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'White Collar' fits duo to a T

Local events for the week of Feb. 17-23

Director and Denzel elevate danger in 'Safe House'

Local events for the week of Feb. 10-16

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Fran Drescher faces terrorist cell

February 21

Beehive Mug

Fran Drescher voices concernsRead more →

Charming forces vie in 'This Means War'

Feb 16

After a steady diet of romantic comedies that have been Heigled (aka, as bad as a Katherine Heigl romantic comedy), "This Means War" is a breath of fresh air for the genre. It succeeds where so many others have failed because it blends a sweet and funny romance with a fun action story that doesn't depend solely on the likability of the stars.

This film does have some very likable stars with Chris Pine and Tom Hardy playing CIA agents -- and best friends -- who by chance fall for the same woman, played by Reese Witherspoon. Pine has a boyish charm and Hardy a slight bad boy quality that makes them fun to watch. The film is at its best when Pine and Hardy are together as a spy team or as opponents in the game of love. Read more →

'Between Two Worlds' filmmakers see Jews vs. Jews

Feb 16

In "Between Two Worlds," filmmakers Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman tackle many of the conflicts raging today over American Jewish identity. The pair are on hand today at California State University, Fresno, to discuss their documentary, which is being screened as part of the Cineculture film series. We caught up with Snitow and Kaufman via email to discuss their film.

Question: What is your film about? Read more →

Olsen twins' sister has demanding role in 'Martha'

Feb 16

Officially, Elizabeth Olsen made her professional acting debut in the 1994 TV movie "How the West Was Fun." She was 5.

But the younger sister of Olsen twins Mary-Kate and Ashley is only really now finding her place as an actress. She's done three movies, including the lead role in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" that hits stores Tuesday. Read more →

Sheen, Estevez call 'The Way' a personal film

Feb 16

Martin Sheen always wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago, an 800-kilometer trek through Spain that many make as a personal pilgrimage.

The closest he got was in 2003 -- between seasons of "The West Wing" -- when, on the spur of the moment, he ended up at the starting spot for the walk. Sheen had attended a family reunion in Ireland and convinced a few family members to fly to Spain. All he had was seven days before going back to work on the series. Read more →

Director and Denzel elevate danger in 'Safe House'

Feb 09

Generally, action movies are either lightweight, puffed-up macho-man vehicles or so cerebrally deep that it's almost impossible to follow the action. Despite having only a few directing jobs to his credit, Daniel Espinosa found a nice blend of chest-pounding bravado and smart storytelling to make "Safe House" entertaining on multiple levels.

"Safe House" could have been just another spy drama. The elements are all there: Ryan Reynolds plays Matt Weston, a novice CIA agent who's job is to run a CIA safe house -- a secret sanctuary for spies -- in South Africa. He's led a boring life during his 12-month stint, but that changes when rogue agent Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) is brought to the facility. Read more →

TV briefs: 'Key & Peele' gets second season

Feb 20

A second term: Voters will determine whether he'll stay in the White House, but the viewers have spoken and they want Obama and Luther -- as played by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele -- back for more. Comedy Central has renewed its sketch series, "Key & Peele," for a second season. The second season will consist of 10 episodes and premiere in fall 2012.

Another season: Disney Junior has ordered a third season of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" bringing the episode tally to 100 thus far. Read more →

'White Collar' fits duo to a T

Feb 20

PASADENA -- The USA Network's pairing of FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) and gentleman thief Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) on "White Collar" is the coolest and hippest crime-solving duo since Crockett and Tubbs on "Miami Vice."

The pair started as antagonists when Burke reluctantly needed the help of a con man to solve white collar crimes. Over the years, their relationship has grown. At times their relationship feels like a bromance; at other times like father and son. Read more →

Frankel's third season 'Ever After' begins tonight

Feb 18

PASADENA -- Bethenny Frankel's "celebrity" status comes from reality TV -- lots of reality TV.

After being the runner-up on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart," she appeared on "The Real Housewives of New York City" and "Bethenny Getting Married?" She used the fame that came with the shows to launch Skinnygirl Cocktails and write books. Read more →