NEWS
June 8, 2010
Capsule reviews are by Kenneth Turan (K.Tu.), Betsy Sharkey (B.S.) and other reviewers. Compiled by Anthony Miller. Openings FRIDAY The A-Team Former Special Forces soldiers attempt to clear their names after being set up for a crime they didn't commit. With Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Sharlto Copley, Jessica Biel, Patrick Wilson and Gerald McRaney. Screenplay by Skip Woods, Joe Carnahan and Brian Bloom.
ENTERTAINMENT
June 8, 2001 | KENNETH TURAN, TIMES FILM CRITIC
To see "Swordfish" is to recall another piscine reference, Virginia wit John Randolph's celebrated description of a corrupt but gifted political opponent as someone who "shines and stinks like rotten mackerel by moonlight." A more pithy and accurate review this film is not going to get.
ENTERTAINMENT
February 13, 2013 | By Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times Film Critic
Given how successful its four predecessors have been, it's not surprising that "A Good Day to Die Hard" plays like an extended victory lap for star Bruce Willis and the entire "Die Hard" franchise. Not surprising, but not overwhelmingly entertaining either. Starting with the original "Die Hard" in 1988, over the next quarter-century the series has grossed an estimated $1.2 billion worldwide, a hefty sum which apparently convinced 20th Century Fox to commission this fifth time in the trenches for Willis' regular-guy action hero, New York City police Det. John McClane.
ENTERTAINMENT
June 11, 2010 | By Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times Film Critic
It may be true, as "The A-Team's" Col. John "Hannibal" Smith insists, that "overkill is underrated," but you wouldn't know it from this film. Overly long, over-complicated and overflowing with what sounds like billions of bullets and beaucoup broken glass, this film version of the hit 1980s TV series about soldiers of fortune is an underwhelming experience. I pity the fool, as TV star Mr. T might say, who mistakes this for genuine entertainment. That may sound unduly harsh, especially for a movie that was never intended as an Oscar contender.
BUSINESS
May 27, 2012 | By Lauren Beale, Los Angeles Times
The price that first-time homeowner Justin Bieber paid for his new digs in Calabasas has wended its way into the public record: $6.5 million. Set on 1.3 acres in a gated community, the 10,000-square-foot main house is described as "transitional French" in style. Features include a high-ceiling foyer, library, a movie theater with stadium seating, a wet bar and a wine cellar — just what every 18-year-old pop singer needs. Including a guesthouse, there are seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
ENTERTAINMENT
July 5, 2009 | BETSY SHARKEY, FILM CRITIC
"It's not my war," says Shia LaBeouf's Sam in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." "I fear it soon will be," replies the heavy-hearted towering steel of Optimus Prime. And we know, in that moment, that despite his wish to be just an ordinary guy, Sam will become the reluctant warrior. For us, sacrifices will be made. The world will be made safe. We will be saved. And that is one reason why I love summer so. Sci-fi and super-charged heroes once again rule.