Month: July 2024

As a movie enthusiast, I’m sad to share that Westwood’s iconic cinemas, the Regency Village Theatre and the Bruin, will be shutting down towards the end of this week.

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is abandoning his defamation claim against Fox News concerning a fictitious TV show that portrayed his legal issues.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee. This unexpected move has generated widespread conversation, even reaching the entertainment industry.

Larry Vallon, the seasoned concert impresario who transformed the Universal Amphitheater into a dominant force in the region for AEG and other companies, passed away at the age of 77.

Civil rights advocate and renowned singer Bernice Johnson Reagon, best known for leading groups such as the Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock, passed away at the age of 81.

After achieving success on Broadway with “Hamilton” in 2015, Anthony Ramos has transitioned to Hollywood films. He acted alongside Lady Gaga in “A Star Is Born,” and received a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Usnavi in “In the Heights.”

As a fan, I’ve noticed that in movies, when characters embark on a quest to find their missing loved ones, the surprising twist often ends with them discovering themselves instead. However, Levan Akin’s film “Crossing” offers something deeper and more complex. In this heartfelt and thoughtfully optimistic movie, we follow a retired Georgian schoolteacher as she searches for her transgender niece in Istanbul. What makes “Crossing” truly special is the way it explores the nuances of our inner compasses and infuses its raw, authentic naturalism with a vibrant, beating humanity.

Many people in the United States, plus wine connoisseurs globally, recognize Veuve Clicquot Champagnes for their iconic marigold bottles symbolizing festivity and affluence. However, those not proficient in French might overlook the complete brand name, thereby missing out on the full background.

In the opening scene of “Longlegs,” directed by filmmaker Osgood Perkins, we are instantly gripped by a haunting sequence that lasts barely over a minute. Through clever use of camera angles, editing, and acting alone, Perkins creates an unsettling atmosphere filled with shock, awe, and even a hint of humor. This brief moment leaves a profound impact on the audience, stirring up deep-rooted feelings of unease as the tension builds to a bursting point, much like a dramatic musical cue.

On Monday, the Toronto International Film Festival revealed the names of two prominent film lineups for its upcoming edition, featuring a total of 63 movies in the Gala and Special Presentation categories.