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Now Playing at the California Theatre
and Piedmont Theatre
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Just as New York City was the backdrop in Woody Allen's Manhattan,
the stunning city of Barcelona is the setting for the writer/director's look
at the romantic adventures of Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett
Johansson). These two young American women spend a summer in Spain, where
they meet a flamboyant artist (Javier Bardem, Academy Award winner for No
Country for Old Men) and his beautiful but insane ex-wife (Penélope
Cruz). Vicky is straight-laced and about to be married. Cristina is a sexually
adventurous free spirit. When they all become amorously entangled, the results
can only be described as chaotic. Co-starring Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn
and Chris Messina. Official
Web Site Mick LaSalle's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
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Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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One of those legendary train trips that people used to dream about taking,
the Trans-Siberian Express has probably seen better days. Roy (Woody Harrelson)
and Jessie (Emily Mortimer) are the perfect American couple traveling from
Beijing to Moscow on this legendary express train. The two strike a bond with
another couple, Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby (Kate Mara), with whom they
quickly form that tenuous bond that often unites fellow travelers away from
home. When Roy gets separated from the train at a stopover, Jessie begins
to realize that their compatriots are not exactly as they appear. Unwittingly,
Roy and Jessie are caught in a web of drug trafficking and murderous deceit
when all four become targets of ex-KGB detective Grinko's (Ben Kingsley) investigation.
Directed and co-written by Brad Anderson (The Machinist). Official
Web Site Ruthe Stein's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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Wilson (Scoot McNairy) is 29 years old and has just had the worst year of
his life. He is new to Los Angeles, has no date, no concrete plans and every
intention of locking the doors and forgetting the last year ever happened.
That is until his best friend, Jacob (Brian McGuire), browbeats him into posting
a personal ad on Craig's List. When Vivian (Sara Simmonds), a strong-willed
woman hell-bent on being with the right guy at the stroke of midnight responds,
a chaotic, hilarious, and touching journey through the black and white streets
of L.A. begins. In the waning hours of the year, emotional vulnerability and
bitterly honest humor are waiting around every corner. Written and directed
by Alex Holdridge. Official
Web Site Walter Addiego's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
Must End Thursday, August 21!
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As one of the "Hollywood Ten"—film professionals who refused to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee and were subsequently imprisoned—screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (Roman Holiday, The Brave One, Spartacus, Exodus) made a heroic journey from Hollywood royalty to blacklisted writer to Academy Award winner. Against the backdrop of tremendous political unrest, we are given an emotional and at times humorous account of how this turmoil affected one of Hollywood's most prolific writers. Director Peter Askin's documentary features brilliant readings of Trumbo's extraordinary letters (performed by Joan Allen, Brian Dennehy, Michael Douglas, Paul Giamatti, Nathan Lane, Josh Lucas, Liam Neeson, David Strathairn and Donald Sutherland), interlaced with interviews, home movies and excerpts from his films. Written by Christopher Trumbo (Dalton's son), based on his play. Official Web Site Director Peter Askin on Trumbo's prophetic words Ruthe Stein's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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Filmed in sub-zero weather in upstate New York, writer/director Courtney
Hunt's award-winning debut feature is set in a real-life smuggling zone on
a Native American reservation between New York State and Quebec, where the
lure of fast money presents a daily challenge to single moms who would otherwise
be making minimum wage. Strapped for money and having been deserted by her
husband, working class Ray (Melissa Leo) reluctantly teams up with Lila (Misty
Upham), a widowed Mohawk Indian, to smuggle illegal immigrants across the
frozen St. Lawrence River from Canada to the U.S. in the trunk of a Dodge
Spirit. Both women swear each trip will be their last, but one final run across
the river leads to a showdown with the law on all sides. Grand Jury Prize
winner at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Official Web Site |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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On August 7, 1974 a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a
wire illegally rigged between New York's Twin Towers, then the world's tallest
buildings. After nearly an hour dancing on the wire, he was arrested, taken
for psychological evaluation and brought to jail. Petit spent eight months
in New York planning the execution of the coup. Aided by a team of friends
and accomplices, he had to find a way to bypass the World Trade Center's security; smuggle
the heavy steel cable and rigging equipment into the towers; pass the wire
between the two rooftops; anchor the wire and tension it to withstand the
winds and the swaying of the buildings. The rigging was done by night in complete
secrecy. At 7:15 AM, Philippe took his first step on the high wire 1,350 feet
above the sidewalks of Manhattan. James Marsh's documentary brings Petit's
extraordinary adventure to life through the testimony of Philippe himself,
and some of the co-conspirators who helped him create the unique and magnificent
spectacle that became known as "the artistic crime of the century."
