Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, BlacKkKlansman) directs Evan Hunter’s crime thriller screenplay about music mogul David King (Denzel Washington), who’s the target of a kidnapping ransom plot. It’s a loose remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese film High and Low that was based on American writer Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. […]
Music, Arts & Culture
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Friendship is a cringe-filled black comedy about a bromance gone wrong
FriendshipWhat’s it rated? RWhen? 2024Where’s it showing? HBO Max Written and directed by Andrew DeYoung in his feature length debut, Friendship tells the cringey story of Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson), an advertising exec whose cancer-surviving wife, Tami (Kate Mara), recently took up with an ex-boyfriend, Devon (Josh Segarra), due to Craig’s emotional unavailability. Craig’s floundering […]
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Unknown Number: The High School Catfish explores the relentless online harassment of teenager Lauryn Licari
Unknown Number: The High School CatfishWhat’s it rated? TV-MAWhen? 2025Where’s it showing? Netflix Lauryn and Owen were just your typical high school couple—planning for prom, texting incessantly, and hanging with their besties. Things took a turn when both teens started receiving cruel online messages and texts from an unknown cyberbully. The messages often took aim […]
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A Nipomo author supported local businesses with the production of her debut novel
Fellow authors have described Maggie Yore as a unicorn—she has a knack for numbers and words. Though she always loved to write, it wasn’t until she became a business owner a few years ago that she got the numbers part down. Turning pagesBuy Maggie Yore’s debut novel on Amazon, her website, or at local bookstores […]
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A bluegrass and rock concert benefits Santa Barbara County children in emergency foster care
Join the Bullfrogg Blues Band at the Party with a Purpose concert benefiting Santa Barbara County children entering emergency foster care. The Blast Stockyard in Orcutt is hosting the event from 4 to 8 p.m. with food from Blast 825 Brewery. Guests can expect “a soul-shaking, feel-good evening of live music, local eats, and big-hearted […]
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Santa Maria screens family-friendly movies in the park
Free movies are playing on two upcoming Fridays outdoors in Santa Maria, organized by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The city is showing Moana 2 on Sept. 19 and Cars on Sept. 26. Both films will be screened at Rotary Centennial Park, located at 2625 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. Viewers should […]
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Freaky Tales is an entertaining anthology action comedy set in 1987 Oakland
Freaky Tales What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? HBO Max Co-written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel), Freaky Tales tells four interconnected stories all set in real locations and connected to historical events in 1987 Oakland. “Strength in Numbers: The Gilman Strikes Back” depicts young punk rock fans […]
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Katrina: Come Hell and High Water chronicles the multiple failures of the hurricane response
Consisting of three episodes—“We Gonna Ride It Out Like We Always Do” directed by Geeta Gandbhir; “Shelter of Last Resort” directed by Samantha Knowles; and “God Takes Care of Fools and Babies” directed by Spike Lee—this new documentary miniseries explores the New Orleans tragedy on its 20-year anniversary. (three approximately one-hour episodes) Katrina: Come Hell […]
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Hancock College graduates’ art exhibit is on display at the Foxworthy Gallery
Art created by two Allan Hancock College alumni is featured at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery on campus until Oct. 2. The exhibit, called Made in Santa Maria, highlights the professional accomplishments of Ruben Espinoza and Aaron Cribbs, who both started their careers at Hancock’s art program. Espinoza and Cribbs will be talking about the exhibit […]
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Lompoc committee is accepting art submissions for exhibits at libraries
Central Coast artists can submit samples of their work for a chance to be displayed in two galleries at Lompoc libraries. The Lompoc Public Library Art Advisory Committee will evaluate the submissions during its meeting on Sept. 18. The committee is looking for representative bodies of work, consisting of at least six original pieces that […]
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A local author with global reach releases a new young-adult mystery
There have been numerous times that Pismo Beach author Wendelin Van Draanen thought she’d written her last novel, but she keeps thinking of plot ideas—more than 30 to date. Her latest novel, The Steps, was released on Sept. 2. Plus, Van Draanen has another book coming out in the fall of 2026, and she’s working […]
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Hostage follows twin crises happening to the British Prime Minister and the French President
HostageWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) is a powerful woman, one who won’t let the world see her feathers ruffled, even when faced with the harsh reality of a kidnapped husband. She’s also got French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) to deal with, and Vivienne […]