“Slumdog Millionaire” takes unique perspective on game shows
Who could have imagined that “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” would provide inspirational material for an Oscar-worthy film? “Slumdog Millionaire is a story about an orphan growing up in Dickensian poverty, but is given the chance to make the rags-to-riches leap on the stage of a game show. It’s a unique premise, and only through worldwide collaboration was this phenomenal movie made possible.
007 film has classic elements, allows for vulnerability
He’s your one-stop-shop for extravagant cars, gorgeous women, evil villains, non-stop action and martinis — shaken, not stirred. His name is Bond. James Bond. Strap on your seatbelts and hold on tight, because Agent 007 is back with more “bang” than ever before.
The Eddy finds pleasant mix of acoustic and heavy music
November usually brings the chill of fall and the laid-back atmosphere of a quiet walk in the park. The early half of the Eddy for this month began with such a feel as it returned to Common Grounds, but finished with an explosive rock performance. A plethora of artists took the stage and listeners were treated to an eclectic show.
AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles features up and coming directors and filmmakers
Many Los Angeles events shine as indispensable gems, but some of these prizes are not known by the general public. One such event is L.A.’s longest running film festival, the AFI Film Festival. The five films profiled here offer just a small taste of the festival’s wide variety.
Peretti and Dekker’s “House” feels sinister, carries powerful message
To some, “House,” released Friday in select theaters, may appear as nothing more than the average mind-bending thriller full of eerie lighting and crazy camera angles. However, to the attentive eye, the movie’s unique plot reveals a subtle web of psychological and spiritual overtones, pointing to something higher than serial killers and special effects.
“Role Models” crude but funny
The brand of humor found in “Role Models” is the kind that combines cynicism with cheerfulness. Paul Rudd plays a character so sour that it’s almost a joy for him to get into verbal disputes. Consider the way he argues with a barista about the different coffee cup sizes, pointing out the stupidity in replacing “large” with “venti” because “venti” is Italian for “twenty.”
“The Best Yet”: Switchfoot greatest hits CD throws back to humble beginnings, celebrates new success
It’s been 11 years –12 if you count the Chin Up days – since the San Diego boys of Switchfoot first hit the scene. In that time, they’ve added two bandmates, Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley, expanded their sound from indie rock to a more densely layered sonic palette and destroyed public pre-conceptions that Christians can’t write good, relevant music. With hit singles on mainstream and alternative radio, it’s easy to imagine that the band would have a “greatest hits” record to call their own.
Second to nun: Biola’s “Lilies” is a fun, polished spin on faith
On Thursday, Biola’s speech and drama team opened their production of “The Lilies of the Field.” Based on the 1962 novel by William E. Barrett, the story was converted to screenplay format for the 1963 movie of the same name, adapted for the stage in 1967.
“Anastasis”: Abstract art of resurrection hits gallery
The word “Anastasis” is connected to resurrection, and as a show title is quite descriptive of the work exhibited in the Biola art gallery. Jim Morphesis, a well-known painter from the L.A. area, is famous for his passionate and expressive portraits of the human figure and visceral paintings of meat.
“Changeling” has powerful story but strays too far from personal tale
Somewhere near the middle of the film “Changeling,” it looked as if Clint Eastwood was going to hit another one out of the park. After films such as “Letters from Iwo Jima,” “Million Dollar Baby” and “Mystic River,” Eastwood has established himself as a master filmmaker. He knows how to capture sheer emotional power with simplicity and brutality, simultaneously.
“Fears of the Dark” a scary choice for the season
It’s that time of the year again, and while gratuitous gore fests and campy teen flicks dominate the Halloween box office, a limited release animation offers a more raw and psychological presentation of horror.
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” caps off trilogy with enhanced dance numbers, less conflict
Oct. 24 was the most anticipated day for “HSM” and Zac Efron fans as “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” made a grand leap from Disney Channel TV movies to the big screen. But is “Senior Year” – the third installment of the “High School Musical” franchise – as thrilling and dazzling as fans expected?
The heart of poet Dana Gioia’s work is being able to capture the beauty of God’s creation: “What beauty does is beauty draws us to the...