This week in pandemic movie watching, we have a talk with Charlie Chaplin's son and two new films in actual theaters. What's more, Coppola, Coogler, Spielberg, and Leone just might entice you to the drive-in. And we even have a virtual festival. Festivals Berlin & Beyond in Focus opened yesterday and closes Saturday Special online … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 20 – 26
The Last Vermeer: Hunting Nazis as escapist entertainment
B+ Historical mystery Written by James Mcgee, Mark Fergus, & Hawk Ostby, from the book The Man Who Made Vermeers by Jonathan Lopez Directed by Dan Friedkin Art, fame, and Nazis make a potent mix in this story set in the Netherlands immediately after the fall of the Third Reich. The new government is publicly … Continue reading The Last Vermeer: Hunting Nazis as escapist entertainment
Collective – interesting story/boring movie
B- Documentary Directed by Alexander Nanau My press release calls this Romanian film a "docu-thriller." It's certainly a documentary, but it's not very thrilling. You won't be sitting at the edge of your seat. It's difficult to care about the protagonists because we never really know anything about them except for their work. Catalin Tolontan, … Continue reading Collective – interesting story/boring movie
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: In the Heat of the Night, Shampoo, The Great Train Robbery, & a lot more
I've recently been revisiting movies I liked long ago, which is probably why I'm giving so many good grades out this time around. But there's a real stinker in the collection, as well. A- In the Heat of the Night (1967) The Best Picture winner of 1967 is one really good noir. You already know … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: In the Heat of the Night, Shampoo, The Great Train Robbery, & a lot more
What’s Screening: November 13 – 19
A few hardtop theaters are opening up, but despite all the precautions they're taking, I'm still not ready to visit one. But a lot of fine films are playing in makeshift drive-ins. Festivals The Napa Valley Film Festival closes Sunday So does the Transgender Film Festival New films opening B The Climb, in real movie … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 13 – 19
The Climb: Biographical Fiction
B Drama Written by Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin Directed by Michael Angelo Covino Consider these credits: Directed by Michael Angelo Covino. Written by Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin. Michael Angelo Covino stars as Mike. Kyle Marvin stars as Kyle. Do you get the feeling that the picture just might be a bit autobiographical? … Continue reading The Climb: Biographical Fiction
What’s Screening: November 6 – 12
Take a look at the Alameda website. It's sure proof that movie theaters are slowly, tentatively, opening up - mostly following the CinemaSafe guidelines. You must decide for yourself whether doing so is safe. I'm still skeptical, but I'll continue listing films playing in theaters. This week you can talk to other cinephiles about The … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 6 – 12
Free movies from Kino Now
Kino Lorber celebrates its streaming service, Kino Now, with the Kino Now Anniversary Binge. Eight classic and new films will stream for free until November 15. Unlike the Criterion Channel, Kino Now is a pay-per-view service. There are no subscription fees, but you must pay for each movie you watch. Unless, of course, you want … Continue reading Free movies from Kino Now
Movie theaters are opening, but should they?
Last year I wrote an article about the joys of seeing a movie theatrically. It's so much better than watching one at home. In theory, I still believe it. I would love to sit down in a crowded cinema, get close to the giant screen, and share an emotional experience with hundreds of happy strangers. … Continue reading Movie theaters are opening, but should they?
What’s Screening: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5
What's screening this week in the Bay Area? You can talk about Halloween (the movie), learn about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, revisit a Fellini classic, and plenty of drive-in options. But no film festivals. Special online events B+ Thrillville Movie Club: Halloween, New Parkway, discussion Saturday, 3:00 The event: Watch the movie before Saturday afternoon. Then, … Continue reading What’s Screening: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5
Bayflicks 