"Mr. Turner" is a must see - not for great storytelling - but for the stunning beauty of every shot in the film, which is a painting unto its own. This film is truly a piece of art, one that would please the 19th century British painter J.M.W. Turner.

"Mr. Turner" is nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Musical Score. These nominations alone should tell you that "Mr. Turner" is worth the price of admission. But veteran British actor Timothy Spall's performance of the complex, curmudgeonly J.M.W. Turner is top notch and an excellent character study for any inspiring actor. In most years Spall would be nominated for an Oscar for his performance, but this year the Best Actor category is probably the strongest in Oscar history. I am sure Mr. Turner is grunting and groaning over the missed nomination.

The film is written and directed by seven-time Oscar nominee Mike Leigh ("Secrets & Lies," "Vera Drake") who was also omitted from this year's Oscar race, which is another disappointment. Leigh accurately delivers the film through the eyes of Turner. The audience sees what this brilliant artist saw, from just the right sunset to the perfect landscape.
The London Film Critics Circle awarded "Mr. Turner" seven nominations, which was the highest for any film this year. Don't miss this gorgeous piece of art. Every landscape, sunset, seascape and valley in film appears as if the actors are standing in front of a masterpiece painting. "Mr. Turner" is cinematography at its best! What a visual treat to have this quality film at the Orinda Theatre. I can see this film being used in film schools for years to come to analyze brilliance in cinematography.

"Mr. Turner" is rated R for sexual content and has a total running time (TRT) of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 2/13/2015

If you have an appetite for a superior movie, then go see Chef, which starts at the Orinda Theatre on May 30th. Just don’t see it on an empty stomach for the numerous culinary scenes will result in your stomach growling in the theatre Chef is written, directed and stars, John Favaveau. Favaveau knows how to eloquently prepare a film and Hollywood A listers will jump at the chance to be in it. Favaveau’s track record is a direct is the result of this, with Swingers, Elf and the first two Iron Man movies. Chef is filled with A Listers, including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey, John Leguizamo, Sofia Vergara and Oscar Winner, Dustin Hoffman.

Chef Carl Casper is one of the top chefs in Los Angles but the restaurant’s owner Riva, Dustin Hoffman, is suppressing his creative talents. Their conflict comes to head when restaurant critic and blogger, Ramsey Michel, (Oliver Platt, West Wing) plans a visit for his next review. Things do not go as planned for Carl and upon a return visit of Ramsey, Carl finds themselves out of job.

Carl’s ex-wife, Inez, played by Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) has always encouraged Carl to own a food truck to showcase his creative aptitude and grant him total control. Out of desperation, Carl reluctantly agrees. He receives an old beat up taco truck from Inez’s ex, Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.) in Miami. It is the restoration of the food truck and the bonding with Carl’s young son, Percy, portrayed by a very talented actor, Emjay Anthony from the television series, Rake that adds the sweetness to the film, as they journey from Miami back to Los Angeles both teaching each other the most important thing you can give someone – TIME. They are joined on the journey with friend and co-work, Martin portrayed by Golden Globe Nominee, John Leguizamo (To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar).

Chef has all the right ingredients, comedy, solid performances and a sweet tender well-written script. It truly cleanses your palate with a quality movie. Chef is rated R for language and some suggestive references with at TRT (total running time) of 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 6/10/2014

John Wells, is a six time Emmy Award winner who producedand wrote great television shows including ER, The West Wing and Southland, and is the director of August: Osage County,that garnered a 2008 Pulitzer Prize for author Tracy Letts. Letts also wrote the screenplay, which is produced by Hollywood heavyweights, George Clooney and Harvey Weinstein.

This dramedy (Drama / Comedy) revolves around Vi Weston, the pill popping, and f-word using matriarch of a dysfunctional Oklahoma plains family. She is played by the incredible seventeen times Oscar nominee and three time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep. Streep is a true chameleon – from her roles inThe Deer Hunter to last year’s Oscar winner for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. And once again Meryl pulls off magic and will receive her record breaking eighteenthOscar Nomination. A family crisis reunites the Weston family and they all must deal with their deeply divided lives. Oscar Winner Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) delivers what I believe is the best performance of her career, portraying Vi Weston’s bitter and hostile daughter, Barbara. The amazing ensemblealso includes Oscar winner, Chris Cooper (Adaptation); Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!), Margo Martndale (Dead Man Walking), and Oscar Nominees, Sam Shepard (The Right Stuff), Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Golden Globe Nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock). The performances of the entire cast are outstanding.

