Showtimes
General Admission: $9.00
Bargain matinees in (parentheses): $6.50
Seniors and Children $6.50
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Friday, June 27 — Thursday, July 3, 2008
Theatre #1
Wall-E (G)
12:20, 2:35, 4:40, 7:00, 9:15
Pixar's WALL-E plus short subject PRESTO
Theatre #2
Mongol (R)
(12:00), 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:35
Once again the creative geniuses from the Bay Area's own PIXAR will grace our screen with their newest wonder, WALL-E. I was lucky enough to see it at an advance sneak preview benefiting Children's Hospital Oakland. The packed theater at Pixar's Studios in Emeryville got a thrill from start to finish. They had already eaten a great meal and been able to wander much of Pixar's facilities looking at concept drawings and other items showing the creation of WALL-E. Next an animator introduced the film, the lights lowered and, as is the tradition in the Pixar, twinkling stars appeared overhead and soon a shower of shooting stars brought gasps of appreciation.
A Pixar short subject, PRESTO, started the program in the tradition of classic cartoons by Chuck Jones and Tex Avery. And then came WALL-E. You will read about how the first half of the movie is largely without dialogue. This is true and makes no difference because the filmmakers know how to tell a story. Just like the great silent films, words are not always necessary to create laughs, drama and romance. WALL-E is a perfect reminder of this fact. While being one of the most inventive films of all time.
The audience at the screening was half children and they were entranced, as were the adults who also found lots of typical Pixar humor aimed at making sure all ages are entertained.
Be among the first to see Disney/Pixar's WALL-E opening weekend and get a free limited-edition WALL-E watch
with each Child's Admission Ticket.
Hurry! Quantities Limited. Offer good while supplies last.
PIXAR ANIMATOR TO APPEAR AT BALBOA
We think many of you will want to see WALL-E more than once. If you come first weekend, think about returning next weekend to meet one of the animators.
Award-winning Pixar Animation Studios animator Michal Makarewicz will answer questions and discuss Pixar animation on Saturday, July 5 following the 7:00 showing and before the 9:15 screening of Disney/Pixar's WALL-E at the Balboa Theatre.
Makarewicz, a leading character animator, also worked on RATATOUILLE, CARS, ONE MAN BAND and THE INCREDIBLES. Makarewicz won an ASIFA Hollywood Annie Award for Character Animation in a Feature Production for his work on RATATOUILLE.
Sincerely,
Gary
About This Week's Films:back to top
Wall-E
What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off?
Academy Award®-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo) and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios (The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille) transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away for a new computer-animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL-E.
After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL-E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL-E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL-E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most exciting and imaginative comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.
Joining WALL-E on his fantastic journey across a universe of never-before-imagined visions of the future, is a hilarious cast of characters including a pet cockroach, and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots.
Filled with surprises, action, humor and heart, WALL-E was written and directed by Andrew Stanton, produced by Jim Morris, co-produced by Lindsey Collins and features original and innovative sound design by Academy Award®-winner Ben Burtt (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial).
G - 103 minutes
Official Website: www.pixar.com/theater/trailers/walle/
"We've grown accustomed to expecting surprises from Pixar, but "Wall-E" surely breaks new ground. Chaplinesque in its emotional purity. . . a cinematic poem of such wit and beauty."
—A.O. Scott, New York Times
"A film that's both breathtakingly majestic and heartbreakingly intimate."
—Robert Wilonsky, VILLAGE VOICE
"This is Pixar's finest and most emotionally powerful film yet, and it draws on a wealth of cinematic resources that run the gamut from Chaplin's best to Buster Keaton, Jacques Tati, and even Martin and Lewis."
—Marc Savlov, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
"The animation is stunning; the landscapes of the futuristic Earth offer the Pixar folks ample opportunity to show off their wares."
—Bill Goodykoontz, ARIZONA REPUBLIC
"One of the best movies of the year. Just so beautifully done."
