{"id":13496,"date":"2014-03-13T12:01:42","date_gmt":"2014-03-13T12:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/?p=13496"},"modified":"2014-04-17T12:44:12","modified_gmt":"2014-04-17T12:44:12","slug":"film-reviews-490","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/?p=13496","title":{"rendered":"FILM REVIEWS #490"},"content":{"rendered":"
MARCH 13, 2014<\/p>\n
DEAR FRIENDS:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT- www.thereeldrbob.com<\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
I’M BACK AFTER A FEW WEEK GAP!!<\/div>\n
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QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES\u00a0OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS-<\/div>\n
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1) THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL- Netflix<\/div>\n
2) AFTERMATH- At the Theater<\/div>\n
3) BETHLEHEM- At the Theater<\/div>\n
4) LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON- At the Theater<\/div>\n
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MOVIES I’VE SEEN SINCE THE LAST ISSUE– AT THE THEATER-<\/div>\n
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1) AFTERMATH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two decades after migrating to America, Chicagoan Franek returns to his native Poland only to find things deeply amiss in his family and town. With his brother, Jozek, who stayed behind, Franek sets out to discover the community’s collective secret.”11\/1\/13-\u00a0Mixed reviews by the critics but audiences have liked it. The review in today’s NY Times is ambiguous but I thought it was good. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2\/15\/14-\u00a0I was thoroughly engrossed and on the edge of my seat for the entire movie. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) BETHLEHEM<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “An informant for Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence service, Palestinian Sanfur is torn when his brother becomes an agency target. His tragic choice is complicated by his relationship with Razi, the boss, mentor and father figure who hired him as a teen.”<\/p>\n

3\/10\/14-\u00a0Very good reviews in general. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/10\/14-\u00a0I saw this today and liked it very much– just a few too many characters when the 2 leads were very good. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Ryota (Masaharu Fukuyama) is a successful Tokyo architect who works long hours to provide for his wife, Midori (Machiko Ono) and six-year-old son, Keita. But when a blood test reveals Keita and another baby were switched at birth, two very different families are thrown together and forced to make a difficult decision while Ryota confronts his own issues of responsibility and what it means to be a father. LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON extends the Japanese cinema tradition of familial exploration to deliver a gentle and moving story of personal redemption that playfully navigates its way through the drama.”<\/p>\n

1\/17\/14– An excellent review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/12\/14-\u00a0An superb portrayal of what “family” means. Wonderful acting by all and definitely a must-see.” TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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MOVIES I’VE SEEN SINCE THE LAST ISSUE– AT HOME-<\/div>\n
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1) THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1943, disillusioned by the horrors of two world wars, sculptor Marc Cros gives up his art to live quietly in occupied France. When his wife brings home a young Spanish refugee, her beauty inspires the 80-year-old man to return to work.”8\/2\/13-\u00a0A poor review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews elsewhere. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2\/14\/14-\u00a0I found this movie very interesting and liked the characters very much. It received mixed reviews, more positive than negative, but I would definitely recommend it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) BLACKFISH<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum — who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity — and questions the safety and humaneness of confining these intelligent creatures.”<\/p>\n

7\/3\/13-\u00a0Just a few reviews and they are all good. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

7\/19\/13-\u00a0A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/5\/14-\u00a0A wonderful documentary\/expose that also paid tribute to the whales. TRDB.\u00a0<\/strong>Netflix.<\/p>\n

3) ZAYTOUN<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1982 Beirut, an Israeli fighter pilot named Yoni crashes outside a camp of young Palestinian refugees, where he’s met by gun-toting orphan Fahed. In exchange for his freedom, Yoni agrees to take the boy back to the village where his parents lived.”<\/p>\n

