The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #324

May 19th, 2010

MAY 19, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:

PLEASE ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AT- www.thereeldrbob.com

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK- See “below” for details.

1) THE LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

2) ENTRE NOS

3) THE MESSENGER

MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

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MOVIES I’VE VIEWED THIS WEEK AT HOME-

1) THE LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE- Premise by Netflix. “The moment they meet, 8-year-olds Ana (Sara Valiente) and Otto (Peru Medem) know they have a special connection. After all, their names are both palindromes — spelled the same whether they’re read forward or backward — and each has a parent looking for a mate. But when their families finally meld, the two children, now young adults (played by Victor Hugo Oliveira and Kristel Díaz) realize that they, too, may share a romantic destiny.”

5/10- Interesting story, very good acting and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

2) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

3) WAITING FOR ARMAGEDDON- Premise by Netflix. “In this eye-opening, equitable documentary, filmmakers Kate Davis, David Heilbroner and Franco Sacchi explore the lives of evangelical Christians who believe that Armageddon is imminent and that Israel will be the site of Christ’s second coming. The film follows evangelicals as they prepare for the apocalypse and examines how their beliefs have influenced the U.S. government’s relationships with Israel and the Muslim world.”

5/10- Very informative and well done. I enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy hearing about the end of the world. Also very scary. TRDB.

4) THE MESSENGER- Premise by Netflix. “An injured U.S. soldier, Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), is paired up with by-the-book Capt. Tony Stone (Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson) to notify families of killed soldiers — a job that bonds them as they debate different views on serving America. At odds at first, the two find common ground while facing life’s variety of battles. Oren Moverman directs this poignant military tale that co-stars Samantha Morton and Jena Malone.”

5/10- Very good movie that once again proves that war is hell for everybody. TRDB.

5) EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “After their two young children are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease for which conventional medicine has no cure, John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) pin their hopes on the work of unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). Director Tom Vaughan’s heartfelt drama is based on the true story of the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure.”

5/10- Awful movie and I turned it off quickly. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, MAY 25

1) VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Eric Bricker directs this fascinating documentary about the life and times of architectural photographer Julius Shulman, whose work is known for helping to launch the careers of giants like Rudolf Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright. With insight from fellow architects Frank Gehry, Ricardo Legorreta and Shulman himself, Bricker’s effort illuminates the legendary artist’s gift for capturing space, form and design.” Excellent reviews.

2) DEAR JOHN- Premise by Netflix. “While on leave, U.S. soldier John Tyree (Channing Tatum) falls for Southern college student Savannah (Amanda Seyfried), whose ideals and heartfelt principles are at once attractive and unfamiliar. But their love is put on hold when terrorist attacks prompt John to reenlist. Now, handwritten letters hold the lovers together. Lasse Hallstrom directs this modern romance based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.” Poor reviews.

3) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Mixed reviews.

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

1) AFTER THE CUP: SONS OF THE SAKHNIN UNITED- Premise by Netflix. “After becoming the first soccer team with an Arab majority to win the Israeli Cup, Bnei Sakhnin faces a slew of challenges its very next season. Overwhelmed by pressure and constant attention, the team struggles to stay united and win the cup again. Directed by siblings Christopher and Alexander H. Browne, this captivating sports documentary features great insight into the Arab-Israeli conflict, sympathetic players and a truly nail-biting finale.” No reviews as yet.

2) KITES- Premise by Netflix. “Although Mexican bombshell Natasha (Barbara Mori) and Indian hunk Jay (Hrithik Roshan) don’t speak the same language, they quickly develop an intense, mutual attraction. But after they brazenly run off together, the sexy couple encounters severe danger and trouble with the law. Anurag Basu directs and co-writes this big budget Bollywood action movie that was filmed on location in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Fe.” No reviews as yet.

3) HOLY ROLLERS- Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director Kevin Asch‘s film tells the story of Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn who breaks with Orthodox tradition when he becomes an intercontinental Ecstasy smuggler for an Israeli drug cartel. A blend of neurotic coming-of-age dramedy and tense crime thriller, the film features Justin Bartha (“National Treasure”) as Sam’s pal Yosef and hip-hop recording artist Q-Tip in a supporting role.” Mediocre reviews at best.

4) SOLITARY MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Excellent reviews.

