“Moonlight” was only the beginning for director Barry Jenkins. Almost two years after his second feature film’s best picture win, Jenkins’ name has resurfaced in the Oscars conversation following the release of his highly anticipated new film “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Adapted from James Baldwin’s 1974 novel, the film is a delicate period romance […]
Category Archives: Arts Columns
Movie review: ‘Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle’ tangles dark and dull despite stunning visuals
Immersed in the mighty jungle of Andy Serkis’ new film, no one will sleep tonight. Completely swerving Disney’s playful approach, Netflix brought audiences a darker adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” merging live action and animation to vividly bring the animal kingdom to life. The film follows Mowgli (Rohan Chand), a man-cub raised by wolves who […]
Second Take: ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ adds much-needed diversity to Marvel franchise
Peter Parker has donned the Spider-Man suit in countless films, but in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Miles Morales will be stepping into the famous web slinger’s shoes. Miles first appeared in the comics in 2011 when his character took on the Spider-Man mantle following Peter Parker’s death. He will make his film debut in the […]
After Dark: ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ screening 1-Ups other cult classic experiences
Los Angeles’ blend of midnight movies, cult screenings and historic theaters offers late-night scares and childhood nostalgia back in the theater. Join columnist Nina Young as she attends different cult screenings each week to find out why audiences stay out so late after dark. An 8-bit version of the Universal Pictures logo starts off “Scott […]
Album review: The 1975’s new album explores personal struggles, offers comfort to listener
The 1975 is finally living in the present. With its computer-driven influences, the band’s third studio album, “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships,” hit radio waves Friday. As its first release since 2016, the album features 15 diverse and head-turning songs that vary from auto-tuned dance anthems to stripped-back acoustic tracks that delve into lead […]
Sugarcoated: Garlanded with Christmas designs, California Donuts spreads sweet holiday cheer
In an era when dessert is often evaluated by its Instagram potential, Los Angeles shines as one of the world’s premier cities for sweet treats. Join Daily Bruin staffers each week as they visit different dessert joints, going behind the scenes to give you an exclusive look into the creation of trending sugary concoctions. California […]
Second Take: Despite originality concerns, Disney’s CGI remakes excite long-time fans
Long live the king – and the era of Disney remakes. On Thanksgiving Day, Disney finally lifted the curtains on the CGI rendition of one of its most iconic animated films, “The Lion King.” The film’s photorealistic teaser recreated the classic scene in which Rafiki the mandrill proudly presents Simba to the animals of the […]