Notes and ramblings about the inner workings of a small theatre that still believes in the power of film. Ramblings about the place where movies still matter.
Feb10- My daughter's Bday! Other exciting news: February is Oscar Month at the BIJOU. An Education playing now (3 Oscar noms), Next Young Victoria (3 Oscar Noms) Feb. 19th Up In The Air (6 Oscar Noms!!) Then...Feb 26 The Imaginarium of DR. Parnassus (2 Oscar Noms). Don't miss Daughter's of The Dust on Saturday Morning Cinema this Saturday. The film is part of the National Film Registry.
Feb. 2 - Well, Well the Oscar nominations are in! A couple of surprises; Christain McKay playing in Me and Orson Welles did not get nominated. District 9 and A Serious Man getting Best Picture nods! Well, there are TEN Best Pic Noms now so ...and NINE not getting Best Pic Nom is beyond me!! An Education with 3 nominations including Best Picture starts Friday at the Bijou and plays also at the PAC later this month. Don't miss this one. It Is Great! and ONE WEEK ONLY!! Also celebrating Black History Month at the Bijou starts Saturday with THAT'S BLACK ENTERTAINMENT. See you there 11AM.
Jan. 17, Avatar wins best pic and director! Who knew? It was good. I got some of my picks right. I was hopin for the guy from Inglorious Basterds to win, so good for him. Michael C. Hall (DEXTER) wins!! woo-who! I love Robert Downy Jr. as much as the next guy, buy he has had better roles. The Hangover wins, very funny film, not in the top ten best films though, in my humble opinion. Nice speeches: Mo'nique and Sandra Bullock AND Leo D. presenting Martin Scorsese the Cecil B. DeMille award and Marty's speech. Cheers. --Oscar nominations 2/2/10.
Jan. 16, Wow, and yes! The year end good movies are all nearly available on the coast. Except Up In The Air and Lovely Bones, yet to see. NINE is excellent! Very European. Fellini couldn't have made a better film...Oh wait he did.! Keith Loves the Kate Hudson number I love the Fergie one. Yes, That's Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas. Okay, now the movie I most want to see is The Prophet. French film. Reviewers are comparing it to The Godfather! Who is diggin' the new Saturday Morning Cinema? Silents, classics and special events for a reasonable price on a Saturday morn. Watch for 4 films celebrating Black History Month. Golden Globe Awards Sunday on NBC @ 5PM!! okay my predictions: Mo'nique will win and I'm feelin' Sandra Bullock (for Blind Side). Actor...Jeff Bridges maybe. Picture...don't know, um -Hurt Locker or Precious. All others are up in the air (not the movie, I just don't know.) Love to see (500) Days Of Summer win something. see ya.
Jan. 1, 2010 Hello, Happy New Year! Movie Movies Movies! Finally the all the good ones are coming out! and HELLO- AVATAR 3-D!!! Wow that was something! But you HAVE to see it in 3-D. And An Education-great! Precious (now Playing) Really Good, probably make my top 5 of the Year. Invictus Very Good. Still to see Up In The Air, Nine, and heard Sherlock Holmes was pretty good. Why did Guy Richie direct that? Has he even read Sir A.C. Doyle? Gotta go.
Dec. 7th. Keith saw An Education and said it was great! hope to see it this weekend. So many new , good films to keep up with. Up in the Air now won't come out until Christmas Day. Invictus, however starts at the Bijou Friday. Should be awesome. Meanwhile, Pirate Radio is waaaay better that the reviews let on. If you like Rock 'n Roll or not it's funny, there's a great cast... besides PSH. there is Bill Nighy, Nick Frost (from Sean of the Dead & Hot Fuzz) One of the guys from Flight of the Conchords, cameos by Emma Thompson and January Jones (Mad Men). It's really fun and a super great soundtrack... Kinks, Stones, Who, Beach Boys Dusty Springfield, The Turtles. Here's a secret you can only find here on cinemalovers.com ... We will be playing THE ROAD opening Jan. 8th!! until next time...
Nov. 23rd: Movies I can't wait to see: Up In The Air, Invictus, Precious, Broken Embraces, Pirate Radio, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, NINE, Me And Orsen Welles. just to name a few!! They all come out at the end of the year don't they.. The GOOD ones, I mean.
Nov. 14, Only 6 more chances to see BRIGHT STAR! Don't miss it! PLANET 51 starts Friday Family film with voices of Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, John Cleese.
Nov. 10 - Yes, it is exciting to be at the end of the year when the really good films come out!! BRIGHT STAR coming this Friday (along with Amelia). It's a romance about poet John Keats. Probably not a movie for Todd K. (you know who you are)! But dude, you will like AMELIA! Hope to see you there. Both of these films will alternate showtimes. Hopefully going to see A SERIOUS MAN, the new Coen Bros.-this Thursday. Please don't miss PONYO! Last fall film at the PAC.
Oct. 31. Happy Halloween! WHIP IT is terrific! Everything you want a roller derby comedy to be! Love the Ellen Page. Did you see her on ELLEN? She's cute and green. She was tellin' Ellen about her living on a sustainability farm in Oregon for a while! You go Girl! IN THE LOOP @ the PAC was really good. Am looking forward to SERAPHINE all about the French painter. Then next week MOON -directed by David Bowies son! Yes, you heard me. --can't wait. Haven't yet, but want to see Where the WILD THINGS ARE and COLD SOULS . Also MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW was loads of fun again thanks to the fine folks from Portland THE CLINTON ST. CABARET. Thanks you guys!! Well now, go get you ghoully on!! AMELIA starts 11/6.
