I finally made it to a Thrillville event last night. I hope it's not my last time. Thrillville, for those who are not in the know and didn't bother to click that link, is a series of B movies, live music, contests, and prizes staged regularly at the Cerrito or Parkway. I attended a pre-Halloween … Continue reading My First ThrillVille Experience
The Other Side of Spiderman: This Weeks Recommendations and Warnings
The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan live at the Newport Folk Festival 1963--1965, Rafael, Friday through Sunday. There have been plenty of Bob Dylan documentaries, and several concert film where Bob Dylan made an appearance, but not nearly enough films that simply catch him in performance. A record of Dylan's performances at the … Continue reading The Other Side of Spiderman: This Weeks Recommendations and Warnings
More on Capra (and others) at the Stanford
Since I wrote my Capra at the Stanford post yesterday, the Stanford folks have filled in a few things. For one thing, the promised but named Capra silent has been named, and my hopes have been fulfilled. On November 30, you can see The Strong Man with organ accompaniment by Dennis James. It's a great … Continue reading More on Capra (and others) at the Stanford
Capra at the Stanford
The Stanford's new schedule is up, and the theme is Frank Capra. Of the 26 films they've announced, 18 are Capra's. Actually, they're starting off Saturday night with a Billy Wilder double bill--Sunset Boulevard and Some Like It Hot. Great movies, but obvious choices that any cinephile has seen countless times. Still, if it's been … Continue reading Capra at the Stanford
Previews of Coming Attractions
Just a few interesting things on the way: If you looked at schedules for Bay Area art theaters after Bergman and Antonioni died in early August, you probably wondered where all the tributes were. The Castro finally comes through this week with a Bergman series running Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 21. Most of his … Continue reading Previews of Coming Attractions
Film is Dead! Long Live Digital Photography
As far as I’m concerned, it’s official. You can get just as good a picture shooting with a digital camera as you can with 35mm film. Maybe better. This afternoon I attended a press screening of an independent drama called Valley of the Heart’s Delight (I’ll post my review a little closer to the film’s … Continue reading Film is Dead! Long Live Digital Photography
Manufacturing Intent: This Week’s Recommendations and Warnings
Manufacturing Dissent, Roxie, opening Friday. One expects a documentary critical of Michael Moore to be a right-wing polemic, but narrator/co-director Debbie Melnyk starts Manufacturing Dissent by telling us that she admires Moore and his politics. Yet, although she gives plenty of time to Moore's defenders, the film leaves the impression that there isn't much to … Continue reading Manufacturing Intent: This Week’s Recommendations and Warnings
Second Thoughts on 3:10 to Yuma
On first viewing, I loved 3:10 to Yuma enough to give it an , despite a lot of problems I had with the last act. But the weeks went by, I've found myself more and more bothered with the movie's inherent problems. So I'm officially downgrading it to a . Don't get me wrong; most … Continue reading Second Thoughts on 3:10 to Yuma
Upcoming Festivals
Last Saturday night, my wife and I caught Death at a Funeral at the Albany Theater. As you’d expect from a Landmark Theater, the movie was proceeded by trailers for upcoming Indiewood releases: Lust, Caution, Michael Clayton, The Darjeeling Limited, and Margot at the Wedding. With the exception of Michael Clayton, these are all getting … Continue reading Upcoming Festivals
Bowing to the Inevitable
Last night I settled down in front of my TV, turned on the set and the DVR, and started watching the latest episode of Whatshisname and Roeper. A little way into the first review I stopped it and asked myself "Why am I watching this crap?" I stopped it and deleted the show. I've been … Continue reading Bowing to the Inevitable
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