Reviews of albums, films, concerts, and more from the Bay Area Music and Movie Nerds
In my last review, I suggested you may want to see a blockbuster like Star Trek: Into Darkness instead of the independent film What Maisie Knew, since it’s a bit of a slog, and not exactly lightweight summer entertainment. This week, however, I have an indie to highly recommend, especially if you are now burned out on big budget Hollywood summer fare: the brilliant low budget Australian film Wish You Were Here. Continue reading “Film Review: Wish You Were Here”
It’s Friday morning, and you’re turning to your significant other saying, “Let’s go to the movies tonight…. What should we see?” You scroll through Fandango or skim through the Chronicle Datebook listings (okay, maybe that’s just me…) and ask, “What about this film about these two flawed people involved in a bitter custody fight over their sweet six- year-old daughter?” Your S.O. is no doubt responding…. “Ummm… how about Star Trek?” Continue reading “Film Review: What Maisie Knew”
Baz Luhrmann’s new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby has been generating buzz for months. Critics, Hollywood insiders, bloggers, and anyone with a pulse have all been asking: Can an Australian director, filming in Australia, with many British and Australian actors, pull off a film of a classic American novel? Will filming in 3D help or hinder the film? Will the film be worth seeing? The short answers are no, no, and no. Continue reading “Film Review: The Great Gatsby”
My final two spotlights from the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF), which ends today. Information and tickets for the day’s final films at: http://festival.sffs.org/
Crystal Fairy
(Chile 2012, 100 min; English and Spanish with English subtitles)
Michael Cera is comically brilliant as Jamie, a know-it-all American seeking a mescaline high in Chile. Chilean director Sebastian Silva contrasts Jamie’s self-absorption and rigidity with fellow American Crystal Fairy (Gaby Hoffman). She’s free-spirited and new-agey, yet endears herself to Jamie and the Chilean brothers travelling with them; watching her conflict with Jamie is terrific fun. Silva’s very funny, sweet picture proves that even the most annoying of us are capable of growth and compassion.
Next showing:
Opens nationwide July 12, 2013. Continue reading “SFIFF Spotlights #5: Crystal Fairy / Cutie and the Boxer”
More spotlights from the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF), which ends this Thursday, May 9th. Tickets for screenings still available at: http://festival.sffs.org/
Fill the Void
(Israel 2012, 90 min; Hebrew with English subtitles)
In this Israeli Film Academy Best Picture winner, director Rama Burshstein takes us inside the Tel Aviv Hassidic community. Shira (Hadas Yaron) is a conflicted young woman under pressure to marry her recently deceased sister’s husband. Hadas Yaron, resembling Greta Gerwig both physically and stylistically, deftly conveys Shira’s uncertainty and vulnerability. At the Q&A I attended, Burshstein called the film a “journey of feeling,” an apt description of this beautiful meditation on commitment and love.
Next showing:
No U.S. release date yet; has been playing film festivals. Continue reading “SFIFF Spotlights #4: Fill the Void / Prince Avalanche / The Way, Way Back”
Our coverage of the 56th Annual San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) continues with a spotlight on three more festival films. Check out the SFIFF website for more info and tickets: http://festival.sffs.org/
Thérèse
(France 2012 105 min; French with English subtitles)
Cast against type, Audrey Tautou suppresses her inner gamine to mope her way through Thérèse as the title character in French director Claude Miller’s final film. “Marriage will save me from the disorder in my head,” melancholy Thérèse says as she marries for status, not love, in 1920s rural France. Rebellious and unhappy, Thérèse makes decisions with serious consequences for her family. Francophiles will relish the lush cinematography, gorgeous period costumes, and Tautou’s muted performance.
Next showing:
Will open in limited release nationwide on August 23, 2013.
Continue reading “SFIFF Spotlights #2: Thérèse / Chaika / Blackfish”
In the vein of Crash, Grand Canyon, and Babel, Disconnect, director Henry-Alex Rubin’s riveting drama that opens today, introduces us to seemingly disparate characters whose stories intersect as the film progresses. Each of the story arcs is a provocative variation on the theme of yes, disconnectedness – both physical and emotional – in today’s increasingly wired, technology-saturated, online world.
starring: Patrick Huard, Julie LeBreton, Antoine Bertrand
screenplay: Ken Scott and Martin Petit
directed by: Ken Scott
MPAA: Rated R for sexual content, language, and some drug material
Language: French, with English subtitles
starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Lily Tomlin, Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn
screenplay: Karen Croner
directed by: Paul Weitz
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for language and some sexual material
starring: Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Jacki Weaver
screenplay: Wentworth Miller
directed by: Chan-wook Park
MPAA: Rated R for disturbing violence and sexual content.