Film and Theater by Don Gibble - July 2020
I am happy to say that the theaters in Sonoma County are opening this weekend. Be safe and wear masks and don't sit near strangers!
Opening July 3rd is “The Outpost” starring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom. Based on true events, in this military thriller, a small unit of U.S. soldiers alone at the remote Combat Outpost Keating located deep in the valley of three mountains in Afghanistan, battles to defend against an overwhelming force of Taliban fighters in a coordinated attack The Battle of Kamdesh, as it was known, was the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan war in 2009 and Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated units of the 19-year conflict.
Opening July 24th is the live action version of “Mulan”. It is the remake of the 1998 Disney animated film starring Jet Li and Gong Li.
Also opening July 24th is “The Rental” starring Jeremy Allen White who you might know from “Shameless” on Showtime. (If you don't know “Shameless” then start binging. It is the best show on television!) As for Rental, two couples on an Oceanside getaway grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental home may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister, as well-kept secrets are exposed and the four old friends come to see each other in a whole new light. Directed by one of my favorite actors, Dave Franco. It's his first time directing a movie. Very exciting!
Fans of “Hamilton” will be excited to know they can see this gem on Disney Plus starting July 3rd. Filmed live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theatre with the original Broadway cast including Lin-Manuel Miranda playing Alexander Hamilton and Daveed Diggs playing Thomas Jefferson. I get goosebumps knowing for the price of a monthly subscription of Disney Plus you can see “Hamilton” when in the past it cost over $100 to see it live.
Drive in theatre experience
The movie“Up” will be screened as a drive in theatre experience on Friday, July 3rd at Sonoma Skypark on Eighth Street East. The event is presented by the Sonoma International Film Festival. All social distancing and safety protocols will be maintained when gates open at 7pm. Ticket price is $30 per car.
Fans of “Perry Mason” will be happy to know HBO premiered the remake last week and it is incredible! It stars Matthew Rhys and the portrayal of 1930s California is beautifully shot.
The Cannes Film Festival was cancelled this year but you can go online and see the films that would have been screened!
One of my favorite places in Sonoma County is Safari West. It recently opened June 20th with close to 200 people in attendance. Co-owners Peter and Nancy Lang were happy with the amount of people that showed up for opening day. Peter said he had to furlough 110 employees and was thrilled that most came back. Masks were mandatory. He cut the restaurant capacity from 300 down to 90. Call 707 579 2551 to make reservations.
Have a safe 4th of July and maybe I'll see you at the movies this month!!! Email me with any questions or information:
