Bay Area Reporter :: Movies News

'The Worst of Waters' - Filmmaker John Waters shares his odd art at Rena Bransten Gallery

September 16, 2024 | by Jim Provenzano

Get out your cha-cha heels. Filmmaker, author and artist John Waters returns to Rena Bransten Gallery for his fifth exhibit of unusual and odd artworks.

'My Old Ass' - second chances with a younger self

by Brian Bromberger
Sep 15, 2024

Have you ever wondered that if you knew what would happen in the future, would you change any decisions made today? This tantalizing question pervades the new whimsical yet bittersweet coming-of-age fable film, "My Old Ass."

'Merchant Ivory' - James Ivory on the documentary about his decades-long film career

by Brian Bromberger
Sep 1, 2024

Director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant had one of the longest partnerships in cinema history, almost defining independent filmmaking, now profiled definitively in the new documentary, "Merchant Ivory."

SF Queer Film Festival: a full spectrum of cinematic diversity

by Brian Bromberger
Aug 20, 2024

The SF Queer Film Festival (SFQFF) returns for its fourth version, August 23-25, with its accompanying 64 movies, shorts, and web episodes. It's not an exaggeration to say the festival is still in the process of finding its voice and groove.

'Ganymede' - unrepentant and proud

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 20, 2024

In co-directors Colby Holt & Sam Probst's "Ganymede," a Ganymede is an unrepentant homosexual, according to a vicious preacher. But that doesn't stop two young men from starting a budding romance.

'Queen Tut' - indie film on embracing your inner drag queen

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Aug 13, 2024

"Queen Tut" is a delightful new Canadian film that covers a lot of ground. During the course of its 100-minute running time, the film deals with class issues, gentrification, coming out, homophobia and transphobia.

'Skincare' - Elizabeth Banks' beauty biz's bumpy ride

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 13, 2024

In "Skincare," which opens with the words "Fictional story inspired by true events," Elizabeth Banks is given the opportunity to be both serious and comedic as lead character in a sly takedown of the beauty industry's nasty side.

'Deadpool & Wolverine' in love and trouble

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 6, 2024

Deadpool, as portrayed by the irresistible Ryan Reynolds, is the Marvel Comics Universe superhero for people who loathe MCU superheroes. His suggestive homoerotic patter is as hilarious as it is filthy.

'Sing Sing' - Coleman Domingo stars in the uplifting prison drama

by Brian Bromberger
Jul 30, 2024

Coleman Domingo stars in A24's gripping "Sing Sing," based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program started at Sing Sing in 1996. The film follows incarcerated members as they stage a play from its inception to its opening night.

'Am I OK?' - Dakota Johnson stars in a film about coming out in Your 30s

by Joshua Polanski
Jul 28, 2024

The long-awaited Dakota Johnson lesbian rom-com, "Am I OK?" finally premiered on Max two years after its festival premiere. The cute film about coming out later in life is directed by the sapphic married couple Stephanie Allynne and Tig Notaro.

'Fly Me to the Moon' - Space Age shenanigans run amuck

by Brian Bromberger
Jul 22, 2024

"Fly Me to the Moon," could have conveyed more of the excitement, adventure, and idealism of the Apollo era and less of the cynicism and conspiracy that seems more indicative of our time. Despite fun moments, the landing doesn't stick.

SF Jewish Film Festival - Faves amidst the Gaza War

by Brian Bromberger
Jul 16, 2024

As the Israeli-Hamas war continues without any ceasefire, the 44th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (July 18-August 4) finds itself "at a time of devastating international conflict and humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza."

'Light Light Light' - Inari Niemi's Finnish queer film

by Joshua Polanski
Jul 16, 2024

In 1986, Eastern Europe changed forever with the explosion of Chernobyl. In the Finnish film "Light Light Light" ("Valoa Valoa Valoa"), so does the life of fifteen-year-old girl Mariia (Rebekka Baer) when a new girl, Mimi (Anni Iikkanen) arrives.

'National Anthem' - Queer patriotism flies its own flag

by Brian Bromberger
Jul 9, 2024

Luke Gilford's 'National Anthem' comes at an opportune moment, bringing much needed fresh air in a story about sexual outsiders finding sanctuary among themselves in rural America's LGBTQ rodeo subculture.

'A Quiet Place: Day One' - Silence is golden in the scary prequel

by Gregg Shapiro
Jul 2, 2024

The first thing you're going to want to know about "A Quiet Place: Day One" (Paramount) is that the cat survives. You know it's been on your mind since you saw the first of several trailers months ago.

Arts & Culture :: Movies