For a director, it may be a challenge to come up with a premise, a problem, a solution and a conclusion for a two-hour feature film. Read more...

Upon awarding Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11″ the Palme d’Or prize last Sunday at the annual Cannes Film Festival, film jury member Tilda Swinton said of the film, “It is sophisticated cinema. Read more...

“Control Room” James Bridges Theater Tonight, 7:30 p.m. This ripped-from-the-headlines documentary tracks how the concept of objective journalism doesn’t really exist during wartime, using coverage of the conflict in Iraq as an example. Read more...

Raising Helen Directed by Garry Marshall Buena Vista Pictures Director Garry Marshall has partially redeemed himself to his glory days of “Pretty Woman” with his latest creation “Raising Helen." Helen Harris (Kate Hudson) leads every shallow woman’s fantasy; she has a nice home, a well-paying job and an impeccable wardrobe. Read more...

From the straight-laced preacher’s daughter in “A Walk to Remember” to an over-protected president’s daughter in “Chasing Liberty,” Mandy Moore has established her ability to play the good girl, and she plays it well. Read more...

Sleater-Kinney The El Rey Theatre Today, 8 p.m. The original kick-butt girl band will make a stop in Los Angeles as a part of an extremely limited spring tour, so catch ’em while you can. Read more...

This past Saturday at Zen Sushi, the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry presented “Puppet Slam 2004,” an off-the-wall show full of creativity, laughs and strings. Talented puppeteers in the show included Matt Brooks, Scott Land and nationally recognized Paul Zaloom, who has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Hand-in-a-Sock Award from Dummies International. Read more...