secret-disco

Documentary ‘The Secret Disco Revolution’ examines untold story of disco era

Director Jamie Kastner reflects on whether disco is dead

If disco is dead, then writer-director-producer Jamie Kastner has delivered its praising eulogy with his glittering, tongue-in-cheek documentary, “The Secret Disco Revolution.” Kastner does more than examine the history of the 1970s music craze — he offers a reflection upon the revisionist theory that, beneath its “carefully vapid veneer,” disco Read More…

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‘Man of Steel’ offers a deeper insight into the Superman mythology

Henry Cavill soars in latest Superman reboot, directed by Zach Snyder

It’s a bird, it’s a plane … It’s another film reboot of the classic 1930s comic book “Superman.” While Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” failed to wow audiences back in 2006, director Zach Synder’s highly anticipated “Man of Steel” lays a solid foundation for the future of the franchise. Conceived by Read More…

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Big names and bigger thrills in ‘Now You See Me’

Star cast conjures crime in compelling summer caper

Besides clowns, magicians have the misfortune of being everyone’s least favorite entertainers. They are often cheesy, tacky, deceptive and, above all else, sequined. However, with a dynamic plot as his cape and a star-studded cast as his wand, director Louis Leterrier takes this tired image and makes it disappear. “Now Read More…

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Jada Pinkett Smith dishes on new doc

‘Free Angela & All Political Prisoners’ pays homage to Angela Davis

It has been over 40 years since political activist and scholar Angela Davis landed on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, but her story of perseverance and courage in the fight for civil rights is timeless. The upcoming documentary, “Free Angela & All Political Prisoners,” chronicles Davis’s lifework and her journey Read More…

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CAAMFest 2013 Preview

Every March for the past 30 years, the festival has showcased hundreds of films, proving to be the country’s most vital source for Asian cinema. This year the festival seems to offer a healthy balance of documentaries, shorts and narratives. Read More…

"Shanghai Calling" producer, Janet Yang, has worked for years bringing Chinese films to America and vice versa,

Rom-com relays cross-cultural story set in China

Drawing on both American and Chinese traditions of storytelling, writer and director Daniel Hsia’s debut film, “Shanghai Calling,” is a twist on the traditional immigrant tale. A story of “internationalism on the individual scale,” the film aims to demystify China for American audiences through comedy, romance and the allure of Read More…

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SF IndieFest brings off-kilter films to San Francisco, Berkeley

The annual San Francisco Independent Film Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary this month. Its penchant for showcasing alternative and subversive pieces of cinema has helped it become one of the most important festivals around the nation. From the psychological odyssey “Simon Killer” to the gang-epic “Days of Grace,” 2013 proves Read More…

pentatonix.FOOTE

Pentatonix thrill at Warfield

From soul to hip-hop to dubstep and to reggae, vocal sensations Pentatonix effortlessly cross and blend genres, revitalizing a singing style seldom heard outside of churches or choir halls.  The five-part a cappella group took the stage at The Warfield in San Francisco on Sunday night, voicing their rallying call, Read More…