The festivals are all Jewish this week, and they're all happening over the weekend. There's a new documentary that's Only in Theaters. What else can you see in the cinema this week? There's Hiroshi Teshigahara's Woman in the Dunes, and Warren Beatty's epic socialist love story, Reds. The Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Kim Weston, and … Continue reading What’s Screening: Feb 24 – March 2
What do I think about the Oscars?
Every year, I'm less interested in the Oscars. I didn't even watch the show last year. And what happened? Will Smith slapped Chris Rock and then got a statue. Maybe I should watch it this time. When I looked at what the Academy thought were the best ten movies of 2022, either Hollywood cannot make … Continue reading What do I think about the Oscars?
What’s Screening: February 17 – 23
Ang Lee and James Schamus' Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is playing in eight Bay Area theaters! And yet, not even one is in the East Bay. The 4-Star seems to have noticed that it's Black History Month, with screenings of Black Panther, Fences, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. They're also giving us masterpieces by Stanley … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 17 – 23
What’s Screening: February 10 – 16
This Tuesday is Valentine's Day, so there should be a lot of romance in the air. Take your loved one to the cinema…or take several loved ones. I can tell you about three films that will be screening at the Mostly British Film Festival – two of them good, and one stinker from the great … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 10 – 16
What’s leaving Criterion at the end of February
As usual, a lot of movies available on the Criterion Channel will disappear at the end of February. If you like screwball comedy, and other genres, check out these films before it's March. Full recommendations A+ The Lady Eve (1941) Like most great screwballs, Preston Sturges' The Lady Eve looks at class differences. It also examines the problems … Continue reading What’s leaving Criterion at the end of February
What’s Screening: February 3 – 9
You know what's the most difficult part of setting up these newsletters? It's writing the intro. So let's get it over with. Reader, meet newsletter. Newsletter, meet reader. Okay, I'll tell you more. There's a new, sexy film from France and a documentary about Jewish settlements in Eastern Europe. There are three films about African … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 3 – 9
The last weekend…of this year’s Noir City
I spent most of the weekend at the Grand Lake enjoying the Noir City festival, watching dark crime movies. Here's what I saw: Saturday Matinée B+ Night Has a Thousand Eyes Do you want to know the future? In this dark fantasy, Edward G. Robinson can see the future, and he wishes he couldn't. He … Continue reading The last weekend…of this year’s Noir City
What’s Screening: January 27 – February 2
Only Fathom Events seems to realize that this week contains Groundhog Day. Anyway, I'm giving you some previews for the upcoming SF IndieFest. After that, there's music from Singin' in the Rain, My Fair Lady, and The Who's Tommy. Other than that, there's a family film about the human brain. Also the best sports movie … Continue reading What’s Screening: January 27 – February 2
Coen ‘n’ Noir
With Joel Coen and Frances McDormand at the BAMPFA, and Noir City at the Grand Lake, the East Bay was popping with cinephilia. I couldn't have seen everything. Here's what I caught. Friday night: Noir City Opening Night Does any other film festival open with a double feature? But then, Noir City may be the … Continue reading Coen ‘n’ Noir
What’s Screening: January 20 – 26
Last week we were walloped by massive waterfalls from the sky. And this week? You must pick between noirs from the year of 1948 or half of the Coen brothers. Along with one of the brothers, Bay Area cinemas will be showing vintage movies from Martin Scorsese, F. W. Murnau, Jacques Tati, David Lynch, Howard … Continue reading What’s Screening: January 20 – 26
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