TRON: Legacy

Just like the original 1982 release of the groundbreaking cult classic TRON that set the beginning of CGI, Disney's newly released futuristic action adventure TRON: Legacy stands out in cutting-edge, high tech special effects and set designs.

Perfectly blending the real and the unreal, the never before seen on the big screen digital landscape consists of unique live action, photorealistic CG as well as hand drawn animation. The Grid's stunning visuals and arresting dynamic action scenes are amplified by 3D and IMAX®.

In his debut as feature director, Joseph Kosinski uses geometric shapes and minimalist interiors. Innovative use of light leaves every surface illuminated, including the drinks and the self-illuminated body-molded suits by costume designer Michael Wilkinson. In addition, fans will recognize many of the original film's images and props incorporated in the scene showing Flynn's secret lab.

Following the 20 year mysterious disappearance of his leading tech visionary father, Kevin Flynn (Oscar® and Golden Globe® winner Jeff Bridges), the rebellious 27-year-old Sam Flynn (newcomer Garrett Hedlund) finds himself at the epicenter of a digital world ruled by a ruthless villain. With the help of the beautiful and fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde) he embarks in a life-and-death journey marked by gladiator-like lightcycle vehicular chases, disc battles, weapons, light discs and teleportation.

Bridges performs both parts of the hero and his younger fully digital character, the villain Clu, whose movements and facial expressions Bridges controls by a helmet mounted camera.

Additional good cast includes Bruce Boxleitner as Kevin Flynn's longtime friend and associate, Alan Bradley, James Frain as Clu's main henchman proficient in intelligence gathering, Jarvis, Beau Garrett as the Siren Gem, and Michael Sheen in the role of the dandified club owner, Castor.

The award winning French musical duo Daft Punk's phenomenal score blurs the limit of music and sound design with a unique combination of orchestra, electronic and granular sounds intricately tied to the visuals.

Engaging action and arresting visuals immerse the viewers in this original and fascinating cyber world. 

India's Fabled City: The Art of Courtly Lucknow

Celebrating the sophistication and splendor of mid-18^th and mid-19^th century Lucknow, is the core of this first major international exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Following ten years of planning, curators Stephen Markel and Tushara Bindu Gude provide a historical framework for this region's rich and unique artistry, and display Lucknow's artistic transformation, from the traditional 16^th century paintings depicting the royal court and battle scenes, to the more cosmopolitan landscapes and daily life. As a multicultural nexus point, Lucknow flourished leaving behind vibrant aesthetic achievements and a vital artistic legacy.

The exhibit has something for everyone. Following a chronological and thematic display, this extraordinary exhibit is presented in twelve sections and ten galleries of approximately 200 British and Indian artworks. Included are portraits of Awadh rulers and their patronage of European artists, paintings and 19^th century Indian photographs capturing the beautiful city architecture and landscape, prints, textiles, sumptuous decorative arts, royal garments, weaponry, jewelry and Indian films.

Following its run at LACMA, the exhibition will travel to Musée National des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet, Paris, and will be on view from April 6, 2011 through July 11, 2011.

The exhibition is organized by LACMA curator of South and Southeast Asian art and department head Stephen Markel and associate curator Tushara Bindu Gude.

The exhibit runs from December 12, 2010 through February 27, 2011 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) located at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. For more information call (323) 857-6000 or visit www.lacma.org

Black Swan

Similar to The Wrestler, director Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan shares the ruthless competitive drive, as well as the obsessive pressures some undergo to reach their goal.

Aronofsky sets his first psychological thriller in the world of New York Ballet where prima ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman) is pushed to the limit by her demanding artistic director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) as she competes against her rival Lily (Mila Kunis).

In what may be considered her best performance to date, Portman delivers a riveting portrayal of Nina. Inhabiting a complex multifaceted personality and fragile mental state, Nina gradually loses herself in her frightening quest for perfection.

Visceral light and dark scenes filled with refractive mirrors create parallels between Nina and her Swan Lake character. Matthew Libatique's hand held camera work captures the dancers' energy, sweat and pain, effectively submerging the audience into a rarely seen backstage reality of dance. Clint Mansell's score weaved with Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake heightens the unsettling mood and edge of the seat suspense.