FILM REVIEWS #361

March 31st, 2011

 

MARCH 31, 2011
DEAR FRIENDS:
 
PLEASE ACCESS MY WEBSITE AT- www.thereeldrbob.com
 
OVER THE NEXT 2 WEEKS THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE (AJC) AND THE BURNS FILM CENTER WILL AGAIN BE CO-SPONSORING A JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY. I PLAN ON SEEING SEVERAL MOVIES THERE. I’VE BEEN THERE BEFORE AND THE FILMS ARE GENERALLY OF VERY GOOD QUALITY.
 
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
 
1) THE EDGE OF HEAVEN- At the Heritage Hills Foreign and Independent Film Club
2) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- Theater
3) WASTELAND- Netflix
4) CERTIFIED COPY- Comcast On-Demand
 
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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-
 
1) 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 review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.3/11- A fun movie and I enjoyed it. TRDB. At the theater.

 
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MOVIES I SAW THIS  WEEK AT HOME-
 
1) THE EDGE OF HEAVEN- 2007. Premise by Netflix.  “When his father accidentally kills a prostitute, Nejat Aksu (Baki Davrak) seeks out her 27-year-old daughter, Ayten (Nurgül Yesilcay), to make amends. Nejat focuses his search in Turkey, but Ayten, who’s part of a closely watched activist group, has fled to Germany. The lives of four Turks and two Germans are soon entwined as a result of circumstances beyond their control in this compelling drama, which earned Best Screenplay honors at Cannes.”3/11- I saw this movie 2 years ago and liked it very much. I saw it again yesterday (3/24/11) and enjoyed it even more. TRDB. I saw this at Heritage Hills.

2) 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.” Fairly good reviews but some said it was lacking. TRDB.

3/11- I agree with the reviewers who said the movie was “lacking.” TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.

3/11- A weak story with no life in it at all. TRDB. Netflix.

4) WASTE LAND- 2010. Directed by Lucy Walker. 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.

3/11- A very well done documentary that I enjoyed very much both for the topic and the technique. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

5) 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. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

3/11- An interesting idea keeps this movie going as you wonder what will evolve. One reviewer said it was like a virtual date with Juliette Binoche. I did enjoy it. TRDB. Comcast On Demand.

 
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 5-
 
1) I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra directs this comedy based on a true story.” Reviews just more positive than negative. TRDB.
 
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OPENING THIS WEEK REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY OR LOCALLY-
 
1) MY RUN- 2011. A documentary about a 75yr. old man who ran in 75 consecutive marathons to raise attention to the problems of the single parent. No reviews yet. TRDB.
 
2) FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Focusing on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path — including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables — that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.
 
3) CIRCO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family’s long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary. Featuring music by alt-country rockers Calexico, the film explores family ties and cultural inheritance while taking viewers all across rural Mexico’s beautiful back roads.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.
 
4) IN A BETTER WORLD- (Haevnen) 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father (Mikael Persbrandt) working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.” Won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. TRDB.
 
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FLORIDA- At the Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Theatre-
 
1) ANOTHER HARVEST MOON- Premise by Netflix. “Although he’s cultivated strong friendships in the nursing home where he lives, elderly Frank (Ernest Borgnine) — beset with a failing memory and fears of another stroke — entertains grave questions about his future. His friends Alice (Doris Roberts) and Ella (Anne Meara) debate Frank’s plans as they face their own private worries in director Greg Swartz’s tender drama about aging, faith and family, co-starring Piper Laurie and Cybill Shepherd.” A few decent reviews. TRDB.
 
2) THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM- 2011. Premise by RottenTomatoes. “Winner of four Best Documentary Awards, The Elephant in the Living Room explores the controversial American subculture of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets. The story follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue. One, Tim Harrison, an Ohio police officer whose friend was killed by an exotic pet, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.” No reviews yet. TRDB.
 
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
 
NEW-
 
1) 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. Good review in NY Times on 3/11/11.

3/11- An interesting idea keeps this movie going as you wonder what will evolve. One reviewer said it was like a virtual date with Juliette Binoche. I did enjoy it. TRDB.

 
2) 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.  OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.
 
3) GET LOW- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek team up to tell the true story of Felix “Bush” Breazeale, a Tennessee loner who planned his own funeral in 1938 while he was still around to attend — and enjoy — the proceedings. Also starring Bill Murray and Lucas Black as the co-proprietors of the funeral home, the dramatic thriller was penned by the screenwriting team of C. Gaby Mitchell (Blood Diamond) and Chris Provenzano (“Mad Men”).” Great reviews.

