B Documentary Directed by Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin I watched and reviewed two films about the Robert King riots in less than three months. Of the two, this is the one worth catching. On the other hand, when you're comparing it to the very disappointing Gook, that's not much of a compliment. In 1991, … Continue reading LA 92 looks at Rodney King trial and riots
Bill Nye: The science guy tries to save the world
A- Biographic and environmental documentary Directed by David Alvarado and Jason Sussberg You probably already know about Bill Nye. He's the silly-looking dude with the bowtie who talks about science and often appears with Neil DeGrasse Tyson. In the 1990s, he had his own children's show: Bill Nye the Science Guy. The sympathetic documentary, Bill … Continue reading Bill Nye: The science guy tries to save the world
The Last Laugh on Blu-ray
In F.W. Murnau's 1924 masterpiece, The Last Laugh, an aging man - proud of his job and the uniform that comes with it - is demoted to a lesser position by a heartless manager. It will break him. Aside from being a powerful story centered around a great star performance, The Last Laugh is one … Continue reading The Last Laugh on Blu-ray
What’s Screening: November 10 – 16
This week in Bay Area screens: 3 new films, 7 film festivals, plus Bridesmaids, M, Touch of Evil, and Monsoon Wedding. Festivals The Berlin & Beyond Autumn Showcase continues through Saturday The Alameda International Film Festival continues through Sunday So does the Cinematografo International Film Festival and Industry Forum Also through Sunday, the Napa Valley … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 10 – 16
Gay romance in God’s Own Country
A- Drama Written and directed by Francis Lee A young man living a miserable existence finds love and happiness, if he can hold onto them - and hold onto the lover who opens up his world. Johnny (Josh O'Connor) works hard on his family's sheep farm in a very rural piece of northern England. His … Continue reading Gay romance in God’s Own Country
Lady Bird: Coming of Age in Sacramento
A- Coming-of-age comedy Written and directed by Greta Gerwig If you've followed Greta Gerwig's career as an actress and a screenwriter, you wouldn't be surprised at the quality of her solo directorial debut. In Lady Bird, she examines a very explosive mother/daughter relationship, explores the social dynamics of a Catholic high school, and manages to … Continue reading Lady Bird: Coming of Age in Sacramento
SFFILM honors Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour
Monday night at the Castro, SFFILM recognized Joe Wright and Anthony McCarten's historical drama, Darkest Hour, giving the film the organization's second annual SF Honors award. The event included a mercifully short presentation of the award, a screening of the film, and a Q&A with five of the filmmakers. Darkest Hour follows Winston Churchill's first … Continue reading SFFILM honors Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour
Rose Marie tells her story in Wait for Your Laugh
B Show business documentary Directed by Jason Wise If you recognize the singer and comedian Rose Marie, it's probably from The Dick Van Dyke Show. She played Sally, the only woman on the writing staff. (And if you haven't seen The Dick Van Dyke Show, watch a few episodes. It's worth it.) A musical prodigy … Continue reading Rose Marie tells her story in Wait for Your Laugh
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: EDtv, Cat People, Irma Vep, & The Body Snatcher
Here are four films I've recently revisited or seen for the first time. I bet you can guess which ones I watched on Halloween. A EDtv (1999), DVD Near the end of the 20th century, two comedies foretold the concept of reality television. The first, The Truman Show, got all the praise. But the second one, … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: EDtv, Cat People, Irma Vep, & The Body Snatcher
Doc Stories Report: Obama’s team in The Final Year
My wife and I attended the Doc Stories festival Saturday afternoon at the Vogue. The movie in question was an inspiring but also deeply sad documentary about Obama's foreign policy team, The Final Year. Director Greg Barker introduced the film, promising us that "For the next 90 minutes, Donald Trump will not be president." If … Continue reading Doc Stories Report: Obama’s team in The Final Year
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