Last night, Cave of Forgotten Dreams became the first film I’ve seen digitally projected in two different theaters. The experience taught me something important: The difference between people who love digital projection and people who hate it may be the difference between the theaters they patronize. That the film was in 3D both times accentuated … Continue reading Cave of Not-Forgotten Digital Projection
Month: May 2011
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead
D- Horror comedy Note: I wrote this review in the spring of 2010, and planned to post it just before a then-planned Bay Area theatrical release. The release never happened, and the review was left unpublished. Since the movie is available on Netflix, I've decided to post the review now, in hopes that I will spare some … Continue reading Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead
What’s Screening: May 27–June 2
No festival activity this week until Thursday, when Another Hole In the Head opens. A- Midnight in Paris, Kabuki, Embarcadero, Albany Twin, Piedmont, opens Friday. I didn’t think Woody Allen still had it in him. He hasn’t made a film this funny, this wistful, and this heartfelt in decades. And I don’t think he’s ever … Continue reading What’s Screening: May 27–June 2
Midnight in Paris
A- Romantic comedy (of a sort) Written and directed by Woody Allen I didn’t think Woody Allen still had it in him. He hasn’t made a film this funny, this wistful, and this heartfelt in decades. And I don’t think he’s ever made one this upbeat. Owen Wilson stars as your basic neurotic, romantic, witty, … Continue reading Midnight in Paris
Coming Attractions
A few things worth noting: The Castro is running another 70mm series; their first in several years. It’s a modest one—four films in nine days: West Side Story, Playtime, Vertigo, and Lawrence of Arabia. See Glorious 70mm for my thoughts on the format in general. Frameline, the Bay Area’s premiere lesbian, gay, bi-, and transgender … Continue reading Coming Attractions
What’s Screening: May 20 – 26
The Anti-Corporate Film Festival continues through Saturday, and I Wake Up Dreaming continues through the end of the week. Tramp Camp, Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, Sunday, 4:00. Want to connect to your inner Charlie Chaplin? Movies will be screened, of course, and there will be lessons in imitating the tramp’s walk and style. I’m … Continue reading What’s Screening: May 20 – 26
Live Theater on the Big Screen and Frankenstein
Have you noticed the trend? Movie theaters aren’t just for movies anymore. Many of them are adding live opera, ballet, and theatre to their program—even if none it is actually live in that particular theater. The actual performance may be happening as you watch, or it may have been recorded—probably London or New York. But … Continue reading Live Theater on the Big Screen and Frankenstein
Blu-ray Review: Some Like It Hot
I’m not sure if Some Like It Hot really is, as the American Film Institute declared in 2000, the best American film comedy of all time. It certainly belongs in the top 10. There are comedies with a higher laugh-to-minute ratio, and others that have more to say about the human condition. But if I … Continue reading Blu-ray Review: Some Like It Hot
What’s Screening: May 13 – 19
The Crossroads Festival continues through Sunday. The Roxie's Noir series, I Wake Up Dreaming—2011 : The Legendary and the Lost, opens Friday for a two-week run. And the Anti-Corporate Film Festival opens Thursday. Gee, I wonder what that one is about. A The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Castro, Saturday. Considering the unethical behavior … Continue reading What’s Screening: May 13 – 19
Another Hole in the Head
The Bay Area has film festivals that cater to Jews, Asians, gays, Arabs, and people who like to watch brains explode all over shocked bystanders. We serve all kinds of minorities. Another Hole In the Head Film Festival allegedly acquired that name because the Bay Area needs another film festival like it needs a…you know … Continue reading Another Hole in the Head
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