The Reel Dr. Bob

JULY 26, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

This week’s edition (#377) is coming out a day early and some of the local theaters have not published their schedules for next week as yet.

I got to see 4 good movies this week- 2 at the theater and 2 at home.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) PEEP WORLD- Netflix

2) SUMMERTIME- Netflix

3) A BETTER LIFE- At the Bethel Cinema

4) SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS- At the Jacob Burns Film Center

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) A BETTER LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid social drama tracks the relationship and conflicts between Mexican immigrant gardener Carlos and his teenage son Luis, whom he’s trying to interest in earning an honest living rather than drifting into the East L.A. gang scene.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.6/24/11- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7/24/11- I think this is a wonderful movie with a real life glimpse into the plight of the illegal immigrant and the extraordinary measures taken by some parents to protect their children in this situation. TRDB.

2) SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS- 2011. 

7/25/11. By Joseph Dorman this is a wonderful documentary about the famous Yiddish writer. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) 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. 7/20/11- I liked this movie very much as it combined comedy with a very serious topic, i.e. working through a dysfunctional family. TRDB. Netflix.

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.

7/23/11- A distinctly strange movie that was mildly enjoyable at times. An all female cast as well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) SUMMERTIME- 1955. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dreams of romance for American spinster Jane Hudson (Katharine Hepburn) become a bittersweet reality when she meets a handsome but married antiques dealer (Rossano Brazzi) while vacationing in Venice, Italy. David Lean directed this sensitive portrait of an independent woman who finds that, even in a beautiful European city, her sense of loneliness is unavoidable, and her initial disgust with the idea of an illicit love affair doesn’t last.”

7/25/11- Classic Hepburn and classic Venice make this movie wonderful. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 2-

 

1) OUTSIDE THE LAW- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Left without a home in their homeland, three Algerian brothers (Jamel Debbouze, Roschdy Zem and Sami Bouajila) split from their mother and seek out strikingly dissimilar lives. But fate won’t keep the siblings apart, eventually summoning them all to Paris for a reunion. This foreign-language drama from writer-director Rachid Bouchareb is set amid Algeria’s post-World War II fight for independence from France.” Very good reviews.

 

2) 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.

 

3) A SCREAMING MAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Adam (Youssouf Djaoro) was a security guard at a posh Chad hotel until its new owners replaced him with his son (Dioucounda Koma). In this nation torn apart by civil war, citizens are called upon to help. But Adam only has one thing to give, forcing him to make a devastating choice. Emile Abossolo M’bo and Djénéba Koné co-star in this powerful drama, winner of the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Great professional reviews and average audience reviews. TRDB.

 

4) CON ARTIST- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “With this documentary, Michael Sladek chronicles the rise and fall of Mark Kostabi, the infamous contemporary artist who rose to acclaim in the 1980s by openly lampooning and exploiting the art industry with a series of attention-grabbing gimmicks. Taking aim at what he saw as the commoditization of modern-day art, Kostabi caused a stir in the art world when he decided to mass-produce and sell artworks that he himself had no hand in creating.” Fair review in NY Times 11/12/10.

 

5) 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.

6) 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.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) THE FUTURE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Suddenly aware that their lives will radically change in a month’s time, Sophie (Miranda July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) decide to seize the opportunity to quit their jobs, pursue new interests and disconnect from the Internet, with the knowledge that their actions will literally change the course of history. As they pursue their adventures, they find their faith in one another and in themselves is put to the test.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE INTERRUPTERS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This powerful documentary follows a group called CeaseFire, which is dedicated to wiping out urban violence. Begun by epidemiologist Gary Slutkin, CeaseFire treats violence like an infection and seeks to eradicate the root cause before it can spread. Based in Chicago and staffed by many former gang members, “the interrupters” attempt to prevent the shootings and assaults that are prompted by tit-for-tat retaliation, despite the personal dangers.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

3) THE HARVEST- 2011. A documentary about children who toil in the fields without the protection of child labor laws right here in our own backyards in America. No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) TUESDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Paul Hanganu (Mimi Branescu) is in love with two women: Adriana (Mirela Oprisor), his wife of 10 years, and Raluca (Maria Popistasu), his mistress of the past several months. Now, at a crossroads, Paul is forced to choose between them in this drama from Romanian director Radu Muntean. Combining careful staging and emotionally intense dialogue, the film presents an unblinking profile of a man in crisis and the women whose lives he’s ensnared.” Good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.5/25/11- Excellent review in NY Times today. TRDB.

 

2) PIANOMANIA- 2011. A documentary about the sounds of the piano, the tuning, the instrument itself. Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) AUTO EROTIC- About the sex lives of a few couples. Surprisingly good review in the NY Times on 7/22/11. TRDB.

