The Reel Dr. Bob

DECEMBER 8, 2011

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

I WILL BE IN MY “FLORIDA” OFFICE FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS BUT I’LL ATTEMPT TO WRITE FROM THERE. IF I CAN, IT WILL PROBABLY BE EVERY OTHER WEEK OR SO.

 

TODAY’S ISSUE WILL HAVE INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

 

ALSO, THE MOVIES ON “COMCAST ON-DEMAND” IN FLORIDA ARE A BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE LIST HERE UP NORTH SO BE SURE TO  DOUBLE-CHECK.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE TREE- Netflix Streaming

2) OUR IDIOT BROTHER- Netflix

3) BEGINNERS- Netflix

4) RUBY BLUE- Netflix Streaming

5) ANGELS CREST- Comcast On-Demand

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) 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. 12/2/11- Decent movie with a great Gainsbourg as usual. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) OUR IDIOT BROTHER– 2011- Synopsis by Netflix. “Ned (Paul Rudd) is a seemingly clueless idealist who must rely upon his three exasperated sisters (Emily Mortimer, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel) for shelter and support after he’s dumped by his fed-up girlfriend (Kathryn Hahn) and loses custody of his beloved dog, Willie Nelson. As he wreaks havoc on his sisters’ lives, Ned’s earnestness shines through until his siblings realize that family ties take priority over wealth and position.” Good reviews so far. TRDB.

8/27/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12/3/11- I almost turned this off near the beginning but didn’t (and don’t you). Many cliches but this movie was different and had some of the funniest scenes that I have seen in a long time. Interesting family dynamics as well. TRDB. Netflix.

3) BEGINNERS– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).” Good early reviews. TRDB. Mixed review in NY Times on 6/3/22 and friends of mine hated it. TRDB.

12/4/11- I enjoyed this movie very much. Great acting, very creatively done and what I thought was a very realistic portrayal of a more common situation than most would imagine. TRDB. Netflix.

4) RUBY BLUE– 2007. Synopsis by Netflix. “An unexpected friendship with 8-year-old Florrie (Jessica Stewart) puts depressed widower Jack (Bob Hoskins) back on the path to enjoying life once again. But when Florrie suddenly goes missing, Jack must confront his suspicious community, as well as his own past. Josiane Balasko co-stars in this British drama as Stephanie, Jack’s neighbor who possesses a talent for cooking — and a closely guarded secret.” Good reviews. TRDB.

12/5/11- I liked the movie very much. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

5) ANGELS CREST– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through a careless indiscretion, a young father (Thomas Dekker) inadvertently allows his 3-year-old son to freeze to death. But as he tries to manage his grief, the man comes under harsh criticism from local townspeople, his ex-wife (Lynn Collins) and an angry prosecutor (Jeremy Piven). Mira Sorvino, Kate Walsh and Elizabeth McGovern co-star in this powerful drama, an adaptation of Leslie Schwartz’s novel Angels Crest.” Good reviews. TRDB.

12/6/11- A very well done tragic story with no winners and only losers. Don’t see it if you’re in a bad mood. I liked it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 6 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

1) BOBBY FISHER AGAINST THE WORLD– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “One of the most enigmatic of 20th-century personalities, Bobby Fischer rose to fame as a world-champion child chess prodigy who later found himself embroiled in Cold War era politics. Filmmaker Liz Garbus reveals the dark side of his fame, exploring the phenom’s descent into loneliness, despair and life on the lam. Interviews with people who were close to the legend and rare archival footage provide insights into his character.”9/9/11- Very good review in today’s NY Times and excellent reviews in general. TRDB.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 13-

 

1) LARRY CROWNE– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being laid off from his longtime job at a soulless retail giant, average middle-aged guy Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) decides it’s time to change up his life, so he heads back to college. There, he finds a new perspective — and a new romance with a professor (Julia Roberts). Hanks directs this comedy-drama from a script co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer and Vardalos co-star.” Good early reviews. TRDB.7/1/11- Weak review in NY Times today. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, DEC. 20-

 