5) JOHN RABE- Premise by Netflix. “Florian Gallenberger directs this gripping drama about John Rabe (Ulrich Tukur), a German businessman living in Nanking, China, who in 1937 used his Nazi party affiliation to save some 200,000 Chinese civilians from slaughter at the hands of the Japanese army. As Rabe labors to establish an official safety zone to shelter the innocent, he forms an unlikely friendship with an American doctor (Steve Buscemi). Anne Consigny and Daniel Brühl co-star.” Fairly good reviews.

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FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth

1) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

2) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- Premise by Netflix. “What do you do when you can’t play music in your homeland, but you can’t leave your country to play it abroad either? This is the dilemma faced by an Iranian guy and gal who, fresh on the heels of their prison release, decide to form a rock band. Despite having drive and ambition to spare, the wannabe rockers are stymied by lack of passports, lack of funds and lack of musicians who’re willing to leave Iran in this drama from Bahman Ghobadi.”

4/10- A film worth seeing that shows us what life can be like in Iran today for people who don’t conform to the repressive rules. While the street scenes of downtown Tehran and the music were very good I was only mildly entertained by the story itself as it seemed repetitive and predictable and I think more of a political statement than a great movie. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

REPEATS-

1)  (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- A romance about a woman not interested in a permanent relationship and the guy who falls for her. Cute story with very creative writing and I enjoyed it. Available on Netflix.  

2) AN EDUCATION- About a young British woman (16yrs. old) who falls for a much older man. I liked the movie.  

3) AVATAR- The one and only. I haven’t seen it yet but I eventually will. It’s on Netflix also.  

4) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS- Great Cage. Just OK movie.  

5) BEESWAX- About twin sisters. A slice of life and I enjoyed it. TRDB. Also on Netflix  

6) BREAKING UPWARDS- About a couple that plans their breakup in stages. I found the movie interesting and sad as they genuinely appeared to love each other. I’d recommend it. TRDB.  

7) BROKEN EMBRACES-  Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”

12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB. On Netflix also.

8)BROTHERS- About 2 brothers, one who goes off to fight in Iraq and the other unemployed. I liked this one a lot. TRDB. Netflix as well.  

9) CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Moore (Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11) takes on capitalism’s roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008’s global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this rousing documentary. Combining stories about those who suffer most from Corporate America’s greed and insatiable thirst for profits and the people most responsible for myriad crises, Moore embarks on another shocking fact-finding rampage.”

10/09- I enjoyed the movie but it was more of an expose than a documentary. TRDB. On Netflix too.

10) COCO BEFORE CHANEL- About the founder of Chanel from her childhood through her success. I liked it. TRDB. Also on Netflix.  

11) CRAZY HEART- About an aging Country and Western Singer with Jeff Bridges. Good movie but it reminded me too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB. On Netflix also.  

12) DADDY LONGLEGS-  Premise by Netflix. “Frazzled divorced dad Lenny (Ronald Bronstein) gets just two weeks each year to spend time with his sons Sage and Frey (Sage and Frey Ranaldo), so he’s determined to make those 14 days memorable. But the 34-year-old New Yorker isn’t quite what you’d call a responsible adult. Dodging his responsibilities left and right, Lenny grapples with the age-old dilemma of whether to act like a father or a friend to his kids.” Good early reviews.    

13)  DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”

4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB. On Netflix.

  14) ENTRE NOS- Premise by Netflix. “Abruptly abandoned by her husband in a country completely foreign to her, Colombian native Mariana (Paola Mendoza) struggles to take care of herself and her two young children on the unforgiving streets of New York City. Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana and Anthony Chisholm also star in this gritty independent drama jointly written and directed by Mendoza and her collaborator Gloria La Morte.”

5/10- A very good drama in which an abandoned woman attempts to make a life for herself and her children. I liked it. TRDB.

     15) EVERYBODY’S FINE- Robert DeNiro plays a recent widower trying to connect with his adult children.Very good. TRDB. On Netflix.  

16) HOLLY- Premise by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope.” I saw this and liked it. TRDB.  

17) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) enjoy an amicable friendship. When the two unite for their son’s college graduation, their romance is rekindled. But Jake is married, and Jane’s architect, Adam (Steve Martin), has a thing for her. Now cheating on the younger woman for whom he left Jane, Jake wants his ex-wife back. But Jane’s busy getting to know Adam. Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) wrote and directed this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.” Not my usual type of movie but this film got a few good reviews. Just a few. Coming to Netflix on 5/25.  

