The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #429

September 20th, 2012

  SEPT. 20, 2012

DEAR FRIENDS:   YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT- www.thereeldrbob.com  

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-  

1) GIRLFRIEND– Netflix Streaming

2) THE WORDS– Theater

3) OSLO, AUGUST 31st.- Netflix Streaming

4) ARBITRAGE- Theater   _________________________________________________________________________________________  

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) THE WORDS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After finding a brilliant unpublished book in an old briefcase, wannabe writer Rory Jansen decides to claim it’s his work — but his choice sets events in motion that have him facing an ethical quandary he could never have expected.”

9/7/12- Weak reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

9/18/12- Despite the weak reviews a few critics liked it very much. I thought it was done in an interesting manner with an unusual premise and I did like it. TRDB.

2) ARBITRAGE– 2012. Synopsis  by Netflix. “It’s financial whiz Robert Miller’s day of reckoning. As he struggles to divest his empire before his fraud is brought to light, fate takes a nasty turn. Now desperate and running out of options, Miller turns to an unlikely source for help.”

Great early reviews. I saw the coming attractions for this and it looked very good. TRDB.

9/14/12- Fair review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/19/12- A suspenseful and well acted financial thriller. I recommend it. TRDB.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________  

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) GIRLFRIEND– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Evan (Evan Sneider), a genial young man with Down syndrome, lives with his adoring mother, Celeste (Amanda Plummer), but is self-sufficient, holding a job and longing for a real relationship with the object of his high school crush: a single mother named Candy (Shannon Woodward). When he suddenly comes into some money, Evan begins to support Candy, who is still entangled with her abusive ex, Russ (Jackson Rathbone), as well as a married lover.”

OK review in NY Times on 7/15/11 but awful reviews in general. TRDB.

9/14/12- Despite a creative beginning to this film it became formulaic and lost momentum. Still OK. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) ELLES– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “While investigating a story about students who become prostitutes to pay their way through university, a middle-aged French journalist befriends two of her subjects, whose strong personalities cause her to reevaluate her own bourgeois life.”

4/27/12– Poor reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/15/12- This movie had some redeeming social value and did hold my interest at times. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

3) BEING FLYNN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A young man employed at a Boston homeless shelter comes upon his long-lost, destitute and alcoholic father while at work one evening in this subtle, emotionally charged drama based on the acclaimed memoir by poet and playwright Nick Flynn.”

3/2/12- Good audience reaction and somewhat weak professional reviews including a fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/17/12- The acting in this film far surpassed the screenplay and the movie was overall so-so. TRDB.

4) OSLO, AUGUST 31st– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This psychological drama follows a day in the life of Anders, a recovering drug addict who travels to his old stomping grounds of Oslo for a job interview. While there, he must confront his past as well as his plans for a new life.”

Very good professional reviews and average audience ones. TRDB.

5/6/12- An article in today’s NY Times about the movie and lead actor. TRDB.

9/19/12- One of the saddest most realistic movies I’ve seen in a long time. Great acting and you feel like you’re in it. TRDB.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________  

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, SEPT. 25-  

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.”

This sounds silly but it’s received good early reviews. TRDB.

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

4/29/12- This movie, while done in a clever manner, was way too cool for itself and I really didn’t care for it. TRDB.

2) 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. 

3) SURVIVING PROGRESS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This bracing documentary considers whether human “progress” stemming from the Industrial Age could be paving the way for civilization’s collapse. The film asks a range of thinkers whether the modern world might be headed for a “progress trap.”

Very good reviews with a few distinct negatives as well. TRDB.

4) PINK RIBBONS, INC.- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Who really benefits from the pink ribbon campaigns: the cause or the company? In showing the real story of breast cancer and the lives of those who fight it, this film reveals the co-opting of what marketing experts have labeled a “dream cause.”

Weak review in the NY Times on 6/1/12 but fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.

5) KLOWN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two wildly inappropriate pals run amok through the countryside plowing through social taboos, unspeakable debaucheries and absurd sexual encounters. Kidnapping, canoeing and cathouses all factor into this riotous escapade where chaos rules the day.”

No professional reviews as yet but OK audience reaction. TRDB.