1) WARRIOR– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in the violent and merciless world of mixed martial arts combat, director Gavin O’Connor’s tale of two brothers at war with each other features plenty of wild ring action as well as emotional family drama. Tom Conlon (Tom Hardy) and older brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton) have pursued separate lives, but when Tom returns home to ask his father’s help in preparing for a championship bout, events lead the siblings back into each other’s paths.”9/9/11- Good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) JULIA’S EYES– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This heart-pounding thriller follows Julia (Belén Rueda), who is losing her eyesight to a degenerative disease. When her twin sister, Sara, supposedly commits suicide, Julia suspects that a murderer is on the loose — and that she’s next. As she investigates with her husband, Isaac (Lluís Homar), Julia realizes that a man is watching her, but her credibility is weakened by her worsening vision and the fact that she can’t identify her pursuer.” Good professional reviews and just OK audience ones. TRDB.

3) 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.

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

4) BURKE AND HARE– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director John Landis rolls out his first feature film in more than a decade with this black comedy based on the true exploits of two 19th-century body snatchers, played by Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis. When Burke and Hare‘s successful business — selling corpses to the Edinburgh Medical College for dissection — is hampered by a supply shortage, the men are forced to take drastic measures. Isla Fisher and Tim Curry also star.”

9/9/11- Only a fair review in today’s NY Times and worse elsewhere. TRDB.

5) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS– 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.

6) MARGIN CALL– 2011. 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.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (DEC. 9)-

 

1) NEW YEAR’S EVE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this star-studded romantic comedy, the fates of a diverse group of New Yorkers are wound together on New Year’s Eve — including one expectant couple hoping their baby will be the first to be born in the Big Apple after midnight.” Very good audience reaction so far but no professional reviews available. TRDB. 

 

2) W.E.- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Madonna directs this romantic drama that examines the parallel lives of famous divorcée Wallis Simpson and Wally Winthrop, a young 1990s housewife. Wally yearns to have a romance as dramatic as Wallis’s but discovers that history can be misleading.” Only a few reviews and they are poor. TRDB.

 

3) WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “The strained relationship between a mother and her teenage son turns tragic when the boy engineers a massacre at his high school, and the mother is forced to ask how much blame she deserves for the heartbreaking event.” Great early reviews. TRDB.

 

4) YOUNG ADULT– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taken aback when she receives a letter from an old boyfriend announcing that he’s just had a baby with his wife, divorced fiction writer Mavis Gary decides to return to her small hometown and reconnect with her former lover.” Great audience reviews but no professional ones as yet. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING NEXT WEEK (DEC. 16)-

 

1) CARNAGE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this comic drama from director Roman Polanski, two sets of parents meet in the aftermath of an incident in which one of their children bullied the other. As the evening progresses, the adults confront each other in increasingly hostile ways.”9/25/11- An article (not a review) about this movie in today’s NY Times. It will be shown at the NY Film Festival. TRDB.

11/23/11- Great reviews. TRDB.

2) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young computer hacker is tasked with investigating a prying journalist, their separate missions become entangled amid a decades-old conspiracy. David Fincher directs this English adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel.” Good audience reviews but none professional as yet. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

THIS WEEK- (DEC. 9)

 

1) LE HAVRE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comedic drama relates the poignant tale of a young immigrant African boy arriving destitute in the French port of Le Havre, where he’s eventually taken under the wing of a former Bohemian writer who now chooses to shine shoes for a living.” Good audience reaction and OK professional reviews so far. TRDB.10/21/11- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/1/11- I found this movie interesting, in particular the characters of the neighborhood. Also, the love between the two principal characters was precious. TRDB.

 

2) EAMES: THE ARCHITECT AND THE PAINTER– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary tells the story of the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, widely considered America’s most important designers. Their creations include furniture, photography, interiors, multimedia exhibits, games and much more.”11/18/11- A very good review in today’s NY Times and mostly good reviews in general. TRDB.

 

NEXT WEEK- (DEC. 16)

 

1) MARGIN CALL– 2011. 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.

 

2) HEDGEHOG– 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.

