B+ Drama Screenplay by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the novel A Slight Trick of the Mind by Mitch Cullin, and the character created by Arthur Conan Doyle Directed by Bill Condon Anyone who loves fiction's most famous detective knows that Sherlock Holmes eventually retired from detective work and moved to Sussex, where he took up beekeeping. … Continue reading Genius in decline: My review of Mr. Holmes
Month: July 2015
Tangerine: A Christmas in July cinematic gift
A Drama Written by Sean Baker & Chris Bergoch Directed by Sean Baker Sometimes a new movie blows apart every concept you had about what a motion picture can be, and delights and excites you with the ever-growing possibilities of cinema. New attitudes, new concepts, and new technologies combine with a visionary filmmaker, and the … Continue reading Tangerine: A Christmas in July cinematic gift
Jewish Film Festival Preview
I've previewed five films that will screen at this year's San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Oddly, and I swear that this is only a coincidence, three of them are French. Here's what I thought of them, from best to worst. A- My Shortest Love Affair Funny, serious, sexy, and true to life, this French gem … Continue reading Jewish Film Festival Preview
What’s Screening: July 10 – 16
No film festivals this week, but there are still plenty of movies. ? The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T, Castro, Sunday, 1:00 An evil, megalomaniac music teacher imprisons young boys in his strange world and forces them to play the piano. The only Dr. Seuss feature film made during his lifetime and with is input is … Continue reading What’s Screening: July 10 – 16
What’s Screening: July 3 – 9
No festivals this week. And unless I've missed something, it will be almost three weeks before the next one. A+ The Third Man, Opera Plaza, Shattuck, opens Friday New 4K restoration. Classic film noir with an international flavor. An American pulp novelist (Joseph Cotten) arrives in impoverished, divided post-war Vienna to meet up with an old … Continue reading What’s Screening: July 3 – 9
In Stereo looks at modern romance–but not too deeply
C+ Relationship drama Written and Directed by Mel Rodriguez III My press materials from Circus Road Films describes In Stereo as an "un-romantic comedy." That's not only a lie--it's two lies. The movie succeeds best when it allows itself to be romantic. And it is in no way, shape, or form a comedy. Only one … Continue reading In Stereo looks at modern romance–but not too deeply
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