Lewy had the idea for a Brit living in the U.S., even as he was researching America's immigration bureaucracy. His discussions with immigration lawyers sparked the idea for the film.

In a season that's packed with big-budget headline-grabbers, it's hard for a quiet but compelling film such as California Solo to get a little attention. Make the effort to find it; you won't be sorry.

In 1977, inspired by the attitude and message of punk, a band with distant island sound formed and changed the musical landscape forever. That band was The Specials.

In an industry where recording artists are marketed to within an inch of their lives, it is a pleasant surprise when a real artist can excite music lovers largely on her engaging personality gifts as a singer.