May 10th, 2012
MAY 10, 2012
DEAR FRIENDS:
QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-
1) GOODBYE FIRST LOVE– Comcast On-Demand
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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 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.
5/5/12- I saw part of this before the DVD began skipping. I turned it off and did not re-order it. The poor reviews were accurate. TRDB. Netflix.
2) LOUDER THAN A BOMB– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Capturing the combined creative spirit of more than 600 Chicago-area teenagers who are participating in what’s billed as the world’s largest youth poetry slam, this documentary highlights the joy of language and the power of collaboration.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
5/6/12- Despite the interesting individual stories of the kids and the obvious talent there I just could not get into this movie as it felt like numerous other documentaries that I have seen before. TRDB. Netflix.
3) 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.
5/7/12- Primarily about Markopolos, this documentary uses some gimmicks and some undocumented threats to liven it up. So-so! TRDB. Netflix.
4) GOODBYE FIRST LOVE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this lyrical drama, 15-year-old Camille must deal with her devastation when an older boy with whom she’s fallen in love leaves to travel through South America. Over the next few years, she grows into a young woman and tries to love again.” Fair early reviews. TRDB.
4/20/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5/8/12- I found the story and the acting quite believable and interesting as well. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 15-
1) SHAME– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thirtysomething New Yorker Brandon is outwardly reserved, but inside is seething with an overwhelming sexual addiction. When his tempestuous and much-loved younger sister invades his life, Brandon struggles to escape his self-destructive behavior.” Very good reviews. TRDB.12/2/11- Just a weakly positive review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) MY PERESTROIKA– 2010. Premise by Netflix. “An intimate look at five longtime friends who grew up shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, this documentary sheds light on how Russians have adapted to post-Soviet society and their nation’s continually shifting political landscape. Interweaving decades-old home movie footage with captivating tales of contemporary life, director Robin Hessman’s enlightening movie illustrates the stark contrast between Moscow then and now.” Very good reviews and this one sounds interesting. TRDB.
3) ALBERT NOBBS– 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.” Mediocre reviews. TRDB.
4) KINYARWANDA– 2011. Premise by Netflix. “In this first-ever dramatic feature produced by Rwandans, the events of the horrific 1994 genocide are personalized through six intertwined stories. As the violence rages, mosques become a haven for Rwandans of all affiliations seeking protection. Director and writer Alrick Brown seeks the gray areas in this dark period of history, finding all-too-human motivations and resilience in the face of unimaginable catastrophe.” At Sundance 2011. Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5) RAMPART– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dave Brown is a dirty cop with a mile-wide mean streak. As he roams the streets meting out “justice,” the LAPD sinks into a corruption scandal. The countdown to Brown’s judgment is on in this fact-based film co-written by crime novelist James Ellroy.” Fairly good reviews including a few very good ones. TRDB.
6) 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.” Good professional reviews but weak audience reaction. TRDB.
7) WE WERE HERE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “The AIDS crisis forever changed gay culture in San Francisco, as examined in this absorbing documentary from David Weissman, who explores the disease’s impact on five individuals. Vintage film clips accompany their sobering stories. Co-director of The Cockettes, Weissman contrasts the 1960s and ’70s-era joy and revelry depicted in that film with the sorrow, outrage and activism that followed in the 1980s and beyond.”9/9/11- Great reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8)NORWEGIAN WOOD– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1969 Tokyo, this melancholic tale centers on serious young college freshman Toru Watanabe (Ken’ichi Matsuyama), whose developing relationship with childhood friend Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi) drags into the present a terrible event both would rather bury. While Naoko begins to withdraw, Toru awakens to the political and cultural tumult around him, and when he meets the intriguing Midori (Kiko Mizuhara), Toru must confront his own uncertain heart.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
1/6/12- Fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
9) MY PIECE OF THE PIE– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Arrogant Parisian millionaire Steve hires single mother France to clean his apartment in this dramatic comedy. Unbeknownst to them both, Steve is the reason France lost her job at a factory and had to seek menial work in the first place.”
12/9/11- Luke warm review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere. TRDB.
10) MICHAEL– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Michael seems like an ordinary — even boring — middle-aged guy. But after work, he returns home and unlocks the basement cell where he keeps 10-year-old Wolfgang. This harrowing drama chronicles five months of Wolfgang’s captivity.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
11) CHARLOTTE RAMPLING: THE LOOK– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actress Charlotte Rampling largely tells her own story in this unconventional self-portrait conceived by filmmaker Angelina Maccarone. Highlights include conversations between Rampling and her friends, along with clips from her most famous films.”
11/4/11- Described by the NY Times today as just OK and often a tease. TRDB.
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OPENING THIS WEEK-
1) THE CUP– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A true story about two brothers, both competing for the highest honor in horse racing, the Melbourne Cup. When tragedy strikes, one brother relies on the support of a veteran horse trainer to overcome the odds and challenge himself to win. An incredible story of inspiration and triumph over adversity.”Bad reviews all over. TRDB.
