FILM REVIEWS #438
November 29th, 2012
11/26/12- Lite fluff but fun never-the-less. TRDB. Netflix.
2) LET GO– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A disheartened parole officer struggling to find happiness in a ho-hum marriage finds inspiration from an unlikely source: his own parolees. As his slightly loopy ex-cons play out their dramas, the parole officer works to resolve his own.”
Very good early audience reviews– no professional critics yet. TRDB.
11/27/12- A cute story with some comedic scenes as well. TRDB. Netflix.
2) UNFORGIVABLE– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Francis (André Dussollier) is a successful crime writer who moves to Venice to work on his next novel. When he meets model-turned-real-estate-agent Judith (Carole Bouquet), he is instantly infatuated. Francis and Judith eventually marry and move to a remote house on Torcello Island but Francis’ newfound happiness hinders his writing. Obsessing over what Judith does while at work, he hires a young ex-convict to investigate. As Judith’s sexual past is revealed both men become increasing fixated on the mysterious woman. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Venice, Unforgivable examines the consequences of unresolved past relationships and their far-reaching effects into the future.”
6/29/12- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3) AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling documentary explores three years in the life of celebrated Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, who uses social media and his art to inspire protests against the state, and suffers government persecution for his actions.”
Good professional reviews and fair audience ones. TRDB.
7/27/12- Excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4) WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE– Synopsis by Netflix. “An annual contest challenges 100 people across the United States to tame a wild mustang in 100 days. Following this dangerous and harrowing feat is a public showcase that determines whether these horses can be saved from a life in captivity.”
8/24/12- Excellent review in today’s NY Times and audiences have loved this movie as well. TRDB.
2) THE KING– 2012. Synopsis by IMDB. “A feature documentary about one of the greatest sportsmen ever. Darko Kralj (the King) is the only sportsman in the history of sports who has beaten a world record in his category five times in a row at one world championship! A croatian paralympic, seriously wounded in 1991 during the war in Croatia, Darko Kralj has almost died. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive. Today, he lives with a wife and three sons, the eldest one being the one Darko is the most attached to. Some kind of similar destiny brought them together, the kid has lost his biological father in the war. Tereza, his wife, has her own life story. Going towards the end of this unusual life story, we shall more and more understand where his strength and incredible love for life comes from.”
11/23/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times but I could not find any other reviews. TRDB.
3) SEEDS OF RESILIENCY– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Seeds of Resiliency, the new documentary by filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz, helps us to understand that our darkest moments can contain a shining light. It introduces us to twelve diverse people who have survived tragedies and challenges by having great hope and helping others. We meet a young boy who is in the Guinness book of records for performing flips in his wheelchair; a man who escaped war-torn Uganda and now assists other refugees; a Korean professor who recently became a quadriplegic, but does not consider himself unfortunate; and a survivor of the Holocaust who believes that “the worst can bring out the best in us.”
11/23/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2) THE COLLECTION– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “When Elena’s (Emma Fitzpatrick) friends take her to a secret party at an undisclosed location, she never imagined she would become the latest victim of The Collector, a psychopathic killer. The Collector kidnaps and transports her to an abandoned hotel he’s transformed into his own private maze of torture and death. Upon learning of his daughter’s disappearance, Elena’s wealthy father (Christopher McDonald) hires a group of mercenaries to retrieve her from the vicious grips of The Collector. These mercenaries coerce Arkin (Josh Stewart), the only man to have escaped the wrath of this heinous monster, to lead them through the gruesome labyrinth. Now, Arkin finds himself fighting for his own life in order to save Elena.
Not my kind of movie but it has received very good reviews so far. I’ll skip it! TRDB.
3) WHAT A MAN– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This is a spirited and sweet romantic comedy about one man’s attempt to prove his manhood to the woman in his life. The film tells the story of Alex, a 30 year-old schoolteacher whose live-in girlfriend dumps him for a manlier man. The breakup forces him on a hilarious journey of self-discovery to prove his masculinity.”
A few good early reviews. TRDB.
4) CALIFORNIA SOLO– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a drunken driving arrest in Los Angeles, a has-been rock star must prove his absence would cause hardship to a relative or face deportation to Scotland. As he contacts his ex-wife and daughter, he must face long-buried issues.”
Rotten Tomatoes had this to say— “Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting) stars in this touching, human story about post-fame life and personal redemption. Former Britpop rocker Lachlan MacAldonich (Carlyle) has settled into a comfortably numb existence just outside Los Angeles. By day, he works on an organic farm and travels regularly to the city’s farmers’ markets to sell produce. By night, he retreats to his crummy apartment to record “Flame-Outs,” his podcast that recounts the tragic deaths of great musicians. The only spark in his humdrum existence is Beau (Alexia Rasmussen), a lovely struggling actress and amateur chef. One night, Lachlan gets pulled over for a DUI, a charge that dredges up his past drug offense and threatens him with deportation. Lachlan’s only hope of staying in the U.S. is proving that his removal would cause “extreme hardship” to a U.S. citizen spouse or relative, so he contacts his estranged ex-wife and daughter, raising past demons that he must finally confront. Danny Masterson co-stars. Written and directed by Marshall Lewy.”
OK reviews so far. TRDB.
5) MY BROTHERS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in 1987 in Ireland, this poignant drama tells the story of three brothers, teenage Noel and young Paudie and Scwally, who steal the family van and travel to a distant amusement park to replace their dying father’s treasured watch. Noel, who broke the watch, feels responsible but is buoyed by his brothers’ support. During the tribulation-laden journey, the brothers learn much about themselves, one another and the true meaning of family.”
