Thursday, January 15, 1998 Lesser manifestations of good FILM: Denzel Washington speculates on evil in Hollywood, human nature and his new film ‘Fallen’ By Stephanie Sheh Daily Bruin Senior Staff It is hard enough to catch a serial killer. Read more...

Thursday, January 15, 1998 ‘Plays Well With Others’ lacking in passion, originality BOOK: Gurganus’ brave take on AIDS epidemic pales to Titanic tragedy By Kristi Nakamura Daily Bruin Contributor While Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio resurrect the legendary Titanic on the big screen and the casts of "Rent" lament the plight of young artists attempting to survive in New York City, author Allen Gurganus uses the notorious shipwreck as a metaphor for the AIDS crisis in his own tragedy, "Plays Well With Others." The bright, red cover with the smiling cartoon boy, familiar from the Japanese "Milky" candy packages, and the seemingly cheerful title "Plays Well With Others" provides a stark contrast to the novel’s gloomy world of unfulfillment, disappointment and ravaging illness. Read more...

‘Half Baked’ delivers a peek into pot smoker culture FILM:Writer/comedian Chappelle based movie on real-life experiences By Stephanie Sheh Daily Bruin Senior Staff You know it as grass, reefer, hash and pot, among other names. Read more...

The intriguing characters and insightful dialogue in ‘Good Will Hunting’ convinced Robin Williams to take on a dramatic role By Stephanie Sheh Daily Bruin Senior Staff Word of mouth is a powerful force in Hollywood. Read more...

‘Women With Men’ explores the colder side of relationships BOOK:Author Richard Ford traces love and loss through three stories By Nerissa Pacio Daily Bruin Senior Staff Love is pink laced hearts on Valentine’s Day, swooning romantics on a hot August afternoon, and gondola rides with no particular destination except a gaze between lovers. Read more...

Monday, January 12, 1998 A&E Briefs Musical theater program funded UCLA will establish a musical theater program, thanks to a $2.5 million donation from the Gwen and Ray Bolger trusts. Read more...

Monday, January 12, 1998 Kevin Costner delivers his thoughts on lengthy movies FILM: The actor and director defends ‘The Postman,’ hoping audiences can enjoy his newest work ‘for what it is’ By Stephanie Sheh Daily Bruin Senior Staff This past holiday movie season, Academy Award-winning actor and director Kevin Costner may have been planning to bring audiences a glorious sweeping tale with "The Postman," but with less than stellar reviews, it does not look as if the film will be the "Dances with Wolves" epic that its previews want it to be. Read more...