Sadly, present entertainment trades reality for fantasy

Going to see escapist musical theater has never been more horrifying than in Moscow. Over three days, hundreds were held hostage in a theater, ending when a Russian team raided the building. People who wanted to see a spectacular show actually got one, as the real life event was “just like in the movies.” Those […]

C'est magnifique!

The Garden Gnome Liberation Front wants you. These statued troll-like people stand guard in gardens through the hottest summers and coldest winters, and, as seen in the French film “Amelie,” they want out. “Amelie” is screening in the James Bridges Theater tonight at 8:15 p.m. In the film, Amelie does good deeds for the people […]

Film critiques, highlights technology

The simplicity of Godfrey Reggio’s new film, “Naqoyqatsi,” is drenched with complexity. The film is easy to understand, but the ideas behind it are overwhelming. “If you’re simple-minded, life is either this or that, black and white, good or bad, America or Iraq,” Reggio said after the film’s L.A. premiere at the Egyptian Theater Friday […]

Melnitz Theater shows oldies but goodies, and they're free

Great movies usually come out in small doses. But free screenings of great movies come in large doses at Melnitz 1409, known as the James Bridges Theater. Take this week for example. Monday features “Roger & Me,” Michael Moore’s documentary. Wednesday features “The Deer Hunter,” Best Picture Oscar-winner. Thursday features “Chinatown,” a film noir classic […]

Anime Nation

Look at the TV cartoon lineup and you’ll find “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “Digimon.” Go to theaters and you’ll find “Spirited Away” and “Pokemon 4Ever.” Japan may be across the Pacific, but its culture is definitely here. In conjunction with the American Library Association’s Teen Read Week, the 2D/3D Cartoon and Animation Festival will be at the […]