Review by Michael Covino
Fri., Jan. 4
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure — This very strange and offbeat comedy is delightful. For once, words like “zany” and “wacky” are apt as Pee-Wee Herman, a goofy, childlike, dreamy comedian, who sets off in search of his stolen red bicycle. The wonderful visuals, which complement his bizarre persona perfectly, owe much to French comic director Jacques Tati. For a man without a bicycle, the world can seem awfully cruel. With Elizabeth Daily, Diane Salinger, Mark Holton. Written by Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, and Michael Varhol. Stylish directorial debut by Tim Burton (90 min., 1985). — M.C. (CLC, midnight)
Sun., Dec. 6
The Business of Being Born — Documentary on birth culture in America, executive produced by Ricki Lake. (La Peña Cultural Center, 7:00)
Tues, Dec. 8
Banished – Filmmaker Marco Williams visits three towns that forcibly removed African-American families following the Civil War. The towns in Missouri, Arkansas, and Georgia, are still all-white. (Oakland Museum of California, 6:30)