9\/20\/13-\u00a0This sounds interesting but it has received weak reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/12\/14-\u00a0A nice idea but way too acted and simplistic. I’d give it an OK if you have little else to do. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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COMING TO NETFLIX NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 18-<\/div>\n
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1) MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Golden Globe-winner Idris Elba stars as Nelson Mandela in this in-depth biopic that portrays the groundbreaking South African leader from his rural childhood through his long imprisonment to his election as the country’s first black president.”11\/20\/13-\u00a0Fairly good reviews. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11\/29\/13-\u00a0A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
2) AMERICAN HUSTLE<\/strong>– 2003. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fictionalization of the “Abscam” scandal of the early 1980s follows con man Irving Rosenfeld and his lover, Sydney Prosser, as they help an eccentric FBI agent expose corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”12\/13\/13-\u00a0A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

12\/20\/13-\u00a0Way over the top in every way but lots of fun and I liked it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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3) KILL YOUR DARLINGS<\/strong>–\u00a0\u00a02013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1944, budding poet Allen Ginsberg falls under the spell of Columbia classmate Lucien Carr, who introduces him to the nascent Beat movement, as well as fellow libertines Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.”9\/29\/13-\u00a0Fairly good\u00a0 reviews. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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MOVIES THAT OPENED ON FEB. 14 and FEB. 21 IN ADDITION TO THOSE I WROTE ABOUT ON FEB. 13-<\/div>\n
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1) DATE AND SWITCH<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “High school seniors and lifelong friends Michael and Matty, still virgins, agree to help one another “score” before prom. But things take a surprising turn when Michael develops a crush on Matty’s ex, and Matty admits that he’s gay.”2\/14\/14-\u00a0Sounds awful but reviews were mixed. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) JIMMY P.-<\/strong> 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Returning home from World War II, Blackfoot Native American Jimmy Picard suffers from a host of psychosomatic symptoms. In this drama based on a true story, he bonds with psychoanalyst Georges Devereux as the two explore his psyche for causes.”<\/p>\n

2\/14\/14- A good review in today’s NY Times. Other reviews are mixed. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) LUCKY BASTARD<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. ”\u00a0Porn aficionado wins a chance to have sex with a porn star on camera, but when his performance falls short, he blames the crew for humiliating him and decides to exact a gruesome revenge.”<\/p>\n

2\/14\/14-\u00a0Mixed reviews. The NY Times did not like it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4) WINTER’S TALE<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mark Helprin’s novel provides the basis for this film starring Colin Farrell as a thief who breaks into an ill girl’s home and then falls for her. As the action shifts between past and present, the burglar also acquires a flying-horse guardian angel.”<\/p>\n

2\/14\/14-\u00a0Awful reviews all around including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

5) ANGELS IN STARDUST<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “An imaginative teenage girl, living in a mystical and dangerous community built on a deserted drive-in movie lot along the Texas-Oklahoma border, struggles to realize her potential and escape the world she was born into.”<\/p>\n

2\/21\/14-\u00a0Poor reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

6) BAREFOOT<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Asked to treat a young psychiatric patient who’s been living in utter isolation, a doctor from a wealthy family forms an unusual bond with her. This subtle romantic comedy reveals the beliefs, ambitions and passions of two wandering souls.”<\/p>\n

1\/21\/14-\u00a0Awful reviews form everybody. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

7) CHAPLIN OF THE MOUNTAINS<\/strong>– 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “As two film-school graduates travel the Kurdish countryside screening Charlie Chaplin movies, they meet Naz\u00e9, a French-Kurdish woman searching for her roots. After scrapping their agenda, the duo begins a journey to help Naz\u00e9 complete her mission.”<\/p>\n

1\/21\/14-\u00a0OK reviews in general and from the NY Times as well. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

8) ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still refreshingly caustic at 87, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch looks back on her life and career in this feature-length portrait composed of candid reflections, rare archival footage and testimonials from her dearest friends.”<\/p>\n

1\/21\/14-\u00a0Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

9) THE STANDBYS<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cast as “standbys” to fill the shoes of big-name stars who can’t go on, three talented Broadway understudies wait patiently backstage for the dream they’ve been chasing their whole lives.”<\/p>\n

