The Reel Dr. Bob

SEPTEMBER 28, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE 2nd L-DUB FILM FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND FROM FRIDAY SEPT. 30 TO SUNDAY OCT. 2 WITH AWARDS GIVEN OUT ON SUNDAY EVENING.

IT’S AT THE STONZEK THEATER LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE ON LAKE AVE. IN DOWNTOWN LAKE WORTH AND DEFINITELY WORTH  A VISIT.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF LAST WEEK-

 

1) DRIVE- Theater

2) MOZART’S SISTER- Theater

3) EVERYTHING MUST GO- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) DRIVE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this thriller, Driver, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver, is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison.” Very good reviews. TRDB.9/16/11- Good review today in the Times but at one point they did say that the movie was saved from tedium by the supporting cast, whatever that means. TRDB.

9/22/11- A thriller and I agree with the comment above that the acting, particularly from Gosling, made the movie. Don’t go if you’re squeamish! TRDB.

2) MOZART’S SISTER- 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “A speculative account of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart (Marie Feret), five years older than Wolfgang (David Moreau) and a musical prodigy in her own right. Originally the featured performer, she has given way to Wolfgang as the main attraction, as their strict but loving father Leopold (Marc Barbe) tours his talented offspring in front of the royal courts of pre-French revolution Europe. Approaching marriageable age and now forbidden to play the violin or compose, Nannerl chafes at the limitations imposed on her gender but a friendship with the son and daughter of Louis XV offers an alternative.”

8/19/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/25/11- A bit slow but a very interesting film about gender issues, music and independence. I liked it. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) EVERYTHING MUST GO- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director-writer Dan Rush makes his film debut with this dramedy based on a Raymond Carver short story about Nick (Will Ferrell), a good-hearted but relapsed alcoholic who decides to live on his front lawn after losing his job and being thrown out by his wife.” Fairly good reviews. TRDB.9/22/11- Fairly slow but thought provoking and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) COLD FISH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After befriending charming Murata (Denden), a fellow tropical fishdealer, unhappy family man Shamoto (Mitsuru Fukikoshi) sends his rebellious daughter to live and work with him. But when Murata reveals his conniving, murderous nature, Shamoto suddenly finds himself trapped. Inspired by the true story of a prolific serial killer, this shocking horror movie effectively blends dark humor with intense drama.”

8/5/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/24/11- Truly one of the weirdest movies I’ve encountered. Loads of blood so don’t watch if you’re squeamish. I can’t say that I liked it but it was interesting. TRDB.

3) BRIDE FLIGHT- 2011- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A forbidden love, an impossible choice, a secret pact. Eager to escape the damp and suffocating atmosphere of post-war Holland, Dutch beauties Marjorie, Ada and Esther meet each other on the immigration flight to New Zealand, en route to join their future husbands, who are already settled there.” Fairly good reviews so far and the idea sounded interesting. Not to be confused with the 2008 movie with the same title. TRDB.

9/25/11- This film sorely disappointed me as I heard so many good things about it. I feel that it’s no better than a poor dialogue made-for-tv movie. TRDB. Netflix.

4) CARBON NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bypassing politics and fingerpointing, this forward-thinking documentary zeroes in on enterprising individuals — from a wind farmer to a solar-panel retrofitter — who are devising business-minded ways to avert the looming climate crisis. The cross-country expedition yields encounters with Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson, Earth Day founder Denis Hayes and former CIA director James Woolsey, along with everyday pioneers in low-carbon living.” A few reviews and they’re good, especially from audiences but the pros did not like it. TRDB.

9/26/11- The movie was filled with facts but lacked force and the style was repetitive. I finally lost interest. TRDB. Netflix.

5) HESHER- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Struggling to accept the death of his mother, T.J. (Devin Brochu) befriends Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a twentysomething misfit who becomes both a mentor and a bad influence on the lost and awkward teen. Hesher soon invites himself to live with T.J. and his self-medicating dad (Rainn Wilson). Their bizarre relationship is tested when T.J. develops a crush on a supermarket checkout girl (Natalie Portman) who rescues him from a gang of bullies.” Fairly good early reviews but awful review in NY Times on 5/13/11. I’ll skip it. TRDB.

9/27/11- I said I’d skip this one but I didn’t. A few interesting parts but basically a stupid movie with an even stupider ending. What was Natalie Portman thinking? TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 4-

 

1) THE RED CHAPEL- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “While in North Korea under the pretext of a cultural exchange, two Danish-Korean comics and a subversive journalist with a video camera attempt to ridicule their host nation’s oppressive regime but encounter moral dilemmas and political manipulation. A bold look at the ethics of deceit, director Mads Brügger‘s darkly humorous documentary (and an award winner at Sundance) provides a rare glimpse inside one of the world’s most secretive societies.” Average professional reviews but very good audience acceptance. TRDB.

