Going to the movies is still problematic, but the movies are now coming to you. Here are some festivals and special cinematic events happening in October. Mill Valley Film Festival Website, October 8-18 The virtual version of one of the Bay Area's major festivals will open with the world premiere of a new film version … Continue reading Virtual festivals and more upcoming in October
In Bay Area Virtual Cinema & Drive-ins: Sept 24 – Oct 1
Talk about Kubrick, or go to the drive-in with Billy Wilder or Martin Scorsese. Also, a farewell to a great American in virtual cinema. In Memorial A- RBG (2018), BAMPFA, Cerrito, Elmwood, New Mission, Roxie There's nothing objective about this documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The filmmakers clearly believed that the Supreme Court's progressive hero … Continue reading In Bay Area Virtual Cinema & Drive-ins: Sept 24 – Oct 1
Little-known documentaries worth watching
Three weeks ago, I posted an article about little-known but excellent movies worth watching. That time, I stuck to narrative (i.e. fictional) films. This time, I'm doing documentaries - including one by Ken Burns! Four of the five got very short theatrical runs; the other went from festivals directly to television. Two are about women … Continue reading Little-known documentaries worth watching
In Bay Area Virtual Cinema & Drive-ins: September 18 – 24
I'm shortening the weekly newsletter. Frankly, I'm tired of repeating the same capsule reviews. I'll be sticking to what's new, what's new to me, and what's happening on a particular day. Virtual Festivals SF DocFest closes Sunday Special online events September Online Happenings, Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, Saturday and Sunday The museum hosts several … Continue reading In Bay Area Virtual Cinema & Drive-ins: September 18 – 24
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: The Social Dilemma, Coastal Elites, My Octopus Teacher, & Blonde Crazy
In this random selection of four movies, we find three very good films that came out this year (not on the big screen, of course). There's also a mediocre movie nearly 90 years old. A The Social Dilemma (2020) This documentary/fiction hybrid shows us at least one reason why society is in such a mess. Top … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: The Social Dilemma, Coastal Elites, My Octopus Teacher, & Blonde Crazy
The Artist’s Wife: As the mind slowly recedes
A Family drama Written by Tom Dolby, Nicole Brending and Abdi Nazemian; from a story by Tom Dolby Directed by Tom Dolby Alzheimer's hurts not only the initial victim, but perhaps even more so those close to the person with the disease. It's the friends and family members who must watch a loved one's mind … Continue reading The Artist’s Wife: As the mind slowly recedes
In Bay Area Virtual Cinema: September 11 – 17
This week in Bay Area virtual cinema: A celebration of 1962 (and I don't mean American Graffiti), rockin' Jimmy Carter, unions Bangladesh-style, and a return to burning Paradise. Virtual Festivals SF DocFest continues through this week and beyond. Read my preview. Special online events Cinema '62: The Greatest Year At the Movies, Rafael, Thursday, 7:30 … Continue reading In Bay Area Virtual Cinema: September 11 – 17
Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
I haven't gone out much lately. One activity I can do at home is to watch a favorite movie with a commentary track. There's something special about watching a beloved film once again while someone tells you interesting facts about it. I recommend the experience. (I suppose I shouldn't even have to say this, but … Continue reading Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
How Jimmy Carter Rocked the White House
B Political & musical documentaryDirected by Mary Wharton Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President. It's a ridiculous title for a political documentary, and yet it's appropriate. This extremely flattering portrait of the 39th President spends most of its time covering Carter's love of music. But melody isn't what we think of when we consider Carter. We … Continue reading How Jimmy Carter Rocked the White House
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Marshall, The Love Parade, Bombshell, Critical Thinking
Four more movies I've seen for the first time - and nobody asked me to review them. There's not much range in quality this time; the movies go from B+ to B. Three of the films are based on actual events. The fourth couldn't possibly happen in the real world. B+ Marshall (2017) The late … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Marshall, The Love Parade, Bombshell, Critical Thinking
