Brolin's coming but Madsen's a no show at SLO film fest

This just in:

Michael Madsen can't make it to the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival this weekend.

Due to "personal issues," the actor best known for his roles in "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill" will have to skip his scheduled appearances on Saturday and Sunday, Executive Director Wendy Eidson announced this morning.

However, organizers will screen two of Madsen's films: the boxing drama "Strength and Honor" (noon, Saturday, Downtown Centre Cinemas) and "Through Your Eyes," a documentary about deaf-blind triplets (4 p.m., Sunday, Palm Theatre).

"No Country for Old Men" star Josh Brolin is still scheduled to appear this afternoon at a screening of his short film "X."

The movie, Brolin's directorial debut, co-stars his daughter, Eden Brolin, and features music by his son, Trevor.

Vincent Riverside stars as a guilt-ridden, escaped inmate searching for his murdered wife's body.

Meet Brolin and get insights from SLO County's former native son this afternoon at 4 p.m. at Downtown Centre Cinemas, 888 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

-- Sarah L.

Do the truffle shuffle tonight!

So, you couldn't score tickets to tonight's sold-out performance of "Movin' Out"?

Lucky for you, we've got a solution: "The Goonies."

For those who don't remember the 1985 movie (shame on you!), "The Goonies" celebrates childhood adventures and hunts for hidden treasure with a sweet, goofy sense of humor that appeals to both kids and nostalgic adults.

It's a gem of a movie, full of gentle humor, touching moments and downright pathetic villains.

What's more, the film singlehandedly launched the careers of several actors, including Sean Astin ("Rudy," the "Lord of the Rings" triology), Josh Brolin ("American Gangster"), Martha Plimpton and Corey Feldman -- who, together with Corey Haim, basically ruled the 1980s.

Too bad the same can't be said for Jonathan Ke Quan, a.k.a Short Round in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

"The Goonies" plays tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Fremont Theatre, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. Arrive early for trivia and prizes.

Tickets are $7 to $9.

***

The Fremont offers a screening of "The Sound of Music" on Tuesday, Nov. 13, also starting at 7:30 p.m.