In a world moving toward instant gratification ““ instant messaging, instant popcorn, instant news updates ““ television seemed to stand still, sticking to a strict, regimented schedule that never catered to the individual. But with video-on-demand growing to more accessible proportions, television may become as disposable as rented ““ or downloaded ““ DVDs. With VOD, […]
Author Archives: Karen Leano
Screen Scene: “Breach”
“Breach” Director Billy Ray universal pictures A hard-hitting government spy thriller that twists and turns so much that we need a military-regulated GPS system to discover where the story will end. At least, that is what would be expected of a film about the lure and capture of a treacherous FBI agent and his 15-year […]
Screen Scene: "Apocalypto"
Apocalypto Director Mel Gibson Buena Vista Pictures “Apocalypto” may sport all the features of a promising indie film ““ subtitles, unknown actors and racy content ““ but the formulaic plot turns it into another carbon-copy blockbuster. For his latest project, Mel Gibson touts the film’s authentic shooting locations and locally cast players, celebrating his departure […]
Screen Scene: "Candy"
"Candy" Director Neil Armfield ThinkFilm The worst feature of addiction is that it can be to anything: sex, drugs, rebellion. In his new film, Heath Ledger indulges in all of them, but “Candy” turns out to be the most lethal. Starring Ledger and Australian newcomer Abbie Cornish as the title character, “Candy” chronicles the demise […]
Alums return to share first films
"CITIZEN RUTH" "Making It: The First Feature" series Today, 7:30 p.m. James Bridges Theater Though they are big names in the hills of Hollywood, once upon a time they were small-time students trudging up Bruin Walk. Now, with the Melnitz Movies-sponsored series “Making It: The First Feature,” former Bruin film directors are finding themselves back […]
Summer days, filming nights
With the fall quarter almost half through, only faint memories of wild summer nights remain. But two UCLA students have captured their all-night summer sessions on film ““ and it may soon find its way into theaters. Third-year mechanical engineering student Tony Vallone and third-year business economics student Daniel Engelhardt spent eight weeks of their […]
SCREEN SCENE: "Employee of the Month"
“Employee of the Month” Director Greg Coolidge Lionsgate With a token hot blonde, a Mr. Popular and an underdog trying to get the girl, “Employee of the Month” has all the makings of a teen movie ““ except instead of teenagers in high school, it’s about 20-somethings in a retail warehouse. While the perspective may […]