To Live and Write in LA

SXSW hosted the premier of the restored classic, The Breakfast Club, written and directed by John Hughes. But the event wasn't so much a premier as it was a celebration of a movie that has touched a generation or two. With its upcoming special theatrical showings and release to Blu-ray and video, it is sure to touch a few more. When the doors opened, we were given Breakfast Club t-shirts and treated to a breakfast of donuts, coffee and mimosas. Thank you, Universal Studios.

It's a rare moment when two artistic talents you have admired for decades intersect in your presence. Robert Rodriguez has been one of my favorite directors since I saw 'From Dusk Till Dawn'. Frank Frazetta has been my favorite artist since his paintings began appearing on the covers of Tarzan and Conan books in the 1960s. At SXSW, I participated in a tour of the Robert Rodriguez Museum, conducted by Rodriguez. He explained how, like many others, he found the paintings of Frank Frazetta amazing and inspirational for his own art. He recalled how when he first met Frazetta, and saw his original paintings up close, he was amazed at the depth and detail that never appeared in any of the prints or book covers.

Flexing the mental muscles of this year's SXSW attendees are debates about robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both Interactive sessions and films shed light on this topic.

Attending SXSW (pronounced South by Southwest), the annual Austin, Texas, technology, film and music festival should be on everyone’s bucket list.

How much is the life of a billionaire worth? That and other questions about life, relationships and greed are explored in 'Kidnapping Mr. Heineken', staring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess and Sam Worthington. This is a kidnapping and bank robbery story, but this film is not the typical “heist flick” in the 'Oceans 11-The Italian Job' genre. It goes much deeper.

Billed as a horror/comedy Crazy Bitches was something of a disappointment.

'My Way' and 'Kumiko': Two new films that explore the beauty and consequences of following your dreams.

Filmmaker lessons learned participating in Los Angeles 48-Hour Film Project.

It was a long time ago when Margaret and I first started our intergalactic journey, but it seems like yesterday. The force was with us.

"Ask Me Anything" qualifies as “serious,” funny, and touching cinema, so when it opens on December 19, you should watch it. Then, blog about it.