August: Osage County is bitterly funny in a few scenes but overall it is a dramatic piece. It does feel stagy at times(especially inside the house) and it is Julia Roberts who pulls the scenes back into being a motion picture.

August: Osage County is rated R for language, alcohol and drug use, sexual content and violence.

Posted or revised on: 2/13/2014

The California Independent Film Festival is four weeks away and Independent Films are generating excitement! We are very fortunate to have two beautiful independent movie theaters to showcase the best films from festivals around the world. This week the Orinda Theatre is showing the newest four-star film, "Parkland," the hospital in Dallas, Texas, where President John F. Kennedy was taken after his assassination.
Although millions have seen footage of the shooting, few are familiar with the individuals whose lives were so tragically changed on Nov. 22, 1963. There was the "Zapruder" video, but who was Abraham Zapruder (portrayed in "Parkland" by Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti ("Cinderella Man," "Sideways")? Giamatti always delivers an amazing performance and he makes one feel for this man who carries the burden of shooting a home video that haunts him for the rest of his life. "Parkland" portrays the people (hospital personnel, first responders, FBI, reporters, etc.) who were affected by the assassination.
How about the young resident, Dr. Charles 'Jim' Carrico (Zac Efron), who finds himself thrown into saving the President of the United States, and less than 36 hours later finds himself in the same situation with Lee Harvey Oswald, Kennedy's assassin. It was Nurse Doris Nelson, played by Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden ("Pollock," "The Mist"), who had to deal with the hospital staff, CIA agents, FBI agents, as she was trying to keep it all together.
First time director Peter Landsman (a former journalist) does an excellent job having the audience believe they are with Zapruder filming the motorcade or in the total chaos of the emergency room or on Air Force One. The use of intertwining original footage creates elements of realism and tension as one is drawn into the chaotic environment.
The other cast members are: Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton ("Sling Blade") as secret service agent Forrest Sorrels, Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver ("Silver Linings Playbook") as Marguerite Oswald, mother of Lee Harvey Oswald. While watching the film, I said to myself "she is overacting" but after researching footage of Marguerite Oswald on YouTube, Weaver nailed it! Her performance of Marguerite was dead on. Equally as good was James Badge Dale ("World War Z," "The Lone Ranger") as Robert Oswald, Lee Harvey's brother.
"Parkland" is a movie that makes one realize how one event can change lives forever. "Parkland" can only be seen on this side of the Caldecott Tunnel at the Orinda Theatre. Do not miss this movie. Lamorinda Theatres is grateful to have it here.
Parkland is rated PG-13 with a total running time of 93 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 10/13/2013

Well, little Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the child star who used to play Tommy Solomon on the TV show “3rd Rock From The Sun”, has grown up. He is now playing an adult in adult situation themed movies. And OH BOY is he ever!

“Don Jon” is about a guy named Jon (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who’s life for many, many years has revolved around the same routine – to put this in Jon’s own words - his body (workout), his pad (apartment), his ride (car), his family, his church, his boys (best male friends), his girls (one night stands in bars), and his porn.

But the film was not really about any of those except for his addiction to porn. The movie would have been better if the focus had included more about the other interests listed above, but no, the entire focus is about his porn. He talks about it in narrations to us. He lets us see himself “enjoying” the experience. He gives us comparisons between his experiences in real sex as opposed to his fantasy world of porn.

I attended the film having only seen trailers. The movie looked like it was going to be a comedy. It had the potential to be a very funny situational comedy. There is a dysfunctional family played by Tony Danza (not aging well) and Brie Larson. There is a crazy manipulative girl friend played by Scarlett Johansson. There is road rage. There are lots of elements to make this an entertaining film – but it all fails.

