“Rachel Gets Married” measures up to expectations
Anticipation can be a good or bad thing for a film, depending upon the circumstances. One film that much of the film community has been anticipating is the new Jonathan Demme picture, “Rachel Getting Married.”
“RocknRolla” provides a familiar yet enjoyable ride
Whenever I think of Guy Ritchie’s previous films like “Snatch” or “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” I often confuse the two, as I can barely name off a few key differences. One of the movies had something to do with a diamond, and the other a poker match, but it’s hard to distinguish which was which. They feel like the same movie.
Noah and the Whale light up the stage at Spaceland
Sometimes you just cannot help but love L.A. Yeah, it takes years off your life just breathing the air, and there is enough concrete to drown an ocean, but there are times when it just cannot be denied – the city of angels is a fun place. The Spaceland venue in Silver Lake, playing host to British folk band Noah and the Whale on Monday night, is a perfect example of this.
New James Morrison album shows depth, heartache
He is subtle, yet surprisingly powerful with his inspiring lyrics. He has the soul of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. With his raspy voice, he wins the hearts of young women, and a few men, everywhere he walks. Undiscovered and flying low under the radar in the United States, he is James Morrison.
“Blindness” not worth seeing
Fall is here, the leaves are falling, temperatures are cooling, school is back, and high-profile filmmakers are releasing new films. These films are also known as prestige pictures, and "Blindness" is a really bad example of a supposedly high-caliber film.
“Nick and Norah” enjoyable, but without originality
These days, Michael Cera has become synonymous with quirky teen films – and “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” is sure to give more quotable lines for teens and fans of John Hughes and Diablo Cody.
Santa’s Garden Pumpkin Patch provides holiday fun
It’s finally fall and there is no better place to usher in the season than a pumpkin patch. We may deny it, but we all still love dressing up, carving jack-o’-lanterns and trick-or-treating -- even though we’re in college.
Music Builds Tour supports Habitat for Humanity
The sun set to the west, the cool San Diegan air blew through the fan-packed stadium, and the first beat of the drums and strums of the guitars filled the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. The Music Builds Tour erupted Saturday night with a packed show featuring Jars of Clay, Robert Randolf and the Family Band, Switchfoot, and Third Day on the main stage and The Howls, This Holiday Life and The Daylights playing on a side stage.
“Religulous” documentary does not play fair
“Religulous” demands to be seen by intelligent Christian apologists. It’s a documentary that asks difficult questions about creationism, Christology, and questions like how could Jonah survive in the belly of a fish. When comparing Christ to Santa Claus, a Christian believer responds in an interview that he doesn’t believe in Santa. “Of course not,” Maher replies, “that’s ridiculous! One man flying all around the world and dropping presents in chimneys. But one man listening to everyone murmur to him at the same time, that I get.”
Scotty’s offers unique treats
Scotty’s Flowers & Gifts is just down the street from Biola’s campus, and it’s the home to a plethora of snow cone flavors – twelve to be exact. Among favorites are “Kaui Cherry” and “Aloha Strawberry.” Customers can choose between a traditional snow cone or a creation exclusive to Scotty’s.
“The Boys in the Trees” a beautiful, sad success
It is a common criticism that modern fiction writers produce depressing and gloomy novels. Mary Swan fits this rather uncomplimentary profile with her first book, “The Boys in the Trees,” but in her case, it works out well.
“Choke” a strong adaptation
Every once in a while in cinema, there are films that provide unique insights and a quest for grace and meaning, despite their rough ages. This is evident in the new adaptation of the Chuck Palahniuk novel, “Choke.”
“Between the Pages” is a Q-and-A series that explores one’s life through books that have shaped and influenced them. Books affect the forming...