Music by Michael Nyman. Official
Web Site Reyhan Harmanci's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the California Theatre
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There are certain unforgettable moments in history when America has triumphed
against long odds and proved itself to the world: Neil Armstrong setting foot
on the moon; the U.S. Men's Hockey team beating the Soviet Union in the 1980
Olympics. But one such moment has never received the recognition it deserves:
In 1976, a small American winery sent shock waves through the industry by
besting the exalted French wines in a blind tasting, putting California wines
on the map for good. Novice vintner Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) risked everything
to realize his dream of creating the perfect hand-crafted California Chardonnay.
Meanwhile in Paris, struggling wine seller Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman)
came up with an idea for a publicity stunt to help his floundering shop. Little
did Spurrier and Barrett realize they were about to change the history of
wine forever. A dramatic comedy directed by Randall Miller (Marilyn Hotchkiss
Ballroom Dancing & Charm School), co-starring Chris Pine, Rachael
Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez, Eliza Dushku and Dennis Farina. Official
Web Site Director Randall Miller is drawn to stories of passion and risk |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
Must End Thursday, August 21!
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A powerful coming-of-age drama that raises difficult questions about the
morals of our times. Andrew Garfield (Evening Standard and Critics' Circle
theatre awards winner) stars as Jack. His involvement in a disturbing crime
means Jack, at 24, has spent most of his young life in juvenile prisons. Released
from prison into an unrecognizable adult world, Jack is given a new name,
new job, new home; a new life. But anonymity is both a blessing and a curse
as Jack has to contend with not being able to tell the people he gets to know,
and love, of his true past. Co-starring acclaimed actor and director Peter
Mullan as Terry, Jack's case worker and the only person he can really trust.
Based on the award-winning novel by Jonathan Trigell, adapted for the screen
by writer Mark O'Rowe. Directed by John Crowley (Intermission). Official
Web Site Ruthe Stein's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel reunite as
lifelong best friends in the story of four young women who share an unbreakable
bond through the unpredictable events of their lives. This sequel catches
up with Tibby, Carmen, Bridget and Lena in the months following their first
year of college. Having been apart all year, their plans for the summer will
take them even further along separate paths as each experiences the freedom,
love, choices and challenging life lessons that mark their individual journeys
toward adulthood. Finding a way to share their experiences as they always
have, with heart and humor, they will come to value more than ever the immeasurable
power of their friendship. Based on Ann Brashares' best-selling series of
novels. Directed by Sanaa Hamri (Something New). Official
Web Site Ruthe Stein's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the Albany Twin
and Piedmont Theatre
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Evelyn Waugh’s heartbreaking romantic epic tells an evocative story
of forbidden love and the loss of innocence in the pre-WWII era. Charles Ryder
(Matthew Goode) becomes entranced with the noble Marchmain family, first through
the charming and provocative Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw), and then his sophisticated
sister, Julia (Hayley Atwell). The rise and fall of Charles’ infatuations
reflect the decline of a decadent era in England between the wars. Co-starring
Michael Gambon, Greta Scacchi and Emma Thompson as Lady Marchmain. Directed
by Julian Jarrold (Becoming Jane). Official Web Site |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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This heartbreaking and hilarious Sundance Film Festival hit follows the lives
of four real teenagers—a jock, the popular girl, the artsy girl and the geek—in
one small town in Indiana through their senior year of high school. We see
