When Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg collaborate on a project for the first time it is a must see. If they are all on board for the same movie project, the standards are set very high. "The Post" is that movie and it will not disappoint.

Spielberg directs Streep and Hanks in "The Post," a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post's Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive coverup of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. presidents. The two must overcome their differences as they risk their careers - and their very freedom - to help bring long-buried truths to light.

We all know the outcome, but it doesn't matter when a film is perfectly directed and the acting is superb. Streep once again transforms herself into Graham and with Streep's amazing acting ability you do not see the actor on the screen. It is the subtle things that she does with her eyes, facial expression and hands that draw you in. For this role, Streep will receive her 21st Oscar nomination. Tom Hanks gives his best performance since "Cast Away" in 2001. Both Streep and Hanks received Golden Globe nominations for their roles in "The Post." Overall, "The Post" received six Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture, Drama, and Best Director, Steven Spielberg.

The film features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford and Zach Woods.

"The Post" starts at the Orinda Theatre on Friday, Jan. 12. It is rated PG-13 with a total running time of 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 2/10/2018

I know what you are thinking: I know the story and I don't want to see it or hear it again. But you are wrong. "I, Tonya" is a very well-crafted independent film that will make you think differently about Tonya Harding and the infamous attack on Nancy Kerrigan. Trust me on this one.

Based on the unbelievable, but true events, "I, Tonya" is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Featuring an iconic turn by Margot Robbie ("The Wolf of Wall Street," "Goodbye Christopher Robin") as the fiery Harding, a mustachioed Sebastian Stan ("Captain America") as her impetuous ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, a tour-de-force performance from Allison Janney ("West Wing") as her acid-tongued mother, "I, Tonya" is an absurd, irreverent, and piercing portrayal of Harding's life and career in all of its unchecked and checkered glory.

Janney recently won the Golden Globe for her portrayal as Tonya's outrageous, abusive mother and an Oscar will be handed to her in March at the 2018 Oscar ceremony. Allison, a six-time Emmy Award winner, truly transformed herself. Clips of her performance will be used in years to come as one of the most hated characters in cinematic history, right alongside Nurse Ratched and Hannibal Lecter.

The remaining cast also delivers solid performances. You can tell on the screen that they studied every nuance of the notorious characters they are portraying. Margot Robbie received a Golden Globe nomination and most likely will receive an Oscar nod.

"I, Tonya" is directed by Craig Gillespie ("Million Dollar Arm," "The Finest Hour") and is his best directorial film.
Don't let the trailer mislead you. This is a movie you will enjoy and leave the theatre saying, "Wow, I didn't know or remember that."

"I, Tonya" received a R rating by the MPAA for pervasive language, violence, and some sexual content/nudity. It has a total running time of two hours and is now playing at the Orinda Theatre. - Derek Zemrak

Posted or revised on: 2/10/2018

Since 1995, Pixar has been raising the bar of the animated film industry. We have been waiting patiently for their next release and now it is time for "Coco." Once again Pixar has set the animation bar a few notches higher. "Coco" is set in Mexico during the Mexican holiday "Day of the Dead." This is a multiday holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those members who have died, and to help support them on their spiritual journey. "Coco" is a real tear jerker and will pull at your heartstrings as often as Miguel, the lead character, plays the strings on his guitar. There will not be a dry eye when the credits roll. "Coco" does more than just yank at your heartstrings. It's a wonderful adventure, a beautiful story and a stunning piece of art that the entire family will enjoy. In fact, you will be catching yourself singing the songs from the movie afterward.

"Coco" follows 12-year-old Miguel (voiced by newcomer Anthony Gonzalez), the youngest member of a close family that has banned music for generations. Still, Miguel dreams of becoming a musician. After making a questionable decision, he finds himself trapped in the Land of the Dead as a living boy. He gets help from his deceased relatives, a stray dog and some new friends to get himself back to the Land of the Living.

"Coco" has an all-Latino cast including Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia Bernal and Edward James Olmos. Mexican culture takes center stage from the music, to the food, costumes to the vibrant colors present in the Land of the Dead. Coco is the perfect holiday movie, which celebrates the large extended family structure and appreciation of ancestral history for which Latino culture is known.

I would recommend parents of kids under 10 years see the movie before taking your little ones. Some of the Land of the Dead visuals may be too frightening for youngsters. "Coco" is appropriate for older kids, which will expose them to the Latin culture. Also, be prepared to be asked questions about death and dying.

