Movies today deal with topics as fanciful as romantic vampires and as straightforward as two people who make a porno to pay the bills. Regardless of the range of the modern filmmaker, the topic of family matters remains a constant theme. When independent filmmaker and former UCLA student Randall Miller penned "Nobel Son," the story of an egomaniacal genius who belittles everyone he encounters, Miller was writing about his own father, a former UCLA professor of biochemistry. Read more...

"What is this?" the woman asked, arm linked with her boyfriend's, leaning over the planter boxes. "It's an orchid. You know, tropical plant?" the flower seller said. The woman turned to her boyfriend and spoke in Spanish. The seller simply smiled. Read more...

Some say that once childhood ends, you can never go back. Turns out, the only thing necessary is a drive down La Brea Avenue. There, playing at the Lyric Theatre, is James Lapine's legendary "Into The Woods." You may never be 5 years old again, but during this delightful and disturbing two-hour show, you'll come close to it. Read more...

There's nothing small about "Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge." Read more...

Living in Westwood, the frequent site of movie shootings, television filming, and premieres, the chances for celebrity encounters is substantially greater than on the average college campus. Read more...

Perhaps the best thing to be said about Britney Spears is that, even during one of the most public breakdowns in music history, few ever doubted her. Read more...

Tis the season for 5 a.m. shopping sprees, crippling seasonal depression, and regrettable eggnog drinking contests. Color me cynical, but the holidays are a drag. Read more...