The Reel Dr. Bob

OCTOBER 4, 2012

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) NATE AND MARGARET– Netflix

2) WHERE DO WE GO NOW?– Netflix

3) 17 GIRLS– Comcast On-Demand

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER- NONE

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) NATE & MARGARET– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this quirky comedy, the odd-couple friendship between Nate, a young, gay film student, and Margaret, a 50-something eccentric, takes center stage. Trouble arrives in the form of Nate‘s first lover, who doesn’t quite “get” Margaret.”6/22/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere. TRDB.

9/30/12- A good movie about friendship between two people who on the surface appear very different. TRDB. Netflix.

2) 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.”

5/11/12– Mediocre professional reviews and OK audience reaction but good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10/1/12- It took a while to get into this movie but I did and even though I agree with a reviewer who said that the film was more interesting than satisfying I can still recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.”

Most reviews are OK. TRDB.

10/2/12- Somewhat interesting primarily because it’s a true story. Mostly about a group of girls, almost cult-like, who suffer from boredom, depression and a sense of being better than their parents. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, OCT. 9-

 

1) 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.

2) LOLA VERSUS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When her fiancé dumps her right before the wedding, 29-year-old Lola finds herself single for the first time in almost a decade. Desperate to figure out where her life goes next, quirky Lola seeks advice from her two best friends and hippie parents.”

An article about the actress Greta Gerwig in the NY Times on 5/6/12. TRDB.

Poor reviews all around. TRDB.

6/11/12- Weak review in the NY Times last week. TRDB.

3) THE GIANT MECHANICAL MAN– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jason Segel and Emily Blunt star in this contemporary romantic comedy as an engaged young couple who discovers that the more they get to know each other, the more unpredictable their commitment to getting married becomes.”

Fairly good professional reviews yet and good audience reaction as well. TRDB.

4) A CAT IN PARIS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this Oscar-nominated animated feature, little Zoe discovers that her cat, Dino, moonlights as the companion to Nico, a burglar with a heart of gold. Soon Zoe is drawn into a thriller filled with gangsters, jewels and the rooftops of Paris.”

Very good reviews. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENED LAST WEEK IN ADDITION TO THOSE I WROTE ABOUT ON 9/27-

 

1) SIX MILLION AND ONE– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Past present and future mix in this eloquent, intense and surprisingly humorous portrait of documentary filmmaker David Fisher and his siblings, as they retrace the footsteps of their late father-a Holocaust survivor who was interned in Gusen and Gunskirchen, Austria. David’s journey takes him to the U.S., where he meets American WWII veterans who participated in the liberation of his father and Gunskirchen camp. This sparks a remarkable journey to Austria by the Fisher siblings. They joke, kibitz and quarrel, and remind us that history and memory require active discussion among the later generations.”9/28/12- This sounds very interesting but I could not find any professional reviews as yet. Audiences have loved it. TRDB.

2) HARVEST OF EMPIRE– Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary traces the history of U.S. relations with Latin America and draws strong links to America’s current immigration crisis. Decaying economies in much of Latin America are viewed as the result of ill-conceived U.S. policies.”

9/28/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) PRIMUM NON NOCERE— FIRST DO NO HARM– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Refuting common beliefs about blood transfusions, global experts share cutting-edge evidence that transfusions may not always be as safe as previously thought, and that issues like DNA and chromosome transfers can be hazardous.”

9/28/12- Mixed reviews. The NY Times called this documentary one-sides. TRDB.

4) MY LIFE AS ABRAHAM LINCOLN- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this dark, surreal comedy, Cindy Rossberg (Caroline Luft) has apparently killed her fiancé (Trevor Nelson) on her wedding day. Her psychiatrist encourages her to move forward with her life. However, as she attempts to do so, she finds reality too difficult to contend with as she is bound to the events of the past. As she tries to sort things out for herself, Cindy spirals into a wacky world of bizarre situations that become increasingly influenced by a murder mystery she is writing. In the end, Cindy discovers that she must act as her own emancipator in order to free herself from the role she thinks she is expected to play.”

9/28/12- A mixed review in today’s NY Times. I found only 2 other reviews and they were OK. TRDB.