8/10 To my surprise I did like this movie even though it was clearly a vehicle for Duvall to shine once more. I have never liked Murray outside of the comic role and didn’t here either. TRDB.
 
4) RABBIT HOLE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “In this raw drama based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) grapple with the realities of life eight months after the death of their 4-year-old son, Danny. Even with Becca’s well-meaning mother (Dianne Wiest) offering comfort and weekly group therapy always available, the couple go about their own secret ways of coping. John Cameron Mitchell directs.” OK review in NY Times 12/17/10.
 
5) PEEP WORLD- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “When four siblings gather to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday, the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan because one of them has penned a novel populated by characters who strongly resemble his nearest and dearest. How will this dysfunctional family keep it together after everyone has seemingly been hung out to dry? Barry W. Blaustein’s ensemble-cast comedy stars Rainn Wilson, Ron Rifkin, Michael C. Hall and Sarah Silverman.” OK reviews at best. TRDB.
 
6) FAIR GAME-  2010. Premise by Netflix. “After her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), writes op-ed columns accusing the Bush administration of misleading the public to justify invading Iraq, Valerie Plame Wilson’s (Naomi Watts) status as a covert CIA agent is leaked by administration officials. Based on events described in Plame Wilson’s memoir, this drama explores the political scandal that led to the conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby.” Fair review in NY Times on 11/5/10.11/10- This movie was very well done and packed a wallop. I liked it a lot. TRDB.

 
7) BLACK SWAN- 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. 

 
REPEATS-
 
1) 127 HOURS- Very good reviews
2) BURLESQUE- Fair reviews but some liked it a lot
3) CHARLIE ST. CLOUD- Poor reviews
4) COLD WEATHER- I liked it
5) CONVICTION- I love Hilary Swank and I liked the movie
6) CYRUS- Barely OK
7) DEAR PYONGYANG- I enjoyed the movie
8)FOUR LIONS- OK reviews
9) GOING THE DISTANCE-Rubbish
10) ILLEGAL- Fair reviews
11) INCEPTION – Very good reviews but I couldn’t get into it at all
12) IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY- OK reviews
13) JACK GOES BOATING- Different but I liked it
14) KABOOM- From Sundance– fair reviews
15) MIDDLE MEN- An odd documentary but I enjoyed it
16) MONOGAMY- OK reviews
17) NOWHERE BOY- I liked this one a lot
18) TAMARA DREWE- I enjoyed this one
19) THE FIGHTER- Great movie
20) THE HOUSEMAID- I saw this and found it interesting
21) THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT- Loved it
22) THE LITTLE TRAITOR- I enjoyed it
23) THE OTHER WOMAN- OK reviews– with Natalie Portman. My friends didn’t like it
24) THE SOCIAL NETWORK- Great movie
25) THE TILLMAN STORY- I liked it
26) THE TOWN- Interesting and I liked it
27) WAITING FOR SUPERMAN- Good but not great as some have said
28) WELCOME TO THE RILEY’S- I liked it
 

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- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)
 
NEW MOVIES-
 
AGAIN, THE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL AT JACOB BURNS!!
 
1) WIN WIN- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Danbury. 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. Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.
 
REPEAT MOVIES-
 
1) OF GODS AND MEN- Bethel, Clearview 100. 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.  
 
3/11- Very well done and very well acted but a bit too long and definitely not for a general audience. TRDB.
 
2) JANE EYRE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her brooding employer Edward Rochester’s (Michael Fassbender) impenetrable personality, young governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) takes time to reflect on her childhood and the events that led her to the misty moors. Little does she know that Rochester’s mood is largely due to a dark secret. Judi Dench, Jamie Bell and Sally Hawkins co-star in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
 
3) CERTIFIED COPY- Bethel, Clearview 100. 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.
 
3/11- An interesting idea keeps this movie going as you wonder what will evolve. One reviewer said it was like a virtual date with Juliette Binoche. I did enjoy it. TRDB. Comcast On Demand.
 
4) THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.
 
5) THE LINCOLN LAWYER- 2010. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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 review from NY Times on 3/18/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.3/11- A fun movie and I enjoyed it. TRDB.

6) THE LITTLE TRAITOR- 2007. Saw Mill Hawthorne. Premise by Zap2it. “During the British occupation of Palestine, an Israeli youth’s friendship with a British soldier lands him in trouble with town officials.” Good reviews.

2/11– A bit overacted and a bit too precocious for the kid but a good message and I did enjoy it. TRDB.

7) THE KING’S SPEECH- 2010. Danbury. 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.

 

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

 

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

 
 
 
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

The Reel Dr. Bob

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