Here's my first set of capsule movie reviews of films playing at this year's Mill Valley Film Festival. Some of these capsules are unusually short; the festival requires many of the films to be reviewed in 50 words or less. You'll probably guess which ones. A- Like a Rolling Stone: The Life & Times of … Continue reading Mill Valley Film Fest: Preview 1
On the 29th, we celebrate silents
September 29 is the first National Silent Movie Day, when we celebrate the years when movies didn't have soundtracks. To celebrate the day, watch silent films, read about their history, and marvel at the glorious restorations of hundred-year-old films. This is not a Bay Area thing. As the name tells us, it's national. However, since … Continue reading On the 29th, we celebrate silents
The Mill Valley Film Festival is coming!
You may have noticed that I haven't written anything about The Mill Valley Film Festival, yet. I've been busy. So, let's start. Before I get into the movies, let's answer the big question: Do you really want to go to an indoor film festival during a pandemic? I admit I'm a bit squeamish about it … Continue reading The Mill Valley Film Festival is coming!
What’s Screening: September 17 – 23
What's happening in Bay Area cinema? Four theaters are opening up! We've also got a documentary about a little-known but important activist. There's found footage at the BAMPFA. And you can see Citizen Kane in a big, indoor theater. You can also see Putney Swope or The Force Awakens on big screens. And one more … Continue reading What’s Screening: September 17 – 23
My Name Is Pauli Murray
B Historical documentary Directed by Julie Cohen & Betsy West I hadn't even heard of Pauli Murray until very recently. Either I'm the only person who missed one of the most important people of 20th-century America, or almost everyone else has missed her, too. Either way, documentarians Julie Cohen and Betsy West are trying to … Continue reading My Name Is Pauli Murray
What’s Screening: September 10 – 16
What's happening this week in Bay Area cinema? We've got three new movies coming to theaters: one about a budding drag queen, another about America's doctor, and finally an environmental activist who seriously talks to elves. You can also find out what happens when David Byrne mixes up with Spike Lee. Festivals & Series The … Continue reading What’s Screening: September 10 – 16
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
B+ Musical comedy Written by Tom MacRae & Dan Gillespie Sells Jonathan Butterell Have you noticed that with Hamilton, In the Heights, The Prom (unfortunately overlooked), and Spielberg's upcoming remake of West Side Story, musicals seem to be a thing, again. Now we've got another one, this time from Britain, and if it's no masterpiece, … Continue reading Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Fauci by Fauci
B+ Documentary Directed by John Hoffman & Janet Tobias Warning: The first few minutes of Fauci, a generally optimistic documentary contains the voice and face of Tucker Carson, along with similar TV clowns. Your blood pressure may go up while people tell us that Anthony Fauci's head belongs on a spike. But this torture is … Continue reading Fauci by Fauci
What’s Screening: September 3 – 9
Since the pandemic shut down theaters, there has been little or no screenings of classic films in real movie theaters. That's why the Cerrito's opening festival seemed so wonderful last May. But now, we're getting more classics on the big screen, thanks to the Balboa, the Roxie, and the Vogue. Festivals & Series The Rose … Continue reading What’s Screening: September 3 – 9
Good movies suddenly available on Criterion
The Criterion Channel added a lot of good movies at the beginning of September. Here are some of the best: Most of these are part of one of more collections – mostly New York Stories. A+ The Crowd (1928), part of the series New York Stories Of all the films in my All-Time Great Films … Continue reading Good movies suddenly available on Criterion
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