In this random selection of four movies, we find three very good films that came out this year (not on the big screen, of course). There's also a mediocre movie nearly 90 years old. A The Social Dilemma (2020) This documentary/fiction hybrid shows us at least one reason why society is in such a mess. Top … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: The Social Dilemma, Coastal Elites, My Octopus Teacher, & Blonde Crazy
The Artist’s Wife: As the mind slowly recedes
A Family drama Written by Tom Dolby, Nicole Brending and Abdi Nazemian; from a story by Tom Dolby Directed by Tom Dolby Alzheimer's hurts not only the initial victim, but perhaps even more so those close to the person with the disease. It's the friends and family members who must watch a loved one's mind … Continue reading The Artist’s Wife: As the mind slowly recedes
In Bay Area Virtual Cinema: September 11 – 17
This week in Bay Area virtual cinema: A celebration of 1962 (and I don't mean American Graffiti), rockin' Jimmy Carter, unions Bangladesh-style, and a return to burning Paradise. Virtual Festivals SF DocFest continues through this week and beyond. Read my preview. Special online events Cinema '62: The Greatest Year At the Movies, Rafael, Thursday, 7:30 … Continue reading In Bay Area Virtual Cinema: September 11 – 17
Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
I haven't gone out much lately. One activity I can do at home is to watch a favorite movie with a commentary track. There's something special about watching a beloved film once again while someone tells you interesting facts about it. I recommend the experience. (I suppose I shouldn't even have to say this, but … Continue reading Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
How Jimmy Carter Rocked the White House
B Political & musical documentaryDirected by Mary Wharton Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President. It's a ridiculous title for a political documentary, and yet it's appropriate. This extremely flattering portrait of the 39th President spends most of its time covering Carter's love of music. But melody isn't what we think of when we consider Carter. We … Continue reading How Jimmy Carter Rocked the White House
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Marshall, The Love Parade, Bombshell, Critical Thinking
Four more movies I've seen for the first time - and nobody asked me to review them. There's not much range in quality this time; the movies go from B+ to B. Three of the films are based on actual events. The fourth couldn't possibly happen in the real world. B+ Marshall (2017) The late … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Marshall, The Love Parade, Bombshell, Critical Thinking
In Bay Area Virtual Cinema & Drive-ins: September 4 – 10
What's available this week? An ugly dog ruins a family. Shrek and Chadwick Boseman go to the drive-in. Norma Rae Bangladesh-style. A Scandinavian vampire. Two music documentaries - one starring Jimmy Carter. Virtual Festivals SF DocFest continues through the week and beyond. Read my preview. Bay Area theaters with virtual cinema Balboa BAMPFA Cerrito Elmwood … Continue reading In Bay Area Virtual Cinema & Drive-ins: September 4 – 10
Classic Cinema on HBO Max
Most people associate HBO with made-for-television series like Last Week Tonight and Axios. Or maybe even classics like The Wire. But the cable giant also offers a massive collection of classic cinema worth looking at. The collection goes back to the silent era, all around the world, and contains 21st-century Hollywood flicks. Counting them all … Continue reading Classic Cinema on HBO Max
Little-known movies worth watching
A lot of wonderful movies pop into theaters for a week or two, and then they disappear. Here are five excellent films that far too few people saw. I gave them all of them an A when I reviewed them. I'm listing them by date. I decided to skip documentaries. Maudie (2016) Here's a love story, … Continue reading Little-known movies worth watching
In Bay Area Virtual Cinema: August 28 – September 3
Feeling nostalgic? This week through Bay Area movie theaters, you can enjoy American Graffiti, the original Ghostbusters, Grease, Airplane! (maybe), and some serious cinema. Virtual Festivals SF DocFest opens Thursday. Read my preview. Bay Area theaters with virtual cinema Balboa BAMPFA Cerrito Elmwood Lark New Mission Rafael Roxie Vogue Special online events B+ American Graffiti, … Continue reading In Bay Area Virtual Cinema: August 28 – September 3
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