Kenny's Korner

Each Thursday for the past decade, I have put out a commentary on the week's films, Vine happenings and fun information in the form of Kenny's Korner.  This has been in our weekly email newsletter.  Please sign up for this newsletter to get my commentary, and the best information about the Vine.  Below is this week's Kenny Korner - enjoy!

 

Hello all, 

This week is a bit of a strange one!  We have never had a NEW movie that we have only been able to play for two days.  That movie this week is SUPER/MAN The Christopher Reeve Story, and all theatres across the country are only allowed to play it Saturday and Wednesday at 4:00 and 7:00.  Because of this, we expect demand to be rather high for those four showings, as the movie is simply fantastic.

Synopsis:  The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today.  Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.  After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care - all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family. 

As many of you know, my favorite movie of all time growing up was Super Man 2.  I would watch the iconic extended fight scene at the end over and over on our new VCR!!!  So Christopher Reeve is, and will always be, Superman to me.  So, I truly hope that many of you get to see this wonderful documentary at the Vine this Saturday or Wednesday!

The outstanding classic, AMERICAN GRAFFITI plays next Thursday, September 26th at 7pm.  This amazing 1973 film is so much fun, and well-reviewed – 95% on RottenTomatoes.  As you know, American Graffiti was filmed mostly in Petaluma, but is set in 1963 in the streets of Modesto in the film.  

American Graffiti synopsis:  From director George Lucas (Star Wars) and producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock n’ roll.  Starring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles, this nostalgic look back follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets on their last summer night before college.  Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, American Graffiti features the howling sounds of Wolfman Jack and an unforgettable soundtrack with songs by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys and Bill Haley & His Comets.

Tickets are selling well for AMERICAN GRAFFITI!

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is a hit at the Vine!  This film is attracting all “four quadrants” as they say in the movie industry – old, young, men and woman.

Starring Michael Keaton, Catherine O’hara, Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder and Willem Dafoe, this comedy/fantasy/thriller is “Certified Fresh” on Rottentomatoes, and has a fantastic audience score as well!

Synopsis:  Beetlejuice is back!  After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River.  Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened.  With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem. 

Because of the interesting week we have with Super/Man, we have to fill in with other films on the other days.  So, this week I brought in a wonderful film that so many of you have asked about – MY PENGUIN FRIEND.  This film is based on a true story, and has really done well at some art-houses.

Synopsis:  A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty.  Humble fisherman João (international star Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy.  But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help.  To his wife's (Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed.  When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, João believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again.  But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home.  Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.

Coming to the Vine Cinema next week is LEE, starring Kate Winslet.  This extremely limited film is based on a true story of Lee Miller during World War II.  I believe so strongly that many of you will want to see this film that I pushed really hard to get it.  Please watch the trailer on this one as well.

Synopsis:  LEE, the directorial feature from award-winning Cinematographer Ellen Kuras, portrays a pivotal decade in the life of American war correspondent and photographer, Lee Miller (Kate Winslet).  Miller's singular talent and unbridled tenacity resulted in some of the 20th century's most indelible images of war, including an iconic photo of Miller herself, posing defiantly in Hitler's private bathtub.  Miller had a profound understanding and empathy for women and the voiceless victims of war.  Her images display both the fragility and ferocity of the human experience.  Above all, the film shows how Miller lived her life at full-throttle in pursuit of truth, for which she paid a huge personal price, forcing her to confront a traumatic and deeply buried secret from her childhood.

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmFYkiUAAA8

LEE starts at the Vine Cinema on Friday, September 27th.

TED NEELEY will be coming to the Vine Cinema for a screening of Jesus Christ Superstar on Tuesday, December 3rd!  We are over-the-moon to host TED for the THIRD time at the Vine, and that we chose us to be the FIRST leg of his farewell tour! 

Tickets are now on sale for the December 3rd screen of Jesus Christ Superstar.  Mr. Neeley will speak before the screening, and will sign autographs after the film.  He is VERY generous with his time, so if you come to this screening, you will be able to meet him if you want to!

Visit the Vine anytime between 12:30 – 8:00 to see our amazing new Cotton Candy Robot!  In just 2 minutes it makes a beautiful flower cotton candy with three different colors!  No tickets are required to get cotton candy, Dole Whip, take-out popcorn, etc.

We hope that you will continue to spread the word that the Vine Cinema & Alehouse is the valley’s only movie theatre showing independent films and classics, while serving beer, wine and food.

Kenny