FILM REVIEWS #319

April 7th, 2010

 

APRIL 6, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS-
 
I WILL BE AWAY NEXT WEEK AND SO WHENEVER POSSIBLE THIS ISSUE WILL COVER THE NEXT 2 WEEKS.
 
NEXT MONDAY, APRIL 12, I WILL BE DOING A TALKBACK IN FLORIDA AT THE STONZEK THEATER OF THE LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE AT 3:30PM. 
 
THE MOVIE IS VINCERE WHICH IS ABOUT THE RISE OF MUSSOLINI AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF HIS FIRST WIFE, IDA DALSER, WHO REMAINS UNKNOWN TO MOST PEOPLE. HE NEVER DIVORCED HER AND THE MOVIE REFLECTS THIS PART OF HISTORY. I LIKED THE MOVIE A LOT.
 
PLEASE ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AT- www.thereeldrbob.com
 
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR LAST WEEK-
 
1) MOTHER
2) AFGHAN STAR
 
NEW MOVIES-
 
1) MOTHER (MADEO)- Premise by Netflix. “A murder rocks a South Korean town and suspicion quickly falls on a reclusive, mentally challenged — and alibi-free — young man (Bin Won). When an inept public defender botches the boy’s case, his mother (Hye-ja Kim) sets out to prove her son’s innocence. Acclaimed director Joon-ho Bong (Memories of Murder) explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child in this atmospheric crime thriller.” OK review in NY Times.3/10- While a bit slow, the wonderful acting and the story itself make this a very good movie. TRDB.

2) CITY ISLAND- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When he recognizes his son Tony (Steven Strait), whom he hasn’t seen in over 20 years, among a crop of new inmates in the jail he works at, Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) decides to bring the troubled young man home with him, much to the surprise of his wife and kids. Helmed by writer-director Raymond De Felitta, this offbeat comedy also stars Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Dominik Garcia-Lorido and Oscar winner Alan Arkin.” Generally good reviews.

4/10- Know that this is a comedy despite some serious issues. I liked it. TRDB.

 
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VIEWED AT HOME-
 
1) AFGHAN STAR- Premise by Netflix. “AFGHAN STAR- Premise by Netflix. “Director Havana Marking’s eye-opening documentary captures the resurgence of pop culture in Afghanistan after three decades of Taliban rule. Following four “American Idol”-type contestants from auditions to finals in Kabul, Marking reveals a precedent in this suppressed and war-torn nation: all ethnicities, genders and age groups are equal — but everyone competing risks their lives to sing for enthused audiences.” Great reviews and I look forward to seeing this movie.4/10- It took talent plus courage to make this documentary as death threats were a constant companion with dancing and music being against Sharia law. I liked the movie. TRDB.

2) GIGANTE- Premise by Netflix. “Shy supermarket security guard Jara (Horacio Camandule) becomes transfixed by Julia (Leonor Svarcas), a cleaning woman he spots through a surveillance camera. Soon, he becomes obsessed with watching her in this drama about isolation and loneliness from director Adrián Biniez. Jara designs his life around Julia’s schedule, following her to the movies, the beach — even on dates with another man. Will he ever drum up the courage to approach her?”

3/10- Somewhat slow but I liked it. His obsession at no time seemed dangerous. TRDB.

3) SOMETHING LIKE HAPPINESS- 2005. Premise by Netflix. “Monika (Tatiana Vilhelmova), Tonik (Pavel Liska) and Dasha (Anna Geislerova) are three friends from a small working-class Czech town. Living in a depressed cloud of industrialization spewed from one of the country’s largest chemical factories, the trio dreams of a brighter life, each of the three finding solace through love, fantasy or escape. Ultimately, comfort and happiness surface as they learn to accept the things they cannot change.”

4/10- After a slow start the movie grew on me and I enjoyed it. Yet another view of post Communist living. TRDB. 

4) THE WEDDING DIRECTOR- Premise by Netflix. “Movie director Franco Elica (Sergio Castellitto) unexpectedly finds himself in Sicily, where a local nobleman presses him into videotaping the wedding of his daughter. Instead, the director tries to sabotage the union when he falls for the bride himself. Will he win her love — or are things not at all as they appear? Marco Bellocchio directs this labyrinthine drama, which also stars Donatella Finocchiaro.”