5) VULGARIA– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “To (Chapman To Man-chak), a long-time film producer, has yet to produce anything resembling a hit. Beset by financial troubles, he has become desperate for money – so much so that he is unable to pay the alimony to his ex-wife (Kristal Tin). Despite his former spouse’s bitterness, their daughter still clings onto her faith in him – and wishes to see him on TV once his new movie premieres. To is soon introduced to a potential Mainland Chinese investor, Tyrannosaurus (Ronald Cheng), by his buddy Lui Wing-shing (Simon Loui Yu-yeung). But Tyrannosaurus is not only the head of a Guangxi triad gang, he turns out to have very particular tastes in food and sex. Regardless, To is determined to woo this investor, even if it means giving into his every demand.”

9/28/12- Mixed reviews at best and a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) LOOPER– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination.”

9/28/12- Excellent reviews for this sci-fi thriller. TRDB.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

OPENING THIS WEEK (10/5)

 

1) BUTTER– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a gifted butter sculptor announces his retirement, his ambitious wife sees her hopes for future fame — and the presidency — melt away. She sets out to take up the mantle, but soon learns how cutthroat the world of pro butter sculpting can be.”OK early reviews. TRDB.

2) ESCAPE FIRE: THE FIGHT TO RESCUE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary starkly outlines the crises the United States faces in its quest to provide affordable medical care to the nation’s citizens. In response to these problems, the filmmakers propose lower-cost alternatives to high-tech medicine.”

No reviews as yet and I hope that this isn’t a campaign advertisement. TRDB.

3) THE ORANGES– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When newly unattached Nina Ostroff (Leighton Meester) comes home for Thanksgiving dinner, her parents make plans to pair her up with their neighbors’ successful son, Toby (Adam Brody). But then Nina locks eyes with Toby’s father, wrecking everyone’s expectations. Catherine Keener, Allison Janney, Oliver Platt and Alia Shawkat co-star in this comic tale of redefining happiness when it comes to relationships.”

Just a few reviews at this time and they are all POOR. TRDB.

4) THE PAPERBOY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Convinced by a death row inmate’s female pen pal that the convict is innocent, a reporter and his brother investigate and discover a case marred by deceit, seduction and betrayal. Meanwhile, one brother falls for the convict’s mysterious confidant.”

Fair early reviews. TRDB.

5) THE REVISIONARIES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary looks at a pitched cultural conflict over school textbook standards in Texas, as determined by the state’s Board of Education. For many, the creationist views of the board’s chairman run counter the findings of modern science.”

Only 1 review so far and it’s very good. TRDB.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK-  2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Marion and Mingus live cozily-perhaps too cozily-with their cat and two young children from previous relationships. However, when Marion’s jolly father (played by director Delpy’s real-life dad), her oversexed sister, and her sister’s outrageous boyfriend unceremoniously descend upon them for a visit, it initiates two unforgettable days that will test Marion and Mingus’s relationship. With their unwitting racism and sexual frankness, the French triumvirate hilariously has no boundaries or filters…and no person is left unscathed in its wake.”Mixed reviews, both audience and professional. TRDB.

 

2) THREE DAYS (OF HAMLET)- 2012.

 

 

 

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

 

COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1) 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.

9/21/12- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

 

REPEATS-

 

 

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-

 

NEW IN THE BURBS-

 

1) THE ORANGES– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When newly unattached Nina Ostroff (Leighton Meester) comes home for Thanksgiving dinner, her parents make plans to pair her up with their neighbors’ successful son, Toby (Adam Brody). But then Nina locks eyes with Toby’s father, wrecking everyone’s expectations. Catherine Keener, Allison Janney, Oliver Platt and Alia Shawkat co-star in this comic tale of redefining happiness when it comes to relationships.”Just a few reviews at this time and they are all POOR. TRDB.

2) BUTTER– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a gifted butter sculptor announces his retirement, his ambitious wife sees her hopes for future fame — and the presidency — melt away. She sets out to take up the mantle, but soon learns how cutthroat the world of pro butter sculpting can be.”

OK early reviews. TRDB.

3) DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL– Jacob Burns. 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.

9/21/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

1) 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.”Fair reviews for this movie starring Clint Eastwood. TRDB.

9/21/12- The NY Times today called this movie “safe” and reserved praise for Amy Adams, Eastwood’s daughter in the film. TRDB.

 2) 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.

3) THE MASTER– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A heavy-drinking loner 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. Friends have hated it and 2 asked for their money back. TRDB.

4) THE INTOUCHABLES– Clearview 100. 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. For me it showed that Hollywood can slide effortlessly into Paris. TRDB.

5) SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN– Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.”

Fairly good reviews. TRDB.

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. 

 

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