BenzMom

Toronto - POLISH BAR's graceful festival bow and KATHY BATES IS BENZMOM’S HERO

Hello Dear Readers.Yes, I know it’s been a long time between blogs.  Apologies, but Benzmom has been quite busy. There’s work, there’s fun times, & there’s life, right? BUT YOU ALL HAVE ONE LAST CHANCE TO SEE POLISH BAR AT A FILM FESTIVAL

Here is the trailer on ITUNES and here is the link to the MAY 10th Toronto screening 

Preparing for Passover is always a busy time, what with all the cooking & whatnot.  Our annual family gathering was hosted by Benzbro & his fiancé this year, and a lovely job they did.  Benzmom & Benzdad drove there with most of the foods, all home-cooked, then frozen & packaged.  Benz & Benzwife flew in & a gala time was had by all.  Sightseeing, lots of eating—but no chametz  after sundown on 4/6, God forbid--& good family times. 

 Ah, there was something dreadfully missing:  as I blogged last year, it was my fondest wish for Kathy Bates to come with her lovely carving knife from “Misery” to slice the brisket.  If that poor woman had only had a purpose such as that, she likely wouldn’t have been quite so cranky & mean to James Caan, don’t you agree?

 As you might guess, Benzmom is a great admirer of Kathy Bates’ work.  Wouldn’t miss an episode of “Harry’s Law,” a perfect blend of comedic dialogue & plots, with poignant legal/social issues, & some drama.  The characters are all too human, including the grand dame, Harry, herself.  The spectrum of roles played by Kathy over the years of her splendid career has been enormous.  Loved her in such marvelous roles as she had in “About Schmidt,” “Primary Colors,” “Midnight in Paris,” “At Play in the Fields of the Lord,” & “Dolores Claiborne.”  Seems there’s almost NOTHING beyond her theatrical capabilities.  And, in this era of everyone needing to resemble a toothpick who has never eaten cake, she does it her way in her style, without facelifts, anorexia, & the need to be a glamour puss.  You go girl!!

Until next time, don’t forget:  Mother’s Day is coming up in just a few weeks, & you’d best be good to your mommies.

  Benzmom

AN INDIAN FILM TRILOGY

GO NOW AND "LIKE" POLISH BAR on FACEBOOK and be a follower on the TWITTER

This blog is in honor of Benz & Benzwife going off on a trip to India. No, they are not taking Benzmom or Benzdad, just going off by themselves. Hence, thought I would share some thoughts and feelings about some Indian films. Yes, dear readers, Benzmom has gone INTERNATIONAL! ☺

Interest in the films referenced in this blog was sparked by my book club reading “Water” by Bapsi Sidhwa. Rather unusually, this book was derived from a movie script, instead of the other way around. Benzmom & Benzdad were Skyping with Benz and Benzwife, and I mentioned the book I had just finished for our upcoming book discussion. Immediately, Benz and Benzwife enlightened me about Deepa Mehta, the marvelous Indian-Canadian director and her three movies, of which “Water” is one.

Deepa Mehta

Benzdad put them all into our Netflix queue, and we watched them all within 10 days. “Water” tells the story of Chuyia, a 6 year old girl in rural, 1938 India, just as Gandhi was on the rise and working towards getting the British to leave.

As was then customary, Chuyia was married to a man in his mid-forties. She was to continue living with her family until she reached sexual maturity, and then she would join her husband. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after their nuptials, and she became a widow. Unable to even understand being married or widowed, the child was consigned to a life of ostracism, as was then the norm for widows of any age in India. The rest you will need to either read or see for yourself. The book is readily available, and the movie—with subtitles—can be obtained from Netflix. Deepa Mehta is Indian-born, and moved to Canada. Her films are deeply powerful, presenting India as a land of beauty, joy, despair, seeming cruelty, stark contrasts, wealth, dreadful poverty, indulgence, and deprivation.

