DEAR FRIENDS,

We have two fabulous double features this week. We expect several Oscar nominations to be announced on Tuesday morning, especially for THE HURT LOCKER and THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX. Join us this week to see two top movies for the price of one. And it is a perfect time to buy our discount card which brings the cost to $3.25 per movie.

SUNDANCING IN THE DARK

I am back from 5 days at the Sundance Film Festival. It is quite a scene. Heavy snow most of the time made getting around less than ideal, often resulting in people missing films. Nothing can be done about uncooperative weather. The festival directors discourage people from driving by having only a few remote (and expensive) parking lots. They want people to take the frequent free buses. Usually jammed with journalists, filmmakers, distributors, agents and audience members, the windows steam up and it is hard to see where the bus is. Some drivers call out the theater stops (earning money in the tip box from me) and others do not causing people to miss their venues of choice.

Read more about Sundance on Gary's Blog

Sincerely,
Gary and the Balboa Staff

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About This Week's Movies

ME AND ORSON WELLES

A romantic, coming-of-age story based in real theatrical history about a teenage actor who lucks into a role in "Julius Caesar" as it's being re-imagined by a brilliant, impetuous young director named Orson Welles at his newly-founded Mercury Theater in NYC, 1937.

PG-13 for sexual references and smoking. 114 min

Official website

"The impersonation of Welles by Christian McKay is the centerpiece of the film, and from it, all else flows. We can almost accept that this is the Great Man."
- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

For more Reviews and Interviews: Click Here

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THE HURT LOCKER

With Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty

Based on the personal wartime experiences of journalist Mark Boal (who adapted his experiences with a bomb squad into a fact-based, yet fictional story), director Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq War-set action thriller The Hurt Locker presents the conflict in the Middle East from the perspective of those who witnessed the fighting firsthand -- the soldiers.

As an elite Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team tactfully navigates the streets of present-day Iraq, they face the constant threat of death from incoming bombs and sharp-shooting snipers. In Baghdad, roadside bombs are a common danger. The Army is working to make the city a safer place for Americans and Iraqis, so when it comes to dismantling IEDs (improvised explosive devices) the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) crew is always on their game.

But protecting the public isn't easy when there's no room for error, and every second spent dismantling a bomb is another second spent flirting with death. Now, as three fearless bomb technicians take on the most dangerous job in Baghdad, it's only a matter of time before one of them gets sent to "the hurt locker." Jeremy Renner, Guy Pearce, and Ralph Fiennes star.

Rated R for war violence and language – 131 minutes

Official Website

"The film is Bigelow's latest and, in many ways, strongest work -- vivid, assured and extremely suspenseful. Taking moviegoers by the collar and throwing them headlong into one horrifying life-and-death situation after another, Bigelow and her collaborators remind us that cinema, like war, is a drug."
- Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

For more Reviews and Interviews: Click Here

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THE YOUNG VICTORIA

1837. VICTORIA (17) (Emily Blunt) is the object of a royal power struggle. Her uncle, KING WILLIAM (Jim Broadbent), is dying and Victoria is in line for the throne. Everyone is vying to win her favor. However Victoria is kept from the court by her overbearing mother, THE DUCHESS OF KENT (Miranda Richardson), and her ambitious advisor, CONROY (Mark Strong). Victoria hates them both. Her only friend is her doting governess, LEHZEN (Jeanette Hain), but she is smothering and over-protective.

Victoria’s handsome cousin, ALBERT (Rupert Friend) is invited to visit by her mother. He's also the nephew of her Uncle, KING LEOPOLD OF BELGIUM (Thomas Kretschmann). It's obvious that Albert has been coached to win her hand. At first she's annoyed as she has no intention of being married. She never wants to be controlled again. However Albert is also tired of being manipulated by his relatives. Victoria and Albert talk openly and sincerely and become friends. When he returns home she grants him permission to write to her. King Leopold is delighted and pushes Albert to woo her. Albert refuses because he knows she’s not ready and he won’t return to London until she invites him. Leopold reluctantly waits.

Rated: PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language and smoking. Running Time: 105 min

Official Website

"Casting Emily Blunt in the title role, the movie effectively lays out how Victoria outsmarted her enemies, assumed the UK throne, found herself a stable husband and settled in for a 63-year reign."
- Kyle Smith, New York Post

For more Reviews and Interviews: Click Here

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FANTASTIC MR. FOX

It is the story of one Mr. Fox and his wild-ways of hen heckling, turkey taking and cider sipping, nocturnal, instinctive adventures. He has to put his wild days behind him and do what fathers do best: be responsible. He is too rebellious. He is too wild. He is going to try "just one more raid" on the three nastiest, meanest farmers that are Boggis, Bunce and Bean. It is a tale of crossing the line of family responsibilities and midnight adventure and the friendships and awakenings of this country life that is inhabited by Fantastic Mr. Fox and his friends.

