Joyful Noise, a new movie musical starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, boasts a dynamite soundtrack and an extremely appealing cast.

By the time Channing headed out onto the runway that circled the orchestra pit for her curtain call and waved to the people in the balcony, I was ready to jump over the rail right into her arms. I was hardly alone.

There is a point where a passion for one's work crosses over into workaholism. Much like someone with a substance abuse problem, the drive to get another "creative high" can keep an artist chasing after professional rewards while neglecting his personal relationships.

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, why not pause for a moment to think of those films whose approach to romance never fails to please.

Two hugely inspirational documentaries recently screened at the San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival (Third i) examine artists who have found themselves (quite unexpectedly) on a mission that may well keep them occupied for the rest of their lives.

Joy Carlin has directed the Bay area premiere of Body Awareness with a keen sensitivity to the kinds of remarks that can quickly escalate a misunderstanding to the point where two people might seem close to ending a relationship.

Once you've experienced Chico & Rita (a sumptuous, exotic animation feature), you'll have no doubt why it was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 84th Academy Awards.

Anyone who visits garage sales, flea markets, or shops on eBay knows that there is hidden treasure to be found in recycling items that have gone out of fashion.