1\/21\/14-\u00a0Just a few reviews so far but they are good. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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MOVIES THAT OPENED FEB. 28 and\u00a0MARCH 7<\/div>\n
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1) THE BAG MAN<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A hit man summoned to a motel deep in the bayou by an eccentric mob boss discovers that he’s one of several professional killers present. Now, with growing dread, the hired guns wait for the man who called them.”2\/28\/14-\u00a0Awful reviews. TRDB.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) SON OF GOD<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A follow-up to the landmark 2013 miniseries The Bible, this feature follows the life of Jesus Christ from his humble birth to his resurrection. Filmed in authentic historical locales, this epic presentation brings new life to the miraculous story.”<\/p>\n

2\/28\/14-\u00a0Weak reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) CHLORINE-<\/strong> 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Obsessed with maintaining her family’s upper-crust lifestyle, Georgie pushes her put-upon husband, Roger, into a risky real estate investment. When the deal goes south, each member of the family starts to fall apart in his or her own neurotic way.”<\/p>\n

2\/28\/14-\u00a0Awful reviews. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4) THE LUNCHBOX<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When Mumbai’s eerily reliable lunchbox delivery service erroneously sends a meal prepared by a young housewife to a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, the mistake ignites an exchange of notes and mutual fantasy between them.”<\/p>\n

2\/28\/14-Very good\u00a0reviews in general. I’ll see it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

5) FATAL<\/strong> ASSISTANCE<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Haiti’s 2010 earthquake generated global support and monetary donations, but documentarian Raoul Peck — the nation’s former minister of culture — argues the resources were poorly applied, detailing the obstacles that have hampered Haiti’s recovery.”<\/p>\n

2\/28\/14-\u00a0Good reviews and today’s NY Times liked it very much as well. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

6) STALINGRAD<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Amid the horrors of the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, a group of Russian soldiers holes up in a house occupied by a terrified young woman. As a German colonel’s machinations destroy the surrounding city, the refugees find themselves forming a bond.”<\/p>\n

2\/28\/14- Mixed reviews– half liked it and half did not. The NY Times did not. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

7) TWO LIVES<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the European communist bloc is collapsing, Katrine’s quiet life in Norway is interrupted by questions about her early years in East Germany. With the truth about her past catching up with her, Katrine must try to explain the facts to her family.”<\/p>\n

2\/28\/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

8) INTERIOR. LEATHER BAR<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reimagining the 40 minutes of explicit gay S&M footage rumored to have been cut from the 1980 film Cruising, this fascinating film explores the normalization of gay culture and the boundaries of sexual and creative freedom.”<\/p>\n

3\/5\/14-\u00a0Mixed reviews, with as many negative as positive. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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MOVIES THAT HAVE OPENED DURING THE LAST WEEK-<\/div>\n
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1) BETHLEHEM<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “An informant for Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence service, Palestinian Sanfur is torn when his brother becomes an agency target. His tragic choice is complicated by his relationship with Razi, the boss, mentor and father figure who hired him as a teen.”3\/10\/14-\u00a0Very good reviews in general. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/10\/14-\u00a0I saw this today and liked it very much– just a few too many characters. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) GRAND PIANO<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A pianist returning to the stage five years after a public meltdown learns that a sniper will shoot him and his wife if he plays just one wrong note. But the gunman’s twisted motives go far deeper than anyone suspects.”<\/p>\n

3\/7\/14- Good reviews all around including the one calling it fun in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) THE FACE OF LOVE<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Years after the death of her husband, Garrett, Nikki begins a romance with Tom, a great guy who looks almost exactly like Garrett. As their relationship unfolds, fate seems to be delivering Nikki both a new start and a second chance.”<\/p>\n

8\/26\/13-\u00a0No reviews as yet. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/7\/14-\u00a0Weak reviews all around. The NY Times said that the actors held whatever there was together. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4) THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Between the world wars, Gustave H, the concierge at a prestigious European hotel, takes a bellboy named Zero as a trusted prot\u00e9g\u00e9. Meanwhile, the upscale guests are involved in an art theft and a dispute over a vast family fortune.”<\/p>\n