As Miguel states in the movie, "We may have our differences but nothing is more important than family."

"Coco" is rated PG with a total running time of 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Enjoy the start of the holiday season and take the family to see "Coco." You will not be disappointed. Pixar does it again!

Posted or revised on: 2/10/2018

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the most highly anticipated movie in years. Presale tickets have been breaking records all over the world and the secrets around the movie have only increased the excitement for Star Wars fans. The only thing fans know is from the trailers released by Disney, who now owns the rights to Star Wars. Disney purchased LucasFilm for 4 billion dollars in 2012, which included the legendary Star Wars franchise. LucasFilm was 100% owned by George Lucas. Three of the original cast members are reprising their roles, which include Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Mark Hamill, as Luke Skywalker and Harrison Ford as Han Solo. How much are they in the movie? We will all just have to went and see.

The belief synopsis Disney released is “Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his army of Stormtroopers.”

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is directed by J.J. Abrams, may be best known for producing and writing the popular television show “Lost” but his movie directing credits are also very impressive; Mission Impossible III (2006), Star Trek (2009), Super 8 (2011) and Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015). Abrams gave new life to the Star Trek movie franchise and has given moviegoers several exciting films over the past 10 years. As a fan of the Star Wars films, J.J. is the perfect director to revitalize the series that Lucas started in 1977.

So when can you see Star Wars: The Force Awakens? The Orinda Theatre is having an early showing on Thursday Dec. 17 at 7PM. The theatre is expecting a sellout with over 550 tickets sold as of Dec. 10. The lines will be wrapped around Theatre Square so it is recommended that people purchase their tickets online at www.lamorindatheatres.com.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens nationwide on Dec. 18 and is rated PG-13 with a TRT (Total Running Time) of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 1/15/2016

Happy holidays and a very prosperous 2018! The Orinda and Rheem theatres will be busy over the next week and we have something for everyone.

"The Greatest Showman" is now playing at The Rheem. It has received three Golden Globe nominations (Best Motion Picture-Musical, Best Original Song - "This Is Me," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Hugh Jackman). Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, "The Greatest Showman" is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. It is rated PG - suitable for all ages. The total running time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

"The Shape of Water" received seven Golden Globe nominations -- (Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director - Guillermo del Toro, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Drama - Sally Hawkins, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Drama - Richard Jenkins, Best Original Score, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Octavia Spencer and Best Screenplay - Motion Picture). What a treat to have this movie masterpiece showing in the main theatre at The Rheem. "The Shape of Water" is Oscar Nominee Guillermo del Toro's homage to the great Universal monster film from 1954 - "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Set in a 1960s research facility, a mute janitor forms a relationship with an aquatic creature. The creature is played by the "Man of Many Creatures," Doug Jones. Jones has a connection to the Rheem Theatre because he made a video there four years ago to help with the ADA campaign. Also, Jones hosted the very first Sci-Fi Day at the Rheem Theatre in 2015 which ironically screened "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Small world! You can see Doug Jones' signature on the Wall of Fame at the Rheem.

"The Shape of Water" is rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and language with a TRT of 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Looking to laugh your way through the holiday season? Well we have you covered with "Pitch Perfect 3" also playing at the Rheem Theatre. Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition in an overseas USO tour where they face a group that uses both instruments and voices. Who doesn't laugh at the comic talent of Rebel Wilson? She is funny. "Pitch Perfect 3" is rated PG-13 with a TRT of 1 hour 33 minutes.

Enjoy the holiday season with family, friends and movies!

Posted or revised on: 2/10/2018

The weather outside is getting chilly and there is the scent of holidays in the air. It is also a great time to go to the movies in Lamorinda. This is the busiest time of the year for the theatres. There are so many choices heading to the Rheem and Orinda theatres - from Oscar contenders to family films. The following films are a few of my picks for the last half of December.

On Dec. 14, the most anticipated film of the year will be having its premiere screening at the Orinda Theatre at 7 p.m. Yes, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Having taken her first steps into the Jedi world, Rey (Daisy Ridley) joins Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on an adventure with Leia (Carrie Fisher), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Isaac) that will unlock the mysteries as well as the secrets of the past.

You can expect long lines for the opening weekend of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." The film is rated PG-13 with a total running time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Yes, it is the longest running Star Wars movie in its franchise history.

