“Blockers” is an embrace of female sexuality cleverly woven into a comedic film. Emphasizing social messages and laugh-out-loud jokes alike, the movie revolves around three high school girls who plan to lose their virginity on the night of their senior prom. When their parents find out, they attempt to stop the children for various reasons, […]
Category Archives: Arts Columns
Movie review: ‘You Were Never Really Here’
A morally sound hit man smashes in the skulls of sex traffickers and spearheads Lynne Ramsay’s latest vigilante thriller, “You Were Never Really Here.” Directing the follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2011 psychological thriller “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” the Scottish filmmaker returns to the big screen with a bitingly visceral and visually captivating […]
Screening Science: “Pacific Rim Uprising” robots make for good action, but defy physics
Science is everywhere, especially in movies and TV shows, ranging from the chemistry in “Breaking Bad” to the physics in “Gravity.” But not all of the “science” is actually science. Each week, columnist Ethan Pak will explore scientific concepts in upcoming movies or shows and see how well they align with current academia and research. […]
Wine About It: Heartbreak grape breaks hearts as it fails to meet expectations
Life is filled with moments shared over a glass of wine, whether fueling a gossip session with friends, or destressing after a long day of school. But what are the best options for the average broke college student who can’t afford a $50 bottle of wine? Each week, columnist Susana Alcantar will discuss different wine […]
Bookmarked: Mystic Journey Bookstore, a trip into the spiritual
Los Angeles is home to a multitude of specialized bookstores, from those oriented towards horror and mystery to others with more practical focuses – like cookbooks. Follow columnist Clea Wurster as she explores the many niche literary interests the city accommodates. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I heard about a bookstore that […]
Theater review: ‘Swan Lake’
The Los Angeles Ballet’s “Swan Lake” found its wings after a rocky start. The ballet performance Thursday at Royce Hall featured elegant costuming and special effects that transported the audience into Odette’s world. Though the dancers occasionally struggled with timing, the production delivered the story with just enough pageantry as to not distract from the […]
Gamer’s Guidebook: Board game removes consistency, changes with player input
Games have always been a huge part of the entertainment industry, but what makes them entertaining? Game makers expend significant effort making design decisions people often don’t think about when they’re playing each game. Each week, columnist Evan Charfauros will examine the pros and cons of different game mechanics as seen in the modern gaming […]