Berlin & Beyond continues at the Castro, as does For Your Consideration at the Rafael.
Obama’s Inauguration, Parkway, Cerrito, Lark, Balboa. Tuesday, early morning. Okay, it’s not a movie, but it is the event of the week, and at least four theaters are opening their doors to let us enjoy it together. Check the theaters for details.
Che, Special Roadshow Edition, Embarcadero, Friday through Thursday. You’ve probably heard of Steven Soderbergh’s two-part Che Guevara biopic. I haven’t seen it, so I can’t give you an opinion on it. But if you prefer a long, leisurely film with an intermission to two normal-length ones, you should catch this special, week-long engagement.
A Generation & Kanal, Pacific Film Archive, Friday, 6:30. Two early films by Andrzej Wajda about resistance against the Nazis. I’ve seen neither, but Roman Polanski said of A Generation, “The whole Polish cinema began with it.” The opening night of the PFA’s series Man of Marvel: Andrzej Wajda.
The Blue Angel (English-language version), Castro, Monday, 6:30. Like a lot of early talkies, Josef von Sternberg’s The Blue Angel was filmed in more than one language. This night, Berlin & Beyond screens the English-language version, which I’ve never seen. I find the definitive German-language version–which screens at the Pacific Film Archive February 1–historically fascinating, but I can’t say I love the film. Neither its clumsy use of sound nor its Victorian morality have aged well.
Unknown Orson Welles, Pacific Film Archive, different programs Saturday, 5:00 and Sunday, 2:00. Stefan Drössler of the Munich Filmmuseum will be on hand to present two separate programs of short, odd, and unfinished works.
Short Subjects Night, Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
Happy-Go-Lucky, Elmwood, opens Friday. There’s no excuse for Happy-Go-Lucky working as well as it does, and not only because the term “Mike Leigh comedy” sounds like an oxymoron. This movie has no real plot, no significant conflict, and not an overwhelming supply of laughs. But it has a bubbly, upbeat, outgoing, loving, caring and extremely happy protagonist named Poppy (Sally Hawkins in a glowing performance). Nothing truly horrible happens to her in the course of the entire film, aside from a few sessions with a truly obnoxious driving instructor (Eddie Marsan). Leigh’s films have always observed everyday life, and this one observes the everyday life of a very happy person. Read my full review.
The Big Lebowski, Parkway, Tuesday, 9:15. Critics originally panned this Coen Brothers gem as a disappointing follow-up to the Coen’s previous endeavor, Fargo. Well, it isn’t as good as Fargo, but it’s still one hell of a funny movie. It’s also built quite a cult following; The Big Lebowski has probably played more Bay Area one-night stands in the years I’ve been maintaining this site than than any three other movies put together. A benefit for Pro Arts Gallery
Bayflicks 