 

2) HANNA- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is a teenager raised in Finland and trained by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA operative, to become a highly skilled assassin. But when she’s sent on a deadly mission across Europe, Hanna takes to a French family and starts longing for a normal life. She must first solve the puzzle of her mysterious past, however. Joe Wright (Atonement) directs this tense actioneer; Cate Blanchett also stars.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

3) SUBMARINE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he learns that his mother is on the verge of deserting his father for a dance instructor, young Welsh teen Oliver (Craig Roberts) resolves to do whatever it takes to save his parents’ marriage before the end of summer. Meanwhile, the offbeat lad also schemes to seduce pushy pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige) with nothing but the power of his mind. Richard Ayoade directs this quirky coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

4) BUCK- 2011. 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.

5) THE HIGH COST OF LIVING- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Well-to-do housewife Nathalie (Isabelle Blais) eagerly awaits the birth of her first child, while elsewhere in Montreal, small-time drug dealer Henry (Zach Braff) plans his next score. One night, their contrasting lives become intertwined when Henry hits Nathalie with his car. He flees the scene but later tries to make amends — without revealing his culpability. As their friendship grows, the remorseful Henry fears Nathalie will learn the truth.”

9/9/11- Fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) NOTHING PERSONAL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this moody drama from Polish director Urszula Antoniak, Anne (Lotte Verbeek) is a loner and a drifter, hitching rides through the Irish countryside, until she comes across an isolated cabin and strikes up an uneasy relationship with its owner (Stephen Rea). Each one has something to offer the other — the solace of his cabin, her welcome companionship — and in time, they begin to trust and even care for one another.” Good review in NY Times 11/19/10.

7) CHERRY- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Brilliant but naïve Ivy League freshman Aaron (Kyle Gallner) becomes enchanted by free-spirited older student Linda (Laura Allen) — and when she invites him for dinner, he hopes they hook up. But it turns out Linda’s spunky 14-year-old daughter, Beth (Brittany Robertson), takes a liking to him. As he fends off Beth’s aggressive advances, Aaron finds himself in the middle of an unusual emotional triangle that teaches him some unexpected lessons.” OK review in NY Times on 11/5/10.

9/16/11- This movie was released on 9/27/11 without prior notice–

Formulaic for most of the movie but surprisingly interesting at times, particularly the young daughter’s part. I have to say that I did like it. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) 50/50- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “An otherwise healthy twentysomething has a comically early midlife crisis when he gets slapped with a cancer diagnosis — and a 50-50 chance of survival. But what’s the meaning of life when you’re not sure how long yours will last?” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) COURAGEOUS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite showing bravery on the job, a group of law enforcement officers find themselves undone when tragedy strikes at home in this social drama. With the aid of their Christian beliefs, however, the men find a deeper well of courage in their hearts.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

 

3) MARGARET- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After witnessing a fatal bus crash, New York City high school student Margaret (Anna Paquin) believes she was an accidental factor in the tragedy. As she tries to deal with her feelings, Margaret becomes emotionally abusive to those around her — and to herself. The stellar cast of this moving drama includes Matt Damon, Matthew Broderick, Mark Ruffalo, Allison Janney, Jean Reno, Rosemarie DeWitt and Kieran Culkin.” Very good audience reviews but no professional ones as yet. TRDB.

 

4) THE ROAD TO FREEDOM- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the height of the Vietnam War, adventure-seeking photojournalists Sean (Joshua Fredric Smith) and Dana (Scott Maguire) boldly sneak into Cambodia, where they search for signs of Khmer Rouge atrocities, disappear into the hands of enemy forces and struggle to regain their freedom. Inspired by real-life events and shot on location in Cambodia, this powerful war drama co-stars Tom Proctor, Nhem Sokun and Nhem Sokunthol.” A few reviews and they’re good. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) Sept. 30–Oct. 2– The 2nd Annual L-Dub Film Festival

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) BRIDE FLIGHT- 2011- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A forbidden love, an impossible choice, a secret pact. Eager to escape the damp and suffocating atmosphere of post-war Holland, Dutch beauties Marjorie, Ada and Esther meet each other on the immigration flight to New Zealand, en route to join their future husbands, who are already settled there.” Fairly good reviews so far and the idea sounded interesting. Not to be confused with the 2008 movie with the same title. TRDB.9/25/11- This film sorely disappointed me as I heard so many good things about it. I feel that it’s no better than a poor dialogue made-for-tv movie. TRDB. Netflix.