2) HICK– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Small town teenager Luli (Chloe Grace Moretz) escapes to Las Vegas, leaving behind her alcoholic and abusive parents. Armed with her smarts, a pistol and pocket money, she hitchhikes her way west. Along the way, Luli crosses paths with Eddie (Eddie Redmayne), an unstable rebel with questionable motives and Glenda (Blake Lively), a cocaine-snorting drifter on the run. Adapted from the critically acclaimed novel by Andrea Portes, this powerful story pulls you into a provocative world of drugs, seduction and murder.”
Several good audience reviews but none professional so far. TRDB.
3) WHERE DO WE GO NOW?- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “While their men fight a remote sectarian war, the women of a Lebanese village — one hemmed in by minefields — band together to denounce the clash of Islamic and Christian beliefs that sustains the war and threatens to poison their own community.”
OK reviews. TRDB.
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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-
1) INVENTING OUR LIFE: THE KIBBUTZ EXPERIMENT– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set against the backdrop of its glorious 100-year history, Inventing Our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment reveals the heartbreak and hope of Israel’s modern kibbutz movement as a new generation struggles to ensure its survival. Can a radically socialist institution survive a new capitalist reality? How will painful reforms affect those who still believe in the kibbutz experiment, and continue to call it home?”Just a few reviews and they are not good. TRDB.
2) MARLEY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring dozens of interviews, electrifying concert performances and rare footage, this documentary explores the music, life and legacy of reggae icon Bob Marley, from his birth in 1945 to his death from cancer at age 36.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.4/20/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
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COMCAST ON DEMAND-
NEW- NONE
REPEATS-
1) 4:44 LAST DAY ON EARTH- Good reviews
2) 50/50- A fun movie despite the heavy premise
3) ANONYMOUS- Fair reviews at best and I didn’t like it
4) BOOKER’S PLACE- Very good reviews
5) CARNAGE- I liked it
6) CHASING MADOFF- Just so-so.
7) CITIZEN GANGSTER- Weak reviews
8)CONQUEST- I didn’t care for it
9) THE COVE- An excellent documentary
10) A DANGEROUS METHOD- Just “so-so” in my book
11) THE DEBT- Good reviews. I saw the Israeli version from 3 years ago and liked it
12) DESCENDANTS- I liked it very much
13) DETACHMENT- I loved the movie
14) THE DISH AND THE SPOON- I liked this movie
15) DRIVE- I liked it
16) THE FORGIVENESS OF BLOOD- A great movie and a “must see”
17) GOOD FOR NOTHING- I liked it
18)GOODBYE FIRST LOVE- OK reviews
19) HUGO- Great movie for ALL ages
20) IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY- I did not care for this movie
21) THE IRON LADY- Weak movie but worth seeing just for Meryl Streep
22) J. EDGAR- I enjoyed the movie- great DiCaprio
23) JESUS HERNY CHRIST- Weak professional reviews but audiences have liked it
24) LET THE BULLETS FLY- OK reviews but a poor one in the NY Times
25) MAN ON A MISSION- Fair reviews
26) MARLEY- Great reviews
27) MY JOY- Good reviews and I’ll see it
28) MY WEEK WITH MARILYN- I liked this very much
29) PARIAH- Good reviews
30) PINA- I liked it very much
31) QUEEN OF THE SUN- Very good documentary
32) RETURN- Good reviews
33) SARAH’S KEY- Very good
34) SHAME- Generally good reviews
35) STUCK BETWEEN STATIONS- I liked it
36) THE SKIN I LIVE IN- I really liked this Almodovar movie very much
37) TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY- Fair reviews at best
38) WE HAVE A POPE- I liked this very much
39) WOMEN ON THE 6th. FLOOR- I enjoyed this movie very much
40) YOUNG ADULT- I thought this was good but not nearly as good as the critics said
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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)
NEW IN THE BURBS-
1) THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “To make the most of their meager retirement savings, a group of British seniors relocates to India to live out their golden years at the Marigold Hotel. But upon arrival, they discover that the once-lavish resort has wilted considerably.”Rotten Tomatoes said– “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.
Very good early reviews called this film a bit schmaltzy but well done. TRDB.
5/4/12- Today’s NY Times gave this an OK review. TRDB.
2) FIRST POSITION– Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary follows dancers training for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions. The stakes are high: Their performances will determine the success or failure of the young girls’ dreams.”
Very few reviews and they are OK. TRDB.
5/4/12- A good review in today’s NY Times that brought up a bit of controversy in the making of this documentary. TRDB.
3) BERNIE– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this black comedy inspired by real-life events, affable Texas mortician Bernie befriends the small town’s wealthiest widow and then kills her. But despite the suspicious nature of her death, no one wants to think anything but the best of Bernie.”
4/27/12- Good reviews in general and a difficult to interpret review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
REPEATS-
1) MONSIEUR LAZHAR– Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an Algerian immigrant seeking asylum in Montreal takes a job replacing an elementary school teacher who committed suicide, he finds that his own secret, tragic background enables him to help the children deal with their loss.”I saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival 2012 and loved it. TRDB.
4/13/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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) DARLING COMPANION– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dealing with an empty nest and self-absorbed husband Joseph, Beth develops a deep bond with a dog she rescues — and when Joseph loses the dog after a wedding, Beth joins forces with wedding guests in a search that takes some unexpected turns.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
4/20/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4) THE ARTIST– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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. At the theater.
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THE REEL DR. BOB
The Reel Dr. Bob
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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