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  • MOVIE REVIEW: THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Sep 29, 2014

    To paraphrase screenwriter Steven Knight, "Food is memories". Since the days of a feeble Oliver Twist innocently saying "Please sir, I want some more" to Scarlet O'Hara infamously avowing "I'll never go hungry again" to Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka to Ratatouille to the Food Network and all its esculent edibles of every type imaginable, we have had a love affair with food. Within just the past year, food and the culinary arts have become front and center on the big screen...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: THE EXPENDABLES 3

    Updated Sep 29, 2014

    You know them. You love them. You have a kick-ass time with them. And they're back! Bigger and badder than ever, THE EXPENDABLES 3 has you breathless within the first 10 minutes, setting the stage for the most explosive film of the year; after all, who else but Sylvester Stallone along with director Patrick Hughes and second unit directing guru Dan Bradley, would buy an entire train and blow it up "just to get it right and real". The third installment in this highly successful...

  • The Face In The Reeds

    Updated Aug 12, 2014

    Passover is a celebration of freedom, it is also a quarrel about the meaning of freedom, the value of life, and the shadow of death, which symbolically “passes over” the house. During the course of the evening, conflicts emerge about the merit of faith over conversion, the truth in religion, and the nature of parental responsibility. This night is different from all other nights and of course, this being a Jewish family, it is also a comedy. We’re all going to die--but first, you should eat. Robin Uriel Russin (Play...

  • Charlotte's Web

    Updated Aug 12, 2014

    The Children’s Literature Association named Charlotte’s Web “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years,” and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling theatrical presentation. It’s the story and relationships that make the show. All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Aug 2, 2014

    I admit it. I had some doubts when it was announced James Gunn (whom I admire and am a fan of his work) would be directing GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Although I had no doubts about Gunn nailing the humor and action ideology of the film, I had to wonder, could he execute it on such a grand scale? Given the anticipated scope and magnitude of the film, the large cast, the ideologic concept as a whole, just the pure majesty of the Marvel universe and perhaps most importantly, the...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jul 26, 2014

    From a 1925 Alfa Romeo to Jacki Weaver draped in $2.9 million in diamonds to period perfect 1920's French couture to the ethereal elegance of Cap d'Antibes and Mouans Sartoux to the ever dashing Colin Firth (*sigh*), Woody Allen steeps us in old world beauty and classic glamour touched with a bit of whimsy and all bathed in the MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT. Sparkling and twinkling like the bubbles in a glass of pink champagne or dancing like points of light on a moonbeam, with...

  • The Aquarium of the Pacific: Family Fun Including Whales

    Updated Jul 26, 2014

    Endangered blue whales are being spotted in the waters off Long Beach. The Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises invite the public to a three-hour whale watch excursion with Aquarium experts to view and learn about these rare and endangered whales. Guests will be able to listen to the whales they see and learn more about whale communication through the Aquarium's interactive Whales: Voices in the Sea kiosk exhibit featuring the blue whale. The Bryde's (pronounced...

  • CONSIDER THE MATCH

    Updated Jul 26, 2014

    "Consider the Match," written and directed by Long Beach artists Maggie Boles and Katie Faris, is a series of vignettes tied together by similar themes. Making use of the absurd, surreal, and awkward, a small ensemble cast presents a series of comedic and dramatic situations. There might be blood. Probably not though. You'll meet Izzy and Rebecca, George and Justin. You'll meet Alf and Bert, Shawna and Raegan. You'll meet Reader and Stretcher as they form complementary parts...

  • "Sordid Lives" Relies on Themes Of Family

    Beth Lindly, Special to the Observer|Updated Jul 26, 2014

    Local theatre troupe Kentwood Players' production of "Sordid Lives," a dark comedy penned by Del Shores, is a familiar, enjoyable piece of theatre. It unfolds like something I might have performed in high school, albeit more swear-filled. The acting was good in some parts. But this play's strengths don't lie in its artistry. "Lives" is ultimately a work revolving around themes of family and community, and every aspect of the production contributes to them. "Sordid Lives" is...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jul 20, 2014

    Dusty delivers! He dives, he swoops, he scoops, soaring into our hearts again! PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE may be the epitome of the Disney themes of "friendship first" and "lend a helping hand", not to mention second chances, as aerial racing legend Dusty Crophopper takes his place in history as a SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker) joining the other brave members of the Piston Peak Air Attack Team in their battle of wildfires in the Southwest/West United States. With returning old...

  • 'Princesses and Pirates' Combines the Past and the Present

    Beth Lindly, Special to the Observer|Updated Jul 19, 2014

    Old and new worlds will collide as Lythgoe Family Productions opens its original show "Princesses and Pirates" this weekend. True to its name, "Princesses" will showcase fairytales best known for their stories of royalty and magic. However, LFP has added a twist to the folklore we all know and love: songs from top 40 radio, while audience members can sing along in the style of traditional British "panto." Kris Lythgoe is the president of Lythgoe Family Productions, and one of...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: AFFLUENZA and BOYHOOD

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jul 12, 2014

    It's a big weekend at the Los Angeles area box office with an eclectic group of indie gems shining brightly amidst some lingering tentpoles and expanding winners like "Snowpiercer" and "Deliver Us From Evil". Joining them is the dawn of a new era of "dirty apes", one of my "Must See" films of LAFF last month "Land Ho!" while glistening brightly is Jason Momoa's directorial debut in the beautifully filmed "Road to Paloma" and the adorably quirky "Audrey". But given this is...

  • 'Princesses and Pirates' Brings Pop, Family Fun to the Stage

    Beth Lindly, Special to the Observer|Updated Jul 12, 2014

    Starting the weekend of July 18, families are going to be able to experience the exciting combination of folklore, pop music and live audience sing-alongs. Lythgoe Family Productions, along with The Pasadena Playhouse, are bringing the mythical, magic "Princesses and Pirates Sing-a-long Concert" to Culver City at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. "Princesses and Pirates Sing-Along Concert" is based on a variety of fairytales – however, each has been updated to fit today's modern p...

  • SMC STAGES "BARK!"

    Updated Jul 12, 2014

    The Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department is pleased to present "BARK!" July 25-Aug. 3 at the Theatre Arts Studio Stage on the SMC main campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. "BARK!" reveals a day in the lives of the canine characters at a doggie daycare – from a dog's point of view. From the little puppy who yearns to bark like a real dog to the opera-singing poodle, this musical possesses the huge heart and playful joyfulness present in man's truest friends. Howlingly...

  • Hilarious Hollywood

    Christine Peake|Updated Jul 12, 2014

    The theme is BALLS for this week. Robin Thicke was recently interviewed and questioned regarding his much-publicized soppy cringe inducing tributes to his wife. The alleged (caught in the act) cheating crooner blamed his sudden success (which took 10 years I might add) on his issues. Said, Thicke, "I did not know how to juggle fame, and all of a sudden the balls were all over the place." Er, Ya think? Meanwhile, the Brazilian football/soccer team said, "dude, we feel the same...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: DELIVER US FROM EVIL

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jul 4, 2014

    With DELIVER US FROM EVIL, one thing is certain - no one should ever deliver us from the genius that is director Scott Derrickson. As he did with "Sinister", Derrickson again not only dives headfirst into a world of demonology, rooted in centuries of faith, fact, fiction, but blends it with true stories inspired by NYPD Sgt. Ralph Sarchie's crime laden world of the Bronx's 46th Precinct. Sarchie, a 26-year veteran of NYPD with over 300 arrests and 7 commendations to his...

  • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents LEGENDS

    Updated Jul 4, 2014

    Behold the living legends! Children of All Ages will believe in the unbelievable with the all-new circus spectacular, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents LEGENDS, coming to the Los Angeles area from July 9 – August 3 playing at STAPLES Center Los Angeles (July 9-15); Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario (July 18-22); and Honda Center, Anaheim (July 25-Aug 3). Iconic Ringling Bros. stars meet fabled mythological creatures at the place where legends live...The G...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: SNOWPIERCER

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jun 28, 2014

    Adapted for the screen by Kelly Masterson and Bong Joon-Ho from the French graphic novel "Le Transpercenegie" and directed by Bong Joon-Ho, SNOWPIERCER is a post-apocalyptic thriller. Earth is frozen beyond being capable of sustaining any life but thanks to the genius of one man, a rattling, clattering super-train now carries not only the last survivors of the human race, but life itself, endlessly circling the planet, just waiting for the day when the world will thaw and man...

  • Summer Days

    Updated Jun 28, 2014

    The days are as long as they get! Why not top off that day on the beach or in the park with a free concert? The Twilight Concert Series starts its 30th season on July 10th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Santa Monica Pier. The series will run every Thursday night for 10 weeks with the last performance occurring on September 11. Throughout the 30 year series the event has grown in popularity with regard to the number of participants who have come to watch the bands and enjoy the...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: THINK LIKE A MAN TOO

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jun 20, 2014

    When we last saw the gang back in 2012, they were hanging out in downtown Culver City, shooting hoops, hitting Happy Hour at Rush Street and wrecking havoc and hilarity at every turn in "Think Like A Man". Employing all the tricks of the dating trade gleaned from Steve Harvey's best-selling book "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man", director Tim Story and a cast that boasted Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Romany Malco, Terrence Jenkins, Gary Owen, Jerry Ferrera, Regina Hall,...

  • LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL 2014: MUST SEE FESTIVAL FILMS

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jun 16, 2014

    Yep. You read it right. This is the 20th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival. Running from June 11th to 19th, this is a big anniversary for LA’s favorite and biggest film fest. 20 years. When I look over the list of filmmakers and actors presenting films this year, I can’t help but think that some were in diapers when the festival first started and others, not even born yet. Technological advances over the past 20 years have opened up filmmaking, making it more accessible and mor...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: TRUST ME

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jun 7, 2014

    If all I knew of Clark Gregg was his writing and directorial work of a few years ago with his adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's "Choke", and now again with his stepping behind and in front of the camera as well as penning the original script of TRUST ME, I would have no qualms about saying this. But then toss in his acting skills, be they performing Shakespeare, comedy, drama or action, and this takes on even greater truth and meaning. Be he Agent Coulson, Leonato, Agent...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: MALEFICENT

    debbie lynn elias|Updated Jun 1, 2014

    Be she known as the "evil fairy" who casts a spell on the infant princess Aurora dooming her to die when she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel in Charles Perrault's "La Belle au bois dormant" or in the Brothers Grimm " Dornröschen" (Little Briar Rose), or known as the mightiest and most beloved of all the Disney villains, MALEFICENT is a force to be reckoned with. And as beloved as Disney's 1959 animated classic "Sleeping Beauty" is, making MALEFICENT a household name for...

  • Santa Monica Pier 2014 Twilight Concert Series Lineup Announced

    Updated May 24, 2014

    The Pier's Twilight concert series, now in its 30th year, will begin it's 2014 series on Thursday, beginning July 10. This year's lineup includes a diverse range of sounds from all over the globe. All shows starts at 7 pm. July 10 Indie Pop Cults, w/ James Supercave July 17 Heavenly Voices Yuna w/ King July 24 PCH Top Down Sounds Cayucas w/ PAPA July 31 Syrian Electro Style Omar Souleyman Aug 7 Australia Rocks the Pier Jagwar Ma Aug 14 Latin Waves La Santa Cecilia w/ Sergio...

  • Music Is in the Air at SMC in June

    Updated May 24, 2014

    The Santa Monica College Music Department is pleased to present a variety of spring concerts in June in The Broad Stage or The Edye at the SMC Performing Arts Center (Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th Street, Santa Monica). The concerts include a fully staged production of "Luisa Fernanda," one of the 20th century's great zarzuelas (Spanish operas). The June concerts are: • Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m. in The Broad Stage: SMC Wind Ensemble. Conducted by Kevin McKeown, the e...

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