FILM REVIEWS 358

March 3rd, 2011

 

MARCH 2, 2011
DEAR FRIENDS:
 
PLEASE NOTE—-I WILL BE AWAY FROM MY OFFICE FOR A WEEK AND SO THIS NEWSLETTER WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WHEN POSSIBLE!!
 
THOSE OF YOU IN THE BOSTON AREA MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD FILM FESTIVAL WHICH RUNS FROM MARCH 18 TO MARCH 20. THEY HAVE A FEW MOVIES THAT HAVE BEEN WELL REVIEWED AND A FEW WITHOUT REVIEWS AT ALL.
 
 I’D RECOMMEND THESE 5 EVEN THOUGH I’VE SEEN ONLY “CATFISH.”:
1) EVEN THE RAIN
2) BOY
3) RAW FAITH
4) HOW TO DIE IN OREGON
5) CATFISH
 
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
I did not particularly enjoy any of the 3 movies that I saw.
 
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- AGAIN NADA!!
 
BUT THIS COMING WEEK I PLAN TO SEE THREE MOVIES–
 
POETRY– AT JACOB BURNS THURSDAY 3/2
CEDAR RAPIDS- AT JACOB BURNS ALL NEXT WEEK
EVEN THE RAIN- AT JACOB BURNS ALL NEXT WEEK
 
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-
 
1) TROPICO DE SANGRE (RAINS OF INJUSTICE)- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Writer Juan Delancer aslo 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.2/11- I have to agree with the 1 bad review. An awful movie about a true story. I turned it off after 30 minutes. Avoid it! TRDB. Netflix.

2) SEE WHAT I’M SAYING: THE DEAF ENTERTAINERS DIARY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Four dedicated stage artists, all either deaf or hearing-impaired, are profiled in their struggle to make inroads not only in the deaf community, but with mainstream audiences as well — despite the obvious obstacles facing them. Featuring open captions to translate the sign language used by the performers, the documentary spotlights the drummer for a deaf rock band, as well as an actor, a stage comic and an aspiring songstress.” No professional reviews as yet but audience reaction has been very good.

2/11- A fascinating idea and I enjoyed the movie for about an hour and then it became repetitive and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

3) DOUBLE TAKE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Johan Grimonprez explores the period of the Cold War and the effect of advertising and Hollywood on the American people in this innovative blend of documentary and fiction focusing on Alfred Hitchcock’s themes surrounding identity. Written by award-winning British novelist Tom McCarthy, the film considers the era’s prosperity and paranoia, its political and social events, and Hitchcock’s fondness for characters meeting their doubles.”

2/11- I was totally bored and turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

4) ROOM IN ROME- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Elena Anaya and Natasha Yarovenko star in this provocative drama about Alba and Natasha, two women who meet in Rome and end up in a hotel room where they bare their bodies and souls to each other during one memorable, passionate night. As their steamy encounter brings them emotionally closer, they share their deepest secrets and desires. Award-winning writer-director Julio Medem brings us this serious and sexy foray into uncharted territory.” Two reviews, both good.

3/11- As far as I’m concerned this film was, despite being written a bit better than most, soft core porn at best and I’m embarrassed to say that I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 8-
 
1) 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.” Great reviews and a nominee for Best Picture for 2010.
 
2) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who shocks his parents (Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan) by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he’s forced to live among the adult patients. Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Emma Roberts and Aasif Mandvi co-star in this quirky drama written and directed by the screenwriters of Half Nelson.” Just 50/50 early reviews. OK review in NY Times 10/8/10.
 
3) LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB- Premise by Netflix. “With nowhere else to turn to after her unexpected release from prison, cold-blooded murderer Leila (Kaarina Hazard) reluctantly accepts a job composing letters for blind pastor Jacob (Heikki Nousiainen), whom she deeply resents at first but gradually grows to admire. A heartwarming tale of personal redemption, Finnish director and writer Klaus Härö‘s subtle drama also features Jukka Keinonen and Esko Roine.” Fair review at best in NY Times on 10/8/10.
 
4) AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- Premise by Netflix. “Kate (Jane Birkin) moved on from her life as the daughter of a small circus owner many years ago, but when her father dies the day before the troupe’s tour opens, Kate agrees to abandon her current life and re-embrace the show for what may be its final season. Sergio Castellitto (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) stars as Vittorio, who is strongly attracted to Kate and is the one person willing to probe into her decision to return.” Very good review by the NY Times. TRDB.
 
5) HELENA FROM THE WEDDING- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this coming-of-middle-age chamber story, disappointed playwright Alex Javal (Lee Tergesen) puts on a jolly mask to host — with new wife Alice (Melanie Lynskey) — a New Year’s Eve gathering in the woods, but he can’t hide his starry eyes when the alluring Helena (Gillian Jacobs) joins the scene. Confined to a cabin’s close quarters, Helena barely notices Alex while Alex ignores Alice, and the tension ratchets up as the minutes wind down.” Only mediocre reviews.
 
6) 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.
 
7) EVERY DAY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Ned (Liev Schreiber) is fed up with his unfulfilling work as a writer on a flawed television show and his stagnant marriage to wife Jeannie (Helen Hunt). Just when he thinks life can’t get worse, his teenage son announces he’s gay and his ailing father-in-law (Brian Dennehy) moves in. Ned’s relationship with an amorous co-worker (Carla Gugino) adds even more tension, but despite the setbacks, the rewards of everyday family life overcome.” OK review in NY Times on 1/14/11.
 
 8)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.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 15-
 
1) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “What do you do when you can’t play music in your homeland, but you can’t leave your country to play it abroad either? This is the dilemma faced by an Iranian guy and gal who, fresh on the heels of their prison release, decide to form a rock band. Despite having drive and ambition to spare, the wannabe rockers are stymied by lack of passports, lack of funds and lack of musicians who’re willing to leave Iran in this drama from Bahman Ghobadi.” Great early reviews.4/10- A film worth seeing that shows us what life can be like in Iran today for people who don’t conform to the repressive rules. While the street scenes of downtown Tehran and the music were very good I was only mildly entertained by the story itself as it seemed repetitive and predictable and I think more of a political statement than a great movie. TRDB.

2) THE FIGHTER- 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 very much. TRDB.

3) WASTE LAND- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “World-renowned artist Vik Muniz embarks on one of the most inspired collaborations of his career, joining creative forces with Brazilian catadores — garbage pickers who mine treasure from the towering trash heaps of Rio’s Jardim Gramacho landfill. In this Sundance award-winning documentary, the catadores prove to be unique and surprising individuals in their own right, waxing philosophic as they impart a valuable lesson about what society discards. Great reviews.

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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-
 
1) MEDICINAL CANNABIS AND IT’S IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH- A documentary with interviews with physicians and researchers. No reviews as yet.
 
2) UNCLE BOONME WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Under the care of his dedicated sister-in-law (Jenjira Pongpas), terminally ill Uncle Boonmee (Thanapat Saisaymar) spends his final days reminiscing about his past lives with the recently arrived ghost of his dead wife (Natthakarn Aphaiwonk) and his long-missing son (Geerasak Kulhong). Directed by celebrated Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, this free-floating fantasy film took home the Palme d’Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Three reviews, all great.
  
3) DEAR LEMON LIMA- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “After a selfish boyfriend dumps her, Vanessa Lemor (Savanah Wiltfong) decides to soothe her broken heart by embracing her Yupik heritage and encouraging her misfit pals at a prestigious Alaskan prep school to compete in the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Along the way, the awkward teen learns to find her place in the community in director Suzi Yoonessi’s touching film about identity, friendship and tradition.” No professional reviews as yet but very good audience reaction. TRDB.
 
4) HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE- Premise by Netflix. “On the way to meet a publisher, aspiring novelist Sam (Josh Radnor) encounters 6-year-old Rasheen (Michael Algieri) alone on the subway. While struggling to decide whether to send him back to foster care, Sam looks after Rasheen and learns a few important life lessons. Meanwhile, Sam’s friends deal with various romantic tribulations. Radnor wrote and directed this coming-of-age comedy, which won the Best Drama Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.” Just OK reviews, slightly more positive than negative.
 
5) THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER- Premise by Netflix. “This beautifully shot film combines comedy and tragedy in the tale of a workaholic human resources manager (Mark Ivanir) who neglects his family to further his career. But when an employee at his bakery is killed, he begins an odd journey toward self-realization. Offering to escort the woman’s body from Israel back to her Eastern European homeland, the manager is puzzled by eccentric characters along the way but begins to understand the importance of family.”1/11- A bit far fetched but still an interesting road trip that I enjoyed. I saw this at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. TRDB.

6) THE IMPERIALISTS ARE STILL ALIVE- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “As her new romance with handsome Javier (José María de Tavira) blossoms, French artist Asya (Élodie Bouchez) copes with her ex-boyfriend’s disappearance, worries about her brother’s safety in Beirut, and experiences a variety of bizarre adventures around New York City. Written and directed by Zeina Durra, this quirky drama also stars Karim Saleh, Karolina Muller, Marianna Kulukundis and Rita Ackerman.” Good audience reviews so far. TRDB.

7) TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “From the writers of “That ’70s Show” comes this retro dramatic comedy set a decade later, in the financial boom of the late 1980s, about a recent college grad trying to figure out what to do with his life. Amid the goings-on at a raucous Labor Day party, brilliant but underemployed Matt Franklin (Topher Grace) learns a slew of lessons about life and love in this ensemble-cast film starring Anna Faris, Dan Fogler and Teresa Palmer.” Good audience reviews so far. TRDB.

8)ILLEGAL- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Olivier Masset-Depasse directs this drama that follows the story of Tania (Anne Coesens) and her teenage son, Ivan (Alexandre Gontcharov), Russian immigrants who are in Belgium illegally. Tania lives in fear of being found out — and one day, her worst nightmare becomes a reality. During a routine police check, Tania is apprehended — but she refuses to accept the fact that she’ll be deported and separated from her son.” Reviews not so good so far but it did sound interesting. TRDB.

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OPENING NEXT WEEK NATIONALLY, REGIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

1) 3 BACKYARDS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Elias Koteas, Edie Falco and Rachel Resheff star as neighbors in this slice-of-life suburban drama that follows their separate stories over the course of one long and emotionally trying autumn afternoon. A businessman and his wife find their marriage unraveling, a housewife obsesses over a minor celebrity who lives down the block, and an 8-year-old girl stumbles across a disturbing scene. Eric Mendelsohn directs.” A few good reviews. TRDB.

2) CERTIFIED COPY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Renowned Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami serves up an elegant rumination about art and love in this story about British writer James Miller (William Shimell), who meets an art dealer named Elle (Juliette Binoche) in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her. As James and Elle wander through a small town, their playful conversations reveal an intimacy that leads locals to suspect that they are actually longtime spouses.” Some good reviews and some bad ones as well. TRDB.

 
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
March 4-
 
1) BHUTTO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Duane Baughman and Johnny O’Hara’s documentary is an in-depth and at times incendiary look at the epic life and tragic death of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, whose 2007 assassination sent her country’s political system into a tailspin. As a passionate and outspoken voice of reason and democracy, Bhutto‘s return to the seat of power seemed inevitable; but as a deeply divisive figure, her death was perhaps inescapable as well.” Very good early reviews.
 
2) ORGASM INC.- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “With humor and a wealth of research, director Liz Canner examines how drug companies promote and profit from the myth of female sexual dysfunction as they compete to produce the first FDA-approved “cure” for this condition. The provocative documentary features enlightening interviews with a passionate sex shop owner and a vintage-vibrator collector who argue that it’s society — not women’s bodies — that needs fixing.” Very good reviews.
 
