The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #397

January 5th, 2012

JANUARY 5, 2012
DEAR FRIENDS:

     I am still in Florida and this issue of my Newsletter will be for the next 3 weeks whenever possible. My next Newsletter will be from back home on or about Jan. 26.
     I am using a different computer as mine is sick at the moment so please excuse any change in appearance or format.

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES SINCE THE LAST ISSUE-

1) TYRANNOSAUR- Theater
2) THE ARTIST- Theater
3) THE WAY- Theater
4) TUESDAY, AFTER CHRISTMAS- Netflix
5) MY REINCARNATION- Theater
6) WARRIOR- Netflix
7) ONE DAY- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW AT THE THEATER SINCE THE LAST ISSUE-

1) WAR HORSE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a novel by Michael Morpurgo, this majestic World War I drama centers on Devon lad Albert and his steadfast horse, Joey, whose faithful bond cannot be shaken — even when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent off to France.” Good reviews although it’s been snubbed by the Golden Globe nominations. TRDB.
12/23/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/25/11- Loads of schmaltz and corn and as far as I’m concerned a real disappointment. TRDB.

2) THE ARTIST-2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This modern-day silent film artfully recounts the poignant end of the silent-movie era in the late 1920s. The story contrasts the declining fortunes of a silent-screen superstar with his lover’s rise to popularity as a darling of the “talkies.”
11/26/11- Great reviews including one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/24/11- I liked this movie very much. Very creative, well acted and an interesting story as well. TRDB.

3) 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.
10/7/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/26/11- I liked this movie very much. Enjoyed the story and the acting. TRDB.

4) MY REINCARNATION- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “While fighting to preserve his spiritual legacy, a Tibetan spiritual master must also do battle with his own son, who has no interest in his destiny. The story that unfolds is a fascinating father-son conflict.”
10/28/11- An interesting review in today’s NY Times and I’ll try to see this movie. TRDB.
12/27/11- A very interesting and well made documentary and I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB.

5) TYRANNOSAUR– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Joseph (Peter Mullan), a doomed, damaged petty thief finds love in the most unlikely place when he literally runs into pious Hannah (Olivia Colman). He thinks her religious nature makes her better off than him, which is far from the truth. As Hannah opens up to him, Joseph discovers a woman as damaged and hungry for human contact as he. Eddie Marsan co-stars in the writing and directing debut of actor Paddy Considine.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
11/18/11- A barely OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/23/11- I liked the movie but would have liked it more if I could understand the English. Great acting! TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW AT HOME SINCE THE LAST ISSUE-

1) BRIGHTON ROCK– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In hopes of silencing a waitress (Andrea Riseborough) who saw him kill another criminal, a young thug (Sam Riley) decides to romance her and suss out how much she knows. But at what point does his premeditated plot blossom into true passion? And are either party’s motives 100 percent pure? John Hurt and Helen Mirren co-star in writer-director Rowan Joffe’s film adaptation of Graham Greene’s novel.” I’ve seen just a few reviews and they are not good. TRDB.
8/27/11- Good review in today’s NY Tmes. TRDB.
12/30/11- Even taking this film as a crime spoof didn’t help. I lost all interest and turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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.
12/23/11- Good fight movie despite it’s predictability. I’d recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.
12/22/11- This is the first “Horror” film I’ve watched in years (didn’t realize this before turning it on) and I now remember why. Well done but it’s not for me!! TRDB. Netflix.

4) 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.
1/1/12– Beautiful scenery, lousy movie. I’m glad I didn’t pay for this one. TRDB. Netflix.

5) ONE DAY– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a romantic tryst on college graduation night, Emma and Dexter pursue separate dreams. This romantic drama based on a novel of the same name checks in with them each year on the same date, tracking their personal and professional progress.” Poor reviews. TRDB.8/19/11- OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
1/2/12- An old fashioned romance that I enjoyed despite it’s being predictable. TRDB. Netflix.

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CAME TO NETFLIX ON JAN. 3 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

1) I AM– 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Hollywood comedy director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) gets contemplative in this documentary, which finds him conversing with prominent philosophers and spiritual leaders about what ails our world and how we can improve it. Traveling the globe to conduct his in-depth interviews, Shadyac finds insights and inspiration from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, historian Howard Zinn, philosopher Noam Chomsky and other luminaries.” Winner at 2011 Palm Springs Film Festival. OK review in NY Times on 3/18/11.

