COLORS IN THE DARK- With Bruno Ganz and Senta Berger. About the relationship between a husband and wife who have been married for many years. I liked it.
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MOVIES I SAW AT THE THEATER- (Florida and NY) over the last 3 weeks-
1) VISION- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Directed by longtime star of independent German cinemaMargarethe von Trotta, this reverent biopic chronicles the fascinating story of 12th-century Christian mystic and scientist Hildegard von Bingen (Barbara Sukowa). Despite living in an era when women are proscribed from preaching and interpreting scripture, Hildegard believes that the visions she experiences are a gift from God that she must reveal — even at the risk of condemnation.” Very good reviews.1/11- I liked this movie although I thought it could have been 15 to 20 minutes shorter. TRDB. At the theater.
2) TRUE GRIT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After her father is murdered by drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), hires Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), an alcoholic U.S. Marshal, to help her exact vengeance. The disreputable Rooster still has grit though, and mounts an epic search. The pair is joined on their quest by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is also hunting for Chaney, in this updated Western from Joel and Ethan Coen. Very good review in NY Times on 12/22/10.
1/11- To be honest I thought that the film was not nearly as good as the critics said it was. I also needed sub-titles for a good portion of the dialogue. Bring back “The Duke.”
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MOVIES I SAW AT HOME (Florida and NY) over the last 3 weeks-
1) 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.1/11-
All of the poor reviews were well deserved. I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
2) PATRIK, AGE 1.5- Directed by Ella Lemhagen. Premise by Netflix. “After moving from the city to a small town, gay couple Sven (
Torkel Petersson) and Goran (
Gustaf Skarsgård) adopt a child. But when Patrik (
Thomas Ljungman) arrives in their lives, it turns out he’s not 1.5 years old as they were told by the adoption agency — he’s a rebellious, homophobic 15-year-old. While the couple houses the angry boy until the mix-up is resolved, his presence causes them to reassess their lives.”
Good review in NY Times.1/11-
I found this movie very real and very moving and I’d highly recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
3) WINNEBAGO MAN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “This entertaining documentary explores the phenomenon of
Jack Rebney, who became an Internet sensation after a grainy, nearly 20-year-old video of him furiously swearing up a storm while filming a Winnebago sales video made the rounds online. Traveling to a mountaintop, filmmaker
Ben Steinbauer tracks down Rebney — who’s become known in underground circles as the “Angriest Man in the World” — and tries to discover what makes the loner tick.”
Very good reviews.1/11-
More a documentary about “viral videos” and their effects as much as about Rebney and basically who cares about him anyway? I had my fill quickly and turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
4) HANDSOME HARRY- 2009. 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.1/11-
Very good drama and I recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
5) GOING THE DISTANCE- 2010. 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 9/3/10.1/11-
A load of trash and I turned it off way too late in the movie. TRDB. Netflix.
6) PEEPLI LIVE- 2010. 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 8/13/10.1/11-
Interesting idea but this ridiculous film detracted from the importance of the issue. TRDB. Netflix.
7) HOWL- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “James Franco steps into the shoes of famed Beat poet Allen Ginsberg in this star-studded biopic centered around Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” — and the widely publicized obscenity trial that followed its publication in 1957. Documentarians Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (The Times of Harvey Milk) direct, with an A-list ensemble cast that includes Jon Hamm, David Strathairn, Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Paul Rudd.” Mostly poor reviews.
1/11- I just could not get into this film– boring and relying on gimmick to make it presentable. TRDB. Netflix.
8)ALAMAR- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Before his young son, Natan (Natan Machado Palombini), returns to Rome with his mother, Jorge (Jorge Machado) takes the boy on an extended journey to a tiny fishing village, where Natan learns to fish and snorkel amid the natural splendor of the Mexican Caribbean. Filmmaker Pedro González-Rubio’s delicate family drama also stars Nestor Marin as veteran angler Matraca, as well as a colorful cast of crocodiles, tropical birds and iguanas.”1/11- A very interesting movie with minimal dialogue and I definitely would recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
9) JACK GOES BOATING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and stars in this romantic comedy about Jack, a marijuana-smoking Manhattan limo driver who begins an unlikely regimen of self-improvement to win the heart of a fellow misfit named Connie (Amy Ryan). But as Jack learns to cook and swim for the benefit of his girl, he also witnesses the breakup of his best friends’ marriage. John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega co-star in this adaptation of Bob Glaudini’s play.” Only a few reviews available and they are mixed.
1/11- I found the movie interesting in it’s simplicity and as usual Hoffman gives a great performance. TRDB. Netflix.
10) C.R.A.Z.Y.- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “There are five boys in the Beaulieu family — Christian, Raymond, Antoine, Zachary and Yvan. But Zac (played by Emile Vallee and Marc-Andre Grondin) is the only one who’s gay. That’s why growing up in Montreal alongside his heterosexual brothers and his strict, emotionally distant father (Michel Cote) proves especially challenging for the blossoming outsider, who finds solace in the music of Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie.”
1/11- I enjoyed this movie a lot although a bit too long. Good depiction of what it’s like to be different in general and gay in particular. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
11) MAP OF THE SOUNDS OF TOKYO- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When the daughter of prominent Tokyo businessman Mr. Nagara (Takeo Nakahara) commits suicide, Nagara’s heartbroken employee Ishida (Hideo Sakaki) hires part-time hit woman Ryu (Rinko Kikuchi) to kill the man (Sergi López) perceived as responsible for the daughter’s death. Meanwhile, a curious sound engineer becomes obsessed with Ryu and her life in this lyrical and mysterious drama from acclaimed Spanish director Isabel Coixet.” Fair early reviews at best.
1/11- This one is definitely different but appealing never-the-less and I did enjoy it. TRDB. Netflix.
12) ARMY OF CRIME- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “This gripping historical drama recounts the story of Armenian-born Missak Manouchian (Simon Abkarian), a woodworker and political activist who led an immigrant laborer division of the Parisian Resistance on 30 operations against the Nazis in 1943. The Nazis branded the group an Army of Crime, an anti-immigrant propaganda stunt that backfired as the team’s members became martyrs for the Resistance. Virginie Ledoyen co-stars as Manouchian’s wife.” Very good review in NY Times on 8/20/10.
1/11- Another good movie about the resistance but with little to add to the wealth of material on this subject. TRDB. Netflix.
13) DOGTOOTH- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “In this Greek drama, siblings who grow up cut off from the world — homeschooled and dependent on one another for entertainment — develop their own blissful alternative universe. That universe is shattered when their father lets in an outsider. Sex enters the picture when dad begins bringing home a female security officer to satisfy his son’s sexual needs. Suddenly, nothing is quite the same within this highly idiosyncratic family unit.”
1/11- Clearly one of the strangest movies I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen a lot of strange movies. Also, very well done and it held my interest. Not for most people. The movie won Best Picture at Cannes 2009. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
14) MAKE-OUT WITH VIOLENCE- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Reeling from the disappearance of classmate Wendy Heart (Shellie Marie Shartzer), the lives of twin brothers Patrick (Eric Lehning) and Carol (Cody DeVos) take a dark turn when they discover the body of the teenage beauty — and much to their surprise, she’s not totally dead. Mystified by her condition, the brothers stash Wendy in their family’s abandoned summerhouse and search for ways to bring her back to life completely.” Good reviews.
1/11- I watched for about 20min. and could not stand the movie. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON FEB. 1-
1) CATFISH- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “
Henry Joost and
Ariel Schulman document the strange series of events that unfolds when a gifted 8-year-old artist named Abby contacts Nev, a 24-year-old photographer (and Schulman’s brother), through Facebook. After Abby sends Nev a remarkable painting based on one of his photos, Nev begins corresponding with her family — including her seductive 19-year-old sister. Realizing that something’s not quite right, Nev sets out to uncover the truth.”
Good reviews.10/10-
A very unusual human drama involving privacy and identity on the internet. I liked it a lot. This movie is a sleeper. TRDB. At the Theater.
2) SKIN- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Both her father (Sam Neill) and mother (Alice Krige) are white, but Sandra Laing (Sophie Okonedo) is born with dark skin — a complex problem in the era of South African apartheid that soon drives a wedge into the family in this poignant drama based on a true story. Though her parents fight to have the government classify her as white, Sandra grows up in a divided world, and experiences her parents can’t understand make her question her identity.”
3) WELCOME TO THE RILEYS- Premise by Netflix. “Devastated by their daughter’s death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope. Directed by Jake Scott, this compelling family drama also stars David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin and Lance E. Nichols.” Only fair reviews by most.
4) THE TILLMAN STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When Pat Tillman, a former pro football player and decorated U.S. soldier, was killed in Afghanistan, the military reported that he’d died battling the Taliban. But later, a much different story emerged: Tillman was killed by friendly fire. Since that day, Tillman’s family has waged their own war, fighting tirelessly with the government in order to unravel the truth behind the cover-up. Filmmaker Amir Bar-Lev documents their struggle.” Very good reviews.
9/10- Very well done and a scathing indictment of the government’s actions in this case. TRDB.
5) A WOMAN, A GUN, AND A NOODLE SHOP- Premise by Netflix. “Master director Yimou Zhang tackles an adaptation of the Coen brothers’ classic Blood Simple in this period dramedy full of slapstick and plot twists. When the owner of a Chinese noodle shop attempts to kill his adulterous wife, the fireworks fly. The proprietor also hopes to eliminate his wife’s woebegone lover, but complications and high-flying action arise courtesy of a rampaging band of feudal soldiers and the shop’s wacky employees.” Good review in NY Times 9/3/10. Friends did not like this film.
6) NIGHT CATCHES US- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After growing up during the tumultuous 1960s, ex-Black Panther Marcus (Anthony Mackie) returns to his home in Philadelphia in 1978 and reconnects with Pat (Kerry Washington), the widow of a Panther leader. Marcus befriends Pat’s young daughter and attempts to conquer his demons. Interfering with Marcus’s good intentions are the neighborhood’s continuing racial and social conflicts, as well as old enemies and friends — both with scores to settle.” Good reviews.
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OPENING REGIONALLLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-
1) KABOOM- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Lovelorn college student Smith (Thomas Dekker) spends his days hanging with his friend Stella (Haley Bennett) and his nights lusting after his straight roommate Thor (Chris Zylka), until one wild party shatters his world in this comic thriller from edgy director Gregg Araki. After eating drug-laced cookies, Smith witnesses the murder of an enigmatic woman who has haunted his dreams, and he begins a bizarre journey that will determine his future.” Only fair reviews.
2) BIUTIFUL- 2010.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. OK review in NY Times on 12/29/10.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
1) ALL GOOD THINGS- 2010. 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.
2) AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Spalding Gray, known for his radically minimal solo shows staged on equally spare sets, is the focus of collaborator Steven Soderbergh’s documentary, which compiles rare footage for what amounts to a posthumous monologue by the writer and actor. In Soderbergh’s unconventional foray into the genre, clips are drawn from across Gray’s career and set to music by his son, Forrest — but throughout, only Gray’s brave and comic voice is heard.” Good reviews.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
1) A FILM UNFINISHED- I thought that this was a great documentary
2) CATFISH- I liked this one very much. A sleeper
3) CHARLIE ST. CLOUD- Poor reviews
4) COUNTDOWN TO ZERO- Great documentary
5)CYRUS- Barely OK
6) EASY A- I liked it
7) EAT PRAY LOVE- Fair reviews at best
8)EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP- Great reviews but I did NOT like it
9) GHOST WRITER- A good political thriller and I liked it
10) GOING THE DISTANCE-Rubbish
11) INCEPTION – Very good reviews
12) LOVELY, STILL- I liked this movie a lot
13) MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- I enjoyed the film
14) MOTHER AND CHILD- I liked it
15) MULTIPLE SARCASMS- Bad!
16) PEEPLI LIVE- I did not like this one
17) SECRET SUNSHINE- Great reviews– friends did not like it
18) STONE- I plan to see this despite poor reviews
19) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
20) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- Loved it
21) THE TOWN- Haven’t seen it yet but I will
22) WHITE MATERIAL- I didn’t care for this one
23) WILD GRASS- Weird but enjoyable movie
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE BURBS-
NEW-
1) ANOTHER YEAR- 2010. Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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).”12/10-
Very good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.
REPEATS-
1) BLACK SWAN- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Danbury. Premise by Netflix. ” In this supernatural thriller from director
Darren Aronofsky, ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina (
Natalie Portman) lands a key role in “Swan Lake,” but soon finds her dreams of stardom threatened by rival ballerina Lilly (
Mila Kunis). As the contentious rivalry between the dancers intensifies, Nina’s obsession descends into paranoia, delusion and more.
Winona Ryder,
Barbara Hershey and
Vincent Cassel co-star.”
Very good reviews.12/10-
A very suspenseful and disturbing movie with enough to keep Freud busy for years. I liked it. TRDB. 2) BLUE VALENTINE- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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 and good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.
3) THE KING’S SPEECH- Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, Clearview 100, Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. 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.12/10- While I enjoyed this film I felt the “Hollywood Effect” throughout most of the nearly 2 hours. TRDB.
4) TRUE GRIT- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010.Premise by Netflix. “After her father is murdered by drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), hires Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), an alcoholic U.S. Marshal, to help her exact vengeance. The disreputable Rooster still has grit though, and mounts an epic search. The pair is joined on their quest by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is also hunting for Chaney, in this updated Western from Joel and Ethan Coen. Very good review in NY Times on 12/22/10.1/11- To be honest I thought that the film was not nearly as good as the critics said it was. I also needed sub-titles for a good portion of the dialogue. Bring back “The Duke.”
5) 127 HOURS- Danbury. 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 reviews.
6) THE FIGHTER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. 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. Good review in NY Times on 12/9/10. 12/10- Very realistic portrayal of the family relationships and the conflicts involved. I liked it. TRDB.
7) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2010. 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.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
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