March 11-
 
1) THE STRANGE CASE OF ANGELICA- Premise by Netflix. “In 1950s Portugal, a well-to-do family hires a young photographer named Isaac (Ricardo Trêpa) to take the last photograph of their deceased daughter, Angelica (Pilar López de Ayala). Upon seeing her, Isaac fallls deeply in love and soon finds her returning to life in his camera lens. Now, romance fills his life for the first time. Acclaimed filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira wrote and directed this Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Good review in NY Times on 12/29/10.
 
2) PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE- 2010. “Fiercely devoted to championing peace and social justice, folk singer Phil Ochs rose to fame at the height of the 1960s protest movements, yet his incisive lyrics and resonant melodies remain relevant for audiences today. This film tells his story. Through performance footage and interviews with Ochs’s contemporaries and admirers — including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and Sean Penn — the documentary paints a portrait of a uniquely American artist.” Great reviews.
 
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
 
1) NEW-
 
2) REPEATS-
 
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) COLD WEATHER- Have not seen it yet but I will
5) CONVICTION- Good reviews and I love Hilary Swank
6) CYRUS- Barely OK
7) EASY A- I liked it
9) EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP- Great reviews but I did NOT like it
10) GOING THE DISTANCE-Rubbish
11) I AM LOVE- I liked this very much
12) INCEPTION – Very good reviews
13) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- OK reviews
14) JACK GOES BOATING- Different but I liked it
15) KABOOM- From Sundance– fair reviews
16) MAD BASTARDS- From Sundance, I liked this one very much
17) MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- I enjoyed the film
18) MIDDLE MEN- No reviews but it sounded interesting to me
19) MILK- I liked it
20) NIGHT CATCHES US- I enjoyed the movie
21) NOWHERE BOY- I liked this one a lot
22) OWL AND THE SPARROW- I really enjoyed this one
23) SEPTIEN- From Sundance with OK reviews
24) STONE- I plan to see this despite poor reviews
25) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Just OK
26) THE HOUSEMAID- I saw this and found it interesting
27) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- Loved it
28) THE OTHER WOMAN- OK reviews– with Natalie Portman
29) THE TILLMAN STORY- I liked it
30) THE TOWN- Haven’t seen it yet but I will
31) UNCLE KENT- From Sundance- I haven’t seen it yet
32) WAITING FOR SUPERMAN- Good but not great as some have said
33) WELCOME TO THE RILEY’S- I liked it
34) WINTER’S BONE- It’s back again and most loved it but not me
 

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

  

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

  

NEW-

  

1) CEDAR RAPIDS- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Terrified of leaving his tiny town for the first time, sheltered insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) nervously sets out for the bright lights of bustling Cedar Rapids, where he attends a chaotic insurance convention and learns how to survive in the real world. Miguel Arteta directs this delightful fish-out-of-water comedy that also features Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche.” Excellent reviews.

 

2) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.” Fair to poor professional reviews. TRDB.

 

3) EVEN THE RAIN- Jacob Burns. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this provocative film-within-a-film, director Sebastián (Gael García Bernal) heads to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to shoot a film about Christopher Columbus’s trespasses in the New World, only to find the locals protesting present-day exploitation of the poor. Sebastián is sympathetic to the cause, but realities collide when lead actor Daniel (Carlos Aduviri), cast as a rebel against the Spanish, becomes a key figure in the current demonstrations.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, 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. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB.

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 

 

 

2) BARNEY’S VERSION- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “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.

2/11- Great acting and a magnificent screenplay make this a terrific movie. Highly recommended.

3) BIUTIFUL- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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. 

4) ANOTHER YEAR- 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.

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.

5) INSIDE JOB- Jacob Burns. 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.” Great reviews and a nominee for Best Picture for 2010.

6) 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.”

7) 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 very much. TRDB.

8)Black Swan- 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. 

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

The Reel Dr. Bob

Entry Filed under: All Reviews,Old Newsletters

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