2) THE LAST LIONS– 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Narrated by actor Jeremy Irons, this thrilling documentary follows an African lioness named Ma di Tau as she and her cubs flee a devastating fire, then struggle to live in new territory amidst dangerous predators and a lethal pride of rival lions. Besides being a harrowing tale of survival, this film from directors Dereck and Beverly Joubert illuminates the urgent plight of all Africa’s lions, whose population has reached dangerously low levels.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) I’M GLAD MY MOTHER IS ALIVE– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Given up for adoption at a young age, Thomas (Vincent Rottiers) has been plagued all his life with questions about the birth mother (Sophie Cattani) who abandoned him, so he sets out to find and confront her, with quite unexpected results. The connection that they make when they finally meet is charged not only with the chemistry of mother and child, but an unsettling erotic undercurrent as well. Veteran French filmmaker Claude Miller directs.”
9/2/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) INSIDE HANA’S SUITCASE– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary traces the quest of a group of Japanese schoolchildren and their teacher, Fumiko Ishioka, as they try to uncover the history of a suitcase donated to the Tokyo Holocaust Museum and inscribed with the name “Hanna Brady.” Discovering that 13-year-old Hanna was a Czechoslovakian Jew interred in a concentration camp, the group finds her brother, George, in Toronto, who shares his memories of Hanna.” Great reviews. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, JAN. 10-

1) RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates, including Caesar (Andy Serkis), develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats, unleashing a war for dominion over Earth.”

8/14/11-Despite not liking  James Franco and not liking sci-fi I thoroughly enjoyed this movie that my friends Don and Sue dragged me to. Great special effects, good story and boy, you have to love those apes. 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.

3) HIGHER GROUND- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Vera Farmiga stars in and directs this sensitive and searching chronicle describing a woman’s lifetime journey of faith — one that initially leads her to join a fundamentalist sect and then leave it again years later. Adapted from the spiritual memoir This Dark World by Carolyn Briggs, the film looks deeply into human doubt and certainty, and the challenge of trying to match our lives with our spiritual beliefs.” Mentioned on 1/22/11 in NY Times re Sundance.
8/23/11- I’ve seen just a few reviews and they are weak. TRDB.
9/2/11- Just saw this film and liked it very much. Farmiga is great and also did a wonderful job directing this movie. I’d recommend it to you. TRDB.

4) PROTEKTOR– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the Nazis occupy Prague, radio host Emil Vrbata (Marek Daniel) tries to protect his Jewish spouse, Hana (Jana Plodková), by collaborating with the Germans in this atmospheric drama that examines the role the media played during World War II. Despite Emil’s broadcasting of enemy propaganda, Hana is threatened with internment — and the couple’s deteriorating marriage reaches a turning point when a Nazi official is assassinated.”

8/5/11- OK review in today’s NY Times but I saw this 2 years ago at the Palm Springs Film Festival and did not like it. TRDB.

5) SOCIALISM (FILM SOCIALISME)– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Listen in on the insightful musings of a war criminal, a famous philosopher (Alain Badiou), an American singer (Patti Smith), a former spy and other compelling characters as they travel together aboard a Mediterranean cruise ship, visiting Egypt, Palestine, Odessa and Naples. Directed by legendary French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, this multifaceted drama also stars Catherine Tanvier, Christian Sinniger and Jean-Marc Stehlé.” Poor early reviews but it did sound a bit different and interesting. TRDB.

6) AURORA– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Internationally acclaimed Romanian filmmaker Christi Puiu writes, directs and stars in this slow-burn drama as 42-year-old Viorel, a distraught engineer who takes drastic measures to end his emotional suffering after enduring a devastating divorce. Co-starring Clara Voda, Catrinel Dumitrescu and Luminita Gheorghiu, this film juxtaposes long, deliberately paced scenes with short but intense bursts of excitement.” OK review in NY Times on 6/29/11 and good reviews in general. TRDB.

COMING TO NETFLIX TUESDAY, JAN. 17-

1) TOAST– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from famed food writer Nigel Slater’s memoir, this drama centers on young Nigel (Freddie Highmore), who struggles with his mother’s death, a troubled relationship with his father (Ken Stott) and a new stepmother (Helena Bonham Carter) even as he pursues his passion for cooking. When the family moves to the country, the now-teenaged Nigel finds new doors opening — to exciting culinary opportunities as well as sexual awakening.”

9/23/11- A review in today’s NY Times that I couldn’t decipher but good reviews in general. TRDB.

2) COURAGEOUS-2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite showing bravery on the job, a group of law enforcement officers find themselves undone when tragedy strikes at home in this social drama. With the aid of their Christian beliefs, however, the men find a deeper well of courage in their hearts.” Awful professional reviews but audiences have liked it. TRDB.

3) 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.

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

4) MYSTERIES OF LISBON– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a 14-year-old orphan (João Luís Arrais) asks the loving priest (Martin Loizillon) who raised him about his unknown origins, he settles in for a sweeping tale of forbidden passion and bitter disappointment involving a beautiful countess, a wealthy businessman and a life of piracy. Raúl Ruiz directs this sumptuous adaptation of a 19th-century Portuguese romance novel penned by Camilo Castelo Branco.” Good early reviews.  TRDB.

