The Reel Dr. Bob

NOV. 10, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com

  

You may have noticed that more new, well reviewed movies are appearing ON-DEMAND lately, so you might want to check out the ON-DEMAND section before heading out to local thaters.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE MAN ON THE TRAIN- Comcast On-Demand

2) THE ROBBER- Netflix Streaming

3) MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE- Theater

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After escaping from a violent cult in rural New York, Martha (Elizabeth Olsen) tries to reconnect with her estranged sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson), and Lucy’s well-to-do husband, Ted (Hugh Dancy), but the brainwashing she endured continues to prevent her from forming an identity of her own. Overwhelmed with paranoia, guilt and shame, Martha isolates herself until Lucy begins to suspect her sister’s emotional trauma has deeper underlying causes.” Winner at Sundance 2011.10/21/11-  Only a fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/8/11- An interesting and very well acted psychological thriller and I liked it. TRDB.

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) 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.11/3/11- Mostly good reviews but I have NO interest in the band and even LESS interest in the music. I found it very difficult to get into the movie and turned it off fairly early. TRDB. Netflix.

2) THE MAN ON THE TRAIN– 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A mysterious criminal (Mullen Jr.) rolls into a small town planning to knock off the local bank, assuming it will go off without a hitch. But when he encounters a retired poetry professor (Sutherland), his plans take an unlikely turn. With no place to stay, the professor generously welcomes him into his home. As the two men talk, a bond forms between these two polar opposites, and surprising moments of humor and compassion emerge. As they begin to understand each other more, they each examine the choices they’ve made in their lives, secretly longing to live the type of lifestyle the other man has lived, based on the desire to escape their own.” Good early reviews from both Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB. TRDB.

11/3/11- This movie is a bit different but I found it interesting and thought provoking. It’s one of the few times I can say that an American remake of a European movie was this good. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

3) 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.

11/3/11- This movie was ridiculous and I turned it off. Slapstick crap. TRDB. Netflix.

4) ALL SHE CAN– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luz Garcia (Corina Calderon), a high school senior in a remote Texas town, seeks to finance her much-coveted education at the University of Texas at Austin by winning a scholarship through a State Powerlifting Championship. But she quickly comes to learn that there is more standing in her way than mere dead weight. Amy Wendel (Curley’s Diner) co-writes and directs this story of pure perseverance and grit.” Good early audience reviews so far. TRDB.

11/7/11- A cute if trivial drama that kept me hooked till the end and an honest look into the Hispanic population. TRDB. Netflix.

5) 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.

11/8/11- I liked this movie a lot. It reminded me of “Run Lola Run.” TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

6) 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.

11/9/11- A fairly typical “war is hell” documentary which, while well done, still left me a bit empty as I had trouble relating to the individual characters. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 15-

 

1) TURTLE: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Attempting a perilous odyssey its ancestors have undertaken for millions of years, one loggerhead turtle swims from a beach in Florida across the Atlantic Ocean, encountering stunning sea creatures as well as serious hazards created by modern man. Narrated by actress Miranda Richardson, this extraordinary nature documentary brings marine conservation issues such as overfishing and pollution to the forefront of viewers’ minds.”6/24/11- OK  review in today’s NY Times but the review was critical of the computer assisted work on this film and accused it of dishonesty. TRDB.

2) THE TREE– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After the sudden death of her husband, Dawn O’Neil (Charlotte Gainsbourg) must provide for her four children despite her grief, while 8-year-old Simone (Morgana Davies) is convinced that her father’s spirit now lives in the giant Moreton Bay Fig tree in the front yard. Dawn takes comfort from Simone’s coping mechanism until the tree‘s roots threaten the stability of their home, and she must decide whether to be practical or listen to her heart.”  OK reviews. TRDB.

3) FLYPAPER– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two gangs unwittingly attempt to rob a bank at the same time, catching innocent Tripp Kennedy (Patrick Dempsey) in the middle of the action. In the midst of the melee, Tripp saves bank teller Kaitlin (Ashley Judd), and together they scheme to stay alive and out of love. When the bank’s security system goes into lockdown mode, the standoff pits crook against crook while Tripp and Kaitlin execute their plan.”

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

4) THE WAVY GRAVY MOVIE: SAINT MISBEHAVIN– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Explore the meaningful life of longtime clown and political activist Wavy Gravy with this documentary, which follows the popular figure for more than 10 years, revealing his true character, core convictions and biggest contributions to society. Featured guests such as Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Patch Adams, Steve Earle and Buffy Sainte Marie share fond thoughts about the man and his remarkable work.” Mostly positive reviews. TRDB.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) J. EDGAR– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.” No professional reviews as yet but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

 

2) THE CONQUEST– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fact-based drama recounts the events surrounding the 2007 election of French president Nicolas Sarkozy through an ironic lens, contrasting Sarkozy’s dynamic public profile with his inability to save his marriage to his second wife, Cécilia.” A few poor reviews. TRDB.

