FILM REVIEWS #321
April 29th, 2010
APRIL 29, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS:
PLEASE ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AT- www.thereeldrbob.com
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK- See “below” for details.
1) BLESSED IS THE MATCH: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF HANNAH SENESH
2) THE HORSE BOY
3) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN
MOVIES I’VE SEEN AT THE THEATER- NONE
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MOVIES I’VE VIEWED AT HOME-
1) IRENE IN TIME- Premise by Netflix. “The unique and complex relationship between a father and his daughter yields a profound influence, years later, on the relationships forged between the grown woman and the various men she knows and loves. Acclaimed indie film director Henry Jaglom (Hollywood Dreams) reunites with lead actress Tanna Frederick in this probing drama that also stars Victoria Tennant, Karen Black, Lanre Idewu and Andrea Marcovicci.” Generally negative reviews.4/10- Some parts of this film were very good and others were awful. I think it’s worth a try. TRDB.
2) THE HORSE BOY- Premise by Netflix. “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.4/10- Great photography and very interesting movie. Painful to watch at times. Netflix Streaming.
3) BLESSED IS THE MATCH: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF HANNAH SENESH- Premise by Netflix. “Joan Allen narrates this riveting portrait of Hungarian poet Hannah Senesh, a remarkable woman who risked her own life to parachute behind enemy lines — enduring capture, torture and, ultimately, death — to rescue Jews from Nazi persecution. Ahead of her time and on a mission of incredible odds, Senesh ultimately became a martyr in Israel, evoking the spirit of warrior-heroine Joan of Arc and earning the gratitude of those she saved.”4/10- This documentary was very well done and I highly recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
4) OLD PARTNER- Premise by Netflix. “Set in the fertile fields of South Korea, Chung-Ryoul Lee’s pensive yet playful documentary examines the enduring bond between an elderly farmer and his loyal ox, forged over 40 years of service, while his sometimes jealous wife stands by. Mr. Lee tends to the ox with special care, feeding him by hand and keeping the land free of pesticides, while the aging beast faithfully carts him back and forth from town, never leaving his side.” Very good reviews.4/10- This documentary is a sensitive study of man’s relationship to beast. It is also, I think, a study of aging in general. Very good. Netflix.
5) THE GOOD HEART- Premise by Netflix. “Jacques (Brian Cox), the rough-edged owner of a New York dive bar, realizes after his fifth heart attack that he’s near the end. Unable to face closing the bar, he turns to a homeless kid, Lucas (Paul Dano), to keep the place going. For Lucas, it’s a steep learning curve, made even trickier by the fact that Jacques is a madman with a long list of crazy rules — including no new customers, no socializing with patrons and no women.”
4/10– This movie was really awful. Miss it!! TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
6) DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”
4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. TRDB.
7) FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN- Premise by Netflix. “A powerful meditation on guilt, forgiveness and reconciliation, this potent drama stars Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt as two men on opposite sides of Northern Ireland’s political struggle: one a killer, the other the brother of the man he killed. In crafting his keenly sensitive film, director Oliver Hirschbiegel eschews the predictable to deliver a work of tremendous insight and emotional complexity.”
4/10- Very well done with great acting. TRDB. Netflix.
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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MAY 4-
1) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.
2) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.
3) 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.” Fairly good reviews.
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OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) THE GOOD HEART- Premise by Zap2it. “The arrival of a pretty woman drives a wedge between an ailing, irascible bartender and his protege, as both men vie for her affection.” Very few reviews and they are just OK.
4/10- I saw this on Comcast On-Demand and it was awful. Miss it!! TRDB.
2) MERCY- Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. No reviews as yet.
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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth
1) MID-AUGUST LUNCH- Premise by Netflix. “As the Italian holiday of Pranzo di Ferragosto approaches, cash-strapped Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio) gets help from his landlord, his friend and his doctor, who offer financial relief in exchange for Gianni looking after their elderly relatives over the holiday. Four mismatched Italian mamas at the same table make for an awkward, hilarious and touching mid-August lunch in this film festival favorite from Di Gregorio, who also writes and directs.” This film has received very good reviews and I plan to see it this week at home in NY.
2) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- A thriller. I saw this and liked it.
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-
NEW-
1) THE GOOD HEART- Premise by Netflix. “Jacques (Brian Cox), the rough-edged owner of a New York dive bar, realizes after his fifth heart attack that he’s near the end. Unable to face closing the bar, he turns to a homeless kid, Lucas (Paul Dano), to keep the place going. For Lucas, it’s a steep learning curve, made even trickier by the fact that Jacques is a madman with a long list of crazy rules — including no new customers, no socializing with patrons and no women.”
4/10– This movie was really awful. Miss it!! TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
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) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- About a bad cop in New Orleans. See “above” under “viewed at home.” Great Cage, only fair movie. TRDB. On Netflix as well.
3) BEESWAX- About twin sisters. A slice of life and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.
4) 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. TRDB. Netflix also.
5) BREAKING UPWARDS- About a couple that plans their breakup in stages. I found the movie interesting and sad as they genuinely appeared to love each other. I’d recommend it. TRDB.
6) BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.
7) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.” 10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.
8)COCO BEFORE CHANEL- About the founder of Chanel from her childhood through her success. I liked it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.
9) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.