The three films referenced in the “trilogy” are: “Water,” “Fire,” and “Earth.” All three are beautiful, haunting, powerful films revealing deeply-ingrained cultural and religious traditions affecting ordinary people’s lives. The effects are both beautiful and horrible. The endings are poignant, and bittersweet, at best, if not fully tragic. “Earth” depicts the time period when the British were pulling out of India, after exploiting its riches and people for many, many years. For centuries, Muslims and Hindus, as well as Christians, Sikhs, and other religious groups, had lived together in peace and congeniality. The British decided to partition the country into India and Pakistan, and then move people around according to their religious affiliations. The boundary line was arbitrary, and the forced movement of people was the largest in history. The results were violence, hatred, mutual fear, and frequent chaos. To this day, hatred and mistrust continue between the two countries and the two religious groups. The movie depicts a group of young adult friends, of multiple faiths, and how the partition and bigotry affects them.

“Fire” focuses on two married couples, in arranged marriages. Neither wife is happy or fulfilled, for different reasons. The husbands are brothers, and the two families run a combination video store and take-away [that’s British & Indian for take-out]. The two women become close confidantes in their loneliness and sadness, and eventually fall in love. Homosexuality is anathema in India and the Hindu religion, and causes significant complications in the lives of the protagonists of Mehta’s film. The story and cinematography is beautifully and sensitively done. After the film opened in India’s theaters, somehow passing through the country’s censorship board, there were riots and some theaters were burned. On the DVD, there are extra features showing this aftermath, as well as interviews with Deepa Mehta talking about needing a bodyguard when she is in India and about the impact of her film. In both “Fire” and “Water,” proponents of women’s rights will find plenty to be horrified about. The themes in “Earth” have more to do with humankind’s cruelty to the “other,” anyone who is different, as well as the self-righteousness of fundamentalists in any and all religions. Heaven help us from those people that think they have a “lock” on ultimate truth about God and how everyone must live. Certainly, our modern politics, both here and abroad, continue to suffer from the fundamentalism, arrogance, and self-righteousness of such individuals. So, my friends, that’s about it for now. Please send good wishes for safe traveling for Benz and Benzwife in their long journey. And, when you go on a big trip, think about whether or not your MOM might like to go! Don’t be selfish; save your $$$$$ for that special holiday coming up—yes,Mother’s Day! 

And tell everyone to watch the new POLISH BAR trailer on itunes

Be good to your Moms, or they’ll get you good.

 Benzmom

POLISH BAR updates and BELZER's Law and Order SVU why we love it!!!

 

@Benzfilm RT @Glock35Gal: Member of the Tribe or not, check this trailer for Polish Bar with (cont) tl.gd/g4pnsr

— Richard Belzer (@MRbelzer) February 26, 2012

POLISH BAR trailer does APPLE

Hello Dear Readers,

Benz is taking over the world with all his new POLISH BAR goodies. The film will be out soon so look for it as you enjoy all these extras and teasers in the meantime.

Judd Hirsch And Richard Belzer with  their POLISH BAR Director Ben Berkowitz

WWW.POLISHBAR.COM IS FULLY LOADED with updates and videos like the following BRAND NEW TRAILER on Itunes trailers. Anyone in LA can sneak a peak at the whole film. Special event presented by the DGA March 2nd.

Now back to Benzmom  stuff. This is my blog after all. I hope you’re all having a great winter.  I’ve only gotten to go sledding with my neighbor once, but it was magnificent.  [No ambulances were called.  That’s a moral victory.]  Today is Benzmom’s birthday.  [Yes, I have them, too, just like your mom does.]  My Benjy is such a good boy.  He was up really early this morning, to wish his Benzmom “Happy Birthday” in response to an emailed picture from my birthday party last night, with lots of friends.  [But no children.]  Benzbro has not yet been heard from.  Don’t know what he’s waiting for………….. Benz is such a sweetheart.  To celebrate, he offered to SKYPE later.  [He’s always been exceedingly creative with providing cheap thrills for my special days.  I’m so proud.  J]

Ice and Belz chillin

So, today, I thought I’d give you the scoop on just one of my very favorite TV shows:  “Law & Order: SVU.”  I wouldn’t miss a single episode.  The ongoing characters are intriguing and compelling, with their attributes and flaws.  The writers give you just enough of their personal info to let you know they’re real people, without going so far as to distract from the main plots.  That is not easy.  “Judging Amy,” in my humble opinion, sometimes did too much of the personal stuff and not enough realistic stuff about what actually occurs in the Connecticut Juvenile Court system, especially the child protection cases. 

