The Reel Dr. Bob

APRIL 4, 2013

DEAR FRIENDS:

 

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

 

QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES OF THE WEEK-

 

1) GINGER AND ROSA– Theater

2) SILENT SOULS– Netflix Streaming

3) HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE- Netflix Streaming 

4) FAREWELL, MY QUEEN- Netflix

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT THE THEATER-

 

1)  GINGER & ROSA– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the Cold War looming over them, teen best pals Ginger and Rosa share everything in early 1960s London — until betrayal drives them apart. Sally Potter directs this intimate period drama steeped in the anxieties of the dawning nuclear age.”3/15/13- Good review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

3/31/13- Despite being slow paced, good acting and interesting characters made this movie enjoyable. TRDB.

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MOVIES I SAW THIS WEEK AT HOME-

 

1) SILENT SOULS (2011)- Synopsis by Netflix. “In accordance with traditional customs, devastated Miron (Yuriy Tsurilo) embarks on a road trip to spread his deceased wife’s (Yuliya Aug) ashes. Joined by his friend Aist (Igor Sergeyev), the mournful widower shares intimate details about their love life, which allude to an underlying tension. Directed by Aleksei Fedorchenko, this subtle drama delicately explores powerful themes such as grief and memory.”9/16/11- Great review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3/30/13- A slow, deliberate drama about saying goodbye to loved ones and to customs. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

2) 10 YEARS– 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a group of friends reunites during their 10th high school reunion, they ponder old dreams and forge new connections. At the center of the crowd is Jake. Planning to propose to his girlfriend, he’s thrown for a loop when his old flame appears.”

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

3/31/13- A huge waste of time with just a few bright comments surrounded by lots of bar-room talk. I had to turn it off. TRDB. Netflix.

3) 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.

4/1/13- An informative and very moving account of the early activists for AIDS. This film should be a must-see. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.

4) FAREWELL, MY QUEEN– 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Farewell, My Queen marks the return of acclaimed director Benoît Jacquot and brilliantly captures the passions, debauchery, occasional glimpses of nobility and ultimately the chaos that engulfed the court of Marie Antoinette in the final days before the full-scale outbreak of the Revolution. Based on the best-selling novel by Chantal Thomas, the film stars Léa Seydoux as one of Marie’s ladies-in-waiting, seemingly an innocent but quietly working her way into her mistress’s special favors, until history tosses her fate onto a decidedly different path. With the action moving effortlessly from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobles to the back quarters of those who serve them, this is a period film at once accurate and sumptuous in its visual details and modern in its emotions.”

4/3/13- Very good acting and great period costumes make up for a somewhat weak screenplay and overall I did enjoy the movie. TRDB.

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 9-

 

1) HITCHCOCK-  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.

12/22/12- I found this movie slow, the acting forced and I dozed a couple of times. TRDB.

2) IN ANOTHER COUNTRY– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Isabelle Huppert plays three women, each named Anne, in this contemplative drama set at a small hotel in the beachside town of Mohang, South Korea. All three characters subtly affect their hosts and other townspeople, including the local lifeguard.”Very good early reviews. TRDB.

11/9/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times.  TRDB.

3) LIFE OF PI- 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.

1/2/13- I enjoyed this movie very much especially the creative cinematography. See it in 3D if you can. TRDB.

 

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OPENED LAST WEEK (MARCH 29) IN ADDITION TO THE MOVIES I WROTE ABOUT ON MARCH 28-

 

1) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Luke is a professional motorcycle rider who turns to bank robberies to support his newborn son, but when he crosses paths with a rookie police officer, their violent confrontation spirals into a tense generational feud.”3/28/13- A mixed review in today’s NY Times but  better reviews from other critics. TRDB.

2) FAMILY WEEKEND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her preoccupied parents fail to attend her jump-rope competition, 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy decides to hold them hostage until they change their attitude. But her plan hits a snag when the police step in.”

3/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. Skip it. TRDB.

3) SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comic fable chronicles 35 years in the lives of good friends Sal and Max — including a love triangle with Lyla, the woman they both adore. As they make their way through major life events, a magic suitcase prevents Max from getting older.”

3/29/13- OK reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

4) RESCUE IN THE PHILLIPINES– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary chronicles the story of a handful of men — including future U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower — who hatched a plan during a series of late-night poker games to save 1,300 Jewish refugees from the Nazis.”

