Showtimes
General Admission: $9.00
Bargain matinees in (parentheses): $6.50
Seniors and Children $6.50
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Friday, June 13 — Thursday, June 19, 2008
Theatre #1
Mongol (R)
(12:00), 2:55, 5:50, 8:45
Theatre #2
Kung Fu Panda (PG)
M, T, Th, F :
(12:00), 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:35
Wednesday Only :
(12:10), 2:10, 4:20 (Matinees only on 6/25)
Must End THURSDAY!
Wednesday, 6/26 : One Night Only!
STRANGER THAN FICTION (NR)
Wednesday 6/25: 7:15pm and 9:15pm
A new surf film by Taylor Steele. Plus the short film RIPP SUCK.
Next Friday, June 27
PIXAR'S WALL-E
See also Pixar's site.
Balboa audiences have been responding with enthusiasm to our summer lineup. As we go into our final week of the animated comedy KUNG FU PANDA, we are opening something very different. MONGOL is an epic film you will never forget.
"Mongols need laws. I will make them obey -- even if I have to kill half of them."
—Genghis Khan
The film is a spectacle with plenty of action and killing so this isn't for the kiddies.
MONGOL was nominated for Best Foreign Film Academy Award this year and opened in New York and Los Angeles to raves from audiences and critics alike.
Walt Addiego wrote in the SF Chronicle:
"Mongol" has a classic tagline - "Greatness comes to those who take it" - that's right on the money for a sweeping, old-school epic. In recounting the early life of Genghis Khan, this outsized film offers everything you would want from an imposing historical drama: furious battles between mass armies, unquenchable love between husband and wife, blood brothers who become deadly enemies, and many episodes of betrayal and treachery among the warring tribes of the Central Asian steppes.
This is a large-scale production of the David Lean school, but nudged in an art-house direction by Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov ("Prisoner of the Mountains"). There are plenty of haunting landscapes, gorgeously photographed by Sergei Trofimov on location in China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, along with the sort of warfare scenes that define epics, but also an unexpected take on one of history's most fearsome leaders. The man who becomes Genghis Khan isn't exactly portrayed as a humanist or an egalitarian, but as a leader who was unusually fair-minded and generous for his day......the film is so impressive that we can't leave the theater without wanting more."
We will have free posters for MONGOL while the supply lasts.
REMEMBERING CYD
The actress and dancer who was a perfect match for Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in the 1950s movies from MGM passed away this week.
Agnes Poirer wrote in the London Guardian:
"Cyd Charisse represents the antidote to lap-dancing culture. Her culture was one of nobility and mystery, where emotions and sex are raw and yet left unsaid."
SURFING MOVIE NIGHT
We always enjoy presenting a night of surfing movies. Poor Speciman and Taylor Steele have produced another of their spectacular shows, Stranger than Fiction, that we will play twice on Wednesday night with the short film RIPP SUCK.
Next week watch for Pixar's newest, the amazing, hilarious and even romantic WALL-E.
Sincerely,
Gary
About This Week's Films:back to top
MONGOL
Award-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov (Prisoner of the Mountains) illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic, Mongol. Based on leading scholarly accounts and written by Bodrov and Arif Aliyev, Mongol delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of the ruler who was born as Temudgin in 1162. As it follows Temudgin from his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of hoary stereotype, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader. Mongol shows us the making of an extraordinary man, and the foundation on which so much of his greatness rested: his relationship with his wife, Borte, his lifelong love and most trusted advisor.
Filmed in the very lands that gave birth to Genghis Khan, Mongol transports us back to a distant and exotic period in world history; to a nomad's landscape of endless space, climatic extremes and ever-present danger. In a performance of powerful stillness and subtlety, celebrated young Japanese actor Asano Tadanobu (Zatoichi, Last Life in the Universe) captures the inner fire that enabled a hunted boy to become a legendary conqueror. Asano's achievement is matched by those of his co-stars, including the radiant newcomer Khulan Chuluun as Temudgin's courageous, spirited wife Borte, and the Chinese actor Honglei Sun (The Road Home) as the Mongol chieftain Jamukha, Temudgin's dearest friend and deadliest enemy. Masterfully blending action and emotion against some of the most arresting terrain on earth, Bodrov delivers an exciting and awe-inspiring tale of survival and triumph, and a love story for the ages.
R for sequences of bloody warfare - 120 minutes
In Mongolian with English subtitles.
Official Website: www.mongolmovie.com
"Mongol--or, as I prefer to think of it, "Genghis Khan: The Early Years"--is a big, ponderous epic, its beautifully composed landscape shots punctuated by thundering hooves and bloody, slow-motion battle sequences."
—A.O. Scott, THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Full of stunning views of China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan and showing an unexpected side of Genghis Kahn, Mongol feels like an old-fashioned epic."
—Kenneth Turan, LOS ANGELES TIMES
"I don't know the Mongolian word for panache, but Mongol's got plenty of it. The battle scenes are as notable for their clarity as their intensity; we can follow the strategies, get a sense of who's losing and who's winning. The physical production is sumptuous."
