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DEAR FRIENDS,

You might win a collection of Sherlock Holmes classic movies or the terrific TV series. MPI Video is providing the Balboa Theatre a selection of their Sherlock Holmes DVDs including box sets. We will be giving them away through the weekend before showings. Come with your trivia cap on and we hope you win.

You’ll have a second chance as we will also have a box in the lobby for a grand drawing in January for more box sets.

Take a look at this fantastic selection. You might be tempted to buy some for yourself.

What other theater comes up with such goodies?
Good luck.

We want to wish you all a great holiday season and look forward to having you spend a few hours with us at the Balboa seeing some really fun movies.

This is probably the shortest newsletter we have written.
On with the show!

Sincerely,
Gary and the Balboa Staff

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About This Week's Films

SHERLOCK HOLMES

In a dynamic new portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous characters, "Sherlock Holmes" sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

The action-adventure mystery Sherlock Holmes is helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, (LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS, SNATCH). Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life, and Jude Law stars as Holmes' trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly plays Watson's love interest, Mary.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material. 128 minutes.

Visit Website

"Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is a riot. The director takes on a British institution with a swagger and a wink and the result is boisterous and unabashed fun."
- Wendy Ide, Times UK

"With time running out on 2009, it's wonderful that one of the old year's last gifts should be a reminder of the superb possibilities of blockbuster cinema."
- Richard Luck, Channel 4 Film

"Robert Downey Jr. turns the venerable deerstalker-capped and becaped figure into a gym-toned, half-deranged Holmes unlike any seen before".
- Todd McCarthy, Variety

"Downey and Law are terrific together. For me, watching them act is the movie’s principal pleasure."
- David Denby, New Yorker

Robert Downey Jr. reacts to the news of his Golden Globe nomination for Sherlock Holmes in this ETOnline video

CNN describes the "love-in" that was director Guy Ritchie's strategy for bringing his stars together, the late-nights in the pub, delivering an action-packed story still faithful to the originals, and putting in as many "Guyisms" as possible. - Read More

Vogue features Rachel McAdams on their January cover, in a behind-the-scenes video diary a photo slideshow, and a cover-story glimpse into her private life.

Jude Law talks about the chemistry between the stars in a series of on-set interviews at TrailerAddict.

The Sherlock Homes Museum of London

The web portal to all things Holmes

The Best of Sherlock Holmes

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IT'S COMPLICATED (R)

Jane is the mother of three grown kids, owns a thriving Santa Barbara bakery/restaurant and has—after a decade of divorce—an amicable relationship with her ex-husband, attorney Jake. But when Jane and Jake find themselves out of town for their son’s college graduation, things start to get complicated. An innocent meal together turns into the unimaginable—an affair. With Jake remarried to the much younger Agness, Jane is now, of all things, the other woman. Caught in the middle of their renewed romance is Adam, an architect hired to remodel Jane's kitchen. Healing from a divorce of his own, Adam starts to fall for Jane, but soon realizes he's become part of a love triangle. Should Jane and Jake move on with their lives, or is love truly lovelier the second time around? It's... complicated. Directed by Nancy Meyers (SOMETHINGS GOTTA GIVE). Starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski.

Rated R for some drug content and sexuality – 118 minutes

Official Website

"Streep and Baldwin are terrific, and if you like your romance bittersweet you won’t want to miss this one."
-A.O. Scott (New York Times) and Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) discuss on "At The Movies."

"A smart, sophisticated and downright hilarious comedy."
- Pete Hammond, Boxoffice Magazine

"Divorce has never been so much fun in this smart and funny romantic comedy about getting back together (or not) long after the happily ever after scenario has dried up."
- Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

"If you're in the mood for a delightful, middle-aged romantic comedy, this is your ticket. It's a glossy holiday confection that's chock full of laughter."
- Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate

"Can Anybody Make A Movie For Women?"
New York Times Magazine cover story about director Nancy Meyers

Watch interview with Meryl Streep

Watch interview with Alec Baldwin

Watch interview with Steve Martin

Watch an interview on the set with all three stars

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FREE POPCORN WITH YOUR "I’D RATHER BE AT THE BALBOA" DISCOUNT CARD! NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Now, as an added treat for our most regular movie-goers, each discount card gets you one free complimentary size popcorn per card. You choose the visit that you would like to redeem it--just bring your card to the concession stand to receive your free popcorn on us. Thank you.

For a limited time through the holidays, the Balboa Discount Card can be purchased online! The “I’d Rather Be At The Balboa” Discount Card admits the holder to five shows and costs $32.50 (plus Brownpapertickets fees of $1.74); for a gift value of $45.00! That is a savings of nearly $10.00!

Two people can use the card at each visit. Good for 6 months from date of purchase.

Order as many Gift cards as you wish. Give one to yourself too.

Upon receipt of your order we guarantee that we will mail the gift card with a classic movie gift card on or by the next business day (we pay the postage.) We make no guarantees about holiday arrivals once we've put it in the postal services hands. Please remember when placing your order to include the mailing address with zip code or we can't stuff your stocking.

Available anytime at our box office or online here:

The Balboa has the lowest prices in town and you get to see the hottest new movies in the comfort of an independently owned neighborhood theater with history…it was built in 1926…..and, we are told over and over…we’ve got the friendliest staff in town!

Just a reminder, that on your Birthday, you are our guest. That’s right. You get in free with proof of your birth date.

And at all other times you can get the “I’d Rather Be At the Balboa” Discount Card.

What a deal! 5 tickets to the Balboa for $32.50. That is only $6.50 per show. Good every day and night. And two people can use the card at once. You can go on a date even when you are low on cash with your Balboa Card. A savings of up to $12.50! Makes a perfect gift as well.

