Review: The Runaways

For every "Velvet Goldmine," there's a "Rock Star" waiting in the wings. Writer-director Floria Sigismondi's "The Runaways" falls squarely in the missed-opportunity pile.

Sigismondi's grungy, stylish biopic charts the swift rise and even more rapid decline of teen rock sensations the Runaways, a ragtag band of no-nonsense girls that hung together for four years and, in the original lineup, released just two albums. Like so many influential acts from the '70s, the Runaways' length of existence does not reconcile with their level of influence. Their proto-pop/metal sound can still be heard in modern bands like the Donnas.

Review: Pattinson still brooding in 'Remember Me'

In "Remember Me," Robert Pattinson has temporarily stepped away from "Twilight," apparently in search of his "Five Easy Pieces" or "Rebel Without a Cause." When Pattinson's character -- a wayward, rebellious 21-year-old named Tyler Hawkins -- meets who will quickly become his love interest -- a fellow NYU student named Ally (Emilie de Ravin) -- he informs her that his major is "undecided."

`Alice' still reigns at box office with $34.5M

Alice remains the queen of the box office.

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" took in $34.5 million to remain the No. 1 movie for a third-straight weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

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Cannes-winning director goes for emotion in 'Lola'

Philippine director Brillante Mendoza says he hopes his new movie about two grandmothers will resonate with a broader audience than his dark Cannes-winning crime thriller "Kinatay."

Tang premieres new film after reported China ban

Chinese actress Tang Wei returned to the red carpet on Sunday, promoting her first movie since the 2007 Ang Lee spy thriller "Lust, Caution," a politically sensitive production that reportedly prompted officials to ban her in her home country.

The young and gifted

The musical tradition lives on. The Kings Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Young Artist's Concert Sunday, celebrating the musical talent of local youth.

Early each year auditions are held to select which young artist will be featured at that year's concert. This year 20-year-old violinist Haunnah McIntosh of Lindsay, was selected.

Bustin' out all the green: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day locally

It's almost that time again to raise our glasses and wear some green.

Vienna makes first woman concertmaster permanent

The Vienna Philharmonic has permanently appointed its first woman concertmaster.

Albena Danailova has been acting concertmaster since September 2008 _ the first woman ever in that position with the orchestra. The world famous ensemble announced Saturday that she was now permanently appointed to that position after passing probation.

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Lady Gaga fires back in NY court at music producer

Lady Gaga is firing back at a music producer who claims he launched her career and is suing her for $30.5 million.

Ian McEwan plans opera version of 'Atonement'

It was a book, then an award-winning film. Now Ian McEwan's "Atonement" is to become an opera.

Upscale Mexican fare comes to Hanford at Luna Restaurant

Any Mexican restaurant opening up in our area faces a tough challenge -- with an abundance of good, authentic Mexican restaurants around, how does your venue distinguish itself and define itself as being different from all the others?

Luna Restaurant, in north Hanford, has done it by going for a decidedly upscale feel, and, for the most part, it has worked.

Cupcake addicts feed their sweet tooth at 'camp’

SAN FRANCISCO -- There's no hiking, canoeing or singing by a fire. But there might be marshmallows. At CupcakeCamp, the focus is on sweet eats.

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