 

2) FLYPAPER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two gangs unwittingly attempt to rob a bank at the same time, catching innocent Tripp Kennedy (Patrick Dempsey) in the middle of the action. In the midst of the melee, Tripp saves bank teller Kaitlin (Ashley Judd), and together they scheme to stay alive and out of love. When the bank’s security system goes into lockdown mode, the standoff pits crook against crook while Tripp and Kaitlin execute their plan.”

 

3) LOU- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This poignant drama follows Lou, an 11-year-old Australian coping with having been abandoned by her father when her estranged grandfather, Doyle, comes to live with the family. Much to Lou‘s surprise, she develops a deep bond with the ailing Doyle.” No Reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) CRAZY, STUPID LOVE- Saw Mill Hawthorne. CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife (Julianne Moore) wants to end their marriage, he reluctantly faces the unwelcome prospect of single life with the counsel of the younger and smoother super-bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Meanwhile, Cal’s adolescent son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), has formed an unquenchable crush on his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton) — but is she more interested in Robbie’s recently unwed father?” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This raucous rom-com chronicles the relationship of two busy singles, Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis), who agree to include sex in their friendship — minus the emotions and commitment. But things get complicated when Dylan (inevitably?) falls for his gal pal. Patricia Clarkson co-stars as Jaime’s hip mom and Woody Harrelson plays Dylan’s practical confidante, who advises him to man up when he pursues the newly dating Jamie.” Actually got an OK review from NY Times on 7/22/11. TRDB.

 

 

 

REPEATS-

 

1) A BETTER LIFE- Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid social drama tracks the relationship and conflicts between Mexican immigrant gardener Carlos and his teenage son Luis, whom he’s trying to interest in earning an honest living rather than drifting into the East L.A. gang scene.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.6/24/11- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7/24/11- I think this is a wonderful movie with a real life glimpse into the plight of the illegal immigrant and the extraordinary measures taken by some parents to protect their children in this situation. TRDB.

2) BUCK- Bethel.  Synopsis by Netflix. “Buck Brannaman, inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer,” is revealed as a complex figure in this documentary by Cindy Meehl. The master horseman reveals details of his troubled childhood and his dawning awareness of new ways that humans and horses might work with one another. As Buck learns more about horses, he finds that the ways we communicate with our animal companions offer lessons on how we relate to fellow human beings.” At Sundance 2011.

7/8/11- An excellent documentary where we see the man in action and we learn about life events that made him what he is. Definitely recommended. TRDB.

3) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Bethel. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB.

Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.

6/3/11- A good story, good acting and of course great Paris. Not one of Woody’s best but it was good and I enjoyed it. TRDB.

4) PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NY TIMES- Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Andrew Rossi goes inside the New York Times to examine how the venerable paper and its reporters are responding to the massive changes in how news is gathered, analyzed and dispersed. Is there any future for newsprint? The creative process of journalism is also dissected, with journalists David Carr, Brian Stelter and many others providing insight into their writing processes and where they think the news business is headed.” At Sundance 2011. Fairly good audience reactions. TRDB.

7/15/11- Excellent documentary that we all need to listen to as newspapers  with shrinking revenues fold right and left. TRDB.

5) SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN- Bethel, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted director Wayne Wang helms this adaptation of Lisa See’s best-selling novel about two young girls in 19th-century China who are pledged as lifelong companions through an ancient ritual, although their friendship is sorely tested as they mature. Paralleling the story of Snow Flower and Lily, who communicate by writing on the folds of a white fan, are the modern-day tribulations of Sophia and Nina, who struggle to maintain their relationship.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

6)  BEATS RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST- Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Rapaport goes behind the scenes with this documentary to chronicle the tumultuous group dynamics that have driven influential, genre-bending hip-hop sensations A Tribe Called Quest to the heights of success. Filmed during a 2008 reunion tour, this movie includes candid input from band members, including Q-Tip, along with testimonies by other artists such as Kanye West to Tribe‘s enduring musical legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

7)  TERRI- Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Working with screenwriter Patrick Dewitt, filmmaker Azazel Jacobs crafts a poignant coming-of-age tale about Terri (Jacob Wysocki), an overweight orphan who, while struggling to find acceptance with his peers, forms an unlikely friendship with his vice principal (John C. Reilly). Turns out that both know all too well what it’s really like to be alone, which makes them ideal companions for each other.”

6/26/11- An article about this movie (not a review) in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7/1/11-Good review in NY Times today. TRDB.

7/12/11- Very good professional reviews and OK audience ones. TRDB.

7/18/11- I saw this today, found it absorbing, and I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB.

8)MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Clearview 100. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this bittersweet dramatic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on a young engaged couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live as a couple.” Very good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. Fair review in NY Times from Cannes on 5/13/11. TRDB.

Good review in NY Times on 5/20/11. I’ll definitely see it. TRDB.

6/3/11- A good story, good acting and of course great Paris. Not one of Woody’s best but it was good and I enjoyed it. TRDB.

 

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

 

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org  

 

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com