The way I see it, documentaries succeed in one of two ways. The first: deal with a terrifying, real subject matter ("One Day in September", "Jesus Camp"). Express it in a matter-of-fact way that both frightens and informs the viewer. The second: Find a genre/subject that is so outlandish ("American Movie", "Spellbound") that all you need to do is turn on the camera and capture the unintentional hilarity. The hitch is, you need to have AMAZING characters who don't realize how funny they really are. A few weeks ago we had the former with "The Ghosts of City Soleil", this weekend we get the latter with... more ›

A CG rat, a couple documentaries, John McClane and a Swiss genius...should make for an interesting weekend in the theaters. Be sure to also check LAist's LA Film Festival coverage for some other gems playing around town this weekend. more ›

After being able to sit with the big three network forays into sci-fi this season, it is safe to say that we'll probably only be sticking with one: Threshold. The Carla Gugino led show isn't a winner firing on all cylinders like the best sci-fi on TV right now, Battlestar Galactica, but its powerful cast and fast moving episodes with a slow-burning alien problem is the best of the bunch. It does feel a little x-files-ish with its mysterious "infected" du jour concept right now but three episodes in, we're hopeful that the larger overarching story is going to take some compelling and surprising turns before the season is over. Besides that, they have spent the early episodes focusing mainly on Gugino and Brian Von Holt. With Brent Spiner, Charles Dutton, Peter Dinklage and Rob Benedict filling out the rest of the regulars, there's a lot more good acting to be had. more ›

FRIDAY more ›

Appearing at UCLA's Royce Hall tonight and tomorrow night only is Charlie Kaufman's amazing new theater experience, "The Theater of the New Ear". We highly suggest that you run, not walk, to your nearest UCLA box office, or some online venue and purchase tickets. Los Angeles is usually one of the last rungs on the theater ladder, getting touring shows months (sometimes years, sometimes never) after they have appeared on the east coast. Don't miss out, this is a true blue opportunity. more ›

THURSDAY more ›

WEDNESDAY more ›