10) EASIER WITH PRACTICE- Premise by Netflix. “Despite his brother’s (Kel O’Neill) company, Davy Mitchell (Brian Geraghty) becomes bored and disillusioned during a road trip to promote his unpublished novel — until an unexpected phone call from stranger Nicole (Kathryn Aselton) leads to life-changing phone sex. Soon, Davy is full of joy due to the amusing and intimate phone relationship he forges with Nicole in this drama based on Davy Rothbart’s autobiographical article for GQ.” Excellent reviews.
4/10- An interesting story about loneliness and connection between people. TRDB. On Netflix.
11) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.
12) HAPPY TEARS- Premise by Netflix. Jayne (Parker Posey) and Laura (Demi Moore) return to their childhood home in Pittsburgh to look after their father, Joe (Rip Torn), a lively widower who may be slipping into dementia. The sisters are soon at odds over their father’s care — and over old family dramas. As Joe’s condition deteriorates, they are forced to confront myriad unpleasant memories. Ellen Barkin and Christian Camargo co-star. Mediocre reviews at best.
13) 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. TRDB. Netflix also.
14) NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU- A series of vignettes about personal relationships with NY as a backdrop.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.
15) NO IMPACT MAN- About a couple, primarily the husband, who try to live for 1 year having no carbon impact. Very interesting concept and I liked it. TRDB. On Netflix.
16) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- Premise by Netflix. “What do you do when you can’t play music in your homeland, but you can’t leave your country to play it abroad either? This is the dilemma faced by an Iranian guy and gal who, fresh on the heels of their prison release, decide to form a rock band. Despite having drive and ambition to spare, the wannabe rockers are stymied by lack of passports, lack of funds and lack of musicians who’re willing to leave Iran in this drama from Bahman Ghobadi.” This just opened in a few cities in the US to great early reviews.
17) 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.”
4/10- OK if you don’t take it too seriously. TRDB. Netflix as well.
18) 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. TRDB.
19) THE ART OF THE STEAL- About the breakup of the Barnes collection in Philadelphia and the politics involved in the process. Very good documentary. TRDB.
20) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player. Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB.
21) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic. TRDB. Netflix as well.
22) THE COVE- About the illegal killing of dolphins in a small Japanese town. Very good. TRDB. Netflix also.
24) 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. TRDB. On Netflix too.
25) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE- A documentary about Vogue magazine. Very good. TRDB. Available on Netflix also.
26) 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. TRDB. Netflix also.
27) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB.Netflix also.
28) 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. However, I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB.
23) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. 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 Films in Your Neighborhood go to- http://lakeworthplayhouse.org/indie_films.html
For all films go to- www.fandango.com
1) NORTHFACE- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “In 1936, young German climbers Toni Kurz (Benno Fürmann) and Andreas Hinterstoisser (Florian Lukas) face off against a rival Austrian duo in an attempt to be the first team to scale the infamous north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps. As the men make the treacherous climb, journalist Luise (Johanna Wokalek) — Toni’s childhood love — covers the biggest story of her career. Philipp Stölzl helms this drama based on a true story.” Good reviews.
2) THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100. Fair reviews. I haven’t seen it yet but expect to.
3) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. Good thriller.
4) MOTHER- Bethel. About a Korean mother of a retarded young adult son. When he is jailed for a teenage girl’s murder she goes through extraordinary lengths to prove his innocence. I liked the movie.
5) THE ART OF THE STEAL- Bethel. About the break-up of the Barnes art collection in Philadelphia and the politics involved. Very good.
6) CITY ISLAND- Garden Cinema Norwalk, Danbury, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne. About families and the secrets they keep. I liked the film.
7) BREAKING UPWARDS- Garden Cinema Norwalk. About a young man and woman in a 4yr. relationship, bored with being together, who orchestrate their impending break-up over a period of time. I saw this and thought it was very good.
8)GREENBERG- Clearview 100. 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. I haven’t seen this yet and I think it will be a DVD viewing for me.
9) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- Jacob Burns. 2009. Premise by Netflix. “A startling discovery comes to light for retired Argentine criminal investigator Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) as he pens a biographical novel about the unsolved case of a young newlywed’s brutal rape and murder years ago. Past and present intertwine for Espósito and colleague Pablo Sandoval (Guillermo Francella) in director Juan José Campanella’s suspenseful character study in which justice, pain and love collide.” This entry from Argentina won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. I plan to see it this week.
10) MID-AUGUST LUNCH- Jacob Burns. Premise by Netflix. “As the Italian holiday of Pranzo di Ferragosto approaches, cash-strapped Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio) gets help from his landlord, his friend and his doctor, who offer financial relief in exchange for Gianni looking after their elderly relatives over the holiday. Four mismatched Italian mamas at the same table make for an awkward, hilarious and touching mid-August lunch in this film festival favorite from Di Gregorio, who also writes and directs.” This film has received very good reviews. I’ll see it this week.
11) VINCERE- Jacob Burns. The film is a multi-layered docudrama about the first wife of Mussolini that most people know nothing about. He never divorced her or even recognized her. Was the marriage the fantasy of an obsessed lover? I liked this movie very much.
12) THE GHOST WRITER- Saw Mill Hawthorne. A political thriller. OK.
THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
Entry Filed under: All Reviews
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