The Reel Dr. Bob

MARCH 18, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

BACK AGAIN AFTER A WEEK IN SUNNY FLORIDA!!!

DURING THE LAST 2 WEEKS I’VE SEEN SOME VERY GOOD MOVIES- JUST LOOK AT MY FAVORITES LIST—

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS-

 

1) POETRY- Theater

2) EVEN THE RAIN- Theater

3) DANDELION DUST- Netflix

4) CONVICTION- Netflix

5) DEAR PYONGYANG- Comcast On-Demand

6) AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- Netflix

7) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- Netflix

8)COLD WEATHER- Comcast On-Demand

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW IN THE THEATER-

 

1) POETRY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A poetry-writing class inspires serenely self-possessed grandmother Mija (Jeong-hie Yun) to open her senses to her suburban surroundings, but in rushes an array of unsettling discoveries in this lyrical South Korean melodrama. Along with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes information that Mija’s teenage grandson was party to a horrific incident, and it is left to Mija to compose order from the untidy emotional consequences.” Great reviews in general– also in NY Times on 2/11/11.3/11- This movie was like a poem itself. Well acted and an interesting story. Slow at times but I enjoyed it. TRDB.

2) EVEN THE RAIN- 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.

3/11- An excellent depiction of the moral conflicts involved in this type of situation. Well acted and I loved the movie. TRDB.

3) THE STRANGE CASE OF ANGELICA- 2010. 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  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.

3/11- Despite the good reviews I found this allegorical tale boring. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW AT HOME-

 

1) LIKE DANDELION DUST- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Jack (Cole Hauser) and Molly Campbell (Kate Levering) are horrified to learn that the biological father (Barry Pepper) of their adopted son, Joey (Maxwell Perry Cotton), has been released from prison and wants custody of the boy. As the legal case builds against the Campbells, the couple hatches a risky plan to save their family. Mira Sorvino also stars in this gripping drama as Pepper’s girlfriend, Wendy.” Mostly very good reviews.3/11- A very good depiction, if not a bit predictable, of a difficult true to life issue and I liked it very much. TRDB. Netflix.

2) A MARINE STORY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “A decorated officer from a military family, Alex (Dreya Weber) is unexpectedly discharged from duty. When she returns to her conservative hometown, the Marine struggles to readjust to civilian life, but agrees to mentor Saffron (Paris P. Pickard), a troubled teen who’s enlisting. Alex is the no-nonsense role model and authority figure Saffron needs, but as Saffron finally hits her stride, Alex must find the courage to face her own demons.” OK review in NY Times on 11/5/10.

3/11- A very good idea but a trivial screenplay brings it down, particularly the bar scenes. TRDB. Netflix.

3) NEVER LET ME GO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “While retracing her experiences attending a boarding school for special children, Kathy (Carey Mulligan) reconnects with her former classmates, Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield), in an effort to determine exactly what sets them apart from other people. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s highly acclaimed novel, this sci-fi thriller from director Mark Romanek also stars Sally Hawkins, Charlotte Rampling and Andrea Riseborough.” Just OK reviews.

3/11- An interesting idea but the movie is passionless and I was bored most of the time. I did stick it out to the end, however. TRDB. Netflix.

4) CONVICTION- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Convinced that her brother, Kenneth (Sam Rockwell), has been unjustly convicted of murder and incompetently defended by court-ordered attorneys, high school dropout Betty Anne Waters (Hilary Swank) puts herself through law school in order to represent him in his appeal. Inspired by a true story, director Tony Goldwyn’s stirring drama also stars Melissa Leo, Minnie Driver, Peter Gallagher and Clea DuVall.” Good reviews.

3/11- A true story portrayed with sensitivity and emotion and a wonderful Hilary Swank as usual. TRDB. Netflix.

5) KINGS OF PASTRY- 2009. 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.” Very good reviews.

3/11- Very good reviews for this documentary but I cannot understand why. No passion in this movie but oh those pastries. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

6) DEAR PYONGYANG- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Yonghi Yang divides her time behind and in front of the camera in this poignant exploration of family, place and identity, a 2006 Sundance prize winner. To better understand her father’s fierce loyalty to Communist North Korea — and the personal sacrifices that resulted from his political convictions — Yang candidly questions her father about his beliefs, revealing a complex man shaped by both emotional and ideological forces.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

3/11- An interesting documentary but I felt that the film lacked a certain passion that would be inherent in a family that had sent all 3 of their sons from Japan, where they lived, to live permanently in North Korea. Still lots of unanswered questions. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

7) 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.

