As an entry into the ever-expanding “coming-of-age” genre of film, “The Way, Way Back” takes a traditional approach to the tale of an introverted teen coming out of his shell. Set in an East Coast beach town during the hot days of summer — clearly evocative of an 1980s aesthetic Read More…
“Fruitvale Station” is particularly close to home for East Bay residents, evoking familiarity with the eponymous BART stop or the tragic incident that took place on New Year’s Day of 2009. In his first feature-length film, East Bay native Ryan Coogler presents a haunting, tense and striking dramatization of the Read More…
Somewhere in the world tonight, Michael Bay is crying himself to sleep. “Pacific Rim” is Guillermo del Toro’s monsters-versus-mechas spectacular. It is not a perfect movie, but it is an awe-inducing, jaw-dropping achievement in the visual qualities of the summer blockbuster. The film does not suffer from a slow start. Read More…
Oakland boasts so much art that it’s impossible to take it all in. Some of it appears furtively, illegally, on the streets and under the onramps. Some of it shows in upscale galleries all over town, with price tags and author credits. Occasionally, the same artist spans the two worlds, Read More…
When one pictures the face of San Francisco Pride, it probably isn’t round and slightly chubby with glasses, but Will Wiesenfeld represented all the same. “Is it Pride or something?” he yelled to those in the crowd, many of whom had just come from Pink Saturday in the Castro to Read More…
Given the scope of reality TV subject matter, it was only a matter of time before celebrities stunned us with their recreational activities. No, not Keeping up with Kim and Kanye’s Konception. I’m talking about the new game show series “Hollywood Game Night.” The show is based on the real-life Read More…
There are so many characteristics of “Despicable Me 2” that parallel its prequel that one almost expects the movie to be good at least for its familiarity. Once again, Gru must decide between good and evil when new characters arrive on the scene to steal his heart. This time, instead Read More…
“Do search,” said artist Richard Diebenkorn, “but in order to find other than what is searched for.” This motto is an apt approach for museum-goers at San Francisco’s de Young Museum, which is currently housing works by the Bay Area painter. The exhibit, “Diebenkorn: The Berkeley Years,” on view through Read More…
Following the enormous box-office success of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski attempt to bring the same style of action and comedy to the Western genre with “The Lone Ranger.” While the over-the-top action sequences with the typical shootouts and train robberies provide some thrills, Read More…
Neil LaBute is not your average storyteller, to say the least. There is nothing he loves more than making his audience feel uncomfortable — and rightfully so. With his plays, he seeks not to tell warm tales of the goodness of humanity but rather strives to dissect the flaws of Read More…
