Reviews of albums, films, concerts, and more from the Bay Area Music and Movie Nerds
starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, Guy Pearce
written by: Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof
directed by: Ridley Scott
MPAA: Rated R for sci-fi violence including some intense images, and brief language
starring: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Bill Paxton, Michael Angarano
written by: Lem Dobbs
directed by: Steven Soderbergh
MPAA: Rated R for some violence
In the several months since its premiere on the film festival circuit, Shame has quickly become one of the most talked-about films of the year. While this is certainly due in part to prurient interest in its more lurid aspects – its nudity and sexuality were deemed explicit enough to warrant the dreaded NC-17 rating from the MPAA – it is also because of universally ecstatic reviews for the brutally fearless performances of stars Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan, as well as the hauntingly artful direction of today’s exclusive interview subject, Steve McQueen.
Continue reading “Spinning Platters Interview: Steve McQueen on “Shame””
The Mill Valley Film Festival, one of the Bay Area’s most esteemed and prestigious film events, is returning for its 34th installment October 6-16. The MVFF has come to represent the first opportunity for Bay Area film buffs to check out festival favorites from the likes of Toronto, Venice, and Telluride before their theatrical releases, not to mention a chance to mingle with the talent; expected guests this year include Glenn Close, Martin Donovan, Luc Besson, Michelle Yeoh, Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, and Ezra Miller. Last year’s festival featured the likes of 127 Hours, Blue Valentine, and eventual Best Picture winner The King’s Speech. Look after the jump for the top 12 films to check out this year.
Continue reading “The Spinning Platters Guide to the 34th Mill Valley Film Festival”
starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, January Jones, Kevin Bacon, Lucas Till, Caleb Landry Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Oliver Platt, Jason Flemyng, Alex Gonzalez
written by: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman, and Matthew Vaughn
directed by: Matthew Vaughn
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity, and language.
starring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, Imogen Poots, Valentina Cervi
written by: Moira Buffini (screenplay), Charlotte Brontë (novel)
directed by: Cary Fukunaga
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content.