Showtimes
General Admission: $9.00
Bargain matinees in (parentheses): $6.50
Seniors and Children $6.50
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Friday, November 21, 2008 — Thursday, November 27, 2008
Theatre #1
Bolt (PG)
(12:30), 2:40, 4:50, 7:00, 9:05
Bolt is Here
Another new film this weekend with Disney's return to animation in a great way. BOLT has quite a history When Disney bought Pixar they asked John Lasseter and his team to guide their own Animation Studio. AMERICAN DOG was in production but the Pixar people felt it needed a lot of work, especially on the story. The director was asked to leave, the script rewritten, new animation created and the name BOLT became attached.
And what a winner. If you enjoy the multilevel humor and fun of Pixar films, this is for you. And any dog or cat lover is guaranteed a terrific time.
We have some very special prizes and full sized posters we'll be giving away at the Balboa. Check your ticket stubs and be prepared to answer trivia questions. And do bring your family.
For those who want to avoid young people, come to our 9:05 shows.
MARTINI SPECIAL
Come to the Balboa and visit Hockey Haven across the street after QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Ask "Shaken, not stirred" and you'll get a great Smirnoff Martini for only $4.00!!!
See Website(s) of the Week below for more martini info.
HOLIDAY GIFTS
What better gift can there be for your favorite film lovers than the gift of movies?
Perfect for the host of your Thanksgiving dinner, holiday gifts for your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Don't forget yourself.
They are available at the Balboa and now online (where credit cards are accepted) at /www.brownpapertickets.com/event/49148
We will provide you with a movie poster greeting card with each I'd Rather be at the Balboa card.
And what a deal!. 5 tickets to the Balboa for $32.50.
Have a great Thanksgiving weekend. We hope the Balboa is part of your plans.
Sincerely,
Gary
About This Week's Films:back to top
Bolt
For super-dog Bolt (voice of JOHN TRAVOLTA), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue-at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet-a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of MILEY CYRUS). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions-a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of SUSIE ESSMAN) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of MARK WALTON)-Bolt discovers he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero.
PG for some mild action and peril - 96 minutes
Official Websites: disney.go.com/disneypictures/bolt/
"It's a great day in America when the complicated looks so easy, and when we expect smart storytelling as a rule, not the exception."
—Lisa Schwarzbaum, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (Also watch director Bryon Howad) talk about Bolt.
"Bolt carries two tales for the price of one, both handled by Disney veterans and first-time directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard with wit, grace, and the dazzling craftsmanship we've come to expect from the studio that's hitched its wagon to Pixar."
—Ella Taylor, VILLAGE VOICE
"You won't need to keep a pack of tissue at the ready here, but "Bolt" does have some lump-in-the-throat moments courtesy of a vividly drawn, huggable main character you grow to love."
—Glenn Whipp, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
QUANTUM OF SOLACE
Betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (JUDI DENCH) interrogate Mr White (JESPER CHRISTENSEN) who reveals the organization which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.
Forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (OLGA KURYLENKO), a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene (MTHIEU AMALRIC), a ruthless business man, to the mysterious organization.
On a mission that leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, Bond discovers that Greene, conspiring to take total control of one of the world's most important natural resources, is forging a deal with the exiled General Medrano (JOAQUIN COSIO). Using his associates in the organization, and manipulating his powerful contacts within the CIA and the British government, Greene promises to overthrow the existing regime in a Latin American country, giving the General control of the country in exchange for a seemingly barren piece of land.
In a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, Bond allies with old friends in a battle to uncover the truth. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists and even M, to unravel Greene's sinister plan and stop his organization.
PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content - 106 minutes
Official Website: www.007.com
"Blue eyes on fire and jaw set to resolute, Daniel Craig clearly owns James Bond in Quantum of Solace: but it's the relentless pace, the quality of art direction and production design-in fact, director Marc Forster's sheer technical ambition-which raise the bar and make this one of the most remarkable action films ever made."
—Fionnuala Halligan, SCREEN DAILY
"As with The Dark Knight, the only real caveat is that while it's exciting and imaginative, it's not exactly anyone's idea of fun. To keep in the game, perhaps the next movie could let the hero enjoy himself a bit more."
—Kim Newman, EMPIRE
"A brilliant, breathless action romp. Daniel Craig is electrifying."
—Mark Adams, LONDON MIRROR
"Director Marc Forster turns out to be a natural as the helmer of a high-energy, high-gloss action film."
—Richard Corliss, TIME
"[An] all-out thriller with few Bond touches but plenty of high-octane action."
—Ray Bennett, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATSback to top
We have several pairs of tickets to see the Golden Dragon Acrobats, possibly the most amazing show you'll see for a long time.
The art of Chinese acrobatics draws on an ancient history that began more than 2,500 years ago when it first captured the attention of China's powerful emperors. Today, the Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of this time-honored tradition. The company has traveled to over 65 countries on five continents and is recognized internationally as one of the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring companies. Its performances are spellbinding events, in which renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, ancient and modern music, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, and dazzling theatrical techniques. "There is a precision and beauty about everything these performers do" (Washington Post).
Children 16 and under half price.
Ticket info and a 7 minute video of many acts
Golden Dragon Official website
To enter for your chance to win
You can choose the performance that is best for you. (see show times)
SEND AN EMAIL TO balboafans (at) yahoo.com (trying to cut down at spam so please use @ in place of (at). ) no later than Sunday, Nov. 23 at 12 noon. In the subject line you must state DRAGON and the date and showtime you prefer. Include your full name and email address in the body of the email.
Please do not enter if you cannot make the date or if you have won a Balboa news contest in the past 3 months. Duplicate entries will all be deleted.
Winners will be selected at random and you will be notified by Nov. 24 and notified about how to get your tickets.
