Klieg lights circle in the sky above the the Regency Village Theatre, signaling for miles around that tonight is a special evening in Westwood. Polished limousines pull up and out spill the stars of Hollywood, their dresses shimmering and their expensive smiles beaming. As they tread the thick red carpet, they strike a pose as […]
Category Archives: Film & TV
Q&A: ‘The Final Girls’ director Todd Strauss-Schulson on horror comedy
When a raging fire breaks out in a movie theater, a bunch of teenage friends slash their way through the screen and step into the world of the film. In “The Final Girls,” Max (Taissa Farmiga) and her chums find themselves trapped in an ’80s sex-crazed slasher flick “Camp Bloodbath,” which stars Max’s mother as […]
Sam Smith brings drama to new Bond movie with “Writing’s on the Wall”
It all began with a low, brooding guitar riff in 1962. As a suave, mysterious secret agent walks across the screen, the guitar fades away and the rhythmic toots of the trombone become louder. Suddenly, the agent turns and shoots. Blood trickles down the screen while cymbols crash and trumpets blare. There has been 24 […]
To View or Not to View: ‘Life in Pieces,’ and ‘You’re the Worst’
In the war zone that is the fall TV season, it’s important to pick out the gems hidden in the media mesh. Each week, A&E columnist Sebastian Torrelio will profile one new show and one returning show that share a connection, detailing how they may make those after-school hours more meaningful. “Modern Family” was kept […]
Fall 2015 movie preview
Ask one person, and they’ll say that their most anticipated movie of late 2015 is “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.” Ask another person, and they’ll say that it’s “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.” Everyone seems to have made their choice, whether it’s for the brutish strength of the Capitol or […]
Reels, Notes and Takes: Transitioning to fall
There’s no better place to keep a finger on the pulse of arts and entertainment happenings than Los Angeles. The arts and entertainment world is alive – it’s always buzzing, sometimes ready to implode with a hint of a surprise album or a celebrity’s controversial statement. Each week, the Daily Bruin Arts & Entertainment editors […]
Movie Review: ‘Black Mass’
Violent mobster James “Whitey” Bulger and his Winter Hill Gang ran the underworld in 1980s-era Boston. Bulger commanded respect and loyalty from his inner circle and punished his enemies with swift, brutal efficiency. Exploiting the FBI through his inside agent John Connolly, and flanked by bruising henchman, Bulger presided over a reign of terror in […]