—Richard Roeper, EBERT & ROEPER
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).
We get lots of fan letters, all appreciated. Some offer a special note that we are especially pleased to share with you. This is one.
Dear Gary,
I am very proud that the Balboa theatre and this group accommodates those of us with disabilities. Speaking for myself and my wife, we are both disabled, we find comfort in knowing that we can go to our little neighborhood Balboa theatre, even though we live in Burlingame, and feel welcomed.
Recently we won tickets to a concert at the Zellerbach from the Balboa newsletter. We contacted you for assistance and Cal Performances immediately placed us near a restroom and we had a one of the most enjoyable times of our lives. Thanks. you and your staff are truly sensitive and caring human beings, and one of the reasons why we so adamantly support the Balboa theatre.
Sincerely,
Frank and Darlene
WIN FREE TICKETS TO SEE "A CHORUS LINE"back to top
Citibank Best of Broadway presents A CHORUS LINE, playing at the Curran Theatre July 8-27. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A CHORUS LINE, the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line.
July 8-27
Curran Theatre
TO FIND OUT MORE AND TO BUY TICKETS
HOW TO WIN TICKETS
We have a limited number of tickets for Wednesday, July 9 at 8pm at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco.
Send your entry to: balboafans "at" yahoo.com (we are trying to cut down on spam so you'll have to put the address together with @ replacing "at").
In the subject line type: CHORUS LINE AT THE CURRAN
In the body of the email type your full name and email.
Please do not enter if you have won a Balboa contest in the past 60 days.
Do not enter if you cannot attend.
ALL entries must be received no later than Sunday, June 27 at 6pm.
THE WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
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 - THE ROBOTS OF CLAYTON BAILEYback to top
For years I have enjoyed the whimsical and often amazing creations of Clayton Bailey who lives near Crockett in the North Bay. You know his pace because of the gargoyles pn the fence and shiny silver space ship being launched into space.
Recently I made a visit to his studio and my admiration is at an all-time high. Hundreds of robots created by household item and scraps he has recycled result in the most unique bots you have ever seen. Additionally there are hilarious ceramics and other "exhibits." The day we visited a crew from the San Francisco International Airport was collecting specimens for an exhibit at the Airport.
Bailey's work seems a perfect thing to feature with the opening of WALL-E.
Have fun cruising through his site. His book is great fun and if you can't afford to buy an original work of his art, a signed poster can be had for a small fee.
www.claytonbailey.com
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 Wall-E : Louis Armstrong
When you see WALL-E, you'll understand why we are playing...
Louis Armstrong Golden Hits
For those of you who enjoyed Sony Holland's intermission music recently or her live performance at the Balboa, you have a chance to experience her complete shw this weekend at The Rrazz Room in San Francisco's Hotel Nikko.
Jun 29 AND 30, 2008
Sony's new CD titled "Swing, Bossas, Ballads & Blues." was recorded by Grammy winning engineer Leslie Ann Jones. It includes classic standards, jazzy versions of rock-era songs, and original songs. Backing Ms. Holland are some of the Bay Area's finest musicians including Larry Dunlap, Charles McNeal, Seward McCain, David Rokeach, Art Khu, Dave MacNab, Steve Erquiaga and Jim Nichols. If you've caught one of her concerts you know that Sony is a stellar performer.
www.SonyHolland.com
ROGER EBERT'S MOVIE GLOSSARYback to top
What Befits a Legend Least
Any film with the word "legend" in the title won't be legendary. Consider "Legend," "The Legend of Billie Jean," "The Legend of Lylah Clare," "The Legend of Boggy Creek," "The Legend of the Lone Ranger," "Legends of the Fall," "Geronimo: An American Legend," "Legend of Tom Dooley," "When the Legends Die." Sole exception: "The Legend of Hell House," a legendary little thriller.
MERWYN GROTE,
St. Louis, Missouri
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!