BTS( behind the scenes on Land O SVU)

SVU brings to the forefront the types of crimes & situations that most people don’t know about and don’t want to know about.  But, we need to know about it, in order to protect one another and our children.  There are important messages in the show—ripped right from the headlines, as they like to advertise—that all of us need to hear, about acceptance of one another’s differences, about the lure of addiction, and about how warped minds can permanently harm self and others.  This year has brought some new characters, played by Danny Pino and Kelly Giddish, both of whom are veterans of other shows.  I do miss Chris Meloni, and am unhappy with the money guys that weren’t willing to make certain to keep him.  He and Mariska Hargitay had strong chemistry in their long-time partnership.  That is a lot to miss this season.  [At least it’s better to still have the show, than for NBC to screw up and lose the original “Law & Order” completely!!  If only God could protect us from greed!] 

One thing Benzmom would like to see the writers do is embellish Richard Belzer’s contributions to SVU.  He is a multidimensional actor, from standup comedian to serious & sympathetic.  [Oh, should I mention he has a significant role in “Polish Bar,” my boy’s film??]  Richard is a mensch [good person, for you readers not having any basic knowledge of Yiddish].  He gives back to others what he has been given, and likes to help.  I only met him once, and what he told me was “I’m so glad I met Ben.”  Now, I ask you—what mother’s heart wouldn’t swell with pride to hear a famous person say that about her little boy? 

Belzer and Russel Simmons at the Friar's club in NYC

Give the man a bigger part in some SVU episodes, for heaven’s sake!!  The two episodes I recall as some of my favorites had larger roles for him.  One was about right-wing bigots targeting Blacks and Jews, with Marcia Gay Harden guest-starring as an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the neo-Nazi group.  The other was when Jerry Lewis guest-starred, as Belzer’s uncle. 

 Speaking of stars in “Polish Bar,” I really miss the show, “Numbers,” which I enjoyed immensely.  Judd Hirsch, also starring in “Polish Bar,” was the papa in that show.  When I had the pleasure of meeting Judd, (check out this vintage commercial) we discussed the ending of the show, and I agree with what he said.  The show made math sexy and it was “too smart” for the average TV viewer.  If us viewers would stop loving “dumb,” then we’d get smarter shows!  But, that may be the subject of another blog.

Enough already of my meanderings.  You’re very kind to read my postings, and I appreciate your comments, unless I don’t like them, of course.  If your mom’s birthday is coming up, better NOT forget it.  Send her some flowers, or a nice phone call wouldn’t hurt…….. Texting doesn’t count for diddly!

Benzmom

BENZMOM LOVES BEISBOL!

Hello Dear Readers.  Just watched a wonderful, “feel-good” film, “The Perfect Game,” directed by William Dear.

No Big A-List Movie Stars in it, but none were needed, other than Cheech Marin, as a priest.  This 2009 film recounts the true story of the 1957 Little League World Series, where a miraculously improbable team of scruffy little boys from Monterrey, Mexico, ended up winning the championship in Williamsport, PA. 

 Coached by a man from Monterrey, who had hoped to coach for the St. Louis Cardinals but was only allowed to be a clubhouse attendant ‘cuz he was Mexican, they first had to pull strings to get to be a Little League franchise.  Facing prejudice and long odds during every game they played, they learned the game, drilled their little tushies off, and overcame such barriers as being forbidden to use “whites only” bathrooms in the south, derisive opponents, lack of money, and expired visas.  Bigotry was alive and well in America in the 1950’s, but not in everyone, as you’ll see in the film. 

There’s absolutely nothing to dislike about this film, unless you’re some sort of shmendrick who can’t stand baseball and really cute, impish kids.  So, rent this film already and enjoy!

By the way, my Benjy played baseball, and was a Little League All-Star from his home town.  Like Angel Macias, the pitcher in this film, my Benjy thought he could pitch like Sandy Koufax.  Only Benjy had 2 more things going for him than Angel:  Benjy is left-handed and Jewish!  Apparently, though, Angel had more talent, and did play for the Angels as a grownup. 

