The Reel Dr. Bob

FILM REVIEWS #328

June 16th, 2010

  JUNE 16, 2010 DEAR FRIENDS:  

PLEASE ACCESS MY NEWSLETTER AT www.thereeldrbob.com  

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

1) TONY MANERO- At home

2) LOLA- At home

3) SOLITARY MAN- In the theater   __________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-  

1) SOLITARY MAN- Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.  

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________   MOVIES I’VE SEEN THIS WEEK AT HOME-  

1) THE ONLY GOOD INDIAN- Premise by Netflix. “Set in the early 20th century, when Native Americans were forced to attend boarding schools to assimilate with white culture, this provocative drama follows Charlie (Winter Fox Frank), a teenager who flees one such school to return home. Wes Studi is Sam Franklin, a Cherokee bounty hunter who has rejected his native people, charged with bringing Charlie back. Kevin Willmott (CSA: Confederate States of America) directs this powerful film.” This is a part of history I knew nothing about. An OK movie despite a ridiculous ending. Netflix.  

2) TONY MANERO- Premise by Netflix. “Set in 1978 Chile during the tyrannical reign of Augusto Pinochet, Pablo Larraín’s gritty drama centers on Tony Manero wannabe Raúl (Alfredo Castro), whose obsession with Saturday Night Fever leads him into dangerous territory. Bent on creating the ultimate disco routine, Raúl sets out to acquire the illuminated dance floor that will bring him one step closer to his idol. Amparo Noguera and Héctor Morales co-star.” Very good reviews.

6/10- Very powerful and disturbing but at the same time very good. TRDB. Netflix.

3) LOLA- 2001. Premise by Netflix. “After saving the life of charismatic prostitute Sandra (Joanna Going) — and then subsequently witnessing her murder — Lola (Sabrina Grdevich), a desperate woman trapped in a stagnant life, decides to escape her troubles by assuming the identity of the dead woman. Colm Feore portrays Lola’s hotheaded husband in Carl Bessai’s award-winning drama exploring the nature of identity and self-definition.”

6/10- Very well done, well acted, and a very interesting story with the backdrop of Western Canada. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________   COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 22-  

1) THE MAID- Premise by Netflix. “When Raquel’s (Catalina Saavedra) place in the Valdes family — for whom she’s provided 23 years of maid service — is threatened after they hire more help, she decides to do something about it in this Golden Globe-nominated comedic drama from director Sebastián Silva. Rolling out anything but the red carpet for the new employees, Raquel’s juvenile tricks just might work in this examination of loyalty, family dynamics and duty. Claudia Celedón co-stars. I saw this and liked it a lot.  

2) THE LAST STATION- Premise by Netflix. “Set during the final year of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy’s life, writer-director Michael Hoffman‘s period biopic explores the fractious relationship between Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and his wife, Sofya (Helen Mirren), as he embraces a life of asceticism. Paul Giamatti co-stars as impassioned Tolstoy devotee Vladimir Chertkov, with James McAvoy playing the role of the aging writer’s young new secretary.” 2/10- I think that the acting overcame a poor script to make this movie just OK. TRDB.  

3) THE GOOD GUY- Premise by Netflix. “Well aware of his own blessings, up-and-coming Wall Street star Tommy Fielding (Scott Porter) decides to mentor one of his co-workers, Daniel (Bryan Greenberg). But his new protégé may prove too apt a pupil in this romantic comedy penned and helmed by Julio DePietro. All is going according to plan until Daniel befriends Tommy’s new girlfriend, Beth (Alexis Bledel) — at which point things go rapidly south for Tommy.” Mostly poor reviews but a few good ones.  

