What’s Screening: February 15 – 21

February 15, 2019February 15, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

Note: After I posted this newsletter, a reader brought another film festival, opening tonight, to be attention. I've therefore corrected this article. What's happening in Bay Area theaters this week? Silent comedy, John Huston, Paul Butterfield, and David Bowie. Also two new movies and three four film festivals. Plus, at the Lark and Roxie, it'll be … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 15 – 21

This Holiday isn’t much fun

February 14, 2019January 24, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

D- Not really quite a thriller Written by Johanne Algren and Isabella Eklöf Directed by Isabella Eklöf The setup feels like a thriller: A beautiful, spoiled, not-too-bright blonde belongs to a gang of drug dealers, and they're all vacationing on the Turkish Riviera. Will a deal go down badly? Will a rival gang attack? Will … Continue reading This Holiday isn’t much fun

Never Look Away…until the last hour

February 13, 2019January 24, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

B- Epic historical drama Written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck This three-hour sweeping tale of art, love, Communism, and Nazis starts out strong. You think you're watching an excellent historical drama about how Nationalist Socialism replaced culture with cruelty. It manages to hold that level of quality for a full hour. The … Continue reading Never Look Away…until the last hour

Movies for Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

Valentine's Day isn't an official American holiday. No one gets off with pay for it, yet it's still very popular. Why not? It's all about sex and romantic love. Throughout 2019, I'll be writing articles about holidays and the most appropriate movies to watch on or before those days. And for this holiday, the number … Continue reading Movies for Valentine’s Day

German Expressionism & Marvel Superheroes: How I spent my Sunday

February 11, 2019February 11, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

I saw two movies on the big screen Sunday, and they couldn't have been more different. First, at BAMPFA, a late silent noir from Germany. Second, at the United Artists Berkeley 7, a new animated take on Spider-Man. I have to say that Spider-Man was the better movie. Asphalt at the BAMPFA Alas, Louise Brooks … Continue reading German Expressionism & Marvel Superheroes: How I spent my Sunday

Movies I’ve Recently Seen: They Shall Not Grow Old, The Tin Drum, Cold War, & Howards End

February 6, 2019February 6, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

I had great luck watching movies lately. All of these are very much worth catching. A They Shall Not Grow Old (2018), Grand Lake I generally disapprove of colorizing and other technologies that make old movies look new, but this is different. The British cameramen who, more than 100 years ago, shot what would become Peter … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: They Shall Not Grow Old, The Tin Drum, Cold War, & Howards End

Last Day at Noir City

February 4, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector

The Castro was nearly empty for the last double bill of this year's Noir City - a stark contrast to Saturday night's packed house. I think there was some sort of ball game going on. Sunday had only one double bill, but the show went all day. You could start watching the whole double bill … Continue reading Last Day at Noir City

Saturday at Noir City…plus Laurel and Hardy

February 3, 2019February 3, 2019 ~ Lincoln Spector ~ 2 Comments

Saturday was a crazy day of moviegoing. Not only did I watch four Noir City feature films at the Castro, but I also caught four Laurel and Hardy shorts on the other side of the bay. And the crazy thing is I had previously seen seven of the eight films. With some of them, I … Continue reading Saturday at Noir City…plus Laurel and Hardy