WATCH HORROR FILMS, KEEP AMERICA STRONG back to top
Join John Stanley, Mr. Lobo Director Tom Wyrsch and surprise guests on December 10 at 7pm when we offer the San Francisco Premiere of WATCH HORROR FILMS, KEEP AMERICA STRONG. We'll be announcing MORE special guests over the next few weeks and advance tickets will go on sale at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.
JUST ADDED
As a bonus we have added a special rare screening of John Stanley's feature film NIGHTMARE IN BLOOD.
WEBSITE(S) OF THE WEEK - SHAKEN, NOT STIRREDback to top
All about Martinis this week.
First this note from a Balboa fan:
"You should know that the true "Bond" martini is called the Vesper, one of the old traditional martinis. See Casino Royale, p. 52-60. 1st edition. by Ian Fleming. It was named Vesper, in honor of the Russian woman who was a member of Smerch, who fell in love with Bond and died rather than identify him; thus saving his life.
The recipe is: two parts British Gin, one part Russian Vodka and a teaspoon of Lillet Blanc with a twist, "Shaken, not stirred."
For a more current reference consult "The Martini", by Barnaby Conrad, Chronicle Publishers. There you will also learn that to be a martini, the drink must have gin. If made only with vodka, it should be called a cocktail.
Tradition is important."
Cheers,
Otis
President of the Fresh Vermouth Society.
And thanks to Joe Peterson for some of the images and this info: http://tinyurl.com/6gj6q2
You have once again voted us "The Best Movie Theatre" in the San Francisco Bay Guardian's annual reader's poll. Thanks!
Fab Photos in Our Lobby Artback to top
Gracing our lobby are stunning photos of The Beatles in San Francisco. Taken by native San Franciscan, Fred L. Pardini, this exhibit documents the Fab Four's San Francisco appearances. For more information about the story behind the photos please the article that originally appeared in The Oakland Tribune.
Balboa staff member Serafina has created a My Space place for the Balboa. Join in to discuss the theater. www.myspace.com/balboatheater
She also set up a Live Journal to give people access to our shows and times: balboatheatre.livejournal.com/
ROGER EBERT'S MOVIE GLOSSARYback to top
You Can Go Home Again
In all small-town settings, there is (a) always a parade taking place; (b) and a carnival; (c) and a shooting gallery, where the girl always outshoots the boy; (d) and a picnic basket raffle, always won by the second male and female leads; and (e) a sheriff with the most pronounced accent in town.
MICHAEL KUNKLE,
Santa Rosa, Calif.
For more: www.RogerEbert.com
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTSback to top
One of the strengths of the Balboa is our neighborhood. Other than the bank, all the businesses are family owned and operated. The restaurants are especially wonderful. On the outer Balboa strip there are 24 eating establishments by my count. You can eat Chinese, Japanese, Egyptian, Italian, American, Mexican, Seafood and Vietnamese cuisines. The foods are fresh, distinctive and all reasonably priced. The media food critics have only discovered a few of them but the locals know a good thing. We encourage you to enjoy a meal at one of these fine eateries while visiting the Balboa. All are within easy walking distance. And please send us reviews and recommendations we can share with our other guests. Send reviews to balboafans@yahoo.com
We love it when you send us a review of a neighborhood restaurant you've enjoyed. We encourage you all to write about your culinary adventures in the Outer Richmond.
Meredith Brody writes a rave review of Shanghai House (directly across the street) with its intriguing food and low prices in this week's SF Weekly. Don't be shy. . . ask for a Shanghainese menu.
Check out Meredith Brody's SF Weekly survey of neighborhood restaurants.
Check out the Menu Book in our lobby and our COMPLETE NEW RESTAURANT LIST.
3630 Balboa Street (37th Ave)
San Francisco 94121
(415) 221-8184
www.BalboaMovies.com
Bike Rack in front of the Balboa
Muni Bus #31 or #38 Ocean Beach
Also #5 Fulton and all Geary Street buses stop two
(long) blocks from Balboa.
Relatively easy Parking
San Francisco's Favorite Neighborhood Theatre
Voted by the Bay Guardian, SF Weekly and San Francisco Magazine
General Admission: $9.00
Seniors and Children $6.50
Bargain Matinees: All Seats $6.50 for shows in ( )
"I'd Rather Be At the Balboa" Discount Cardsback to top
"I'd Rather Be At the Balboa" Discount Cards provide hours of great movies at a great savings. 5 Admissions for only $32.50 - a savings of $12.50. Two people may use card per visit. Good for all shows except limited special events as noted. Good for six months from date of purchase.
Buying Discount Cards as gifts? Ask for our special Movie Poster Gift Card.
SCHOOL NIGHT - Mondays are School Days and Nights. With proof of being a student, faculty or staff member, your admission is only $6.50 on Mondays.
The Balboa is Wheelchair and Handicapped Accessible
On Your Birthday, You Are Our Guest.
Great Snack Bar selection at reasonable prices. Your favorite candies including Toberlerone and Lindt chocolates.
Now we have San Francisco's favorite ice cream, IT'S IT, Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked and Cherry Garcia, Peace Pops as well as Dibs.
We serve Caffe Trieste Coffees, fine Tazo teas, chai, hot chocolate, and Hebrew National Kosher hot dogs, Aidells' poultry Sausages, Vegi Dogs, Ice Creams, and Cookies.
And, of course fresh popped popcorn with real butter.
No More Naked Popcorn.
Have you tried our complimentary popcorn seasonings?
We have a wide assortment from Kernel Seasonings.
Try Ranch, Parmesan and Garlic, Barbeque, Sour Cream, Onion and more.
We also have Nutritional Yeast that has proven to be one of our most popular toppings. And now hot sauce!
