THE CALL- 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.
7/24/13- I just couldn’t get into this movie and turned it off. TRDB.
Add comment March 3rd, 2013
SAFE HAVEN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This adaptation of the novel by Nicholas Sparks centers on a mysterious woman who arrives in a small North Carolina town and begins a new life but remains haunted by the terrifying secret that prompted her to travel across the country.”
No reviews as yet. TRDB.
Add comment February 8th, 2013
SIDE EFFECTS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Emily Hawkins copes with her depression by taking large numbers of prescription medication. But when her emotions spiral out of control due to the upcoming release of her husband from prison, she turns to a new medication, with unforeseen results.”
2/8/13-Fairly good reviews in general and an OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3/1/13- I saw this with my wife Jane and my friends Barbara and Ken and we all liked this mystery. TRDB.
Add comment January 27th, 2013
TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “John Le Carré’s classic thriller of Cold War espionage follows an English spy as he returns to MI-6 under a cloud of suspicion. In the years since he was sacked by the agency, some suspect he’s become an operative for the Soviet Union.”
12/9/11- Great review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. None of my friends liked it. TRDB.
4/23/12- I agree with my friends. I did not like it and decided not to stick with it to try to put together all of the scenes that bored me in the first place. TRDB.
Add comment December 9th, 2011
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a young computer hacker is tasked with investigating a prying journalist, their separate missions become entangled amid a decades-old conspiracy. David Fincher directs this English adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel.” Very good reviews for this remake only 2 years after the 1st. one. TRDB.
Add comment November 23rd, 2011
THE DOUBLE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Retired CIA agent Paul Shepherdson joins young FBI agent Ben Geary to track down a Russian assassin who has seemingly returned after the Cold War. Old conspiracies quickly resurface, embroiling the pair in deeper and deeper peril.”
10/28/11- Poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2011
DRIVE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this thriller, Driver, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver, is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
9/16/11- Good review today in the Times but at one point they did say that the movie was saved from tedium by the supporting cast, whatever that means. TRDB.
9/22/11- A thriller and I agree with the comment above that the acting, particularly from Gosling, made the movie. Don’t go if you’re squeamish! TRDB. At the theater.
Add comment September 7th, 2011
LIMITLESS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “With his writing career tanking and his girlfriend (Abbie Cornish) casting him off, ex-druggie Eddie Morra’s (Bradley Cooper) fortunes finally turn around when he’s given a mysterious drug that provides astonishing mental powers — but its deadly side effects threaten his sanity. Adding to Eddie’s misery are shadowy businessman Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro), who wants to exploit his new genius, and the other users willing to kill for his stash.” Mixed reviews with an OK one from the NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.
8/22/11- An OK sci-fi that generally held my interest with an interesting premise that carried the movie more than some of the schlock scenes with the Russians. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment March 18th, 2011
RENDITION- Premise by Netflix. “Suspected of being a terrorist, Egyptian-born Anwar El-Ibrahim (Omar Metwally) “vanishes” from an international flight and is taken to a secret prison. Now, his wife, Isabella (Reese Witherspoon), desperately tries to uncover his whereabouts — as well as his true intentions. While she looks for answers, CIA analyst Douglas Freeman (Jake Gyllenhaal) objects to the interrogation practices used on El-Ibrahim. Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin co-star.”
9/10- Heavy on the talent here makes for an enjoyable movie. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment September 25th, 2010
THE AMERICAN- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “On the heels of a rough assignment, assassin Jack (George Clooney) declares that his next job will be his last. Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, Jack embarks on a double life that may be more relaxing than is good for him. Although duty will surely call, Jack becomes friends with Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and falls for villager Clara (Violante Placido) in this suspense thriller directed by Anton Corbijn.” Good press reviews but friends have not liked it.
Add comment August 31st, 2010