Steven Spielberg's longtime cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski, already has won two Academy Awards for their collaborations on "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan," which are considered the director's masterpieces. Kaminski is nominated again this year for his work on Spielberg's "Lincoln," which features a signature look that they've captured together: a mystical sort of lighting, often streaking in from the outside and casting dramatic shafts.

When scandalous tales of fraud involving superstar athletes Lance Armstrong and Manti Te'o were exposed in the last week, connections to films were immediate and obvious. The story of Notre Dame Football hero Te'o falling for a fake dead girlfriend on the Internet called to mind the documentary "Catfish." And disgraced cyclist Armstrong, who has finally admitted to doping in winning the Tour de France a record seven times, is already the subject of a biopic that's in the works.

‘Hitchcock’

“Hitchcock” is the second movie about the master of suspense to come out in just the last month or so. The first one was the HBO original movie, “The Girl,” which dealt with Hitchcock’s infatuation with Tippi Hedren. It was a passable film for the commendable performances and a few genuinely disturbing scenes. What “The Girl” failed to do was paint a multilayered portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock. Granted, Hitchcock was an obsessive man that had wild fantasies about his leading ladies. But there was so much more to the guy than his unsettling perverted side. Sacha Gervasi’s “Hitchcock” is the superior film in every department, delivering a fully fleshed out depiction of Alfred Hitchcock while also providing sly moments of Hitchcockian humor and intrigue.

It seems you just can't watch TV without confronting politics. And that's not just the glut of campaign coverage, now reaching its feverish climax.

James Patterson titled his 12th Alex Cross crime novel simply "Cross." The filmmakers who adapted it expanded the title to "Alex Cross."

Actor James Purefoy promises “blood will flow” in his new film, “Solomon Kane”, which hits Valley theaters this weekend. While it may be fresh fare for stateside audiences, “Kane” was actually released throughout Europe in 2009 but only became available on-demand in the United States this past August.

Pulp author Robert E. Howard is widely regarded as the godfather of the sword & sorcery saga and everyone knows his most famous character, Conan the Barbarian, who has thrilled genre fans since his creation in 1932. But in 1928, four years before Howard envisioned the surly Cimmerian, he created another swashbuckling character who uses a rapier instead of a broadsword and who, unlike Conan, would never indulge in the “pleasures of women.” His name is Solomon Kane.

Calling all birders: Desert Rivers Audubon is seeking volunteers to weed and water the Hummingbird Habitat at Chandler’s Desert Breeze Park during the group’s Second Saturdays events, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., September through May, and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., June through August. It’s a great way to learn more about native bird life. And who doesn’t love those little hummingbirds?

Performing Arts 2012-13 theater season preview

More than 300 Valley Youth Theatre supporters helped raise nearly $120,000 to fund education and outreach programs and six mainstage productions at The Most VYTal Event of the Season, the company’s 14th annual fundraiser.

Kelley Moore isn't used to losing football games. Sub-.500 seasons didn't happen under his watch at Glendale Independence.

If living well is truly the best revenge, Susan Lucci is getting hers in spades.

Much of the best comedy derives from personal pain, and comic turned filmmaker Mike Birbiglia deftly transposes his stand-up routine to the big screen in "Sleepwalk With Me."

There is the well-honed Marilyn Monroe screen persona — the breathy, girlish voice, the glamorous curves and the flirty sex appeal — and then there are the films that allowed her to stretch, or at least allowed her to try. A devout Method actress, Monroe took her craft seriously, dug deep in search of motivation and worked harder than her effortless screen presence would suggest. For a while, that is, until her demons took over.

Superman may be the most iconic of superheroes, providing people with a symbol of hope and setting an example for all mankind. But if you asked anyone who is the more interesting superhero, Batman or Superman, they would likely reply, “Batman,” in a heartbeat. But what is it that makes Batman so much more compelling than not just Superman, but Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman and various other superheroes? Is it because of his tragic past, dark persona, lack of superpowers, or endlessly impressive rouge gallery? That all certainly contributes to Batman’s appeal. On the whole though, Batman is all about great character development and storytelling. This is what has made Batman such an eternal character, from his first appearance in the comics to Christopher Nolan’s latest “Dark Knight” trilogy.

Superman may be the most iconic of superheroes, providing people with a symbol of hope and setting an example for all mankind. But if you asked anyone who is the more interesting superhero, Batman or Superman, they would likely reply, “Batman,” in a heartbeat.

Superman may be the most iconic of superheroes, providing people with a symbol of hope and setting an example for all mankind. But if you asked anyone who is the more interesting superhero, Batman or Superman, they would likely reply, “Batman,” in a heartbeat.

The last time Valley Youth Theatre presented “The Wiz” — a hip hop take on L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s story — Emma Stone, Jordin Sparks, Max Crumm and Chelsea Kane were just local kids performing in a fun musical. That was 2002.

Thirty years ago, it seemed ambitious just to see Superman or Batman in a feature-length, live-action film. Back then, people never could have anticipated that we would one day see six of the most iconic superheroes come together in a single movie. Over the course of five movies and several years, Marvel has been building up to “The Avengers,” their main event. If the film did not live up to expectations, there would be an outcry of hatred from fanboys across the nation. Imagine the tragic aftermath of “Star Wars: Episode One” times a thousand. Fortunately, “The Avengers” not only exceeds the overwhelming hype, but also emerges as one of the absolute best superhero pictures ever produced.

Thirty years ago, it seemed ambitious just to see Superman or Batman in a feature-length, live-action film. Back then, people never could have anticipated that we would one day see six of the most iconic superheroes come together in a single movie. Over the course of five movies and several years, Marvel has been building up to “The Avengers,” their main event. If the film did not live up to expectations, there would be an outcry of hatred from fanboys across the nation. Imagine the tragic aftermath of “Star Wars: Episode One” times a thousand. Fortunately, “The Avengers” not only exceeds the overwhelming hype, but also emerges as one of the absolute best superhero pictures ever produced.