Here’s what Rotten Tomatoes had to say–“”Rescue in The Philippines” is a one-hour documentary of the previously untold story of how the five Frieder brothers, Cincinnati businessmen making two-for-a-nickel cigars in pre-WWII Manila, together with Manuel Quezon, the charismatic first president of the Philippines, Paul McNutt, US High Commissioner and former governor of Indiana (preparing for his own presidential campaign) and an ambitious Army Colonel named Dwight Eisenhower – helped 1,200 Jews escape the Nazis and immigrate to the Philippines.”

3/29/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.

5) THE REVOLUTIONARY OPTOMISTS– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Travel to Kolkata’s worst slums, where Amlan Ganguly inspires children to overcome their own obstacles and gain a fighting chance at a better future. This award-winning documentary profiles Ganguly and three young people whose lives he’s changed.”

3/29/13- Very good reviews in general but a weak one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

6) DOG POUND– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a spirit-crushing juvenile correctional facility, teenage offenders Butch (Adam Butcher), Davis (Shane Kippel) and Angel (Mateo Morales) desperately struggle to steer clear of trouble while simultaneously confronting violent challenges from aggressive inmates and abusive adults. Director Kim Chapiron’s intense drama also stars Lawrence Bayne as Goodyear, a stern yet ultimately understanding guard.”

3/29/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.

7) WRONG– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his beloved dog, Paul, goes missing, Dolph Springer scours the town for him. In the process, he affects the lives of an offbeat pet detective, a jogging addict, a sexy pizza delivery girl and others he meets on his mission.”

3/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews from other critics. TRDB.

8)THE HOST– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an alien race implants a parasite soul named Wanderer into Melanie Stryder’s body, she resists the takeover. Soon, Melanie and Wanderer become reluctant allies as they go on a quest to track down the men they love in this sci-fi thriller.”

3/29/13- Poor reviews all around. TRDB.

9) BLANCANIEVES- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shot in black and white and without dialogue, this unusual take on “Snow White” follows the young daughter of a matador who finds fame after escaping the clutches of her evil stepmother to join a band of bullfighting dwarves.”

3/29/13- Very good reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

10) MENTAL– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his wife has a breakdown, a smarmy politician hires Shaz, a “nanny” he finds on the side of the road, to care for his daughters. But the freewheeling Shaz has her hands full with the girls, each of whom claims her own brand of mental illness.”3/29/13- Poor reviews all around. TRDB.

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OPENING THIS WEEK (APRIL 5)-

 

1) NO PLACE ON EARTH– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary sheds light on a long-untold story of World War II: the 18-month sanctuary of 38 Jewish refugees in a Ukrainian cave. Five surviving members discuss their ordeal, as the film chronicles the accidental discovery of the cave in 1993.”3/21/13- Just a few reviews and they are all very good. TRDB.

2) THE COMPANY YOU KEEP– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Robert Redford stars as Jim Grant, a lawyer and single dad who has to go on the lam after a reporter identifies him as a long-sought U.S. terrorist. As the journalist locates more of Grant’s old contacts, his guilt begins to appear less certain.”

3/21/13- Fairly good reviews for this Robert Redford movie. TRDB.

3) TRANCE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Danny Boyle directs this psychological thriller about an art heist gone wrong and the hypnotist who’s hired to ferret out the missing masterpiece. Everything is a jumble after an auctioneer gets hit in the head while double-crossing some art thieves.”

3/21/13- Fairly good early reviews. TRDB.

4) LOTUS EATERS– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “The pleasure-seeking appetites of London’s young party set are starkly profiled in this black-and-white drama. Alice experiences ups and downs as she and her hopelessly captivated friend Felix struggle to maintain an extravagant lifestyle.”

3/21/13- I’ve found no reviews yet. TRDB.

5) THE STORY OF LUKE– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A comedy about Luke, a young man with autism who embarks on a quest for a job and a girlfriend. Starring Lou Taylor Pucci, Seth Green, Cary Elwes and Kristin Bauer. Written and Directed by Alonso Mayo, based on his experiences at Centro Ann Sullivan del Perú, as seen in his research documentary “Just Like Anyone”. Winner of Best Film at Irvine International Film Festival & San Diego Film Festival, and Audience Awards at Fort Lauderdale Film Festival & Bahamas International Film Festival”

3/22/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.

6) FREE ANGELA  & ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Marking the 40th anniversary of activist Angela Davis’s acquittal, this detailed documentary charts the remarkable life of an African-American icon linked with civil rights, Communism and the Black Panther Party.”

3/22/13- Only 2 reviews noted and they are both good. TRDB.

7) UPSTREAM COLOR– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A woman is abducted and hypnotized with material harvested from a flower. When she falls for a man, the two realize they have been subjected to the same process. Together they search for a place of safety and struggle to reassemble their wrecked lives.”

3/22/13- Sounds strange but very good reviews from lots of critics. TRDB.

8)THE BRASS TEAPOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this cautionary comedy, an impoverished young couple finds the answer to their money woes in the form of a magical brass teapot that dispenses cash whenever they feel pain. But as the teapot ups the ante, how far will they go to make a fast buck?”

3/22/13- Just a few reviews and they are poor. TRDB.

 

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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-

 

1) SHADOWS OF FORGOTTEN ANCESTORS– 1966. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set against the panoramic Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine, director Sergei Parajanov’s episodic epic traces the life of a villager named Ivan (Ivan Mikolajchuk), whose obsession over a lost love leads to further tragedy. Plunging into despair after his soul mate drowns while trying to save a stray lamb, Ivan mourns for months but later rejoins the world and weds another woman (Tatyana Bestayeva) — who eventually betrays him.”4/2/13- Great reviews for this 50 year old movie. TRDB.

2) FREE RADICALS: A HISTORY OF EXPERIMENTAL FILM– 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Avant-garde director Pip Chodorov offers viewers an intimate tour of experimental film and its creators with this fascinating documentary that features rare interviews, historical analysis, clips and in some cases, entire movies. Along with pioneer Stan Brakhage’s last interview, Chodorov presents discussions with Michael Snow and Robert Breer, and examines the influence of transformative artists such as Jonas Mekas and Andy Warhol.”8/3/12- A good review in today’s NY Times. Fairly good reviews from others. TRDB.

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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-

 

NEW-

 

1)  LINCOLN– 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.

 

2) DETOUR–  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Trapped inside his car by a mud slide, smooth-talking Jackson Alder suddenly finds himself in a situation he can’t talk his way out of. With no hope of rescue, he must defy the odds, battling Mother Nature for his survival.”3/29/13- Mixed reviews in general and a good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

3) DOG POUND–  2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “At a spirit-crushing juvenile correctional facility, teenage offenders Butch (Adam Butcher), Davis (Shane Kippel) and Angel (Mateo Morales) desperately struggle to steer clear of trouble while simultaneously confronting violent challenges from aggressive inmates and abusive adults. Director Kim Chapiron’s intense drama also stars Lawrence Bayne as Goodyear, a stern yet ultimately understanding guard.”3/29/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.

4) MENTAL–  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After his wife has a breakdown, a smarmy politician hires Shaz, a “nanny” he finds on the side of the road, to care for his daughters. But the freewheeling Shaz has her hands full with the girls, each of whom claims her own brand of mental illness.”3/29/13- Poor reviews all around. TRDB.

5) ROOM 237– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring various theories about hidden meanings in Stanley Kubrick’s classic film The Shining, this fascinating documentary presents fans’ and conspiracy theorists’ ideas about messages regarding genocide, government conspiracy and history.”3/18/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

6) SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME–  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This comic fable chronicles 35 years in the lives of good friends Sal and Max — including a love triangle with Lyla, the woman they both adore. As they make their way through major life events, a magic suitcase prevents Max from getting older.”3/29/13- OK reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.

7) WRONG-  2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “When his beloved dog, Paul, goes missing, Dolph Springer scours the town for him. In the process, he affects the lives of an offbeat pet detective, a jogging addict, a sexy pizza delivery girl and others he meets on his mission.”

3/29/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews from other critics. TRDB.

8)GIMME THE LOOT– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two talented graffiti artists from the Bronx are stung when a rival outfit covers their own illustration with a portrait of the Mets’ Home Run Apple. They turn their outrage into a daring plan to tag the real Home Run Apple at the Mets ballpark.”

