“Body of Lies” shows the struggle between duty and ethics

“I and the public know what all schoolchildren learn – those to whom evil is done do evil in return.” This excerpt from W.H. Auden’s poem, “September 1, 1939,” emerges as the opening image of the newly released action-suspense film, “Body of Lies.” Fittingly, the idea behind the proverb permeates the plot from the outset and exposes the motivations of every character involved.

October 18, 2008

“I and the public know what all schoolchildren learn – those to whom evil is done do evil in return.” This excerpt from W.H. Auden’s poem, “September 1, 1939,” emerges as the opening image of the newly released action-suspense film, “Body of Lies.” Fittingly, the idea behind the proverb permeates the plot from the outset and exposes the motivations of every character involved.

Documentary portrays modern day slavery through music

When we think of slavery, we imagine a more barbaric time in the pages of history books. But most of us are also more or less familiar with human trafficking, which has been called modern day slavery. According to Call and Response, a new documentary by musician and first-time director Justin Dillon, there are actually more slaves now than any other time in history.

October 17, 2008

When we think of slavery, we imagine a more barbaric time in the pages of history books. But most of us are also more or less familiar with human trafficking, which has been called modern day slavery. According to Call and Response, a new documentary by musician and first-time director Justin Dillon, there are actually more slaves now than any other time in history.

Horton Eddy personal and laidback

Talent emanated from Horton Lawn Thursday evening at the October Eddy. The three acts, Bridgetown, The Summer Set and Jonathan Jones of We Shot the Moon, played for a small, intimate crowd of Biolans.

October 15, 2008

Talent emanated from Horton Lawn Thursday evening at the October Eddy. The three acts, Bridgetown, The Summer Set and Jonathan Jones of We Shot the Moon, played for a small, intimate crowd of Biolans.

“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.”

October 14, 2008

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.

October 14, 2008

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.

October 8, 2008

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.

October 7, 2008

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.

October 7, 2008

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.

October 7, 2008

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.

October 7, 2008

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.

October 7, 2008

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.”

October 5, 2008

“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.”