 

3) COOK COUNTY– 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Sonny (Xander Berkeley) returns home after serving time in prison, he tries to reestablish a relationship with his downtrodden son, Abe (Ryan Donowho), who is overcoming a methamphetamine habit while living in a house harboring other addicts. This searing cautionary tale also stars Anson Mount as Bump, Sonny’s wheeling and drug-dealing younger brother, and Makenna Fitzsimmons as Deandra, Sonny’s young niece whose safety is often endangered.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.

 

4) INTO THE ABYSS– 2011. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “In his fascinating exploration of a triple homicide case in Conroe, Texas, master filmmaker Werner Herzog probes the human psyche to explore why people kill-and why a state kills. In intimate conversations with those involved, including 28-year-old death row inmate Michael Perry (scheduled to die within eight days of appearing on-screen), Herzog achieves what he describes as “a gaze into the abyss of the human soul.” Herzog’s inquiries also extend to the families of the victims and perpetrators as well as a state executioner and pastor who’ve been with death row prisoners as they’ve taken their final breaths. As he’s so often done before, Herzog’s investigation unveils layers of humanity, making an enlightening trip out of ominous territory.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) GAINSBOURG: A HEROIC LIFE– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eric Elmosnino stars as Serge Gainsbourg in this foreign-language biopic about the life and career of the famed French singer-songwriter who, as a young Jew, survived the Nazi occupation of Paris and went on to create controversial music. Laetitia Casta and Lucy Gordon co-star.” Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS– 2011.  7/25/11. By Joseph Dorman this is a wonderful documentary about the famous Yiddish writer. TRDB.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW ON-DEMAND-

 

1) CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife (Julianne Moore) wants to end their marriage, he reluctantly faces the unwelcome prospect of single life with the counsel of the younger and smoother super-bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Meanwhile, Cal’s adolescent son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), has formed an unquenchable crush on his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton) — but is she more interested in Robbie’s recently unwed father?” Good early reviews. TRDB.8/6/11- Crazy and stupid but lots of fun. Poignant as well. TRDB.

2) THE LAST RITES OF JOE MAY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Low-stakes hustler Joe May returns home from the hospital to find his landlord assumed he’d died, and rented his apartment out to a single mom and her daughter. Joe‘s life takes surprising turns when he agrees to let the woman and her child stay.”11/4/11- An OK review in today’s NY Times and it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

1) A BETTER LIFE- Very good movie

 

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 THE SUBURBS-

 

1) LIKE CRAZY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthonre, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Premise by Netflix. “American Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and British Anna (Felicity Jones) meet and fall madly in love at college in Los Angeles, but must make their relationship work long distance when Anna returns to London. With an ocean between them, their trust is tested, forcing them to confront the idea that their love may be impermanent. Or can it survive against the odds? Charlie Bewley, Oliver Muirhead, Finola Hughes and Ben York Jones also star.” Mentioned in NY Times on 1/22/11 re Sundance. Excellent reviews in general. TRDB.10/28/11- Poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) J. EDGAR– Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.” No professional reviews as yet but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After escaping from a violent cult in rural New York, Martha (Elizabeth Olsen) tries to reconnect with her estranged sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson), and Lucy’s well-to-do husband, Ted (Hugh Dancy), but the brainwashing she endured continues to prevent her from forming an identity of her own. Overwhelmed with paranoia, guilt and shame, Martha isolates herself until Lucy begins to suspect her sister’s emotional trauma has deeper underlying causes.” Winner at Sundance 2011.10/21/11-  Only a fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/8/11- An interesting and very well acted psychological thriller and I liked it. TRDB.

2) MARGIN CALL– 2011. Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Synopsis by Netflix. “An all-star cast shines in this engrossing drama about a critical 24-hour period at a high-profile investment bank in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, when young analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers information that could destroy the firm. When he alerts upper management to the precarious position of their risky investments, an emergency meeting is held to decide if they should alert clients or abscond with the profits.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

10/21/11- Excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/31/11- A good “financial thriller” and although I enjoyed it I could have used a bit less of Kevin Spacey’s lessons. Jeremy Irons as the head honcho was great. TRDB.

3) THE SKIN I LIVE IN– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Ledgard, a brilliant plastic surgeon, seeks to overcome the grief of his late wife’s disfigurement in a fiery car crash by inventing skin that is impervious to injury, but his experiments on a living woman hasten his descent into madness.”

10/14/11- By Almodovar, this film got a weird but great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) THE WAY– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

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

5) MONEYBALL- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “An all-star cast brings to life the true story of Billy Beane, a former jock turned general manager who uses unconventional methods to bring the best players to the Oakland A’s, a major league baseball team struggling against financial hardship.”

9/23/11- Good review in today’s NY Times and very good reviews in general. TRDB.

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

6) THE IDES OF MARCH– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

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