The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #399

February 2nd, 2012

  FEBRUARY 2, 2012

DEAR FRIENDS:   QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-  

1) LOVE CRIME– Netflix Streaming

2) THE LOVING STORY– Theater

3) THE LAST LIONS– Netflix

4) HAPPY, HAPPY– Netflix   _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) THE LOVING STORY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This riveting documentary profiles Mildred and Richard Loving, who were arrested hours after their 1958 wedding for breaking Virginia’s laws against interracial marriage. In 1967, their case was heard before the Supreme Court and changed the nation.”

1/31/12- I saw this at a special showing with the director Nancy Biurski at the Jacob Burns Film Center. A great documentary with an impressive trove of archival footage. The movie was thought provoking and has analogies to life today in various parts of society both here and abroad. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I SAW LAST WEEK AT HOME-  

1) LOVE CRIME- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a nod to the machinations of All About Eve and Dangerous Liaisons, French director Alain Corneau delivers a chilling tale of two ambitious women whose professional appetites grow dangerously personal. At first, things are fine between senior executive Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas) and her eager young assistant, Isabelle (Ludivine Sagnier). But when Christine abuses her position of power, Isabelle resorts to revenge — and insubordination.”

9/2/11- An OK review in today’s NY Times. Friends saw this and thought it was OK too. TRDB.

1/27/12- Very well done, clever and suspenseful. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) 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.

1/30/12- I know that this film got rave reviews but I found it just OK. A moving story but I felt that there were way too many re-enacted scenes by actors. The movie is really about school children learning about the Holocaust and about hate in general. TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.

1/31/12- Beautiful photography and an interesting story of the evolution of a pride of lions and one lioness and her cubs in particular. Well worth seeing. TRDB.

4) PUNCTURE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drug-addicted attorney Mike and his business partner Paul take on a case involving an emergency room nurse who has been pricked by an infected needle. Uncovering a web of corporate conspiracies, Mike and Paul quickly find themselves outmatched.” Mediocre reviews, both professional and by audiences. TRDB.

2/1/12- A poorly put together movie but the message is loud and clear and I did enjoy it. TRDB. Netflix.

5) 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.

2/1/12- Well acted and I found this small movie very interesting. TRDB. Netflix.

 _______________________________________________________________________________________ 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 7-  

1) CATERPILLAR– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1940, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the people of a rural Japanese village eagerly await a hero’s return. But Lt. Kurokawa’s wife, Shigeko, receives a horrifying shock: Her husband has lost his arms and legs. Nevertheless, the villagers depend on Shigeko to do her duty to her country by caring for her mutilated husband. Shinobu Terajima, Keigo Kasuya and Emi Masuda star in this historical drama about the grim aftermath of war.” Average audience reviews and excellent professional reviews including a few great ones. TRDB.  

2) ANONYMOUS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Who was Shakespeare? This Elizabethan drama imagines that the man we call the Bard really didn’t pen his body of timeless plays. The stages of London erupt in intrigue as the real author of the classics credited to Shakespeare comes to light.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

10/28/11- Review in today’s NY Times is “not bad” but it sounds bad to me. TRDB.

3) 3– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Berliners Hanna (Sophie Rois) and Simon (Sebastian Schipper), a couple in their 40s, have grown restlessly comfortable in their marriage. Independently, each meets and romances Adam (Devid Striesow), a handsome younger man. When Hanna becomes pregnant, all three must face what they’ve tried to ignore. Each man has reasons for staying with Hanna — and staying together. Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) helms this entry in the 2010 Venice Film Festival.”

9/16/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN– 2008. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the wake of an unexpected family tragedy, novelist Michael Taylor (Ryan Reynolds) is forced to confront his fractured relationship with his father (Willem Dafoe) while dealing with painful memories of his mother (Julia Roberts), a woman who moved mountains to protect him. Emily Watson, Hayden Panettiere, Ioan Gruffudd and Carrie-Anne Moss also star in this semiautobiographical tale of rage and redemption from writer-director Dennis Lee.”

10/14/11- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) PROJECT NIM– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar-winning filmmaker James Marsh (Man on Wire) peers inside the landmark 1970s experiment for an unflinching look at Nim, the chimp whom scientists raised as human and taught sign language to prove that apes can communicate like humans. Firsthand accounts, previously unseen archival footage and powerful images tell of Nim‘s life in a human bubble. The result is a fascinating exposé on Nim‘s true nature — and a glimpse into our own.” Great reviews. TRDB.

6) KNUCKLE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Members of two Irish families continue an ages-old grudge and settle their differences with violence in this documentary directed by Ian Palmer. James, a member of the Quinn McDonaghs, doesn’t hesitate when challenged to bare-knuckle boxing matches with his cousins from the Joyce clan. The director spent a dozen years traveling with members of both families to get remarkable footage of their ongoing rivalry.”

12/9/11- Good review in today’s NY Times and in general. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING THIS WEEK-  

1) BIG MIRACLE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After small-town Alaska journalist Adam Carlson writes about three whales trapped in the Arctic Circle, the U.S. and U.S.S.R. team up to rescue them in this tale inspired by true events. Meanwhile, Adam’s Greenpeace volunteer ex-girlfriend arrives.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.  

2) WINDFALL- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exposing the downside of wind turbines, director Laura Israel’s illuminating documentary underlines the harmful facets of harnessing wind power, including the constant noise and potential for financial opportunism. The film focuses on an impoverished rural community in upstate New York, where residents — enticed by economic incentives — leased their land for the erection of turbines but now wonder whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.” Mixed early reviews. TRDB.   _________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-  

1) 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.

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

2) LULA, THE SON OF BRAZIL– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a biography by journalist Denise Paraná, this big-budget epic chronicles the formative years of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — aka Lula — who overcame formidable obstacles to become the president of Brazil in 2003. Lula and his six young siblings live in poverty and are sent to work early; an accident on the job drives the adult Lula (Rui Ricardo Diaz) into union activism, planting the seeds for a future in politics.” Fair  reviews at best. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-   NEW-  

1) 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.

2) MOZART’S SISTER– 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. Netflix.

  REPEATS-  

1) ALBATROSS- The NY Times liked it

2) ANGELS CREST- I liked this one- see “above” for my review

3) ANOTHER EARTH- Good reviews but I did not like it

4) BEGINNERS- I liked this very much

5) BRIDESMAIDS- Not worth the 2 hours for a few laughs

6) CRAZY, STUPID LOVE- I actually enjoyed this movie

7) THE DEBT- Good reviews

8)DIRTY GIRL- A few good reviews but the NY Times hated it

9) FIRST GRADER- Fair reviews at best

10) FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS- Surprisingly good reviews but I didn’t like it and turned it off

11) THE GUARD- Very good reviews. I thought it was OK

12) HANNA- Weak screenplay but I did like the movie

13) THE HELP- Good reviews

14) HIGHER GROUND- I liked this very much

15) HOUSE OF PLEASURES- Also called HOUSE OF TOLERANCE- A few reviews and they are mixed

16) I’M GLAD MY MOTHER IS ALIVE- The NY Times gave it a good review

17)THE IDES OF MARCH- I enjoyed the movie

18)JANE EYRE- Just OK reviews but I liked it

19) THE LIE- Very good reviews

20) LIFE, ABOVE ALL- I enjoyed this movie much and highly recommend it

21) LOOSIES- No reviews as yet

22) MAN ON A MISSION- Fair reviews

23) MIDNIGHT IN PARIS- Great movie

24) MONEYBALL- I liked it

25) SARAH’S KEY- Very good

26) SLEEPING BEAUTY- Mixed reviews with some OK and some terrible ones as well

27)THE TREE OF LIFE- I did not like this one at all

28) WARRIOR- I liked this one very much  

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

  _________________________________________________________________________________________   BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)   NEW IN THE BURBS- NONE   REPEATS-  

1) ABERT NOBBS– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Having for decades disguised herself as a man while working as a butler in a posh 19th-century Dublin hotel, a woman calling herself Albert Nobbs reconsiders her charade when a handsome painter arrives on the scene.” Weak professional reviews but good audience reaction. TRDB.

2) EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Believing that his father left him a message before dying in the September 11 attacks, young Oskar Schell embarks on an emotional odyssey through New York City to find the lock that matches a key he found among his father’s belongings.” Weak reviews in general. TRDB.

3) THE IRON LADY– Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Meryl Streep provides a subtle and nuanced portrait of Margaret Thatcher, the first female prime minister of Britain, whose political career and determination changed the rules that had limited women’s opportunities for leadership.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

12/30/11- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) THE ARTIST– Bethel, Danbury, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

5) MY WEEK WITH MARILYN– Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.  

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

7) WAR HORSE- 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.

8)TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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. None of my friends liked it. 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

ENJOY!!

 —
THE REEL DR. BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob

Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters