The Reel Dr. Bob

April 12, 2012

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) THE MAID– DVD of friends

2) GIULIA DOESN’T DATE AT NIGHT– Netflix Streaming

3) ROADIE– Netflix

4) LITTLEROCK– Netflix Streaming

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) THE MAID– 2009. By Sebastian Silva and starring Catalina Saavedra. About a 41yr. old woman who has been a live-in maid for a well-to-do Chilean family for 20yrs. Either depressed or psycho she pouts through most of the movie and has a hostile dependent relationship with each member of the family. It’s only when an assistant hired to help her takes a liking to her and shows her that there’s more to life than taking care of someone else’s family that she begins to smile and take an interest in life. I liked the movie very much and agree with the reviewer who said that this movie was “an intelligent microcosm of Latin social hierarchy.” TRDB.

2) IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actress Angelina Jolie makes her directorial debut with a tale of marriage set against the violence of the Bosnian War. Ajla and her husband struggle with to keep their relationship alive, a battle that distracts them from the nation’s upheaval.”

12/23/11- OK review in today’s NY Times but poor reviews over all. TRDB.

4/5/12- I just could not get into this movie. TRDB. Netflix.

3) JESS + MOSS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teenage second cousins Jess (Sarah Hagan) and Moss (Austin Vickers) spend their last summer together in the farmlands of Kentucky. As the rhythm of the season exerts its gentle pull, the two explore the beauty of their natural environment and the emotional undercurrents of their unique relationship. Director Clay Jeter purposely used expired or aged film stock to evoke the poignancy of his characters’ fading world.”

2/17/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times but I did see a couple of good ones as well. TRDB.

4/6/12- Yet another “youth in summer” movie, this one as plain as can be and fairly strange as well as they are the only characters. No adults, no supervision, no nothing. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) GIULIA DOESN’T DATE AT NIGHT– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Italian director Giuseppe Piccioni weaves a tender story about the unlikely romance that develops between Guido (Valerio Mastandrea), a young writer, and Giulia (Valeria Golino), a woman who’s teaching his daughter how to swim in this affecting drama. Guido soon starts taking swimming lessons himself, but when he finally asks Giulia for a date, he learns that she can’t go out at night because she’s out on a day pass from prison.”

4/6/12- Interesting story, characters and acting make this movie worthwhile. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

5) MY JOY– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a wrong turn takes truck driver Georgy (Viktor Nemets) into unfamiliar Russian countryside, he’s drawn into the mix of strange locals, including corrupt cops, a war veteran, a prostitute and a mysterious Gypsy woman — all of whom may lead him to a dead end. Russian documentary filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa directs this drama, a Cannes festival entry that co-stars Olga Shuvalova and Vlad Ivanov.”

9/30/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/9/12- Incredibly boring with little if any thread holding the mess together. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

6) 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.

1/6/12- Review is fair at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/9/12- A good story and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

7) 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.

4/10/12- A very unusual premise but a disappointing movie. TRDB. Netflix.

8)LITTLEROCK– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This evocative drama examines culture shock, the universal yearning for connection, and the impact of history on ordinary people in the tale of Atsuko (Atsuko Okatsuka) and Rintaro (Rintaro Sawamoto), Japanese siblings who come to California to visit a World War II internment camp. After getting stranded in a desert town, Atsuko finds a connection with a local boy (Cory Zacharia), while Rintaro longs for home.” Some very interesting early reviews. TRDB.

8/12/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/11/12- A bit slow but still an interesting movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

 

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 17-

 

1) J. EDGAR– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.” Poor professional reviews but audiences have liked it. TRDB.11/15/11-The movie was just OK. Reminded me of movies by Oliver Stone with a great deal of playing with the facts. DiCaprio was great. TRDB. 

2) 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.

3) TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY– 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.

4) THE DISH & THE SPOON– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reeling with rage after learning of her husband’s infidelity, Rose departs for Delaware to find the other woman. But once she arrives, she shifts her focus to an unexpected romance with a teenage boy.”

2/10/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times but weaker ones in general. TRDB.

5) LITTLEROCK– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This evocative drama examines culture shock, the universal yearning for connection, and the impact of history on ordinary people in the tale of Atsuko (Atsuko Okatsuka) and Rintaro (Rintaro Sawamoto), Japanese siblings who come to California to visit a World War II internment camp. After getting stranded in a desert town, Atsuko finds a connection with a local boy (Cory Zacharia), while Rintaro longs for home.” Some very interesting early reviews. TRDB.

8/12/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4/11/12- A bit slow but still an interesting movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

6) THE DOUBLE HOUR– 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this constantly twisting Italian thriller, Sonia (Kseniya Rappoport) is a newly arrived Slovenian immigrant who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a violent art robbery. Surviving a bullet in the head, Sonia is haunted by visions after the crime. Her mysterious past, meanwhile, comes to light under the watchful eye of a suspicious policeman. Rappoport won the Best Actress award at the 2009 Venice Film Festival for her turn as Sonia.” Very good professional reviews but only average audience reaction. TRDB.

5/11/11- A real thriller and I’d like to watch it again to figure out what actually happened. It’s fun and recommended. TRDB. 

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OPENING THIS WEEK-

 

1) POST MORTEM– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “The bloody 1973 military coup in Chile is the center of this gripping drama about Mario (Alfredo Castro), a lonely morgue worker caught up in the chaos tearing apart his country. When the woman he loves, Nancy (Antonia Zegers), goes missing, Mario’s political awakening begins. Mario’s search for Nancy is interrupted when soldiers kidnap him and his boss (Jaime Vadell) and force them to conduct an autopsy on a secret and highly important corpse.” Very good professional reviews but just so-so audience responses. TRDB.

 

2) BLUE LIKE JAZZ– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Life in a devout family has given Don a unique view of religious hypocrisy, so when choosing a college, he picks “the most godless campus in America.” This rebellion against his upbringing changes Don, often in ways he never sees coming.” Excellent audience reaction but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.

 

3) LATE BLOOMERS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After 30 years together, a married couple confronts the unpalatable realities of getting older and concludes that emotional absence is the easiest way to cope. But at what point does distance become divorce?” Poor reviews. TRDB.

 

4) THE LADY– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on the inspiring true story, this epic yet intimate biopic tells the story of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s leading pro-democracy reformer who was held under house arrest for 15 years, and her English husband, who worked tirelessly for her release.” Mediocre reviews at best but I will definitely see this one on principle. TRDB.

  

5) HIT SO HARD– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling documentary chronicles the life of former Hole drummer Patty Schemel, from childhood through her rise to fame and beyond, revealing her near-destruction by the personal demons that too often accompany celebrity.” Weak early reviews. TRDB.

 

6) HOW TO GROW A BAND– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In How to Grow a Band, 26-year-old Chris Thile is at a crossroads. His marriage has ended, and his platinum-selling band, Nickel Creek, has gone on “indefinite hiatus.” But Thile, a perfectionist prodigy who’s defied expectations since he learned the mandolin at age five, has a plan. Step 1: Write a 45-minute, four-movement elegy to your failed marriage to be played by a bluegrass quintet. Step 2: Recruit the only musicians around talented enough to play it and crazy enough to sign on. Step 3: Make a record, launch an international tour and brace yourself. Filmed with uncommon access, How to Grow a Band provides a rare look at the start of one of America’s most promising young bands and explores the tensions that test young artists: individual talents and group identity, craft and commerce, innocence and wisdom.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

APRIL 13–15- THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL-

 

APRIL 16–26- THE DEEP BLUE SEA–  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.

APRIL 20–26- THE SALT OF LIFE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rather than living the good life he’d imagined, newly retired Gianni spends his days running errands for those around him. Bemoaning his fate, he decides to take a mistress — a task that proves easier said than done in this wistful comedy.” Very good reviews including the NY Times. TRDB.3/11/12- A delightful comedy with a cute story. TRDB. At the Theater.

 

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW –

 

1) CHASING MADOFF– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This eye-opening documentary chronicles the decade-long and often frustrating campaign of reporter Harry Markopolos to bring regulators’ attention to the titanic and brazen investment scams engineered by now-convicted financial felon Bernie Madoff.” Poor reviews. TRDB.

 

2) 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.

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

REPEATS-

1) 3- A little different but I liked it

2) 4:44 LAST DAY ON EARTH- Good reviews

3) 50/50- A fun movie despite the heavy premise

 

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-

 

1) JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This delectable documentary profiles sushi chef Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old master whose 10-seat, $300-a-plate restaurant is legendary among Tokyo foodies. Ono is also a father, whose sons struggle to live up to his legacy and make their own marks.” Good early reviews. TRDB.3/9/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) BULLY– Jacob Burns. 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, The Bully Project is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of America’s bullying crisis. The Bully Project follows five kids and families over the course of a school year. Stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals’ offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children.” Very good early reviews. TRDB.

3/31/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) WE HAVE A POPE– Clearview 100. 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. TRDB.

4/6/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

1)  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.

2) SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100. 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.  

3) THE DEEP BLUE SEA–  Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.

4) 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.

 5) THE KID WITH A BIKE– Clearview 100. 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. 

6) FRIENDS WITH KIDS–  Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Best friends Jason and Julie decide that the way to have kids without sacrificing their social lives or careers is to raise a child together platonically. But romance and other complications interfere with their perfect plan.” Mixed reviews. TRDB.

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

3/13/12- An OK romantic comedy, definitely better than what else is out there now. 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