Oct. 8- Buenos diaz, Wow! Away We Go was soooo good! That was a great movie that I ended up thinking about for some time. (500) Days of Summer has some competition for my favorite film now. Incidentally (500) Days... will be @ the PAC Sun. & Mon. 10/11 & 10/ 12. Fox Searchlight has pulled 200 prints of Whip It. I don't know why. They are going to roll it out slow I guess. We are still slated to play it. This Friday though, Renee Z. in MY ONE AND ONLY also with Kevin Bacon, Chris Noth, Nick Stahl and Eric McCormack. A Comedy loosely based on George Hamilton's (yes, George Hamilton) childhood , takes place in the 1950's, has music numbers (I think Kevin Bacon is a band-leader) and is getting good reviews. I Think it will be a good one. After that: Michael Moore's new one! I want to see COLD SOULS!!
Sept. 16- Hello all. A rainy day on the the coast makes for a great movie day! Sandra Bullock has not been funnier!! Have you seen her hair? Thomas Hayden Church is hilarious too. We went to see District 9. I enjoyed it! Really interesting and different Sci-Fi. Reminded me of Alien Nation. We will be playing MOON Sci-Fi film starring Sam Rockwell at the PAC Film Series, which was directed by David Bowie's son Duncan Jones. PAC films have been announced. Click on Film Series above. The first film opening the series is AWAY WE GO directed by Sam Mendes, who brought us such favorites as American Beauty, Road To Perdition and Revolutionary Road. BTW, Away We Go is my husband, Keith's, favorite movie of the year (so far). Coming Soon to the BIJOU Drew Barrymore's directorial debut: WHIP IT.
August 26- Hi gang! So many movies I want to see or coming out here soon in the fall. Looking forward to: PONYO, (new Miyazaki anima), Cold Souls (w/ Paul Giamatti), haven't see Inglorious Basterds or District 9 yet, but want to. IN THE LOOP (British political satire) looks hilarious!! But until then, Time Traveler's Wife is an excellent adaptation of the book, which doesn't happen often. Beautiful love story along with a little sci-fi thrown in. Don't miss it. THE FLYBOYS movie Premiere here at the Bijou was a great success! Director Rocco deVilliers was present and gracious when he received a standing ovation at the film's finish. He gave out posters and signed autographs. I am mulling over ideas for the Film Series at the PAC which starts Oct. 4th. Send Ideas here, if you have any.
August 14 Hello. The Time Traveler's Wife opens tomorrow!! We screened it today and boy! It's really good. Very close to the book. I think both readers of the book and not will be very pleased. Have I yet mentioned the movie premiere we are having !!? This Saturday @ 11:AM THE FLYBOYS w/ the director Rocco deVilliers in attendance for a Q & A after the film. Rocco is a former Lincoln City resident and enjoyed watching movies at the Bijou when he was a boy. His family was well known when they were in town here. Be there or be square!!
July 22. Hello! It's been awhile. Well, My Sister's Keeper turned out to be a keeper. Better than I thought it was going to be. Not as "down" as I thought it was going to be. Yes, there were tears, but well earned. Apparently the movie was waaaay different than the book. Speaking of books... OMG!! The Bijou will be opening "THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE"!! on August 14th. Only my favorite book in the last ten years. But be sure to read this one first because the movie is only 108 minutes and the book is near 600 pages. I don't know HOW they're gonna do that. This Friday THE UGLY TRUTH with Katherine Heigl anf Gerard Butler.. Looks like a popular one. CHERI is very good if you can make it in by Thursday. Sunday and Monday at the PAC pleeeease don't miss GOODBYE SOLO it should be great if every reviewer is giving it 4****'s. We'll see. Betsy will be on HOTLINE onKPNT & KBCH July 30, 9:00-10:00am to discuss upcoming closing film @ the PAC FUEL. Also , hopefully a producer of the film will be calling in! Listen up.
June 23rd - I was right again! The Brothers Bloom is one not to miss! Ends Thursday! It's very stylish. Dare I say not unlike a Coen Bros. or Wes Anderson film. Very entertaining and clever. Rent the dvd of Brick if you've never seen it; really cool too. Looking forward to seeing Swedish film Everlasting Moments at the PAC this week. Also want to see Public Enemies with Johnny Depp July 1st. Here at the BIJOU 6/26 My Sister's Keeper. All proceeds of all popcorn sold on Sunday 6?28 go to Relay For Life!! Come on Sunday and buy a LARGE (or 2)!! See you there.
June 18th - Oh Boy!! The Brothers Bloom ought to be good! Directed and written by the guy who wrote and directed Brick. Adrien Brody, Rachel Weisz, Mark Ruffalo and Academy Award nominated Rinko Rikuchi (Babel). And at Newport PAC The Soloist. Looking forward to it.
June 11: - Hello! It's been awhile. Did ya miss me? Some life changing events going on since the last blog. But we are back and ready to gooooo. Newport Film Series opens this Sunday and Monday with, I think will be a spectacular documentary EARTH from the Discovery Channel and the people who brought you Planet Earth. Great for the whole family. In fact , I believe, there is only one R rated film in this whole series. One of the films in the series has just played at the Bijou , IS ANYBODY THERE , with Michael Caine doing an extraordinary performance and it also stars the young kid from SON OF RAMBO, if you happened to see that one. At the Bijou we have a very funny romantic comedy MY LIFE IN RUINS with, of course , Nia Vardalos (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Richard Dreyfuss. Really funny one liners!! See you at the PAC.
