Calendar

FILM - THE FALL (R) 117 Min.

Limited 5-day engagement!

A little blessing in disguise. This fantastical story with stunning visuals begins in a hospital on the outskirts of 1920s Los Angeles. An injured stuntman spins a yarn for a fellow patient – a little girl with a broken arm – about five mythical heroes. The stuntman’s fractured state of mind and the girl’s vivid imagination conspire to blur the line between fantasy and reality in what one viewer called Director Tarsem Singh’s, “love letter to cinema.” Original, thought-provoking and brimming with visual surprises, The Fall will leave you thinking about it for days afterward. 

Fri. Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Aug. 30 at 3:30 (matinee) and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. Aug. 31 at 3:30 (matinee) and 6:30 p.m.; Mon. Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.; Tues. Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

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FILM - GONZO: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DR. HUNTER S. THOMPSON (R) 118 Min.

Limited 4-day engagement!

“I wouldn't recommend sex, drugs or insanity for everyone, but they've always worked for me.” Anyone who lived through the ‘60s will want to see -- no, must see -- this movie. It’s a paean to the drug-and-alcohol-fueled man who penned “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” a tome that may not have shaped a generation, but certainly captured the craziness and confusion of the times. Thompson hated Nixon, spent time with the then-notorious Hell’s Angels, wrote in a first-person narrative style that blended facts and fiction to engage his readers (dubbed Gonzo journalism in 1970) and was recently more noted for his long and carefully planned suicide (a shot to the head) at age 68. Alex Gibney, one of today’s best and most prolific documentary filmmakers, focuses on the good doctor’s heyday, from 1965 to 1975 and includes never-before-seen home movies, audiotapes and passages from unpublished manuscripts. Some of the people who speak most highly of Thompson on camera are Billy Carter, George McGovern, and longtime Republican presidential adviser Pat Buchanan, as well as writer Tom Woolf and Thompson's editors at Rolling Stone, for which he did his best periodical pieces, the notable ones turned into books.

Fri. Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.; Sun. Sept. 7 at 3:30 (matinee) and 6:30 p.m.; Mon. Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.; Tues. Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

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EVENT - GOSPEL CONCERT: AN EVENING OF PRAISE

Joandro Music and The Family Bible Center present an evening of praise featuring Gospel greats The Kingdom Travelers, The Sacramento Metropolitan Choir and, from Sacramento, Dorothy Love Thornton. This will be an evening of good music, voices raised in praise of Him and good food (a light meal) prepared by Larry Mac’s BBQ & Catering.

Tickets are available at The State Theatre and at The Family Bible Center, 121 W. Main St., Suite B, Turlock.

Saturday, September 6, 2008
Doors open at 5 p.m.; concert at 6 p.m.
General admission tickets (including meal) are $20.

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FILM - SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY (PG-13) 83 Min.

One night only!

A look at the life and work of the renown architect. Join the Sierra Valley Chapter of AIA (www.aiasv.org) Thursday, Sept. 11, for SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY, the third film of four in its 2008 architecture film festival. Based on the life and career of architect Frank Gehry (1929 - ), this documentary by close friend Sydney Pollack visits four buildings (the Vitra Museum in Germany, Maggie’s Centre, the Guggenheim in Bilbao and the Disney Concert Hall in L.A.). Not only is Gehry a gifted and visionary architect, brings a sculptor and artist’s sensibility to his work. Friends, artists, critics and curators comment.

The film will be preceded by a dessert and coffee bar reception in the lobby of The State at 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the Modesto Art Museum (www.modestoartmuseum.org), the Modesto Film Society (www.modestofilm.org) and The State Theatre.

Thursday, September 11, 2008. Doors at 6 p.m.; presentation at 7 p.m.; film at 7:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $8. and include the pre-film reception at 6 p.m.

The mission of the AIA Sierra Valley Architecture Film Festival is to promote and celebrate the architectural profession as both an art and a science through the use of the moving image to heighten public awareness and understanding of the value of architects and their contribution to society, and to support and educate the members of the profession.

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MIDNIGHT MOVIE - THE GOONIES (PG)

MIDNIGHT MOVIE SERIES - This is still everyone’s favorite pick for this series and a sure sell-out! Steven Spielberg’s 1985 family adventure film is still magic with its pirate’s map, villainous crooks, underground cavers and the super sleuths and true stars: The Goonies! Purchase your tickets early for this one.