18) MERCY-  Premise by Netflix. “A pessimistic writer who’s never known true love struggles to pen a novel that captures that puzzling emotion’s all-consuming nature. While hunting for inspiration, the author falls for Mercy (Wendy Glenn), a woman who drastically alters his outlook on life. Scott Caan writes and stars in this enthralling romance that co-stars his father, James Caan, as well as Erika Christensen, Dylan McDermott and Troy Garity. Mixed reviews but many more negative than positive.    

19) MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT- Premise by Netflix. “Rehearsal footage, backstage action and interviews comprise this moving Michael Jackson experience. He is shown here preparing for a series of 50 sold-out London shows, which were scheduled to kick off in late summer 2009. Singing his numerous hits at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during the days leading up to his untimely death, Jackson is also seen refining cues, delving into dance details and working with director Kenny Ortega.” I like Michael Jackson and I liked the movie. TRDB.    

 20) NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU- A series of vignettes about personal relationships in N.Y. I enjoyed the film. TRDB.  

21) NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS- Premise by Netflix. “What do you do when you can’t play music in your homeland, but you can’t leave your country to play it abroad either? This is the dilemma faced by an Iranian guy and gal who, fresh on the heels of their prison release, decide to form a rock band. Despite having drive and ambition to spare, the wannabe rockers are stymied by lack of passports, lack of funds and lack of musicians who’re willing to leave Iran in this drama from Bahman Ghobadi.” 4/10- A film worth seeing that shows us what life can be like in Iran today for people who don’t conform to the repressive rules. While the street scenes of downtown Tehran and the music were very good I was only mildly entertained by the story itself as it seemed repetitive and predictable. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

22) PRECIOUS- About an obese, abused teenage girl and the changes she makes to improve herself. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and for numerous other awards. I liked it. Available on Netflix but with a very long wait. TRDB.

23) TETRO- Premise by Netflix. “Francis Ford Coppola writes, directs and produces this captivating drama that centers on the relationship between Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) and Tetro (Vincent Gallo), two brothers who reunite in Buenos Aires after a 10-year estrangement. Maribel Verdu, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Carmen Maura and Rodrigo de la Serna also star in this moving tale loosely inspired by Coppola’s own experiences growing up in a creative Argentine-Italian family.” Very good reviews.

5/10- I found this movie very creative and while a bit too long I did enjoy it. TRDB. On Netflix also.

24) THE BLIND SIDE- About a homeless black teenager who is adopted by a white family (Sandra Bullock) and becomes a professional football player. Sleeper of the year. Very good. TRDB.

25) THE BOYS ARE BACK- About a recently widowed father trying to be both a father and mother to his young son. Sappy and formulaic. TRDB. Netflix as well.

26) THE HURT LOCKER- Very good movie about the guys in Iraq who disarm bombs. Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. TRDB.

27) TOKYO SONATA- Premise by Netflix. “From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes a drama about the Sasakis, an ordinary Japanese family living a bucolic life — until the father is abruptly laid off from his job and decides to keep the news from his wife and kids. Soon, the father’s sense of shame, and the indignity he faces while passing each day in the park in his suit and tie, quickly turns into a rage that proves to hold irrevocable consequences for all concerned.” Excellent reviews.

5/10-An interesting and also very poignant family study. Worth seeing. TRDB.

28) UP IN THE AIR- Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig. I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix also.

29) VINCERE- Directed by Marco Bellocchio. Premise by Netflix. “Ida Dalser (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) falls for young Benito Mussolini (Filippo Timi) in Milan and sells everything she has to help the future dictator fund his newspaper, Popolo d’Italia. But when World War I separates the newly wedded couple, Mussolini marries another woman. Ida demands to retain her rights as Mussolini’s wife and the mother of his son, but the Fascists have other plans for the dictator’s dark secret in this gripping biopic.” Just opened nationally and has received great reviews.

3/10- I saw this and felt that the acting was superb. Mezzogiorno passionately portrayed a woman with an obsession for IL Duce and she was probably a metaphor for the country at the time. The film itself was enjoyable if a bit too long and I understand that the director played with the facts a bit. However, I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB

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)

For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- http://lakeworthplayhouse.org/indie_films.html

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

1) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep from each other. I liked this movie.

2) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. A retired detective revisits an unsolved murder in Argentina. Kept me interested but several major holes in the plot for me. Won Academy Award for Best Foreign Film but it wasn’t.

3) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews and I plan to see this one.

 

4) BABIES- Garden Cinema Norwalk. A documentary about 4 babies from diverse cultures during their first year of life. Good reviews.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob

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