April 26th. -Yes, I was right! Sunshine Cleaning is an adorable movie (about crime scene clean up!). It's more of a dramedy than straight comedy. It's very good. Only one week! Ends Thursday/. Friday is Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past.
April 22- Hello?! Yea!!! SUNSHINE CLEANING IS HERE!! (Friday). It just looks so fun and quirky. I think Amy Adams is adorable. She is in a few other films this simmer as well... Julie and Julia w/ Meryl Streep (again) and Night In the Museum 2 w/ Ben Stiller. She plays Emelia Earhart. Here are some movies I am looking forward to this summer... The Time Traveler's Wife. (My fave novel of the last ten years!) The Boat That Rocked w/ Philip Seymour Hoffman,- The New Jim Jarmusch Control Of Limits, and Public Enemies w/ Depp, Christain Bale and Marion Cotillard. If anybody has ideas for the summer film series at the PAC throw me an email. I have gotten a few good ones., gottagobye!!
April 16- Clint Eastwood es Mas Macho!! by leaps and bounds! according to our weekly survey between Clint and Mickey Roarke. I wanna see Sunshine Cleaning!!
April 14- Did everyone have a happy Easter and/or Passover? It looks like Mr. Eastwood is ahead in the Que es mas Macho? contest. (or Quien es mas macho?) Although both films are doing about the same business. This Friday ADVENTURELAND -R with Jesse Eisenberg (Squid and the Whale) and Kristen Stewart (Twilight) in a comedy made by the folks who did Superbad. Kind of college/post college age silly humor. Should be fun. Also if you didn't get a chance to see TAKEN -PG-13 with Liam Neeson, I heard this was really good. Intense as all get-out, but good. Taken Written by Luc Besson who brought us The Fifth Element and The Professional, and the original La Femme Nikita. --May 1st "GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST" with Matthew McConaughey. If you have any suggestions for the Summer Film Series at The Newport PAC. let me know.
April 8 Only two more days for TWO LOVERS! People who have come are really enjoying it. Next, for one week only, a couple films that played the 6-plex, but we didn't get to see 'em, and we hope others also will come to see QUE ES MAS MACHO? Clint Eastwood o Mickey Roarke. In Newport the final film in the series this spring DOUBT. Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman!!! need I say more? Okay more...Amy Adams and Viola Davis. All Nominated for Oscars!! It's just damn good acting and a powerful film. THIS is why we love film!! Bijou future : SUNSHINE CLEANING maybe the 24th..(?)
March 28 Sorry for the tardiness of the movie showtimes. My bad! Thanks, ==Betsy
March 21- Well it looks as though we are getting Joaquin Phoenix's last film April 3rd TWO LOVERS with Gwyneth Paltrow. Joaquin is, apparently quitting acting and putting out a hip-hop cd. You may have heard about the infamous David Letterman interview. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXpYk7WGN5Y&feature=related . People are also saying his weirdness is him exploring a role for a mocumentary directed by his friend Casey Affleck.(?) In any case I have heard that TWO LOVERS is really good. Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio are together again (since Titanic) in Revolutionary Road. Directed by Kate's husband Sam Mendes who directed the great AMERICAN BEAUTY! Keith and I saw a really neat movie last night on AMC called 14 HOURS (1951) starring Richard Basehart and a lot of various character actors you may recognize. It also was Grace Kelly's first role, albeit small. It was about a guy on a ledge threatening to jump in NYC. Based on a true story. Really well done.
March 9- Frost / Nixon ends on Thursday. Get in here to see it. It is very good. You may be surprised. It was better than I expected it would be. Friday we are bringing back SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE for those who didn't get a chance to see it, but will now that it won BEST PICTURE and 7 other Academy Awards!! Other films we are looking into are SUNSHINE CLEANING and THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD. as mentioned below... Sometime in April. Check out the trailers at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi729612313/ & http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2906260249/ respectively. Cadillac Records one more time tonight at the PAC. Pretty cool film all about the beginning of Chess Records who gave us early Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Chuck Berry, Howlin' Wolf and Etta James to just name a few. If you have not seen MAN ON WIRE, it is highly (no pun intended) recommended!! Now on DVD. What do you want to see at the Bijou that is out there and not come to town yet? Email us. altomare@charter.net .
Feb 27. -Milk has had a really great turn out especially right before the Oscars. Yea!!! Slumdog Millionaire!! Very pleased it won all that it did! And Sean Penn, I rooted for him. I have now seen Happy-Go-Lucky 3 times and it's still adorable. Rachel gets Married this Sunday & Monday at the PAC. Films I am looking forward to in the future: SUNSHINE CLEANING and THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD. When are they going to finally release "The Time Traveler's Wife"??! My favorite book in the last ten years now (soon) a movie with Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams.
Feb. 15 -He's Just Not Into You is cute and "True" I have had men tell me. Yes, even the guys have been coming to this one. MILK starts Friday. Also, the Academy Awards are Sunday, February 22nd, so get in here to see Milk. It is nominated for 8 Oscars including Best Picture. Newport Film Series starts tonight!! CHANGELING with Angelina Jolie who is nominated for her role! Also stars John Malkovich.
Jan. 26- DOUBT was great! Sorry it was only one week. However, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is ALL THAT! Really! It will win many Academy Awards. It is nominated for 10, including Best Picture of the Year! Don't miss BEACH BLANKET BINGO Feb. 7th 11:00 am, as part of Antique Week here in Lincoln City. FUN, FUN, FUN! Playing bingo and giving away prizes all weekend long.
Jan. 13- Doubt opens Friday!! I have started booking the films for the Newport film series which opens Feb. 15th. Go to "Film Series" link to see what's coming. Unfortunately I've been told by our trusty booker that we may not get MILK at the Bijou. = ( I may have it in Newport, but the studio is not taking bookings right now. But there are other good things in the works for the BIJOU!! Stay tuned. Keith and I saw SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE over the weekend. It IS all that! Just won 4 Golden Globes including Best Picture (drama) !
Jan. 4- Happy New Year! Boy what a season for film! Bijou should have DOUBT opening on 1/16. We saw Benjamin Button. It was very good. But a lot different than the book which is always a bit frustrating. And I think they forgot to hire an editor. SEVEN POUNDS is amazing! Intense and emotional, but an astonishing movie! Not your usual Will Smith flick. He has the goods. Not the best reviewed film of the year (and it's beyond me what these so called film lovers are thinking), but trust me -if you want a film to move you, this is the one! Hoping there is MILK in the Bijou future. This week in Friday's (Jan./2) A&E section in the Oregonian are listed several critics Top Ten Films of 2008. It's always interesting to see. Until next time...
Dec. 19th- okay, it's been a really long time since I've blogged. Australia was a huge success and great flick! Seven Pounds is the big news here. Starts today. Another Lincoln County exclusive! I liked the trailer because it left you still curious about the film. So often trailers are abridged version of the movie and give too much away. But with 7lbs you don't know what happened or why he has to do these things (trying to stay spoiler free). But it looks like a great drama. Golden Globe nominations have been announced. click here to see them... http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/index.html We saw two great movies last week; MILK and HAPPY GO LUCKY. The later is from 5 time Oscar nominated British director Mike Leigh, who wrote and directed Vera Drake, Topsy-Turvy, and Secrets and Lies. Can't wait to see SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and DOUBT and BENJAMIN BUTTON -great book! Also looking forward to watching 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TBS! Tah-tah for now. Merry Christmas and Happy (go lucky) New Year!
Nov. 25 - The big sweeping epic Australia opens tomorrow!! don't miss it! Wonderful Australian landscape. And don't miss David Gulpilil, legendary Aboriginal actor. He was in Walkabout, The Last Wave, Rabbit Proof Fence and The Proposition to name a few. And the young boy who plays Nullah!! What a cutie.
Nov. 21- Hello, Two great movies if you didn't catch 'em the first time around -now at the Bijou. Appaloosa and the Coens Bros.' Burn After Reading->funny , funny stuff! Appaloosa also stars Jeremy Irons. Did I mention ALL SHOWS ONLY $5.50???!!! ---AUSTRALIA opens at the Bijou the Wednesday before Turkey Day!!! Huge Epic about Australia during WWII. Nearly 3 hours long!!
Nov. 10 Boy Howdy! All the good films are starting to come out at the end of the year. Looking forward to: Australia directed by Baz Lurman. (incidentally will open at the Bijou 11/26) also Milk; Cadillac Records; Doubt; Seven Pounds; Revolutionary Road; Valkyrie; and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The Final film in the Fall Film Series is tonight. I recommend it to all (PG). It is inspirational and sad and funny. Oh! It is Henry Poole was Here. Too bad many people missed My Winnipeg. It was goooood. "W" is packin' 'em in at the Bijou. It should play through the 20th.
Oct.20. Man! it's the 20th already! So much to say. TELL NO ONE was amazing. Easily my favorite film this year to date! THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is this Saturday Oct. 25th at the Bijou at Midnight. With live cast The Clinton Street Cabaret! Costume contest and lots of R rated fun!!! and... Halloween we open The Haunting of Molly Hartley with a special Late Show at 10:30 PM. Halloween Party Fun and Costume Contest. ***Meanwhile The Secret Life Of Bees is as good as the book! Dare I say it?! Come judge for yourself. ** I've heard that Appaloosa is pretty good too. I want to get to that one. Next week at the PAC is a British drama with just about the best actors in England right now...Jim Broadbent, Colin Firth and Juliette Stevenson. WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER?
Oct.7 Yo. We just got word today that we will open The Secret Life Of Bees on 10/17. Based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. It stars Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keyes and Dakota Fanning. Should be good! The book was great.
Oct. 6 Hey this just added...Friday we get IGOR, an animated story with John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, John Cleese and Eddie Izzard doing voices! Bring the kids. Bring the grand kids. Rated PG. It will share the screen with one final week of "...Rodanthe" which is still bringin' 'em in! Finally TELL NO ONE is at the PAC film series this Sunday & Monday 10/12 & 10/13. Awesome French thriller that won all sorts of international awards.
Oct. 3 Remember no film at the PAC this week. But coming back Oct. 12 & 13 with a mighty fine thriller from France Tell No One. Women and men alike are enjoying "...Rodanthe". Don't miss it.
Sept. 25 WOW and WOW to the first two films at the PAC. Mamma Mia was waaaaay better than even I expected! And OSS 117 was hilarious! and very 1950's stylish! So much fun. This week MONGOL. Looking forward to it. It is the first of a trilogy about Genghis Khan by director Bodrov. Coming Friday at the Bijou...NIGHTS IN RODANTHE with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Go see Burn After Reading. A Coen Bros. comedy! My, my. Starts out kinda funny, then gets quite outrageous!
Sept. 10- Hello! Fall Film Series at the PAC gets under way with Mamma Mia! Sunday. Check out the list if you haven't yet. ALSO...THE WOMEN starts at the Bijou 9/12!! A remake of the 1940's film that starred Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer (?). This one also has an all-star cast -Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith, Eva Mendez, Debra Messing, Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman, and many, many more! But NO MEN onscreen at all , just like the previous film. Come to our Women Only Show Monday 9/15 @ 7:30 PM.!!
