The tension between art and commerce in Hollywood is never more apparent than in the industry's reliance on remakes, sequels or, worse yet, remakes masquerading as sequels.
In his first eight years as a director (1960-67), Jean-Luc Godard released 15 features and numerous shorts, including the most audacious and influential works of the French New Wave, and by extension, of anyone in the world.
While Barbara Morrison's 1973 arrival to the jazz and blues party was somewhat late, the singer has definitely lived it to the hilt. One of Los Angeles' top jazz vocalists, Morrison made her bones on the bandstand alongside the top names in music.
Like many theaters across the country, the Colony in Burbank has experienced a lot of discomfort during these tough economic times, but it revealed a bit of good news this week: Its production of "Falling for Make Believe" will continue.
A svelte brunette croons "Besame Mucho" to the small crowd, her smooth voice accompanied by a computer-driven soundtrack. The song runs seamlessly into the next, a dreamy Russian folk tune. She doesn't mind that no one applauds. She's creating atmosphere.
Lincoln Avenue just north of the roaring Foothill (210) Freeway is a residential street where cars barrel up and down the road.
Whiplash is one of the hazards of my job. I take unfamiliar streets when I drive around town with the express purpose of discovering new restaurants. Peacha's, a tiny place on south Victory near Alameda in Burbank, made me do a hard double-take.
"Epic," a fairy tale about a tiny universe of creatures who protect the forest, has many virtues.
Consider "The Painting," the fourth feature by slow-moving 74-year-old French director Jean-François Laguionie, a twee "Wreck-It Ralph." Inside a primitive portrait, the subjects are divided into three canvas castes: Sketchies, wraith-like creatures made of pencil lines; Halfies, who were left half-painted; and their snobbish overlords, the Alldunns, who sneer at the incompletes from their castle in the upper left corner of the frame.
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