The best motion pictures span genres and overcome their limits. They open a window into the mind and soul of fully developed, complex, imperfect human beings. They push the artistic and technical limits of the medium. And they do it all while entertaining an audience. Lawrence of Arabia is one of the greatest motion pictures … Continue reading Thoughts on Lawrence of Arabia
What’s Screening: March 22 – 28
CAAMFest continues through Monday. And that's the only festival this week. B+ On the Road, Embarcadero, Shattuck, Aquarius, Rafael, opens Friday. Jose Rivera and Walter Salles came maddeningly close to making a great film out of Jack Kerouac’s highly-regarded, biographical novel. The sense of time and place are letter-perfect. The characters are rich, surprising, believable, … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 22 – 28
Lawrence of Arabia Again–This Time in a CineMark XD Theater
Seems kind of crazy. I haven't been able to go to the movies anywhere near as often as I'd like, lately. Yet I've managed to see the same film three times in the last four months. And that film is almost four hours long. But it was worth it. Although I now own it on … Continue reading Lawrence of Arabia Again–This Time in a CineMark XD Theater
Blu-ray Review: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
What's expected of a career military man? And what's expected of a human being? These questions are at the heart of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's epic masterpiece, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp. Made in London at the height of World War II, it follows the 40-year career of Clive Candy (later Clive … Continue reading Blu-ray Review: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
What’s Screening: March 15 – 21
Only one festival going on this week: CAAMFest, formerly known as the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. It's already going, and continues through the week and beyond. B+ Don't Stop Beleivin', Kabuki, opens Friday. I’m not a Journey fan, but this music documentary made me a fan of the band’s new lead singer, … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 15 – 21
What’s Screening: March 8 – 14
In festival news, Cinequest continues through Sunday. Rendez-vous with French Cinema opens today and runs through the week. And CAAMFest, formerly known as the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, opens Thursday. Also, there's so much Hitchcock going on this week that I've moved all of his films to the end of the newsletter. … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 8 – 14
Return to an Aging Multiplex, plus Side Effects & Silver Linings Playbook
Over the past week, I've twice visited the UA Emery Bay, a once-popular multiplex I used to patronize regularly. But this was my first visit there in maybe a decade. On Saturday, I caught Side Effects there. Tuesday night, Silver Linings Playbook. I'll tell you about the theater, and then the movies. Built in the … Continue reading Return to an Aging Multiplex, plus Side Effects & Silver Linings Playbook
The New Parkway and Django Unchained
I finally made it to the New Parkway. I went Thursday night to see Django Unchained. Actually, the movie was secondary. I really wanted to see the theater. The New Parkway is better located than the original. On 24th St. between Broadway and Telegraph, it's in the heart of downtown Oakland and a short walk … Continue reading The New Parkway and Django Unchained
What’s Screening: March 1 – 7
In festival news, Cinequest continues this week throughout the South Bay, and Hollywood Before the Code opens its week-long run at the Roxie tonight. Although I haven't been able to review any of the new films playing at Cinequest, I'm discussing some of the technical presentations and revivals at the bottom of this newsletter. Balboa … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 1 – 7
Lore: An Adolescent’s View of the Fall of the Third Reich
A Historical drama Written by Cate Shortland and Robin Mukherjee Based on the novel The Dark Room," by Rachel Seiffert Directed by Cate Shortland What happens when your entire world--wealth, security, parental love, and the values you were raised with--dissolve almost overnight? That's what happens to Lore (Saskia Rosendahl), a teenage member of the Hitler … Continue reading Lore: An Adolescent’s View of the Fall of the Third Reich
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