Aug. 21(-my brother's b-day tomorrow.) I want to thank everyone's input on films to book for the PAC film series. Schultz Gets The Blues was going to be in, but the studio charges way too much for older titles!! Dare I say "Rent it"? It won't be as good as the big screen, but what can ya do? Blockbuster has it in Lincoln City. And I'm sure Chuck probably has it in Waldport. -Now it looks as though Newport Tri will get Brideshead. I'm sure it was my inquiry that put the idea in their booker's head. --Just as well. As I read more reviews, I'm okay with that. We have a terrrrrrrrific Fall line-up at the Performing Arts Center in Newport. Click the Film Series link. Keith and I are finally going to see The Dark Knight today.! We've wanted to and both of us are big fans of the director. Christopher Nolen, directed MEMENTO, one of both our favorite films in the last ten years . New Coen Bros. film Burn After Reading looks like a hoot!! Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Frances McDormand & John Malkovitch. Pitt plays a goofball, which he does really well. Opens 9/12. Check out In Bruges on DVD.
August 15- Wow the film series in Newport is over! Priceless was adorable and Chicago 10 was really pretty neat. New series is a mere hop, skip and a jump away; Sept. 14th. Titles I am looking at are Brideshead Revisited ** Tell No One ** Mongol **Bottle Shock and others. Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants or as we call it STP (thanks to morgan), is packin' 'em in! It's a nice film. VIN DIESELis coming!! in BABYLON AD 8/29. Relay For Life starts today at the Taft High School. I will be there.
July31-This week at the P.A.C. PRICELESS with Audrey Tautou from Amelie. A French romantic comedy. And don't miss Journey To The Center of the Earth! It's good sci-fi from a director who has an impressive past in visual effects and two Oscar noms!! Other movies possibly in the Bijou future: Babylon AD. and The Woman.
July 24, Pheeew! It's been a busy summer so far! which is good. PEOPLE-DON'T MISS YOUNG @ HEART at the Film series at the Performing Arts Center this Sunday & Monday!! It is a hoot and inspirational! Space Chimps is fun. We've been giving away free chimp gifts: T-shirts, monkey masks, trading cards, and buttons. the kids love 'em. Friday we will add JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH at all the evening shows. It will not be in 3-D. Those systems cost upwards of $60,000. But the classic Jules Verne tale should be fun anyways with Brendan Fraser! Coming August 6th SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS-2.
June 25th, Get Smart-- #1 Movie In America! And the funniest!! They paid a lot of homage to the tv show and there is one other great cameo not mentioned below and Masi Oka who played Hiro on "Heroes". The last ten minutes of the movie are awesomely funny. ** Miss Pettigrew was a complete success! I'm most looking forward to see our next film in Newport "The Band's Visit". I have had people who came to see The Visitor and Young @ Heart at the Bijou who have seen The Band's Visit and said it is really terrific. I am also curious to see "Hancock" (who doesn't like Will?!).
June 19th, Hey guess what? The Film Series at the Newport Performing Arts Center is about to start! This Sunday! Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day opening up the Indie/Art series. The second film is the one I am looking forward to. Soooo many people who have already seen it said it is WONDERFUL!! I am trying to get some links up to check out the films' websites and/or trailers. BIJOU- The Visitor was quite cool. I think people didn't know what to expect with this film and went away ecstatic or at least very pleased. It will also play at the Film Series. Next up at the Bijou... GET SMART ! Should be a hoot. I am a big fan of the TV series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. You know who else is in it besides Steve Carell , Anne Hathaway (I'm not terribly please with this choice for 99) and Alan Arkin (as The Chief)? Terence Stamp as Siegfried , Bill Murray (agent 13?), James Caan as the President and Patrick Warburton as Hymie (perfect)! See you there!
June 3rd, The Visitor starts Friday 6/6. From what I understand this film is outstanding. It's about a recently widowed college professor who has lost his zest for his life. He goes to his NY apartment and finds a young couple living there illegally. Watch the trailer linked on the front page. TAGLINE: In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. I think everyone should check it out. If you cut out the ad in this week's News Guard or Oregon Coast Today you can bring it in Friday for a free popcorn!!
May 28, Yup! we were right, Young @ Heart IS all that! A mighty good and inspiring film! Wow! People are loving it too. --The next film we hope to have here at the Bijou is The Visitor, looks like another good, feel good movie. So look that one up. It's from the director of The Station Agent, if you saw that one. Y @ Heart will stick around until 6/5. To anyone: Please email us with movies you would like to see.
May 22nd, Hello kiddies! ALRIGHT! Young @ Heart starts tomorrow!! These guys ( a senior citizen chorus from North Hampton MA. who currently sing Rock 'n Roll songs) have been around since the early eighties! They've toured the world! Recently, NPR had them on and they performed on The TODAY show. The film we'll have is a documentary all about them and the phenomenon that is their popularity and longevity. It should be fun, funny, heartfelt and inspiring! We are asking people to come early so the whole word of mouth thing will work on the folks who are unaware.
April 30, Yes it's true. After 7 years we are raising Senior /kids and Matinee prices .50 cents. ($5.50). It's not alot and may help us get bigger movies.
April 29 wow time flies! We went to LA since I (betsy) last wrote. Showed (our daughter) Molly where she was born. But more apropiate to this blog, we took her to Hollywood! and The Chinese Theatre. She saw the footprints in cement and stars along Hollywood Blvd. She seeked out James Dean's Star. I got an LA Times to see what cool indie movies were being released there. A few I am looking into for The P.A.C. film series are THE VISITOR , YOUNG @ HEART, THE BAND'S VISIT and MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY (which is currently at THE BIJOU until Thursday)-a really fun, funny delightful film. Friday @ the Bijou...Patrick (hunka hunka) Dempsey in MADE OF HONOR.
