Artsweek

Cleese Cheered at Campbell Hall

February 12, 2009 by

John Cleese, living comedic legend of "Monty Python" fame - who also happens to be a Santa Barbara resident - graced the stage at Campbell Hall Monday night for his annual film screening and Q&A. The ...
read more

CD: International Dischord **

February 12, 2009 by

Based on his undeniable talent and innovation as a producer for acts like Spank Rock and M.I.A., Diplo probably deserves to have his work released as part of a compilation.
read more

FILM: A Stop-Motion Scarytale *****

February 12, 2009 by

As a child, everything is magical. The wind can whisper messages. There is no question but that you are special and magical, and very likely, a lost prince or princess from some far-off land. And that...
read more

FILM: A Killer of a Thriller ****

February 12, 2009 by

January is typically the month when studios release their leftovers, the films that are not deemed worthy of the main film seasons (summer and winter).
read more

SBIFF ’09: Festival Honors Five Virtuosic Actors

February 12, 2009 by

Last Wednesday evening, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival honored five actors for being standout performers in 2008. The award was created last year to "recognize a select group of actors ...
read more

SBIFF ’09: “Ink” Is Stained With Promise **

February 12, 2009 by

"Ink" is a frustrating movie. It is generally idiotic but has brief moments of genius, totally half-baked but kind of fascinating, a cheap knockoff of other films but also surprisingly filled with ing...
read more

SBIFF ’09: Twisted Pleasure *

February 12, 2009 by

As a rule of thumb, anyone who claims to do something in order to "protect the children" is more than likely ethically bankrupt and morally repugnant. I really should have known better than to go see ...
read more

The Curious Case of David Fincher

February 5, 2009 by

"You kind of wonder if I should [have] been in therapy more regularly," director David Fincher cracked to an appreciative audience Friday night at the Arlington Theatre after seeing a couple clips fro...
read more

Clint Eastwood Has Still Got It, Baby

February 5, 2009 by

You almost begin to feel like cattle as a journalist covering red carpet events at Santa Barbara International Film Festival. You're sent through the chute with your fellow journalists and paparazzi a...
read more

Rourke Keeps It Real While Accepting the Riviera Award

February 5, 2009 by

After a long wait by the Arlington Theatre red carpet last Saturday, I finally stood face-to-face with actor Mickey Rourke, who is currently enjoying a career comeback this year with his Oscar-nominat...
read more

Down and Out in L.A.

February 5, 2009 by

Rating: ***
read more

By Reason of Insanity

February 5, 2009 by

Rating: ***
read more

Rolling Down the Red Carpet

January 29, 2009 by

"Did you talk to Jeff?" director Rod Lurie asked me on the opening night of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, referring to Jeff Bridges, a.k.a. "The Dude" from "The Big Lebowski," who als...
read more

Penelope Cruz Takes Acting Honors

January 29, 2009 by

Crowds at the Arlington Theatre were bustling with anticipation as they awaited the arrival of Penelope Cruz, the 2009 award recipient for Outstanding Performer of the Year at the Santa Barbara Intern...
read more

Winslet Honored With Montecito Award

January 29, 2009 by

Six-time Oscar-nominated British beauty and talented actress Kate Winslet has come back to Santa Barbara for this year's 24th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival to receive the Montecito ...
read more