The Reel Dr. Bob

OCTOBER 13, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT- Netflix

2) NOTHING PERSONAL- Netflix

3) THE IDES OF MARCH- Theater

4) BETTY BLUE- Netflix Streaming

6) GOOD NEIGHBORS- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 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. I saw the coming attractions and it looked good. TRDB.10/7/11- Only a fair review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/10/11- A very good political drama, especially George Clooney as the candidate. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE SENTIMENT OF THE FLESH– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “A shared interest in human anatomy brings a female drawing student and a male radiologist together in an intense affair that moves toward obsession and danger as the couple explore each other’s “interior” secrets — both erotic and scientific.” Generally poor reviews. TRDB. 10/6/11- Barely OK, I did see it through. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT– 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Two distinct activities are underway in Chile’s Atacama Desert: While astronomers study distant stars through a giant telescope, local people sift through the soil looking for graves of family members killed during the nation’s brutal political past. The region’s uniquely dry, clear air encourages both pursuits and inspires director Patricio Guzmán to draw metaphorical links between them in this thoughtful, heartfelt documentary.” Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.

10/7/11- A very good documentary that makes many comparisons between various social issues in Chile and beyond. TRDB. Netflix.

3) SKATELAND– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Anthony Burns and screenwriter brothers Heath and Brandon Freeman tell the story of 19-year-old Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez), who finds his life at a crossroads when the Texas roller rink where he works is forced to shut its doors. Set in the early 1980s, this is a coming-of-age tale in which the hapless but hopeful protagonist must contend with his parents’ divorce, shifting friendships and making choices on the path to adulthood.” Fairly good audience reaction so far. OK review in NY Times on 5/13/11. TRDB.

10/8/11- I can’t believe anybody reviewed this movie well. The Worst!! TRDB. Netflix.

4) NOTHING PERSONAL– 2010. Premise 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.

10/8/11- Interesting and very different even by my standards. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

5) BETTY BLUE– 1986. Synopsis by Netflix. “A woman who is prone to irrational bouts of fury begins a steamy romance with a handyman and writer in this Oscar-nominated drama. Eventually, her psychological scars begin to wreak havoc on their relationship.”

10/9/11- Poignant and I liked both the comedic portions and the very serious ones as well. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

6) WHEN THE SEA RISES– 2004. Synopsis by Netflix. “Middle-aged performance artist Irène (Yolande Moreau) — who has her own one-woman road show — falls into an unlikely affair after unwittingly sparking the romantic interest of a lanky young drifter (Wim Willaert) who befriends her when her car breaks down. Also starring Olivier Gourmet, this charmingly offbeat tale is based on Moreau’s real-life experiences as a traveling comedian during the 1980s.”

10/10/11- I can’t say that I liked the movie but it was different and I stuck it out till the end. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

7) GOOD NEIGHBORS– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In an apartment complex nestled in Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood, everyone is nervous with a serial killer on the loose. Meanwhile, waitress Louise (Emily Hampshire) and widower Spencer (Scott Speedman) bond with new resident Victor (Jay Baruchel), which could prove dangerous. Staying alive may well mean figuring out who to trust. Jacob Tierney (The Trotsky) writes and directs this mystery thriller.” OK review in NY Times on 7/29/11. TRDB.

10/11/11- An interesting story that started slowly and became more engaging as time went on. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

8)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.

10/12/11- I could have liked this movie a lot more than I did but with the thick accent and both main actors high on booze or drugs continuously I found it very difficult. Where are the sub-titles when you need them? TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 18-

 

1) AFTERSHOCK– 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Caught in the cataclysmic Tangshan earthquake of 1976, a mother is forced to choose which of her twin children — her son or her daughter — a rescue worker should save as they flee the collapsing ruins of her home. The film dramatizes the arduous struggle of the survivors — including the little girl left for dead — as families must learn to rebuild their lives in the wake of a natural disaster that left nearly 250,000 people dead.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. Great reviews in general. TRDB.

