The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #326

June 3rd, 2010

  JUNE 3, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS:  

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com  

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

1) EL BESO DEL SUENO- Netflix.

2) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- Comcast On-Demand. _______________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE _______________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) EL BESO DEL SUENO- Premise by Netflix. “When a beautiful woman (Maribel Verdu of Y Tu Mama Tambien) who makes her living by posing as a prostitute, drugging her victims and stealing their money recovers a suitcase stuffed with cash, she unwittingly becomes part of a dangerous world of crime — and the target of a handsome police officer (Juan Diego), who falls under her spell. Eusebio Poncela, Tony Isbert, and Juan Diego co-star in this intricate thriller.”   5/10- Good story, very good acting and I really enjoyed the movie. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.  

2) 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.”   5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.  

3) IT’S COMPLICATED- Premise by Netflix. “Ten years after their divorce, Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) Adler unite for their son’s college graduation and unexpectedly end up sleeping together. But Jake is married, and Jane is embarking on a new romance with her architect, Adam (Steve Martin). Now, she has to sort out her life — just when she thought she had it all figured out. Nancy Meyers writes and directs this Golden Globe-nominated comedy.”

5/10- A cute movie with some poignant moments and I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.

4) 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.”

5/31- Learning about his work was interesting but learning next to nothing about the man wasn’t. TRDB. Netflix.

5) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- Premise by Netflix. “When a man who seemingly has everything takes his own life, the question on everyone’s mind is, why? This drama penned and helmed by Mia Hansen-Løve explores that quandary by recounting the weeks before and after a film producer’s suicide. With an adoring family, a job that fulfills him completely and a charismatic bearing that masks all woes, producer Grégoire Canvel appears at the top of his game. But underneath the surface, trouble is brewing.” Very good review in NY Times.

6/10- A sad drama about a loving family and the grief process. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

_______________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 8-  

1) FROM PARIS WITH LOVE- Premise by Netflix. “While working at the American embassy in Paris, low-level intelligence agent James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) gets involved in espionage when he’s pulled into a terrorist plot by high-ranking but uncouth American operative Charlie Wax (John Travolta), who’s trying to stop it. Pierre Morel directs this fast-paced international thriller with a script by Luc Besson (The Professional, The Fifth Element) and Adi Hasak. Richard Durden also stars.” Fair reviews at best.  

2) TOE TO TOE- Premise by Netflix. “Out on the lacrosse pitch, wealthy but troubled Jesse (Louisa Krause) and poor but driven Tosha (Sonequa Martin) form an easy and deep bond, but their relationship is threatened once they enter the hallways of an elite prep school they attend in Washington, D.C. There, they must work to overcome racial and other tensions in their classmates, and in themselves, if they hope to keep their friendship alive. Emily Abt directs.” Very good reviews. _______________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING THIS WEEK- REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY- So far nothing of interest! _______________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of Lake Worth      

1) PHYLLIS AND HAROLD- Premise by Netflix. “Most people know the story of how their parents met. But for better or worse, filmmaker Cindy Kleine digs even deeper to expose every aspect of her parents’ 59-year marriage, revealing touching details and a few painful family secrets. Mixing on-camera interviews with archival photos and creative animation, Kleine’s candid documentary looks at the evolution of a dissonant union — and the harsh truth about love.” Fair reviews. (Through 6/6)   

2) THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD- Premise by Netflix. “On a train crossing the Manchurian desert, an unlikely trio — good bounty hunter Park Do-won (Woo-sung Jung), bad gangster Park Chang-yi (Byung-hun Lee) and weird train robber Yoon Tae-goo (Kang-ho Song) — unite to find a treasure map’s promised loot. Racing through the unforgiving landscape, they stay one step ahead of rivals and the Japanese army. Ji-woon Kim directs this Sergio Leone-inspired adventure.” Mixed reviews, more good than bad. Also new on Comcast On-Demand. (Through 6/6)

3) HERE AND THERE- Premise by Netflix. “The lives of two men intersect in this comedy-drama from writer-director Darko Lungulov. Serbian immigrant Branko (Branislav Trifunovic) wants his girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), to come live in America, while struggling New York musician Robert (David Thornton) desperately needs money. Robert agrees to travel to Belgrade to marry Ivana, but during the course of his chaotic trip, he encounters plenty of surprises. Pop icon Cyndi Lauper co-stars.” OK reviews. (6/7–6/13)

4) HEY HEY IT’S ESTHER BLUEBURGER- Premise by Netflix. “A total outcast at her private school, Esther (Danielle Catanzariti) suffocates under her mother’s (Essie Davis) constant pressure at home. But after forming an unlikely friendship with well-liked Sunni (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Esther starts taking daring risks and suddenly becomes popular. A smart, good-natured comedy about learning to be yourself, this Australian coming-of-age story also features Toni Collette.” I saw this and liked it. (6/7–6/13)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

COMCAST ON-DEMAND  

NEW-  

1) THE FATHER OF MY CHILDREN- Premise by Netflix. “When a man who seemingly has everything takes his own life, the question on everyone’s mind is, why? This drama penned and helmed by Mia Hansen-Løve explores that quandary by recounting the weeks before and after a film producer’s suicide. With an adoring family, a job that fulfills him completely and a charismatic bearing that masks all woes, producer Grégoire Canvel appears at the top of his game. But underneath the surface, trouble is brewing.” Very good reviews.   6/10- A sad drama about a loving family and the grief process. Very well done and I liked it. TRDB.  

2) ONDINE- Premise by Netflix. “An Irish fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a mysterious girl (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) gets tangled in his nets and soon affects the lives of everyone around her in this fantastical seaside tale from director Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire). Is it possible this beautiful stranger is a mythical sea nymph who’s been summoned from the ocean’s depths … or is she something far more common?” Reviews evenly positive and negative.  

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. Also on Netflix.  

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. On Netflix.  

5) 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.  

6) 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.

7) 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.  

8)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.

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

10) 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.  

11) 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. 5/10- Frazzled isn’t all this guy was in a tale of a divorced NY family. Some merit to the movie but you can do without it. TRDB.  

12)  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.

  13) 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.

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

15) 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. On Netflix.  

16) 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.    

17) 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.    

18) PIRATE RADIO- Premise by Netflix. “In 1966, hard-partying British DJs — a crew that includes Quentin (Bill Nighy), the Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and Dave (Nick Frost) — have the time of their lives running a radio station on a ship in the North Sea, broadcasting generation-defining (but banned) music to millions. But they face getting shut down by Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh). Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) directs. I thought that this one was just OK. TRDB. Netflix too.

19) 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.

20) ROAD, MOVIE- Premise by Netflix. “Reluctant to take over his father’s flailing hair-oil business, young Vishnu (Abhay Deol) becomes the sole proprietor of a traveling cinema after he happens upon an abandoned truck containing a library of film reels and a film projector. During his odyssey across small-town India, he befriends a young runaway, a gorgeous gypsy, a wandering minstrel and others in this funny and romantic adventure, a hit at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” Very good reviews.

21) 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.

22) 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. Netflix also.

23) 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.

24) THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN- 2009. Premise by Netflix. “Inspired by a true story, director André Téchiné’s riveting drama centers on a young Parisian woman (Émilie Dequenne) who captures the attention of her country when she claims she’s been the target of a hate crime. International film legend Catherine Deneuve also stars in this ripped-from-the-headlines tale, which explores the power of prejudice and the diminishing credibility of modern-day media.” I liked the movie. TRDB. Netflix too.

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

26) THE MAID- About the long-term maid of a well to do Chilean family who fears losing her job. Very good. Netflix 6/22.

27) THE MESSENGER- With Woody Harrelson who plays an officer who goes to the homes of soldiers who have died in Iraq to tell the next of kin. Very good. On Netflix.

28) 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. Netflix as well.

29) 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.

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     _______________________________________________________________________________________   BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS (FAIRFIELD AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES)   For Independent Films in Your Neighborhood go to- www.emergingpictures.com  

For all films go to- www.fandango.com

  1) CITY ISLAND- Bethel, Clearview 100, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep. I liked it.  

2) PLEASE GIVE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. I was luke warm on this one.  

3) BABIES- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. A documentary about 4 babies from different parts of the world during their first year of life. Good reviews.  

4) SOLITARY MAN- Garden Cinema Norwalk. Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.  

5) THE SECRET IN THEIR EYESS- Jacob Burns. I saw this and it’s a good mystery with several gaping holes in the story line.  

6) HOLY ROLLERS- Clearview 100. 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.” Mixed reviews.  

7) MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- Clearview 100. About a family with one son. When the father goes to his son’s school one day he meets and develops a relationship with his son’s teacher. Great reviews and I plan to see it.    

THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

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