The Reel Dr. Bob

AUGUST 24, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR LAST WEEK-

 

1) THE RULES OF THE GAME- Theater (Jacob Burns)

2) SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS- Netflix

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) THE RULES OF THE GAME- 1939. Synopsis by Netflix. “When affluent Marquis Robert de la Chesnaye (Marcel Dalio) hosts a party at his sprawling property, emotions run high. Guests include Robert’s mistress Genevieve (Mila Parely) and pilot Andre Jurieu (Roland Toutain), who fancies Robert’s wife, Christine (Nora Gregor). Meanwhile, Schumacher (Gaston Modot) is trying to keep Marceau (Julien Carette) from hitting on his wife (Paulette Dubost). All the while, the servants watch with great interest.”8/18/11- A classic movie about the pre-WW2 period and about as good as a French sex farce gets. It’s definitely worth a viewing. TRDB. At the Theater but it’s available on Netflix as well.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tormented by his past and seeking redemption, Walter (Peter Stormare), the police chief of a Canadian Mennonite community, tries to solve a startling murder for which Steve (Stephen Eric McIntyre), the creepy boyfriend of Walter’s bitter ex-lover (Jill Hennessy), is the chief suspect. Although he has a new, supportive girlfriend (Martha Plimpton), Walter is overwhelmed by the case and his stern family’s disapproval in this intriguing thriller.” Good early reviews. TRDB.Good review in NY Times on 7/1/11. TRDB.

8/20/11- A most unusual crime drama that had me spellbound from beginning to end. See it!! TRDB. Netflix.

2) LIMITLESS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “With his writing career tanking and his girlfriend (Abbie Cornish) casting him off, ex-druggie Eddie Morra’s (Bradley Cooper) fortunes finally turn around when he’s given a mysterious drug that provides astonishing mental powers — but its deadly side effects threaten his sanity. Adding to Eddie’s misery are shadowy businessman Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro), who wants to exploit his new genius, and the other users willing to kill for his stash.” Mixed reviews with an OK one from the NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

8/22/11- An OK sci-fi that generally held my interest with an interesting premise that carried the movie more than some of the schlock scenes with the Russians. TRDB. Netflix.

3) THE CONSPIRATOR- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

8/23/11- An OK history lesson but I found the movie overly dramatic and fairly predictable most of the time. Might have been better as a documentary. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, AUG. 30-

 

1) ME, TOO- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Proving everyone is equal in their need for — and ability to feel — love, Daniel (Pablo Pinedo), a thirtysomething office worker with Down’s syndrome, embarks on a romance with Laura (Lola Dueñas), a neurotic but “normal” co-worker. Despite their apparent differences, Laura is attracted to Daniel, who is the first European with Down’s to graduate from a university. Álvaro Pastor and Antonio Naharro co-directed this touching, thoughtful drama.” Good early reviews. NY Times liked it- 11/19/10.

 

2) THE PERFECT HOST- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “A fugitive on the lam decides to crash a dinner party. But he seriously regrets it when the mysterious and unusual host soon has him convinced that he would have been better off hiding somewhere else. David Hyde Pierce plays the memorable Warwick Wilson; Nathaniel Parker, Clayne Crawford and Helen Reddy also star in this thriller from first-time feature writer-director Nick Tomnay. The film makes it premier at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

3) 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.4/11- A wonderful movie, difficult to watch at times, with several important messages. In particular about the different ways of handling conflict and the limits of each manner. TRDB.

4) IF A TREE FALLS: A STORY OF THE EARTH LIBERATION FRONT- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmakers Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman examine the case of Daniel McGowan, a member of the radical environmental group Earth Liberation Front who was arrested for committing arson against two Oregon timber companies. Dissecting ELF’s self-described use of “economic sabotage” to stop deforestation and other damage to the planet, the film also explores the ramifications of the FBI’s decision to classify them as terrorists.” Good reviews in general and also in NY Times on 6/22/11. TRDB.

5) POLICE, ADJECTIVE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Undercover cop Cristi (Dragos Bucur) trails suspected pot dealer Victor (Radu Costin) through the decrepit streets of Vasliu, but when he learns that the suspect is just a teen who sometimes gets high with his pals, he refuses to make an arrest. Unfortunately, Cristi’s boss (Ioan Stoica) isn’t quite as forgiving. The Romanian New Wave rolls on strongly with this complex drama from writer-director Corneliu Porumboiu.”