 Benjy makes films, in case you didn’t know. Here is his new trailer   

That’s it for now, readers.  Be good to your Moms.  If you’re not good enough to them, they will put crazy pictures of you from your childhood on the Internet!!

 Benzmom

BENZMOM’S “TAKE” ON SOME SITCOMS………….. 

 Hey Readers.  Been watching some comedy on TV lately, and wanted to share some feelings/thoughts on what I’ve seen.  Usually, I watch non-comedy—mostly murder and mayhem, and started to get concerned I might be losing my sense of humor.  In younger years, used to enjoy sitcoms, but have found they don’t make them like they used to.  [Any readers over 50 will understand.  No one beats “I Love Lucy” or “Golden Girls.”]

Anyway, recently tried watching three recently developed shows:  “Hot in Cleveland”  "The Exes” and “Portlandia.”  Couple of these shows actually star some BenzFriends!!!

While driving to work a couple weeks ago, listened to Terry Gross [“Fresh Air” on NPR—that’s National Public Radio, to those of you who think you’re too cool for highbrow radio], and she was interviewing Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen, the co-creators and stars of “Portlandia.”  They sounded like interesting, creative people, and the few clips played from the show, were relatively funny.  The IFC show is a spoof on the city of Portland, OR, and just started its second season.  The concept is interesting and amusing.  I like spoofs—one of my favorite directors and comics is the immortal Mel Brooks, and you can’t get much “spoofier” than Mel B!! [Oy veh, Benzmom invented a new word—stop the presses!] Unfortunately, after watching a couple episodes of “Portlandia,” I have found the concept funnier than the actual sketches.  There are a few comic moments, especially in the most recent episode, featuring Jeff Goldblum as the owner of an artisan knot store, and the co-stars becoming totally obsessed with watching episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.”  We’ll see if further episodes merit continued viewing, for me.

“The Exes” is a show to which many people can probably relate—those individuals out of relationships, who are back in the combat sport called “the dating game.”  The characters are highly relatable, and get themselves into all-too-familiar situations to those people re-immersing themselves into the pursuit of love, sex, and companionship in the terrifying modern world.  Numerous comic moments occurred, and further viewing will also occur.  The second time I watched the show, I felt as though I knew these people, finding them even more relatable, with their foibles and endearing characteristics.  Stuart is particularly endearing, as the nerdy, goody-two-shoes, moral compass of the group of friends.  His character is a dentist, a profession jokingly known for carefully straightening silverware.  He is well-played by a nice Jewish boychik from CT, so maybe he, too, could have romped through the park with my Benjy during their early years.  Maybe his mama and I pushed our shopping carts through the aisles of the kosher supermarket, while the two little imps tried begging cookies from the bakery counter—who knows? [Now, in real life, Ben and Stuart, better known as David Basche, actually are friends!  Benzmom doesn’t really know David’s mother, but I’m still sitting by the phone waiting for her to call.] 

“Hot in Cleveland” stars the incomparable Betty White, familiar to TV viewers over many decades from such classics as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Golden Girls.”  This hot mama is about 90 years old and still knocking out the punch lines!  You go, girl! [Benzmom wants to be like Betty White when I grow up, which will likely happen just this side of never.]  The show also features Valerie Bertinelli, who began as a child star on the “Danny Thomas Show” and was a teen on “One Day at a Time.”  Valerie is all grown up, now, and another of those singles looking for love in all the weird places.  With another viewing, really find “Hot in Cleveland” laugh-out-loud funny, not something I would say about most modern sitcoms.  This past episode featured Betty White playing God, yes God, herself, and doing it with her usual panache and Puckish wit.

“The Exes” and “Hot in Cleveland” adjoin one another on the TV Land Network, better known for re-running all of our classic favorites and some shows that never should have been created. Now, TV Land is a place you can go for more than nostalgia.  The two newish shows happen to be opposite to one of my favorite shows, “Law and Order: Special Victims’ Unit” featuring another very close Benzfriend.  But, will save blogging on SVU for another time.  [Benzmom refuses to reveal which hour was watched live and which hour was DVR’d.]

