Film & TV

Beloved Cartoon ‘Samurai Jack’ Comes and Goes

May 18, 2017 by

The show made its long-awaited return in March. But the show’s return is also indicative of a current trend in the television landscape: the appeal to nostalgia.
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‘Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 2’ Is Good But Obvious

May 11, 2017 by

Long story short: “Guardians of the Galaxy” was alright. While I commend Marvel’s efforts to introduce unknown superheroes to a wider audience, the film still fell into the standard, stale Marve...
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‘VEEP’ Provides Humorous, Fresh Take on Politics

May 4, 2017 by

Overall, while those at “VEEP” may work to keep their real-world critiques absent from the show, in order to maintain an undivided audience, the real world political landscape is almost inevitably...
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‘Raging Bull’ Takes on Violence with Movie Magic

April 27, 2017 by

Ultimately, it is the makeup that not only shows the brutal effect of the violence on screen but also traces LaMotta’s life through the 23 years used to account his rise and fall.
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‘Edge of Seventeen’ Showcases Realistic Teen Angst

April 20, 2017 by

With her character’s personal problems well established, Steinfeld is able to convey the struggles experienced by average high school students, showing passionate emotions on screen.
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The Ghost in the Hollow Shell of a Movie

April 12, 2017 by

“Ghost in the Shell” also tries to distract you from the shortcomings of its plot by shoving enough holograms in your face to make you see binary code.
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UCSB Filmmakers Join Forces with Jack Johnson

April 5, 2017 by

Set to a soundtrack by alumnus Jack Johnson, the film will cover four unique students and have their interconnected stories unfold in Isla Vista over the course of their last day of Spring Quarter.
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‘Logan’ is a Movie for the Comic Books

March 9, 2017 by

Even though “Logan” faltered in its second half, it is still one of the more enthralling comic book movies to come out recently, as the first half alone transcends the comic book genre.
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‘Get Out’ Conveys a Message Within Horror

March 2, 2017 by

The film always maintains a lighthearted and entertaining demeanor, but its acknowledgement of the issue of racial microaggression and even the principle of eugenics is something to stop and think abo...
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Five Directors Honored at SBIFF

February 10, 2017 by

The Outstanding Directors Award ceremony was held on Feb. 7, with the Arlington Theatre playing host to such acclaimed filmmakers as Damien Chazelle, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Kenneth Lonergan and ...
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SBIFF’s Virtuosos Awards Celebrate Diversity

February 9, 2017 by

This year’s Virtuosos Awards ensemble dared to defy the divisions that are often employed within Hollywood and created compelling performances that enticed audiences across countless screens.
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A Moonlit Evening with the Stars of ‘La La Land’

February 9, 2017 by

The two stars of “La La Land” had come to receive their Outstanding Performers of the Year Awards alongside their director, Damien Chazelle.
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Hitchcock Channeled Through Music’s Rhythmic Ghost

January 26, 2017 by

“Blackmail” is the perfect film for which Michael Mortilla to compose to. Its challenges in balance, from tone to pace, keep Mortilla’s ever changing melody on its toes.
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5 Movies That You May Have Missed in 2016

January 18, 2017 by

With the year finally over and Oscar season quickly approaching, it’s important to take a look back at some of the great films Artsweek didn’t have a chance to review, or films you maybe didn’t ...
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‘Arrival’ Makes a Smooth Landing at Pollock

January 12, 2017 by

'Arrival' stresses the coming together of people in spite of differences, the circularity and recurring connections of all things.
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