What's going on this week in Bay Area cinema? Two overlooked classics free (to members of BAMPFA). A couple of virtual revivals, and some really good movies at the drive-in. Also, two film festivals. Festivals SF Indiefest continues through the week and beyond. Read my preview. SF Urban Film Fest opens Sunday Special online events … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 12 – 18
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Harnessed the Wind | The New World | Promising Young Woman | Yentl | Dishonored
Here are five movies I saw recently; four for the first time. The other I watched before I started writing about every film I saw. A The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) What a powerful story! A small, African village is on the brink of death. The lack of water, caused in part by government … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Harnessed the Wind | The New World | Promising Young Woman | Yentl | Dishonored
Show Me What You Got – especially down below
B- Romantic drama Written by Svetlana Cvetko and David Scott Smith Directed by Svetlana Cvetko It's hard to watch this film without thinking about François Truffaut's 1962 masterpiece Jules and Jim. Both movies are about two men, very close friends, and the woman they both love. She also loves both of them. The men are … Continue reading Show Me What You Got – especially down below
And the Golden Globe nominees are…
Last week, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced the Golden Globe nominees. Filmmakers vote for the Oscars, international critics vote for the Globes. What makes the Globe more interesting than the Oscars? They happen first. So, let's look at some of the nominees: Best Motion Picture - Drama I've seen and liked four of … Continue reading And the Golden Globe nominees are…
What to see at SF Indiefest (virtual, of course)
SF Indiefest is sort of like the Mill Valley Film Festival, except that none of these films will ever be nominated for Best Picture. Few stars will walk down the red carpet. SF Indiefest focuses on films that will almost certainly not become famous. This festival opened last Thursday. Sorry about that. I've been busy. … Continue reading What to see at SF Indiefest (virtual, of course)
What’s Screening: February 5 – 11
This week in Bay Area movie watching (we can't really call it moviegoing): We have talks about Charlie Chaplin, screenwriting, and Harold and Maude. There's also an excellent documentary on M.C. Escher and some classics to watch at home or at the drive-in (if you can find a parking space). Also, two festivals going on … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 5 – 11
The Mimic can’t copy a good movie
C- Comedy Written and directed by Thomas F. Mazziotti Red Square Pictures advertises this new movie as a comedy. That kind of makes sense. It's not realistic enough to be a drama. It has no suspense or thrills. Jaunty background music reminds you to laugh. And although it is "Based on a true story," it's … Continue reading The Mimic can’t copy a good movie
Bringing life to M.C. Escher
A Documentary Directed by Robin Lutz The big shock in Robin Lutz's documentary, M.C. ESCHER: Journey to Infinity, comes early. The creator of so many mind-bending woodcuts didn't consider himself an artist. When rock star Graham Nash told the creator of all those mind-bending images that he was an artist, Escher refused the label and … Continue reading Bringing life to M.C. Escher
What’s Screening: Jan 29 – Feb 4
This week in mostly virtual Bay Area moviegoing: Listen to reviewers about reviewing, discuss Casablanca with the Thrillville crowd, restore home movies, catch films about autism and striking workers, along with three enjoyable entertainments at the drive-in. Also, three film festivals. Festivals For Your Consideration continues through the week and beyond SF Indiefest opens Thursday … Continue reading What’s Screening: Jan 29 – Feb 4
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Hillbilly Elegy | Barefoot in the Park | Mystery of the Wax Museum | The Kid from Spain
As usual, I'm listing the films from best to worst, but something strange happened. The older the films got, the worst they got. As a lover of classic cinema, that feels strange. A Hillbilly Elegy (2020) This powerful drama isn't really about hillbillies. They're more like ex-hillbillies. The extremely messed-up family at the center of … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Hillbilly Elegy | Barefoot in the Park | Mystery of the Wax Museum | The Kid from Spain
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