7/27/12- A reviewer in today’s NY Times liked this movie but said that it bordered on child porn. Go figure!! TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________  

 OPENED LAST WEEK IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON 9/13- 

  1) THE MASTER– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A heavy-drinking loaner named Freddie finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto the ship of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new “religion” — some say cult — he forms after World War II.”

A few early reviewers said this was a great piece of work. TRDB.

9/14/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) STEP UP TO THE PLATE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Acclaimed French chef Michel Bras passes the torch (in this case his namesake restaurant) to his son Sébastien in this intimate documentary. The eatery, its mouth-watering cuisine and Michel’s mammoth reputation are all virtual co-stars.”

Very early reviews are a bit weak. TRDB.

9/14/12- OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) THE STAND UP– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A year after his girlfriend’s death, Zoe Hardwick abandons his career as a stand-up comedian and reluctantly accepts a job as a kindergarten teacher. Much to Zoe’s surprise, the kids and a fellow teacher revive his interest in life.”

9/14/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

4) THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his daughter announces her engagement, musician Robert tries to talk her out of it — convinced it will end up like his marriage to her mother. But when the now-divorced parents meet again, Robert begins to reconsider his own choices.”

9/14/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times but most critics and audiences have liked it. TRDB.

5) THE RIGHT TO LOVE: AN AMERICAN FAMILY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary recounts the debate stirred when two gay parents and their adopted kids decided to create a YouTube channel called Gay Family Values. The mix of hostility and support the family inspired reveals the deep divisions in U.S. society.”

9/14/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. Mixed professional review in general and audiences have liked it. TRDB.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________  

OPENING THIS WEEK-  

 1) ABOUT CHERRY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Determined to escape her past, 18-year-old Angelina moves to San Francisco, where she becomes Cherry, an innocent-but-sexy adult film star. Her provocative new life brings fame, money, and acquaintances who have a variety of motives.”

Poor early reviews. TRDB.

2) BACKWARDS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When she doesn’t make the Olympic cut for a second time, über-competitive 30-year-old rower Abi Brooks becomes a coach at a school working for her ex-boyfriend — and as she adjusts to her new life, she makes some important discoveries about herself.”

A few early reviews are mixed. TRDB.

3) DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This intimate and loving portrait of the legendary arbiter of fashion, art and culture illustrates the many stages of Vreeland’s remarkable life. Born in Paris in 1903, she was to become New York’s “Empress of Fashion” and a celebrated Vogue editor.”

Excellent reviews. TRDB.

4) END OF WATCH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Officers Taylor and Zavala patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles, an area of the city ruled by gangs and riddled with drug violence. Their perilous beat is captured on security footage and with the HD cameras of cops, criminals and victims.”Great reviews. TRDB.

5) HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This passionate documentary focuses on the grass-roots crusade in the 1980s and ’90s to speed up efforts at developing treatments for the HIV virus. The film follows AIDS activists to Washington, where they challenge the government to act.”

 Excellent reviews so far. TRDB.

6) THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this engaging coming-of-age tale based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, a shy freshman struggling with depression deals with his best friend’s suicide and his first love — and finds help from two seniors who take an interest in him.”

Mixed reviews, mostly good. TRDB.

7) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Slowed by age and failing eyesight, crack baseball scout Gus Lobel takes his grown daughter along as he checks out the final prospect of his career. Along the way, the two renew their bond, and she catches the eye of a young player-turned-scout.”

Good early reviews for this movie starring Clint Eastwood. TRDB.

8) WAR OF THE BUTTONS- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set in occupied WWII France, War of the Buttons tells the tale of pre-teen rebel Lebrac (newcomer Jean Texier) and the “war” he leads between two rival kid gangs from neighboring villages. Once Lebrac falls for Violette (Ilona Bachelier), a young Jewish girl who is new in town and in danger of being exposed by the Nazis, the children are faced with putting their own conflicts aside to protect her and confront the very real war happening around them.”

Just a few early reviews and they are “fair.” TRDB.

