Kelly Jane Torrance

THEATER: Sprawling ‘Ragtime’

Set at the dawn of the 20th century, "Ragtime," the 1998 musical based on the 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, tries to capture an entire nation and its brewing social problems - of race, labor and sex. It might have done the job better had it really immersed itself in that time. Published April 28, 2009

D.C. rules make filmmaking a tough sell

The film industry spent $62 million in the District in 2007. That number might have been a lot bigger, though, had the nation's capital not had the reputation of being America's most difficult city in which to film. Published April 24, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Soloist’

"The Soloist" is like a Bach cello suite performed by a technically competent but passionless player — it doesn't assault your senses, but it doesn't excite them, either. Published April 24, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Mysteries of Pittsburgh’

Michael Chabon gets a "very special thank you" in the credits of "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh." He should have received a big apology instead. Published April 17, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘State of Play’

If District denizens can tear their eyes from the background as they try to identify every local exterior, they might notice "State of Play" is a taut and tense, albeit pretty formulaic, political thriller. Published April 17, 2009

Director Macdonald finds District’s ‘real texture’

"With most movies set in Washington, they only go there for three or four days, to get a few shots of the Mall," remarks director Kevin Macdonald. "We shot there for five weeks." Published April 17, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Observe and Report’

Move over, Judd Apatow. There's a new master of R-rated comedy in town, one who doesn't feel the need to pander to a mass audience by leavening the raunch with parables of love and friendship and heartwarming endings. Published April 10, 2009

Snoozing at the symphony

Women have gotten men to open up the job market, share the housework and jointly raise the children — but we haven't managed to stop them from nodding off at the ballet or opera. Published April 10, 2009

TORRANCE: Sage advice

I'm having a messy breakup with my girlfriend. Honestly, I don't know why I stayed with her so long. Published April 8, 2009

BEYOND: Filmmaker’s ‘accidental’ triumph

You might have a lot of questions for Cary Fukunaga after watching his film "Sin Nombre." Published April 3, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Adventureland’

"Adventureland" is set in the halcyon days of 1987. Take away the teased bangs, the animal-print pants and the now-extinct cars, though, and this charming coming-of-age comedy could be taking place at any time. Published April 3, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Sin Nombre’

As illegal immigration increasingly captures front-page headlines, Hollywood has taken notice. Published April 3, 2009

PBS loses $300 million in recession

One industry that's been particularly hit by the bad economy didn't get a dime of the $800 billion stimulus — public television. It certainly could have used the help. Published March 27, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Absurdistan’

”Absurdistan” might take its title from a self-inflicted nickname for countries behind the collapsing Iron Curtain, but its antecedents are much older than that. This bawdy fairy tale could be described as what happens when Aristophanes meets Aesop, by way of Chaucer. Published March 27, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Sunshine Cleaning’

"Sunshine Cleaning" feels like a poor facsimile of "Little Miss Sunshine" — a film full of quirky people whose foibles seem to have been created simply because first-time screenwriter Megan Holley and director Christine Jeffs wanted to make a similarly successful quirky comedy. Published March 20, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Edge of Love’

You might have heard "The Edge of Love" described as the Dylan Thomas biopic. It's not. Published March 20, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Crossing Over’

"Crash," Paul Haggis' 2004 Oscar-winning film about race relations in Los Angeles, was so good it was bound to inspire imitators. The formula doesn't work for "Crossing Over." Published March 13, 2009

BEYOND: Actress’ high-profile roles don’t translate to stardom

All actresses, you might argue, love attention. You have to wonder whether Summer Bishil loves it more than most, though. Published March 13, 2009

Media Room: DVD & Blu-ray reviews

Reviews of "Rachel Getting Married," "I've Loved You So Long," "Happy-Go-Lucky," "Milk" Published March 6, 2009

Kennedy Center plans full arts bill

The Kennedy Center's 2009-10 season, announced Tuesday, is full of celebrations, commissions and celebrities. It is a full slate of arts programming without a single cut, which Michael M. Kaiser, the center's president, calls "miraculous in this economic environment." Published March 4, 2009