 So, for those of you in wintry climates, those are some viewing suggestions for those cold times you don’t want to venture outdoors.  Wrap yourselves in a blankie, hold hands with a buddy, and develop your own “take” on some shows!!

 Keep watching for some newsy updates on “Polish Bar,” ‘cuz those of you who have not yet seen my boy’s film are really missing out.  And, as always, listen to your moms and be good to them!  It’s not too soon to start planning something special for Mother’s Day, which is Sunday, May 13, 2012.  So, save your pennies for that very important, special woman in your life, and do it now!!  I know my boys, Benz and BenzBro are doing that very thing right at this moment.

 So long for now! Benzmom

BEN & PAUL—THE BOYS OF NEW HAVEN

 Hello Dear Readers.  I know, it’s been forever, but the focus has been on all the showings of “Polish Bar” (SCROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN after you click this link) Anybody who missed the film—SHAME ON YOU!!         FEH!!

So, you might be asking:  who is Paul?  [You already know who is Ben, nu?]

I am speaking of Paul Giamatti, a brilliant actor.  May he soon be in one of my Ben’s films…………..         Really enjoyed him in the many, many hours of “John Adams” on HBO years ago, and recently enjoyed his outstanding performance in “Barney’s Version.”  Not an easy part, with the multiple emotional facets required by the role.  If you haven’t seen “Barney’s Version,” make a point to do so, and be sure to have some tissues at hand for the ending.  If you have a heart and it’s working, you’ll need them.

Paul, of course, is from the New Haven, CT area. 

 His papa was a brilliant professor at the Yale Law School, and an ardent baseball fan.  Eventually, he left professoring to take over as Major League Baseball Commissioner, a career cut way too short by his untimely death. 

 Ben ( self proclaimed ***THE KING OF CHICAGO***), of course, did part of his growing up in  New Haven.

And would like you all to know he loves NEW HAVEN APIZZA almost as much as movies and life itself.

His parents are NOT brilliant Yale professors, but we do drive through the campus often, trying not to hit the so-called brilliant students who don’t seem able to read the “WALK” signs.  [We’re just brilliant, period.  How else could we have raised Ben?]

 So, even though they have never met and may not be quite the same age, think about little Benjy and Little Paulie romping in Edgewood Park together, or among the historic graves in the Yale Cemetery, pretending to be in the movies!  [A nice fantasy, isn’t it?]  Between the two of them, the imagination would really have been flowing.  And, maybe it will in a future collaboration……….

Okay, that’s it for now.  Benzmom & Benzdad are off on a vacation with our bikes!  May the wind only blow us downhill, not uphill, and may no idiots who are texting run us off the roads!
Till next time, be well, & remember to be good to your mothers!                  Benzmom

COMMENTS ON TWO TERENCE MALICK FILMS

Hello Dear Readers. 

Last month, saw Terence Malick’s latest film, “Tree of Life.”  Now, for us Jewish people, the phrase “tree of life,” or “Eitz Chaim” in Hebrew, is a very meaningful, special phrase.  It refers to the Torah [5 Books of Moses, from Old Testament], and the translation from the prayers said when returning the scroll to the Ark, is “it is a tree of life for them who hold fast to it.  It’s ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths lead to peace.”  In other words, if we treat others how we would like to be treated, and do so faithfully, we will live a good life and have peace among our co-travelers on earth. 

 Having said that, it was unclear that Malick’s film subscribed to following the ethical and spiritual messages in the Torah.  In his film, bad things happened, sometimes to good people.  Things seemed more random, and much about the film was difficult to understand.  In an interview, it was reported that Sean Penn, one of the lead actors in the film, said he didn’t understand it either!  Benzparents saw it in a relatively small group setting—about 20-25 in audience—and most people seemed quite puzzled on the way out.  There were comments like:  “what was that about?  I don’t understand why that Sean Penn character was in it, anyway?  Which son was he supposed to be?  I’d have to see it several more times before making any sense out of it.”  And other such remarks…………

On the positive side, the acting was excellent, and the imagery was stunning, particularly during the scenes about evolutionary development.  The evolving critters and ever changing shapes and colors were amazing to watch.  [And, all without psychedelics!]

