Dorian Gray believed a portrait & a deal with the devil would grant him a long life. Photojournalist Mark Wexler's latest documentary, How to Live Forever, searches for more doable ways to add decades. Spoiler Alert: there's no silver bullet against silver hairlines (as the film readily acknowledges with the winking subtitle, Results May Vary). The film is instead an entertaining snapshot of society's different views toward aging, which explores two questions: could we live for hundreds of years? Do we even want to? more ›

In honor of Rob Marshall's beautiful flop, I considered only listing nine DVDs today (of course, the idea did first come to me when I realized how crappy a release week it was but still...). However, some digging and reaching helped unearth the usual fifteen titles that I think are worth a look. The aforementioned Nine landed at the box office like a lead balloon, but its musical numbers are more richly dressed and orchestrated than the over-praised Chicago. Daniel Day-Lewis resides in the very top tier of working actors, and Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz are as exquisitely talented as they are beautiful. So why did it tank? Probably because most people would rather spend their hard-earned treasure on crap like Leap Year and The Tooth Fairy. Shame that. more ›

After months of speculation, audiences will finally be able to see Avatar today. Will it live up to all of the hype? How could it? I expect the usual Cameron film -- rigorously applied and dazzling visuals with a script aimed at those with an 8th grade reading level. I don't care if buzz hasn't been great -- I can't wait to see Nine. Folks, Daniel Day-Lewis is the best actor on the planet! You've got to see this one! Let's hope that a wrong is righted this year and Jeff Bridges is awarded an Oscar for his fantastic work in Crazy Heart. Long, long overdue. Emily Blunt is fast becoming the English Anne Hathaway: a young actress with serious chops who can anchor a film. Young Victoria looks sumptuous. The less said about Did You Hear About the Morgans? the better. Hugh Grant was once a wonderful comedic actor. Once. more ›

Who would have ever thought that overlaying a Mormon template over standard teen angst fare and vampire mythology would have proven to be as successful as the Twilight series has been? And more importantly, where are the "porn" versions of this movie (e.g. Shaving Ryan's Privates). Bolt returns John Travolta to an unwelcome state of prominence and further bolsters the career of the rancid Miley Cyrus. Elegy was depressing as hell but damn if it wasn't a fine movie. Did anyone have a better two-fer last year than Penelope Cruz (Elegy and the fantastic Vicky Cristina Barcelona)? Maybe Ben Kingsley (Elegy and The Wackness)? more ›

Japanophiles unite! This week marks not one, but two free previews of Tokyo!, a new anthology work featuring contributions from Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind), Bong Joon-ho (monster-masterpiece The Host) & Leos Carax (The Lovers On The Bridge). Opening later this month at the Nuart, use these screenings to get the jump on your otaku buddies & save a few bucks along the way. For the purists, perplexed by the lack of a single Japanese name amidst that trio, take heart in LACMA's premiere of Tokyo Sonata, featuring the writer-director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (no relation to Akira) as special guest, or any of a number of programs featuring experimental video artist Takahiko Iimura. more ›

Earlier this month The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences held its annual luncheon for the Oscar nominees at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. LAist was there in the interview room while nominees such as Penelope Cruz. Mickey Rourke and Kate Winslet fielded questions from the press. more ›

After several lean years (anyone care to remember Deconstructing Harry or the laughless Hollywood Ending), Woody Allen is on a pretty good roll lately. Vicky Cristina Barcelona may be his best film since the fantastic Bullets Over Broadway. Kirk Cameron. Christian Action Star. Pride and Glory wasn't great, but it hit all the right notes of your standard cop corruption film. Colin Farrell is really back with a vengeance, though, huh? Speaking of being back, Guy Ritchie certainly seems to be right on track again with RockNRolla. more ›

After four weeks at the top of the box-office world, had a less than stellar debut ($15.5M) as fans continue to reject George Lucas' new vision of the historic saga. more ›

While waiting for the premiere of Project Runway, I came across the list of designers that were participating this season. One name caught my eye. This is a name I already knew. He lives in LA. I had noticed several of his designs in photos from red carpet events. His dresses were always the ones I'd put in my 'if I could ever buy' category. Here was his name on the list of designers... more ›

The Oscars are right around the corner, everyone's an expert, so let's see what ya got. After the jump we have ten big categories for Sunday's award show. To enter out your picks in the comments and leave your real email address so we can contact you. Please follow this format: 1. Penelope Cruz 2. Jennifer Hudson 3. Forest Whitaker etc... Here are the AMAZING prizes we have for the winners The Grand Prize Winner... more ›

Crap - I have no time to get snarky with you today. more ›

A Word or 80: Spent the weekend in Canada, my first visit, in the province of Quebec to be exact. I found the radio programming to be innovative and excellent but television sucked. I'm sure there's some good programmes (please give me cred for the spelling) out there but in a first glance/overview kind of perspective it was wanting. Dear Canuck friends, don't take it personally, American TV sucks for the most part as... more ›

Tonight - Wednesday If I could do it all or if you could convince me otherwise: "College Basketball" (Fox Sports, 7:30 p.m.) Kansas State @ California "NBA Basketball" (PRIME, 7:30 p.m.) Grizzlies @ Clippers "Woman On Top" (IFC, 6:00 p.m.) The best position and Penelope Cruz's career establishing flick. "Great Performances: A Tribute to James Taylor" (PBS, 8:00 p.m.) Just as corny all these years later. "Jericho" (CBS, 8 p.m.) Last episode until Feb.... more ›

- Add a second Gmail Inbox - sitening more ›

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday the 13th, for the 2006 installment of AFI Fest, Los Angeles' valiant (read: sometimes comical, sometimes desperate) attempt to mount a world-class film festival, something this city deserves but sorely lacks. This year AFI Fest will screen 147 feature films and 36 shorts including several special screenings and premieres. The festival will host the U.S. premiere of Bobby, the Emilio Estevez-directed drama about the assassination of Robert F.... more ›