—Joe Morgenstern, WALL STREET JOURNAL
"This Central Asia-set historical epic from Russian helmer Sergei Bodrov (Nomad) boasts breathtaking landscapes, dazzling cinematography, bloody battles and unique traditions."
—Alissa Simon, VARIETY
Sergei Bodrov was born in Khabarovsk, Russia, and specialized in screenwriting at the Russian State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK). After graduating, he was a correspondent for Krokodil magazine and published numerous essays and short stories. He made his feature directorial debut with Sweet Dreams in the Grass (co-director, 84). His work was the subject of the Festival's Spotlight programme in 1993. His other films include Non-Professionals (87), Freedom Is Paradise (89), I Wanted to See Angels (92), Prisoner of the Mountains (96), Running Free (99), The Quickie (01), Bear's Kiss (02), Nomad (05) and Mongol (07).
Kung Fu Panda
Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around...which doesn't exactly come in handy while working every day in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min. MPAA Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action.
Official Website: www.kungfupanda.com
"At once fuzzy-wuzzy and industrial strength, the tacky-sounding "Kung Fu Panda" is high concept with a heart"
—Manohla Dargis, THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Po speaks loudly and carries big shtick. Let the rest of the world cringe at our hyperconfidence, our charisma, our pure awesomeness."
—Kyle Smith, THE NY POST
"Kung Fu Panda: Wise Heart, Sweet Art"
—Richard Corliss, TIME MAGAZINE
We have included some great sites to learn more about Pandas.
International Disability Film Festivalback to top
Each year this group assembles a most surprising collection of films that break barriers and open our senses.
www.culturedisabilitytalent.org/superfest/
The Film Night in the Park outdoor film series returns in 2008 with eight free screenings in Dolores Park, Washington Square Park, and Union Square. Film Night has become a popular summer tradition in San Francisco and it attracts spirited crowds to some of the City's most beautiful public spaces. Films are presented free of charge on a giant outdoor screen and attendees are encouraged to picnic before screenings. All screenings begin at dusk.
2008 highlights include Ang Lee's Academy Award winning, martial arts classic CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2003) in Washington Square (June 7th), the 80's classic THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985) in Dolores Park (July 26th) and a 50th anniversary screening of the San Francisco classic VERTIGO (1958) in Union Square (October 4th).
For more information visit www.filmnightsf.org.
2008 Film Night in the Park Schedule:
Saturday, 6/28, ALL ABOUT EVE, Union Sq.
Saturday, 7/26, THE BREAKFAST CLUB, Dolores Park
Saturday, 8/9, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, Un. Sq.
Saturday, 9/6, IL POSTINO, Wash. Sq
Saturday, 9/20, O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?, Dolores Park
Saturday, 10/4, VERTIGO, Union Sq
WEBSITE(S) OF THE WEEK - Ghengis Kahnback to top
Much has been written about Ghengis Khan, the powerful warrior king and we have brought you a few of the most useful sites.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE LOBBY - Sunsets & Rosesback to top
Diane Boate has displayed her wonderful photographs with us before and we welcome her back. She is also the cake lady who provides our Birthday Cakes.
Secret Garden Gallery
Nature Photography
Botanical Illustration
Online Photo Gallery
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/
Playing with MONGOL: Himalaya
One of the most popular films to play the Balboa in recent years was this stunning drama. We have often had requests to play the soundtrack album and MONGOL offers the perfect timing.
Find it at amazon or Soundtrack.net.
Visit Kino Video to purchase the original film.
Playing with KUNG FU PANDA : Nik Phelps and Sprocket Ensemble play the soundtrack for FETCH!
Nik and team played live at the Balboa many times. He is now living and being hailed in Europe and we look forward to his return. But in the meantime, you'll get to enjoy this great musi.
Official site: niksprocket.org/cd.html
Mike Tudor wrote in the SF Weekly:
"After the Foley artist, the soundtrack composer runs a close second in my sound-centric heart. In animated films, such music often supplies both the score and the Foley effects, giving characters their unrealized leitmotivs and drawing emotion out of potentially stagnant scenes. On Fetch!, a collection of pieces composed and performed for short animation by Nik Phelps and the Sprocket Ensemble, you can practically hear rubber balls bouncing across the titular song. Over the course of the record, the Ensemble draws tongue-wagging dogs with steel guitar and clarinet, colors insufferable felines with flute and cello, paints children fighting with water-phones, and enlivens wise men with violins. Fetch! bounds through live and Studio recordings of classical, jazz, klezmer, and Western styles - all highlighted by decidedly 'toony tones - offering true delights for fans of the Lounge Lizards or Henry Mancini."
More about FETCH the Movie
ROGER EBERT'S MOVIE GLOSSARYback to top
Birthin' Rule
Any character more than seven months pregnant will give birth by the end of the film, usually in an unusual place, such as an elevator, a cemetery or the back seat of a car in a traffic jam. The baby is always delivered by someone squeamish and inexperienced who will discover the miracle of life and get the baby named after him or her.
Lisa Martin,
Toronto
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, Thai, Italian, American, Russian, 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.
A new rave review of Best Panda at Balboa and 42nd.
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.
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!