4) BLUEBEARD- Premise by Netflix. “French director Catherine Breillat serves up an inspired take on Charles Perrault’s 17th-century fairy tale about a murderous nobleman whose wives have been disappearing in droves in this fantastical foreign-language drama partially set in the 1950s. Dominique Thomas stars as the titular Bluebeard, with Lola Creton playing the part of his most recent bride, the virginal, beautiful — and terrified — Marie-Catherine.” Fairly good reviews. __________________________________________________________________________________________   OPENING REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY THIS WEEK-  

1) CYRUS- Premise by Netflix. “Indie favorites Jay and Mark Duplass co-direct this wry look at modern love and family dysfunction. John C. Reilly plays a recently divorced man who thinks he’s found just the right woman (Marisa Tomei) to help him recover and move on. Unfortunately, the woman’s son, played by Jonah Hill, has no interest in allowing another man into their lives — a stance he proceeds to demonstrate in a variety of obnoxious ways.” Very good early reviews.  

2) I AM LOVE- Premise by Netflix. “Oscar winner Tilda Swinton shows off her multilingual skills in this Italian melodrama, in which family dissension, unbidden desire and other tensions bubble to the surface during the patriarch’s birthday party. When the seemingly picture-perfect Recchi family gathers at the family manse to celebrate the great old man, the veneer of civility falls quickly away in director Luca Guadagnino‘s lush, atmospheric film.” Very good reviews.  

3) STONEWALL UPRISING- Premise by Netflix. “Through eyewitness interviews and archival footage, documentary filmmakers Kate Davis and David Heilbroner recapture a pivotal moment in time that mobilized a generation of gay activists and marked the dawn of the modern Gay Rights Movement. Much like Rosa Parks’s symbolic refusal to move to the back of the bus, gay bar patrons’ refusal to comply with a police raid at Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn in 1969 would change the course of history.” I saw two reviews, one up, one down.  

4) 8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION- Filmmaker and ex-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member Reed Cowan examines that church’s nationwide efforts to prevent the legalization of gay marriage — including California’s Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in 2008. Confidential church documents, statements by high-ranking church officials and other sources detail 30 years of efforts to turn back gay rights, particularly by the Mormon-sponsored National Organization for Marriage.” Fairly good early reviews.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________   FLORIDA- At the Emerging Cinemas of  Lake Worth-  

1) JOHN RABE-  Premise by Netflix. “Florian Gallenberger directs this gripping drama about John Rabe (Ulrich Tukur), a German businessman living in Nanking, China, who in 1937 used his Nazi party affiliation to save some 200,000 Chinese civilians from slaughter at the hands of the Japanese army. As Rabe labors to establish an official safety zone to shelter the innocent, he forms an unlikely friendship with an American doctor (Steve Buscemi). Anne Consigny and Daniel Brühl co-star.” Mostly good reviews.  

2) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.”

5/10- I found this movie somewhat trivial and contrived and not too funny. TRDB.

  3) WOMEN WITHOUT MEN- Premise by Netflix. “Amid the tumult of the American- and British-backed coup that reinstated the Shah in early-1950s Tehran, the heart-wrenching tales of five very different Iranian women converge in a lovely orchard garden, where they find both freedom and friendship. Director and acclaimed visual artist Shirin Neshat brings a striking aesthetic style to this stirring drama, an adaptation of the magical-realist novella by Shahrnoush Parsipour.” Good early reviews.

6/10- A wonderful film (the director’s first feature) with marvelous photography and a very interesting story. TRDB.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________   COMCAST ON-DEMAND-  

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  

NEW-  

1) A CALL GIRL- Premise by Netflix. “This insightful, allegorical drama follows Aleksandra (Nina Ivanisin), a student, as she travels from a small town to the big city. A cynical and callous young woman, Aleksandra uses the move to transform herself into a well-paid call girl. Her self-imposed isolation and guilt-free life end, however, when a politician client dies. As the police pursue her, Aleksandra must figure out how to finish growing up without losing her soul.” A few good reviews.  