An article about this movie appears in the NY Times on 7/31/11. TRDB.

5) SPECIAL TREATMENT– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “High-class prostitute Alice (Isabelle Huppert) specializes in wealthy, eccentric clients and is in the throes of a midlife crisis when her services are engaged by prominent psychiatrist Xavier (Bouli Lanners), who’s estranged from his wife and suffering his own existential malaise. While Alice seeks an analyst who can help her find direction, Xavier tries to reconnect with his emotions, and the two unwittingly lead each other to their goals.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

6) 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.

COMING TO NETFLIX TUESDAY, JAN. 24-

1) LIMELIGHT– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary examines the career of New York club owner Peter Gatien, whose run-ins with the law eventually had him deported to Canada. Through Gatien, viewers are treated to a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of New York’s wild nightlife.” Mediocre reviews at best. TRDB.

2) SHUT UP LITTLE MAN- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1987, Eddie Lee Sausage and Mitch Deprey recorded the nightly squabbles of their over-the-top neighbors, homophobic Raymond Huffman and proudly gay Peter Haskett, and the chronicle of the pair’s bizarre existence soon took on a life of its own. This darkly funny documentary checks in with former punks Eddie and Mitch, who detail their late-’80s Lower Haight surroundings, and surveys the tapes’ influence on an array of underground artists.”
9/16/11- Very good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) HELL AND BACK AGAIN– 2011. Synopsis 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 a few professional reviews– all good. TRDB.

4) ANOTHER HAPPY DAY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Upper-crust family dysfunction takes center stage in this drama, which stars Ellen Barkin as a divorcée attending the highbrow wedding of the son she barely knows and trying to hold her own against a family that couches judgment in every smile.”
11/18/11- Mixed review in today’s NY Times- as many “up” as “down.” TRDB.

5) RESTLESS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After she is diagnosed with a disease that will soon claim her life, a young girl (Mia Wasikowska) strikes up an unusually strong friendship with a boy (Henry Hopper) who deals with the problems in his own troubled family by attending funerals. As their relationship deepens into love, the two discover a curious connection to the spirit of a World War II kamikaze pilot (Ryo Kase). Gus Van Sant directs this touching drama.”
9/16/11- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) 50/50– 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 early reviews. TRDB.
9/28/11- Just an OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

7) BEWARE THE GONZO– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Eddie “Gonzo” Gilman (Ezra Miller) is the head geek at his high school — and determined to do something about it. When Gavin (Jesse McCartney), the popular editor of the school paper, fires him, Eddie obtains revenge by establishing an underground paper of his own. The paper’s success surprises Eddie and the misfits he’s assembled to publish it, and Eddie soon finds himself riding a wave of acclaim that threatens to turn him into another Gavin.”
9/9/11- Poor professional reviews in general and in today’s NY Times but excellent audience reaction. TRDB.

8)HAPPY HAPPY– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in a remote Norwegian town, this black comedy centers on cheerful housewife Kaja (Agnes Kittlesen), who is contentedly wedded to her loveless high school sweetheart but lands in hot water when a risqué encounter with her urbane new neighbor, Sigve (Henrik Rafaelsen), goes too far. With a full-blown affair on her hands and Christmas just around the corner, Kaja falls back on blinding optimism to get her through the snowballing scandal.” Fairly good professional reviews and average audience ones. TRDB.

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OPENING JAN. 6-

1) ONCE UPON A TIME IN ANATOLIA– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A body has been buried in the grasslands of rural Turkey. Over the course of one night, a doctor and a detective from a nearby town join a search effort in which the desolate landscape comes to symbolize their own solemn, insular lives.” Very good professional reviews but so far audiences just so-so. TRDB.

2) NORWEGIAN WOOD– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1969 Tokyo, this melancholic tale centers on serious young college freshman Toru Watanabe (Ken’ichi Matsuyama), whose developing relationship with childhood friend Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi) drags into the present a terrible event both would rather bury. While Naoko begins to withdraw, Toru awakens to the political and cultural tumult around him, and when he meets the intriguing Midori (Kiko Mizuhara), Toru must confront his own uncertain heart.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

3) ROADIE- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this taut drama, middle-aged Jimmy Testagross loses his gig as roadie for a has-been rock band and moves back in with his ailing mother. With no job or skills, Jimmy must find a way to let go of his overextended adolescence and become his own man.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

OPENING JAN. 13-

1) RICHARD GARRIOTT: MAN ON A MISSION– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fulfilling a lifelong dream, computer game creator Richard Garriott becomes the first second-generation American astronaut as his $30 million ticket and secret Moscow training puts him aboard the Russian Soyuz rocket for a 12-day journey into space. Go along on his amazing ride as he orbits Earth on the International Space Station, performs experiments designed by his scientist-astronaut father, and returns with a harrowing and fiery re-entry.” Weak early reviews. TRDB.

