In 1985, Wim Wenders released the documentary “Tokyo-Ga.” set in the eponymous city, Tokyo, and inspired by the films of Yasjiro Ozu. For all of Wenders’ good intentions and curiosity channeled in the project, it plays out like exoticism and is a bit silly in conception. With “Perfect Days,” Wenders returns to Japan, largely steering clear of these trappings...
For those still waiting for Rihanna to release music, collect your napkins or handkerchiefs because it is going to be a hot minute until that happens. Rihanna’s latest project released on YouTube titled, “Born to Steal: Yours, Mine, Ours,” is a one-minute and 53-second short film promoting her newest product in her Fenty Beauty line, Lux Balm Ultra-Hydrating Cherry...
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“Through My Window: Looking at You,” the third and final installment of the “Through My Window” movie trilogy, follows the relationship between Raquel (Clara Galle) and Ares Hidalgo (Julio Peña) as they navigate the aftermath of Yoshi (Guillermo Lasheras), one of Raquel’s best friends’, death. Based on the novel originally published on Wattpad by author Ariana Godoy, this Spanish...
On Feb. 29, the Associated Students Program Board (ASPB) presented Film Fest, an event that showcased six works of fellow University of California, Riverside (UCR) student filmmakers where the top three student films would win awards. The competition was judged by professor of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production (TFDP) Dr. Bella Merlin, a regular director for TFDP productions and...
Encapsulating the musical experience of Broadway’s longest-running show, Joel Schumacher directed a seamless transition from stage to screen in his 2004 adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera.” With a notable track record of accomplished films, his ambitious execution resulted in a well-rounded installment. With preceding films paying homage to the novel, Schumacher's formidable adaptation was distinguishable as it...
In 2021, Saturday Night Live released a sketch named “Lesbian Period Drama.” It was meant as a parody of period dramas featuring lesbians in a repressive setting, such as “Carol,” “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” “The Favourite” and “Ammonite.” The sketch poked fun at the overly serious nature of movies like these and how they were the only...
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The first trailer for “Madame Web” dropped on Nov. 15, giving audiences a glimpse into the new superhero. Although there was no mention or hint of Spider-Man in the trailer, audiences couldn’t ignore the similarities between the two storylines, questioning if “Madame Web” would be a parody of hero films or a new addition to Marvel’s Spider-Verse. These suspicions...
Bob Marley was a revolutionary reggae musician that stood as a symbol of hope. Marley faced multiple obstacles during his life. He used his trials and tribulations as an inspiration for his music. His songs transcended borders as they brought reggae music to mainstream media. At some point, everybody around the world could name at least one Bob Marley...
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With a limitless medium in his hands and the ingeniousness to match it, Satoshi Kon produced some of animation’s most unforgettable work. In just nine years, the animator made four feature films, one television series and one short film — and though his life was tragically cut short in 2010, his stamp on the animation and filmmaking world had...
In 2009, “Jennifer’s Body” came out and had a lukewarm box office performance with mixed reviews from critics who complained that the tone and writing of the film were uneven. Screenwriter Diablo Cody lamented how the film had been marketed. She had argued with executives who wanted "to market this to boys who like Megan Fox.” She would rebut,...