 Overall, maybe the confusion and mystery was part of Malick’s point?  Too much rigidity, efforts to exert control over others, and human hubris/arrogance leads to angst and dissension among 

people who need to get along.  [Think politically……….]Now, going back to the 1970’s, saw “Badlands” last night, starring extremely young Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, as young lovers on a murder spree.  Somewhat reminiscent of “Bonnie & Clyde” from the 1960’s, a movie most of my peers liked and I thought was reprehensible for its glorification of violence and complete disregard for morality and human life. 

 Kit, Martin Sheen’s character, was puzzling since there was nothing in the film to explain why he was like he was.  Perhaps, another of Malick’s tributes to randomness?  I don’t know.  I find it helpful and interesting to have some clues as to main characters’ motives & their experiences that led them to have such motives.  With Holly, Sissy Spacek’s character, there was a bit more shown about that, as well as some hint of moral compunction in her behavior and emotionality. 

One strong link between this early Malick film and his most recent was the scenery and imagery.  Once, again, it was stunning, although one must account for the advances in technology over the past 35+ years.  No computerized imagery was available in “Badlands,” obviously, but the cinematography of the fire reminded me of some of the special effects during the evolutionary scenes in “Tree of Life.”  There was visual beauty in both films as well as much to think about.

 Does that mean I’m a Terence Malick fan?  Not sure.  He has made only a few films in his long career.  They are powerful and provocative, not easy viewing.  But, such things are important in life.  There is a lot of mindless entertainment around, and too much of that makes you emotionally and cognitively lazy and complacent.

Okay, that’s my 50 cents worth for a while.  You might have heard of my boy’s film, “Polish Bar.”  I believe I’ve mentioned it a“few” times?

Ben Berkowitz directs Richard Belzer on the set of POLISH BAR 

Well, check the website for future showings near you, and get yourself there.  There is thought provocation in that film, for sure, and you don’t want to miss out on using your brain.  As they say, “use it or lose it!”  Those little cells need their exercise.

So, until next time, my friends, be well.  Have safe, happy holidays.  Don’t be greedy and overly materialistic.  And, most of all, BE GOOD TO YOUR MOTHERS!! 

BENZMOM

FINALLY, A FILM WORTHY OF ITS NOVEL!!

Hello Dear Readers—

 Last November, a dear friend [and one of my faithful readers] loaned me a novel she really enjoyed: “The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett. It was a fabulous story, and well-written, compelling to the end. Characters were vivid, well fleshed out, and easily imaginable. The story is also one long overdue in the telling, providing the perspective of the Black maids in the capital of Mississippi, Jackson, and how they were objectified, mistreated, and taken for granted by their white employers.

 Set in the early 1960’s during the difficult period of the Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights Movement, one of the protagonists is a young white woman fresh out of Ole Miss with a desire to become a journalist. Well before the Women’s Movement, the only job she can get is the Household Hints column in the local paper. Since she has no idea how to maintain a household, she must consult “The Help,” in order to give proper advice to readers who write in their questions. As she observes how “The Help” are treated in her own traditional Southern home as well as those of her married friends from high school, she begins to rebel against the manners and customs of her upbringing.

 YOU NEED TO SEE THIS MOVIE!! [Even though my Ben did not direct it or have anything to do with it, it’s wonderful.]

 Whenever I really enjoy a novel, and it comes out as a film, my first worry is how will they screw it up? Well, guess what? They didn’t screw it up, this time.

The casting is very good. Viola Davis, long overdue for stardom, is the lead, and she is just as marvelous as she can be. [She had a brief but very poignant part in “Doubt,” as the mother of the little African-American boy who may have been molested by the priest. Also have enjoyed her former, recurring role as a defense attorney in “Law and Order.”] Octavia Spencer has the emotional roller-coaster role of Minnie, the feisty maid who has difficulty maintaining a job due to her difficulty being treated like a semi-human.

