‘Ghost Stories’ is a good alternative to ‘Infinity War’
Ever so wisely, major studios are stepping aside of that mammoth box-office juggernaut “Avengers: Infinity War,” the latest Marvel Comics Universe smackdown that’s muscling its way into Bay Area theaters Friday.
But some fearless indies are standing their ground, offering an alternative to that comic-book behemoth.
The first of my three must-see picks is the rather gore-free yet creepy British production “Ghost Stories.” Essentially a trio of terror tales, it’s an old-school horror show unified by the snooping about of a paranormal activity naysayer. That skeptic (Andy Nyman, who co-wrote and co-directed) gets a ghostbustin’ shakedown while investigating three ghastly cases — the best one featuring Martin Freeman (BBC’s “Sherlock”). It’s classy horror with one wicked twist.
In the documentary “The Judge” — my second mustsee — the determined Palestinian lawyer Kholoud Al-Faqih becomes the first woman to serve in the Islamic law courts. Once there she faces detractors who want her out but others applaud her and see her as a beacon for change. Oakland director Erika Cohn gives us an enlightening, enriching documentary filled with feminist power.
My third must-see is “Summer in the Forest,” not only one of the most compassionate documentaries you’ll ever see but a film that restores faith in the goodness and kindness of others. Filmmaker Randall Wright, through his guide, philosopher Jean Vanier, introduces us to the residents of L’Arche, an innovative residential home for people with special needs. In the 1960s, Vanier took it over and adopted a much more humanist approach, creating a community that accepts and embraces differences. What a lovely man, what a lovely film.
Also in theaters
In “Kings,” Halle Berry and Daniel Craig bring star power to a drama set in Southern California after the shocking Rodney King verdict. It focuses on how that volatile, pivotal time divided a foster family. Deniz Gamze Erguven’s first English-language feature following the well-received “Mustang” is collecting bad reviews. Sad that. Rent “Mustang,” for sure.
If you long for old-school Quentin Tarantino craziness, suit up — or would that be suit down? — for “Lowlife,” announcing the feature-length arrival of filmmaker Ryan Prows. It spins three interconnected chapters tethered to a black market sale of an organ that goes awry. A Mexican wrestler is one of the colorful, eccentric characters.
Fans of the Oscar-winning silent film “The Artist” might want to take in “Godard Mon Amour,” fresh off an appearance at the San Francisco International Film Festival. “Artist” director Michel Hazanavicius gives us a fictionalized account of how revolutionary mid-’60s political events in Paris changed filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard (Louis Garrel), a transformation aided by his then-actress wife.
The always intriguing singer and performance artist Grace Jones is the formidable focal point of Sophie Fiennes’ adventurous documentary, “Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami.” Jones creates a sensation whenever she hits the stage and just about wherever she goes, as this film conveys.
Stream these
“CANDY JAR” » This Netflix charmer finds a rich African-American high school debate student (Jacob Latimore) and his uptight rival (Sami Gayle) falling for each other. Both of the young leads are excellent, but it is “Orange Is the New Black’s” Uzo Aduba and Christina Hendricks as feuding mothers who steal all scenes. It will be released Friday.
“THE WEEK OF” » The Adam Sandler-Netflix eight-picture film deal hits the halfway mark with this comedy about the father (Chris Rock) of the groom and the father (Sandler) of the bride driving each other batty days before the nuptials. Heaven help us all if it’s no better than “The Ridiculous 6.” It will be released Friday.
“THE RACHEL DIVIDE” » Netflix offers this documentary examining the uproar kicked up by controversial former Spokane NAACP president Rachel Dolezal after her parents reveal she was born white. It will be released Friday.