Over the past few years, Disney has accumulated a plethora of films worthy enough to stand beside its best works. “Bolt,” “The Princess and the Frog” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” just to name a few, follow the tried-and-true “happily ever after” formula while putting an added flair of action, jazzy magic or video gaming fun respectively into the mix. Read more...
Arts, Theater & Fine Arts
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November 27, 12:01 am
Lead painter of abstract romanticism inspires art therapy research
Kamran Khavarani created his own art genre, but he wasn’t sure what to name it. That’s why he called Albert Boime, a late UCLA art history professor, who later hailed Khavarani as the leader of a new artistic movement called “abstract romanticism.” Khavarani is a decorated architect-turned-painter whose work has inspired research on art therapy and was the subject of Boime’s final book, “The Birth of Abstract Romanticism.” Khavarani said the name “abstract romanticism” may seem like an oxymoron, but it describes his art perfectly. Read more...
Photo: Painter Kamran Khavarani, known for developing the art genre of abstract romanticism, displays his current gallery in Westwood, where visitors can walk through the gallery with 3-D glasses to fully experience Khavarani’s work.
Arts, Film & TV
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November 26, 12:00 am
UCLA theater student makes a move with Nick Cannon
Pumping himself up prior to an audition by jumping and sprinting in black slacks and a purple shirt with Britney Spears blasting in his ears, Venk Potula was surprised to see a limousine pull up alongside him. Read more...
Photo: After being discovered by Nick Cannon, third-year theater student Venk Potula went on to perform in Cannon’s music video for “Me Sexy,” as well as land a role in Cannon’s upcoming film “School Dance,” alongside Kevin Hart and Wilmer Valderrama. In the music video, Potula plays the role of Cannon’s personal valet, Guru Venkatesh, a role Potula reprised for Cannon’s live performance of “Me Sexy” on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Arts, Film & TV
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November 26, 12:00 am
Movie Review: ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’
Nearly four years ago, Morgan Freeman received acclaim for his role as Nelson Mandela in “Invictus,” a lengthy film about the 1995 South African rugby team that, aside from Freeman’s empowered conviction, remains mostly forgettable. Read more...
Arts, Lifestyle
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November 26, 12:00 am
‘Full-thyme Student’ blog teaches healthy, quick-cooking basics
When she first moved into her apartment, Sandy Bui took time out of her college routine to cook fresh meals. Now over a year after graduating, Bui is still cooking with college life in mind. Read more...
Photo: UCLA alumna Sandy Bui manages “Full-thyme Student,” a blog featuring recipes for college students like “How to Do Thanksgiving in College.”
Arts, Theater & Fine Arts
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November 25, 1:26 pm
Theater Review: ‘Play Dead’
“Play Dead” Directed by Teller Geffen Playhouse 4.0 / 5.0 paws A man in a white suit and blood-red dress shirt asks everyone to turn off their cellphones. Read more...
Photo: Courtesy of Michael Lamont
Arts, Music
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November 25, 12:00 am
Terry Gray releases first rap mixtape ‘American Paradox’
At age nine, Terry Gray realized his passion by way of his mother. When Gray’s mom noticed his knack for freestyling at school, she wrote him his first rap. Read more...
Photo: Fourth-year Afro-American studies student released “American Paradox,” a rap mixtape drawing from Gray’s experiences growing up in South Central L.A. and attending UCLA.