10/14/11- Very well done and I liked this movie very much. TRDB. At the Theater.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW TO ON-DEMAND

 

1) ANOTHER EARTH– 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Shortly after a strange, Earth-like planet is discovered, gifted astrophysics student Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling) accidentally slams her car into the vehicle of John Burroughs (William Mapother), killing his family. After some time, Rhoda and John begin an unlikely romance. But Rhoda starts to wonder what would happen if she could actually visit the new planet in director Mike Cahill’s romantic sci-fi drama.” At Sundance 2011. Sounds interesting and good reviews as well. TRDB.

 

2) OUR IDIOT BROTHER– 2011- Synopsis by Netflix. “Ned (Paul Rudd) is a seemingly clueless idealist who must rely upon his three exasperated sisters (Emily Mortimer, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel) for shelter and support after he’s dumped by his fed-up girlfriend (Kathryn Hahn) and loses custody of his beloved dog, Willie Nelson. As he wreaks havoc on his sisters’ lives, Ned’s earnestness shines through until his siblings realize that family ties take priority over wealth and position.” Good reviews so far. TRDB.8/27/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

12/3/11- I almost turned this off near the beginning but didn’t (and don’t you). Many cliches but this movie was different and had some of the funniest scenes that I have seen in a long time. Interesting family dynamics as well. TRDB. Netflix.

 

3) 5 DAYS OF WAR– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When American journalist Thomas Anders (Rupert Friend) is sent to cover the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, he and his cameraman become entangled with a beautiful Georgian scholar (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and soon risk becoming casualties of the brief but brutal conflict. Caught in the crossfire, Anders faces charges of espionage. Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia and Dean Cain co-star in this tense drama directed by Renny Harlin.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.8/19/11- Good review in today’s NY Times but poor reviews overall. TRDB.

4) ANSWERS TO NOTHING– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This gripping ensemble drama follows a philandering husband, a depressed Hollywood screenwriter, a vigilante schoolteacher and other citizens of Los Angeles as their daily lives intersect an LAPD detective’s search for a missing child.”

12/2/11- Good review in today’s NY Times but miserable reviews in general. TRDB.

 5) LIFE, ABOVE ALL– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a tiny village near Johannesburg, 12-year-old Chanda (Khomotso Manyaka) is left to care for two younger siblings when her infant sister dies and her mother becomes gravely ill. But this isn’t the only challenge she faces; the town has turned against her. Rumors that her family carries a deadly disease have made Chanda a pariah. This indictment of small-town gossip was an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” Great professional reviews but only average viewer responses. TRDB.

 

REPEATS ON-DEMAND

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)

 

NEW IN THE SUBURBS-

 

REPEATS-

 

1) MARGIN CALL– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2011. 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.

2) J. EDGAR– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.” Poor professional reviews but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

11/15/11-The movie was just OK. Reminded me of movies by Oliver Stone with a great deal of playing with the facts. DiCaprio was great. TRDB.

3) MELANCHOLIA– Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inventive drama charts the disintegrating relationship between newly married twentysomething Justine and her melancholy sister, Claire, just as Earth hurtles toward certain collision with a newly discovered planet.”

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

10/11- Great reviews but my friends hated it and called it pretentious. TRDB.

4) THE WAY– Bethel. 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) THE DESCENDANTS– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his wife is killed in a Waikiki boating accident, distant father Matt King (George Clooney) begins an iffy journey to repair his fractured relationship with his two daughters. But he’s also trying to decide whether to let go of some valuable family real estate. Judy Greer, Beau Bridges and Matthew Lillard co-star in this tragic-comic tale of legacy and unexpected loss based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.11/26/11- A very thoughtful and well acted family drama. Humor interspersed with all of the serious material lightened up an otherwise overwhelming drama. Recommended. TRDB.

6) LIKE CRAZY– Saw Mill Hawthorne, 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.

7) MY WEEK WITH MARILYN– Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “While filming a movie in England, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe slips away with a young Brit for a week of self-discovery and frivolity. The story that ensues is based on the real-life memoirs of Colin Clark, once assistant to Sir Laurence Olivier.” Good audience reaction and mixed professional reviews. TRDB.

11/28/11- I liked the movie, loved Michelle Williams as the breathless Monroe but the screenplay was just mediocre. TRDB.