The movie is a repetition of Jon’s daily routine. In the film, we see Jon get up, clean his apartment, go to the gym and workout, go to church and confess his sins, scream at cars while driving, meet his buddies in a club to pick up girls, deal with dinner with his family, and then it all ends in his watching porn. This repeats and repeats in an endless loop. I found myself wondering if I was watching a remake of “Ground Hog Day” gone wrong.

I really like Julianne Moore. I did not think there was anything she could do that would disappoint me. But she has proven me wrong. She is terrible in this film playing Esther, a fellow night school student, who is simply written in as a device to make Jon consider that he may be addicted to porn (which is too obvious to all of us.) I don’t know why Julianne accepted to play this part.

A possible reason this film turned out so badly is because not only did Joseph Gordon-Levitt star in the film, he wrote it and directed it! It was clear that this was a self-centered ego piece.

All I can say is, “Joseph Gordon-Levitt, you owe me 90 minutes of my life back!”

Don Jon is rated R. The film is VERY graphic in its presentation of porn, anonymous sex, pleasuring yourself, and more - too much more! This is a STRONG “R” rating. I would let this be a strong warning to keep impressionable minds away!

The total running time is 90 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 10/12/2013

Woody Allen has had some huge hits and he had has some huge flops. When you hear that another Woody Allen movie is coming out, you may find yourself waiting to see what the reviews look like and hear the critics’ and audiences’ reactions before you decide if you want to go yourself. Well, wait no longer!

This Woody Allen film is a hit.

The scene stealer in this film is Cate Blanchett. She is the strongest reason to see the film. Her performance of Jasmine is nothing short of astounding. When an actress plays such a role of a woman teetering on the edge of insanity, any other actress could have “over done” the performance in the style of Joan Crawford or Bette Davis, but Cate plays it full tilt and keeps the character of Jasmine as a very real and believable character. This will be a performance that will be getting many nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and more.

The actors making up the supporting cast are all perfect too. Sally Hawkins as Jasmine’s sister, Ginger, is “spot on” with her performance. The role called for a strong contrast to Cate’s role and Sally Hawkins did a perfect job. She is venerable, naïve, and very likeable and sympathetic.

Some have compared this film to Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. Going to see the film, I had heard of this comparison so I could see where the over all theme and character situation was similar, but it is not a remake or retelling at all. Enjoy the film for what it is. Knowledge of A Streetcar Named Desire is not necessary or even important for your enjoyment of the experience.

My only complaint about the film would be in how the message of the film comes across so blatantly. Blue Jasmine has many “life lessons” and themes to present to the audience. Some of them hit you over the head a little too much. That is the fault of the script not the actors. Bobby Cannavale’s character as the lover of Ginger named Chili, must say about 10 times in the film – “Look how your sister was never there for you! She was rich and never helped you when she could. Don’t forget that!” It was very obvious the way Cate Blanchett played the role that she defined her relationship with her sister as only needing her when she was in trouble. Hearing the character Chili actually say that in the film over and over was unnecessary and annoying. I wanted to say “Okay! Okay! I got the theme! Stop saying every 10 minutes!”

Blue Jasmine is rated PG-13. This film is for adults for the only reason that it is an adult situation. There is nothing shocking or profane to shelter children from, but they would be bored due to their not relating to the story at all I am sure.

The total running time is 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 8/11/2013

The Sapphires is a soul music Motown style movie that will have the audience tapping their feet throughout this film that is based on a true story that premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

The Sapphires takes place in 1968 when music manager Dave Lovelace played by Irish comedian, Chris O'Dowd, (best known in the US for his role as the love struck cop in Bridesmaids), is looking for the next big music act when he comes across a sister group. After the girls’ transformation into go-go boots Motown-style, the Sapphires are ready to perform on stage.

The only problem is the quick talking, slick Dave can only find them a gig in Vietnam entertaining the US troops.

The Sapphires is Australian director Wayne Blair’s directional debut and he does an admirable job with the subpar script. The singing quartet is mainly comprised of newcomers who perform as veterans of the big screen. Chris O'Dowd shines in this film and the world will see O'Dowd's star power skyrocketing in the years to come.

The Sapphires is rated PG13 and is a very entertaining one hour and 38 minutes.

