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“Studio 666”; rated R for buckets of blood, bagfuls of profanity and some L major chords

Out now in theaters
Jenna Ortega, Dave Grohl, Will Forte and Leslie Grossman
Directed by BJ McDonnell

The accusation for more than a half-century is that rock’n’roll is the devil’s music and that such satanic influences will inevitably infect those hapless youths who cheerily gobble up all those records. But what if, “Studio 666” posits, evil forces really were channeling their malicious doings through the minds of famous musicians? That’s the admittedly half-baked setup for this new horror ... more >

NEBRASKA

Today's his lucky day
Bruce Dern and Will Forte
Directed by Alexander Payne

In “Nebraska” Omaha-born director Alexander Payne is right back where he belongs. His last film, “The Descendants,” (REVIEW) aimed to capture the secret turmoil of seemingly-zen Hawaiians—misery in paradise—but it registered more like picture-perfect George Clooney sulking through a picture-perfect vacation. Even at its most poignant, the tropical setting made the pathos feel forced. Here, the ... more >

NEBRASKA-ON-CANNES

Road tripping in the heartland
Bruce Dern, Will Forte and Stacy Keach
Directed by Alexander Payne

Alexander Payne's new film "Nebraska," a melancholy road movie shot in black and white with some hilarious moments, is a worthy contender for a Grand Prix or a Jury prize. And yet, to say that I was less than enthusiastic going to the 8:30 screening of this film is an understatement: I wasn't a fan of "The Descendants" and a black and white movie, well, it's a risky proposition for any ... more >