2) BRIDESMAIDS- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Kristen Wiig leads the cast as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.” Fairly good reviews so far but a fair number of negative ones as well.  A surprisingly good review from the NY Times on 5/13/11. TRDB.

 

3) COLD FISH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After befriending charming Murata (Denden), a fellow tropical fishdealer, unhappy family man Shamoto (Mitsuru Fukikoshi) sends his rebellious daughter to live and work with him. But when Murata reveals his conniving, murderous nature, Shamoto suddenly finds himself trapped. Inspired by the true story of a prolific serial killer, this shocking horror movie effectively blends dark humor with intense drama.”8/5/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/24/11- Truly one of the weirdest movies I’ve encountered. Loads of blood so don’t watch if you’re squeamish. I can’t say that I liked it but it was interesting. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) A SCREAMING MAN- I saw this and 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-

 

NEW IN THE SUBURBS-

 

1) 50/50- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “An otherwise healthy twentysomething has a comically early midlife crisis when he gets slapped with a cancer diagnosis — and a 50-50 chance of survival. But what’s the meaning of life when you’re not sure how long yours will last?” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) RESTLESS- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After she is diagnosed with a disease that will soon claim her life, a young girl (Mia Wasikowska) strikes up an unusually strong friendship with a boy (Henry Hopper) who deals with the problems in his own troubled family by attending funerals. As their relationship deepens into love, the two discover a curious connection to the spirit of a World War II kamikaze pilot (Ryo Kase). Gus Van Sant directs this touching drama.”9/16/11- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE DEBT- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rachel Singer (Helen Mirren) is a former Mossad intelligence agent forced to relive her unsuccessful 1965 pursuit of a notorious Nazi war criminal when the bold and dangerous fugitive is thought to have reemerged 30 years later in the Ukraine. Director John Madden’s redo of Assaf Bernstein’s 2007 Israeli suspense piece also features Jessica Chastain as the young Rachel Singer, along with Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson and Ciarán Hinds.” Fairly good reviews but friends said it was very violent– ? Hollywood violent. TRDB.

 

2) 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.

 

3) 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.” Good reviews. TRDB.

 

4) MONEYBALL- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “An all-star cast brings to life the true story of Billy Beane, a former jock turned general manager who uses unconventional methods to bring the best players to the Oakland A’s, a major league baseball team struggling against financial hardship.” 9/23/11- Good review in today’s NY Times and very good reviews in general. TRDB.

5) DRIVE- Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this thriller, Driver, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver, is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

9/16/11- Good review today in the Times but at one point they did say that the movie was saved from tedium by the supporting cast, whatever that means. TRDB.

9/22/11- A thriller and I agree with the comment above that the acting, particularly from Gosling, made the movie. Don’t go if you’re squeamish! TRDB.

6) MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITE- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “An illiterate handyman named Germain (Gérard Depardieu) befriends Margueritte (Gisèle Casadesus), a highly educated 95-year-old woman. The two couldn’t be more different, with the oafish Germain bewildered by the literature that gives Margueritte such pleasure. Slowly the two form an unusual and intense bond, leading them to a greater understanding of their place in the world, and in each other’s lives.” Early professional reviews are positive but weak for audiences. TRDB.

9/16/11- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7) HIGHER GROUND- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis 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. 

8/23/11- I’ve seen just a few reviews and they are weak. TRDB.

9/2/11- Just saw this film and liked it very much. Farmiga is great and also did a wonderful job directing this movie. I’d recommend it to you. TRDB.

8)SARAH’S KEY- 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.

9) LOVE CRIME- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a nod to the machinations of All About Eve and Dangerous Liaisons, French director Alain Corneau delivers a chilling tale of two ambitious women whose professional appetites grow dangerously personal. At first, things are fine between senior executive Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas) and her eager young assistant, Isabelle (Ludivine Sagnier). But when Christine abuses her position of power, Isabelle resorts to revenge — and insubordination.”

9/2/11- An OK review in today’s NY Times. Friends saw this and also thought it was just OK. TRDB.

10) MOZART’S SISTER- Jacob Burns. 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “A speculative account of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart (Marie Feret), five years older than Wolfgang (David Moreau) and a musical prodigy in her own right. Originally the featured performer, she has given way to Wolfgang as the main attraction, as their strict but loving father Leopold (Marc Barbe) tours his talented offspring in front of the royal courts of pre-French revolution Europe. Approaching marriageable age and now forbidden to play the violin or compose, Nannerl chafes at the limitations imposed on her gender but a friendship with the son and daughter of Louis XV offers an alternative.”

8/19/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/25/11- A bit slow but a very interesting film about gender issues, music and independence. I liked 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