Stories by Kayla Upadhyaya
'Damages' finale goes back to roots, finishes strong
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
It’s a far from perfect farewell, with a few pacing problems (the episode is broken inexplicably into parts) and absolutely no urgency to any of the moments involving Rutger and McClaren. But the finale also features some of Byrne and Close’s best work ever, with both heartbreaking and explosive scenes for each of their characters.
Kayla Upadhyaya: Why fictional women still can't have it all
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
Many women on television are either really good at their careers or really good at raising a family — rarely both. Is the notion of women “having it all” so elusive and improbable that we can’t even make it possible in fictional realms?
'Mob Doctor' is an offer to refuse
- FOX
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
It’s actually pretty unclear what “The Mob Doctor” is about — if anything. One thing that is made clear by its pilot is that this show definitely deserves to sleep with the fishes.
Episode Review: Nothing new about 'Normal'
- NBC
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
If Murphy is supposedly championing LGBT narratives on television, why is the gay community of “Normal” boxed into such stringent stereotypes?
Trailer Review: Snyder's Superman fails to pack a punch
- Warner Bros
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
Director Zack Snyder has a dependably gratuitous and florid style, but the trailer for his upcoming “Man of Steel” is anything but.
LaBeouf's listlessness undermines lackluster 'Lawless'
- The Weinstein Company
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
Like a fine batch of corn whiskey, “Lawless” has all the right ingredients for greatness. But just as lack of attention to detail can turn white lightning into lead-ridden poison, “Lawless” overflows with oversights that ultimately neutralize everything it had going for it.
'Hope' offers meaningful insight into real-life romance
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
Amid an abundance of androids, secret agents, masked vigilantes, two thousand sequels and no less than four archers, “Hope Springs” is poised to be a sleeper-hit. It’s everything the rest of this summer’s box office wasn’t: simple.
Flawless 'Knight' rises to the occasion
- Warner Bros.
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
Yes, things go boom. Yes, Hans Zimmer’s score — more frenetic than ever — borders on manic, reaching deafening levels. But it’s at its quietest when “The Dark Knight Rises” truly astounds
A love letter for Nora Ephron
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
This is not an obituary. I wouldn’t even call it a eulogy. No, this, I believe, is the closest I’ve ever come to writing a love letter.
Bieber's attempt at maturity sends mixed signals in new album
BY KAYLA UPADHYAYA
It’s hard to believe we’ll get anything more from him, but Bieber’s real musical talent has the potential for greatness even the grownups can indulge in, and there’s still hope for that second coming of Timberlake somewhere down the line. Unfortunately, Believe only hints ever so subtly at growth and freshness.
