A part of the Central Coast is breathing a little easier today with news coming from the San Luis Obispo County Health Department okaying some indoor businesses to reopen, which includes movie theaters at 25% capacity. Other businesses are restaurants, gyms and places of worship. 

The question is will theaters still open up with the modifications for just 25% coming in, if that's enough to make their shortfalls. There's still not any word as to what modifications will be in place at theaters, or when any will open. CinemaSafe is an organization that helps promote safe cinema experiences and has laid out a plan for theaters to follow. 

Will you be going to the movie theaters as soon as they re-open? 

Check out San Luis Obispo County Health Department's video on the "Red Tier" status below. 

I love going to family owned theaters, and I love going to the Park Cinema Theater in Paso Robles. First, if you haven't been, the park and square in Paso Robles has almost a "Hill Valley" feel with their iconic downtown "Courthouse Square." But this is real. There are many great shops and restaurants all around the square, and of course there's a movie theater where they play first run movies. It was a perfect place to spend the evening. The Park Cinema Theater is the only one in the city of Paso Robles, a city of over 32,000 people and a booming city for wine tourism. But with the onslaught of Covid-19, the days of the theater may be numbered. 

The owners of the theater, the Roush Family, have put out a desperate call for help. An open plea for them to save their theater, which has been operated by the family since James Cameron's Titanic sailed on the screen. They have set up a GoFundMe account with the hopes of raising a quarter of a million dollars to help save the theater. They also have a lot of other ways you can help support the theater in these unprecedented times. Such as:

• Purchase Gift Cards now and receive 10% bonus or 15% for cards over $500. 
• Purchase popcorn and sodas between 2:00pm and 7:00pm daily! There are several promotions you can get, check their website for details. 
• Hold a private family and friends screening at the movies! You can even play video games on the silver screen. It is $20/person and a minimum of $200. This includes drinks and popcorn!
• Give directly through GoFundMe. 

Please consider helping this business, who also greatly support local charities. Visit their website and GoFundMe pages for more information. 

​So I'm not going to lie...

​I've got the movie theater blues, bad! I've been wanting to get back into a theater and watch movies, just like we used to back in the good ol' days, pre COVID-19. But alas, the world is a different place and I don't get to do that yet. Hopefully soon there will be a way we can all get together again and watch movies in theaters and laugh and cry all together. It's really a cathartic experience, which is also why I truly believe movie theaters will live on. But for now, I get to watch new releases from the comfort of my home.

Bill and Ted was one of my favorites growing up as a kid in the 80's. Just enough zany antics to keep any young boy giggling away. The pop culture references of the 80's was all throughout it. It was just a fun ride and got to do something fun that school kids could connect with, which is putting on a history report with the real people to do it for you. The sequel was another fun adventure but dealt with heaven and hell, and even aliens. It was fun. 

So when Bill and Ted: Face the Music became available, I had a good feeling this would rekindle my old love of the series and help me get through my movie theater blues. After watching, I declared this movie to be "most non-triumphant." 

The movie is pure fan service, from beginning to end. That can only get you so far. There was so much more Bill and Ted traveling in time to go talk to themselves, which got old really fast. Their kids are just female versions of themselves and nothing to do with the princess babes they rescued in the first movie, other than they are females. The "historic" musical figures they collect to put the band together was just kind of "meh." I wanted more Genghis Kahn savaging a mall wearing football pads, or Napoleon going down waterslides. 

Instead we're treated with "hey you made music in the past, come with us for a jam session." This is what Bill and Ted's daughters do while they are off trying to steal the universe saving song from themselves. To not spoil anything of note, they all end up dead and on Death's doorstep, literally. But then they get into an argument about how Death was breaking up the band and argued about the falling out. It's a shame that all the returning characters from the old movies didn't really get a chance to shine. Bill and Ted also seem to have no character arc at all in the past 20 years since we have seen them. Ted maybe a little more so, but maybe that's because Keanu Reaves is a much seasoned actor, who can thank the original movie for giving him his stardom, so he put in a little more effort here... just a little. 

I was expecting zany, stupid and off-the-wall things to happen. That's just what this is. But I was left disappointed that it all seemed so rushed. The pacing is rushed, including the finale which almost cuts to credits with a murderous slash in the middle of the song. The production looks like it was rushed with far too many green-screen shots than I bet any of the past movies combined. It also looks like it was cheaply made. But then again, that was true to the style of the first two movies, but I feel they could have tried a little harder. There's a part where they go to ancient China and you can easily see camouflage netting just through the trees and fog. They obviously shot somewhere like the gardens of the Huntington Library in Los Angeles and needed to block out all the modern buildings and used that. Again, it seemed rushed and cheap. And don't get me started on the "murder robot" that was trying to be a Terminator. 

To be fair, I still giggled at some parts. I smiled and laughed when there were inside moments that built on the past movies. But to me, it was too few and far between. If the movie happens to come on your streaming service, and you liked the past movies, give it a watch. Don't pay for it specifically. I was left wanting more... and I'm not sure what else I really could have asked Bill and Ted for, which was totally bogus. 

2/5 Stars

Actor, writer and director, Rob Reiner, son of Carl Reiner announced the death of his father, Carl Reiner via twitter. He passed away at his home at the age of 98 last night. 

Carl is credited with helping create some of the most memorable comedy ever filmed. He was a part of Sid Ceaser's team to create the Dick Van Dyke Show and worked with countless others in the comedy world, including George Burns, Steve Martin and Mel Brooks. He also lent his voice to many cartoon shows including Family Guy and even as recent as Toy Story 4 in 2019. He is also know for his role in the 2001 hit, Ocean's Eleven and it's sequel. 

Carl was makes an appearance in the hit classic film It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World as the Tower Controller for the Rancho Conejo Airport, located here on the Central Coast. The scene is one of the most memorable with some of the most crazy airplane stunts caught on film. The Rancho Conejo Airport was removed shortly after filming to make way for Los Robles Greens golf course and the 101 Freeway. 

The California State Government has okayed productions to get back to work and allow cameras to once again begin rolling on June 12th, after being shutdown in early March by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The news came as the state's Public Health Department issued guidelines on schools, gyms and casinos as well. There was just one paragraph devoted to productions, which essentially gives more flexibility to the individual productions, studios, unions and/or county officials. Below is from the California Department of Public Health on the matter:

According to Variety, many of the protocols and job functions are yet to be determined, but a study estimated the new procedures could increase production costs by as much as 20%. No exact word on how productions on location may operate, and only time will tell at this point. 

How do you feel about finally getting cameras rolling in California again? 

Variety is reporting that Cineworld, the parent company of Regal, is anticipating reopening theaters in July after being closed since mid March. 

The article says that in a statement to investors on May 28th, Cineworld said it anticipates that government restrictions related to cinemas will be lifted in each of its territories by July. “Subject to this and confirmation of the schedule for film releases, Cineworld anticipates the reopening of all of its cinemas in July.”

The company also stated that they will have new security and safety features installed to deal with the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is aimed "to ensure a safe and enjoyable cinema experience for its employees and customers."

As for what movies they will show, they plan on showing Christopher Nolan movie “Tenet” and immediately after that, Disney’s live-action version of “Mulan.” However, no specific date has been given for any theaters to reopen. 

What do you think about the reopening of theaters? Will you be going back? 

Variety has an article out today that was talking about how Tom Cruise has a serious need for speed. NASA administrator Jim Bridentsine tweeted that "NASA is exited to work with @TomCruise on a film aboard the @Space_Station!" 

Plot details have not been revealed, although Deadline Hollywood reports that it will not be an installment of Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” franchise. It is also reported that Cruise has been working with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and were in the early stages of teaming up with NASA for an action-adventure feature film. NASA confirmed this would be the first feature film to be shot in outer-space. 

Cruise is known for doing all of his own stunts and it is expected that he will make the journey to the International Space Station for the film. No word on any other aspects of crew, equipment or other details that may hint to the production. Films have been made at the ISS in the past, but not a narrative feature film. However, Bridenstine sees this as a major plus hoping to "inspire a new generation." 

The Central Coast has beautiful evening skies, which make our launches from Vandenberg AFB all the more dramatic. But also, it's a perfect place to spot the ISS orbiting overhead. So make sure to look up and watch the newest out-of-this-world filming location when cameras roll. Check out the schedule of flyovers here. 

What do you think about the news? Looking forward to real space movies?

So it looks like we have all been spending some quality time inside for our own good lately. Lots of people are now caught up on films and television shows they’ve been wanting to see, but what do you do when you have finished your list? Why not revisit some classic films with ties to right here on the Central Coast? 

So we, here at the Central Coast Film Society, have put together a Top 10 list of things to watch while sheltering at home. And every one of them has a strong Central Coast connection. Here’s what you might want to dust off and enjoy.

10) Little Giants - Arroyo Grande
In the small village of Arroyo Grande came the feel good film with Rick Moranis and Ed O’Neil. They play brothers living in Urbania, Ohio. Only, it’s actually Arroyo Grande. Watch as the misfit team lead by Moranis train to go up against the big team. A perfect small town, home-grown family comedy.

9) Spartacus - San Simeon 
At 190 minutes long, Spartacus is the type of movie to watch to make an event out of it, or when you’re stuck at home all day. Which makes pausing for bathroom breaks a little easier. This classic movie, with Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier and directed by Stanley Kubrick, will have you transported back to the glory days of Rome by stopping at Hearst Castle as a backdrop.

8) The Spirit of St. Louis - Santa Maria
Billy Wilder’s production staring James Stewart was filmed all over the world following the story of Charles Lindbergh and his monumental flight from New York to Paris. However, in this movie, they were flying out of Allan Hancock Air Field (now site of Allan Hancock College) in Santa Maria. The film was released in 1957 and only a couple years later the airport closed as the US-101 was rerouted to it’s current location.

7) Pete’s Dragon - Point Buchon
This classic Disney film was set in Passamaquoddy, Maine but was filmed on this coast! The lighthouse seen in the film was built near Montana De Oro State Park, on Point Buchon, with special permission by the Coast Guard. You can still hike to that location, but you won’t find a lighthouse anymore. It was quickly dismantled after production to not confuse passing ships. 

6) Of Mice And Men - Santa Ynez Valley
Directed and staring Gary Sinise, this film was filmed extensively in the Santa Ynez Valley. This classic John Steinbeck novel is a heavy drama was praised by critics but didn’t do that well in the box office. The 1939 version of the story was filmed a little further north in San Luis Obispo and the Hearst Ranch. 

5) Outbreak - Santa Ynez Valley
What is a pandemic without watching a movie like this? With it’s huge ensemble cast, most of the movie takes place in Northern California. But watch carefully when Dustin Hoffman and Cuba Gooding Jr. are in a helicopter trying to divert an Air Force plane (that flew out from Vandenberg AFB). You can see they’re flying over the Santa Ynez Mountain Range. 

4) The Rocketeer - Santa Maria 
Walt Disney got their toes wet in comic book superhero films with The Rocketeer in 1991. Much of the film’s non-Los Angeles locations were shot at the Santa Maria Airport and surrounding areas. The film was well received, but plans for sequels were scrapped after the movie only performed “modestly” at the box office. Director Joe Johnston would go on to make another comic book film: Captain America: The First Avenger.

3) Batman: The Movie - Santa Barbara
Bam! Pow! Batman’s first big screen appearance showed the caped crusader running along Stern’s Wharf in Santa Barbara looking for the villain’s secret lair. While most everyone enjoys all the various and recent versions of Gotham City, it might be time to go revisit what started all the fun with this campy and fun movie. 

2) Scarface - Santa Barbara
Al Pacino’s Tony Montana is a story that Walter White could only dream of. In the carnage infused climax at Tony’s Miami mansion, you may recognize that it’s actually in Santa Barbara. The scene also seems to have inspired part of the Harold Ramis comedy, Bedazzled with Brendan Fraser that had an action-packed drug lord compound scene that was also filmed in Santa Barbara.

1) HBO’s John Adams - Santa Maria
Yes, this isn’t a movie, but this Golden Globe winning series is a masterpiece from HBO and perfect to binge at home as we head into Memorial Day and Independence Day on an election year. Earlier this year was the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, which is depicted in the opening parts of this series. It follows Paul Giamatti as John Adams in a remarkable telling of the man’s life. What you may not know is a good portion of the visual effects were done in Santa Maria by CafeFX, also known for doing effects in movies like Pan’s Labyrinth or The Mist. 

BUT WAIT... there's one more.

-Honorable Mention-
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Touch of Satan - Santa Ynez Valley
Alright, this one is so special it needs it’s own category. Ever see movies that are so bad they’re funny? Well, that’s what Mystery Science Theater 3000 does all the time. You can binge bad movies until the cows come home, but if you want something with a local backdrop then watch this beauty. Filmed in 1971 Santa Ynez Valley, this horror film is worthy of the bad jokes that two robots and a trapped spaceman fire at it. 

​So if you've been inside for a really long time and feeling a little stir crazy, this may help fix your brain. You can actually watch Season 10, Episode 8 of the show online for free right now. Take a look below!

50 years ago today, those words were sent from a small spacecraft, 200,000 miles from the surface of the Earth. It was on its way to the moon, with plans to land on the surface and study it. Of course, that all changed after the explosion that happened, crippling the space craft. The 1995 film, Apollo 13 was an instant  success and was praised for the film's faithful authenticity surrounding the incident. The film was released 25 years after the real incident, and this year the film turns 25 years old.

Instead of landing on the moon, the crew of Apollo 13 then has to endure trial after trial as they sling-shot around the moon and return home. The fate of the three men onboard captivated the world as they approached their home world. Finally, on April 17th, 1970, the crew safely landed in the South Pacific Ocean and were recovered by a nearby US Navy ship. The recreated splashdown from the 1995 film was shot near the Channel Islands, off the southern part of California's Central Coast, near Los Angeles.

Now, watch a fantastic short film that looks back on the incident. The film was created and released today by NASA and includes interviews with the crew of Apollo 13 as well as the original footage and the original delivery of "Houston, we've had a problem" by Jim Lovell. The start of a successful failure. 

Send In Your Scripts!

While you are sheltering at home with recent COVID-19 activity, it doesn't mean your creativity needs to run dry! Now is the "write time" to work on your scripts, and local legend, David Hardberger is offering to help! He is willing to review short film scripts to help get projects off the ground once productions can restart.

David Hardberger is on the Board of Directors for the SLO Film Festival and is a voting member of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition to his extensive career in special effects, he has written and directed two short films that were filmed in the San Luis Obispo area using many local crew members and talent.

Scripts should be 20 pages or less, with limited locations and characters. Each script should be registered with the WGA or copyright prior to submittal. If you do not register or copyright your script, send an attached document that lists the title of the film, who wrote it and in the body of the text say that this is being submitted for review and evaluation ONLY. The writer realizes that there is no promise of money, getting the film produced, or any other compensation.

​Send scripts directly to davidrhardberger@gmail.com.

Hear more about David and all the amazing projects he has worked on by listening to our podcast: Take 18. You can also listen by clicking below!