3/11 Similar to other movies of this type but not nearly as good as any I’ve seen. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

8)AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN- 2009. 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 NY Times. TRDB.

3/11- A bit slow at times but I found it interesting and definitely worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix.

9) COLD WEATHER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After things go south for former forensic science major Doug (Cris Lankenau), he leaves Chicago and returns home to Oregon to live with his sister, Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn) — and soon finds himself entangled in an unexpected situation that calls on his investigative mind. Together with Gail and his friend Carlos, Doug uses his forensic skills and the techniques he’s learned as a detective fiction enthusiast to unravel the mystery he encounters.” Fairly good reviews.

3/11- A light mystery with some cute characters and it’s worth viewing. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

10) 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.

3/11- A delightful story with cute characters and a message. TRDB. Netflix.

11) LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB- 2009. 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.

3/11- A spiritual drama where all of the action takes place at the end. Fortunately it’s a very short movie. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON MARCH 8 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) THE CHAPERONE- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “After serving time in the slammer for driving the getaway car in an attempted bank robbery, Ray Bradstone (professional wrestling star Paul Levesque — better known as Triple H) is a reformed family man who wants to chaperone his daughter’s class trip. But some bad guys (Kevin Corrigan and Kevin Rankin) from his past have other plans. Can Ray outwit these nitwits while keeping himself and his daughter (Ariel Winter) safe from harm?” This one has actually received a few good reviews.

 

2) KITES- Premise by Netflix. “Although Mexican bombshell Natasha (Barbara Mori) and Indian hunk Jay (Hrithik Roshan) don’t speak the same language, they quickly develop an intense, mutual attraction. But after they brazenly run off together, the sexy couple encounters severe danger and trouble with the law. Anurag Basu directs and co-writes this big budget Bollywood action movie that was filmed on location in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Fe.” Reviews are more positive than negative. TRDB.

 

3) THE WAITING ROOM- 2007. Premise by Netflix. “Single mom Anna (Anne-Marie Duff) breaks off a self-destructive affair with her friend’s husband (Rupert Graves) when she meets the man of her dreams — Stephen (Ralf Little), a handsome nursing home orderly — in a chance encounter at a train station. The feeling is mutual for Stephen, who loses interest in his tepid relationship with Fiona (Christine Bottomley) when Anna comes into the picture. Roger Goldby directs this romance set in London.” OK reviews. TRDB.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 22-

 

1) THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH- Premise by Netflix. “When Angela Yang (Karin Anna Cheung) finds out she’s pregnant, she’s got countless reasons to be upset about it. But, more specifically, she’s concerned because she’s slept with so many different guys that she has no idea who the father is. Her more conservative sister (Lynn Chen) makes finding the baby’s daddy — and marrying him — sound like the only plausible option. But Angela’s liberally minded best friend (Wilson Cruz) has other ideas.” Interesting review in NY Times 8/13/10.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MARCH 15, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) TROUBADOURS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary offers a loving look at the music scene in Los Angeles in the 1970s, focusing on superstars James Taylor and Carole King, and how their careers were tied in to the evolution of the world-famous Troubadour club. Interviews and archival footage highlight the examination of how the highly political music of the 1960s transformed into the more intimate songs made popular by the increasingly predominant singer-songwriters.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEK NATIONALLY, REGIONALLY OR LOCALLY-

 

1) CRACKS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Jordan Scott — daughter of helmer Ridley Scott — makes her directing debut with this thriller set at a British all-girls boarding school between World War I and II and starring Eva Green as a popular teacher and coach of the swim team. When a new girl arrives at the cliquish and hormonally charged institution, jealousies erupt, obsessions arise and, eventually, a student disappears in this film that also stars Juno Temple and María Valverde.” Mainly poor reviews so far. TRDB.2) DESERT FLOWER- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Sherry Horman directs this drama based on the real-life story of Waris Dirie (Liya Kebede), a poor girl who flees an arranged marriage in Somalia, winds up in London and becomes one of the world’s most recognizable supermodels. As her star rises, Dirie speaks out against the practice of female genital mutilation, a trauma she experienced as a girl. Timothy Spall co-stars as the photographer who “discovered” Dirie working in a fast food joint.” Winner at Palm Springs Film Festival, 2011.

3) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good reviews. TRDB.

4) THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Nearly 20 years after Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) ran away from home, his father, Henry Sawyer (J.K. Simmons), and mother, Helen (Cara Seymour), discover that the no longer young man is now living in a hospital due to a brain tumor that blocks him from recording fresh memories. Desperate to connect with his son, Henry soon realizes that the best way to do so is through music — specifically the classic rock tunes Gabe loves and he despises.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

5) WINTER IN WARTIME- 2008. Premise by Netflix. “This sumptuously photographed drama focuses on 14-year-old Michiel (Martijn Lakemeier) as he wrestles with family loyalties, painful choices between safety and courage, and the harsh realities of war during the last, desperate winter of World War II. Michiel is forced onto the path of adulthood as he attempts to aid a wounded British pilot (Jamie Campbell Bower) in German-occupied Netherlands, despite his father’s apparent cooperation with enemy soldiers.” Mixed reviews, more positive than negative.

6) WIN WIN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-

 

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) MAKING THE BOYS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Revered by some for breaking new ground and reviled by others for reinforcing stereotypes, The Boys in the Band was the first gay-themed film to reach a mainstream audience. This documentary paints a vivid picture of how it got there. Through interviews with Tony Kushner, Edward Albee and more — plus wonderful period footage of Hollywood’s gay past (think Roddy MacDowell and Sal Mineo) — the film reveals The Boys in the Band’s enduring legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) DEAR PYONGYANG- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Yonghi Yang divides her time behind and in front of the camera in this poignant exploration of family, place and identity, a 2006 Sundance prize winner. To better understand her father’s fierce loyalty to Communist North Korea — and the personal sacrifices that resulted from his political convictions — Yang candidly questions her father about his beliefs, revealing a complex man shaped by both emotional and ideological forces.” Very good reviews. TRDB.3/11- An interesting documentary but I felt that the film lacked a certain passion that would be inherent in a family that had sent all 3 of their sons from Japan, where they lived, to live permanently in North Korea. Still lots of unanswered questions. TRDB.

2) 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.

 

3) MONAGAMY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Miserable shooting weddings for a living, Brooklyn photographer Theo (Chris Messina) starts up a cool new business, taking surveillance-style photos of clients. But when an alluring female (Meital Dohan) hires his services, the shutterbug falls into a world of lust and jealousy. Co-starring Rashida Jones as Theo’s fiancée, this tense drama explores how intimacy and inadequacy coexist in the modern world.”3/11 Good review in NY Times ON 3/11/11. TRDB.

4) TAMARA DREWE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After undergoing plastic surgery and a complete fashion makeover, suddenly sexy journalist Tamara (Gemma Arterton) triumphantly returns to her tiny hometown, where she exploits her irresistible appeal by recklessly toying with others’ emotions and breaking hearts. Adapted from a comic strip by Posy Simmonds, this Stephen Frears-directed comedy explores themes such as unrequited loved, envy and lust.” Mostly good professional reviews. Just OK from audiences.

2/11- Funny, occasionally poignant and definitely worth seeing. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) 127 HOURS- Very good reviews

2) BURLESQUE- Fair reviews but some liked it a lot

 

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) OF GODS AND MEN- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks’ abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.” Great reviews. Opens in NY on 2/25/11.

 

2) CERTIFIED COPY- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

  

3) THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Nearly 20 years after Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) ran away from home, his father, Henry Sawyer (J.K. Simmons), and mother, Helen (Cara Seymour), discover that the no longer young man is now living in a hospital due to a brain tumor that blocks him from recording fresh memories. Desperate to connect with his son, Henry soon realizes that the best way to do so is through music — specifically the classic rock tunes Gabe loves and he despises.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

4) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Matthew McConaughey stars in the big-screen adaptation of Michael Connelly’s best-selling novel about struggling lawyer Mickey Haller, who conducts business from his Lincoln Town Car. When Mickey finally lands a big case, it has deadly consequences. Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s been charged with assault, Mickey finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces that the sinister Louis may be guilty.” Good reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Bethel, 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.

 

2) 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.

 

3) THE KING’S SPEECH- Bethel, 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) BARNEY’S VERSION- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.2/11- Great acting and a magnificent screenplay make this a terrific movie. Highly recommended. TRDB.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com