Film & TV

Finding Home with Brooklyn

January 25, 2016 by

Where is home? “Brooklyn” chronicles a young woman’s journey that is both literal and introspective. After stepping out of Ellis Island’s customs checkpoint into a heavenly lig...
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“The Force Awakens” Brings Back What We Love

January 7, 2016 by

“I’ve never seen so many nerds in one place.” I said that to my father as the theater continued to fill up with kids and adults, most wearing Star Wars T-shirts. It was the first tim...
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Hateful 8: Didn’t Hate, Wasn’t Great

January 7, 2016 by

Quentin Tarantino has always had trouble dialing it down for anyone, and this has usually been to cinematically fresh effect. His films always revel in excess, often taking the form of the candy-coate...
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The Money’s on the Humor

January 5, 2016 by

I’d be lying if I said I understood half of what the hell people were talking about in this film. Not since “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” have I been so befuddled. Listening to its fin...
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Magic Lantern Celebrates 50th Anniversary with ‘Citizen Kane’

November 23, 2015 by

Neon flashing lights and enthusiastic calls of “Welcome!” greeted audience members in I.V. Theater on Monday night as Magic Lantern Films celebrated their 50th year of cinematic appreciation. Crow...
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‘Chewie, We’re Home.’

November 19, 2015 by

On Dec. 1, 2014, comedian Stephen Colbert dedicated his show’s opening segment to an impassioned recollection of a moment from his childhood: seeing “Star Wars: A New Hope” a whole two weeks...
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“Stories of Our Lives” Brings Awareness to Prevalent Anti-Gay Views in Kenya

November 18, 2015 by

At 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12 the Multicultural Center showed the 2014 film “Stories of Our Lives” as part of Santa Barbara’s OUTrageous Film Festival. The film consists of reenactments of r...
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Peanuts Returns, and It’s Wonderful

November 12, 2015 by

I may have shot myself in the foot here by choosing to review a film mired in a universe I am only somewhat familiar with. And I doubt very many people will want to go see a rated-G film in lieu of ...
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7 Nicolas Cage Films That Everyone Needs to See

November 10, 2015 by

  Since the start of his career, Nicolas Cage has refused to be typecast. He takes on countless roles that challenge him as an actor, and pushes his skills to the extreme. Over the years, many ha...
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A Success Chiseled in Stone: “Trumbo” screens at Pollock

October 30, 2015 by

As a writer, I found myself basking in the characterization wonder that was Dalton Trumbo, realized on-screen by Bryan Cranston. I believe the audience in the Pollock did as well, as they were not onl...
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Spielberg. Hanks. The Coens. Hell Yes.

October 29, 2015 by

While some spent their Friday nights getting drunk, partying it up or maybe even tickling their nostalgia with “Goosebumps,” I saw “Bridge of Spies.” Because how else will I further cement my ...
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Spike Lee’s “4 Little Girls” Comes to MCC Theater

October 28, 2015 by

In its 239 year lifespan, America has never seen one day of genuine racial harmony. Brief periods of superficial equality are constantly interrupted by hate crimes. This pattern has haunted our societ...
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“Trumbo” Comes to Script to Screen

October 21, 2015 by

The Hollywood Ten sounds like a cute name, doesn’t it? Sort of like the Fab Four or the Magnificent Seven. In reality, though, that name brought only disdain and misery for its members. The Ten were...
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American Horror Story: The Hotel Premier

October 14, 2015 by

Just when I thought Lady Gaga couldn’t get stranger, she became a soul-sucking seductress. But I think I liked it? American Horror Story is back in its 5th season with “Hotel.” If I had to descr...
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Script To Screen: ‘American Beauty’ Screenwriter Comes to Discuss Film

October 8, 2015 by

Celebrating its 25th episode, the series Script to Screen excels again and brings another Oscar-winning guest in for a screening and a series of analytical questions. After bringing great names to cam...
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