Director Ang Lee, along with screenwriter/producer James Schamus and star Demetri Martin appeared last night at a preview of Taking Woodstock at Embarcadero Cinemas. The film is a gorgeously shot and executed ode to the late 60s, and, unlike much of Lee's work of the last decade, it is LOL funny and doesn't end tragically. It's anchored by the story of Elliot Tiber, a young gay man who, while managing his parents' motel in the Catskills, became a central figure in bringing the great hippie tsunami of '69 to Bethel, New York. The movie features a fine and subtle performance by stand-up comedian and first-time actor Martin (pictured above, tripping, with Kelli Garner and Paul Dano), a restrained turn by Liev Schrieber as a transsexual, and a killer performance by Imelda Staunton at Elliot's mother that will, mark our words, win her an Oscar. more ›

-- Girl fight! [KGO] more ›

-- Lust, Caution (2007): Ang Lee's new espionage flick is rated NC-17 (i.e., the pretentious thinking person's X). Hot. Oh, and it's actually really good -- at least we think so, anyway. Screens tonight at 8 p.m. and 9 at the Embarcadero Cinemas; $7.50-10. more ›