The Sonoma International Film Festival runs Through Sunday, which is the only day for the Albany Film Festival. B The Wrecking Crew, Opera Plaza, Rafael, Shattuck, opens Friday. Now you can meet the artists behind the addictive riffs on “Da Doo Ron Ron,” "California Dreamin’," and the theme music for Mission: Impossible. This mostly entertaining … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 27 – April 2
The Wrecking Crew: The hidden heroes of rock ‘n’ roll (my review)
B Music documentary Directed by Denny Tedesco Who supplied the addictive riffs on “Da Doo Ron Ron,” "California Dreamin'," “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and the theme music for Mission: Impossible? Despite what it says on the LP sleeves, much of the inspiration came from an unsung collection of Los Angeles session musicians informally called The … Continue reading The Wrecking Crew: The hidden heroes of rock ‘n’ roll (my review)
Excuse the recent error
I am still using this blog! The recent, short post was meant for another blog.
What’s Screening: March 20 – 26
We've got three festivals this week: CAAMFest finishes its run on Sunday. A Rare Noir is Good to Find closes Monday. The Sonoma International Film Festival opens Wednesday. A Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine, Elmwood, opens Friday. If a film makes me cry, it gets an A. This documentary about the horrific, homophobic … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 20 – 26
Living is Easy with Eyes Closed: My review
C+ Road picture Written and directed by David Trueba Living is Easy with Eyes Closed is a very pleasant picture. For almost two hours, you get to hang out with three very likeable people who, in their travels together, meet other likeable (and some unlikeable) people. The scenery is lovely. But the picture doesn't get much … Continue reading Living is Easy with Eyes Closed: My review
Documentary Tearjerker: Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine
A Documentary Directed by Michele Josue I have a rule. If a film makes me cry, it deserves a high grade. If it makes me cry a lot, it gets an A. This documentary about the homophobic murder of a young gay man had me all but audibly sobbing. Do you remember Matthew Shepard? In … Continue reading Documentary Tearjerker: Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine
What’s Screening: March 13 – 19
We've got two current film festivals for you. CAAMFest continues its run through this week and beyond, while A Rare Noir is Good to Find opens Thursday. B+ Magician: The life and times of Citizen Welles, Opera Plaza, Rafael, Shattuck, opens Friday. Every cinephile must contemplate the strange phenomenon of Orson Welles. His first film, … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 13 – 19
Magician: The life and times of Citizen Welles
B+ Documentary Directed by Chuck Workman Every cinephile has to contemplate the strange phenomenon named Orson Welles. He had conquered radio and the New York stage, and had signed a Hollywood movie contract that turned established directors green with envy, before he turned 25. His first film, Citizen Kane, has been called the "greatest film … Continue reading Magician: The life and times of Citizen Welles
How Many Films are Still Shot on Film: The 2014/15 Edition
Very few motion pictures are shot on film anymore. Based on my casual survey of movies released in 2014 and (so far) 2015, only about 18% of all the pictures that could have been shot on film were shot digitally. I did my first such survey back in November, 2012. That time around, film and … Continue reading How Many Films are Still Shot on Film: The 2014/15 Edition
What’s Screening: March 6 – 12
In the festival scene, Cinequest continues through Sunday, and CAAMFest starts Thursday. A+ The Crowd, California Theatre (San Jose), Friday, 7:30. A young man comes to New York, dreaming of success and wealth. But reality refuses to live up to his dreams–perhaps because he dreams too much– in King Vidor’s silent masterpiece. Told with daring … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 6 – 12