A SIMPLE LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “After working for the Leung family for decades, aservant still takes care of filmmaker Roger Leung — but when she falls sick, the tables are turned as Roger looks after her in this heartwarming tale inspired by a true story.”
4/14/13- Very good review in yesterday’s NY Times and from various other sources as well. TRDB.
4/24/13- A thoughtful and very well acted movie that I highly recommend. TRDB.
Add comment April 14th, 2012
KADDISH FOR A FRIEND- About a young refugee and his family from Lebanon living in Germany who befriends an old Jewish man living in the apartment above him.
4/13/12- I saw this as part of the 2012 Jewish Film Festival at Jacob Burns. A very interesting and appealing plea for rapprochement between Arab and Jew on a 1 to 1 basis. TRDB.
Add comment April 14th, 2012
JESUS HENRY CHRIST- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Too-smart-for-his-own-good 10-year-old Henry James Herman sets out to locate his father, an anonymous sperm donor, in this quirky comedy. Along the way, Henry uncovers family secrets that only deepen his existential quandary.”
Weak professional reviews and fair audience reaction. TRDB.
5/4/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times but I think I’ll still see this one. TRDB.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
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. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
DOWNTOWN EXPRESS- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set in the world of Russian immigrants living in New York City, Downtown Express uses music to explore the clash of old world values against the lure and excitement of a new country. Under the watch of his loving but overbearing father, virtuoso violinist and Juilliard student Sasha (Grammy nominee Philippe Quint) prepares for a critical recital meant to launch his career. Yet, he is increasingly drawn to the rhythms of the streets of New York, and when he meets singer-songwriter Ramona (acclaimed recording artist Nellie McKay), he joins her band, falls in love, and begins to lead a double life, careening frantically between two worlds. As his classical debut nears, Sasha must decide whether to break with his father and forge his own destiny.” Just a few reviews and they are poor. TRDB.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
DARLING COMPANION- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Dealing with an empty nest and self-absorbed husband Joseph, Beth develops a deep bond with a dog she rescues — and when Joseph loses the dog after a wedding, Beth joins forces with wedding guests in a search that takes some unexpected turns.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
4/20/12- A good cast but weak review in today’s NY Times and by most other critics as well. Audiences haven’t cared for it either so I would skip it. TRDB.
10/8/12- I love the cast so I decided to see this despite the weak reviews. A bit ridiculous but it was funny at times and I kind of liked it, especially Keaton and Kline. I could have done without the psychic, however. TRDB.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
GOON- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When he’s seen dispatching a rude opposing hockey player in the stands, Doug Glatt is hired by a rival team … for his fighting skills. It seems the new team’s star is gun-shy after being hit by a puck, and Glatt’s job is to be his on-ice bodyguard.”
3/31/12- Good review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
6/18/12- Aside from a few funny scenes and a few interesting pieces of screenplay this movie was like all of the rest of the violent sports films where the hero defies all odds. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment April 7th, 2012
ARTIFICIAL PARADISES- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This moving drama charts the gentle intimacy that develops between Luisa, a twentysomething beauty who journeys to a Mexican seaside resort to kick her heroin habit, and Salomón, an aging, weed-smoking alcoholic who resides nearby.”
3/31/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.
Add comment April 7th, 2012
LOVE IN THE BUFF- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Former lovers Jimmy and Cherie discover that getting over each other isn’t as easy as they thought in this sequel to the romantic comedy Love in a Puff. Six months after their whirlwind romance, Jimmy and Cherie are ready to move on. For Jimmy, that means moving to Beijing for a new career opportunity. As Jimmy begins dating pretty flight attendant Shang You-you, Cherie arrives in Beijing to open a new business and catches the eye of Malaysian Chinese I.T. specialist Sam. But after communicating in a series of texts, Jimmy and Cherie reconnect. Despite feeling that the spark is still there, however, their differences are still as pronounced as ever. As their current significant others begin to sense that something isn’t right, Jimmy and Cherie can’t help but feeling like maybe they were too quick to call it quits, and that perhaps there’s still hope for a future together.”
3/31/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times and from other reviewers as well. TRDB.
Add comment April 7th, 2012
SCENES OF A CRIME- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Tragic true events are recalled in this interrogation docudrama in which a father confesses to shaking his infant son to death, and later recants. Detectives assigned to the case soon resort to manipulation and false statements to get their man.”
3/31/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times and by most everybody else. TRDB.
Add comment April 7th, 2012