1/10- I found this movie to be incredibly boring. The “climax” of the movie is when the cop’s superior chews him out for not following his orders, except he lectures him with the use of a dictionary. The movie spent loads of time on the most mundane of chores, like eating alone, and perhaps that was what the author was trying to show, the mundane life in post Communism Romania. Despite a very good review from A.O. Scott of the NY Times, I’d miss it.

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) CHASING MADOFF- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This eye-opening documentary chronicles the decade-long and often frustrating campaign of reporter Harry Markopolos to bring regulators’ attention to the titanic and brazen investment scams engineered by now-convicted financial felon Bernie Madoff.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

2) CIRCUMSTANCE- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Iranian teens Atafeh (Nikohl Boosheri) and Shireen (Sarah Kazemy) explore their forbidden attraction to one another against the backdrop of modern-day Tehran’s subcultures. Atafeh’s brother, Mehran (Reza Sixo Safai), returns home after drug rehab and is soon dismayed by his sister’s newfound sense of liberation. Giving up on his dreams to become a classical musician, Mehran joins the morality police, causing deeper rifts in the family.” Mentioned in NY Times on 1/22/11 re Sundance.

 

3) HIGHER GROUND- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Vera Farmiga stars in and directs this sensitive and searching chronicle describing a woman’s lifetime journey of faith — one that initially leads her to join a fundamentalist sect and then leave it again years later. Adapted from the spiritual memoir This Dark World by Carolyn Briggs, the film looks deeply into human doubt and certainty, and the challenge of trying to match our lives with our spiritual beliefs.” Mentioned on 1/22/11 in NY Times re Sundance.

 

4) REBIRTH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Every year between the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and its eighth anniversary, documentarian James Whitaker interviewed nine people, each with a connection to the events. Together, their evolving stories create a mosaic of grief and recovery. A Muslim woman now forging religious tolerance, a Freedom Tower construction worker who lost a brother and a high schooler whose mother died are among those sharing their stories in this fascinating film.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) THE CONSPIRATOR- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.

8/23/11- An OK history lesson but I found the movie overly dramatic and fairly predictable most of the time. Might have been better as a documentary. TRDB.

 

2) LIMITLESS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his writing career tanking and his girlfriend (Abbie Cornish) casting him off, ex-druggie Eddie Morra’s (Bradley Cooper) fortunes finally turn around when he’s given a mysterious drug that provides astonishing mental powers — but its deadly side effects threaten his sanity. Adding to Eddie’s misery are shadowy businessman Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro), who wants to exploit his new genius, and the other users willing to kill for his stash.” Mixed reviews with an OK one from the NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.8/22/11- An OK sci-fi that generally held my interest with an interesting premise that carried the movie more than some of the schlock scenes with the Russians. TRDB.

 

3) 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.

 

4) MEET MONICA VELOUR- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eccentric teenager Tobe (Dustin Ingram) loves 1980s soft-core “art movies” so much that he steals his grandfather’s (Brian Dennehy) Wienermobile and travels cross-country to meet his favorite star, Linda Romanoli (Kim Cattrall) — but the reality of her life is more than Tobe bargains for. Tobe finds the still beautiful Linda performing at a low-rent strip joint and then tries to help the trailer-trash single mom win a contentious custody battle.” Poor professional reviews and average viewer response. TRDB.

 

5) 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.

6) PROTEKTOR- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the Nazis occupy Prague, radio host Emil Vrbata (Marek Daniel) tries to protect his Jewish spouse, Hana (Jana Plodková), by collaborating with the Germans in this atmospheric drama that examines the role the media played during World War II. Despite Emil’s broadcasting of enemy propaganda, Hana is threatened with internment — and the couple’s deteriorating marriage reaches a turning point when a Nazi official is assassinated.”

8/5/11- OK review in today’s NY Times but I saw this 2 years ago at the Palm Springs Film Festival and did not like it. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

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BOBS PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- ( Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

 

NEW-

 

1) OUR IDIOT BROTHER- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011- Synopsis by Netflix. “Ned (Paul Rudd) is a seemingly clueless idealist who must rely upon his three exasperated sisters (Emily Mortimer, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel) for shelter and support after he’s dumped by his fed-up girlfriend (Kathryn Hahn) and loses custody of his beloved dog, Willie Nelson. As he wreaks havoc on his sisters’ lives, Ned’s earnestness shines through until his siblings realize that family ties take priority over wealth and position.” Good reviews so far. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) ONE DAY- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, 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) 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.

3) SARAH’S KEY- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

4) 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.

5) THE GUARD- Bethel, 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.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) THE WHISTLEBLOWER- 2010. Jacob Burns, Clearview 100, 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.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-

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THE REEL DR. BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob