The Reel Dr. Bob

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) JANIE JONES– Netflix

2) A DANGEROUS METHOD– Theater

3) KNUCKLE– Netflix

4) HUGO 3D- Theater

5) JANE’S JOURNEY– Netflix

6) I’M GLAD MY MOTHER IS ALIVE– Netflix Streaming

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1) 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.” Fairly good reviews. TRDB.2/17/12- A mildly interesting account of the relationship of Freud, Jung and Sabina Spielrein. TRDB.  

2) HUGO 3D– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his father dies, 12-year-old orphan Hugo takes up residence behind the walls of a Parisian train station. There, he meets Isabelle, the daughter of filmmaker Georges Méliès, who holds the key to Hugo‘s destiny.” Great reviews. TRDB.

2/18/12- A delightful story and wonderful in 3D as well. TRDB. For ALL ages. Go see it or rent it at home!! TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) JANIE JONES– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Deserted by her drug-addicted mom (Elisabeth Shue) — a former groupie — in the middle of a rock concert, 13-year-old Janie (Abigail Breslin) drastically alters the course of her life when she announces to the band’s temperamental singer (Alessandro Nivola) that she’s his daughter. Although they’ve never met before, father and daughter go on the road together, eventually bonding over music and more.” Good audience reaction but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.10/28/11- OK review in today’s NY Times but they commented on a poor ending. TRDB.

2/16/12- Another second chance at parenthood movie that I did enjoy even with the poor ending noted above. TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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.

2/17/12- A very interesting documentary about a group of people with revenge and fighting on their minds. TRDB. Netflix.

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.

2/21/12- This true story is very well acted and definitely recommended. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) 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 sounds bad to me. TRDB.

2/21/12- I was bored and bored quickly! Turned it off quickly too. TRDB. Netflix.

5) JANE’S JOURNEY– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring biopic relates the lifelong crusade of chimp researcher Jane Goodall, moving from England to the Tanzanian jungle where her work began. Nearly half a century later, Goodall continues to visit the animals that ignited her passion.” Few reviews so far and they are average. TRDB.

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

2/22/12- I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary and am frankly unsure of why there was so much criticism of the screenplay as I thought it was interesting and informative. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 28-

 

1) I MELT WITH YOU- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Old college buddies Richard (Thomas Jane), Ron (Jeremy Piven), Tim (Christian McKay) and Jonathan (Rob Lowe) get together one weekend to reminisce about their glory days. As they leave their adult responsibilities behind, they lose control, lured into a getaway of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Picking up the pieces, the men begin to question the wisdom of the choices they’ve made. Carla Gugino co-stars.”12/9/11- Poor review in today’s NY Times and all over as well. TRDB.

2) 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.

3) IN TIME– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a near future where aging stops at 25, time is the new currency and the wealthy can live forever. When Will Salas inherits decades of life from a wealthy murdered man, he’s pegged as the suspect by the corrupt Time Keepers, who enforce the law.”

10/28/11- A so-so review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) HUGO– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his father dies, 12-year-old orphan Hugo takes up residence behind the walls of a Parisian train station. There, he meets Isabelle, the daughter of filmmaker Georges Méliès, who holds the key to Hugo‘s destiny.” Great reviews. TRDB.

2/18/12- A delightful story and wonderful in 3D as well. For ALL ages. Go see it or rent it at home!! TRDB.

5) THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “It’s the last night of summer vacation, and four high school friends face personal and interpersonal crossroads. As they wander the streets of suburban Detroit, each also takes the first tentative steps into the baffling world of adulthood. Recklessly chasing love and adventure, the teens end up with memories that will last a lifetime in this charming, thought-provoking debut feature from writer-director David Robert Mitchell.” Very good professional reviews but average audience reaction. TRDB.

12/9/11- I’m with the pros on this one– I thought it was unique and very interesting. TRDB. Netflix.

 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) THE FORGIVENESS OF BLOOD– Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “The powerful and richly textured second feature from Joshua Marston focuses on an Albanian family caught up in a blood feud. Nik (Tristan Halilaj) is a carefree teenager in a small town with a crush on the school beauty and ambitions to start his own internet café. His world is suddenly up-ended when his father and uncle become entangled in a land dispute that leaves a fellow villager murdered. According to a centuries-old code of law, this entitles the dead man’s family to take the life of a male from Nik’s family as retribution. His uncle in jail and his father in hiding, Nik is the prime target and confined to the home while his younger sister Rudina (Sindi Laçej) is forced to leave school and take over their father’s business.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) PAUL GOODMAN CHANGED MY LIFE–  2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary explores the little-known life of best-selling author Paul Goodman, “the most influential man you’ve never heard of.” He may not be widely recognized by name, but his book Growing Up Absurd became the bible of the New Left.” Good reviews. TRDB.

 

2) THE MILL AND THE CROSS- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “What would it be like to step inside a great work of art, have it come alive around you, and even observe the artist as he sketches the very reality you are experiencing? Lech Majewski brings to life Pieter Bruegel’s masterpiece The Way to Calvary, the story of the crucifixion, setting it in 16th century Flanders under brutal Spanish occupation. Rutger Hauer plays the artist, Michael York his patron, and Charlotte Rampling the Virgin Mary. As epic events unfold, bawdy country living continues unabated: couples entwine, musicians play wind instruments, soldiers torment their enemies mercilessly, and children scurry about. Using sophisticated computer technology, the filmmaker creates a brilliantly complex and fascinating multi-layered dreamscape that melds iconic moments in art, history, and religion with the quotidian lives of ordinary people.” Reviews are pretty much OK. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) SIDEWALLS (MEDIANERAS)- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Separated by the wall their apartments share, Mariana and Martin are the perfect couple. They have the same quirks, same tastes, same ideals, and even the same neuroses. They’re a match made in heaven. There’s just one problem: They’ve never met.”  Very good early reviews. TRDB.1/16/11- Different to say the least but I can’t say I really enjoyed it. I liked the ending. TRDB.

 

2) TAKE SHELTER– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) stars in this Sundance-selected thriller as Curtis LaForche, a small-town family man who’s determined to protect his wife (Jessica Chastain) and deaf daughter (Tova Stewart) from impending disaster. Fueled by disturbing visions of a terrible storm, Curtis sets out to prepare for the future by building an impenetrable storm shelter in the safety of his own backyard.”9/30/11- Great review in today’s NY Times and great reviews in general. TRDB.

10/15/11- Reviews have been great AND accurate. You should see this movie. TRDB.

 

3) THUNDER SOUL– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mark Landsman totes his cameras to a tight-knit North Houston community in this poignant documentary, which celebrates an inner-city high school band leader’s lasting influence on his now-grown students. When Conrad “Prof” Johnson took the reins of the jazz band at Kashmere High School in the 1970s, he had a group that was mediocre at best. But before anyone knew it, the school had a funk powerhouse on its hands. The film picked up awards at both the L.A. Film Festival and South by Southwest.” A few fair reviews. TRDB.2/14/12- An OK documentary about a man who served as a beacon to a group of students with very little else in their lives. TRDB. Netflix.

 

4) URBANIZED– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “The third part of Gary Hustwit’s design film trilogy, Urbanized looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world’s foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders and thinkers. By exploring a diverse range of urban design projects around the world, Urbanized frames a global discussion on the future of cities.”10/28/11- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

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 BURBS- NOTHING

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THIN ICE– Bethel. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Midwest insurance salesman Mickey Prohaska (Greg Kinnear) hatches a get-rich-quick scheme that depends on him gaining possession of a rare and precious violin, but his planned score results in wild and unexpected consequences. Alan Arkin, Billy Crudup and Lea Thompson co-star in this meditation on lying and its consequences, written by sisters Jill and Karen Sprecher (Thirteen Conversations About One Thing).” Only fair review so far. TRDB.

 

2) THE IRON LADY– Bethel, 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.

3) THE ARTIST– Bethel, 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.

4) A DANGEROUS METHOD– Bethel. 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.” Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

2/17/12- A mildly interesting account of the relationship of Freud, Jung and Sabina Spielrein. TRDB.  

5) A SEPARATION– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “An Iranian husband and wife split up over his decision to stay and care for his aging father instead of leaving the country with his family. But his fateful choice to hire a stranger to do most of the caretaking breeds unexpected consequences.” Very good reviews and indeed on the top ten list of at least one reviewer I’ve read. TRDB.

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

1/13/12- I saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival 2012 and liked it but not as much as most of my friends. TRDB.

6)  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.  

7) THE DESCENDANTS– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, 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 highly. TRDB.

8)HUGO 3D– Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his father dies, 12-year-old orphan Hugo takes up residence behind the walls of a Parisian train station. There, he meets Isabelle, the daughter of filmmaker Georges Méliès, who holds the key to Hugo‘s destiny.” Great reviews. TRDB.

2/18/12- A delightful story and wonderful in 3D as well. TRDB. For ALL ages. Go see it or rent it at home!! TRDB.

9) PINA– Jacob Burns. 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.

2/15/12- An amazing experience!! The dancing– c’est magnifique!!! 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