.One-Night Stands

Repertory film listings for May 15 through 21

Review by Janet Feinstein

Thu., May 15

Office Space Mike Judge takes a subtler approach in a deft live-action comedy about cubicle dwellers in the high-tech industry. Peter, a handsome and hopeless software engineer (Ron Livingston), goes to an “occupational hypnotherapist” (Micheal McShane). While hypnotizing him into temporarily forgetting all his worries and inhibitions, the therapist has a heart attack, leaving Peter permanently under. As hero of this adolescent fantasy-cum-Buddhist parable, Peter eventually finds peace in his newfound though accidental state of nonattachment, getting the “right” job and getting the kung-fu-film-loving girl (Jennifer Aniston, playing a waitress at a TGI Friday’s-style nightmare restaurant). But behind them lurks co-worker Milton (Stephen Root), a cockroach-like obsessive-compulsive doormat’s doormat who truly triumphs in the end (89 min., 1999). — J.F. (7:00, EC)

Dial M for Masturbation A collection of short films about self-love. Also featuring a performance by the East Bay Kings and a how-to presentation. Hosted by Joanna King and Apaulo Hart. (PW, 9:15)

Danville International Children’s Film Festival Screening of The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, with dessert reception to follow. Taylor Lautner in person. (Village Theatre, Danville, 7:00)

Watch Horror Films — Keep America Strong! Documentary on KTVU’s Creature Features program starring Bob Wilkins, John Stanley, and Bob Shaw (90 min., 2008). Stanley, Shaw, Sally Wilkins, Ernie Fossellius, and more in person. (GL, 7:00, 10:00)

Sat., May 17

Danville International Children’s Film Festival Shorts and features throughout the day. (10:00 a.m., Village Theater and Town Hall, Danville)

Sun., May 18

From a Silk Cocoon Satsuke Ina’s documentary of a young couple forced to renounce their American citizenship while being held in separate prison camps during World War II. Ina in person. (EC, 2:00)

Danville International Children’s Film Festival Another full day of short films for children, followed by an awards ceremony and closing reception. (10:00 a.m., Village Theater and Town Hall, Danville)

Wed., May 21

The Drivetime Sci-fi video shows a future not unlike the present, in which Seattle is wired into a sinister web of technological manipulation. Luckily there’s a rebel (Michael George) jamming the signals and disrupting the info-infiltration. Antero Alli, with help from Rob Brezsny, made this 1995 allegory (88 min.). (Humanist Hall, Oakland, 7:30)

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