From ‘West Side Story’ to ‘Belfast”: Bay Area Film Critic Jan Wahl’s 2022 Oscar Picks

The Academy Awards matter. Without them, we’d have all Spiderman all the time. Hollywood’s dreams of critic-proof, merchandise-buying audiences promoting opening day with repetitive viewings and internet glee would come true. And the multinational corporations churning out movies by number would have the game entirely to themselves. Enter the Oscars. Though this is not why […]

From ‘West Side Story’ to ‘Belfast’: Oscar Predictions for 2022

The Academy Awards matter. Without them, we’d have all Spiderman all the time. Hollywood’s dreams of critic-proof, merchandise-buying audiences promoting opening day with repetitive viewings and internet glee would come true. And the multinational corporations churning out movies by number would have the game entirely to themselves. Enter the Oscars. Though this is not why […]

2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Your Family's Next Movie Night

These products that will make your family movie nights that much better. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic® The Mandalorian™ Throw, $194 Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 Michigan Ave., Chicago Who better to help keep you warm while you stream than the ultimate Disney+ darling, Baby Yoda? This buttery soft and machine washable (helpful when you have messy popcorn […]

Back to the Big Screen: Mill Valley Film Festival Returns to Form for 2021

Following an unprecedented, transformative 2020, the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) begins its return to form in 2021. From opening night to closing night, from filmmaker Q&As to industry panels, MVFF is welcoming in-person audiences back with open arms this year. But rest assured, health and safety will take precedence over all. “There won’t be […]

First Look at the 57th Annual Chicago International Film Festival: 'The French Dispatch' and 'King Richard', plus 'Belfast' with a Tribute to Sir Kenneth Branagh

Cinephiles and storytellers, rejoice! Chicago’s premier celebration of cinema, The Chicago International Film Festival, is back for its 57th event. Running Oct. 13-24, the festival offers moviegoers the ultimate Chicago film experience, including premiere screenings in theaters and online, post-screening artist discussions, and tributes to legendary filmmakers. The festival will open with Wes Anderson’s The […]

10 Film Festivals We Can’t Wait To Attend — Virtually or in Person

Missing film lately? Probably not, seeing as how we have all spent the last 10 months playing armchair critic thanks to safer-at-home orders and HBO Max, Netflix and Hulu+ subscriptions. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we’ve devoured everything from tabloid docu-series The Tiger King to estrogen-fueled comic book blockbuster WW84 (and dissected them all […]

15 of the Best Romantic Comedies to Watch This February

February may be cold, short… and, given our current circumstances, pretty boring, but there is more than enough love to go around. No matter the status of your love life, romantic comedies expertly mix humor and love, delivering an instant mood boost. Here are 15 classics — and a few new releases — that do […]