April 13 Charlie Wilson's War closes the very long Spring Film Series. It's a good one. Please send us what you'd like to see at the Summer series that starts June 22nd. Some contenders are The Band's Visit - The Visitor -Under The Same Moon - The Counterfeiters.
April 4 Keith here to gab about "American Gangster". Finally got a chance to view it off of DVD and I am here to tell you that I am sure I missed on the intensity of the film because I was not in a movie theatre enjoying the highs and lows with dozens of other cinemalovers. The emotions, the drama could only be told to it's highest point in a building where the only thing we are concerned about was Russell Crowe getting Denzel Washington.
Don't get me wrong. It still was a very good picture. It's just that I am sure that it wasn't AS good as seeing it at a movie theatre.
Since you are reading this, I am sure you agree. Spread the word.
Looking forward to Nim's Island today. It's amazing that Jodie Foster has gone from a woman with murderous rage to a PG Family Movie writer! That is talent for you!
April 1; THE BIJOU IS CLOSING. Aprils Fool's!! ...anyway, Persepolis is coming up at the PAC. It looks really interesting, I think. French language film about a girl coming of age in Iran during the Islamic revolution (1979-) ; and it's animated! Don't miss it! **Friday we start the Family Comedy/ Adventure film NIM'S ISLAND w/ Jodie Foster and that girl from Little Miss Sunshine, Abigail Breslin, and Gerard (mr.300)Butler. Should be fun! The Other Boleyn Girl continues through Thursday. Terrific costume period piece! OH! The (melo)drama!!
Mar. 25, Holy crap, there were a LOT of people at The Kite Runner on Monday!! There is a week off at Newport PAC film series. Then we come back with a film the is currently in Shawn Levy's (Oregonian film critic) TOP 5...PERCEPOLIS. And at the BIJOU Friday , yes, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL. But I believe this may be one week only.
March 24, Wow, The Kite Runner was pretty good. I did read the book and the film stayed right with it. BANK JOB might be ending Thursday so git out here to see it. It's a lot of fun! We'll know later in the PM on Monday if it's leaving.
Mar. 18. Hi, Betsy here. The very exciting BANK JOB starts Friday. Directed by Roger Donaldson, the guy who directed The World's Fastest Indian among others! From what I've read about it, it's supposed to be similar to The Italian Job which was a great heist film! I'm sad to say that we were expecting to get The Other Boleyn Girl, but no theatres are coming off it, so there are no prints.
Jan 16 Happy New Year. Add two films to my best of for 2007. "No Country for Old Men" and "Juno".
Two quick remarks. First, those who didn't like "No Country's" end have a point. However, they also need to "watch" the film and be absorbed by it. Not all films need a predictable ending. After all, wasn't this movie talked about in the lobby and in the car more than others? Also, the scene with Javier Bardem and the store clerk is THE BEST scene of 2007 and worth any price of admission.
In regards to "Juno", other than taking the theme of teen pregnancy a little too lightly, wasn't the script heaven? I would have love to have sat next to Juno in high school.
Just found out we will be playing "There Will be Blood". Looks like my top 5 will be complete.
Dec 10 A great time of year for movie fans. Not only because you get to see the studio's "oscar hopeful's" but you get to make your own list of top movies of the year. Let's face it. If you are reading this you probably make a top 10 of your own. So far my list is empty except:
2 films that will be in my top 5: "Waitress" & "Hot Fuzz". Both films kept my attention, were not huge blockbusters events and were very creative. I hope that Andy Griffith gets nominated for best supporting actor for "Waitress". He deserve's it.
Let me know your thoughts at altomare@charter.net .
Nov 16 August Rush is one great movie. A film for the entire family, even grandma. If you want your kids interested in music----see this Film!
Nov 14 Well hell, it's getting rougher out here. Not because of the films. There actually have been quite a few good ones. It is because of the fine movie fans out there that are actually fine and satisfied with seeing a film at home.
What a shame! The aura, feel and atmosphere of a theatre (any theatre, not just the Bijou) make going to a film special. We like to believe that we are the place, "where movies matter". We also know we are not the only one.
Talked to a gentleman yesterday who raved about the theatre because of our service and our introduction of the films. When was the last time he was here? 4-5 years ago. Where does he get his films? At home. How does he watch them? By himself. What a shame.
Here is a thought. Could the companies who build huge multiplex complexes, build them so we don't have to hear the movie to the left, and the right of us? That might help.
The super movie will never be effected by this issue. If you are young, you must see Shrek 8 or Potter 5. However, this audience is clearly your future, will have problems with films unless, we all get together and make each movie, an EVENT!
August 11
A sunny day brings out few people. We are one of the few businesses that root for rain!
August 10
"The Simpson's Movie" became one of the biggest films in the 12 years that my wife and I have owned the BIJOU. It pleased me to no end that there were a large amount of people seeing the film who never saw the show. Still one of the most creative things out there. Even if it is on FOX.
August 3
Saw "THE VALET", a film by the same director of the Dinner Game. Film was not nearly as good as that, but the opening credits were WOW! One of the best opening credit sequences of any film I've seen in awhile.
Mar 23
It has been two months since the last entry so this thing has become less a BLOG and more a forgotten item on the list of things to do. Speaking of things to do, there has been so much that I've barely had a chance to form an opinion on things let alone write one up. But...
