“City of God”
Ackerman Grand Ballroom
Today and Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. If a movie gets four Oscar
nominations but is from a foreign country, does it make a sound?
The Brazilian “City of God” tries to show American
audiences will watch foreign movies that don’t star Roberto
Benigni, and, although it’s a bit heavy-handed, it’s
certainly worth your time. The story centers on two childhood
friends, one who grows up to be a major drug dealer, the other a
photographer. Tickets are $2 at the door. Check out
www.campusevents.ucla.edu for more information.
“In America” and “House of Sand and
Fog”
New Beverly Cinema
Friday and Saturday With six Oscar nominations and zero wins
between them because neither has the words “Lord of the
Rings” in its title, these two films are prime examples of
how good movies can get a little lost when facing something as epic
as Peter Jackson’s trilogy. But don’t discount the
screenplay for “In America” and Nadi (Shohreh
Aghdashloo) in “House of Sand and Fog” just because
they didn’t win statues. Log on to
www.michaelwilliams.com/beverlycinema for a complete theater
schedule.
“Dreams, Longings & Memories: The Cinema of
Federico Fellini”
Egyptian Theatre
Friday thru May 31 Sure, the title’s more pretentious than a
philosophy student, but in no way does that mean the films
aren’t worth seeing. The American Cinematheque has new 35mm
prints of all 20 Fellini films and will screen them over the 10-day
retrospective. Friday night’s screenings will include his
first film, “Variety Lights,” and his best,
“8-1/2,” at 7 and 9:15 p.m., respectively. For a
complete schedule, visit www.egyptiantheatre.com.
“Sixteen Candles”
Landmark Nuart Theater
Saturday, midnight Is it possible to see this John Hughes Brat Pack
classic too many times? If your answer is an emphatic
“no,” then check out this special screening, part of
the Nuart Theater’s sequence of Friday night midnight
screenings. Check out www.landmarktheaters.com for more
information.
“Napoleon Dynamite”
James Bridges Theater
May 25, 7:30 p.m. After getting positive buzz at the Sundance Film
Festival this year, this offbeat independent comedy seems like
something Alexander Payne could have made if he were quirkier
““ if that’s possible. It won Best Feature Film at this
year’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and tells the tale of a
strange high school kid from Idaho who tries to help his best
friend win the prestigious title of student body president. If you
don’t know what it is, just watch the trailer online. And the
screening’s free! Log on to gsa.asucla.ucla.edu/melnitz for
more information.
“The 39th Annual Academy of Country Music
Awards”
CBS
May 26, 8 p.m. Join host Reba McEntire for this star-studded event
that features A-list celeb presenters like Jennifer Love Hewitt and
The Rock. Will Brad Paisley win the Home Depot Humanitarian Award
over Charlie Daniels and Martina McBride? If you care, you should
be watching. Visit www.cbs.com/specials/39acma if you must.