MOOZ-LUM- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Thanks to a strict Muslim upbringing that largely shielded him from the outside world, Tariq’s first year of college proves transformative. That is, until the 9/11 terrorist attacks invite growing suspicion and distrust from his angry classmates.” Good reviews. TRDB.
7/16/11- A boring movie loaded with stereotypical screenplay and I turned it off. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment June 5th, 2011
THE PERFECT HOST- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “A fugitive on the lam decides to crash a dinner party. But he seriously regrets it when the mysterious and unusual host soon has him convinced that he would have been better off hiding somewhere else. David Hyde Pierce plays the memorable Warwick Wilson; Nathaniel Parker, Clayne Crawford and Helen Reddy also star in this thriller from first-time feature writer-director Nick Tomnay. The film makes it premier at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
9/8/11- Mostly poor reviews by the pros and OK reviews from audiences. I liked it. Just enough intrigue, cat and mouse with good acting as well. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment June 4th, 2011
MONTE CARLO- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Disappointed with their uninspired tour group in Paris, Emma (Katie Cassidy), Meg (Leighton Meester) and Grace (Selena Gomez) are swept into a breathtaking whirlwind of wealth, glamour and excess when one of the young friends is mistaken for a British heiress. While the girls are whisked away to Monte Carlo and find themselves falling deeper into the lie, the alluringly extravagant lifestyle opens up new opportunities and unexpected romance.” Good audience reviews. TRDB.
Add comment June 4th, 2011
TURKEY BOWL- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Every year, 10 buddies gather in a Los Angeles park for some touch football, an ostensibly friendly game that seems to brings out both positive and unsavory aspects of human nature. This smart dramedy unfolds in real time.” A mixed review in NY Times on 6/3/11. TRDB.
Add comment June 3rd, 2011
CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Chuan Lu pulls off a rare feat by providing a clear-eyed drama about an event in Chinese-Japanese history — the 1937 Rape of Nanking following that city‘s capture by Japan — that still casts a shadow over relations between the countries. Shot in black and white, the film chronicles the six-week period through the eyes of multiple characters — including a Japanese soldier, a refugee camp supervisor, a resistance fighter and others.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
11/15/11- Brutal to watch! A brisk reminder that war is hell or worse. I think the movie is making a statement by all of the brutality but I would have related to it more if there was more dialogue, more character development and a bit less random killing. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment June 3rd, 2011
SPORK- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “With unruly hair, enormous glasses and pink cheeks, junior high outcast Spork (Savannah Stehlin) has trouble fitting in anywhere. But after befriending her neighbor Tootsie Roll (Sydney Park), Spork enters the school’s dance showcase, which leads to sweet new possibilities. Featuring a dope mix of classic 1990s hip-hop jams, this potty-mouthed musical comedy co-stars Rachel G. Fox as queen bee Betsy Byotch.”
Just OK review in NY Times on 5/28/11. TRDB.
Add comment May 29th, 2011
HELLO LONESOME- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “An isolated voice-over artist (Harry Chase) befriends a local deliveryman (Kamel Boutros), an elderly widow (Lynn Cohen) develops unexpected feelings for her young neighbor (James Urbaniak), and a new couple (Nate Smith and Sabrina Lloyd) struggles to cope with devastating news in this intimate triptych. Written and directed by Adam Reid, this touching tale explores what happens when six lonely souls make meaningful connections.”
Good review in NY Times on 5/27/11 and fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.
6/22/12- I enjoyed this movie very much and recommend it. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment May 29th, 2011
PUZZLE- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On her 50th birthday, an unassuming housewife (The Headless Woman’s Maria Onetto) receives a present and discovers she’s an ace at puzzles. Without telling anyone, she takes on a training partner and begins to compete. But her new passion quickly threatens her old life, and she must decide where her true self lies.”
Fair reviews in general but good review in NY Times on 5/27/11. TRDB.
9/9/11- I found this movie very interesting and enjoyed it very much. I saw it at the 2011 Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival. TRDB.
Add comment May 29th, 2011
LEAP YEAR (ANO BISIESTO)- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Journalist Laura Lopez (Mónica del Carmen) leads an isolated life in Mexico, her only social interactions being sexual encounters with strangers. With February 29th mysteriously circled on her calendar, Laura uses wild sex with Arturo (Gustavo Sánchez Parra) to hasten her unspoken goal. The questions of who is controlling whom and for what purpose loom large as Laura and Arturo’s encounters grow increasingly more violent and depraved.” Very good early professional reviews but only fair audience reaction. TRDB.
10/15/11- I found this film about a very lonely and detached women trivial at best. Miss it. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment May 17th, 2011
A BETTER LIFE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This candid social drama tracks the relationship and conflicts between Mexican immigrant gardener Carlos and his teenage son Luis, whom he’s trying to interest in earning an honest living rather than drifting into the East L.A. gang scene.” Poor early reviews. TRDB.
6/24/11- Fairly good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7/24/11- I think that this is a wonderful movie with a real life glimpse into the plight of the illegal immigrant and the extraordinary measures taken by some parents to protect their children in this situation. TRDB.
Add comment May 17th, 2011