The Reel Dr. Bob

AUG. 3, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

My daughter and her family are visiting this week so NO new movies for me. I did see a few at home during nap times and early in the morning.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE- Netflix

2) TRUST- Netflix

3) A SCREAMING MAN- Netflix Streaming but available on DVD very soon

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) 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.7/29/11- An excellent documentary about this man that I didn’t know or remember too much about. Good archival footage as well. TRDB. Netflix.

2) HEARTBEATS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Lush cinematography and poetic images highlight this coming-of-age tale about two best friends, Mary (Monia Chokri) and Francis (Xavier Dolan), who meet a charismatic wanderer named Nick (Niels Schneider) and suddenly find their longtime friendship tested to its limits. As the love triangle between the three intensifies, Mary and Francis vie for Nick’s affections in this intense story from Dolan, the Canadian prodigy who writes and directs.” Reviews more positive than negative and a few very good.

7/31/11- Not much to this French movie and I turned it off midway through. TRDB.

3) TRUST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After curious and vulnerable teenager Annie (Liana Liberato) falls into a trap set by an online sexual predator, her family begins to disintegrate, uncertain how to cope with such a devastating tragedy. Utterly consumed by rage, her father (Clive Owen) sets out seeking vengeance. Directed by David Schwimmer, this intensely emotional drama also stars Viola Davis, Thomas McCarthy and Catherine Keener.” Excellent reviews.  Just OK review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.

8/2/11- The screenplay was a little bit formulaic but frightening never-the-less with well acted parts. I’d recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.

4) 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.

8/3/11- A very slow but very moving drama about the effects of war on one family in particular. Definitely recommended. TRDB. Netflix Streaming and available on DVD very soon.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 9-

 

1) MEEK’S CUTOFF- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1845, this drama follows a group of settlers as they embark on a punishing journey along the Oregon Trail. When their guide leads them astray, the expedition is forced to contend with the unforgiving conditions of the high plain desert. Inspired by a true story, this effort from director Kelly Reichardt (Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy) illustrates the harsh difficulties, monotony and desperation endured by covered-wagon travelers.” Good review in NY Times on 4/8/11. TRDB.

 

2) GUNLESS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fleeing the law, infamous bandit Montana Kid (Paul Gross) heads north to hide out in Barclay’s Brush, Canada (population 17), where nobody seems to understand the code of the Old West. For starters, the gunfighter is amazed to find that nobody even owns a pistol. The Kid slowly warms to the town, and especially to the sassy and outspoken Jane (Sienna Guillory), but is forced to strap on his six-gun when the posse comes looking for him.” Only fair reviews so far. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) GUN HILL ROAD- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After serving a three-year stint in prison, tough-guy Enrique (Esai Morales) returns to his family in the Bronx to find that his wife (Judy Reyes) is a virtual stranger to him and, worse, his son (Harmony Santana) is in the middle of a sexual identity crisis. Now Enrique must find a way to accept his altered life or risk losing control and ending up back in jail. Rashaad Ernesto Green directs this compelling drama.” OK reviews so far. TRDB.

 

2) SAIGON ECLIPSE- 2007. Synopsis by Netflix. “Beautiful, talented Kieu (Truong Ngoc Anh) is starring in a movie directed by Kim (Dustin Nguyen), a Vietnamese American who’s returned home to further his film career. But the production hits major obstacles when funding runs out and Kieu falls in love with Kim. Kieu’s family, who’s producing the film, must use dishonest means to get money, leading Kieu to reexamine her priorities. The story was inspired by a 19th-century Vietnamese epic poem.” Poor reviews. TRDB.

  

3) THE WHISTLEBLOWER- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Sent to Bosnia to train cops in the aftermath of that country’s brutal civil war, American policewoman Kathryn Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz) uncovers evidence that U.N. peacekeepers are complicit in a flourishing sex-trafficking trade. But when she brings her allegations to light, she discovers that her foes are more powerful than the law. Based on a true story, this thriller from director Larysa Kondracki co-stars Monica Bellucci and David Strathairn.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. 7/21/11. I saw the coming attractions recently and I plan to see it. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) BUCK-  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.

 

2) I AM- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Hollywood comedy director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) gets contemplative in this documentary, which finds him conversing with prominent philosophers and spiritual leaders about what ails our world and how we can improve it. Traveling the globe to conduct his in-depth interviews, Shadyac finds insights and inspiration from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, historian Howard Zinn, philosopher Noam Chomsky and other luminaries.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “It’s the last night of summer vacation, and four high school friends face personal and interpersonal crossroads. As they wander the streets of suburban Detroit, each also takes the first tentative steps into the baffling world of adulthood. Recklessly chasing love and adventure, the teens end up with memories that will last a lifetime in this charming, thought-provoking debut feature from writer-director David Robert Mitchell.” OK reviews. 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

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE SUBURBS-

 

1) SARAH’S KEY- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the midst of researching an article about the roundup of Jews that took place in Paris in 1942, American-born journalist Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas) uncovers a sobering connection between her story and the home she shares with her boorish French husband (Frederic Pierrot). Gilles Paquet-Brenner directs this gripping drama based on a bestselling novel of the same name that was inspired by actual events.” Excellent professional reviews and average audience reaction. TRDB.

 

2) THE FUTURE- Clearview 100. 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.Good review in NY Times on 7/29/11. TRDB.

3) TABLOID- Jacob Burns. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Errol Morris profiles another intriguingly dysfunctional personality in this complex documentary about Joyce McKinney, a former beauty queen whose lovely exterior hides a genius IQ — and a criminal disposition. Joyce, a one-time Miss Wyoming, kidnapped her Mormon boyfriend and raped him repeatedly, which was only the beginning of her often-illegal and always eccentric behavior as she pursued her romantic ideals.” So far, good professional reviews but audiences do not agree. TRDB.

4) ANOTHER EARTH- Jacob Burns. 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Shortly after a strange, Earth-like planet is discovered, gifted astrophysics student Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling) accidentally slams her car into the vehicle of John Burroughs (William Mapother), killing his family. After some time, Rhoda and John begin an unlikely romance. But Rhoda starts to wonder what would happen if she could actually visit the new planet in director Mike Cahill’s romantic sci-fi drama.” At Sundance 2011. Sounds interesting and good early reviews as well. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk.  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.

2) SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

3) BUCK- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

 4) SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS- 2011. Clearview 100.7/25/11. By Joseph Dorman this is a wonderful documentary about the famous Yiddish writer. TRDB.

5) CRAZY, STUPID LOVE- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.

6) PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NY TIMES- Jacob Burns. 2011. Premise 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.

  

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