Most amazing movie poster I have seen in the last few years is the poster for Premonition starring Sandra Bullock. Some low paid employee at Sony probably created it and she/he should be proud. Captures the feel of the film very well. It's not a great film but a pretty good one. My wife and I have a spent a good time discussing the ending.
Most amazing line I've heard more than 10 times at our theatre. People entering the building more than 10 minutes after the start time of the film have said: "It's started already?" when we've told them the film has already begun. Why did we condition people to think that when they see a film starting at 7:30 they arrive at 7:45 expecting the film not to have begun? When was the last time YOU went to the movies 20 minutes before the start to get a feel of the theatre, look around and escape? Why do we use movies as a time filler rather than a way to be entertained?
Enquiring minds want to know. Email me at altomare@charter.net with your thoughts.
Jan 18
More people are getting "Babel" and I am very happy for that. I am convinced that Brad Pitt has vaulted to a new level of acting talent. A relatively slow story at the start really results in a powerful film that people can appreciate. It is truly amazing the way events link us around the world.
Jan 4
Haven't gotten a chance to thank all on line for all their support over the last year. Especially thankful to those who came to the theatre December 17 to show their support for the BIJOU and to Betsy and myself. I wish everyone could feel the energy that we felt that night! Amazingly, it occurred around the time of the holidays and the film "It's A Wonderful Life".
Many of us don't think that we have got it good (me included). But other than my bank account, I have got it good! And of course we seem to make people happy with the movies we choose. May that continue in 2007 and may more people get it!
Nov 30
Got a chance to see "Bobby" yesterday and was glad to sit and absorb it all. It has been amazing that the majority of people who have seen the film in the theatre have liked it. Only negative comment that I have heard was that there were too many characters.
Possibly. But there were all stars. All people that have been meatier roles in bigger pictures. It was wonderful to see them all interact. Cannot believe some of the reviews. Do these people have no soul? Something was lost on the night in LA when Bobby Kennedy left us. But this picture doesn't tell the Bobby Kennedy story. It tells the story of people who were changed by him, in one way or another.
Good movies are created to move people. Too many times a movie hits in big and the audience doesn't need to respond to it. To me, that is not what art is. A woman who I spoke with didn't want to see "Bobby" because she didn't want to go through that time again. I felt differently about the film.
I think I look at the world a little differently now. It has been a long time that I have felt there was someone out there in the political spectrum who actually thought about me. That doesn't mean I am a democrat or republican. Neither has had candidates in the last few elections that have interested me. I think I forgot that there were people out there who I felt looked out for me.
"Bobby" gave me home that there will be again.
Email your thoughts to altomare@charter.net .
Nov 23
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Our Thanksgiving present to ourselves, (and hopefully to others) is the film "Bobby". Always wanting to play important films with a film that can pay bills. Hoping that "Bobby" can do both.
Personal note to those out there who support thought provoking films. Wherever you go to see them, buy something at the counter. Most theatres like ours make money on the concession area, not the ticket sales. So when you are wondering why movies that spend more money on a script than special effects don't last long, take a look at the concession line. That's why films like "Saw 27" exist.
Nov 22
43 Years ago. JFK was killed in Dallas. I can remember where I was. I was 5 and out on my front lawn when my mind came out to tell me. I did not have a clue who he was and what he meant to the world.
Now, in the post post post Camelot era, I am curious. Is JFK the last political person that the country truly trusted?
Just asking because people more intelligent than me have answers.
Oct 26
It is not a secret for people who know me who i think is the most beautiful actress ever on the silver screen. (Yes we at the Bijou HAVE a silver screen. No other theatre on the coast does.) Grace Kelly in "REAR WINDOW" is my quick answer. But she does have a competitor. Virginia Madsen in SIDEWAYS would be second in my book. Both are also good actresses as well.
Why do I write this? To show you my soft side.
Oct 25
The last day of a pretty good film that no one cared to see. Yes we received requests for the picture. Yes it was directed by a very known very creative guy. Yet pretty much the entire cinemalover world chose to take the week off. As I've said previously, many will discover this film on DVD and talk glowingly about it. I on the other hand will be licking my wounds.
It seems that many folks might think that we want to pull a fast one on them. Play them a bad movie and make a few books. We don't have enough screens to do that. I can think of 30-40 people who could have called the theatre 541-994-8255 and asked us about the picture and liked the film. Don't folks think they can trust us?
Oct 19
Questions that I ponder. Why are people so lazy, they don't use their turn signals when driving? Why do we park on a driveway? How many people will see Michel Gondry's visually astonishing film "The Science of Sleep"? He is the director of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Many times the most creative films like this will be discovered later on when they are out on DVD. What a shame that they weren't seen on a movie screen!
There are films like this owners of theatre's like ours, cross our fingers and hold our breath. Creativity vs. profit! Let's see what happens!
Oct 17
Why is it that we are sucked into thinking
that the only films worth going to are the ones that get the most
advertising? Is it because we don't have time to do the research?
Probably.
It is unbelievably strange to me that people talk with me about a film and
mention that it didn't get great reviews, but can't remember who reviewed
them. Why? I would think these people are also effected by the large
amount of emails touting a great stock by nameless keyboards. "I
bought a few hundred shares because there is great excitement on it".
Who said?
To me and I think to any cinemalover, there are three places to go to explore great film. First is your own research. Pick one or two reviewers that you like and stick to them. Don't be affected by critics who you don't have a good feel for. Remember, they are critics and their job is to write creatively about film every day. A great job you might say, but it is still a job! They must produce. I've read reviews of films that the writer was critical of the picture yet still gave it a B+. I thought B+ was pretty darn good in school and certainly worth my money. There are people for example I know who will go see a picture only if Shawn Levy of the Oregonian hated it. If Joe Morganstern of the Wall Street Journal likes a picture, I am pretty sure I will too. (He loves "Last King of Scotland" I can't wait.).