Friday, Sept. 12 at midnite and Sat. Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee)

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EVENT - CALIFORNIA ALL-STARS OF COMEDY

World of Laughs returns Saturday, Sept. 13 with another all-star lineup of comics. This adult comedy show stars AJ Jamal, Justin McClure and “Big Worm” Romero. General admission tickets to the California All-stars of Comedy are $22.50 in advance. Artists subject to change. Sorry, no exchanges/refunds.

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008
Doors open 7:30 p.m.; show time 8:30 p.m.

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FILM - BOTTLE SHOCK (PG-13) 110 Min.

Limited 4-day engagement!

Based on a true story of love, victory and fermentation. It is only fitting that Bottle Shock should play in Modesto, headquarters to E. & J. Gallo, exporter of California wines to 92 countries worldwide. Bottle Shock is Director Randall Miller’s crowd-pleasing, true story of America’s initiation into and contribution to vinification – and the 1976 "judgment of Paris," when a small Napa winery shocked the wine world by winning a major French blind-tasting competition with a 1973 Chardonnay. The music – a Doobie Brothers soundtrack – and wine play as big a role here as the actors in this wonderful comedy/drama shot on location in California’s verdant wine country.

Fri. Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Sept. 13 not showing; Sun. Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee) and 6:30 p.m.; Mon. Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.; Tues. Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

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FILM - WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION 116 Min.

Once in 50 years, suspense like this! Billy Wilder directs this 1957 courtroom drama based on an Agatha Christie play of the same name. Esteemed criminal lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) has just returned to practice after suffering a heart attack and is supposed to be on a diet of bland civil suits. But the criminal case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Powers), a charmer accused of murdering a wealthy, middle-aged widow, proves irresistible after he meets Vole’s wife Christine (Marlene Dietrich). Presented by The Modesto Film Society (www.modestofilm.org).

35mm print courtesy of the UCLA Film and Television Archive. WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION preservation Funded by the Film Foundation. Co-sponsored by the Stanislaus County Bar Association.

Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 3:30 p.m.

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FILM - THE WACKNESS (R) 99 Min.

Limited 4-day engagement!

Sometimes it’s right to do the wrong things.
A somewhat offbeat coming-of-age story set in 1994 New York, The Wackness owes much of its success to the irresistibly charming Josh Peck, who plays Luke Shapiro, a kid who trades weed for sessions with his dope-smoking shrink Dr. Squires (Ben Kingsley). Luke is a chubby, good-natured but nerdy Jewish kid with constantly feuding parents and a crush on his therapist’s stepdaughter Stephanie (Olivia Thrilby). He’s spending the summer between high school and college selling weed and learning some of life’s toughest lessons -- among them, that falling in love can be painful when the love isn’t returned. This comedy/drama, written and directed by Jonathan Levine, has its clichés, but still delivers a heartfelt message that’s simple and true.

Fri. Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Sept. 20 not showing; Sun. Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.; Mon. Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.; Tues. Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

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FILM FUND-RAISER - WINE, JAZZ & A MOVIE

Join the Stanislaus Literacy Center and Save Mart Supermarkets for an evening of Wine, Jazz and A Movie, a benefit for the nonprofit Stanislaus Literacy Center. The evening will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a gala wine, meat and cheese reception in the lobby of The State Theatre. Guests will also enjoy live jazz performed by a local all-star band. At 7:30 p.m., the Academy Award-winning film “The Miracle Worker,” starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, will be presented using The State’s 35mm projection equipment. “Quite possibly the most moving double performance ever recorded on film” (Time magazine), The Miracle Worker is the inspiring story of Helen Keller, blind and deaf since birth, and her young and devoted teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. Reception from 5 to 7 p.m.; program from 7 to 7:30 p.m.; film at 7:30 p.m.

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FILM - BRIDESHEAD REVISITED (PG-13) 133 Min.

Love is not ours to control.
Based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 classic British novel, Brideshead Revisited is a story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence set in England prior to the second World War. Although adaptations and remakes can often disappoint, this one does not. As one viewer succinctly stated, “Read the book, saw the miniseries, LOVED THE FILM!” If the spate of summer blockbusters and superheroes bored you, then you’re bound to enjoy this provocative and suspenseful drama.. Beautiful cinematography and an excellent script. Directed by Julian Jarrold (Nineteen Seventy-Four) and starring Matthew Goode, Thomas Morrison, Anna Madeley and David Barrass.

Fri. Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Sept. 27 not showing; Sun. Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee) and 6:30 p.m.; Mon. Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.; Tues. Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.; Fri. Oct. 3 not showing; Sat. Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee); Sun. Oct. 5 at 3:30 (matinee) and 6:30; Mon. Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.; Tues. Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

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EVENT - MODESTO REEL FOOD FILM FESTIVAL

Join co-hosts The State Theatre, the Modesto Film Society and the Modesto Art Museum for the only annual food film festival in all of California! The 2008 Reel Food Film Festival opens with select short films on food and eating, followed by “Big Night", this year’s feature-length film. In addition to fine films and live music by the Spectrum School of Music Instrumental Ensemble, there will be dozens of delectable complimentary desserts to choose from, locally grown and manufactured food products to sample, and premium wines and draft beers to purchase and enjoy at your seat during the films.

Saturday, September 27th, 2008 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open and reception begins at 6:30 p.m.

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MIDNIGHT MOVIE - PINK FLOYD, THE WALL (R)

MIDNIGHT MOVIE SERIES - The plot, about a troubled rock star who descends into madness, isn’t all that unusual, is it? But this film isn’t about thespians and plot lines, it’s about the music from Pink Floyd’s album of the same name. Prepare to be blown away because music does not get any better than this.

Friday, Oct. 10 at midnite and Sun. Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee)

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FILM - ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Unrated 118 Min.

She Passed Out On Cary ! No Wonder . . . She's just discovered his favorite aunts have poisoned their 13th gentleman friend !
Presented by The Modesto Film Society, this 1944 screwball Frank Capra comedy deftly mixes the surreal and the sinister in one of Cary Grant’s very best films. When Mortimer Brewster (Grant) learns on his wedding day that his maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs – and that insanity runs in his family – he realizes he lives in a world gone mad and goes more than a tad potty himself! Also starring Raymond Massey as a menacing murderer and Mortimer’s long-lost brother and Peter Lorre as Dr. Einstein, a brilliantly macabre plastic surgeon. A grand cast, with fantastic performances by Josephine Hull and Jean Adair, two of filmdom’s most charming – and prolific – murderesses!
For information about becoming a member of The Modesto Film Society go to www.ModestoFilm.org

Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m.

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MIDNIGHT MOVIE - SHAUN OF THE DEAD (R)

MIDNIGHT MOVIE SERIES - The last film in the series had to be about Shaun, a slacker, and zombies -- the worst the Big Screen has ever seen. These zombies are not only dead and intent on eating the living, they’re really rather hilarious. Anything else said here would be a plot spoiler. Just plan to sit back with a beer and take in this cult classic in the luxurious comfort of the historic State Theatre.

Friday, Nov. 14 at midnite and Sat. Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. (matinee)

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FILMFILM - THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD Unrated 103 Min.

Only the rainbow can duplicate its brilliance!
Errol Flynn, as the magnanimous Robin Hood, steals from the rich and gives to the poor in what is easily the best Robin Hood move ever! A winner of three Oscars at the 1939 Academy Awards, The Adventures of Robin Hood was based on the well-known English legend of Robin of Locksley, a noble forced to become an outlaw when Prince John the usurper tries to take the throne from his absent brother. Robin Hood retreats to Sherwood Forest where he gathers together his Merry Men, defenders of the townsfolk who are heavily taxed by the Sheriff of Nottingham. All the while, he must defend the throne and pitch woo to the fair Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland). Presented by The Modesto Film Society. For more information on becoming a member, visit: www.modestofilm.org.

Sunday, November, 16 at 3:30 p.m.

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EVENT - THE ILL LIST 5

The ILL List 5: A Poetry Slam Invitational returns to the City of Modesto Saturday, December 13. This is the most prestigious and highly anticipated spoken-word event in the state, featuring performances by nationally renowned spoken-word artists and HBO Def Poets, battling through three rounds of original poetry on their quest for $1,500 in cash prizes! Randomly selected judges from the audience, using Olympic-style scorecards, will judge. Audience members are strongly encouraged to root for their favorite poets. Cheering, yelling, booing, hissing, whistling, and good-natured heckling are welcome and expected. This is a FREE-SPEECH event. For more information go to www.slamonrye.com. Tickets go on sale September 1.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008
Doors at 7 p.m. Poetry Slam at 8 p.m.

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