9) UNCONDITIONAL- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Samantha Crawford is living a storybook life: she’s happily married, she lives on a ranch where she keeps her beloved horse, and the stories she’s told and illustrated since childhood have become published books. When her husband Billy is killed in a senseless act of violence, Sam loses her faith and her will to live. But a death-defying encounter with two children leads to a reunion with Joe, her oldest friend. Inspired by true events, UNCONDITIONAL stars Michael Ealy (Think Like A Man, Barbershop) and Lynn Collins (John Carter, X-Men Origins: Wolverine). As Sam watches “Papa” Joe care for and love the kids in his under-resourced neighborhood, she begins to realize that no matter life’s circumstances, the love of God is always reaching out to us.”

No reviews yet. TRDB.

_________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-  

1) 17 GIRLS-  2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on true events, this drama tells the story of 17 teenage girls from the same school in small-town France who get pregnant at the same time, baffling the adults — and the boys — in their lives.”

Only a few early reviews and they are OK. TRDB.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-  

NEW-  

1) ARBITRAGE- 2012. Synopsis  by Netflix. “It’s financial whiz Robert Miller’s day of reckoning. As he struggles to divest his empire before his fraud is brought to light, fate takes a nasty turn. Now desperate and running out of options, Miller turns to an unlikely source for help.”

Great early reviews. I saw the coming attractions for this and it looked very good. TRDB.

9/14/12- Fair review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/19/12- A suspenseful and well acted financial thriller. I recommend it. TRDB.

2) OCTOBER BABY- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before her first lines, she collapses. Countless medical tests all point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to discovering that she was actually adopted . . . after a failed abortion attempt. Bewildered, angered and confused, Hannah embarks on a journey with Jason, her oldest friend. In the midst of her incredible journey to discover her hidden past and find hope for her unknown future, Hannah sees that life can be so much more than what you have planned.”

Fairly good early audience reviews but awful professional ones. TRDB.

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

3) YOUR SISTER’S SISTER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jack, who is mourning the death of his brother, has a complicated relationship with his best friend, Iris, who used to date his brother. Their chaotic situation becomes even more tangled when Jack has a drunken tryst with Iris’s flighty sister.” Excellent reviews. TRDB.

An article about the director in the NY Times on 5/6/12. TRDB.

6/15/12– Mixed review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6/26/12– I liked this movie, especially the relationship between the sisters. TRDB.

4) THE EYE OF THE STORM- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A woman recently divorced from a French prince and her washed-up actor brother return home to Australia, hoping to reconcile with their dying mother. But neither is prepared for the ensuing drama that brings the dread of their childhood back to life.”

Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “In the Sydney suburb of Centennial Park, two nurses, a housekeeper and a solicitor attend to Elizabeth Hunter as her expatriate son and daughter convene at her deathbed. But in dying, as in living, Mrs Hunter remains a powerful force on those who surround her. Based on the novel by Nobel Prize winner Patrick White, The Eye of the Storm is a savage exploration of family relationships – and the sharp undercurrents of love and hate, comedy and tragedy, which define them.”

9/7/12- Poor  reviews for this movie but it sounds interesting and I’ll probably see it eventually. TRDB.

5) FOR ELLEN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Would-be rock star Joby is forced to duel for joint custody of his 6-year-old daughter, Ellen, when his wife decides to end their marriage. Long absent from his daughter’s life, he must now convince the court that he deserves to share in her future.”

Weak professional and audience reviews. TRDB.

9/7/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) LIBERAL ARTS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A speaking engagement brings 35-year-old Jesse back to his college alma mater, where he’s blindsided by nostalgia and a plucky sophomore named Zibby. Newly single and unfulfilled by his job, Jesse finds Zibby pulling him out of his disillusionment.”

Fairly good early professional reviews. TRDB.

9/14/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

  REPEATS-  

1) 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK- OK reviews but my friends have not liked it

2) THE ARTIST- I liked this movie very much

3) BABYMAKERS- The NY Times liked it. Most critics did not!

4) BALLPLAYER: PELOTERO- Very good reviews

5) BEING FLYNN- Mediocre reviews

6) BURNING HOT SUMMER- Poor reviews in general but the NY Times liked it

7) BURNING MAN- Fair reviews

8)CASA DE MI PADRE- So-so reviews but I liked it

9) CRAIGSLIST JOE- Good early reviews

10) DESCENDANTS- I liked it very much

11) FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT- OK reviews

12) FRIENDS WITH KIDS- Very good

13) THE GOOD DOCTOR- Mixed reviews

14) THE IRON LADY- Weak movie but worth seeing just for Meryl Streep

15) KLOWN- The NY Times liked it but said it bordered on child porn. I’ll skip it.

