There's nothing particularly great about Black Dynamite (it's no I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!), but it is a hell of a lot of fun. The normally dour Michael Jai White has a great time as the titular hero, and any movie featuring the fantastic Charlotte Stokely is worth a look. Remember when Gerard Butler was an intriguing actor on the rise -- around the time as Dear Frankie? Now it looks as if he's just cashing checks to pay for big houses. Sad. There's a great story about how the Weinstein Brothers leveraged The Secret Policeman's Ball to first build Miramax. Given the precarious state of the Weinstein Company, is Private Party yet another spin-off? Few directors have had a better run at a studio than Clint Eastwood has had at Warner Brothers. Wish I had that life. Big day at Criterion today. Open your wallets! more ›

If Coco Chanel had been a contestant on Project Runway they would have moved her on to at least the final three. Her heart-wrenching backstory, which would have been revealed as Tim Gunn came to her home to check on her progress before Bryant Park, is reality television gold. But Chanel came before Bravo and Lifetime, and before she was Chanel she was just Coco. Born into a poor family, Coco’s mother died when she was young and her father took off soon after, leaving her to be raised in an orphanage. She later worked in a cabaret and earned money by doing a bit more than just singing. She made up stories to hide the embarrassing details of her past as she grew to become a fashion icon. Along the way she befriended wealthy French racehorse owner Etienne Balsan and a handsome Brit nicknamed Boy, either of whom she could have lived with happy-ever-after if this was a Hollywood story instead of a true one. The reality of Coco’s life is much more interesting. She faced many hardships, but like any good designer, she made it work. more ›

I can understand people disagreeing with Michael Moore's political beliefs, but his talent as a documentary filmmaker is unquestioned. This is a man who knows exactly how to move an audience. His latest, Capitalism: A Love Story, deals with the thieves that populate our financial industry. If all you are looking for are some good laughs, buck up and a buy a ticket to I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (LAist review here). I think you'll like it more than you expect. Sheesh, could Surrogates look any more obvious and silly? Pass. more ›

There's something incredible at the corner of Olympic and La Cienega. Something shocking. And inspiring. Everything in this town traces back to the cinematic, and yet truly independent film promotion is rare (mini-majors like Fox Searchlight don't count). Which is why I'm entranced with Polanski, opening this Valentine's weekend at Laemmle's Sunset 5. Taking its cue from The Room, the brazen billboard sports writer/producer/director/actor Damian Chapa (of Street Fighter & Under Siege fame) gazing deep into the viewer's soul as he forces himself onto a little girl. It's doubtful the production will help the tragic auteur's legal situation (there's a reason this gift is wrapped with "Unauthorized"), it should make for quite the Valentine. Go with someone you love. more ›