The Reel Dr. Bob

AUG. 18, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

This was a VERY GOOD movie week!!

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) HEY, BOO: HARPER LEE & TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD- Netflix

2) RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES- Theater (Mohegan Lake)

3) SARAH’S KEY- Theater (Jacob Burns)

4) PONETTE- Netflix Streaming

5) QUEEN TO PLAY- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates, including Caesar (Andy Serkis), develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats, unleashing a war for dominion over Earth.”8/14/11-Despite not liking James Franco and not liking sci-fi I thoroughly enjoyed this movie that my friends Don and Sue dragged me to. Great special effects, good story and boy, you have to love those apes. TRDB.

2) SARAH’S KEY- 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.”

8/15/11- Great script and wonderful acting make this Holocaust movie different from others and I highly recommend it. All of my contacts liked this movie but professional reviews were not that great. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) HEY, BOO: HARPER LEE & TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Harper Lee‘s novel To Kill a Mockingbird and its Oscar-winning film adaptation both had a deep influence on American culture and racial perspectives. This pensive documentary studies the author’s life and the controversy her work inspired.” Very good reviews. TRDB.8/13/11- A great documentary about an unusual author with footage from the movie. See it! TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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.

8/15/11- A better than average drama that did kept my interest and I saw it through. I think you won’t be sorry if you sign on. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

3) PONETTE- 1996. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her mother dies in a car accident, 4-year-old Ponette is left physically and emotionally scarred and in the care of her grief-stricken father. Sent to live with family for a while, Ponette slowly comes to terms with her loss.”

8/16/11- A very good beginning and a wonderful end but too much time spent in the middle watching very cute, precosius children. The 4yr. old star is unbelievable. All in all, I’d still recommend it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) QUEEN TO PLAY- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Intrigued by a pair of vacationing lovers playing chess, hotel maid Hélène (Sandrine Bonnaire) sets her sights on mastering the game. With some coaching from a doctor (Kevin Kline) who employs her services, Hélène hones her chess skills and begins to notice big changes in her life. Written and directed by Caroline Bottaro, this charming French drama also stars Jennifer Beals and Francis Renaud.” Good review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.

8/16/11- I really liked this movie and felt that it captured beautifully the need for people to stake out something that they own for themselves. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 23-

 

1) THE CHAMELEON- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Nicholas Barclay (Marc-André Grondin), the long-missing son of a Texas family, answers his mother’s (Ellen Barkin) prayers when he resurfaces with the sensational story that he escaped from a child prostitution ring. The catch? The man isn’t really Nicholas Barclay. Rather, it’s master identity thief Frédéric Bourdin, and an FBI agent (Famke Janssen) is hot on his trail in this gripping true-crime thriller.” An unusual review in the NY Times on 7/15/11– I’m not sure if it’s positive or negative. Awful reviews in general. TRDB.

 

2) ROAD TO NOWHERE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a reach for authenticity, filmmaker Mitch (Tygh Runyan) casts an unknown actress (Shannyn Sossamon) to star in his upcoming film, the true story of a puzzling political scandal involving a North Carolina senator. But then he learns the actress may have actually been involved. Before long, Mitch finds himself helplessly ensnared in a deadly web of intrigue. Dominique Swain and Waylon Payne round out the cast.” OK review in NY Times on 6/10/11 and in general better professional reviews than audience ones. TRDB.

 

3) SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Struggling for survival on the rough streets of Los Angeles, newly paralyzed DJ “Delicious” Dean O’Dwyer (Christopher Thornton) gains the supernatural ability to heal the sick. But he uses the gift to capitalize on his dreams of rock success in this offbeat drama. Written by Thornton, Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut also stars Orlando Bloom as the front man of a rock band and Laura Linney as the group’s persistent manager.” OK audience. The NY Times(4/29/11) didn’t care for the movie. TRDB.

 

4) THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Intrepid filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) directs this entertaining, bitingly ironic documentary, which scrutinizes the pervasive marketing, advertising and product placement practices that have become de rigueur in the entertainment industry. Cheerfully using the proceeds gleaned from product placement within this film to finance it (and underscore his point), Spurlock reveals the corporate power that saturates both film and television.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

5) 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.