the insecurities, the cliques, the jealousies, the first loves and heartbreaks,
and the struggle to make profound decisions about the future. With extraordinary
intimacy and a great deal of humor, the film captures the pressures of growing
up—pressures that come from one's peers, one's parents, and not least,
oneself. Filming daily for ten months, filmmaker Nanette Burstein (On the
Ropes, The Kid Stays in the Picture) developed a deep understanding of
her subjects. The result is a film that goes beyond the enduring stereotypes
of high school to render complex young people trying to find their way into
adulthood. Official
Web Site Mick LaSalle's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Now Playing at the Shattuck Cinemas
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| It's the summer of 1994, and the streets of New York are pulsing with hip-hop and wafting with the sweet aroma of marijuana—but change is in the air. The newly inaugurated mayor, Rudy Giuliani, is beginning to implement his anti-fun initiatives against "crimes" like noisy portable radios, graffiti and public drunkenness. Set against this backdrop, Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck) spends his last summer before college selling dope throughout New York City, trading it with his shrink (Ben Kingsley) for therapy, while crushing on his step-daughter (Olivia Thirlby). Famke Janssen, Mary Kate Olsen, and Method Man round out the cast in this edgy, bittersweet and funny coming-of-age story. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by Jonathan Levine. Official Web Site |
Now Playing at the California Theatre
and Piedmont Theatre
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| An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna (Meryl Streep) is about to let go of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best friends—practical and no-nonsense Rosie (Julie Walters) and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski). But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs, from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," this feature-film adaptation of the beloved stage musical is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. Co-starring Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård and Dominic Cooper. Official Web Site |
Now Playing at the Albany Twin
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Pediatrician Alexandre Beck (François Cluzet), devastated since his
wife Margot (Marie-Josée Croze) was savagely murdered in the early
days of their marriage eight years earlier, receives an anonymous email. When
he clicks on the link indicated, he sees a woman's face standing in a crowd
and being filmed in real time. It's Margot's face….Is she still alive?
And why does she instruct him to "tell no one"? Alex barely even
has time to raise the lid on this Pandora's box before the police reopen the
case, determined that Alex will take the rap for murder. Based on Harlan Coben's
international bestselling thriller. Winner of 2007 César Awards for
Best Director (Guillaume Canet) and Best Actor. Official
Web Site Reyhan Harmanci's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
Starts Friday, August 22 at the Albany Twin
and Piedmont Theatre
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Driven by Isabel Coixet’s visually assured and deeply observant direction,
Elegy charts the passionate relationship between a celebrated college
professor (Ben Kingsley) and a young woman (Penélope Cruz) whose beauty
both ravishes and destabilizes him. As their intimate connection transforms
them—more than either could imagine—a charged sexual contest evolves
into an indelible love story. With humanistic warmth, wry wit and erotic intensity,
the drama explores the power of beauty to blind, to reveal and to transform.
Co-starring Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard. Based on
Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth’s short novel The Dying Animal.
From the director of My Life Without Me. Official
Web Site Director Isabel Coixet on adapting Philip Roth's novel for the screen Ruthe Stein's San Francisco Chronicle review... |
One Week Only!
Starts Friday, August 22 at the Shattuck Cinemas
Director Parvez Sharma & Producer Sandi DuBowski
In Person Saturday, August 23 at 5:15 & 7:20pm!
