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HOME OF THE WEEK

$85M Mansion in Westlake Village: Can you believe top Hollywood exec Thomas Tull in leaving this gorgeous estate behind and moving to Pittsburgh?

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MOVIES

Isle of Dogs review Franke Feldman

Isle of Dogs: See what Hollywood Hound Frankie Feldman has to say about his colleagues in this outrageously creative animated film from writer/director Wes Anderson.

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MUST HAVES

Veronica Beard

Veronica Beard Dickie Blazer: Totally worth the splurge, I got compliments and recognition from ‘Wonder Woman’ stars when I wore it to a posh screening. Check out its clever secret.

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Movies

BLACK PANTHER Review: It’s a Girl Thing

February 15, 2018

BLACK PANTHER Review: I realize the film is significant for many reasons, but to me, one extraordinary aspect stands out above all others…

by Lisa Johnson Mandell

Black Panther ReviewMarvel Comics geeks are swooning over what they say is one of the most brilliant and soulful adaptations ever, and zillions are celebrating the fascinating  and diverse aspects of Black Panther.

And while there’s no denying these features are praiseworthy, long overdue and adroitly executed, what really blew me away was the women. Physically, mentally, spiritually, socially–it’s the females in this film who truly conquer, while the men spend a lot of time grappling with each other in the mud.

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UNSANE Review – “Crazy For Loving You”

February 14, 2018

UNSANE Review

Shot on an iPhone, is it standard-issue woman-in-peril suspenser, or more?

by Staci Layne Wilson @StaciWilson

Unsane reviewWho doesn’t love a good old-fashioned trapped-in-an-insane asylum flick? Olivia de Havilland launched the genre with The Snake Pit (1948) and Joan Crawford elevated it in the exploitation era with Strait-Jacket (1964). Our fascination with the loony lockdown continued with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1974), Girl, Interrupted (1999), and Shutter Island (2010) to name only a few.

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PETER RABBIT Review — 15:17 TO PARIS Review – I See London, I See France

February 10, 2018

PETER RABBIT Review  — 15:17 TO PARIS Review — A Clint Eastwood/James Corden Showdown

15:10 to Paris Review Peter Rabbit Review

PETER RABBIT Review

You can feel just fine about hippity hopping to the theater with your children to see this part live action, part animated take on a beloved Beatrix Potter bunny tale.

The animation is terrific, and the plot is adorable, and those of you who are concerned about the bunnies coming off as “mean,” fear not. They’re more impish than naughty.

James Corden is delightful voicing Peter, and Daisy Ridley, Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Debicki are sweet as Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotten Tail,

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12 STRONG Review – FOREVER MY GIRL Review — Surprising Reactions to Both

January 19, 2018

12 STRONG Review – FOREVER MY GIRL Review

by Lisa Johnson Mandell

12 Strong Review12 Strong Review – Unlikely heroes are a bright spot in a never ending war

War movies are not usually my favorite genre, and even though 12 Strong stars the captivating Chris Hemsworth and the magnetic Michael Shannon, I was not looking forward to seeing it.

So I was happily surprised to find this film to be intriguing, compelling, exciting and enlightening—all the things a good movie of any genre should be. 

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Go Inside the 23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards

January 16, 2018

23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards — Everyone knows we’re among the best predictors of the Oscars

23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards

While I didn’t personally pick all the winners, I certainly had a great time schmoozing with them at the 23rd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, Thursday, January 11, broadcast live on the CW from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

As you know, I’m a member of both the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) and Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA)–we’re the folks behind the Critics Choice Awards. Being on the Executive Committee, as well as overseeing part of the nominating process, I’m particularly invested.

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Three Must See Movies Before Awards Season Begins

December 30, 2017

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s take on three Must See Movies in theaters now:

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Phantom Thread; Molly’s Game

Spoiler-Free Movie Reviewmust see movies molly's game

Quick! Before the broadcasts of the Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 7, on and the Critics Choice Awards on Thursday, January 11, you need to hasten to your local cineplex and catch what I consider to be the must see movies of the season (assuming you’ve already seen Star Wars: The Last Jedi)

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DOWNSIZING Review — Sci-Fi Satire and Droll Dramedy

December 20, 2017

Downsizing reviewDOWNSIZING Review by Staci Layne Wilson

The idea of swapping one size for another one is nothing new – From Attack of the 50-Foot Woman to The Incredible Shrinking Man, we can’t get enough of this concept. There’s something especially intriguing about becoming miniaturized. The idea lends itself perfectly to comedy, horror, and of course science fiction. While director Alexander Payne’s Downsizing does certainly qualify as sci-fi, it’s more of a satire and droll dramedy.

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STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Review — Far Far Away the Year’s Best Film

December 12, 2017

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Review

by Lisa Johnson Mandell

THE LAST JEDI Review I’ve been waiting all year for a film that would make me want to stand up and cheer—a film that would renew my joy in cinema, as well as my faith in Hollywood. Wonder Woman was exciting and inspiring, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri blew me away with its outstanding performances and nuanced craftsmanship. But finally, along comes Star Wars: The Last Jedi and I am left in wonder, awe, and yes, even joy.

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Star Wars, Louboutin Kick It Up a Notch

December 10, 2017

Star Wars Louboutin Kick It Up a Notch

by Staci Layne Wilson

@Staci Wilson

Star Wars, Louboutin

“When I think of Star Wars, I think of haute couture high-heel shoes!” Said no one, ever.

But that may all change, now that high end shoe designer Christian Louboutin has gone to the galaxy far, far away. Well, at least—Disney. Following cool collaborations celebrating the releases of Cinderella (2012) and Maleficent (2014), Mr. Louboutin is pleased to once again team up with The Walt Disney Studios to commemorate the opening of the latest, highly anticipated entry in the beloved saga—Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

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THE POST Review — A Masterpiece From a Distance

December 10, 2017

THE POST Review

by Staci Layne Wilson

The Post ReviewSome movies grab you with a hook, then peter out. Others may start slow, but burn bright at the end. The Post is one of those very rare movies that has a great middle. It drags like a dull dissertation for the first half hour, then devolves into schmaltz at the climax. But oh, that midpoint! It’s really quite remarkable.

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