4/10- I was bored throughout most of the movie. TRDB.

5) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- I found it a bit slow, nothing in particular happens but it was a slice of life and very real. I liked it. TRDB.

5) LA FRANCE- Premise by Netflix. “When her husband writes her from the frontlines of World War I and insists that she forget him about him, Camille (Sylvie Testud) disguises herself as a young soldier and joins the ranks, determined to track down her long-lost love. Writer-director Serge Bozon’s drama chronicles Camille’s epic journey, as her dogged search for answers leads her from the peaceful countryside existence she once enjoyed to the blood-soaked battlefields of war.” Very good reviews.

4/10- A World War 1 movie without a single battle. Testud gets in with a group of French soldiers who desert from the war and the story is about the group, and the horrors of war in general. I liked it. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, APRIL 13-
 
1) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. The crew includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost). But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs.” Fair reviews but everyone I know liked this movie a lot and I’m definitely getting it.
 
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20-
 
1) SUMMER HOURS- Premise by Netflix. “Sensing that death is close at hand, 75-year-old Hélène (Edith Scob) summons her three adult children to her home in the French countryside and tasks them with deciding the fate of her extraordinary art collection. This touching drama from internationally acclaimed writer-director Olivier Assayas stars Juliette Binoche, Charles Berling and Jérémie Renier as the three siblings forced to ponder their legacy and identity.” I saw this a year ago on Comcast On-Demand and liked it very much. Highly recommend it.
 
 2) CLOUD 9- Premise by Netflix. “When 60-year-old Inge (Ursula Werner) suddenly delves into a lively, adulterous affair with the even older Karl (Horst Westphal), she finally confesses her newfound passion to her husband of 30 years, Werner (Horst Rehberg). But will she end her illicit relationship with Karl to keep her unexciting-but-stable marriage intact? Andreas Dresen directs this compelling drama also starring Steffi Kühnert.” Lots of geriatric sex. I liked the movie very much. Streaming also.
 
3) THE HORSE BOY- Premise by Netflix. “When conventional therapies fail to help their autistic son, Rupert and Kristin Isaacson travel with Rowan to Mongolia in the hopes that a combination of traditional shamanic healing and horseback riding will benefit him. Director Michel O. Scott’s documentary juxtaposes scenes of the family at home in Texas with their journey on horseback across the breathtaking Mongolian countryside in search of reindeer herders and a powerful shaman.” Fairly good reviews for this documentary. Streaming also.
 
4) THE BLUE TOOTH VIRGIN- Premise by Netflix. “When magazine editor David (Bryce Johnson) reluctantly confesses that he’s not too fond of his buddy Sam’s (Austin Peck) latest screenplay effort, the admission threatens to destroy the longtime relationship between the two best friends. Honored with a special jury prize at the Seattle International Film Festival, Russell Brown’s witty treatment of the creative process co-stars 1970s mainstay Karen Black as an eccentric script consultant.” Good reviews and I’ll see it.
 
5) THE YOUNG VICTORIA- Premise by Netflix. “Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.” I saw this and liked it a lot.
 
6) UNCERTAINTY- Premise by Netflix. “A young couple facing a life-changing decision, Bobby (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Kate (Lynn Collins), stand on the Brooklyn Bridge, toss a coin and let the outcome decide their holiday plans. The action unfolds in intercutting scenes of both possibilities. This creative cinematic puzzle from filmmakers Scott McGehee and David Siegel (Bee Season) reveals an intricate thriller as well as a tense relationship drama.” I saw this and found it very interesting. It reminded me of “Sliding Doors.” Streaming also.
 
7) MAMMOTH- Premise by Netflix. “Lukas Moodysson writes and directs this drama centered on three intersecting stories, one of a traveling New Yorker named Leo (Gael García Bernal), another of his surgeon wife, Ellen (Michelle Williams), and also the children of their Filipino nanny, Gloria (Marife Necesito), in the Philippines. A series of dramatic events unfolds after Leo visits Thailand, causing everyone to reexamine their priorities. Sophie Nyweide co-stars.” About families and to what extent they will go to provide for their children. A good depiction of the bind for a lot of women with working and child care. I enjoyed this movie a lot. Streaming also.
 
8)THE LOVELY BONES- Premise by Netflix. “When 14-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) is murdered, she watches from above as her family deals with her tragic death — and as her killer prepares to strike again. Torn between vengeance and healing, Susie’s loved ones are forever changed. Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz star in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Alice Sebold’s riveting, best-selling novel; Susan Sarandon and Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci co-star.” Awful reviews but much talked about.
 
9) THE BLIND SIDE- Premise by Netflix. “Oversized African American Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), the teen from across the tracks and a broken home, has nowhere to sleep at age 16. Taken in by an affluent Memphis couple, Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) and Sean (Tim McGraw), Michael embarks on a remarkable rise to play for the NFL. Bullock’s performance garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomination and Best Actress Golden Globe Award. Kathy Bates co-stars.” As I’ve said before, the “sleeper of the year” award– I enjoyed the movie.
 
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OPENING THIS WEEK-
 
1) EVERYONE ELSE- Premise by Netflix. “In director Maren Ade‘s complex drama about gender roles, power and desire, Chris (Lars Eidinger) and Gitti (Birgit Minichmayr) find their relationship tested when a brief encounter with a seemingly perfect couple prompts Chris to emulate the other man’s dominance. Gitti is game for the role-playing experiment, until submission gives way to suffocation and both partners feel their true selves slipping away.” Good early reviews.
 
2) LETTERS TO GOD- Premise by Netflix. “Faith and hope are the twin engines that power the uplifting, bittersweet tale, based on a true story, of Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire), an 8-year-old boy who battles brain cancer and turns to God as his own private pen pal. Tyler writes and mails his missives daily, and his steadfast undertaking not only moves his family and friends but alters the life of the despairing postman, Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), who opens the boy’s letters. No reviews yet.
 
3) WOMEN WITHOUT MEN- Premise by Netflix. “Amid the tumult of the American- and British-backed coup that reinstated the Shah in early-1950s Tehran, the heart-wrenching tales of five very different Iranian women converge in a lovely orchard garden, where they find both freedom and friendship. Director and acclaimed visual artist Shirin Neshat brings a striking aesthetic style to this stirring drama, an adaptation of the magical-realist novella by Shahrnoush Parsipour.” Good early reviews.
 
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OPENING NEXT WEEK-
 
1) AN INCONVENIENT TAX- Premise by Zap2it. “A history of income tax shows reasons for its many complexities.” Can’t find any early reviews.
 
2) THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION- Premise by Netflix. “After duping school officials into awarding him a grant to write a biography on novelist Jules Gund, grad student Omar Razaghi (Omar Metwally) is forced to travel to Uruguay to get legitimate authorization from the late author’s three executors. Directed by James Ivory (A Room with a View), this moving adaptation of author Peter Cameron’s novel of the same name also stars Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney and Charlotte Gainsbourg.” Very good reviews.
 
3) HANDSOME HARRY- Premise by Netflix. “For many years, small-town resident Harry Sweeney (Jamey Sheridan) has avoided confronting painful memories from his past. But when his best friend becomes seriously ill, Harry builds up enough courage to explore long-hidden secrets and uncover his true identity. Directed by Bette Gordon, this character-driven drama boasts a strong ensemble cast that features Steve Buscemi, Aidan Quinn, John Savage and Campbell Scott.” Only one review and it’s great.
 
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth-
 
Week of April 9–15-
 
1) VINCERE- Docudrama about Mussolini and his not so well known first wife. I liked it. Also on Comcast On-Demand.
 
2) RED BARON- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the true story of the notorious World War I flying ace, this drama explores the life of Manfred von Richthofen (Matthias Schweighöfer) — aka the Red Baron — from his childhood fascination with flying to his renowned career in the Luftwaffe. After rescuing Canadian pilot Roy Brown (Joseph Fiennes) and falling for military nurse Käte Otersdorf (Lena Headey), the deadly but honorable von Richthofen begins to question the value of war.” Mostly poor reviews.
 
Week of April 16–22-
 
1) LOURDES- Premise by Netflix. “Confined to a wheelchair for most of her life, lonely Christine (Sylvie Testud) devises a plan to change her circumstances by journeying to Lourdes, the small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where many flock to be healed. The journey yields startling results for our isolated hero in director Jessica Hausner‘s Austrian drama, an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.” Great reviews.
 
2) TERRIBLY HAPPY- Premise by Netflix. “When Copenhagen cop Robert (Jakob Cedergren) winds up in the isolated town of Skarrild, he plans to bide his time recovering from his disreputable past so he can return to the city. But life in Skarrild is anything but peaceful in this tense thriller set in Denmark. As Robert becomes drawn into the odd local happenings, he also finds himself protecting mysterious beauty Ingerlise (Lene Maria Christensen)” Very good reviews.
 
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
 
NEW-
 
1) BREAKING UPWARDS- Premise by Netflix. “Breaking up is painful — but does it have to be? Subdued individually by their relationship yet scared of life apart, Zoe Lister-Jones and Daryl Wein set out to meticulously orchestrate and manage their split into painlessness in this docu-drama. The New York couple’s struggles attain an extra air of authenticity as they expose — pretty much uncensored — every bit of their four-year, complex and codependent union for audiences to witness.” Fairly good early reviews.
 
2) BROTHERS- Premise by Zap2it. “Siblings Sam and Tommy Cahill are as far apart as brothers can be; while Sam serves his country as a Marine, Tommy is a drifter who just got out of prison. When Sam is shot down and presumed dead in Afghanistan, Tommy vows to take care of Sam’s wife, Grace, and his children. Tommy and Grace become close, and when Sam unexpectedly returns home, the consequences of their actions threaten the foundation of the entire family.” Several great reviews.12/21/09- I saw this in Florida a few days ago and liked it very much. Great study of family dynamics and great acting as well. Just when you think that there can’t be another anti-war movie with a different twist one more comes along. I actually liked Natalie Portman for a change. TRDB.

3) COCO BEFORE CHANEL- Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “ Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who began her life as headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey became the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style. The film portrays the formative years of Chanel’s life, the years of Chanel spent discovering and inventing herself.” Mixed reviews, mostly good.

11/16/09– Saw this and liked it.

4) GONE BABY GONE- Premise by Netflix. “When a 4-year-old girl goes missing in one of Boston’s toughest neighborhoods, private investigators Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angela Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) reluctantly agree to take the case. But the investigation proves more complex than they ever could have imagined. Amy Ryan earned an Oscar nod for her portrayal of the missing child’s mother in Ben Affleck‘s directorial debut, adapted from the Dennis Lehane novel.2/08- I enjoyed this movie very much. TRDB.
 
REPEATS-
 
1)  (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.
 
2) A SERIOUS MAN- I saw it and did NOT like it but many did. TRDB. Netflix also.11) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

3) BIG FAN- About a guy who has nothing else in his life besides rooting for a NY football team. I saw this and liked it. Netflix also.4)

HAPPY TEARS- About 2 adult sisters who travel home to take care of their father who is developing dementia. Mediocre reviews at best.

5) LORNA’S SILENCE- About a woman from Albania who marries a junky in Belgium in a sham marriage in order to raise money. I saw this and it’s just OK. Netflix also.

6) NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU- A series of vignettes about personal relationships with NY as a backdrop.Very good. On Netflix.
7) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions.” I haven’t seen this yet but I will. Coming to Netflix on 4/13.
8)PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait.
9) THE ART OF THE STEAL- About the breakup of the Barnes collection in Philadelphia and the politics involved in the process. Very good documentary.

10) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic. Netflix as well.

 

12) THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE- About a woman who marries a much older man, moves to the Burbs and whose begins to deteriorate. Very good and highly recommended. On Netflix too.

13) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- A documentary about Vogue magazine. Very good. Available on Netflix also.

14) TRUCKER- About an independent young woman who drives a long haul truck. She has her 11yr. old son deposited on her doorstep. I liked this film a lot. Great acting and very good story. Netflix also.

15) VINCERE- Directed by Marco Bellocchio. Premise by Netflix. “Ida Dalser (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) falls for young Benito Mussolini (Filippo Timi) in Milan and sells everything she has to help the future dictator fund his newspaper, Popolo d’Italia. But when World War I separates the newly wedded couple, Mussolini marries another woman. Ida demands to retain her rights as Mussolini’s wife and the mother of his son, but the Fascists have other plans for the dictator’s dark secret in this gripping biopic.” Just opened nationally and has received great reviews.

3/10- I saw this and felt that the acting was superb. Mezzogiorno passionately portrayed a woman with an obsession for IL Duce and she was probably a metaphor for the country at the time. The film itself was enjoyable if a bit too long and I understand that the director played with the facts a bit. I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB.