"Ferdinand," the new animated film based on the beloved 1936 children's book, hits theaters nationwide on Friday, Dec. 15. After Ferdinand (John Cena), a bull with a big heart, is mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure.

Adapting a film from a book is never an easy task. The screenplay is very well-written, and the humor is timely. I think it is the funniest children's animated film of the year. Please do not let "Ferdinand" get overshadowed by "Star Wars;" take the time to see both films. "Ferdinand" is rated PG with a total running time of 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Looking for Oscar buzz in your movie watching experience? I recommend "Darkest Hour," which will be at the Orinda Theatre beginning Dec. 22. During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hung on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman), who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight against incredible odds.

Oldman ("Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy") is overdue for an Oscar and I am making an early prediction that he wins Best Actor for his role of Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour." His performance is amazing, and he is truly transformed into Churchill. Do not miss acting at its best.

"Darkest Hour" is rated PG-13 with a total running time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.

See you at the concession stand! - Derek Zemrak

Posted or revised on: 2/10/2018

Cary, 98, the only living silent screen movie star, will be making a rare appearance at the Classic Film Hall of Fame where the documentary "Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room" will be shown along with a few of her short films. Patti Leidecker will be performing the live musical score on the baby grand piano.

One of the silent era's most popular child stars, Baby Peggy was born Margaret ("Peggy Jean") Montgomery on October 26, 1918 in Merced, to a show business family. Her father, Jack Montgomery, was a cowboy and a stuntman in early films, and was the double for cowboy star Tom Mix.

Between 1920 and 1923 Baby Peggy appeared in nearly 150 short films and nine feature films. When Peggy was three the Century Film Corporation signed her to appear in their shorts and feature films, although she was occasionally loaned out for other productions, such as "Penrod" and "Fools First" (both 1922), or to Universal in the successful feature "The Darling of New York" (1923). Baby Peggy was the silent star precursor to sound era child star Shirley Temple of the 1930s. Peggy made the first film version of "Captain January" in 1924, and Shirley appeared in the remake a decade later. Many of Baby Peggy's popular comedies were parodies of movies in which she imaginatively imitated famous screen actresses Mary Pickford and Pola Negri. After the advent of sound, Peggy appeared in smaller roles during the 1930s, and retired from the screen in 1939. She earned several million dollars in her short career.

According to an article published in the 1923 edition of "The Blue Book of the Screen," Peggy celebrated her fourth birthday by purchasing a new home in Beverly Hills, where Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Charles Chaplin and others lived at the time.

Baby Peggy, who is known today as Diana Serra Cary, is a grandmother, silent film historian and respected author of several books about Hollywood including "Hollywood Posse" and "Whatever Happened to Baby Peggy?"

The local community can pay tribute to a living legend, Diana "Baby Peggy" Serra Cary.

Admission: $10 for California International Film Festival members and $15 for non-CAIFF members.

Posted or revised on: 4/16/2017

"Lion" may be the most overlooked movie of 2016. It recently received six Oscar Nominations, including Best Picture but not many people have seen this amazing film. "Lion" is a long-shot at winning the Oscar for Best Picture but I would say it is the front-runner to win Best Cinematography. The opening scenes draw you into this true story and set the emotional roller coaster ride.

A 5-year-old boy, Saroo gets lost on a train in India and then travels miles across India away from his family. The young child lives alone and survives on the streets of Kolkata. Saroo is fortunate to be adopted by an Australian couple and they provide him a loving home. Twenty-five years later, through the use of Google Earth, Saroo uses the few memories he possesses to search for his lost family. Can contemporary technology and countless determination allow him to achieve his goal and reunite with his birth family?

Dev Patel (Saroo) and Nicole Kidman (Sue Brierley, his adopted mother) both deserve their Best Supporting Actor nominations. You will recognize Patel from the 2008 Oscar-winning film, "Slumdog Millionaire," which won eight Oscars in 2008. Patel's performance is as solid as Kidman's but in this year's Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories they have some tough competition with Viola Davis ("Fences") and Mahershala Ali ("Moonlight"), who are the front-runners.

The film has a TRT (Total Running Time) of 1 hour and 58 minutes and is rated PG-13, for thematic material and some sensuality.

