Extra

STAR WARS

• By CAROLINE LENHER

DEFENDING AMERICA AND THE GALAXY: STAR WARS AND SDI. Many may not know or remember the connection between the Star Wars film Franchise and the U.S. Defense Department…

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), aimed at developing a space-based missile defense system to counter nuclear threats. The media dubbed it “Star Wars” because it seemed as impossible as what was happening on screen in a galaxy far, far away. SDI spurred technological innovation and contributed to ending the Cold War. Its legacy includes advancements in satellite surveillance and communication technology that still benefit the U.S. and our allies today.

Honoring both legacies, the Reagan Library hosts Defending America and the Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI. The fun and informative exhibition showcases original SDI equipment, like the Command Launch Equipment Console, alongside props, costumes, and concept art from the movie franchise. The exhibit includes landspeeder from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, replicas of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, and an original script signed by Dave Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader. Additional film memorabilia on display include Princess Leia’s dress, George Lucas’s spaceship sketches, and helmets worn by Darth Vader and Stormtroopers.

While Star Wars was a transformative movie across all generations, SDI transformed our national security. Explore the intersection of real-world technology and cinematic imagination at the Reagan Library this spring. Visit ReaganFoundation.org for tickets and more information.

For tickets, click here.

Force of Nature: The Dry 2

• By Debbie Emery

Force of Nature: The Dry 2 is the sequel to a 2020 movie that you may have missed during the COVID pandemic titled The Dry, which was based on the novel Force of Nature by Jane Harper. The Australian mystery thriller stars and was produced by Aussie actor Eric Bana, who’s better known to American audiences as The Hulk. 

The film is set in the state of Victoria in southeastern Australia and a year after the original (which you may not have seen!) and follows federal police detective Aaron Falk (Bana) as he tries to extract information from a source, Alice, about a money-laundering scheme. The case takes a sinister turn when Alice goes hiking with colleagues and then mysteriously vanishes. Flashback scenes soon reveal that Falk’s mother disappeared in the same region while out hiking with him and his dad. Although she was found, she was seriously injured and later died. The storyline then follows Falk and his partner, Carmen Cooper, as they attempt to both locate Alice and investigate her boss, Daniel Bailey. 

Force of Nature: The Dry 2 is directed by Robert Connolly and co-stars Anna Torv, Deborra-Lee Furness (Hugh Jackman’s estranged wife), Robin McLeavy and Jacqueline McKenzie. It opened in Australia in February but hits US theaters on May 10, 2024.

To view trailer, click here.

Venice Art Walk + Auction

• By Arlene Winnick

For 45 years, the Venice Family Clinic has celebrated the artists and collectors whose talent and generosity have supported the vital work of the clinic bringing health care to the community. This month the Art Walk & Auction returns to Venice.  The exhibition is free and showcases the works of over 150 LA-based artists from established and mid-career to emerging artists.

Fred Eversley, legendary sculptor and pioneer of the Light and Space art movement, who was based in Venice for over fifty years, will be the event’s Signature Artist.  He is known for synthesizing elements from various artistic historical movements associated with Southern California using the timeless principals of light, space, time and gravity.  His Cylindrical Lenses sculpture is featured on this year’s signature artist poster.  “I have utilized the Clinic’s services for many years…My work has always centered around the notion that we are all connected to the same source of energy – the sun- and that caring for others is a vital contributing link…which can help unite our shared values in an unbalanced world,” said Eversley.

Guests interested in purchasing art can take part in the auction by placing bids at the exhibition (May 10—19/910 Abbot Kinney in Venice) or view it and bid online. Proceeds from art sales help fund the Clinic’s innovative approach to providing health care service to more 45,000 people in the region. 

For more details, click here.

UNDER THE BRIDGE

• By SAMANTHA COLWELL

Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road, American Honey, Sasquatch Sunset) and Lily Gladstone (Reservation Dogs, Billions, Tuca and Bertie) are both media darlings in their own right. Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley, recently rose to stardom as the titular role in Daisy Jones and the Six, while Gladstone garnered Oscar buzz and a Best Actress nomination for her role as Mollie Burkhart in Killers of the Flower Moon. So when the two powerhouse actresses got together to star in true-crime limited series Under the Bridge, there was no question that it was going to make headlines.

Under the Bridge is a riveting true crime miniseries based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey. The story deals with the real-life murder of Reena Virk and how several of her classmates were suspected of having a hand in her death, a suspicion that would lead to their ultimate conviction in her murder. The series was announced only a week before Godfrey, the author of the source material, passed away. Riley Keough stars as the now-deceased Godfrey, who in this fictionalized version assists the authorities, led by officer Cam Bentland (Gladstone). 

The series is now available to stream on Hulu; there are still four episodes left, dropping every Wednesday until the finale on May 29, 2024.

To view, click here.