Film and Theater by Don Gibble - July 2018

This year, the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday so you can definitely catch up on movies you missed in June on Friday or Saturday. “Incredibles 2” was much better than expected so

Movies to see in July include five sequels and one very original movie starring Joaquin Phoenix and Jonah Hill. It's called “Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot”. This was a hit at the recent San Francisco Film Festival. Phoenix should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line” but hopefully will win this year for portraying quadriplegic alcoholic John Callahan, on whose memoir Gus Van Sant's dramedy is based. Hill plays his disco-dancing, caftan-wearing Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor. I hope Academy members remember this movie come Oscar nomination time. This comes out July 13th.

Also coming out July 13th is “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation starring the vocal talents of Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg. This is perfect for the whole family. The biggest fight of the Summer is not a boxing match on HBO or MMA on cable or Donald Trump vs CNN, it's Denzel Washington in his first sequel against Tom Cruise in yet another “Mission Impossible”. Yes, Mr. Washington stars in “The Equalizer 2” After saying he would never appear in a sequel because he doesn't believe in them, money definitely was a factor. Let's see which film makes more money. “Equalizer 2” comes out July 20th and “Mission Impossible” comes out July 27th. Another sequel is “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” which has an amazing cameo by Cher appearing as Meryl Streep's mother. Only in the movies! The last sequel worth mentioning is “Ant-Man and the Wasp” which comes out July 6th. The first “Ant-Man” was enjoyable so hope this one is as well.

The Rohnert Park Theater is offering kids movies in July at only $1! “Happy Feet” shows on July 3rd and 5th and “Kung Fu Panda 3” shows on July 11th and 12th and “Sing” shows on July 18th and 19th and “Despicable Me 3” shows on July 25th and 26th. Perfect for those hot days.

For my live theater fans, there are three shows geared to kids this month. First, at Spreckels is “Aladdin Jr” which opens July 20th and closes July 27th. Spreckels is located at 5409 Snyder Lane in Rohnert Park. Call 707 588 3400 for more information. At 6th Street Playhouse there is “Mary Poppins Jr” which plays July 20th through July 22nd. It's their teen musical, directed by Joseph Favalora and “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” plays July 27th through July 29th. It's their youth musical. It's directed by Amanda Morando. Call 707 523 4185 for more information.

At the Green Center this month is the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular starring Transcendence Theatre Company and the Santa Rosa Symphony. Kids 12 and under are half price and kids under two are free! On July 7th, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias returns to the Green Center. His performance last year was awesome so if you missed it you have to go this year. On July 29th is a free concert for the community featuring Mariachi Champana and the Santa Rosa Symphony. Call 866 955 6040 for info.

Luther Burbank For the Arts presents Yolanda del Rio and Beatriz Adriana on July 14th at 8pm. These women are amazing together. Call 707 546 3600 for more information.

The Marin County Fair this year has a line-up that will knock your socks off! The Beach Boys perform July 1st. Eddie Money July 2nd. Los Lobos July 3rd and Leann Rimes July 4th.