Rotten Tomatoes had this to say– “A sudden family crisis sends three siblings off on an adventure in this comedy-drama set in working-class England in 1987. Noel (Timmy Creed) is the oldest of three bothers living with their ailing father. Noel and his siblings — eleven-year-old Paudie (Paul Courtney), who is quick with a joke and dreams of playing professional football some day, and seven-year-old Scwally (T.J. Griffin), who is shy and fascinated with Star Wars even though he hasn’t actually seen the film — are all having a hard time dealing with the knowledge that their father has only a short time to live. When Dad falls asleep, Noel takes off his watch for safekeeping, but when he gets in a fight the timepiece is broken beyond repair. Though the watch was just a cheap digital model, it was Dad’s most prized possession, won at an amusement park in Ballybunion; Noel doesn’t want Dad to know what happened, so he “borrows” a bread truck from a neighbor and sets off for Ballybunion to find a replacement. Since he hurt his hand in the fight, Noel brings Paudie along to help him work the gear shift, and Scwally is allowed to tag along so he won’t tell on his brothers; the brothers see plenty of sights have some unexpected adventures along the way as they look for the watch and come to terms with their father’s illness. My Brothers was the firs feature film from screenwriter Paul Fraser.”
No reviews as yet. TRDB.
6) PARKED- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “A man trying to cope with his homeless situation is befriended by a dope-smoking 21-year-old who’s determined to help him sort his life out.”
Rotten Tomatoes said this– “Fred (Colm Meaney) lives a quiet and isolated life in his car, having lost all hope of improving his situation and re-entering the ranks of society. That all changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with Cathal (Colin Morgan), a dope-smoking 21-year-old with a positive attitude, who becomes his parking lot neighbor. Sharing laughs, and the hard times too, Fred and Cathal find the simple, free pleasures of life.”
No reviews as yet. TRDB.
8/31/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3) CHEERFUL WEATHER FOR THE WEDDING– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “On the day of Dolly Thatcham’s wedding, the sight of her former beau leads her to realize that going ahead with the ceremony would be a huge mistake. Dolly’s mother tries valiantly to maintain order in this refined comedy set in the 1930s.”
Sounds like fluff but it’s gotten a few early positive reviews. TRDB.
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
3) HITCHCOCK– Jacob Burns. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Iconic filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock struggles with his marriage, the censors and the financiers of his 1960 film Psycho in this biopic. Driven to prove he still has an edge, Hitchcock crafts what would become one of the greatest thrillers of all time.”
11/23/12- Mixed reviews from most critics and a weak one from today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11/16/12- Basically a good review in today’s NY Times. I think the Times was disappointed. Others gave it mixed reviews, more good than bad. TRDB.
2) THE SESSIONS– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After spending years in an iron lung, a man decides he wants to explore his sexuality for the first time, and hires a surrogate to aid the goal. Through their intensifying relationship, this indie drama illustrates the many forms love can take.”
Very good early reviews. TRDB.
10/19/12- Excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11/3/12- I found this movie alternately touching, sad, funny and very moving. TRDB.
3) ARGO– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1979, when Iranian militants seize the American embassy, six Americans slip into the Canadian embassy for protection, prompting the CIA to concoct an elaborate plot to rescue them by pretending that they are filmmakers rather than diplomats.”
Excellent reviews. TRDB.
10/25/12- A fascinating and apparently true story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. TRDB.
4) LINCOLN– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Clearview 100. Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Steven Spielberg takes on the towering legacy of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his stewardship of the Union during the Civil War years. The biographical saga also reveals the conflicts within Lincoln’s cabinet regarding the war and abolition.”
11/9/12- The NY Times gave this a great review today. TRDB.
6) LIFE OF PI– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Based on Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, this coming-of-age tale recounts the adventures of Pi, an Indian boy who is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Pi finds himself on a lifeboat with only some zoo animals for company.”
Excellent reviews. TRDB.
7) SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK– Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After a four-year stay in a psychiatric institution, former teacher Pat Peoples has no choice but to move back in with his mother. While he’s trying in vain to reunite with his wife, Pat meets another woman fated to change his life.”
Very good reviews. TRDB.
11/16/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11/11/12- I enjoyed this movie very much. Great acting and a good story with a touching screenplay. A bit of schmaltz at the end was unnecessary. TRDB.
9) THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER- Garden Cinema Norwalk. 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.
9/21/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10) A ROYAL AFFAIR– Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 18th-century Denmark, the unstable King Christian IV neglects his young queen, Mathilde, who falls in love with his German physician, Struensee, an intellectual whose advocation of reform transforms the country but brings about his own downfall.”
Great early reviews!! TRDB.
11/9/12- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
11) THE OTHER SON– Clearview 100. – 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “”The Other Son” is the moving and provocative tale of two young men — one Israeli, the other Palestinian — who discover they were accidentally switched at birth, and the complex repercussions facing them and their respective families. Joseph (Jules Sitruk), an 18-year-old musician preparing to join the Israeli army for his mandatory military service, lives at home in a comfortable suburb of Tel Aviv with his parents, France-born physician Orith (Emmanuelle Devos) and Israel-born army commander Alon Silbers (Pascal Elbé). A blood test for Joseph’s military service reveals that he is not their biological son. During the Gulf War Joseph was evacuated from a clinic along with another baby, and the pair were given back to the wrong families. While Palestinian Joseph went to Tel Aviv with the Silbers, their actual Jewish son, Yacine (Medhi Dehbi), was brought to the West Bank by an Arab couple, Said (Khalifa Natour) and Leila (Areen Omari). The revelation turns the lives of the two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, values, and beliefs.”
10/26/12– A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10/28/12- I liked this movie very much. Great acting and a different slant on a premise that has been done before. The film was very well done especially and dealing with the sensitivities regarding this region of the world. Highly recommended. 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
Entry Filed under: Old Newsletters
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