Emma Stone was excellent as Eugenia (“Skeeter”), the young white author, who managed to forge sufficient rapport with “The Help” to break down some centuries-old boundaries. Eugenia’s mother was well-played by Allison Janney, of “West Wing” fame. Aujunae Ellis, recently cast in “The Mentalist”, played another of the maids. Sissy Spacek & Cicely Tyson were also a joy to watch.

 Recently, some movies seem to be just too long, to drag in spots, almost appearing to feed narcissistic needs in the writers, directors, or whoever. “The Help” was just the right length, never seeming to drag, and all the essential elements of the book were adequately depicted.

 So, get your butts to the theater to see “The Help” soon, and for even more enjoyment, read the book first. Everything in the film will make more sense and you will derive more enjoyment in seeing the characters play out if you’ve met them first on the written pages of the Stockett book!

So long for now, and remember two things: listen to your mother and keep watching for news of “Polish Bar” coming to a city near you!

Benzmom

HEY READERS—I’M BACK………….. 

First of all, wanted to insure you know the next scheduled showings of “Polish Bar.” starring Oscar nominee Judd Hirsch, rock star and actor Meatloaf, award winning actor comedian Richard Belzer and HBO Boardwalk Empire's Vincent Piazza

VIEW THE TRAILER

This is for all of you in the San Francisco Bay area.Buy Tickets

CLICK HERE FOR THE BIG PRESS  There are multiple showings & venues, so select the date & location best for you, and then  click here for info on the JULY 23rd premiere and DON’T MISS THE SHOWS!!!!!

  Buy Tickets
Sat, Jul 23, 09:15 PM Castro Theatre, SF
Sat, Jul 30, 09:30 PM Roda Theatre, Berkeley
Tue, Aug 2, 08:45 PM  Oshman Family JCC Palo Alto
Sat, Aug 6, 08:55 PM  Christopher B. Smith Rafael Cinema, San Rafael

special video from the World Premeire at the Chicago International Film Festival

Those of you in other locations, keep watching Ben’s FaceBook page & the “Polish Bar” website for announcements of other showings.  FULL SCHEDULE and more  TICKET INFO  scroll down to bottom of this page

There is no doubt that “Polish Bar” is a Jewish-themed movie, inspired by a co-writer-director with a strong religious and cultural background.

It might be of interest for you to know that one of Benzmom’s all-time favorite Jewish-themed films is “Frisco Kid,” starring Gene Wilder & Harrison Ford.

If you have never seen this hilarious & touching film from decades ago, you owe it to yourself to see it. 

Gene Wilder plays a young, seemingly inept Polish rabbi sent to minister to a new congregation in frontier San Francisco, during the Wild West days.  Looks like his Polish teachers want to get rid of him, so they send him off to the “New World.”  Okay—obvious connections here:  Polish rabbi-San Francisco and “Polish Bar” showing in San Francisco .  How about that?

SF Jewish Museum 

In addition to clear-cut comic moments, Gene Wilder also portrays poignant religious reverence, including a willingness to give up his life to save the Torah scroll [first five books of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament] he is bringing to his new congregation, by horseback across the frontier USA.  Years ago, when I taught Hebrew school, showed “Frisco Kid” to my 6^th grade history class, and that was one part which really impressed the kids, in spite of their hormones. 

The similarities tend to stop there, other than both being excellent films you should NOT miss. 

Polish Bar
By day young and ambitious Reuben Horowitz (Vincent Piazza) works a Chicago jewelry store for his uncle Sol (Judd Hirsch). But his wild nights are spent honing his DJ skills at a strip joint while dreaming of spinning wax at a top local club. Things really heat up when Reuben gambles his uncle Sol’s merchandise on a big drug score in this gritty, raucous drama suffused with an urban Jewish hip-hop vibe.

Note: Contains mature themes and sexual content.
(More Info)

 Buy Tickets
Current Showings:
Sat, Jul 23, 09:15 PM
: Castro Theatre  SF
: 
Buy Tickets
Sat, Jul 30, 09:30 PM
: Roda Theatre Berkeley
: 
Buy Tickets
Tue, Aug 2, 08:45 PM
: Oshman Family JCC Palo Alto
: 
Buy Ticketss
Sat, Aug 6, 08:55 PM
: Christopher B. Smith Rafael Cinema
:

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