Friday, May 29

Film review: ‘Obsession’ struggles to hook viewers – more depth would’ve left watchers obsessed

Editor’s note: This review contains mentions of suicide and self-harm and describes scenes of violence that may be disturbing to some readers. Warning: Spoilers ahead. “Obsession” packs a hearty bite for horror fans, but its screenplay could use more substance for viewers to sink their teeth into. Read more...

Photo: A poster for the film “Obsession” is pictured hanging on a pillar on campus. (Courtesy of Focus Features)


Open Mind Film Festival showcases high schooler-made films on mental health

Under the bright stage lights, high school filmmakers used creativity and advocacy to highlight topics often left in the dark. ​Taking place at the UCLA James Bridges Theater on April 26, the sixth annual Open Mind Film Festival brought together high school filmmakers from across the United States to show films focused on themes of mental health and wellness. Read more...

Photo: Sarah Gilman is pictured on stage during the sixth annual Open Mind Film Festival. Showing 11 films, the festival took place at the UCLA James Bridges Theater and was hosted by singer Em Beihold. (Joice Ngo/Daily Bruin staff)


Film review: ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ stuns in style as satisfying sequel

This post was updated May 5 at 10:16 p.m. Warning: Spoilers ahead. While it might not be as timeless as the original, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” still has plenty of style. Read more...

Photo: Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) walk down a blue carpet in front of photographers. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” was released Friday and follows Sachs, now an award-winning journalist, as she is hired to become Runway’s features editor in hopes of rebuilding the magazine’s image. (Courtesy of 20th Century Studios)


‘Still moving forward’: Jerry LeVasseur film shows overcoming adversity with hope

This post was updated April 30 at 8:43 pm.  At 88 years old, Jerry LeVasseur is still moving forward. Nearly eight decades after surviving the 1944 Hartford Circus Fire – a tragedy that claimed around 170 lives, including his mother’s – LeVasseur continues to train five days a week, compete nationally in masters track and field and approach each new challenge with the same philosophy that has defined his life: keep moving, keep helping others and keep finding joy in the process. Read more...

Photo: Jerry LeVasseur, wearing a black jacket, stands together with his friends. LeVasseur’s career will be told in UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s graduate Andrew McGowan’s upcoming sports biographical documentary. (Courtey of Andrew McGowan)


Film review: ‘Michael’ delivers dazzling dances but poor, omissive writing

This post was updated April 28 at 9:21 p.m. Editor’s note: This review contains mentions of physical and sexual abuse of children. Warning: Spoilers ahead. “Michael” captures the glory of the King of Pop’s stage presence but fails dismally at meaningfully telling his story. Read more...

Photo: Jaafar Jackson, who stars as his uncle Michael Jackson, poses on his toes as a massive audience cheers behind him. “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, was released April 24 by Lionsgate and follows the 13-time Grammy winner from 1966 to 1988. (Courtesy of IMDb)


PaleyFest LA panels present popular television series stars, showrunners

This post was updated April 28 at 9:42 p.m. Television’s current stars took to the stage to give audiences a glimpse into this year’s hits. From April 4-12, the Paley Center for Media’s annual PaleyFest LA brought the casts and creatives from eight of this year’s hit series to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Read more...

Photo: Cast members of “Scrubs,” Neil Flynn and Vanessa Bayer, are interviewed at PaleyFest LA 2026. The “Scrubs” revival arrived on ABC after over a decade off the air. (Selin Filiz/Assistant Photo editor)