Secondly, friends give you the best outside opinions because they know you. They might be wrong now and then but I am sure they are more accurate than many critics for your tastes. Heck, go to the movies with your friends. Remember a good night out was dinner and a movie? Bring it back.
Last, I hope people would come to Betsy and me at the theatre. Yes, we would like to make a profit on our films but we wouldn't have your respect if we touted films with think you wouldn't like. We usually have a good knowledge of film that is playing elsewhere. Phone calls at 994-8255 are always welcome.
The only way we can put food on the table and put our child through school is to make sure you give the right films a chance. We want to be part of the process.
September 27
Been awhile but been very busy. Trying to make sure that the last few films get the attention they deserve and aren't ignored. Not as many people have seen "The Illusionist" as I'd have hoped. Paul Giamatti is a revelation in that film. We knew he was good from "Sideways" and "Cinderella Man". We get to see HOW good in this film. You come see Edward Norton, you leave raving about Paul.
"The Illusionist" will probably make my top 5 of the year in film. "United 93" still a leader.
Been trying to expand our offering within the theatre. Many new poster additions to our catalog. We are expanding outside of the film world. Looking back, I know we were short sided on this end.
"Hollywoodland" comes next and I am excited to see the picture. Bit skittish about Ben Affleck as Superman but I hear Diane Lane is superb. I hope people come see the picture. They've been asking. well tomorrow it is here. I hope we see them. By the way, Focus gets an A for their posters on "Hollywoodland". Some of the best designs I've seen in awhile.
Just get back from a 5 day holiday. Took my family to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Great fun.
September 6
There's something about the time after Labor Day. Sure kids know they need to go back to school. All of us know the end of summer has come. But in our world there is a gap between "must see movies", and "if I have the time I'll see them".
All studio's have made this time for the non-blockbusters because they know the kids are thinking about their new teacher, homework and the latest school crush. Movies? Maybe next week.
The marketing department at Warner Bros gets an F with
their poster of "The Wicker Man". Countless people have
mentioned to me that the poster makes them think that the movie is bloody and
violent. I was not expecting to like the film as much as I did. Not
bloody. Creepy is more the word for it. Creepy as in some of
Hitchcock's work. The more I thought about the film, the more I thought
about the film. That is a very good sign in my book.
"United 93" is out right now on DVD. Do yourself a favor and
watch it from a cinemalovers point of view. Very very powerful film.
I know you can get through it. Movie of the year in my book.
Film schedule for our shows at the Newport Performing Arts Center series starting in October is being booked. Check elsewhere on this site for the schedule.
August 17
A quick thought to all the other theatre owners out there. Cut down on your previews, commercials and what have you! I am frankly shocked at the amount of people who have shown up at my theatre 15 minutes late or more and expecting to hear that the movie has yet to start. C'mon!
Now even before I got in the business, I enjoyed the previews (called trailers of course because they used to come after the show. But the amount of info coming before the show is too much!
We play a few previews. We talk to the audience and give them info that they might not know about. But keeping people waiting 15 minutes before a film? Outrageous!
For those of you who are kept waiting that long a time, ask them why? Email me at altomare@charter.net with their response. I'll give free popcorn to the first five who do!
August 14
It is so nice to have the number one film in America for the last two weeks. "Talladega Nights" has taken off and have brought hundreds of people into our theatre to see how we like to present our films. I didn't want to like the picture but I laughed alot.
One thought I am pondering. Are there people who didn't see "Flight 93" because it was "too soon", that went to see "World Trade Center" this weekend? Was Nick Cage and Oliver Stone the reason? I haven't seen "WTC" but I am here to tell you that when you can rent "Flight 93", do it. If you thought "An Inconvenient Truth" was eye opening, "Flight 93" might beat it. The film of the year for me is "Flight 93".
Any ideas on films...anything? Altomare@charter.net
By the way, "An Inconvenient Truth" plays at the PAC this weekend. Al Gore is in it. He will not be there live. I wish.
August 8
Eureka! I've had the time to start this. Many many people who have come into the theatre have talked about the dream they had to run their own movie theatre. "So is it fun?" they ask.
Well yes and no. My wife and I have had many joys and some sad times running the place where movies still matter. But we are still here and we still love what we do.
This Blog (love the word, should be a horror film), is out to present all the little things to give you an idea of what it is like to run our little theatre that is love by thousands.
A perfect week to launch this since we have the #1 Film in America. "Talladega Nights" grossed 47 million nation wide and was double a good weekend for us. It has been great to get new people into the theatre and give them a taste of what a smaller theatre can do. To use, "the show starts on the sidewalk". We want you to be entertained from the moment you entered our building till when you leave.
"Talladega" is a perfect film for showing the differences. The film has a special scene after the credits. We come down, talk to the audience and tell them that. A larger chain usually doesn't have that ability.
Every so often I will give you a taste of what it is like doing what we do. Please don't hesitate to email altomare@charter.net if you have a question. The biggest question we do get is "Why do you book the films that you do?" There are three points to keep in mind 1. What films would we love to play? 2. What films are available for us to play? 3. What films will pay the mortgage? The order of these points are important. If the order was changed in any way, the theatre would change. We wouldn't want that.
Please come visit! We'd love to see you. (By the way, personally Flight 93 was the best film of the year so far. Also the best film people didn't see.)
keith