2) SING YOUR SONG– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix.”Hoping to inspire a new generation of activists, entertainer Harry Belafonte allows director Susanne Rostock intimate access to his life to document his many decades as a performer and as a tireless advocate for human rights around the world. As a supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and the victim of racism during his tours of the South, Belafonte was deeply committed to social change in the U.S. and later worked to end apartheid in South Africa.” Great audience reaction. TRDB.

OPENING JAN. 20-

1) PINA- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Wim Wenders uses 3D technology to arresting effect in this performance documentary about Pina Baussch’s Tanztheater Wuppertal dance company. Performing in the streets and parks of Wuppertal, Germany, the troupe’s pieces include “The Rite of Spring.”
12/23/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) RED TAILS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “The 332nd Fighter Group, an all-black World War II unit made up of the best escort pilots and known as the Red Tails, fights racism at home while fighting the Nazis abroad in this action-packed drama based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen.” Excellent audience reviews but I couldn’t find any professional ones. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 MOVIES ON-DEMAND IN FLORIDA AS OF 1/5/12
REMEMBER THAT THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS IN NORTHERN MARKETS
 
1) ANGELS CREST- I liked this one- see “above” for my review
2) BEGINNERS- I liked this very much
3) BRIDESMAIDS- Not worth the 2 hours for a few laughs
4) CRAZY, STUPID LOVE- I actually enjoyed this movie
5) THE DEBT- Very good reviews
6) HANNA- Weak screenplay but I did like the movie
7) THE HELP- Good reviews
8)HOUSE OF PLEASURES- Also called HOUSE OF TOLERANCE- A few reviews and they are mixed
9) JANE EYRE- Just OK reviews but I liked it
10) LOOSIES- No reviews as yet
11) MELANCHOLIA- Good reviews but friends hated it
12) Midnight in Paris
13) MY PIECE OF THE PIE- Luke warm reviews
14) ONE DAY- I liked this movie
15) POINT BLANK- I turned this one off
16) SARAH’S KEY- Very good
17) SIDEWALLS- I saw this movie from Argentina and thought it was just OK
18)SLEEPING BEAUTY- Mixed reviews with some OK and some terrible ones as well
19) SOURCE CODE- I didn’t care for this one
20) THE TREE OF LIFE- I did not like this one at all
21) WARRIOR- I liked this very much
22) WIN WIN- Very good and highly recommended

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

1) MY WEEK WITH MARILYN– Bethel. 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.

2) TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “John Le Carré’s classic thriller of Cold War espionage follows an English spy as he returns to MI-6 under a cloud of suspicion. In the years since he was sacked by the agency, some suspect he’s become an operative for the Soviet Union.”
12/9/11- Great review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

3) THE ARTIST– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This modern-day silent film artfully recounts the poignant end of the silent-movie era in the late 1920s. The story contrasts the declining fortunes of a silent-screen superstar with his lover’s rise to popularity as a darling of the “talkies.”
11/26/11- Great reviews including one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/24/11- I liked this movie very much. Very creative, well acted and an interesting story as well. TRDB.

4) THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.

5) WAR HORSE– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a novel by Michael Morpurgo, this majestic World War I drama centers on Devon lad Albert and his steadfast horse, Joey, whose faithful bond cannot be shaken — even when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent off to France.” Good reviews although it’s been snubbed by the Golden Globe nominations. TRDB.
12/23/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
12/25/11- Loads of schmaltz and corn and as far as I’m concerned a real disappointment. TRDB.

6) THE DESCENDANTS– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 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 intersperced with all of the serious material lightened up an otherwise overwhelming drama. Recommended highly. TRDB.

7) A DANGEROUS METHOD– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this David Cronenberg-helmed biopic, Viggo Mortensen stars as Sigmund Freud, whose relationship with fellow psychology luminary Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) is tested when Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), one of the first female psychoanalysts, enters their lives. This World War I-set drama also stars Vincent Cassel as Otto Gross, a disciple of Freud, and Sarah Gadon, who plays Jung’s psychoanalyst wife.” Great reviews. TRDB.

8)YOUNG ADULT- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 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.
12/9/11- Great review in today’s NY Times and very good ones elsewhere– both professional and audience. TRDB.
12/16/11- Great, no. But an OK comedic drama that almost makes us like an unlikable character. TRDB.

ENJOY!!
THE REEL DR. BOB

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