3/22/13- Good review in today’s NY Times and everyone else liked it also. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

 

 

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-

 

NEW IN THE SUBURBS-

 

1) RENOIR- Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1915, elderly painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir is crippled by both loss and arthritis, but when vibrant teenager Andrée brightens his life, he finds new purpose — as does his son Jean, a wounded soldier who is inspired by Andrée’s love of cinema.”3/18/13- A few early reviews and they are very good. TRDB.

3/29/13- A good review in today’s NY Times emphasizing the visual aspect of the film. TRDB.

2) THE SAPPHIRES– Clearview 100. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “The spirit and vitality of 1960s soul music are at the core of this film about a real-life Australian aborigine singing group and their bumpy career. Three sisters and a cousin are brought together as the Sapphires by a talent scout with a plan”

3/14/13- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

3/22/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

REPEATS-

 

1) ADMISSION– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While scouting applicants at an experimental high school, Ivy League admissions officer Portia Nathan discovers that the school’s founder is her former college classmate John Halsey — and that she may have a connection to one of his students.”3/14/13- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.

3/22/13- A barely OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

2) EMPEROR- Bethel. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As World War II ends, Gen. MacArthur oversees Japan’s surrender, an act that dispels the nation’s centuries-old beliefs about its emperor. With the eyes of the world — and history — upon them, MacArthur and his protégé will change Japan forever.”

3/8/13- Weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. My friends have enjoyed the historical portion of the movie but nothing else. TRDB.

3) GINGER & ROSA– Bethel, Clearview 100, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “With the Cold War looming over them, teen best pals Ginger and Rosa share everything in early 1960s London — until betrayal drives them apart. Sally Potter directs this intimate period drama steeped in the anxieties of the dawning nuclear age.”

3/3/13- Mixed early reviews. TRDB.

3/15/13- Good review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.

3/31/13- Despite being slow paced, good acting and some interesting characters made this movie enjoyable. TRDB.

4)  NO- Jacob Burns, Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2012- Synopsis by Netflix. “In this engaging drama from Chile, Gael García Bernal portrays René Saavedra, a hot-shot ad executive who creates a controversial media campaign opposing military dictator Augusto Pinochet during the referendum on his presidency in 1988.”

Very good reviews so far. TRDB.

2/15/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

5) QUARTET– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A trio of retired opera singers’ annual celebration of Verdi’s birthday sours when their estranged fourth member shows up but refuses to sing. Tensions rise and diva drama erupts — will personal problems prevent the show from going on?”

Early reviews are very good. TRDB.

3/3/13-  A good, if somewhat predictable, movie with lots of good music to boot. TRDB.

6) SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 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.

12/4/12- A very enjoyable piece of fluff that had a few lessons about life as well. TRDB.

7) THE GATEKEEPERS– Clearview 100. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Meet six leaders of Israel’s secret service, the Shin Bet, which has dealt with conflict amid the quest for peace for nearly 50 years. For the first time, these men discuss the challenging truths and consequences of their counterterrorism mission.”

Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.

3/10/13- I liked this movie very much but it did seem unusual to me that each of the men seemed to distance himself from Israeli tactics. Were there any heads of Shin Bet that agreed with the policies even if they don’t appear to have worked in retrospect? TRDB.

8)LORE– Clearview 100. 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “After her Nazi parents are imprisoned, Lore leads her younger siblings across a war-torn Germany in 1945. Amid the chaos, she encounters a mysterious refugee named Thomas, who shatters her fragile reality with hatred and desire.”

2/8/13- Very good reviews in general with just a few critics saying that the film was a bit slow. The NY Times liked it as well. TRDB.

3/16/13- Yet another extremely powerful  movie related to the Holocaust. Well done and should be a must see! TRDB.

9) THE CALL– Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When an abducted teenage girl makes a frantic call from the trunk of a serial killer’s speeding car, she connects with a sympathetic 911 operator who’s dealt with the perpetrator in the past.”

Mixed early reviews, more negative than positive. TRDB.

3/15/13- The NY Times liked this movie in today’s review but most critics did not. TRDB.

10) STARBUCK– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A fortysomething slacker’s life is turned upside down when he learns that his many sperm donations have resulted in more than 500 children — 100 of whom are now suing to meet their father, who’s desperate to keep his identity a secret.”

Friends saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival and loved it. TRDB.

3/22/13- Today’s NY Times gave this an OK review. 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