FilmWeek

One of the most prolific and exceptional filmmakers who ever lived, Akira Kurosawa has an anniversary for his best works. His 1954 film “Seven Samurai” has now hit its 70th anniversary, released on April 26. It’s a film that was voted the 20th best film of all time by prominent members of the film industry who took part in BFI’s Top 225 list back in 2022. ‘Seven Samurai’ followed hits in Kurosawa’s filmography like “Rashomon” and “Yojimbo’... but what’s led to that common sentiment?

For this week’s FilmWeek Feature, we talk to LAist film critics Peter Rainer, Tim Cogshell, and Andy Klein about why Seven Samurai is essential viewing for cinephiles and all moviegoers.

Go back to the movies with us!

We're still profiling LA's repertory theaters in Revival House cause there are SO MANY to check out! In this episode, we explore a cool space with some deep, messy history.

Fashion label Brain Dead has taken over a site that some would consider....a little cursed. Originally opened in the 1940s as The Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax, the venue was home to premieres and parties. Until a theft and murder shut the theater down.

In the 2000s, it was taken over by Cinefamily, which programmed in that space until allegations of abuse came to light in 2017.

But today, Brain Dead Studios is keeping the lights on for nerds, artists, and skate punks in Los Angeles -- aiming to create an eclectic community space to inspire creatives and show good movies. Take a listen as we explain the history and present of this theater.

Guests: Professor and historian Ross Melnick, Brain Dead founder Kyle Ng  

David and Nathan Zellners’ latest feature, ‘Sasquatch Sunset,’ is an unconventional story about a family of sasquatches living their lives in the woods of California’s Humboldt County. The film’s presentation has qualities not much different than popular live nature cams you’ll find today, making for a narrative that’s less to do with structure and more focused on a “day in the life” of a fictional creature.

Today on FilmWeek, we hear about the process of filming “Sasquatch Sunset” with David and Nathan Zellner.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire, Wade Major, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”Wide Release 

“Abigail” Wide Release 

“Spy x Family Code: White” Wide Release 

“We Grown Now” Cinemark Baldwin Hills [Crenshaw] & XD, AMC Century City 15 [Century City]

“Tiger” Streaming on Disney + 

“Kung Fu Panda 4”Wide Release & VOD

“Dusk for a Hitman” VOD

“The People’s Joker” Vidiots April 19 & 20 | The Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]  19-25 | The Frida Cinema [Santa Ana] April 19-25

“City Hunter” Streaming on Netflix April 25th 

“Hard Miles” Wide Release

We're back with another episode of Revival House, but this time we're not heading to a 100 year old theater...

The David Geffen and Ted Mann theaters at the Academy Museum of Motion Arts and Pictures are a new addition to L.A's revival programming. In this episode, we explore what the theaters, which only opened in 2021, have to offer our city's moviegoing landscape. And hopefully, we demystify what seeing a movie here is actually like! (Did you know that tickets are only $10? And no, they don't just show Oscar winners.)

In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro sits in the red velvet seats of the David Geffen theater with Academy Museum Director of Programming, K.J. Relth-Miller, to talk community access, screening trends, and the power of movie theaters.

If you're curious about the Academy Museum, you can check out our other LAist Studios series, The Academy Museum Podcast here.

Guests: Academy Museum Director of Programming K.J. Relth-Miller 

‘Civil War’ sees director Alex Garland’s imagined universe of what a second civil war would look like in the United States. Audiences are guided through the film by its main protagonists, a quartet of journalists played by Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson. Shows the lengths to which these journalists are willing to go, to not only document history but also try and live past it. Today on FilmWeek, we welcome ‘Civil War’ stars Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny, to discuss their time working with Garland and developing their characters.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Civil War” Wide Release

“The Old Oak” Leammle Royal April 12th [West LA]

“Coup de Chance” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & VOD

“Sasquatch Sunset” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] April 12th | Expands April 19th 

“Arcadian” Wide Release 

“Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus” The Egyptian Theater [Hollywood] April 14 | Laemmle Claremont [Claremont],  Laemmle Glendale [Glendale], and Laemmle Monica [Santa Monica]  April 15 and 16 | The Frida [Santa Ana] April 17 and 18

“Chicken For Linda”  Laemmle Royal [West-LA] April 12 + Select Theaters April 15

“Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead”Wide Release 

“Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill”Wide Release 

Revival House is breaking format for this episode, and we’re saying goodbye to a historic first-run movie theater.

The Highland Theatre in Highland Park was one of the only movie theaters in Northeast LA. A designated historic cultural monument, the exterior will remain intact, but its future is uncertain. 

In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro chats with host Brian De Los Santos about community memories, the history of the theater, and what might be next…

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Eastsider LA

Los Angeles Theatres

Guests: Highland Park Independent Film Festival co-founder and executive director, Marita De La Torre; historian and film professor Ross Melnick, and local employee Denise Hernandez

A new documentary, directed by Emmy-award-winning directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, looks into the decision-making of 500 civically engaged teen girls in Missouri who go through the process of electing their peers to different branches of government. This follows the 2020 documentary “Boys State,” which won them their Primetime Emmy, following teen boys in Texas building their democratically-elected government. For this week’s FilmWeek feature, we talk to Amanda McBaineand Jesse Moss about their second look into teen-led governments and the takeaways they got from their subjects in ‘Girls State.’

“Girls State” releases on Apple TV+ on Friday, April 5.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The First Omen” Wide Release
“Monkey Man” Wide Release
“The Beast” AMC Burbank 16 [Burbank] + Landmark Sunset [Hollywood]
“The Greatest Hits” AMC Burbank Town Center 8 April 5th | Streaming on HULU April 12th
“Girls State” Streaming on Apple TV+
“Farewell, Mister Haffmann” Laemmle Royal [West LA] + Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino]
“Housekeeping for Beginners” AMC Century City + The Grove [Mid City]
“Scoop” Streaming on Netflix
“Le Samourai (4K Re-Release)” Laemmle Royal + Laemmle Glendale [Glendale]
“Música” Streaming on Amazon Prime
“Kim’s Video” Alamo Drafthouse DTLA [DTLA] + Vidiots [Eagle Rock]

As we continue our series "Revival House," How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to the South Bay of LA. We're checking out the Gardena Cinema, which pivoted to revival screenings relatively recently. 

The theater has been owned by the Kim family since 1976, and is now a non-profit run by Judy Kim and a team of 40 volunteers. Kim has saved the cinema from closures a handful of times now, and has also built up an incredible community of folks dedicated to keeping the cinema running. 

Join us as we explore this theater's past and future. 

Guests: Theater owner Judy Kim and volunteers Adela Tobon, Bill DeFrance, Cifen, and Conor Holt.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholsonand Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” Wide Release
“Wicked Little Letters” AMC The Grove 14 + AMC Century City 15|Expands April 4th [Next Thursday]
“Californie” Available to stream on Film Movement Plus
“Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in Two Pieces” Streaming on Apple TV+ 
“The Beautiful Game” Streaming on Netflix
“DogMan” In Select Theaters
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” Streaming on HULU
“Asphalt City” In Select Theaters
“In The Land of Saints and Sinners” In Select Theaters
“Lousy Carter” Alamo Drafthouse DTLA [DTLA]  + Available on VOD Platforms
“The Lie: The Murder of Grace Millane“ Available on VOD Platforms
“The Listener” Available on VOD platforms
“Femme” AMC The Grove [Beverly Hills]

From the film noir classics “Double Indemnity” and “The Lost Weekend,” to the comedies of “Sunset Boulevard” and “Some Like It Hot,” Billy Wilder’s nearly five-decade film career dove into the milieu of then-contemporary American life through character-driven stories which garnered the filmmaker seven Academy Awards and 22 nominations. His work often pushed beyond the boundaries of mainstream culture, particularly during Hollywood’s Hays Code era — a period of self-censorship within the film industry —, and helped to usher in new ways for filmmakers to approach controversial subject matters. Today Larry chats with author Joseph McBride about his new book “Billy Wilder: Dancing on the Edge.''

Neon! Mullets! Video stores! Relive the 80s with us...

As we continue our series "Revival House," How to LAproducer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to Eagle Rock to check out Vidiots. The iconic video store opened in Santa Monica in the 80s, and closed its doors in 2017. But, Vidiots reopened last year in the historic Eagle theater. And yes, all of its 60,000 DVDs made the move too.

Vidiots has made renting a movie cool again – and you can check out any DVD in their massive catalog for just $3.

And, the renovated theater will be hosting screenings as part of the new Los Angeles Festival of Movies this coming April. 

Check out the past and present of Vidiots and the Eagle theater with us.

Guests: Executive director Maggie Mckay, founding member and filmmaker Noah Segan, programmer Saila Reyes, and film professor and theater historian Ross Melnick.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainerand Christy Lemire review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” In Select Theaters

“Immaculate” In Select Theaters

“Road House”Streaming on Amazon Prime

“Limbo” Laemmle Monica Film [Santa Monica]

“Shirley” Streaming on Neflix

“Remembering Gene Wilder” Laemmle Royal [West LA] + Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino]

“Do Not Expect Too Much From The End Of The World”  Laemmle Royal [West LA]

“Late Night with the Devil” In Select Theaters

“Free Time” The Landmark Westwood [Westwood]

PROBLEMISTA is a new A24 comedy about an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life. As time runs out on his work visa, Alejandro attempts to get his erratic art-world outcast boss, played by Tilda Swinton, to be that cosigner. She becomes his only hope to stay in the country. The film premiered at SXSW in 2023 where it was nominated for the Audience Award. It stars Julio Torres, Tilda Swinton, RZA, and Isabella Rosselini narrates the film. 

As we continue our series "Revival House," How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to The New Beverly Cinema over in Fairfax, where movies are always on film.

The theater, owned by Quentin Tarantino, has a long history as complex as LA's. Join us as we explore the building's history and discover what makes it a special place to catch a double feature today. 

Guests: Theater and operations manager Jules McLean, projectionist Danielle Wakin, and film professor and theater historian Ross Melnick. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major, Charles Solomon, and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Knox Goes Away” In Select Theaters 

“American Dreamer” Laemmle’s Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] + Town Center 5 [Encino]|Available on VOD Platforms

“Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training” In Select Theaters

“Irish Wish” Streaming on Netflix

“The Animal Kingdom” The Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]|Available on VOD Platforms

“Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Re-Release)” In Select Theaters For Two Days Only On March 17th & March 20th

“French Girl” Regal Long Beach [Long Beach] | Available on VOD Platforms March 19th

“The Prank” In Select Theaters

“Snack Shack” In Select Theaters

“Exhuma” In Select Theaters

“Hundreds of Beavers” Laemmle Royal [West LA] + Laemmle Glendale [Glendale]

Chrisptopher Nolan is known for his film epics that demand to be seen in theaters on the big screen with their breath-taking visuals and intricate plots. His latest film, Oppenheimer, although Nolan’s first biopic, is no exception. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer” (2005) by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, and tells the story of the scientist who invented the atomic bomb. The film is shot on IMAX® much like his previous works and maintains Nolan’s signature storytelling that plays with time and our perception of it. Joining us on FilmWeek to discuss the new film Oppenheimer and the legacy of the man behind it is the film’s writer and director Christopher Nolan.

NOTE: This interview originally aired on July 21, 2023

In this episode, our guide is How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to a midnight movie at the historic Nuart Theatre.

The Nuart Theatre's art deco marquee lights up Santa Monica and Sawtelle — so head west with us to a screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and discover cult cinema past and present. 

Guests: Austin Fresh and Nina Minnelli, performers in the Nuart's "Rocky Horror" shadow cast; longtime, retired Nuart film programmer Mark Valen; president of Landmark Theatres Kevin Holloway; and theater historian Ross Melnick.

Read her love letter to LA's indie theaters: https://laist.com/news/how-to-la/revival-house-movies-hollywood-essay

The Oscars are just around the corner! And that means it’s time for our yearly deep dive into the Oscar nominees. This year, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” takes the lead with a total of 13 nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role (Cillian Murphy), Best Director, and Best Picture. It’s followed closely behind by Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” with 11 nominations, Martian Scorecees’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” with 10 nominations, and last year’s surprise billion-dollar box office hit “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, with eight nominations. With a tight race for several of the categories, including Best Picture and Best Actress, the 96th Academy Awards looks to be a thrilling show spotlighting the best cinema has to offer!

Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle is joined by the FilmWeek critics live at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown LA as they highlight the best of each Oscar category, dive into what films they felt were snubbed a nomination, and deliberate over which film will take home the illustrious Academy Award for Best Picture. You can find the full list of nominees here.

How To LA is kicking off a new 10-part series we’re calling Revival House.  We are going to take you inside these spaces — the vintage spots and some newer ones — to explore their past and their present…and help you connect with some indie theaters in YOUR neighborhoods.

Independent movie theaters are having a moment. Many just turned — or are turning —  100 years old and several have reopened after extensive remodels.

This matters because movie history is LOS ANGELES history. Some of these older venues can tell us a lot about the early days of Hollywood and this city. But what’s cool is that they continue to create spaces for community, to come together and watch a film on the big screen.

So today we’re kicking off a new 10-part series we’re calling Revival House.  We are going to take you inside these spaces — the vintage spots and some newer ones — to explore their past and their present…and help you connect with some indie theaters in YOUR neighborhoods.

Our guide is How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro.our Los Feliz girly who loves to explore entertainment and the arts in LA. 

In this episode, she talks about she wants to put the spotlight on all these places, from The Vista to The Nuart to Braindead Studios, housed in The Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax 

Read her love letter to LA's indie theaters: https://laist.com/news/how-to-la/revival-house-movies-hollywood-essay

Guests:How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro with tape from film theater historian Ross Melnick and programmer for The New Beverly Cinema, Jules McLean, plus moviegoers from all over L.A. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

The Best International Feature Film category for this year’s Academy Awards is stacked with films touching on everything from the monotony of depravity to the hope we carry within our dreams. Today on FilmWeek, LAist film critics Tim Cogshell, Lael Loewenstein, Christy Lemire, and Wade Major review the Oscar-nominated International films and dive in on their favorites from the category, what they thought should have been nominated, and what they believe is destined to win.

Poor Things is a 2023 science fantasy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara. It stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe and Ramy Youssef. Based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Alasdair Gray, the plot focuses on Bella Baxter, a young woman living in Victorian era London. After being resurrected by a scientist named Godwin Baxter, following her suicide, she runs off with a debauched lawyer, played by Mark Ruffalo, to embark on an odyssey of discovery and liberation. Today, Larry Mantle sits down with “Poor Things” screenwriter Tony McNamara to talk about the Oscar-nominated film and the process behind adapting the screenwriting.

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Dune: Part Two” Preview
“Drive Away Dolls” Wide Release
“Ordinary Angels” Wide Release
“The Arc of Oblivion” Laemmle NoHo 7 [North Hollywood]
“About Dry Grasses” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Io Capitano” In Select Theaters
“Ennio” Laemmle NoHo 7
“Veselka: The Rainbow On The Corner At The Center Of The World” Laemmle NoHo 7
“Stopmotion” In Select Theaters
“As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial” Streaming on Paramount+ Feb. 27th

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Amy Nicholson review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Madame Web” Wide Release
“This Is Me… Now: A Love Story” Streaming on Amazon Prime
“Players” Bay Theater [Pacific Palisades] | Streaming on Netflix
“Drift” Laemmle Monica Film Center | Expands In Select Theaters Feb. 23rd
“Bleeding Love” Laemmle Center 5 [Encino] | Available on VOD Platforms
“Land of Bad” In Select Theaters
“Here” Los Feliz 3 | Expands to Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] Feb. 23rd
“Down In Dallas Town” Streaming on Amazon Prime Feb. 19th
“Monolith” Laemmle Monica Film Center | Available on VOD Platforms
“Lights Out” Lumiere Cinema [Beverly Hills] | Available on VOD Platforms

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

“Anatomy of a Fall” is a French drama directed by Justine Triet who co-wrote the screenplay with her husband, Arthur Harari, during the pandemic lockdown. The film premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival last May, where it won the prestigious Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded at the festival. It has gone on to win many more awards and receive five Oscar nominations in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Editing. Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle sits down with Oscar-Nominated Actress Sandra Huller to talk about the making of the film and her critically acclaimed role.

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Taste of Things” Laemmle Royal [West LA]| Expands Wide Release Feb. 14th
“Bob Marley: One Love” Wide Release
“Out of Darkness” Wide Release
“Lisa Frankenstein” Wide Release
“Suncoast” Streaming on HULU
“The Monk and the Gun” In Select Theaters
“The Space Race” Streaming on NatGeo, Disney+, and HULU on Feb. 12th
“Float” Lumiere Cinema [Beverly Hills] + Available on VOD
“Disco Boy” Laemmle Glendale + Laemmle Royal [West LA]

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Despite what began as a shocking affair, then 36-year old Gracie (Julianne Moore) and 13-year old Joe (Charles Melton) now lead a seemingly picture-perfect suburban life some 20 years later. Their domestic bliss is disrupted when Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), a famous actress, arrives to research her upcoming role as Gracie. As Elizabeth ingratiates herself into the everyday lives of Gracie and Joe, the uncomfortable facts of their scandal unfurl. Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle sits down with the screenwriter of ‘May December’ Samy Burch to talk about the film, her writing process, and being nominated for Best Original Screenplay (‘May December’) at this year’s Academy Awards.

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein, Andy Klein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Argylle” In Wide Release
“Orion and the Dark” Streaming On Netflix
“The Promised Land” In Select Theaters
“Paprika” In Select Theaters For One Night Only Feb. 7th
“Perfect Days” AMC Century City 15 On Feb. 7th | Expands To Select Theaters Feb. 16th
“Dario Argento: Panico” Streaming On Shudder
“Totem” Laemmle Glendale
“The Tiger’s Apprentice” Streaming On Paramount+
“How To Have Sex” Alamo Drafthouse DTLA
“Departing Seniors” Laemmle Glendale + Available on VOD
“She Is Conann” Alamo Drafthouse DTLA + Laemmle NoHo 7 [North Hollywood]

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Wim Wenders' new film PERFECT DAYS is nominated for Best International Feature Film at this year’s 96th Academy Awards — the first Japanese Oscar submission not directed by a Japanese filmmaker. The film follows Hirayama, a toilet cleaner with a passion for music, books, and a fondness for photographing trees. Despite his structured life, his past is gradually revealed through a series of unexpected encounters. Today, Larry sits down with the director to talk about the project and his filmmaking process.

Filmweek is sponsored by Universal’s Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

The animated film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” continues the story of Miles Morales as he tirelessly balances home life and high school alongside his secret life as Spider-Man. In Across the Spider-Verse, Morales finds himself once again caught up in a multidimensional struggle, this time encountering a team of Spider-People in charge of overseeing and stabilizing the multiverse. Today on FilmWeek, Larry sits down with all three co-directors (Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers and Joaquim Dos Santos) to talk about the meaning of an Oscar Nomination, how they leaned into their individual talents for the film, and what’s next for them.

FilmWeek is sponsored by Universal's Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms; Los Angeles Times and NPR’s “Fresh Air” film critic Justin Chang updates us on Sundance films to look out for and more:

“The Greatest Night In Pop” Streaming On Netflix Jan. 29th
“Sometimes I Think About Dying” AMC The Grove 14 | Expands To Select Theaters Feb. 2nd
“Under The Fig Trees” Available On VOD
“Behind The Haystacks” Streaming on Film Movement Plus
“Badland Hunters” Streaming On Netflix
“The Underdoggs” Streaming On Amazon Prime

FilmWeek is sponsored by Universal's Oppenheimer. See it back in theaters, IMAX and IMAX 70 millimeters now.

Michael Mann’s latest feature FERRARI, which he both directed and produced, starring Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz and Shailene Woodley, tells the story of the iconic Enzo Ferrari. Based on Brock Yates’ 1991 book Enzo Ferrari: The Man, The Car, The Races, The Machine, with a screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin, Mann’s FERRARI is a character study and unlike anything else the director has done on the big screen. The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival followed by a theatrical release at Christmas. Our FilmWeek critics reviewed the film last week.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire, Tim Cogshell and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“I.S.S.” Wide Release
“The Kitchen” Streaming on Netflix
“The End We Start From” In Select Theaters
“Maboroshi” Streaming on Netflix
“Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell” One Show At The Egyptian [Hollywood] Jan. 21st | Los Feliz 3 on Jan 25th
“Which Brings Me To You” In Select Theaters
“Inshallah A Boy” Laemmle Glendale
“Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (Re-Release)”
In Select Theaters Three Days Only
“Bye Bye Tiberias” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny. This film marks Celine Song’s directorial debut and stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro. Today, Larry sits down with the director of PAST LIVES Celine Song to talk about the film and her creative process.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Beekeeper” Wide Release
“Mean Girls” Wide Release
“The Settlers” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Driving Madeleine” Landmark Theaters Sunset [West Hollywood] + Landmark Pasadena Playhouse [Pasadena] + Laemmle’s Town Center Encino [Encino]
“Lift” Streaming on Netflix
“Self Reliance” Streaming on HULU
“The Book of Clarence” In Select Theaters

Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was an openly gay, civil rights activist, pacifist, and an advisor to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. While he is best known for being the principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, he played an active, though often quiet, role in non-violent civil rights activism throughout his life. Now 60 years after the March on Washington, Rustin’s activism and legacy — often produced behind the scenes due to his sexuality — have been highlighted in a new film starring Emmy award-winning actor Colman Domingo. Today, Larry Mantle sits down with the actor to discuss taking on the role of Rustin.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Goldfinger” In Select Theaters
“Pianoforte” Available on Digital and VOD Jan. 9th
“Good Grief” Streaming on Netflix
“Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia” Lumiere Cinema [Beverly Hills]
“Mayhem!” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale]
“Occupied City” Landmark’s Nuart Theater [West LA]
“Bitconned” Streaming on Netflix
“Ever Deadly” Available on Digital and VOD
“The Bricklayer” Galaxy Mission Grove [Riverside] + Available on Digital and VOD
“He Went That Way” Galaxy Mission Grove [Riverside] + Available on Digital and VOD Jan. 12th
“The Painter” Available on Digital and VOD Jan. 9th
“Roadkill” Lumiere Cinema [Beverly Hills] + Available on VOD
“Man On The Run” Streaming on Netflix

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson, Manuel Betancourt, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” Wide Release
“All Of Us Strangers” Landmark Theater Sunset [Hollywood] + AMC Century City 15 [Century City] | Expands Jan. 5th
“Migration” Wide Release
“The Iron Claw” Wide Release
“The Color Purple” Wide Release
“Ferrari” Wide Release Dec. 25th
“The Teachers’ Lounge” Laemmle Royal [West LA] Dec. 25th
“Society of the Snow” In Select Theaters | Streaming on Netflix Jan. 4th
“Anyone But You” Wide Release
“Time Bomb Y2k” Streaming on Max Dec. 30th
“Memory” AMC Century City 15 [Century City]
“The Boys In The Boat” Wide Release Dec. 24th 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Wonka” Wide Release
“Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire” In Select Theaters
“The Zone of Interest” AMC Century City [Century City] + Vista Theatre [Los Feliz]
“The Taste of Things” Laemmle Royal [West LA] | Opens wider February 9th, 2024
“American Fiction” In Select AMC Theaters
“Freud’s Last Session” Laemmle Royal [West LA] Dec. 21st | Wider Release January 2024
“Godzilla Minus One” Wide Release
“Anselm” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] + AMC Santa Monica 7
“Godard Cinema” Laemmle Royal [West LA] | Opens wider at Select Theaters December 18th
“The Family Plan” Streaming on AppleTV+

With so many different organizations giving out best of honors, it’s sometimes difficult for film lovers to parse what they all mean. One of those organizations is the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) who this weekend will meet in-person for the first time since 2019 to decide on the best performances and films of the year. Today, Larry sits down with FilmWeek critics Christy Lemire, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon to understand the LAFCA decision making process, the similarities between the various award organizations, and to discuss the contemporary influence of film criticism.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Poor Things” Select Theaters
“RENAISSANCE: A Film by BEYONCE” Wide Release
“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” Bay Theater [Pacific Palisades]|Streaming on Netflix December 15th
“Concrete Utopia” In Select Theaters
“Origin” AMC Century City 15 [Century City] for one week | Opens wider Jan. 2024
“Fast Charlie” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monia]| Available on VOD
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” Streaming on Disney+
“The Peasants” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“The Canterville Ghost” Available on VOD

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Monster” Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] + AMC Atlantic Times Square [Monterey Park]
“Shayda” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Eileen” AMC The Grove 14 & AMC Century City 15|Opens Wide December 8th
“Menus Plaisirs - Les Troisgros” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer” Digital & VOD December 5th
“Waitress: The Musical” In Select Theaters December 7th
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (4K Digital Restoration)” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale]

Nothing brings the spirit of the season into our hearts quite like a great holiday movie. Turner Classic Movies’ Christmas in the Movies by film historian Jeremy Arnold showcases the very best among this uniquely spirited strain of cinema. Each film is profiled on what makes it a “Christmas movie,” along with behind-the-scenes stories of its production, reception, and legacy. Complemented by a trove of full-color and black-and-white photos, this expanded volume is a glorious salute to a collection of the most treasured films of all time. Today, Larry sits down with Jeremy Arnold to pick apart what makes a Christmas movie, the role of television in establishing the genre, how the 1961 film noir “Blast of Silence” utilizes the holiday season, and much more.

In his new book “The Gold Screen: The Movies That Made Asian America” (Black Dog & Leventhal, October 2023), journalist and New York Times bestselling author Jeff Yang takes an in-depth look at the films that paved the way for Asian American representation in Hollywood. Featuring original artwork from nine esteemed Asian illustrators, a foreword from Michelle Yeoh, and conversations with some of Hollywood’s most visible entertainers, the book examines the importance of the Asian American film canon. Today, Larry sits down with Jeff Yang to talk about the new book, the significance of the film The Joy Luck Club, and the ever-influential Anna May Wong.

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsPeter Rainer, Amy Nicholson, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Napoleon” Wide Release
“Wish” Wide Release
“Maestro” The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood + The Landmark Westwood
“American Symphony” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] Nov. 24th
“Leave The World Behind” In Select Theaters
“The Boy and the Heron” Multiple AMC Locations | Wide Release Dec. 8th
“Fallen Leaves” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“They Shot The Piano Player” Laemmle Royal [West LA] On Nov. 24th 
“Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” Laemmle Royal [West LA]

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsTim Cogshell, Lael Loewenstein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Wide Release
“Trolls Band Together” Wide Release
“Next Goal Wins” Wide Release
“Dream Scenario” In Select Theaters
“May December” In Select Theaters
“Leo” Streaming on Netflix November 21st
“Saltburn” In Select AMC Theaters | Wide on November 22nd
“The Disappearance of Shere Hite” AMC Burbank 16
“The Stones and Brian Jones” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] | Available on AppleTV+
“A Still Small Voice” Laemmle Royal [West LA]

Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) and based on a true story, NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamously known for their brutal 31-0 loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy. Larry talks with the director on the film's development, casting, and his motivation for telling this story.

In the aftermath of World War Two, Charlie Chaplin was criticized for being politically liberal and internationalist in outlook. Chaplin also had other problems: his numerous affairs with young women. His sexuality became a convenient way for those who opposed his politics to condemn him – eventually being refused entry into the US while on a trip abroad. Having settled in Switzerland, he made his last two films in London. Bestselling Hollywood biographer and film historian Scott Eyman tells the story of Charlie Chaplin’s fall from grace in his new book “Charlie Chaplin Vs. America: When Art, Sex, And Politics Collided.”

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsAndy Klein and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Marvels” Wide Release
“It’s A Wonderful Knife” In Select Theaters
“Jazebel” Available on VOD
“Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” Streaming on Max
“Who I Am Not” Laemmle NoHo 7 [North Hollywood]
“Your Lucky Day” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]
“Bella” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“This Much We Know” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] Nov. 15th
“As We Know It” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] Nov. 15th
“Adventures of the Naked Umbrella” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] + VOD

In the first half of this week's FilmWeek Feature, Larry sits down with LAist film critic and animation expert Charles Solomon to examine how Japanese animation portrays girls and young women — and how that might differ from Western animation. Afterwards, Larry speaks with Variety’s Executive Editor of Film & Media Tatiana Siegelabout the ongoing complications both on the screen and behind the scenes for Marvel Studios.

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsChristy Lemire, Andy Klein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Marsh King’s Daughter” Wide Release
“Fingernails” Select Theaters & Streaming on AppleTV+
“Rustin” In Select Theaters & Streaming on Netflix Nov. 17th
“The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes” Multiple AMC Locations
“Four Daughters” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“What Happens Later” Select Theaters
“Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning” Select Theaters Nov. 8th & 9th
“Quiz Lady” Streaming on Hulu
“Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“The Stones and Brian Jones” One Night Only, Laemmle Theaters Nov. 7th 

Alexander Payne has directed a new film, a comedic drama called “The Holdovers,” starring Paul Giamatti. Payne has made eight feature films, including Election, Sideways, The Descendants, About Schmidt and Nebraska. His movies have been nominated for a total of nineteen Oscars, including three times each for Best Picture and Best Director. He has won two Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, and two of his films have won the Golden Globe for Best Picture. Joining Larry on FilmWeek, Payne discusses his new feature, how he cast one of the standout stars of the film Dominic Sessa who had no prior professional acting experience, and why the topic of the film resonated with him.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“The Holdovers” Select Theaters | Wide Nov. 10th
“The Killer” Select Theaters | Netflix Nov. 10th
“The Delinquents” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Five Nights at Freddy’s” Wide Release | Streaming on Peacock
“Sly” Alamo Drafthouse
“Priscilla” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City 15 | Wide Nov. 3rd
“Yellow Door: ‘90s Lo-fi Film Club” Streaming on Netflix
“To Kill a Tiger” Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]
“Sister Death” Streaming on Netflix
“Waikiki” Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood]
“Suitable Flesh” Alamo Drafthouse

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsClaudia Puig and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Killers of the Flower Moon” Wide Release
“The Pigeon Tunnel” Laemmle NoHo & Apple TV+
“More Than Ever” Laemmle Monica Film Center
“Beyond Utopia” Select Theaters Oct. 23th & Oct. 24th | Expands Nov. 3rd
“A.K.A. Mr. Chow”Laemmle Royal | Streaming on Max Oct. 22th
“Pain Hustlers” Laemmle NoHo + Town Center 5 | Streaming on Netflix Oct. 27th
“Nyad” Landmark Theaters Sunset + Pasadena Playhouse | Streaming on Netflix Nov. 3rd
“The Persian Version” AMC The Grove + Century City, Laemmle Royal
“Milli Vanilli” Paramount+ October 24th

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson, Wade Major, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” Wide Release
“Anatomy of a Fall” Select Theaters
“The Mission” Select Theaters
“Story Ave” Select Theaters
“My Love Affair With Marriage” Select Theaters
“Dear David” Select Theaters and Video on Demand
“Joan Baez: I Am Noise“ Select Theaters
“Mister Organ” Select Theaters
Animation is Film Festival October 18th - 22nd

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

In 2018, a shocking event made headlines around the world: a young American missionary, John Chau, was killed by arrows while attempting to contact one of the world’s most isolated Indigenous peoples on the remote North Sentinel Island. National Geographic Documentary Films’ “The Mission” uncovers the story beyond the headlines. Through exclusive interviews and with unprecedented access to Chau’s secret plans, personal diaries and video archives.

FilmWeek: ‘The Creator,’ ‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,’ ‘Man on the Run,’ “Fair Play” And More

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig,Charles Solomon, and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Into the Weeds” In Select Theaters October 8 [Tuesday]

Larry’s Interview With TV And Film Producer Carol Baum About Her New Book

Carol Baum has produced 34 movies, including “Father of the Bride” and its sequel, “The Good Girl,” starring Jennifer Aniston, and Noah Baumback’s screenplay debut “Kicking and Screaming.” She also brought hits like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Jacknife” to the big screen. Now, Baum provides an intimate look into producing in her new book “Creative Producing: A Pitch-to-Picture Guide to Movie Development.” She joins Larry Mantle on FilmWeek to discuss her impressive career and how she coaches young producers hoping to follow in her footsteps.

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsTim Cogshell andManuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. 

The Hollywood production code began in 1927 as a response to previous scandals tied to the early days of Hollywood. This led to the Hays Code, a guide to filmmakers and production companies of what was and was not acceptable to show on screen, typically pertaining to sexual content and violence, but it also included rules that prevented actors of different races from kissing. Today on FilmWeek Larry Mantle talks to Nat Segaloff,writer, film historian, and author of the new book “Breaking the Code: Otto Preminger vs. Hollywood’s Censors” to discuss the history of censorship in Hollywood and the famous director and producer who set out to change it. 

Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, the new film “A Million Miles Away” follows Hernández (portrayed by Michael Peña), a young man from a family of migrant farm workers, to his career as an astronaut traveling to the International Space Station. Hernández’s family migrated from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico and later settled in the San Joaquin Valley. Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle speaks with José Hernández, NASA astronaut and author of the book that inspired the film “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut,” and Alejandra Márquez Abella, writer and director of “A Million Miles Away."

Larry Mantle and LAist film criticsAmy Nicholson,Andy Klein andCharles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. We also hear from our criticPeter Rainer to tell us about his favorite films at this year's Toronto International Film Festival.

Released in 2004, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy '' didn't reach initial critical acclaim, seen as just another run-of-the-mill, raunchy comedy. However, in the years since, the film, directed by Adam McKay and co-written by McKay and the film’s star Will Ferell, has become a beloved staple. You can ask fans and critics alike to quote their favorite lines from the film and many will argue that it is one of the best comedies of the 2000s. Saul Austerlitz, adjunct professor of writing and comedy history at New York University, is one of those people, assigning “Anchorman” as required viewing for his students, using it as an example of good satirical writing and improvisation. Today on FilmWeek, Larry is joined by Austerlitz to talk about his new book “Kind of a Big Deal: How Anchorman Stayed Classy and Became the most Iconic Comedy of the 21st Century” (August 2023, Penguin Random House) and breakdown what makes this movie a pinnacle of comedic filmmaking.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

Sunset Boulevard was released in 1950 and has remained one of old Hollywood’s classics. A staple of the noir genre, the film portrays the dark and often obsessive side of fame. Legendary actress Nancy Olson Livingston earned an Academy Award Nomination for her role as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard, only her second film role at the time. Now, more than 70 years later, Livingston revisits her time as a prominent star in Hollywood’s golden years in her new memoir “A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood and the Age of Glamour.” Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle speaks with Academy-award nominated actress, Nancy Olson Livingston, about the legacy of Sunset Boulevard and her long-standing career amongst some of the most iconic American film stars.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

A Los Angeles native, Anna May Wong began acting in silent films when she was a teenager, but she didn’t reach mainstream notoriety until her role in the film “Daughter Of The Dragon” where she played the daughter of Warner Oland’s Fu Manchu. Wong went on to star in numerous films becoming the first Chinese American movie star. Yet, despite her success, Wong faced much criticism. Although she was often celebrated for her part in furthering Asian representation, she was equally condemned for furthering harmful Asian stereotypes in her roles. Today on FilmWeek, Larry speaks with Yunte Huang, professor of English at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Guggenheim Fellow, and author of the new book “Daughter of the Dragon: Anna May Wong’s Rendezvous with American History.” Huang shares the long journey Wong took to become a prominent actress in the United States and the barriers she faced in both her career and personal life working under a Hays Code Hollywood. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer,Manuel Betancourt and Charles Solomon  review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting millions across the world. In the new documentary “The Eternal Memory,” director Maite Alberdi explores the disease intimately, following former Chilean journalist Augusto Góngora and his wife, Paulina Urrutia, as they navigate their 25 plus year relationship alongside Góngora’s deteriorating memory. “The Eternal Memory” is the follow up to Alberdi’s Academy Award nominated documentary “The Mole Agent.” Her new film won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at Sundance. Today on FilmWeek, Larry speaks with Chilean film producer, director, documentarian, screenwriter, and film critic, Maite Alberdi, about her new film “The Eternal Memory” and the process of capturing the intimate moments of Góngora’s Alzheimer’s and Góngora and Urruria’s relationship. 

Austin Cross and LAist film criticsWade Major andChristy Lemire review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. They also take the time to remember director William Friedkin, who passed away this week at the age of 87.

Christopher Nolan’s three-hour epic about the United States atomic bomb program features a huge cast of notable Hollywood character actors playing real larger-than-life figures. No one knows the value of a strong actor with a familiar face better than the man tasked with matching the actor to the role, casting directorJohn Papsidera.

A veteran at the job, Papsidera has filled out the room of programs like “Yellowstone” and “The Offer” (about the making of “The Godfather”), as well as a frequent collaborator of “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan. With all those characters how do you even begin to start casting? According to Papsidera, “You start with the big pieces – the tentpole characters – and then build around them”. Today on FilmWeek, John speaks with Austin Cross about what it took to reanimate characters from the past with modern Hollywood actors.

Austin Cross and LAist film critics Claudia Puig and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. They also revisit the box-office hit "Barbie" as it goes into its second weekend in theaters still dominating ticket-sales. 

Ghibli Fest 2023, a yearly re-screening of Studio Ghibli films, may have kicked off back in March but it’s upcoming re-release has historical significance. That being the 1997 film “Princess Mononoke,” a film that was renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s first, global box office hit, making close $200 million. It’s domestic and global success at the time was unmatched… up until the 2001 film “Spirited Away.”

Fans revisiting these features comes at a time where Miyazaki reaches the next chapter in his storytelling, with his final film “The Boy and the Heron” having released in Japan in July. No official release date globally has been announced, but North America will be blessed with a screening as the Toronto International Film Festival opens its festivities with Miyazaki’s last film as a director.

Today on AirTalk, we talk about Studio Ghibli’s growth in the global box office, Hayao Miyazaki’s role in that, and the legendary filmmaker’s legacy. Joining guest host Austin Cross is LAist & Animation Scoop film criticCharles Solomon, and Steve Alpert, former overseas promotion manager for Studio Ghibli.

It’s been called the scariest movie of all time and it just turned 50 years old. William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” came out in 1973 and has since inspired sequels, prequels, and TV series. In his latest book “The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear,” writer and film historianNat Segaloff brings his insights to a film that has embedded itself in our collective psyche and its place in the zeitgeist. Nat joins Larry on FilmWeek to talk about the history of “The Exorcist” and why it has had such staying power in horror and film culture. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein,Manuel Betancourt and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. They also revisit the box-office hit "Barbie" as it goes into its second weekend in theaters still dominating ticket-sales. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainerand Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

Chrisptopher Nolan is known for his film epics that demand to be seen in theaters on the big screen with their breath-taking visuals and intricate plots. His latest film, Oppenheimer, although Nolan’s first biopic, is no exception. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer” (2005) by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, and tells the story of the scientist who invented the atomic bomb. The film is shot on IMAX® much like his previous works and maintains Nolan’s signature storytelling that plays with time and our perception of it. Joining us on FilmWeek to discuss the new film Oppenheimer and the legacy of the man behind it is the film’s writer and director Christopher Nolan. 

Season 2 of “LA Made” tells the true story of the making and marketing of the most famous doll in the world, Barbie, told by the people who did it. We’ll hear from Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, who spent years trying to convince her own company to make a teen aged fashion doll.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

The “Mission Impossible” franchise has pulled off some of the biggest stunts in cinematic history. On many top ten lists of most dangerous stunts of all time is a scene from “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011) in which Tom Cruise's death-defying Ethan Hunt scales a skyscraper using suction gloves and makes a nerve-wracking jump, which leaves him hanging by one foot. The latest installment, “Mission: Impossible–Dead Reckoning Part One,” is no exception with audiences leaving the theaters mystified at how Cruise drove a motorcycle off a cliff. Stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood has been the stunt coordinator for the last three Mission: Impossible films. Eastwood has been in the industry for nearly 30 years and is credited with stunt work on some of the biggest recent blockbusters like “Interstellar,” “Inception” and “Troy.” Eastwood joins Larry on FilmWeek to discuss some of the biggest stunts he worked on for “Mission: Impossible–Dead Reckoning,” how he prepares actors to do death-defying feats, and whether or not  the Oscars should add a stunt category to the awards. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshelland Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholsonand Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘Mission: Impossible–Dead Reckoning Part One,’ ‘Joy Ride,’ ‘The Lesson’ And More (0:15)

Larry Mantle Interviews Gale Anne Hurd And Alex Winter Of ‘The YouTube Effect’ (31:48)

Social media’s effects on our daily lives is constantly being examined as the technology and pervasive nature of these platforms evolves more quickly than we can process. In the new documentary ‘The YouTube Effect,’ director Alex Winter goes in-depth on the history and influence of one of the largest video sharing platforms in the world, YouTube. Larry Mantle sits down with the documentary’s director, Alex Winter, and its producer, Gale Anne Hurd, to discuss the making of the film and YouTube’s legacy as a platform.  

Social media’s effects on our daily lives is constantly being examined as the technology and pervasive nature of these platforms evolves more quickly than we can process. In the new documentary ‘The YouTube Effect,’ director Alex Winter goes in-depth on the history and influence of one of the largest video sharing platforms in the world, YouTube. Larry Mantle sits down with the documentary’s director, Alex Winter, and its producer, Gale Anne Hurd, to discuss the making of the film and YouTube’s legacy as a platform.  

FilmWeek: ‘Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny,’ ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ ‘Every Body,’ And More (0:15)

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein,Christy Lemireand Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek Feature: The Academy Museum Podcast Preview (31:48)

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and LAist Studios have teamed up for a multi-season audio series that examines the myriad of stories of our cinematic history.Jacqueline Stewart, Director and President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and a MacArthur Fellow, hosts the series. The second season, entitled “Close Up on Casting: The Hidden Role of Casting in Film History,” explores the immense influence that casting directors can have on the success of a film and the career trajectories of actors. Episodes include revelatory interviews and in-depth conversations with OscarⓇ winners, film artists, industry leaders, activists, journalists, and scholars, as well as archival audio and other exclusive content that will only be accessible through the podcast.

Larry speaks with Jacqueline Stewart about the podcast and this season's focus on the importance of casting directors in the industry. 

Season 2 premiered on June 15th and will drop weekly episodes through July 20th. Episodes 1 through 3 are available now, wherever you get your podcasts. 

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and LAist Studios have teamed up for a multi-season audio series that examines the myriad of stories of our cinematic history.Jacqueline Stewart, Director and President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and a MacArthur Fellow, hosts the series. The second season, entitled “Close Up on Casting: The Hidden Role of Casting in Film History,” explores the immense influence that casting directors can have on the success of a film and the career trajectories of actors. Episodes include revelatory interviews and in-depth conversations with OscarⓇ winners, film artists, industry leaders, activists, journalists, and scholars, as well as archival audio and other exclusive content that will only be accessible through the podcast.

Larry speaks with Jacqueline Stewart about the podcast and this season's focus on the importance of casting directors in the industry. 

Season 2 premiered on June 15th and will drop weekly episodes through July 20th. Episodes 1 through 3 are available now, wherever you get your podcasts. 

FilmWeek: ‘No Hard Feelings,’ ‘Desperate Souls, Dark City And The Legend Of Midnight Cowboy,’ ‘After Sherman,’ And More (0:15)

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainerand Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

The Beloved Video Store Vidiots Re-Opens In Eagle Rock (31:48)

Remember Vidiots, the beloved video store in Santa Monica that closed in 2017? Well, after a five-year closure, a pandemic, and a crosstown move — it has reopened in Eagle Rock. In addition to being a rental store with tens of thousands of titles, it also has a state-of-the-art movie theater within the vintage Eagle Theatre as well as a beer and wine bar. Vidiots originally opened in 1985 as a woman-founded video shop and screening space in Santa Monica. With its many movies to rent and classic, hard-to-find titles, it had a devoted clientele of local movie lovers and Hollywood cinephiles. Joining us today on FilmWeek to talk about this big opening is Vidiot’s executive directorMaggie Mackay and board member and LAist film critic Claudia Puig. 

Remember VIDIOTS, the beloved video store in Santa Monica that closed in 2017? Well, after a five-year closure, a pandemic, and a crosstown move — it has reopened in Eagle Rock. In addition to being a rental store with tens of thousands of titles, it also has a state-of-the-art movie theater within the vintage Eagle Theatre as well as a beer and wine bar. VIDIOTS originally opened in 1985 as a woman-founded video shop and screening space in Santa Monica. With its many movies to rent and classic, hard-to-find titles, it had a devoted clientele of local movie lovers and Hollywood cinephiles. Joining us today on FilmWeek to talk about this big opening is VIDIOTS' executive directorMaggie Mackay and board member and LAist film critic Claudia Puig. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell,Christy Lemireand Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘Asteroid City,’ ‘Elemental,’ ‘The Flash,’ And More (0:15)

Austin Cross’s Interview With Eva Longoria About FLAMIN’ HOT (31:49) 

If you hit up any grocery store snack aisle, you will find products with a ‘flamin hot’ version. It is a quintessential flavor to our modern snack options. And it all started with one snack: Cheetos. The origin story of the creators of this popular snack is Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, “Flamin’ Hot.” She’s best known as the character Gabrielle Solis on “Desperate Housewives” and she sits down with Austin Cross about her latest work and the Southern California story that inspired it. 

If you hit up any grocery store snack aisle, you will find products with a ‘flamin hot’ version. It is a quintessential flavor to our modern snack options. And it all started with one snack: Cheetos. The origin story of the creators of this popular snack is Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, “Flamin’ Hot.” She’s best known as the character Gabrielle Solis on “Desperate Housewives” and she sits down with Austin Cross about her latest work and the Southern California story that inspired it. 

Last Remaining Seats is the Los Angeles Conservancy's annual series of classic films in historic theaters. This can’t-miss summer tradition takes place over several weeks in June and allows guests to experience the history and majesty of L.A.’s historic theaters. The LA Conservancy launched Last Remaining Seats in 1987 as a way to draw attention to the spectacular yet overlooked and underused historic theaters of Los Angeles. The film series has since become a can't-miss beloved summer tradition.

The Los Angeles Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to work through education and advocacy to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic architectural and cultural resources of Los Angeles County.

Joining us for our FilmWeek feature interview is Sarah Lann, director of education at the LA Conservancy.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson,Manuel Betancourtand Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts,’ ‘Flamin’ Hot,’ ‘Heroes Of The Golden Mask,’ and more

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire, Wade Major and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse,’ ‘Past Lives,’ ‘Rise,’ and more

Industry Talk: Summer Movies And The Writers’ Strike

It’s been nearly a whole month since the Hollywood Writers’ Strike began. With no end in sight, studios and writers both insist the other to reinstate negotiations. This is the second biggest writer strike in history, with the last one in 2008 that lasted 100 days. Larry talks with senior editor for Deadline Hollywood Dominic Patten about the latest in the strike and some of the most anticipated summer films. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘You Hurt My Feelings,’ ‘Being Mary Tyler Moore,’ and more

TheLos Angeles Latino International Film Festival

The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is a premiere international event dedicated to showcasing the entirety of human experience from the Latino perspective, whether through film, television, digital, music, art, or any other vehicle, regardless of platform. Joining us to talk about this year’s festival is freelance film critic Carlos Aguilar. The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday, May 31st to Sunday, June 4th. 

John Horn’s Interview with Writer, Director Nicole Holofcener Of “You Hurt My Feelings”

Writer and director Nicole Holofcener’s latest work is called“You Hurt My Feelings.” It is about a novelist’s marriage suddenly upended when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her latest book. Julia Louis Dreyfus stars in the film, and it will be Holofcener’s second time working with Dreyfus. LAist Entertainment reporter John Horn chats with Holofcener about her latest project. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein, Tim Cogshelland Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘Fast X,’ ‘Wanda Sykes: I’m An entertainer,’ ‘Astérix & Obélix: The Middle Kingdom,’ and more

Larry Mantle’s Interview With Sound Designer Mark Mangini

‘32 Sounds’ is an immersive documentary that explores the phenomenon of sound. From bird calls to voice memos, to the crackle of a falling tree, the film takes the audience on a number of sonic journeys. The sound designer and re-recording mixer for this documentary is Mark Mangini. He is a two-time Academy Award Winner for Dune and Mad Max Fury Road. Larry Mantle sits down with Manginito to discuss how sounds bring movies alive. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major, Andy Kleinand Amy Nicholson review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

FilmWeek: ‘Hypnotic,’ ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter,’ ‘It Ain’t Over,’ and more

Industry Talk: Guardians At The Box Office, Writer’s Strike And Video Game Adaptations 
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Andy Kleintalk about the future of the Marvel Universe as Guardians of the Galaxy 3 dominates box office, the significant impacts of the Hollywood Writer strike, and movie adaptations of video games.