 

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) BEATS RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Rapaport goes behind the scenes with this documentary to chronicle the tumultuous group dynamics that have driven influential, genre-bending hip-hop sensations A Tribe Called Quest to the heights of success. Filmed during a 2008 reunion tour, this movie includes candid input from band members, including Q-Tip, along with testimonies by other artists such as Kanye West to Tribe‘s enduring musical legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

4) THE LAST CIRCUS– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After landing a gig as a sad circus clown, timid Javier (Carlos Areces) falls for beguiling but masochistic trapeze artist Natalia (Carolina Bang) and begins battling for the beauty’s affections with her brutally abusive boyfriend, Sergio (Antonio de la Torre). Written and directed by Álex de la Iglesia, this darkly humorous commentary on Spain’s fascist past features an abundance of blood-splattered violence and gruesome gore.” Some very good early reviews. TRDB.8/19/11- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) ARMADILLO- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Documentarian Janus Metz Pedersen hunkers down with a platoon of Danish soldiers on a six-month Afghan tour of duty, and his exceptional access yields a field-level view of the boredom, adrenaline and confusion that comprise their daily routine. Shot in assorted digital formats on cameras at times fixed to soldiers’ helmets, the film records the recruits on patrol and at rest and witnesses their transformation when finally called to combat.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) THE ROBBER– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having developed a taste for the adrenaline that comes from the thrill of the chase, Austrian marathon runner Johann Rettenberger (Andreas Lust) turns his disciplined mind and world-class athletic talents to a new hobby: robbing banks in broad daylight. But for how long can the fleet-footed thief keep outrunning the police? Franziska Weisz co-stars in this drama based on a true story, directed by Benjamin Heisenberg.” Good reviews including the NY Times on 4/29/11. TRDB.

7) PRINCE OF BROADWAY– Premise by Netflix. “Director Sean Baker‘s realistic tale (nominated for the John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award) follows a pair of bumbling, immigrant street hustlers named Lucky (Prince Adu) and Levon (Karren Karagulian) who have their lives turned upside down when Lucky’s ex-girlfriend leaves her child in his care. Struck by the new sense of responsibility he feels for a little boy claiming to be his son, Lucky realizes that there are more important things to do than merely making a buck.” Good review in NY Times 9/3/10.

8)NORA’S WILL– 2010. Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “Before dying, Nora hatches a plan to make her ex-husband José take care of her corpse, but she is missing something. The only flaw in the plan–a mysterious photograph forgotten under the bed–will lead to an unexpected outcome.” I’ve seen only 2 reviews but both were positive.

4/11- I liked this movie very much. Seen at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival. TRDB.

9) PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NY TIMES– 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarian Andrew Rossi goes inside the New York Times to examine how the venerable paper and its reporters are responding to the massive changes in how news is gathered, analyzed and dispersed. Is there any future for newsprint? The creative process of journalism is also dissected, with journalists David Carr, Brian Stelter and many others providing insight into their writing processes and where they think the news business is headed.” At Sundance 2011. Fairly good audience reactions. TRDB.

7/15/11- Excellent documentary that we all need to listen to as newspapers  with shrinking revenues fold right and left. TRDB.

10) A BETTER LIFE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid social drama tracks the relationship and conflicts between Mexican immigrant gardener Carlos and his teenage son Luis, whom he’s trying to interest in earning an honest living rather than drifting into the East L.A. gang scene.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

6/24/11- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7/24/11- I think this is a wonderful movie with a real life glimpse into the plight of the illegal immigrant and the extraordinary measures taken by some parents to protect their children in this situation. TRDB.

11) R– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After committing a vicious crime, Rune (Johan Philip Asbæk), a career criminal even though he is only in his mid-twenties, is sentenced to two years in the harshest of Danish prisons. Although he wants to do his time quietly, prison gangs make his life a living hell. He is soon befriended by a Muslim prisoner named Rashid, who is also at the mercy of the hardcore criminals. Rune appears to appease one of the gang leaders, but is he really safe?” No reviews found as yet. TRDB.

12) BAARIA– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Over the course of the 20th century, three generations of a family face tumultuous personal and political events as their lives unfold in the Sicilian town of Bagheria — referred to as Baarìa by many locals. Acclaimed writer-director Guiseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso, Malena) based his intimate comedy epic on his own experiences growing up in this village. Francesco Scianna, Margaret Madè, Raoul Bova, Laura Chiatti and Monica Bellucci co-star in this Golden Globe nominee.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1)  FOOTLOOSE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This musical remake of the infectious 1984 hit finds dance-lovin’, big-city kid Ren MacCormack stuck in a small town where dancing is illegal. As he rebels against the town and its influential Rev. Moore, Ren falls for the pastor’s lovely daughter.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

2) BLACKTHORN– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This Western imagines the later career of Butch Cassidy, who escapes to Bolivia where he leads a quiet life with the woman he loves. That is until he meets up with a Spanish robber who promises him one last adventure he can’t refuse.” OK early reviews. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

 

1) AMERICAN TEACHER– 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “American Teacher is the feature-length documentary created and produced by Vanessa Roth, Nínive Calegari, Dave Eggers, and Brian McGinn. The film includes a musical score by Thao Nguyen and is narrated by Matt Damon. The film chronicles the stories of four teachers living and working in disparate urban and rural areas of the country. Their stories are told through a mixture of footage and interviews with students, families, and colleagues, as well as the teachers themselves.”9/30/11- Fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

2) THE MAN NOBODY KNEW– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Carl Colby, the son of enigmatic Cold War-era CIA op William Colby, gets to know his father in discussions with contemporaries and historians. Their insights illuminate the elder Colby‘s life as well as America’s intelligence system then and now.” Generally poor reviews and friends who have seen it did not like it. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) BLACKTHORN– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This Western imagines the later career of Butch Cassidy, who escapes to Bolivia where he leads a quiet life with the woman he loves. That is until he meets up with a Spanish robber who promises him one last adventure he can’t refuse.”

2) THE BLIND SIDE– 2009. Premise by Netflix. Oversized African American Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), the teen son of a murdered father and a crack-addicted mother, is homeless 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. Based on Michael Lewis’s bestseller, this inspirational sports tale also stars Kathy Bates as Michael’s persistent tutor, Miss Sue.”2/10- A little of Hollywood shows through frequently but I still enjoyed the movie. TRDB.

 

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 TO THE SUBURBS-

 

1) BLACKTHORN– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This Western imagines the later career of Butch Cassidy, who escapes to Bolivia where he leads a quiet life with the woman he loves. That is until he meets up with a Spanish robber who promises him one last adventure he can’t refuse.”

10/7/11- Poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) THE HEDGEHOG– Jacob Burns. 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Inspired by the beloved New York Times bestseller, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery, The Hedgehog is the timely story of Paloma (Garance Le Guillermic) a young girl bent on ending it all on her upcoming twelfth birthday. Using her father’s old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she sees in adults, Paloma begins to learn about life from the grumpy building concierge, Renée Michel (Josiane Balasko). When Paloma’s camera reveals the extensive secret library in Renée’s back room, and that the often gruff matron reads Tolstoy to her cat, Paloma begins to understand that there are allies to be found beneath the prickliest of exteriors. As the unlikely friendship deepens, Paloma’s own coming of age becomes a much less pessimistic prospect.”

8/19/11- Very good reviews in general and a good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) TAKE SHELTER– Jacob Burns. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) stars in this Sundance-selected thriller as Curtis LaForche, a small-town family man who’s determined to protect his wife (Jessica Chastain) and deaf daughter (Tova Stewart) from impending disaster. Fueled by disturbing visions of a terrible storm, Curtis sets out to prepare for the future by building an impenetrable storm shelter in the safety of his own backyard.”

9/30/11- Great review in today’s NY Times and great reviews in general. TRDB.

4) WOMEN ON THE 6th FLOOR– 2010. Jacob Burns. Synopsis by IMDB. “In 1960s Paris, a conservative couple’s lives are turned upside down by two Spanish maids.”

10/7/11- Fairly good reviews in general but a poor one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) THE BIG YEAR– 2011. Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. Synopsis by Netflix. “Inspired by Mark Obmascik’s nonfiction book of the same name, this high-flying comedy concerns a trio of competitive bird watchers who vow to win a contest by spotting and recording as many avian species as humanly possible.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

6) FOOTLOOSE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This musical remake of the infectious 1984 hit finds dance-lovin’, big-city kid Ren MacCormack stuck in a small town where dancing is illegal. As he rebels against the town and its influential Rev. Moore, Ren falls for the pastor’s lovely daughter.” Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE HELP– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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) 50/50– Bethel, 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.

 

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) 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. I saw the coming attractions and it looked good. TRDB.

10/7/11- Only a fair review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/10/11- A very good political drama, especially George Clooney as the candidate. TRDB.

5) 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.

6) THE DEBT– Clearview 200, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

7) MOZART’S SISTER– Clearview 100. 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.

8)MIDNIGHT IN PARIS– Clearview 100. 2011. 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.

9)THE LION KING– 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.

 

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