The San Francisco International Film Festival is nearly upon us. I can feel the global warming already.
La Mission – The Castro
Homegrown Peter Bratt directs his brother Benjamin Bratt playing an ex-con still reforming pieces of his life in one of San Francisco’s most beloved districts. Classic lowriders and handlebar mustaches fill the big screen with wonder and compassion. This is the opening film for the SFIFF. Thursday, April 23rd, 7:00 PM at the Castro. Info/Tickets.
The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry – YBCA
If anybody knows about the origins of reggae, it’s me. I spent four years at Stanford with my favorite Banana Republic shirt, my mate gourd, my Rasta dreads, ordering things from coffee shops that don’t appear on the menu like Infused Chai Americanos. So take it from me. This guy was a pioneer. April 24-25 with Director Ethan Higbee in person. Info.
The Class – The Red Vic
I’ve plugged this movie too much but it brilliantly illustrates a lot of problems with public education. … Alright, alright. Go see Observe and Report again with your friends, but don’t come crying to me when you’re 30 and unemployed, eating BK Burger Shots off a broken tennis racquet you’re afraid to pawn. April 23rd. Info.
Lymelife – Embarcadero Center Cinema
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this the other day. Rory and Kieran Culkin prove to be 10 times cooler than Macaulay, and Alec Baldwin plays a grimmer version of his 30 Rock-lovable self. Also you get to see Cynthia Nixon get screwed. Suburban malaise flicks are over and done, but you’ll always be able to make a movie about people from New Jersey. Starts April 24. Info.
