Entertainment

SAN FRANCISCO—The Academy Awards will be handed out on Sunday, February 26. Fewer than five Academy Awards nominated short films have local roots in San Francisco. From documentaries about refugees and life decisions to an animated story about sandpiper growing up and be afraid to try again. “It’s very much a Bay Area film,” said Alan Barillaro, director of the photorealistic animated...

HOLLYWOOD—Last week, Tyler Perry’s hit “The Haves and the Have Nots” ended on a climatic note, but things have intensified. This week’s episode, ‘Praying for the Light’ saw Hanna got to extreme lengths to rescue her children, Candace and Benny from a former pal turned enemy named Warlock. The episode kicked off with Jim and Katheryn receiving a visit...

HOLLYWOOD—Well, last season of the A&E hit “Bates Motel” took viewers by a massive surprise with the death of Norma Bates, yes, Vera Farmiga is no more in the flesh, but the actress will still play a major part in season five as Norman fully transforms into the sociopath known as ‘Norman Bates.’ The final season kicked off with the...

HOLLYWOOD—A war is brewing and things only intensified on the latest episode of “The Walking Dead.” This week’s episode, ‘New Best Friends’ opened with King Ezekiel and his crew awaiting the arrival of The Saviors to deliver their latest offering. Once again Gavin and his mouthy pal started a feud with Richard that forced Ezekiel to play peacemaker. Looks...

HOLLYWOOD—Well, there were plenty of new movies in theaters this weekend, “A Cure for Wellness,” “Fist Fight” and “The Great Wall,” but none of those flicks rose to the top spot. For the second consecutive weekend, “The Lego Batman Movie” remained in the top spot at the box-office earning over $34 million. In less than 10 days, the animated...

HOLLYWOOD—Well, last week predictions were made as to who would claim victory in the Best Actor and Best Actress races at this year’s Academy Awards. This week our attention turns to the races for Best Director and Best Picture. I’ll make the argument now that Best Director is not that much of a dogfight, but Best Picture I think...

HOLLYWOOD—“Fifty Shades of Grey” was a spectacular hit when the series of novels took the world by storm. That later transitioned to a big-screen adaptation that had women all over, clamoring to see what all the fuss was about. The flick shattered box-office records, so in Hollywood terms that means one thing: sequel! However, for those who were satisfied...

HOLLYWOOD—James Baldwin stands as one of the towering figures of American literature. A brilliant novelist and essayist, his words have only proved more pertinent in the years since his death. Director Raoul Peck has done us the service of bringing some of his final writings a superb cinematic treatment. Baldwin’s words, given fabulous visualization and context by Peck, have...

HELLO AMERICA!—Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t wait for America to announce to the world ‘DONALD TRUMP YOU ARE FIRED!”  The former “Mr. Universe” giant doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind.  “We won’t stand for a rigged system anymore.  If the politicians want a re-election, they need to perform!” Arnold easily admits he might not have been the best or greatest...

HOLLYWOOD—A lot of things happened last week on Tyler Perry’s hit series, “The Haves and the Have Nots,” but nothing compared to what happened in this week’s episode, ‘Pieces of the Puzzle.’ The Ice Queen, Veronica Harrington suspected she had all the answers, but little did she know getting Jeffrey and Candace off for the murder of Quincy would...