3\/7\/14-\u00a0Good reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

5) JOURNEY TO THE WEST<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Stephen Chow’s unique take on a Chinese literary classic boasts eye-popping effects and wicked humor as Chen Xuanzang, who fights evil with love and nursery rhymes, clashes with Duan, a showy female warrior who’s in it for the thrill of the hunt.”<\/p>\n

3\/7\/14-\u00a0Very good reviews. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

6) MIELE<\/strong>– 2013- Synopsis by Netflix. “Despite the controversial nature of her work, Miele remains convinced she’s doing the humane thing by helping suffering people end their lives. But when a client insists he’s lived long enough — despite being healthy — her belief system is shaken.”<\/p>\n

3\/7\/14-\u00a0Excellent reviews from everybody including the NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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_____________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n
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FLORIDA- At the Stonzek Theater Lake Worth Playhouse-<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
1) THE BAG MAN- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A hit man summoned to a motel deep in the bayou by an eccentric mob boss discovers that he’s one of several professional killers present. Now, with growing dread, the hired guns wait for the man who called them.”2\/28\/14-\u00a0Awful reviews. TRDB.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
2) VISITORS-\u00a0\u00a02014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Completely devoid of dialogue and backed by a soundtrack by Philip Glass, this description-defying cinematic showpiece explores humans’ reactions to technology and media in beautiful black-and-white clarity.”1\/24\/14-\u00a0The NY Times and most other critics were positive about this movie but it sounds very, very different as it consists solely of black and white images of faces. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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COMCAST ON-DEMAND-<\/div>\n
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NEW-<\/div>\n
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1) NEBRASKA- – 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.”<\/div>\n
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11\/15\/13-\u00a0Good reviews in general and\u00a0a good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

12\/4\/13-\u00a0Basically I enjoy almost every road movie I see and this was no exception. An interesting story about families. Dern was great. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
2) TWO LIVES<\/strong>– 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the European communist bloc is collapsing, Katrine’s quiet life in Norway is interrupted by questions about her early years in East Germany. With the truth about her past catching up with her, Katrine must try to explain the facts to her family.”2\/28\/14- Very good reviews. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3)\u00a0<\/strong> ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still refreshingly caustic at 87, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch looks back on her life and career in this feature-length portrait composed of candid reflections, rare archival footage and testimonials from her dearest friends.”<\/p>\n

1\/21\/14-\u00a0Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4) GRAND PIANO<\/strong>– 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A pianist returning to the stage five years after a public meltdown learns that a sniper will shoot him and his wife if he plays just one wrong note. But the gunman’s twisted motives go far deeper than anyone suspects.”<\/p>\n

3\/7\/14- Good reviews all around including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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REPEATS-<\/div>\n
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1) 20 FEET FROM STARDOM- Good reviews<\/div>\n
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2) ALL IS LOST- I liked it very much<\/div>\n
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3) AT MIDDLETON- Mixed reviews<\/div>\n
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4) THE BEST OFFER- I saw this On-Demand and liked\u00a0it very much<\/p>\n

5) BLUE JASMINE- I liked it but not as much as other Woody films<\/p>\n

6) BROADWAY IDIOT- Mixed reviews<\/p>\n

7) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS- Good but definitely not great<\/p>\n

