By: debbie lynn elias UCLA film grad Jennifer Arnold brings us what I believe is one of the most inspiring films to come from the Los Angeles Film Festival. Debuting in 2010 and now available on DVD, A SMALL ACT, is a story of Chris Mburu, who grew up in
By: debbie lynn elias While this may be the big opening weekend for the much anticipated Michael Bay-Shia LaBeouf adventure, TRANSFORMERS 3: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, there are a few alternative choices for movie-going this Fourth of July weekend, especially for you fashionista teen and tween girls out there,
By: debbie lynn elias Making a very auspicious debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival as part of the Narrative Competition, SAWDUST CITY easily makes my Must See List of Festival Films. A simple, well told character study, SAWDUST CITY compels interest in brother Bob and Pete who reunite
By: debbie lynn elias The economic crisis has touched each of us. Don’t lie and shake your head no. We’ve all heard of Bernie Madoff and I would wager that even some attendees at the Fest were directly affected by his misconduct. But how many of you have heard of
By: debbie lynn elias A pleasant surprise for me at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival is MAMITAS. With a cast that includes Jennifer Esposito, Pedro Armendariz, Jr., Jesse Garcia, EJ Bonilla, Veronica Diaz-Carranza and – ladies, be still your hearts – Joaquim de Almeida, MAMITAS is another “Must See
By: debbie lynn elias When it comes to the #1 inspirational film of the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival, look no further than SALAAM DUNK. When it comes to my final #1 Must See Film of the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival Fest, look no further than SALAAM DUNK. For
By: debbie lynn elias Co-written by Mike Akel and Matthew Patterson, and directed by Akel, AN ORDINARY FAMILY is centered around a relaxing summer vacation family reunion at the Biederman family homestead in a picturesque wooded, lakeside community. One of my Must See Festival Films at 2011 Los Angeles Film
By: debbie lynn elias Let’s just cut to the case. CARS 2 is the Best Picture of the year! It races across the finish line fenders and bumpers above the crowd. John Lasseter and his team have elevated filmmaking to new levels of excellence. From story to production design to
By: debbie lynn elias According to my calendar it’s June and that means it’s time once again for the LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL! Now in its 17th year and running from June 16th to 26th, LAFF 2011 has plenty of surprises in store for you. Returning to the LA Live
By: debbie lynn elias School’s out (or almost out) and what better way to celebrate than to kick off the start of summer vacation than with a thrilladelic, thrilltastic non-stop adventure. Enter the infamous and beloved literary character, Judy Moody, who, with some help from book author/screenwriter Megan McDonald and