16) MY WEEK WITH MARILYN- I liked this very much

17) NESTING- Audiences have liked this more than the critics

18)NOBODY WALKS- Reviews are weak

19) PARIAH- I liked this movie very much

20) RED TAILS- I disliked this movie and turned it off

21) SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN- Most liked this a lot but I found it full of Hollywood

22) SIDE BY SIDE- Great reviews

23) SLEEPWALK WITH ME- I found this one disappointing- just OK

24) TRISHNA- Good reviews

25) WHY STOP NOW?- Poor reviews

26) WOMAN IN THE FIFTH- I liked it  

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- (Westchester and Fairfield Counties)-  

NEW IN THE BURBS-  

1) THE MASTER- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A heavy-drinking loaner named Freddie finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto the ship of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new “religion” — some say cult — he forms after World War II.”

A few early reviewers said this was a great piece of work. TRDB.

2) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE- Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Slowed by age and failing eyesight, crack baseball scout Gus Lobel takes his grown daughter along as he checks out the final prospect of his career. Along the way, the two renew their bond, and she catches the eye of a young player-turned-scout.”

Excellent reviews for this movie starring Clint Eastwood. TRDB.

3) DETROPIA- Jacob Burns. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the focus of this sobering documentary, the decline of Detroit also reflects the nation’s larger failure to keep up in a modern global economy. The film also examines the efforts of its residents to maintain Detroit’s vibrant cultural base.”

Good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.

9/7/12– I read today’s NY Times review and have NO idea if it was a good one or a bad one. Others have liked it a lot. TRDB.

 REPEATS-  

1) ARBITRAGE- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis  by Netflix. “It’s financial whiz Robert Miller’s day of reckoning. As he struggles to divest his empire before his fraud is brought to light, fate takes a nasty turn. Now desperate and running out of options, Miller turns to an unlikely source for help.”

Great early reviews. I saw the coming attractions for this and it looked very good. TRDB.

9/14/12- Fair review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/19/12- A suspenseful and well acted financial thriller. I recommend it. TRDB.

2) THE WORDS- Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After finding a brilliant unpublished book in an old briefcase, wannabe writer Rory Jansen decides to claim it’s his work — but his choice sets events in motion that have him facing an ethical quandary he could never have expected.”

9/7/12- Weak reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

9/18/12- Despite the weak reviews a few critics liked it very much. I thought it was done in an interesting manner with an unusual premise and I did like it. TRDB.

3) SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN- Jacob Burns. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Decades after Detroit singer-songwriter Rodriguez disappeared following the failure of his two critically praised records in the 1970s, two fans from South Africa, where Rodriguez was a huge hit, try to track down their idol, with intriguing results.”

7/27/12- A confusing but good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

9/3/12- A well structured suspenseful documentary about a legend coupled with great music, great interviews, a likable subject and a thought provoking screenplay make this a GREAT DOCUMENTARY. TRDB.  

4) THE INTOUCHABLES- Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this compelling story based on true events, affluent quadriplegic Phillipe hires Driss — a young Parisian petty criminal — to be his caregiver, and the two form an unexpected bond that changes both their lives.” Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

5/6/12– An article in today’s NY Times talks about the movie and the lead actor. Apparently this has become a “hot” topic in France. TRDB.

5/25/12– Weak review in today’s NY Times, but good reviews in general.  TRDB.

6/28/12– Despite a few good scenes I was very disappointed by this movie. It proves that Hollywood can slide effortlessly into Paris. TRDB. 

5) HOPE SPRINGS- Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Feeling disconnected in her decades-old marriage, Maeve convinces her skeptical husband to attend a marriage therapy week with a celebrated relationship expert — but now they must shed their inhibitions and learn some new sexual and emotional moves.”

Very good professional and audience reviews . TRDB.

8/19/12- I liked this movie very much. I found it realistic, honest and very well acted. The comedy involved was a case of “the laughs” when we were uncomfortable with the honesty of the material. Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones were great and great together. 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

ENJOY!! THE REEL DR. BOB

Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters