Film & TV

Hateful 8: Didn’t Hate, Wasn’t Great

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

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’

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.’

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

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

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

  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

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.

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

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

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

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

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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The Martian is Out of This….Ugh, Please Don’t Make Me Say That.

I will not deny it; writing that headline was somewhat painful. But it’s true: “The Martian,” the adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, is pretty damn good as a matter of fortunate fact. And, even ...
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Fear for the Future of this Spinoff

  About two and a half years ago, I couldn’t sleep one night, so at three in the morning, I went on Netflix and popped on the first episode of “The Walking Dead.” The first 20 minutes absol...
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