I just saw "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" last night in San Francisco, at a special showing with the director of the film David Gelb. What a perfect film for a foodie — a respectful and elegant portrait of a master chef Jiro Ono and his stern but loving relationship with his two sons. The…
Category: Film
“Mr. Beebe”: Incredible Tap Performance featuring Harold Nicholas (video)
My favorite video clip that jazz historian Mark Cantor showed at the Jewish Community Center of SF last Saturday was this this outstanding performance from the movie "Carolina Blues" (1944) featuring Harold Nicholas, one half of the legendary Nicholas Brothers. According to Mark, older brother Fayard Nicholas was drafted during the war at the…
Mark Cantor’s Treasure Trove of Vintage Jazz Footage on Film
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of sitting in a packed auditorium at the Jewish Center of San Francisco to watch a lovingly curated showing of vintage clips of jazz dance on film from the 1930s to the 1950s. Called the "Giants of Jazz on Film," this is a popular series of film clip showings…
Movies You Must See in the Theaters: “Pina” and “The Artist”
There are dozens of movies in the theaters right now that I'm dying to see. Most of the Oscar-nominees and some popcorn flicks. But I can wait for all of these to come to DVD / streaming if I have to. Except for two: "The Artist" and "Pina." "The Artist" is the most original film…
Step Up 4: Sadly Not in “4D” or Called “Step Up 4Eva”
I just watched this trailer thingee for the inevitable "Step Up 4" coming out this August. Some things to be concerned about: This is the 4th installment of this street dance series, and not once has a person of color been the star. Seriously, WTF? First time director Scott Speer. Long intro featuring shots of Miami,…
Documentaries on Frankie Manning & Dawn Hampton Airing Near You!
In case you have not had a chance to watch the two excellent documentaries about legendary lindy hopper Frankie Manning and the Hampton family band, they may be airing soon on a PBS station near you. The director Julie Cohen (via Cynthia Millman) sent around the following information about air dates around the United States. Check your…
Joseph Gordon Levitt’s homage to Donald O’Conner: “Make ’em Laugh!”
Not long ago, Joseph Gordon Levitt on Saturday Night Live did an admirable homage to the great dancer / performer Donald O'Conner. Of course O'Conner's "Make em Laugh!" is revered as one of the finest comic dance performances ever captured on film. I really liked the JGL version though, particularly the awesome stunt at the end….
New Chick Webb Documentary Needs Funds!
My friend Judy Prichett shared with me this appeal for funding for a new documentary about legendary band leader Chick Webb: There is a fantastic new documentary about to be released: "The Savoy King: Chick Webb & the Music That Changed America". It tells the important story of the birth of swing dancing at…
“Freak Dance” : A dance movie parody I might actually see (video)
I'm not a big dance movie parody fan. But I have to admit, I laugh every time I watch this trailer for "Freak Dance." The Upright Citizens Brigade know how to bring the funny. Oh and it looks like Quest Crew makes an appearance. So it can't be that bad. I'll at least watch it…
“Planet B-Boy” Playing FREE on Hulu! (video)
"Planet B-Boy" is for many the best b-boying film ever made, and in my opinion one of the best dance movies ever, period. Directed by Benson Lee, "Planet B-Boy" (2007) is now streaming for FREE on Hulu.com. From the opening montage to the epic final battle at the end between two outstanding crews, "Planet B-Boy" is…