8)CONCUSSION- I liked this movie<\/p>\n

9) DALLAS BUYERS CLUB- I liked it but not as much as the critics<\/p>\n

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10) DEAR MR. WATTERSON- This film had good reviews<\/div>\n
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11) DON JON- I\u00a0liked this quirky\u00a0movie<\/div>\n
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12) ENOUGH SAID- I enjoyed the movie<\/div>\n
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13) FRUITVALE STATION- I highly recommend this film<\/div>\n
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14) GEOGRAPHY CLUB- Back on the list this movie got OK reviews<\/div>\n
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15) GRAVITY- Good for special effects but story line was poor<\/div>\n
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16) HOURS- Good reviews<\/div>\n
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17) JOBS- Weak reviews<\/div>\n
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18)LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER- Just ok in my opinion<\/div>\n
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19) THE MOTEL LIFE- I watched this On-Demand and liked it<\/div>\n
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20) RUN & JUMP- I really enjoyed this one a lot<\/div>\n
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21) THE SELFISH GIANT- Great reviews but I didn’t care for it<\/div>\n
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22) SUNLIGHT JR.- I liked the movie<\/div>\n
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23) TWO LIVES- Very good reviews<\/div>\n
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24) THE WAY, WAY BACK- I didn’t care for this movie at all<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Cablevision Link– http:\/\/www.optimum.net\/VOD\/movies?cat=Movies+On+Demand%2FIndependent+Films%2FIFC+In+Theaters<\/a><\/p>\n

DirecTV- www.directv.com\/DTVAPP\/listing\/ppvMovies.jsp<\/a><\/p>\n

Time Warner Link- www.twondemand.com<\/a><\/div>\n

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BOB’S PICKS IN THE SUBURBS-<\/div>\n
NEW-<\/div>\n
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1) THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL<\/strong>– Jacob Burns. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Between the world wars, Gustave H, the concierge at a prestigious European hotel, takes a bellboy named Zero as a trusted prot\u00e9g\u00e9. Meanwhile, the upscale guests are involved in an art theft and a dispute over a vast family fortune.”3\/7\/14-\u00a0Good reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) <\/strong>BETHLEHEM<\/strong>– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “An informant for Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence service, Palestinian Sanfur is torn when his brother becomes an agency target. His tragic choice is complicated by his relationship with Razi, the boss, mentor and father figure who hired him as a teen.”<\/p>\n

3\/10\/14-\u00a0Very good reviews in general. The NY Times liked it also. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3\/10\/14-\u00a0I saw this today and liked it very much– just a few too many characters when the 2 leads were very good. Definitely worth seeing. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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REPEATS-<\/div>\n
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1) OMAR- 2013. Jacob Burns, Clearview 100. Synopsis by Netflix. “With his girlfriend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her. But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.”2\/2\/14-\u00a0Good reviews from most critics. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
2) THE GREAT BEAUTY- Jacob Burns, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As charming 65-year-old journalist Jap Gambardella writes about Rome’s culture and social life, he reflects with bitterness on the passions of his lost youth, even as he paints a complex portrait of the lovely and ancient city.”11\/15\/13-\u00a0<\/strong>Very good review in today’s NY Times and equally good reviews from most other critics. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) 12 YEARS A SLAVE<\/strong>–\u00a0 Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”<\/p>\n

9\/29\/13-\u00a0Excellent reviews. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

10\/18\/13-\u00a0A glowing review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11\/6\/13-\u00a0Overall I enjoyed this movie as this is clearly a story needing\u00a0to be told. The acting was wonderful.\u00a0Throughout the movie I couldn’t help thinking about this as another\u00a0Holocaust movie with the dehumanizing, the\u00a0oppression,\u00a0the splitting of families and the often random nature of the violence inflicted on the victims, in this case Blacks. My only objection was that\u00a0too many scenes seemed\u00a0the same\u00a0to me, each\u00a0showing the difficult daily\u00a0life on the plantation in one form or another.\u00a0TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4) DALLAS BUYERS CLUB<\/strong>– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Loosely based on true events, this drama follows Ron Woodroof, who refuses to accept he’ll die in 30 days when he’s diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. He extends his life and eventually helps many other AIDS patients by smuggling medications from abroad.”<\/p>\n

