The Coastal Commuter

I’ve lost my way station, and it’s going to hurt. My brother has taken on a new job that required him and his family to move from lovely Monterey, Calif. — author Joh... Read More

Movie Reviews

Woody Allen’s ‘Blue Jasmine’

By Michael Snyder

Despite coming comparatively late in Woody Allen’s career, his new drama Blue Jasmine — set in San Francisco, with quite a few flashback scenes shot in his beloved New York... Read More

Movie Reviews

I’m So Excited

By Michael Snyder

I wish I was excited by I’m So Excited, the latest offering from the award-winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. But I’m not. In fact, I found this stab at erotic... Read More

Movie Reviews

Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay

By Michael Snyder

Whether you’re a believer or just an eager onlooker, magic is an enigma and magicians are generally secretive about their craft or, if you prefer, their art. It’s all a... Read More

Coastal Commuter

If you’re going to San Francisco

By Michael Snyder

Ever since I began working in Los Angeles for months at a time, I’ve been noticing profound changes in San Francisco whenever I’ve returned north and settled in at my a... Read More

Movie Reviews

‘Stories We Tell’

By Michael Snyder

“Be careful what you wish for. You might get it.” I couldn’t help but think of that warning after watching the unconventional, compelling, and surprising document... Read More

Movie Reviews

‘Before Midnight’

By Michael Snyder

It’s easy to be wary of sequels, especially when confronted by the sure-to-be-crass likes of Transformers 4. Certainly, there are great genre films that spawn worthy sequels.... Read More

Coastal Commuter