Culture Archives

Critical Update: Waiting for a message…

BY CLINTON STARK — 09.05.2017

Somewhere. Someone. Waiting for a message. Somewhere. Someone. A very special message is on the way. #MVFF40 #comingsoon #WhoIsStarkInsider pic.twitter.com/LVONtd9N0t — Stark Insider (@StarkInsider) September…

Sean Penn in Mystic River - MVFF Tribute

Independent Film

Sean Penn to receive tribute at Mill Valley Film Festival 40

BY CLINTON STARK — 08.31.2017

Legendary director and actor to be honored with MVFF Award following onstage conversation.

Independent Film

MVFF40: Cannes films ‘The Square’, ‘120 BPM’, ‘Loveless’ among first slate of films revealed

BY CLINTON STARK — 08.30.2017

Organizers of the Mill Valley Film Festival have released the first slate of major film announcements. It’s a lengthy reveal, featuring international and domestic entries.…

Amy Adams Arrival - Mill Valley Film Festival - Interview Video

Independent Film

Gearing up for 40th Mill Valley Film Festival

BY CLINTON STARK — 08.29.2017

Stark Insider will be on location to cover a very special edition of the famed Mill Valley Film Festival.

The Tokyo Night Sky Is Always the Densest Shade of Blue

Independent Film

First Look: Japan Film Festival of San Francisco runs Sept. 1-10, concludes with J-POP Summit

BY JEANNE POWELL — 08.29.2017

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is the first and only film celebration dedicated to Japanese cinema. In its fifth year, the festival in…

Theater and Stage

Zenith dodges its own question

BY ILANA WALDER-BIESANZ — 08.25.2017

Kirsten Greenidge’s new play Zenith asks a difficult question: why do ordinary people commit horrifying crimes? Specifically (in a scenario loosely inspired by a true…

Something Rotten Tour Review - San Francisco SHN Orpheum

Theater and Stage

Something Rotten! proves a fresh musical parody

BY ILANA WALDER-BIESANZ — 08.24.2017

There’s nothing serious or meaningful about Something Rotten!. Still, if you know the lullaby of Broadway and brush up your Shakespeare, it’s sure to make…

Culture

Flowers Shall Grow: Edvard Munch exhibition at SFMOMA is stunning, visceral experience (Video)

BY LONI STARK — 08.17.2017

Stark Insider’s newest short film is now playing! Shot on location at the SFMOMA exhibition for Norwegian master Edvard Munch: “Between the Clock and Bed.”…

Film Reviews

‘Step’ will restore your faith in the human spirit

BY JEANNE POWELL — 08.04.2017

Uplifting film documents girls' high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore.

Film Reviews

‘Kidnap’ Film Review: Halle Berry is relentless in pursuit of her goal

BY JEANNE POWELL — 08.04.2017

Halle Berry’s latest film causes us to see her in a new light, perhaps in keeping with this summer’s other action films – a woman…