A review of the Barbie experience from Dave Weinstein, Friend of the Cerrito Theater:

Sure, streaming may be fast and easy, but nothing can beat being in a movie theater when the lights dim and a really fun film comes on and you feel part of a real audience, some of them friends, many of them neighbors.

Seeing ‘Barbie,’ a wacky, fun fantasy about a girl’s toy that is at the same time a critique of partriarchy, brought this home. First, it was great to see a film sell out—day after day—at our favorite movie theater. The pandemic wasn’t good for movie theaters, or for the movie going experience.

It put many out of business in Berkeley and (at least temporarily) closed the Albany Twin. And audiences have often been thin in the theaters that remained open. (Not so on the Albany Twin’s final night in operation, which my wife and I also attended. Ah, but that evening was tinged with sadness, as the crowd was there to bid farewell to a neighborhood institution, as well as to catch a film.)

No such sadness prevailed during the showing of ‘Barbie.’ Fans, some in pink, many of them young girls, lined up outside, chatting and expectant. My wife and I talked to a young couple, new to town, who settled in alongside us—our usual spots in the first row.

They said they love El Cerrito and the Rialto Cinemas Cerrito.

The audience was polite, quiet—except when we all laughed. It was the wonderful, peaceful mood in the theater, a sense of return to something good. No more mask mandates (and no rules against masks either!), no more social distancing. It was just a fine feeling.

Here’s hoping more and more people rediscover the joy of attending real movies in real theaters. See you at the movies.

Dave Weinstein

See four holiday classics at no charge!

Good news, everyone! Rialto Cinemas Cerrito will be showing Christmas movies for FREE on the first four weekends in December. This is the perfect opportunity for some holiday fun.

The movies will be:

A Christmas Story (1983) – December 3 & 4, 10 am

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.

The Polar Express (2004) – December 10 & 11, 10 am

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Elf (2003) – December 17 & 18, 10 am

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. Also starring Zooey Deschanel, Jon Favreau, Peter Dinklage, Bob Newhart and Mary Steenburgen.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – December 24, 10 am

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen). From director Ron Howard.

Tickets will be available in December. Please see the Rialto web site, here, for more information.

NOTE

Rialto Cinemas strongly recommends up-to-date vaccinations for all patrons. They also strongly recommend the use of masks in all lobby and auditorium areas. See here for details.

Dear Cerrito Theater Patron:

Our friend Ky Boyd, who owns and operates Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, is asking for support to save the Castro Theater. We are forwarding his letter, here:

As the operator of two classic movie theatres in the East Bay, Rialto Cinemas understands the importance of preserving and maintaining classic movie theatres as viable venues for moviegoing. We are greatly concerned by the plans of Another Planet Entertainment to remove the seats from the Castro Theatre in San Francisco and destroy the seating rake in order to create flat floored tiers for dancing and standing. APE claims that the changes are necessary for them to profitably operate the venue for concerts and live music similar to their Fox Theatre venue in Oakland. But there are many venues around the country that present concerts and show films that have traditional sloped rakes and installed seating. Just look to the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, the Flynn in Burlington Vermont, the Chicago Theatre on State Street in Chicago, the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis, the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, the Majestic in San Antonio, the Orpheum in Los Angeles, and the Beacon in New York City. All these theatres have installed seating and successfully present first class music entertainment. Don’t let APE destroy the Castro’s ability to continue to be a film venue in addition to a concert venue.

The Castro Theatre is a national treasure, the pride of San Francisco, and a monument for the LBGTQ+ community.

Many festivals, film and others, use the Castro Theatre throughout the year. These celebrations bring thousands of people to the neighborhood where they patronize locally owned restaurants and retail shops between films throughout the day.

The Castro is the only large theater (1407 seats) left in San Francisco capable of projecting movies but there are many concert venues with flat floors (The Independent, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, The Warfield, Fillmore, Regency, etc).

I urge you to take action to let it be known how important it is to save the seats at the Castro.

Please go to Save The Castro Theatre where you can take action. There you will find a template letter (though personalizing it is better) and people you can write to. You do not have to live in San Francisco to help.

“On October 5, the Historic Preservation Commission will consider updating the Castro Theatre’s Landmark Designation and will decide whether APE’s plans for the theatre adversely impact its historic significance, in view of that updated Landmarking. On October 6, the San Francisco Planning Commission will consider amending the Planning Code to permit the sale of alcohol throughout the theatre and a “change of use” of the building from a movie theatre to a nighttime entertainment venue.”

Write now to make an impact. These meetings are only a few weeks away.

Thank you for your support!

See you at the movies!

Best regards,

Ky