City of Your Final Destination, adapted from Peter Cameron’s 2002 novel of the same name,  is as pure an example of the Merchant Ivory brand of upscale literary cinema as devotees of Howard’s End, A Room With a View and The Remains of the Day could ask for. Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney and Charlotte Gainsbourg, playing cultured, cosmopolitan residents of a remote estate in Uruguay, are among the actors who lend the film a classy endorsement. The story follows the quest of Omar Razaghi (Omar Metwally), an Iranian-born graduate student at the University of Colorado, to gain permission from the family of Jules Gund, a Latin American author who committed suicide, to write Gund’s authorized biography. Omar’s academic and financial future depends on his writing the book, and when the Gund family unexpectedly denies permission, his bossy, live-in girlfriend, Deirdre (Alexandra Maria Lara), pushes him to fly to South America to change their minds. Omar arrives unannounced at the lavish Gund estate, presided over by Jules’s imperious widow, Caroline (Linney), and his older brother Adam (Hopkins). Also in residence are Jules’s girlfriend Arden Langdon (Gainsbourg); Arden’s young daughter, Portia (Ambar Mallman); and Pete (Hiroyuki Sanada), Adam’s much younger male Asian lover of 25 years. Omar ends up staying at the Gunds for a period of time during which he has a tepid flirtation with Arden, wins the support of Adam — who tries to enlist him in a smuggling scheme — and pressures the intransigent Caroline to change her mind.

Tickets are $10 or $8 for matinees.

This Swedish thriller is based on Stieg Larson’s popular trilogy about a murder within a tightly knit clan intent on keeping its secrets. Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering 40 years ago on an island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger family. Convinced it was a murder and that the killer is a member of his own dysfunctional clan, Harriet’s uncle employs a disgraced journalist and a troubled, 20-something computer hacker to investigate. When Harriet’s disappearance is linked to a number of grisly murders, the pair begin to unravel the Vangers’ dark family history.

Tickets are $10 or $8 for matinees.

In the highly anticipated second installment of the Millennium Trilogy…

Lisbeth Salander is a wanted woman. A researcher and a Millennium journalist about to expose the truth about the sex trade in Sweden are brutally murdered, and Salander’s prints are on the weapon. Her history of unpredictable and vengeful behavior makes her an official danger to society – but no-one can find her anywhere.

Meanwhile, Mikael Blomkvist, editor-in-chief of Millennium, will not believe what he hears on the news. Knowing Salander to be fierce when fearful, he is desperate to get to her before she is cornered and alone. As he fits the pieces of the puzzle together, he comes up against some hardened criminals, including the chainsaw-wielding ‘blond giant’ – a fearsomely huge thug who can feel no pain.

Digging deeper, Blomkvist also unearths some heart-wrenching facts about Salander’s past life. Committed to psychiatric care aged 12, declared legally incompetent at 18, this is a messed-up young woman who is the product of an unjust and corrupt system. Yet Lisbeth is more avenging angel than helpless victim – descending on those that have hurt her with a righteous anger terrifying in its intensity and truly wonderful in its outcome. -Dragontattoofilm.com

Tickets are $10 or $8 for matinees.

Join sponsor Mary Mother of God Mission Society* for a six-month series of Catholic feature-length films shown on each second Sunday at 2 p.m.

* The purpose of the Mary Mother of God Mission Society is to bring spiritual and material support to the Catholic Church in the Diocese of St. Joseph, Irkutsk and the Far East of Russia. For information about the society or sponsoring the film series contact the Mother Mary of God Mission Society office at 209-408-0728 or go to www.vladmission.org.

August's film is A Distant Thunder

There are pro-life people who work in Hollywood, and two of them – Jonathan and Deborah Flora – have created a new tool to help the American people wrestle with abortion. “A Distant Thunder” is a powerful new 35-minute film that combines courtroom drama and supernatural warfare to help reveal the reality of what abortion does to a baby, and to the baby’s mother. The film helps the viewer wrestle with the issues and their implications, but is not presented in explicitly pro-life or religious themes. What it does, instead, is to help the viewer touch some of the aspects of the abortion issue that the other sides tries so desperately to cover up. In touching these painful and often scary facets of the issue, the viewer has the opportunity to let the light of conscience and compassion inform his or her conclusions.

Without a doubt, this film will become one of the most powerful tools to make people think and wrestle with the abortion issue, and will challenge them to do something about it.

Doors at 1:30 p.m.; film at 2 p.m.

Admission: $6 in advance or $7 at the door

As the opening credits roll, writer-director Juan Jose Campanella – who has directed episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – shows a one-time criminal investigator struggling to pen a novel about a crime that's haunted him for decades. In the mid-1970s, Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin) had doggedly pursued a case — the brutal rape and murder of a bank employee's wife — despite official efforts to discourage him. He'd become emotionally involved, and empathetic. But the nearer he'd gotten to solving the crime, the stranger and more labyrinthine it had become.  Determined to bring literary closure to a case he'd been unable to close legally, he returns to his old Supreme Court stomping grounds where he runs into Irene Menendez Hastings (Soledad Villamil), a judge he worked with — and carried a torch for – some 25 years earlier. When she hears that his novel will rehash the Morales case, though, her own eyes cloud. The original investigation had led both of them down dark legal alleyways that became more treacherous the further they ventured: In flashbacks, we learn of trumped-up charges, forced confessions, political interference and a killer still on the loose — until Ben and a brilliant but alcoholic co-worker (comedian Ricardo Morales) track him one day to a soccer stadium. This film is the August selection of The State Cinema Club: a discussion will follow the film.

Admission is $10 for the general public and free for Cinema Club members (and those who join or renew that night).

The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson is the foremost literary phenomenon of the last decade, with 15 million books sold worldwide, 25 translations in over 40 countries and a series of movies that is shattering European box office records. Just as fascinating is the story behind the books, which this documentary explores. Larsson, who worked for years as a journalist before becoming an author, died from a heart attack at a relatively young age -- after he had completed the trilogy. The three books were published posthumously, and a fight over his fortune ensued. Millennium: The Story features interviews with his friends and family, who reflect on how he overcame a tough childhood, and colleagues, who talk about his bravery as a journalist deeply invested in cherished causes: defending democracy and freedom of the press and fighting violence against women and racism. Also interviewed are the actors who play the heroes of his novels, Elisabeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist.

Join us for these FREE screenings and enter to win a drawing for boxed sets of the trilogy!

Blues, jazz and rock guitarist and singer Robben Ford is returning to The State for one night only. This supremely talented guitarist has had an illustrious career as a solo artist as well as backing up the who’s who of blues and jazz. Starting in the late ‘60s when he was just 18, his band backed Charlie Musselwhite, then Jimmy Witherspoon and then, in the ‘70s, went on to back up George Harrison on his American tour and Joni Mitchell on Hissing of Summer Lawns and her live album, Miles of Aisles. Ford worked briefly with Miles Davis in the late ‘80s and can be heard on Davis Montreux’ boxed set. Ford released his next album, Talk to Your Daughter, in 1988, a return to his blues roots. In 1989 he joined Philippe Saisse, Marcus Miller and J.T. Lewis in the cast of The Sunday Night Band for the second and final season of NBC’s acclaimed late-night television program Sunday Night. His best work in the ‘90s includes Robben Ford and the Blue Line and Tiger Walk. In addition to recording and touring with his own blues band, Ford continues to tour and play with other bands/artists such as Jing Chi (his fusion band), Gregg Allman and Phil Lesh. He has received nominations for four Grammys and was named one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician magazine.

Tickets are $24, $29, $38

Local writer and director Arvin N. Berner, the son of a car mechanic, has spent many happy hours twisting wrenches.  When he realized his dream was to direct movies, he combined his can-do attitude learned from working on cars with a vigorous amount of work and discovered those two things to be a powerful combination. 

Checkmate is Arvin's first feature-length movie. He wrote the script over a period of about 10 months and decided to produce the movie independently here in Northern California.  Soon a team assembled around the project, including Cornerstone Studio's Sean Stencil and Eric Raingruber, Joey Huestis from RIO Arts, and Robin Bjerke of the Riverbank Community Theater. At this point Arvin realized he had a great script, and a great team.  Sony had just introduced a revolutionary new camera, the PMW EX-1, that enabled him to shoot at a level of quality not previously available to young artists. 

Arvin had the crew and the gear, and now he needed the cast.  After holding several casting sessions, he decided to cast the entire movie with Northern California actors.  The star of the movie, Zachary W. Barnes, had only recently moved to California to pursue his dream of acting.  When Arvin discovered Zach, he knew he now had all the ingredients for a great movie. Arvin describes his film with way: Win a game, win your destiny. This is the opportunity given to Aaron Carlson when his dreams of law school are failing at every step. He doesn't have the grades, he doesn't have the money, he doesn't have the connections to become a lawyer. But a respected judge is moved by his mock trial talent and offers him an opportunity to achieve something extraordinary: win a national chess tournament. Win a game, and win his destiny. This is the premiere of his film, Checkmate.

Tickets are $10.

The second entry in George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy finds Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the green-as-grass hero from the first film, now a seasoned space warrior. Luke's Star Wars cohorts Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are likewise more experienced in the ways and means of battling the insidious Empire, as represented by the brooding Darth Vader (body of David Prowse, voice of James Earl Jones). And, of course, "The Force," personified by the ghost of Luke's mentor Ben Kenobi (Alec Guinness), is with them all. Retreating from Vader's minions, Luke ends up, at first, on the Ice Planet Hoth, and then the tropical Dagobah. Here he makes the acquaintance of the gnomish Yoda (voice of Frank Oz), whose all-encompassing wisdom comes in handy during the serial-like perils of the rest of the film. Before the film's open-ended climax, we are introduced to the apparently duplicitous Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and are let in on a secret that profoundly affects both Luke and his arch-enemy, Vader. Many viewers consider this award-winning film the best of the Star Wars movies, and its special-effects bonanza was pure gold at the box office.

~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Admission is $8.

Foodies and film buffs alike, be sure and save the date – Sunday, Oct. 3 – for the Fourth Annual Reel Food Film Festival, the oldest and largest festival of its kind in all of California. We not only screen the best short movies about food, cooking, and eating submitted by filmmakers from all over the world, we provide a sumptuous array of foods before the program begins, along with live music in one of Modesto’s most anticipated social events of the year! This year’s event will feature appetizers courtesy of our primary sponsors, the California Poultry Federation, and select cheeses from California’s finest cheese makers. During the intermission, guests will have an opportunity to win fabulous prizes in a random drawing. For updates on film titles, which will be posted once they are selected, please check our site often. There will also be surprises in store for this year’s event, in addition to a parting gift for attendees. With last year’s write-ups in Food, Inc. and Via magazines, and the attention the event is drawing this year, we’re expecting a bigger crowd than ever so we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

This year's films are:

In Search of The Heart of Chocolate - http://www.chocumentary.com/

La Saint Festin (Saint Feast Day)

Oakdale Testicle Festival

What a Freegan Waste!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modesto-Reel-Food-Film-Festival/136972389660294?ref=ts

Doors at 1 p.m.; program and films at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12

West Coast Performing Arts Presenters Presents the Rolling Stones Concert Experience: A Live Rock Tribute to The Rolling Stones featuring URS, the Unauthorized Rolling Stones. Experience the ultimate rock tribute to the Stones in this live musical performance by the most celebrated Rolling Stones tribute group touring today. You will think Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts are playing right before your eyes! The Rolling Stones Concert Experience is a national touring act selling out venues across the U.S. This special performance will feature hitselections from The Rolling Stones legendary career including “Satisfaction,” “'Start Me Up,” “Midnight Rambler,” “Under My Thumb” and many more including live in concert favorites like "Street Fightin' Man,” “Jumpin' Jack Flash,” “Time Is On My Side” and lots more! The colors, costumes and sonic accuracy of this performing
ensemble will amaze and astound even the most discriminating
Rolling Stones fan.

"An astonishing re-creation worthy of world class praise, this show will leave you wondering if it was the real Stones rocking out on stage in all their glory, right down to the costumes and exemplary musicianship."

-Las Vegas Review Journal

Doors at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. 

Adults: $38 / Seniors: $36 / Children/Students: $20
Reserved seating only.

Prices do not include box office service charge.

The mission of the Modesto International Architecture Festival, a three-day event held at The State Theatre, is to celebrate architecture and the architectural profession as both an art and a science, and to heighten public awareness of architecture and the value of architects. The festival is hosted by the Sierra Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects along with partners the Modesto Art Museum,  The State Theatre and the Modesto Film Society. The 2010 festival not only includes juried films submitted by filmmakers from around the world, there will be tours, a gala reception with Champagne and appetizers, and opportunities for learning about historically significant local architecture. For a complete look at the festival, including a “schedule at a glance,” visit http://modestoarchfest.com/about.html.  Visit the same site for film titles, as they are selected and posted.

The festival kicks off Thursday, Oct. 21 with an Architectural Art and Sculpture exhibit from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of The State, followed from 8 to 9 p.m. by a Multi-media Architectural Graphics presentation in the auditorium of The State.  

This is a free event.

The mission of the Modesto International Architecture Festival, a three-day event held at The State Theatre, is to celebrate architecture and the architectural profession as both an art and a science, and to heighten public awareness of architecture and the value of architects. The festival is hosted by the Sierra Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects along with partners the Modesto Art Museum,  The State Theatre and the Modesto Film Society. The 2010 festival not only includes juried films submitted by filmmakers from around the world, there will be tours, a gala reception with Champagne and appetizers, and opportunities for learning about historically significant local architecture. For a complete look at the festival, including a “schedule at a glance,” visit http://modestoarchfest.com/about.html. Visit the same site for film titles, as they are selected and posted.

The festival continues at 1 p.m. with Sacred Architecture Tours, a guided tour of area churches and religious architecture, followed at 6 p.m. by a reception in the lobby of The State. At 7:15, a feature film will be presented in the auditorium of The State.

Reception/Short Film Program: Adult admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door; students $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

A pass for all events, including maps for self-guided walking tours, may be purchased in advance for $25. Tickets for each event may be purchased individually at The State Theatre box office, online or by phone at 209-527-4697.

The mission of the Modesto International Architecture Festival, a three-day event held at The State Theatre, is to celebrate architecture and the architectural profession as both an art and a science, and to heighten public awareness of architecture and the value of architects. The festival is hosted by the Sierra Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects along with partners the Modesto Art Museum, The State Theatre and the Modesto Film Society. The 2010 festival not only includes juried films submitted by filmmakers from around the world, there will be tours, a gala reception with Champagne and appetizers, and opportunities for learning about historically significant local architecture. For a complete look at the festival, including a “schedule at a glance,” visit http://modestoarchfest.com/about.html.  Visit the same site for film titles, as they are selected and posted.

Festival-goers have a full day of events on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. with a Downtown Modesto Architecture Walking Tour. An Architecture Short Film Program begins at 12:30 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by a Champagne Gala and Architecture Photo Exhibit in the lobby of The State, followed at 7:15 by a full-length film presentation and at 9 p.m., the announcement of the Audience Favorite (Film) Award, the culmination of the three days of films and festivities.

A pass for all events may be purchased in advance for $25. Tickets for each event may be purchased individually at The State Theatre box office, online or by phone at 209-527-4697.

If you haven’t seen this 1971 cult classic here’s your chance (on the big screen nonetheless!). Harold and Maude is ranked number 45 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 Funniest Movies of all Time, and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1997 for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." A young man fascinated with death and a 79-year-old high on life find love in Hal Ashby's cult black comedy. Deadpan rich boy Harold (Bud Cort) keeps staging elaborate suicide attempts to get the attention of his socialite mother (Vivian Pickles), but she keeps planning his brilliant future for him instead. Obsessed with the trappings of death, Harold freaks out his blind dates, modifies his new sports car to look like a mini-hearse, and attends funerals, where he meets the spirited Maude (Ruth Gordon). An eccentric to the core, Maude lives exactly as she pleases, with avid collecting and nude modeling among her many pursuits. To the disgust of Harold's relatives and the befuddlement of Harold's shrink, Harold falls in love with her.

Presented by McHenry Bowl.

Tickets are $8.

The State is pleased to announce the second speaker in our series of notable people and personalities who come to share their wit and wisdom, enlighten and entertain. Narsai David, restaurateur, entrepreneur and wine maker, will join us Thursday, Oct. 28 for a joyous evening of anecdotes and discussions about food, wine and the pleasures of the table. Known for his regular appearances as the food and wine editor on San Francisco’s KCBS radio, David now makes his home in Turlock following a long and star-studded career in the hospitality industry. In 1970, he began a catering business and counted among his clients Bill Graham, the legendary rock impresario, and the British Royal Family on their visits to San Francisco. In 1972, he opened his restaurant, Narsai's, in the upscale community of Kensington, on the northern tip of Berkeley. Narsai's wine list was described by The New York Times as one of the 10 finest in the world.  Mr. David now owns two vineyards in the Napa Valley and produces his own wines.  He also sells a line of gourmet products, several of which are still made exclusively for him using his own recipes and bearing his distinctive label.  We hope you’ll join us and our guest speaker Narsai David for spirited stories about some of the Bay Area’s most fascinating foodies and a young Assyrian man’s rise to fame in their very competitive world. 

Doors at 6; presentation at 7 p.m.

General admission tickets are $20.

West Coast Performing Arts Presenters presents Heartbreaker: A Live Rock Tribute to Led Zeppelin

Experience the ultimate rock tribute to Led Zeppelin in this live musical performance starring Heartbreaker, the West Coast's most celebrated Led Zeppelin tribute group. They’re so spot on, you’ll think Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham are playing right before your eyes! Heartbreaker is a national touring act selling out venues across the U.S. with a high-energy stage show the Los Angeles Times called, “…the best Led Zeppelin tribute act we’ve witnessed. As close to the real thing as you are apt to get.” This is the ultimate live Led Zeppelin concert performance highlighting the greatest and most popular music of their career, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Rock and Roll,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Black Dog,” and many more “Live In Concert” favorites!