10\/16\/13-\u00a0Very good reviews for this Indie drama. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11\/1\/13-\u00a0The review in today’s NY Times gave this movie an OK review but said that it lacked passion and “played it safe.” TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11\/23\/13-\u00a0Very good reviews but not from this guy. I felt that the movie was predictable at every stage and the acting from Jennifer Gardner was weak. The story however could have been more interesting if anyone other than McConaughey showed any interest. TRDB.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

5) THE GREAT BEAUTY<\/strong>– Bethel, Garden Cinema Norwalk. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As charming 65-year-old journalist Jap Gambardella writes about Rome’s culture and social life, he reflects with bitterness on the passions of his lost youth, even as he paints a complex portrait of the lovely and ancient city.”<\/p>\n

11\/15\/13-\u00a0<\/strong>Very good review in today’s NY Times and equally good reviews from most other critics. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

6) THE MONUMENTS MEN<\/strong>– Bethel, Saw Mill Hawthorne, Danbury. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them. Written, directed and starring George Clooney.”<\/p>\n

2\/1\/14-\u00a0Poor reviews. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

7) TIM’S VERMEER<\/strong>– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teller, of Penn & Teller fame, directs this absorbing film about inventor Tim Jenison’s quest to solve one of art’s greatest mysteries: How did Dutch master Johannes Vermeer paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography?”<\/p>\n

1\/31\/14-\u00a0Good reviews in general and the NY Times liked it also. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

8)<\/strong> PHILOMENA<\/strong>– Bethel, Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago.”<\/p>\n

11\/22\/13-\u00a0Excellent reviews all around including the NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11\/29\/13-\u00a0I liked this movie very much. Great and true\u00a0story with great acting and very realistically done. Sad beyond sad at times. Everybody should see this. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

9) ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME<\/strong>– Clearview 100. 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still refreshingly caustic at 87, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch looks back on her life and career in this feature-length portrait composed of candid reflections, rare archival footage and testimonials from her dearest friends.”<\/p>\n

1\/21\/14-\u00a0Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

10) THE FACE OF LOVE<\/strong>– Clearview 100. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Years after the death of her husband, Garrett, Nikki begins a romance with Tom, a great guy who looks almost exactly like Garrett. As their relationship unfolds, fate seems to be delivering Nikki both a new start and a second chance.”<\/p>\n

3\/7\/14-\u00a0Weak reviews all around. The NY Times said that the actors held whatever there was together. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11) <\/strong>AMERICAN HUSTLE<\/strong>– Saw Mill Hawthorne.\u00a02003. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fictionalization of the “Abscam” scandal of the early 1980s follows con man Irving Rosenfeld and his lover, Sydney Prosser, as they help an eccentric FBI agent expose corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”<\/p>\n

12\/13\/13-\u00a0A very good review in today’s NY Times and from most other critics as well. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

12\/20\/13-\u00a0Way over the top in every way but lots of fun and I liked it. TRDB.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

12) NEBRASKA<\/strong>– Saw Mill Hawthorne. 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.”<\/p>\n

11\/15\/13-\u00a0Good reviews in general and\u00a0a good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n

12\/4\/13-\u00a0Basically I enjoy almost every road movie I see and this was no exception. An interesting story about families. Dern was great. TRDB.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
For Independent Films in\u00a0Your Neighborhood\u00a0go to- www.emergingpictures.com<\/a><\/p>\n

For Independent Films in Palm Beach County go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

For Films everywhere go to- www.fandango.com<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
ENJOY!!<\/div>\n
THE REEL DR. BOB<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

MARCH 13, 2014 DEAR FRIENDS: YOU CAN ACCESS THIS NEWSLETTER AND OLDER REVIEWS AT- www.thereeldrbob.com I’M BACK AFTER A FEW WEEK GAP!! QUICK LOOK AT MY FAVORITES\u00a0OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS- 1) THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL- Netflix 2) AFTERMATH- At the Theater 3) BETHLEHEM- At the Theater 4) LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON- At the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-old-newsletters"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13496","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13496"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13496\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13497,"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13496\/revisions\/13497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thereeldrbob.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}