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) BEESWAX- Premise by Netflix. “Director Andrew Bujalski uses nonprofessional actors and a small crew to bring a sense of intimacy to this film about twins being nudged out of their “safe space” by an impending legal battle and major life changes. Real-life twins Maggie and Tilly Hatcher play sisters Lauren and Jeannie, who find their shared lives shaken up when Lauren considers a job overseas, and conflicts with Jeannie’s business partner raise the possibility of a lawsuit.” Most reviewers liked this film but none called it very good.

4/10- A bit slow, nothing in particular happens but a slice of life and very real. I liked 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) HOLLY- Premise by Netflix. “In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope. I liked the movie and said it was well done and clearly made it’s point. TRDB. On Netflix.    

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

17) LOOKING FOR ERIC- Premise by Netflix. “Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a soccer-loving Manchester postman on the brink of a nervous breakdown. With his work life and love life in shambles, Eric seeks advice from his hero, the famously philosophical Manchester United star Eric Cantona (playing himself). The sports comedy-drama — in competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival — comes courtesy of master British director Ken Loach.” Good reviews but I felt that it was trivial. TRDB.  

18) 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.    

19) 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.    

20) 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.

6/10- A waste of time but at least now I know what a Selkie is. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.

21)  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.

 22) 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. I liked it!! TRDB.

23) 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.

24) 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.

25) 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.

26) 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.

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

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

29) 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.

30) 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.

31) 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.

________________________________________________________________________________________   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, Garden Cinema Norwalk. About people in families and the secrets they keep. I liked it.

2) MICMACS- Bethel. Premise by Netflix. “French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet takes a satirical look at the global arms trade with this foreign-language comedy starring Dany Boon as Bazil, who rallies his friends to take down weapons manufacturers responsible for his father’s death. Bazil also transforms a dump into an underground haven for cool tools and sculptures crafted from discarded junk. Dominique Pinon, André Dussollier and Jean-Pierre Marielle co-star. All said it was creative but some hated it.

3) MOTHER AND CHILD- Bethel, Clearview 100. Premise by Netflix. “Fifty-year-old Karen (Annette Bening) regrets giving up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption; years later, Elizabeth questions her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption. Rodrigo García writes and directs this drama about parenting, sacrifice, romance and self-fulfillment. Eileen Ryan and Samuel L. Jackson co-star.” Very good reviews.

4) SOLITARY MAN- Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix.  “Michael Douglas stars as a former car dealership owner who sees his personal and professional lives take a nosedive when the repercussions of years of shady business dealings and chronic womanizing finally catch up with him. Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny DeVito and Jenna Fischer co-star in this comedic drama written and co-directed by Brian Koppelman.” Good reviews and finally in the suburbs. I’ll see it.

6/10- Very well acted and very interesting script make this movie a winner. TRDB.

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

6) WINTER’S BONE- Garden Cinema Norwalk. Premise by Netflix. “In this noir drama set deep in Ozark territory, resilient teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the safety of their family. The deadbeat dad has a critical court date pending, and Ree is determined that he make it — despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. Director Debra Granik‘s unflinching drama won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.” GREAT REVIEWS.

7) PLEASE GIVE- Premise by Netflix. “Life gets knotty when successful Manhattan couple Alex (Oliver Platt) and Kate (Catherine Keener) develop a relationship with the granddaughters of Andra (Ann Morgan Guilbert), the cantankerous elderly woman who owns the apartment next to theirs — and who must die so they can expand their home. The all-star cast includes Amanda Peet, Rebecca Hall and Lois Smith in this indie feature from writer-director Nicole Holofcener (Friends with Money).” I was luke warm on this one. TRDB.

8)MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON- From France, this film is about a seemingly happy family. When the father picks his son up from school one day he develops a relationship with his son’s schoolteacher.  Directed by Stephane Brize and starring Sandrine Kiberlan, Vincent Lindon and Aure Atika.  Good review in NY Times 5/28/10

6/10- A wonderful drama about a working class man who develops an unlikely and unexpected romance with his son’s school teacher. I loved it. TRDB.

 THAT’S IT FOR NOW-
THE REEL DR BOB

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