The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #387

October 6th, 2011

  OCTOBER 6, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF LAST WEEK-  

1) THE LION KING- Theater

2) JANE EYRE- Netflix

3) CIRCO- Netflix   _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) THE LION KING (1994)- Synopsis by Netflix. “The highest-grossing animated film of the 20th century follows a young lion cub named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) who can’t wait to be king. But his uncle (Jeremy Irons) craves the title for himself and will stop at nothing — even killing his own brother — to get it.”

9/27/11- I just saw this movie with my wife, my son and 2 of my grandchildren and loved it. Interesting, great animation and we saw it in 3D which put a new twist on the film. TRDB.

2) MONEYBALL– 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.

10/3/11- I liked this movie very much and I thought that Brad Pitt did a wonderful job playing Beane. TRDB. At the Theater.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) JANE EYRE– 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her brooding employer Edward Rochester’s (Michael Fassbender) impenetrable personality, young governess Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) takes time to reflect on her childhood and the events that led her to the misty moors. Little does she know that Rochester’s mood is largely due to a dark secret. Judi Dench, Jamie Bell and Sally Hawkins co-star in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/2/11- An excellent portrayal of the classic and definitely worth a viewing. TRDB. Netflix.

2) LOURDES– 2009. Synopsis 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.

10/2/11- Despite the many great reviews of this movie I felt that it lacked any passion and it took a long time to end. TRDB. Netflix.

3) CIRCO– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family’s long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary. Featuring music by alt-country rockers Calexico, the film explores family ties and cultural inheritance while taking viewers all across rural Mexico’s beautiful back roads.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/4/11- A remarkable documentary showing a slice of life and a good look at what living in a traveling  circus is like, warts and all, especially the extended family dynamics. TRDB. Netflix.

4) 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.

10/5/11- Interesting only because of the intended deceit of the production but not enough to keep me involved and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

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  COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 11-  

1) BEAUTIFUL BOY– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This heartrending drama stars Michael Sheen as Bill Carroll, who is contemplating separating from his wife, Kate (Maria Bello), when the unimaginable happens: Their 18-year-old son, Sam (Kyle Gallner), commits mass murder at his university before killing himself. While coping with their grief, Bill and Kate must deal with the insatiable media, other parents furious at them for their son’s actions and their own questions about their culpability.” Good early reviews. TRDB. Poor review in NY Times on 6/3/11. TRDB.  

2) THE PRINCESS OF MONTPENSIER– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Aristocrat Marie de Mézières (Mélanie Thierry) loves the dashing Duke Henri de Guise (Gaspard Ulliel), but her father (Philippe Magnan) forces her to marry a prince she doesn’t know (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet). With her new husband at war, Marie’s passion for Henri grows stronger than ever. Bertrand Tavernier directs this historical drama set against a backdrop of religious conflict in 16th-century France.” Very good audience reviews. TRDB.  

 3) FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path — including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables — that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health.” Fair review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.  

4) 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.

5) LEAP YEAR (ANO BISIESTO)- Synopsis by Netflix. “Journalist Laura Lopez (Mónica del Carmen) leads an isolated life in Mexico, her only social interactions being sexual encounters with strangers. With February 29th mysteriously circled on her calendar, Laura uses wild sex with Arturo (Gustavo Sánchez Parra) to hasten her unspoken goal. The questions of who is controlling whom and for what purpose loom large as Laura and Arturo’s encounters grow increasingly more violent and depraved.” Very good early professional reviews but only fair audience reaction. TRDB.

6) SEPTIEN– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Writer-director Michael Tully also stars in this quirky tale of broken ties as Cornelius Rawlings, a long-absent son who returns to his dead parents’ farm to reunite with his surviving siblings. His brother Ezra (Robert Longstreet) is a Jesus freak, while his brother Amos (Onur Tukel) embraces Satan and sports. Meanwhile, Cornelius is content to call getting alternately drunk and high a form of living.” At Sundance 2011. OK audience and professional reviews. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING THIS WEEK-  

1) HELL AND BACK AGAIN– 2011. Premise by Netflix. “In this unvarnished documentary set on the Afghan front line, U.S. Marine Sgt. Nathan Harris is wounded by Taliban machine-gun fire, then returns to his North Carolina home to grapple with the stress of civilian life. Embedded with Harris’s company on the battlefield, filmmaker Danfung Dennis discovers that for the 25-year-old veteran, recovering from a bullet to the head is no tougher than regaining a foothold in an apathetic homeland.” At Sundance 2011. Fair audience reviews and no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.  

2) DIRTY GIRL– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When promiscuous teen Danielle (Juno Temple) is sentenced to special ed for making sexually charged comments in class, she befriends gay, overweight Clarke (Jeremy Dozier), who agrees to join her on a search to find her father — in part, so he can get away from his own. Milla Jovovich, Mary Steenburgen and William H. Macy co-star in this quirky coming-of-age tale of independence, adolescence and acceptance.” Several good reviews. TRDB.  

3) THE IDES OF MARCH– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.   

4) INCENDIARY: THE WILLINGHAM CASE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This provocative exposé revisits the case of Cameron Todd Willingham — executed for the arson deaths of his family — to probe scientists’ criticism of the investigation as well as the fighting stance of Texas forensics commissioner John Bradley.” Great audience reviews. TRDB.  

 5) THE WAY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his son dies while hiking the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the Pyrenees, Tom (Martin Sheen) flies to France to claim the remains. Looking for insights into his estranged child’s life, he decides to complete the 500-mile mountain trek to Spain. Tom soon joins up with other travelers and realizes they’re all searching for something. Emilio Estevez writes and directs this drama about self-discovery.” Very good professional reviews but so far only poor audience reaction. TRDB.

9/18/11- An article (not a review) in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-  

1) MY JOY– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a wrong turn takes truck driver Georgy (Viktor Nemets) into unfamiliar Russian countryside, he’s drawn into the mix of strange locals, including corrupt cops, a war veteran, a prostitute and a mysterious Gypsy woman — all of whom may lead him to a dead end. Russian documentary filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa directs this drama, a Cannes festival entry that co-stars Olga Shuvalova and Vlad Ivanov.”

9/30/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 2) OVER YOUR CITIES GRASS WILL GROW–  2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Modern artist Anselm Kiefer and his monumental landscape creation at Barjac, France — a vast complex including lakes, bridges, caves and galleries displaying Kiefer’s other work — are the focus of this documentary from Sophie Fiennes. The artist’s ruminations on the creative process and his aims and ambitions are intercut with a careful study of the art itself, shining a spotlight on the processes at work in Kiefer’s expanding mini-universe.” Mixed reviews, some calling it interesting and others calling it a slumberous bore. TRDB.   _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND   NEW-  

1) THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER– Synopsis by Netflix. “This beautifully shot film combines comedy and tragedy in the tale of a workaholic human resources manager (Mark Ivanir) who neglects his family to further his career. But when an employee at his bakery is killed, he begins an odd journey toward self-realization. Offering to escort the woman’s body from Israel back to her Eastern European homeland, the manager is puzzled by eccentric characters along the way but begins to understand the importance of family.”

1/11- A bit far fetched but still an interesting road trip that I enjoyed. I saw this at the Palm Springs Int. Film Festival. TRDB.

2) IN A BETTER WORLD– (Haevnen) 2010. Synopsis 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.

3) 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.  

4) WEEKEND– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Russell visits a local gay bar on a Friday night, hoping to meet Mr. Right Now. Instead, he finds Glen, and they spend an intimate weekend learning each other’s innermost secrets. Though neither expected to, both men may have found a soul mate.” I read one review and it’s good. TRDB.

9/23/11- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

  REPEATS-  

1) A SCREAMING MAN- I saw this and liked it

2) ANOTHER YEAR- I liked it but friends did not

3) ARTHUR- This is the re-make– fair reviews at best

4) BEWARE THE GONZO- Haven’t seen this yet

5) BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK- Very good reviews

6) BLUE VALENTINE- I thought this was a very good movie with lots of raw emotion. Not for everyone

7) BRIGHTON ROCK- OK reviews

8)BURKE AND HARE- Fair reviews

9) CARBON NATION- I haven’t seen this yet

10) CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS- Very good reviews but I haven’t seen it yet

11) CONSPIRATOR- I found this one just OK. Would have been a better documentary

12) FAIR GAME- I liked it very much

13) HESHER- I did not like this one

14) IF A TREE FALLS- An interesting documentary, I saw it and liked it

15) JANE EYRE- Just OK reviews but I liked it

16) LIMITLESS- An OK sci-fi film

17) LINCOLN LAWYER- Good movie

18)LOURDES- OK reviews- friends did not like this at all

19) LOVE CRIME- OK reviews- I haven’t seen it yet

20) MEEK’S CUTOFF- I liked it

21) MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER- Good reviews

22) QUEEN TO PLAY- I liked this very much

23) SKATELAND- Mediocre reviews

24) SOMEWHERE- I enjoyed the movie- it’s slow so beware

25) SOURCE CODE- OK reviews

26) TALES OF THE GOLDEN AGE- Good reviews but I haven’t seen it yet

27) THE KING’S SPEECH- I liked it with a few complaints

28)WIN WIN- Very good and highly recommended  

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 SUBURBS-

1) THE IDES OF MARCH– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.” Very good early reviews and I saw the coming attractions and it looked good. TRDB.

REPEATS-

1) 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.

2) THE DEBT– Bethel, 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.

3) MONEYBALL– Bethel, 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.

10/3/11- I liked this movie very much and I thought that Brad Pitt did a wonderful job playing Beane. TRDB.

4) 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 reviews. 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) THE LION KING– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. (1994)- Synopsis by Netflix. “The highest-grossing animated film of the 20th century follows a young lion cub named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) who can’t wait to be king. But his uncle (Jeremy Irons) craves the title for himself and will stop at nothing — even killing his own brother — to get it.”

9/27/11- I just saw this movie with my wife, my son and 2 of my grandchildren and loved it. Interesting, great animation and we saw it in 3D which put a new twist on the film. TRDB.

7) 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.

8)MOZART’S SISTER– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

9)  LOVE CRIME– Clearview 100. 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) MACHINE GUN PREACHER– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Gerard Butler stars in this true-life story of Sam Childers, a drug dealer who turns his life around to become a spiritual warrior. His mission? Rescuing child soldiers in the Sudan from lives ruined by their forced participation in bloody conflict.” A few good reviews so far. TRDB.

11) THE GUARD– 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.

12) 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.

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

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