3 Slates

Posted or revised on: 5/14/2013

If you live long enough you begin to realize that life is always a bed of roses - thorny. "Silver Linings Playbook" addresses real life issues and that is why the movie hits home to so many people. It is an outstanding independent film, which had its world premier at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. "Silver Linings Playbook" is not coated with Hollywood sugar. I use "Argo" as an example: a true story and a great film but did the police really chase the plane on the tarmac? That scene is Hollywood sugar coating.
"Silver Linings Playbook" deals with real life issues as Pat (played by Bradley Cooper, "The Hangover," "Limitless") is released from a mental institution and is dealing with his bipolar disorder. Upon his release Pat finds out his wife, Nikki (played by newcomer Brea Bee) has moved out and filed a restraining order against him. He is assigned to the care of his parents, Pat Sr. portrayed by two-time Oscar-winner Robert DeNiro ("Raging Bull," "The Godfather Part II") and Dolores, Oscar-nominated actress Jacki Weaver ("Animal Kingdom"). Pat Sr. has his own problems as he recently lost his job and is relying on sports gambling to earn money in order to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant. Pat Jr. is his father's "lucky charm" as they attend a Philadelphia Eagles' football game, but it all falls apart like a fumble on the one-yard line. Pat is determined to reconcile with Nikki, but then he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone," "Hunger Games") who is a recovering sex addict. They all come together like a confused "Madden" chalkboard session - or do they? Remember this is real life!
"Silver Linings Playbook" is written and directed by Oscar nominee David O. Russell ("The Fighter"). It is nominated for eight Academy Awards that include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, plus is nominated for all four acting Oscars: Best Actor in a Leading Role, Bradley Cooper; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Jennifer Lawrence; Best Actor in a Supporting Role,

Posted or revised on: 03-10-2013

Everyone who knows me knows that I am big advocate for independent films. I praise any high profile actor who takes a film role for the quality of the script and not for a huge paycheck. A Late Quartet is one of these rare independent film gems, which chose an amazing cast based on the script. A Late Quartet focuses on the relationship of the quartet members as their leader, Peter, played by Oscar winner, Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter) is forced to retire when he learns he has Parkinson’s disease. The other quartet members include Robert, played by Oscar winner, Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote); Juliette, played by two time Oscar nominee, Catherine Keener, (Being John Malkovich, Capote); and Daniel, played by the talented actor, Mark Ivanir (Schindler’s List). Who will take Peter’s position? Daniel and Robert both want the honor and Juliette is caught in the middle for she is married to Robert but feels Daniel is a better musician. If you love classical music, A Late Quartet is a no brainer but this movie is more than just listening to classical music. It has an outstanding screenplay that deals with human behavior, relationships and loyalty – elements that are often missing in Hollywood Blockbuster films. If you want to see more quality independent films at the Rheem and Orinda Theatres everyone needs to support these independent films by seeing them at our community theatres. A Late Quartet is currently playing at the Rheem Theatre and I want to see you there! Don’t miss this quality “little” indie film!

Posted or revised on: 03-02-2013

Hitchcock, starring Oscar Winner Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs), as Alfred Hitchcock, is a movie that will surprise you. It is more about The Master of Suspense’s relationship with his wife, Alma Reville, portrayed by Oscar winner Helen Mirren (The Queen), than his movie making magic. Helen Mirren recently received a well-deserved Golden Globe Nomination in her role as Alma and I am sure an Oscar nod will be forthcoming. For her I had the opportunity to interview the Director, Sacha Gervasi, which will give Lamorinda Weekly readers an inside look at this outstanding independent film.

DZ How does it feel to have directed a film that is already getting Oscar buzz?

SG I am happy to have made a film that I am really proud of in the Hitchcock style. We made it for an audience of people who are going to enjoy the experience.

DZ As a director, how do you pull off a performance from the actors so you don’t see Anthony Hopkins or Helen Mirren on the screen; you see their characters on the screen?

SG It’s all about casting, through the crew and actors. If you are lucky enough to get great actors to agree to work with you, honestly 90% of the job is done. You hire them for the reason that they are good. They are clearly connected to the material and they bring their intelligence, insight and experience to the role. You allow them to do their job. It’s working with them on the material and allowing them to explore things and letting them find the comfort physical position. It’s very much “actor centric”, the way I work which is to allow the actors the find the space and record it.

