Museo: Another heist gone wrong – but in a good way

October 31, 2018November 1, 2018 ~ Lincoln Spector

B+ Heist thriller Written by Manuel Alcalá, Alonso Ruizpalacios (as Alonso Ruiz Palacios) Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios You know how this kind of movie works. The protagonist, never working alone, plans and executes a brilliant crime and, at least initially, gets away with it. Then everything falls apart because crime doesn't pay. That's pretty much … Continue reading Museo: Another heist gone wrong – but in a good way

The Pending Death of FilmStruck

October 29, 2018October 28, 2018 ~ Lincoln Spector ~ 1 Comment

Admittedly, much worse things have popped up in the news lately. The end of a movie streaming service doesn't mean much compared to a mass killing in a house of worship. But for American cinephiles, the sudden announcement about closing Filmstruck feels like the pending death of a too-young good friend. It's been only two … Continue reading The Pending Death of FilmStruck

What’s Screening: October 26 – November 1

October 26, 2018October 26, 2018 ~ Lincoln Spector

Halloween approaches, and that tells you plenty about what’s on Bay Area movie screens this week. And if you don't like scary movies, you can attend one of more of the Bay Area's current four film festivals. Festivals The United Nations Association Film Festival continues through Sunday The Berlin & Beyond Autumn Showcase opens Thursday … Continue reading What’s Screening: October 26 – November 1

Gotta Dance: Gene Kelly at the Stanford

October 23, 2018 ~ Lincoln Spector

For some time now, I've been hoping that some local rep house would do a series on MGM musicals from the 40s and 50s. They could call the series The Lion Dances. For the next four weeks, we have something close. Starting this Friday, the Stanford will run what they're calling the Gene Kelly Film … Continue reading Gotta Dance: Gene Kelly at the Stanford

Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Mrs. Miniver, First Man, 9 to 5, & The Goldwyn Follies

October 22, 2018October 21, 2018 ~ Lincoln Spector

Here are four more movies I've seen recently that don't fit into any other articles I've written. B+ Mrs. Miniver (1942), Filmstruck William Wyler's first Best Picture winner celebrates the British stiff upper lip during the early months of World War II. These are the sort of people who enjoy a flower show with death all … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Mrs. Miniver, First Man, 9 to 5, & The Goldwyn Follies

Chaplin Diary, Part 17: Monsieur Verdoux

October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 ~ Lincoln Spector

It took a long time for me to get to the next movie in my Chaplin Diary. I've been busy. I'm also not that enthusiastic about Chaplin's later work. By the time Monsieur Verdoux came out in 1947, Chaplin had not made a movie in almost seven years. He horribly altered and re-released The Gold … Continue reading Chaplin Diary, Part 17: Monsieur Verdoux