“Ballast” finds strength in characters
Movie megaplexes are filled today with films that have elaborate plots and clear narrative, but “Ballast” is a story about character. The film portrays a simple story woven together by fascinating and nuanced characters. Writer-director Lance Hammer has created an indie triumph in the character-driven classic, “Ballast.”
“Australia” reminiscent of Hollywood films of old
There’s a band of disgruntled filmgoers out there who miss the way movies used to be. Hollywood was once a land of Selznicks, Mayers and Bogarts. A cigar-chomping executive from the golden era would have easily accepted the pitch for Baz Luhrmann’s new epic film, “Australia.” I can just imagine, “Forget the script, just get me the best attractive leads in town, get them to kiss in the rain in Technicolor, throw in some airplanes dropping bombs, bring me DeMille and we got ourselves a picture!”
Story of first gay councilmen sheds historical light on current political landscape
History contains certain stories about people, issues and movements that should be told, regardless of controversy. One such story is the compelling story of the first gay man elected to high political office, Harvey Milk. After many years and attempts at making a feature film on this story, Gus Van Sant, one of the greatest living artistic and cinematic masters, brings Milk’s story to the screen, in “Milk.”
Web Serials finds success by bringing free, quality entertainment online
The writers’ strike of 2007 left countless people with an empty feeling inside. For many, favorite shows were ended, put on hiatus, or simply forgotten. To fill the void, numerous reality programs sprang forth to try to keep us entertained. It was a dark time. However, amidst the confusion, a small, humble company was already shaking things up.
“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.
At the start of every semester, the Torrey Honors College holds a series of lectures for each class of students called “Why You Read What You...