 
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)
 
For independent movies near you go to-   http://www.emergingpictures.com/exhibition.htm
 
For all movies go to- www.fandango.com
 
1) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Bethel, Jacob Burns, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. Sweden. Premise by Netflix. “Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and rebellious computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) team up to investigate the unsolved disappearance of wealthy Henrik Vanger’s (Sven-Bertil Taube) teen niece (Ewa Fröling), only to uncover dark secrets about Vanger’s powerful family. Niels Arden Oplev directs this Swedish thriller based on the first novel from Stieg Larsson’s best-selling trilogy.”3/10- I found it a bit difficult to understand at times but I still enjoyed it a lot. TRDB.
 
2) UN PROPHET- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “After refusing to snitch, 18-year-old Arab Malik (Tahar Rahim) is thrown into a French prison, where the Corsican mafia rules with a firm fist. The obedient newcomer slowly rises through the organization’s ranks but soon begins to double-cross his superiors. A follow-up to his 2005 gem The Beat My Heart Skipped, French director Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.”3/10- Very well done with very good acting, Too many names, way too long- I don’t see this as an Academy Award nomination. TRDB.
 
3) THE GHOST WRITER-  Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “A writer (Ewan McGregor) stumbles upon a long-hidden secret when he agrees to help former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) complete his memoirs on a remote island after the politician’s assistant drowns in a mysterious accident. In director Roman Polanski‘s tense drama, the author realizes that his discovery threatens some very powerful people who will do anything to ensure that certain episodes from Lang’s past remain buried.”
 
3/10- Not great but I liked it. TRDB.
 
4) GREENBERG- Bethel, Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “At a crossroads in his life in New York, Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) takes some time to figure things out and travels to Los Angeles, where he house-sits for his brother and forges an unlikely bond with his brother’s assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig). Acclaimed director Noah Baumbach‘s (The Squid and the Whale, Margot at the Wedding) finely observed relationship comedy also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rhys Ifans.” Fair reviews, but I haven’t seen it yet.
 
5) LETTERS TO GOD- Danbury. Premise by Netflix. “Faith and hope are the twin engines that power the uplifting, bittersweet tale, based on a true story, of Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire), an 8-year-old boy who battles brain cancer and turns to God as his own private pen pal. Tyler writes and mails his missives daily, and his steadfast undertaking not only moves his family and friends but alters the life of the despairing postman, Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), who opens the boy’s letters. No reviews yet.
 
6) THE HURT LOCKER- Garden Cinema Norwalk. About the guys who disarm bombs in Iraq. Very good movie and it won the Academy Award.
 
7) VINCERE- Garden Cinema Norwalk.  Directed by Marco Bellocchio. Premise by Netflix. “Ida Dalser (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) falls for young Benito Mussolini (Filippo Timi) in Milan and sells everything she has to help the future dictator fund his newspaper, Popolo d’Italia. But when World War I separates the newly wedded couple, Mussolini marries another woman. Ida demands to retain her rights as Mussolini’s wife and the mother of his son, but the Fascists have other plans for the dictator’s dark secret in this gripping biopic.” Just opened nationally and has received great reviews.3/10- I saw this and felt that the acting was superb. Mezzogiorno passionately portrayed a woman with an obsession for IL Duce and she was probably a metaphor for the country at the time. The film itself was enjoyable if a bit too long and I understand that the director played with the facts a bit. I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB. Also on Comcast On-Demand.
 8)CRAZY HEART- Garden Cinema Norwalk. About a washed up country/western singer who makes a comeback. I enjoyed it but it reminded me of “The Wrestler.”
 
9) CITY ISLAND- Clearview 100. 2009. Premise by Netflix. “When he recognizes his son Tony (Steven Strait), whom he hasn’t seen in over 20 years, among a crop of new inmates in the jail he works at, Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) decides to bring the troubled young man home with him, much to the surprise of his wife and kids. Helmed by writer-director Raymond De Felitta, this offbeat comedy also stars Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Dominik Garcia-Lorido and Oscar winner Alan Arkin.” Generally good reviews.4/10- Know that this is a comedy despite some serious issues. I liked it. TRDB.

10) LAST STATION- Clearview 100. About Leo Tolstoy’s last year of life. Just so-so for me. TRDB.

 
 
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

The Reel Dr. Bob

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