6) SECRET SUNSHINE- 2007. Premise by Netflix. “Trying to piece her life back together after the death of her husband, Lee Shin-ae (Do-yeon Jeon) moves to the small village where he was born with her young son in tow. Life seems to return to normal, until the boy is kidnapped and Shin-ae is devastated. Jeon won the Best Actress award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in this emotionally gripping drama by director Chang-dong Lee.” Very good reviews. Great review in NY Times on 12/22/10.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) 5 DAYS OF WAR- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When American journalist Thomas Anders (Rupert Friend) is sent to cover the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, he and his cameraman become entangled with a beautiful Georgian scholar (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and soon risk becoming casualties of the brief but brutal conflict. Caught in the crossfire, Anders faces charges of espionage. Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia and Dean Cain co-star in this tense drama directed by Renny Harlin.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) AMIGO- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director John Sayles steers this poignant period drama, set in turn-of-the-century Philippines, that examines the U.S. occupation of the islands from the perspective of American soldiers, who settle in with native residents. Making connections between the past and modern-day dealings in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sayles draws some surprising parallels through repeated history. Chris Cooper stars as Col. Hardacre.” Worse than average early audience reviews.

 

3) ONE DAY- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a romantic tryst on college graduation night, Emma and Dexter pursue separate dreams. This romantic drama based on a novel of the same name checks in with them each year on the same date, tracking their personal and professional progress.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

4) PROGRAMMING THE NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Programming the Nation? takes a powerful and provocative look at the history of subliminal messaging in America and the ways in which we are being manipulated subconsciously by advertisers, pop-culture, corporations, our military, and politicians. Filmmaker Jeff Warrick leads this journey through the subconscious mind while examining the reported history, scientific research and potential effects of such techniques on society.” Good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) THE TRIP- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.” Good review in NY Times on 6/10/11. TRDB.6/26/11- Great scenes of the countryside and enjoyable bantering between 2 old friends make this film worth watching. TRDB.

 

2) VIVA RIVA!- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hustler Riva (Patsha Bay) hopes to make a fortune by smuggling large quantities of gasoline and selling it for high prices in fuel-starved Kinshasa, but he’s not the only one with his eye on the lucrative prize. Riva’s plan gets complicated when he falls for Nora (Manie Malone), the girlfriend of local crime kingpin Azor (Diplome Amekindra), but the stunning Nora is also scheming for a big payday in this sleek thriller.” Fair review in NY Times on 6/10/11 but good reviews in general. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON DEMAND-

 

NEW- NONE

 

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 (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) ONE DAY- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a romantic tryst on college graduation night, Emma and Dexter pursue separate dreams. This romantic drama based on a novel of the same name checks in with them each year on the same date, tracking their personal and professional progress.” Poor reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE WHISTLEBLOWER- 2010. Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis 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.

8/5/11- Just saw an unimpressive review in today’s NY Times and I might not see this after all. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

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.8/15/11- Great script and wonderful acting make this Holocaust movie different from others and I highly recommend it. TRDB.

 

2) 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.

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

  

 

—
THE REEL DR. BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob

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.

3)  ANOTHER EARTH- Bethel, Clearview 100. 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.

4) RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates, including Caesar (Andy Serkis), develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats, unleashing a war for dominion over Earth.”

8/14/11-Despite not liking  James Franco and not liking sci-fi I thoroughly enjoyed this movie that my friends Don and Sue dragged me to. Great special effects, good story and boy, you have to love those apes. TRDB.

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

8/6/11- Crazy and stupid but lots of fun. Poignant as well. TRDB.

6) THE HELP- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.” Mixed reviews but my favorite critics have panned it. TRDB.

7) THE GUARD- Clearview 100. Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When tightly wound FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) invades an Irish village in pursuit of international drug dealers, wisecracking local copper Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) does his best to annoy the American and get on with his circumscribed life. But soon there’s a murder, and Boyle finds himself swept up in detective work way beyond his pay grade. John Michael McDonagh directs this action-filled comedy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

8)SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS- Clearview 100. 2011. 

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