Available anytime at our box office or online here

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NOW PLAYING AT THE VOGUE

Our friends at the Vogue Theatre, on Sacramento St., are opening UP IN THE AIR on December 23 starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick, and directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Thank You For Smoking).

Rated R for language and some sexual content - running Time: 1 hour-46 minutes

• Wednesday Dec. 23rd: 2:00, 4:30, 7;00, 9:20
• Thursday, Dec. 24th: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00
• Friday, Dec. 25th: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:20
• Saturday, Dec. 26 & Sunday, Dec. 27th: 11AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:20

VogueSF.com

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SAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANK

At this time of year we usually are thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves. Unfortunately people are homeless and hungry all year. But it is during the holidays that the San Francisco Food Bank has collection barrels available for us to place in our lobby.

For several years we have had tremendous success collecting food for the Food Bank's program to feed those in need. The Balboa's audience is made up of compassionate people who want to help and we appreciate your cooperation. You can bring food during operating hours. There is no limit and no purchase necessary of course.

The foods most needed are rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna and meats, soups, stews, chili, peanut butter and cereal. They must be in unopened containers and not be perishable. No glass containers or items that require refrigeration please.

From the SF Food Bank: HUNGER SHOULDN'T BE AN OPTION

Skipping dinner. Eating less - or eating less well. Giving up food in order to pay rent. This is what 150,000 people in San Francisco face every day.

The San Francisco Food Bank is the critical link between food and people. We provide food to over 132,000 people every year through 600+ community food programs.

Hunger impacts people in all walks of life. We reach them all - from working families to senior citizens. Together, we will distribute over 33 million pounds of food this year to meet an ever-growing need in our community.

Our mission is to end hunger in San Francisco. Join us today.

We also urge you to make a monetary donation. With every $1 donated, the Food Bank can distribute $9 worth of groceries, fresh produce, bread, dairy products and meat into the community.

For more information: www.sffoodbank.org

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PHOTOS IN THE LOBBY
QUANG-TUAN LUONG’S NATIONAL PARKS

Quang-Tuan Luong celebrates the splendor and variety of the natural and human heritage with his photography. He has been privileged to travel through an immense geographic range, from the top of the coldest mountain on earth to under tropical seas.

Born to Vietnamese parents in Paris, France, he was trained as a scientist (PhD U. Paris). The revelation of the high Alps led him to become a mountain climber and wilderness guide. When he came to the US to conduct research in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing for what was to be a short stay, he chose UC Berkeley, because of the proximity to Yosemite--a world class rock climbing destination.

There, he felt in love with the National Parks and decided to photograph all of them with a 5x7 large format camera, a single-handed, self-financed, monumental project that had not been completed by anyone before. To that effect, he settled in the San Francisco Bay Area and started criss-crossing this country to capture it's diverse beauty. Luong's in-depth coverage of the Parks often dictated long hikes into the backcountry, with a 75 lb backpack, and only his passion and dedication to keep him company. By 2002, he had visited each of the 58 National Parks. He subsequently left his distinguished career as a scientist to work as a full-time photographer.

His photographs have been published in many books, and have appeared in several publications from National Geographic, Time, Life, Outside, Scientific American, GEO, and many others in dozens of countries around the world. However, he reached his largest audience through www.terragalleria.com, one of the most extensive and most visited of all individual photographers websites.

In the course of researching locations for their new documentary "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" (aired on PBS), Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan saw the images on that website, and used them to help plan their production. Impressed by their wealth and quality, they used some of his images to fill missing sequences in their cinematography. Intrigued by the story of Luong's life and project, they featured him as one of the few living characters in the film, a newcomer who was deeply moved by America's natural beauty, who has dedicated his efforts to raise awareness and respect for our national treasures.

All photographs are available as limited edition prints. To view them, or contact Quang-Tuan Luong, please visit www.terragalleria.com

To learn more about Ken Burns’ THE NATIONAL PARKS

Local showings on KQED

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KIM SON VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT DISCOUNT

With Balboa ticket stub 10% off food at Kim Son. Our staff and customers think this Vietnamese restaurant in one of the best places to eat in the neighborhood. Want to eat there before the show? Buy your ticket at the box office first and then show it at dinner. Make sure you keep it to get into the theater. This is an ongoing discount so you can also use it on your next visit to the neighborhood. Kim Son is just a few doors away from the Balboa at 3614 Balboa St

Read what others say.

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS

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.

Check out the Menu Book in our lobby and our COMPLETE NEW RESTAURANT LIST.

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BALBOA THEATRE INFO

3630 Balboa Street (37th Ave)
San Francisco 94121
(415) 221-8184
www.BalboaMovies.com

Bike Rack in front of the Balboa
Muni Bus #31 Balboa or #18 46th Ave stop at Balboa &37th., Also #5 Fulton and all 38 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, SF Gate's A List and San Francisco Magazine

General Admission: $9.00
Seniors (60+) and Children (11-) $6.50
Bargain Matinees: All Seats $6.50 for shows in ( )

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.

YOUR FAVORITE SNACK BAR

Great Snack Bar selection at reasonable prices. Your favorite candies including Dove, Toberlerone, and Ghirardelli chocolates.

We serve Caffe Trieste Coffees, fine Tazo teas, chai, hot chocolate, hot dogs, Aidells' poultry Sausages, Veggie Dogs, Dreyer's Dibs, and Delicious Cookies.

And of course fresh popcorn made with sunflower oil and real butter.

No More Naked Popcorn.

Have you tried our complimentary popcorn seasonings?

We have a wide assortment from Kernel Seasonings.

Try White Cheddar, Caramel, Parmesan, Garlic and more...

We also have Nutritional Yeast that has proven to be one of our most popular toppings. And now hot sauce!

Questions, comments, complaints, compliments, gossip? Send us a note

PoppinMedia.com