Rated PG for action, smoking and slang humor. Running Time: 87 Minutes

Official website

"The art design is a large part of the film's appeal. It stays fresh all the way through. Think back to the color palettes of "Darjeeling" and "The Life Aquatic."
-Roger Ebert, rogerebert.com

For more Reviews and Interviews: Click Here

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

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.

More Info

COMING FEBRUARY 7: RUSSIAN ANIMATOR IN PERSON TRIBUTE WITH LIVE MUSIC

Russian animation master Yuri Norstein will appear in person on Feb 7 to present 3 works: "Hedgehog in the Fog," "Tale of Tales," and a segment of his work in progress, Nikolai Gogol's "Overcoat".

The first two will be accompanied live by Gojogo - a Berkeley based world music quartet with guest artists who will perform a new original score for the animations. The entire duration of the screening will be about 1h20m. Doors 8pm, screening 8:30.

The show will be a benefit to raise funds for Yuri Norstein's studio in Moscow.

Advance tickets and prices: Brown Paper Tickets

This show is expected to sell out. More Info.

VALENTINE’S DAY “NEAR THE BEACH” WITH WILL THE THRILL AND SPECIAL GUESTS – FEB. 14

COWABUNGA! CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY at the Balboa- 7:30

Thrillville, the roving "cult movie cabaret" hosted by Will "the Thrill" Viharo and his lovely assistant and patient wife, Monica "Tiki Goddess," presents the popular 1965 "beach party" cult classic, BEACH BLANKET BINGO, starring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Deborah Walley, John Ashley, Harvey Lembeck, Linda Evans, Paul Lynde and Don Rickles (!), at the Balboa Theater, on Valentine's Day.

This one has it all: surf music, teenage romance, beautiful scenery, bikers, bikinis, go-go dancing, and even a mermaid! Along with a screening of the film, considered the best of this sun-baked genre, there will be vintage drive-in movie trailers, cool prizes and best of all, a live performance by San Francisco's leading lady of burlesque, Kitten on the Keys

All Tickets $10.00

Advance tickets available at: BrownPaperTickets

Thrillville     More info

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NOW PLAYING AT THE VOGUE

Our friends at the Vogue Theatre, on Sacramento St., are playing UP IN THE AIR 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

Daily Show Times through, February 3rd: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, (9:50-Fri-Sat)

VogueSF.com

MOSTLY BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ON-SALE NOW: $50 FESTIVAL PASS SPECIAL FOR BALBOA SUBSCRIBERS!

Tickets for the 2nd Annual MOSTLY BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL are now on sale and they're offering an incredible deal to Balboa Theatre Subscribers- a $50 Festival Pass. The Festival Pass offers unlimited access to the 2010 Festival including over 30 films and the opening and closing night films and receptions.

A limited number of $50 Festival Passes are available so act fast to take advantage of this special deal before the price jumps to the regular $75 rate (select "Series Discount/Series Partner" when buying your pass and print this email to show when you pick up your pass).

Tickets and full details about the festival are available at www.mostlybritish.org.

The Opening Night Film of the Festival will be LONDON RIVER and Closing Night will feature LOOKING FOR ERIC. Other highlights include BALIBO and the British Crime Drama THE RED RIDING TRILOGY. David Thomson of the New York Review of Books recently referred to THE RED RIDING TRILOGY as "better than THE GODFATHER". The festival will also feature terrific animated films including a modern PETER & THE WOLF and Australia's MARY AND MAX - both shortlisted for Oscars. The Festival will screen over 30 films throughout 8 days at the Vogue! Get your tickets now!

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PHOTOS IN THE LOBBY QUANG-TUAN LUONG’S INDIA SERIES

Quang-Tuan Luong, the artist responsible for our very popular National Parks series, has brought in a new show with some of his gorgeous prints from India.

For More Information:

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PARAMOUNT THEATRE WINTER CLASSICS SERIES

We are blessed in the bay area to have a handful of true movie palaces still showing great movies….the Castro, Stanford and our favorite, The Paramount in Oakland. The theater will once again host a selection of great classics with cartoons, prizes and tremendous fun.

The Balboa will be giving away passes at weekend shows.

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.

On Your Birthday, You Are Our Guest.

The Balboa is Wheelchair and Handicapped Accessible.

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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!

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 (at) yahoo.com . (Change (at) to @. We are trying to avoid spam.)

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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