Review of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' – Time has passed since Jackson first materialized Middle Earth in a trilogy of films that made pure fantasy fashionable again, although I’ll stick with the Harry Potter films as the superior accomplishment. My opinion of Tolkien’s work hasn’t changed – imagination and exhaustive attention to detail put to the service of a dull and shallow narrative – yet I’ve come to appreciate that imagination and detail through Jackson’s breathtaking rendition of Tolkien’s universe.
The Dim Shadows of Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows”
Whenever Hollywood adapts a television series, fan base reaction follows a familiar alliterative pattern of despair, dismay and disdain. Despair at Hollywood’s lack of originality.
Goth, Bellydance, and a Morbid Outlook: An Interview with Laura McCutchan
Lacking Goth-minded peers to draw inspiration from in school, my relationship to the Goth culture never was particularly immersive. Other than my own personal interests and imagination, most of my contact came through the internet and occasional forays to downtown stores.
The Lorax: Seuss, Speech, Marketing, and Orange as the New Green
The Lorax is not a great film, nor is it the best adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s book that one might envision. It is, however, as gently entertaining as it is unapologetic in its stance; a colourful, silly, melancholy, hopeful, stinging and, ultimately, accessible film.
Nine Pillars; Few Legs to Stand On
A review of The Nine Pillars of History: An Anthropological Review of History, Five Religions, Sexuality and Modern Economics, All as a Guide for Peace.
‘A Raisin in the Sun’ Heats Up the Kirk Douglas Theatre
It always puzzles me when fellow critics take notes during a performance. I’ll notice them scribbling away on their note pads or in the margins of the press kit – sometimes sedately, sometimes madly – and wonder how they can possibly foster an osmotic relationship with the performance.
W.E. Won’t Rock You
It’s not a good sign when you suspect filmmakers are lying to you. W.E.’s credits list Abbie Cornish in the role of a maritally distraught New Yorker obsessed with the scandalous love affair between the Once and Never More King of England, Edward VIII, and American Wallis Simpson. But throughout the film I wondered what Charlize Theron was doing slumming around in the glassy lead role when surely there was a better film elsewhere for her to inhabit.
Through A Mirror, Bloodily: A Review of Alice: Madness Returns (Part 2)
It would be easy to end the discussion with the game’s art and design, oooing at each character’s presentation, aaaahing at every level’s aesthetic, staring with wide-eyed excitement at the stylish animated cut scenes; such is the game’s rich artistry and sophisticated storytelling…But this is a game, after all, and while the quality of the art is beyond question the game’s greatness in terms of gameplay washes out in a mix of brilliance and nuisance, with enough of the former to mitigate frustrations with the latter.
Through A Mirror, Bloodily: A Review of Alice: Madness Returns (Part 1)
Gone was the innocuous blonde-haired girl with a summery blue-and-white dress and a penchant for attracting the whimsical. In her place, a dark gothic beauty with a blue, white, and bloodied dress, and a steely resolve to fight her way through Wonderland and, eventually, peace of mind.
A Brief Dispatch from the 52nd Annual County Holiday Celebration
As in past celebrations, L.A.’s cultural and ethnic diversity was showcased on Dec. 24 through a range of performances from traditional Mexican folk dancing to Afro-Cuban drumming, Dickensian choirs to gospel ensembles, Jazz Tap to contemporary hip-hop dance, and more.