DZ The audience is going to learn a lot about not only Hitchcock but also his wife Alma and her involvement in his career. Can you elaborate on that?

SG It is a fascinating story that not a lot of people know about. She was instrumental in his career. She was the one who demanded the music in the famous Psycho shower scene. Alfred Hitchcock was determined that there should be no music

Posted or revised on: 03-10-2013

Keep the Lights On starts off in the late 1990s in New York City. Documentary filmmaker Erik Rothman (Thure Lindhardt) meets closeted lawyer Paul Lucy (Zachary Booth) on one sexual encounter. The two experience intense chemistry, leading to a decade-long relationship that evolves from extreme happiness to its eventual demise.

Keep the Lights On is a realistic view of a relationship of our times. This is not your everyday romantic love story with a feel-good script. Instead of starry-eyed characters that are easy to root for, Erik and Paul are complicated personalities who portend a star-crossed future. Sex, addiction, loneliness, and infidelity all become variables in the relationship’s evolution. One of the more heart-rending scenes involves Eric watching Paul being intimate with another man. One can only imagine (or possibly relate with) the complexity of Erik’s emotions at that exact moment.

Although engaging in its 102 minutes of running time, Keep the Lights On is slow-paced. We have become so used to Hollywood scripts that have peaks and valleys all throughout and use melodrama as a hook. Keep the Lights On is a refreshing narrative that is far-removed from formula. In the absence of a climax, its intensity and strength lies in its narrative and non-linear characters.

It just so happens that the movie’s protagonists are gay. However, Keep the Lights On is not necessarily a gay film; it is a study on human behavior and relationships.

Keep the Lights On previously screened at the Berlin International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. It can be seen at the 15th Annual California Independent Film Festival on November 9th 8PM at the Orinda Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at www.CAIFF.org or at the Orinda or Rheem Theatre box office.

Posted or revised on: 03-07-2013

As the old saying goes “Life is stranger than fiction.” Bernie is the proof for this statement, because the film is based on the true story of a murder in the small Texas town of Carthage. I don’t want to give away the plot because I want you to enjoy the many bizarre twists and turns of this story. Jack Black (School of Rock) plays Bernie Tiede, the local assistant in the Carthage funeral home and the most loved resident in town. He is also the person who is involved in everything from singing at the church, directing and performing in the local theater and comforting the locals with any needed support. This is the best performance of Jack Black’s career. It is a stellar performance when an actor makes you forget all his other roles and pulls you into the character. I predict an Oscar nomination for Black! Yes, I said an Oscar nomination for Jack Black!

The film also stars Oscar recipient, Shirley MacLaine, as Marjorie Nugent, the meanest, wealthiest and most hated person in Carthage. A special friendship develops between Marjorie and Bernie and where the friendship goes is as strange as these two people. Matthew McConaughey (Lincoln Lawyer) portrays the local DA, Danny Buck, and his performance is also superb. The movie is written and directed by Texas native, Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused). The film cuts to documentary-style interviews with the local people of Carthage to get their opinions of the true events that changed their small town. These intercuts are effective and enjoyable.

If you are looking for a unique film that will leave you at the end saying “really??” then Bernie is the movie for you, as it is one of the best films so far this year.

Posted or revised on: 03-05-2013

Jeff, is a 30 year old slacker who lives in his mom's (Oscar winner Susan Sarandon – Dead Man Walking) basement. Jeff, Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), is extremely fond of the movie Signs and believes in following them. One early morning, Jeff receives a phone call for Kevin, but there is no one named Kevin who lives in the house. Jeff believes that Kevin is a “sign” that will lead him to his destiny. Who is Kevin and where will Jeff find him? Jeff Who Lives At Home is one of the most creative, clever screenplays in years which will make you laugh out loud, think of your own life and even make you cry. The film is written and directed by the brilliant filmmaking brother team of Jay and Mark Duplass (Cyrus) and is enhanced by the superb ensemble cast of Segel, Sarandon, Ed Helms (The Hangover) and Judy Greer (Love and Other Drugs). Follow this sign and go see Jeff Who Lives At Home!

Posted or revised on: 03-04-2013