The Jewish Film Festival WinterFest closed only a few days ago, and we already have another Jewish film festival coming up. The East Bay Jewish Film Festival doesn't take place in Oakland or Berkeley, but much farther east, in the more suburban towns of Pleasant Hill and Livermore. I've seen some of the films - … Continue reading The Jewish Film Festival on the other side of the hills
That lousy movie won?! A little bit of Oscar trivia…and some opinions
In a few days, Roma will (hopefully) win the Best Picture Oscar. So, I thought it would be fun to look at the history of the most coveted award in cinema history - even if it really doesn't mean much. Not too long ago, I realized that I'd seen all but five of the current 90 … Continue reading That lousy movie won?! A little bit of Oscar trivia…and some opinions
Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Repulsion, The Woman in the Moon, Hello I Must Be Going, & Out of Africa
Four more movies I've seen for the first time, and only one of them was made before I was born. A Repulsion (1965), Netflix Blu-ray Talk about psychological horror! Catherine Deneuve plays a young woman losing her mind. At first we think she's suffering from depression, but as this early Polanski film unwinds, we realize that … Continue reading Movies I’ve Recently Seen: Repulsion, The Woman in the Moon, Hello I Must Be Going, & Out of Africa
Sammy Davis Jr. had to be himself
A Showbiz documentary Directed by Samuel D. Pollard Sammy Davis, Jr. held the spotlight as an ever-present part of the entertainment world when I was a kid. But until I saw Samuel D. Pollard's documentary, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me, I had never really thought about him and didn't recognize his incredible talent. … Continue reading Sammy Davis Jr. had to be himself
Films by and loved by Jia Zhangke at SFMOMA
Somehow, I either missed or didn't receive notice of SFFILM and SFMOMA's latest Modern Cinema series, which celebrates filmmaker Jia Zhangke. A reader brought it to my attention today (thanks, Frances). Here's a very quick preview of the festival, which opens tonight. Modern Cinema: Jia Zhangke runs through February 24. It will include eleven of … Continue reading Films by and loved by Jia Zhangke at SFMOMA
What’s Screening: February 15 – 21
Note: After I posted this newsletter, a reader brought another film festival, opening tonight, to be attention. I've therefore corrected this article. What's happening in Bay Area theaters this week? Silent comedy, John Huston, Paul Butterfield, and David Bowie. Also two new movies and three four film festivals. Plus, at the Lark and Roxie, it'll be … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 15 – 21
This Holiday isn’t much fun
D- Not really quite a thriller Written by Johanne Algren and Isabella Eklöf Directed by Isabella Eklöf The setup feels like a thriller: A beautiful, spoiled, not-too-bright blonde belongs to a gang of drug dealers, and they're all vacationing on the Turkish Riviera. Will a deal go down badly? Will a rival gang attack? Will … Continue reading This Holiday isn’t much fun
Never Look Away…until the last hour
B- Epic historical drama Written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck This three-hour sweeping tale of art, love, Communism, and Nazis starts out strong. You think you're watching an excellent historical drama about how Nationalist Socialism replaced culture with cruelty. It manages to hold that level of quality for a full hour. The … Continue reading Never Look Away…until the last hour
Movies for Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day isn't an official American holiday. No one gets off with pay for it, yet it's still very popular. Why not? It's all about sex and romantic love. Throughout 2019, I'll be writing articles about holidays and the most appropriate movies to watch on or before those days. And for this holiday, the number … Continue reading Movies for Valentine’s Day
German Expressionism & Marvel Superheroes: How I spent my Sunday
I saw two movies on the big screen Sunday, and they couldn't have been more different. First, at BAMPFA, a late silent noir from Germany. Second, at the United Artists Berkeley 7, a new animated take on Spider-Man. I have to say that Spider-Man was the better movie. Asphalt at the BAMPFA Alas, Louise Brooks … Continue reading German Expressionism & Marvel Superheroes: How I spent my Sunday
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