“Home for the Holidays” takes on a new meaning with the Glendale Pops Orchestra this season as it melds its unique orchestra with homegrown talent. Matt Catingub, the artistic director/conductor, leads the world-class orchestra through traditional holiday songs. Enhancing the orchestra will be the Glendale Pops Youth Orchestra, 39 student singers from the Glendale area. […]
By Charly SHELTON This summer, the Dark Knight attempted to rise. But due to a sub-par story and execution, it floundered. As we near the holiday season, it’s Jack Frost’s turn to rise as the newest Guardian in Dreamworks Animation’s new film, “Rise of the Guardians.” Jack Frost (voiced by Chris Pine) has been wandering […]
Film/television/stage star Joe Mantegna will be leading this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys For Tots on Sunday, Nov. 25 serving as grand marshal. The parade will be presented live by the City of Los Angeles and Associated Television International starting with a pre-parade show at 5:30 p.m., with the parade commencing at 6:30 […]
By Susan JAMES The release of “Lincoln,” Steven Spielberg’s epic new film starring Daniel Day-Lewis, was recently pushed back until after the presidential election. But Spielberg’s attempt to separate the current political landscape from the politics of Lincoln’s day was a futile gesture. The fractious in-fighting, partisanship, political deals and stratagems of a president trying […]
By Susan JAMES Bond is back in the much hyped and eagerly awaited film, “Skyfall.” The good news is, it was worth the wait. This Bond is no longer the novice spy open to romantic feelings or the genial martini-swilling assassin of earlier versions. Older, battle-scarred and battle weary, Daniel Craig’s 007 wrestles with doubts […]
By Ted Ayala At the opening: A composer best known for his panoramic orchestral frescoes distilling a lifetime’s experience into a deeply introspective and austere solo instrumental work. At the close: An uncharacteristically tragic work from a composer whose music often stands as some of the most joyful ever composed. Composers […]