Posted or revised on: 4/16/2017

The Orinda theater is a the beloved landmark that signals Orinda as much as the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris, and to celebrate in style, Derek Zemrak and Leonard Pirkle, owners of the theater, are offering the community a party to remember, with a ticket price of 50 cents, just like 75 years ago!

Zemrak and Pirkle love a good show, on the silver screen or live, and they are making sure that everything on that evening will feel 1941. "Our purpose is to create something unique where everyone can come, step back in time and celebrate this beautiful art deco icon," says Zemrak.
Some research to recreate the real opening night was made considerably easier by Ann O'Connell-Nye, a woman who's been part of the efforts to save the theater from destruction in the '80s and has collected significant historical information about the theater.

The Orinda Theater was built by Donald Rheem. With his brother, he had started a galvanizing company in 1925 in Oakland; he was the son of William S. Rheem, President of Standard Oil Company, and friend of William Randolph Hearst. He was also a developer and in 1937, he bought land at the Orinda Crossroads. A movie buff, he started the construction of the Orinda Theater that opened on Dec. 29, 1941, 22 days after Pearl Harbor. At the time, there was nothing there, besides the building across the road where the restaurant Casa Orinda moved a few months after the theater opened. Other retail was developed around the theater and in January 1982 then owner Clark Wallace proposed to demolish the theater to build a shopping center; the owner closed it pending approval.

The Friends of the Orinda Theater formed to preserve the city landmark and several years of fight between the developer and the Friends concluded in a compromise that included the creation of Theater Square and the preservation of the historic site. It reopened in 1989. It has operated continuously since, and quite successfully now according Zemrak.

People today are able to enjoy the original decor that was commissioned by Rheem. The original murals representing "air, fire, water and earth" were by Anthony Heinsbergen, a famous muralist who created both the heroic murals that decorate the theater walls and the ceiling of the foyer. These murals were part of the 1972-74 Smithsonian traveling exhibition of Heinsbergen's works, and they were one of the reason the theater became part of the National Registry of Historic Places in 1982. The State of California's declaration of the theater as a classic example of art modern style led the preservation of the building. It has not yet been designated an Orinda historic landmark.

Zemrak and his team will present that night a very similar program to the one that was offered on the first night: the main feature film was the then new George Marshal's movie "Texas" with William Holden, Glenn Ford and Claire Trevor. "Texas" is a good Western movie, action packed, with humor at times, with Holden and Ford still in the early years of their stardom. In 1941, an evening at the movie was more than the main feature, and the 2016 version will also have more to offer: the newsreel of the time, the shorts, a ventriloquist - just like Paul Winchell 75 years ago, and Zemrak has also invited an opera singer to be a part of the fun.

In the lobby elements of O'Connell-Nye's historical collection will be on display for those interested to learn more, usherettes in period costumes will add to the festive atmosphere, and patrons are encouraged to also come in 40s attire. "At the time the tickets were 40 and 45 cents," says Zemrak. "We made it 50 cents to make it simple." Tickets can be purchased at the theater or online. Local sponsors can support the event with a "$75-for-75-years" donation.

Posted or revised on: 4/16/2017

"The Sense of an Ending," from CBS Films, has a true independent film feel and storyline. In fact, director, Ritesh Batra ("The Lunchbox") recently won the "Directors to Watch" Award at the January Palm Springs International Film Festival.

This film deals with a past that returns to haunt the present. This time, Tom Webster, portrayed by the exceptional actor Jim Broadbent ("Gangs of New York," "Moulin Rouge!") lives a quiet life working at a vintage camera store until one day when he receives a knock at the door. The past has returned to face Tom but is he ready to relive his college years with a tragedy he has suppressed since the 1960s? You may also remember Broadbent for the 2013 Opening Night Film, "Le Weekend" at the California Independent Film Festival.

Director Batra does an excellent job taking the audience from present day to the 1960s. The story, which was adapted from the 2011 Booker Award-winning novel by Julian Barnes, is compelling and first time feature film screenwriter Nick Payne delivers a solid script in a complex story. One line in the movie is "I'm a great believer in time's revenge." This is all that needs to be said.

"The Sense of an Ending" is one of those movies that one should not reveal too much about and let the moviegoer enjoy the experience. It has a PG-13 rating due to adult subject matter, violence, some strong language and sexuality. The TRT (total running time) is one hour and 48 minutes.

Posted or revised on: 4/16/2017