The Reel Dr. Bob

APRIL 5, 2012

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

I’M BACK AFTER 10 DAYS IN CALIFORNIA AND FLORIDA. I DIDN’T GET TO SEE ANY MOVIES WHILE AWAY BUT I DID SEE A FEW THIS WEEK.

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE KID WITH A BIKE– Theater

2) DAUGHTERS OF THE SUN– Netflix

3) CARNAGE– Netflix

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW AT THE THEATER-

 

1) THE KID WITH A BIKE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being abandoned by his father, preteen Cyril fills with rage, and when good-hearted hairdresser Samantha tries to help him, the disillusioned boy is torn between his need to lash out at the world and his desire for love and stability.” Great early reviews. TRDB.3/16/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/2/12- The actor who played the kid was great and the story was a heartening act of love. There were also a few terrific scenes like the scene in a car when the boy is very upset. A better understanding of the woman’s motivation would have helped me but the movie was excellent never-the-less. TRDB. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW AT HOME-

 

1) HOUSE OF TOLERANCE–  2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Bertrand Bonello makes life in an upscale Parisian bordello at the beginning of the 20th century the focus of this drama, which revolves around the working girls who ply their trade there — including one who’s been disfigured by a client.” Mixed reviews. TRDB.3/22/12- Also called “House of Pleasure”, this is a very unusual movie that gives a good picture of a prostitute’s life, especially during the “off” hours. Interesting at times and boring at times but worth seeing. TRDB. Netflix.

2) DAUGHTERS OF THE SUN– 2004. Synopsis by Netflix. “This Iranian drama was recognized at the Montreal festival of World Cinema as the Best First Feature by filmmaker Mariam Shahriar. Following in the trend of recent movies celebrating the strength of Iranian women, the film tells the story of a young woman who pretends she’s a man in order to get a job at a local carpet factory. Her secret is safe until a female colleague develops feelings for her. Stars Altinay Ghelich Taghani and Soghra Karimi.” No reviews. TRDB.

4/2/12- About as slow as molasses in the frig. but still an interesting view of a sub-culture in Iran. TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.

12/16/11- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/3/12- A voyeuristic look at the dissolution of what was to be a congenial meeting of 2 sets of parents. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CAME TO NETFLIX ON TUESDAY, APRIL 3 WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-

 

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.

________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 10-

 

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) 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.

3) SLEEPING BEAUTY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this dark tale, college gal Lucy takes a decidedly offbeat job: As a “sleeping beauty,” she’s paid to be fondled or otherwise handled by strangers while in a sedated sleep. Soon, however, she begins to wonder just what she’s submitting to.”

9/18/11- An article (not review) in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

11/18/11- Mixed reviews with some OK ones and some terrible ones as well. TRDB.

12/2/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) THE IRON LADY– 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.”12/30/11- A weak review in today’s NY Times and by many others as well. TRDB.

5) THE DESCENDANTS– 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. At the theater.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) DAMSELS IN DISTRESS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. ” In Whit Stillman’s offbeat comedy, three pretty friends plan to use music, dance and perfume to brighten the lives of their fellow college students. But before long, the girls find themselves busy dealing with problems of their own.”

  

2) THE HUNTER– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Willem Dafoe stars as a mercenary sent to Tasmania to track down the last living Tasmanian tiger and obtain its genetic material. Once he reaches the tiger’s wild habitat, the hunter poses as a scientist to begin his search.”Good early reviews. TRDB.

3) THE ASSAULT– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on the 1994 attack on an Air France plane, this dramatization tells the story of the stunning response to this globally televised act of terrorism. Incorporating real footage, the film explores personalities from all sides of the conflict.”

OK early reviews. TRDB.

4) PLAYER HATING: A LOVE STORY– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Half-a-Mill is a 26 year old hip hop artist from the Albany Projects in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. By the time he was seven, Half was sharing a gun with his brother, ’cause he was sick of people putting their guns in his face in the elevator of his building, and not being able to do anything about it. Half’s been running with the same ten guys, since he was real little, and they’re his crew. But he’s the one that will take all of them out of the projects because he’s been signed by the indie music label, Warlock Records. Half and his crew are doing most of the work to launch his first album Milion, but that’s ok because there’s the chance they’ll blow up, and Half wants that so bad he can taste it, and he’ll do whatever he has to do, in order to support himself, his family and his music.”

An OK early review. TRDB.

5) TAKE ME HOME– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thom is an unlicensed New York cabbie who takes on the fare of his life when a woman asks him to drive her to California to see her ailing father. In classic rom-com style, the chemistry between the two builds as they make their way west.”

Fairly good audience reviews so far. TRDB.

6) WE HAVE A POPE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is due to appear on St Peter’s balcony to greet the faithful, who have been patiently awaiting the conclave’s decision. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, seek help from a renowned psychoanalyst (and atheist). But his fear of the responsibility suddenly thrust upon him is one that he must face on his own.”

Generally poor reviews but it does sound interesting. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) THE FAIRY– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Belgium-based trio Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy follow their acclaimed Iceberg and Rumba with another Tati-inspired, candy-colored romp: this time, a charmingly off-kilter adventure about a hotel clerk who falls in love with a wish-granting fairy.”2/24/12- Very good professional reviews but today’s NY Times review was difficult to interpret. Too many pluses and minuses. TRDB.

2) GERHARD RICHTER PAINTING– 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “One of the world’s greatest living painters, the German artist Gerhard Richter has spent over half a century experimenting with a tremendous range of techniques and ideas, addressing historical crises and mass media representation alongside explorations of chance procedures. The first glimpse inside his studio in decades, Gerhard Richter Painting is exactly that: a thrilling document of the 79-year-old’s creative process, juxtaposed with rare archival footage and intimate conversations with his critics and collaborators.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) 4:44 LAST DAY ON EARTH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After learning that the world will end the following day at 4:44 a.m., a New York City couple lives out their final hours with mixed emotions. They also try to say goodbye to loved ones, which results in some eleventh-hour issues.” Good audience reviews. TRDB.3/23/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) 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.

2/7/12- If the truth is stranger than fiction this movie must be true. Interesting, weird and well acted. Certainly not for everyone. TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.

12/16/11- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) 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.

5) EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE– 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 but friends liked it. TRDB.

6) STUCK BETWEEN STATIONS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this romantic tale of second glances, war-weary soldier Casper is on a brief leave when he bumps into childhood friend Rebecca at a packed party, and the pair set off on a Minneapolis night crawl that sends them through their own bittersweet past.”

11/4/11- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3/15/12- Good story, good acting and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

REPEATS-

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

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

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) THE RAID: REDEMPTION– Danbury, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an elite SWAT team goes after a drug lord holed up in Jakarta’s most notorious tenement building, they find themselves trapped and forced to fight their way out through brutal gangsters loyal to the kingpin they were trying to assassinate.” Very good reviews but this movie sounds violent as hell and I think I’ll skip it. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1) THE KID WITH A BIKE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After being abandoned by his father, preteen Cyril fills with rage, and when good-hearted hairdresser Samantha tries to help him, the disillusioned boy is torn between his need to lash out at the world and his desire for love and stability.” Great early reviews. TRDB.3/16/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/2/12- The actor who played the kid was great and the story was a heartening act of love. There were also a few terrific scenes like the scene in a car when the boy is very upset. Some of the editing could be improved but the movie was excellent never-the-less. TRDB. 

2) FOOTNOTE– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Long-buried tensions erupt in this witty drama, which follows the strained relationship between a reserved Talmudic scholar and his ambitious son — both professors at the same university — when the father wins a prestigious award the son covets.”

I saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival 2012 and loved it. It was one of the 5 nominees for Best Foreign Film. TRDB.

3/9/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Siblings Jay and Mark Duplass direct this stoner comedy focusing on two brothers — one a moderate success, the other still living with Mom. A trip to the store for glue, however, turns into an encounter with destiny for the stay-at–home slacker.” Mostly very good reviews. TRDB.

4) SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100, Danbury. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A sheik with a love for the sport hopes to introduce fly-fishing to the Middle East and turns to uptight fisheries expert Fred Jones for help. Buoyed by the sheik’s enthusiasm (and his comely English aide), Fred sets out to achieve the impossible.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

3/9/12- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3/17/12- Take it for what it’s worth. Somewhat light and fluffy with each character basically a caricature but all in all a fun movie with some good comedy as well. TRDB.  

5) THE DEEP BLUE SEA–  Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This remake of the original 1955 film, adapted from a Terence Rattigan play, stars Rachel Weisz as a wedded woman who falls hard for a younger man. Her determination and emotional obsession lead her into tragic conflict with the morals of the day.”

3/23/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.