The Reel Dr. Bob

FEB. 9, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) BIUTIFUL- Theater

2) SIXTY SIX- Netflix

3) SKIN- Netflix

4) HIDEWAY- Netflix

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 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 12/29/10.2/11- A very moving drama with a terrific Bardem. TRDB. At the theater.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) A WOMAN, A GUN AND A NOODLE SHOP- 2009. 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.2/11- Slapstick remakes don’t inspire me but I did watch it to the end. Beautiful scenery and lots of color kept me involved. TRDB. Netflix.

2) WELCOME TO THE RILEYS- 2010. 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.

2/11- A fair drama at best with lots of stereotypical materiel but the film definitely had some merit, particularly at the end. TRDB. Netflix.

3) SIXTY SIX- 2006. Premise by Netflix. “During the summer of 1966, 12-year-old Londoner Bernie (Gregg Sulkin) eagerly prepares for his upcoming bar mitzvah, but disaster looms when England snags a spot in the World Cup finals, scheduled for the same day as Bernie’s big celebration. With his father (Eddie Marsan) and mother (Helena Bonham Carter) facing financial difficulties, Bernie struggles to readjust his expectations for the biggest event of his life.”

2/11- A  good story about coming of age with parents so pre-occupied that you have not been noticed. TRDB. Netflix.

4) 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.”

2/11- An interesting drama that brings up various issues and deals with them fairly well. Netflix.

5) TOUCHING HOME- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Based on the lives of Miller twins Logan and Noah, this indie drama weaves knotty family relationships and crushed dreams into a tapestry of human emotion. After the Colorado Rockies cut Lane Winston (Logan Miller) and poor grades force his brother (Noah Miller) to chuck his college baseball career, the siblings return home to work in a quarry with their father, Charlie (Ed Harris). Will his alcoholism drive a wedge between Charlie and his sons?” Poor professional reviews but very good audience ones.

2/11- I’ll go with the poor professional reviews. I found it formulaic with poor acting and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

6) HIDEAWAY- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When Louis (Melvil Poupaud) dies of a drug overdose in Paris, his wealthy mother instructs his strung-out but pregnant girlfriend, Mousse (Isabelle Carré), to get an abortion. Determined to keep her child, Mousse flees Paris for a country home. Louis’s brother (Louis-Ronan Choisy) visits, and she develops a fascination with him that is both erotic and angry. François Ozon crafts an intimate portrait of an enigmatic woman seeking a purpose.” Good reviews.

2/11- Very well done and I enjoyed the movie very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming and also on DVD.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 15-

 

1) WAITNG FOR SUPERMAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Dynamic documentarian Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) weaves together the stories of students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences on the future of the United States. In this Sundance Audience Award winner for Best Documentary, Guggenheim deftly examines the options to improve public education and provide America’s teachers and students with the help they need.” Very good reviews.

 

2) YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When a woman (Naomi Watts) consults a fortune-teller to learn what fate has in store for her, she’s told she’ll meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life in this quirky romantic dramedy from iconic writer-director Woody Allen. But the not-yet-lovestruck heroine isn’t the only character in search of answers. The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch and Anna Friel.” Sad for me to say, this film has received many poor early reviews.10/10- Pleasantly surprised with this latest Woody film. I liked the characters, the acting, and a few very creative aspects of the film. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) CARANCHO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A car accident on the streets of Argentina brings Luján (Martina Gusman) and Sosa (Ricardo Darín) together: she’s a doctor caring for the critically wounded driver, he’s a smooth-talking ambulance chaser with an eye on the dying man’s money. Passion draws them together, but in a nation rife with such accidents, love alone may not conquer their differences. Pablo Trapero’s thoughtful film is an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Very good early reviews.

 

2) THE SKY TURNS- 2009. Premise by Rottentomatoes. ” Mercedes Alvarez was three years old when, in the late 1960s, her parents left La Aldea, a village in the barren Northern Spanish Soria region. She… Mercedes Alvarez was three years old when, in the late 1960s, her parents left La Aldea, a village in the barren Northern Spanish Soria region. She was the last child born in La Aldea. Now, only fourteen people live there, a last dying generation. Soon this village, like so many other rural communities all over the world, will be deserted and will probably disappear from the map. Alvarez returns for the first time to her ancestral home and makes a stunning film about memory and the terrifying passing of time.” Good reviews.

 

3) CARBON NATION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Bypassing politics and fingerpointing, this forward-thinking documentary zeroes in on enterprising individuals — from a wind farmer to a solar-panel retrofitter — who are devising business-minded ways to avert the looming climate crisis. The cross-country expedition yields encounters with Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson, Earth Day founder Denis Hayes and former CIA director James Woolsey, along with everyday pioneers in low-carbon living.” A few reviews and they’re good.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

 

Oscar Nominated shorts, both live and animated all week.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND

 

NEW-

 

1) WELCOME TO THE RILEYS- 2010. 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.2/11- A fair drama at best with lots of stereotypical materiel but the film definitely had some merit, particularly at the end. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- 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.” Good reviews.

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.

3) 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.

4) MILK- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) in 1978. Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna co-star in director Gus Van Sant’s compelling biopic, which also earned Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Brolin).”

I saw this movie and liked it very much. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

Cablevision Link– http://www.optimum.net/VOD/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters

 

DirecTV- www.directv.com/DTVAPP/listing/ppvMovies.jsp

 

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE ILLUSIONIST- Bethel. 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.

 

2) BARNEY’S VERSION- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2010. “Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Jewish Canadian television producer who reflects in flashbacks on three strange decades — and three wives — in this adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s acclaimed novel. There’s Clara (Rachelle Lefevre), a free-spirited proponent of free love; “Mrs. P” (Minnie Driver), a self-centered princess; and Miriam (Rosamund Pike), the right woman who comes along at the wrong time.” Good reviews.

 

3) DOGTOOTH- Jacob Burns for one night (Fri. Feb. 11) -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 and is an Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film this year. TRDB

REPEATS-

 

1) ANOTHER YEAR- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2010. 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.

1/11- A slice of  life of a well adjusted and content older couple who spend time with family and friends over the course of a year. I liked it. TRDB.

 

2) BIUTIFUL- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 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 12/29/10.2/11- A very moving drama with a terrific Bardem. TRDB.

 

3) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Danbury. 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- 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) 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.

6) BLACK SWAN- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury.  2010. 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. 

7) 127 HOURS- Danbury.  2010. 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.

 

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com 

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com