There’s a number of good films being screened around town tonight. FILM: See the musical that made Wicked possible: the 1939 musical The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow are off to see the Wizard in Emerald City on the big screen at the ArcLight Sherman Oaks tonight at 7:30. Tickets: $9-$11.50. FESTIVAL*: Billing itself as the "last independent film festival," the Dances with Films fest started on last......

What are magic assistants? Are they simply uneducated bimbos parading around in skimpy polyester clothes? Or is there more to these women than meets the eye? Why does the violence against females in magic illusions continue to fascinate us? What are the origins of violence in magic? (This is from the film's promotional material, rest assured I would never think a magician's assistant is an uneducated bimbo, Pam-Anderson-in-Vegas nonwithstanding. You don't trust your body parts......