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| In a time when Islam is under tremendous attack from within and without, Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma has dared to go where the silence is loudest. In the world's first feature documentary to explore the complex global intersections between Islam and homosexuality, Parvez enters the many worlds of Islam by illuminating multiple stories as diverse as Islam itself. The film travels a wide geographic arc presenting us lives from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa and France. We meet men and women whose pursuit of love has brought them into conflicts with their countries, families and even themselves. Such is the quandary of being both homosexual and Muslim, a combination so taboo that very little about it has been documented. Produced by Sandi DuBowski (Trembling Before G-d). Official Web Site |
Starts Friday, August 22 at the Shattuck Cinemas
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| In this new comedy, Anna Faris (of the Scary Movie series) stars as Shelley Darlington, a young woman who's living a carefree life until a rival gets her tossed out of the Playboy Mansion. With nowhere to go, fate delivers her to the sorority girls from Zeta Alpha Zeta. Unless they can sign a new pledge class, the seven socially clueless women will lose their house to the scheming girls of Phi Iota Mu. In order to accomplish their goal, they need Shelley to teach them the ways of makeup and men; at the same time, Shelley needs some of what the Zetas have—a sense of individuality. The combination leads all the girls to learn how to stop pretending and start being themselves. Official Web Site |
Starts Wednesday, August 27
at the California Theatre
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| When straight arrow FBI agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) heads up the investigation into a dangerous international conspiracy, all clues seem to lead back to former U.S. Special Operations officer Samir Horn (Don Cheadle). A mysterious figure with a web of connections to terrorist organizations, Horn has a knack for emerging on the scene just as a major operation goes down. The inter-agency task force looking into the case meets with Carter (Jeff Daniels), a veteran CIA contractor who seemingly has his own agenda and Max Archer (Neal McDonough), a fellow FBI agent. The task force links Horn to a prison break in Yemen, a bombing in Nice and a raid in London, but a tangle of contradictory evidence emerges, forcing Clayton to question whether his quarry is a disaffected former military operative—or something far more complicated. A taut international thriller written and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff (screenwriter of The Day After Tomorrow). Official Web Site |
Starts Friday, August 29 at the Shattuck Cinemas
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| A modern-day adaptation of Cinderella based on an old Chinese version of the story, this animated independent feature was shot entirely on location in New York City's Chinatown then digitally painted. A young hopeful girl named Ye Xian (An Nguyen) travels alone to the Big Apple to earn money for her ailing father back home in China. Falling into the clutches of Mrs. Su (Tsai Chin), who runs a massage parlor in the heart of Chinatown, Ye Xian refuses to do the requisite sex work for the clients, so she is made into a menial servant who must do all the laundry, cleaning, shopping and cooking. She finds solace in a magical fish given to her by the strange hunchback Auntie Yaga (Randall Duk Kim) and in her fleeting, tender encounters with Johnny (Ken Leung), a local jazz musician. With a crescendo that takes place at the height of the Chinese New Year—complete with lion dancers, firecrackers, and an enormous banquet in a palatial restaurant—writer/director David Kaplan spins the conventions of the traditional fairy tale in ways that are consistently surprising and engaging. Official Web Site |
One Week Only!
Starts Friday, August 29 at the Shattuck Cinemas
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| 1970s Los Angeles. Nihilist Philosophy. Glam Rock. Drugs. Booze. Closeted Homosexuality. Dianetics. A Yen for Rock and Roll Immortality. A convergence of forces shaped the short, self-destructive life of Jan Paul Beahm, a fatherless boy raised by an alcoholic mother and abandoned by an older brother who died of a drug-overdose—a kid who reinvented himself coming out of a high school program for outcasts, as the one and only Darby Crash, the legendary lead singer of the seminal Los Angeles Punk band, The Germs. Shane West ("ER"), Bijou Phillips, Rick Gonzalez and Noah Segan star in a biopic that chronicles the rise of The Germs and their charismatic leader whose image—the contorted, screaming face and death grip on the microphone—has become an icon of the U.S. punk movement and a rapt influence on bands since. Darby's cultivated punk attitude, resplendent with the hardcore, infamous onstage self-mutilation antics and volatile energy that inspired the band's mesmerized followers to riot, ultimately banned The Germs from playing every venue in the greater Los Angeles area. Written and directed by Rodger Grossman. Official Web Site |
Starts Friday, August 29 at the Shattuck Cinemas
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| This outrageous comedy is the story of three high school seniors (Drake Bell, Andrew Caldwell, Kevin Covais) who visit a local college campus as prospective freshman anticipating the best weekend of their lives. Once there, the rowdiest fraternity on campus (featuring Nick Zano, Gary Owen and Zach Cregger) decides to recruit the boys as pledges, subjecting them to endless humiliations in return for granting them access to the no-holds-barred college party scene. But once the boys catch the eye of some of the older sorority girls (Haley Bennett, Camille Mana, Natalie Walker), the threatened frat boys increase the pre-frosh humiliation and blackmail them by threatening to expose their age. The boys decide to fight back, retaliating with a major revenge scheme. Official Web Site |
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