If you're able to put aside the anti-Semitic | uber-Catholic ravings of Mel Gibson, he can still be a very effective actor, particularly when cast in his wheelhouse role: a crazy cop bucking the system. Edge of Darkness is a pitch-dark drama about a father hell-bent on avenging his daughter's death. Sure, it's overly plotty, but I dug it. The same can't be said for Legion -- a silly meditation on angels and prophecy and farts (okay, I was tuned out by the end so maybe that last part didn't actually happen). Will the vampire craze just die out already? Daybreakers was a needless addition to an over-supplied genre. I don't miss Daria as much as I miss the ground-breaking Beavis & Butthead, but it's still funnier than anything currently being broadcast on MTV. 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 ›