FilmWeek

The topic: In 2023, Larry Mantle interviewed actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles as Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men and as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, for his memoir Making It So. We revisit Larry’s conversation with Stewart in memory of the late actor who died at the age of 86 this week. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and critics Manuel Betancourt and Maureen Lee Lenker talk about the new documentary Everest: The Other Side from the directing duo behind Oscar-winner Free Solo (2018). They also review SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of , a documentary about the Canadian sketch-comedy show featuring interviews with the cast members, including the late Catherine O’Hara. The films: The Mosquito Bowl, In Select Theaters Everest: The Other Side, In Select Theaters Christmas at the Kringles, In Select Theaters Gentle Monster, In Select Theaters The Eyes of Ghana, In Select Theaters SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of, Streaming on Netflix Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers, Available on Digital Platforms Collision Course, Streaming on Netflix The critics: Manuel Betancourt, film critic for LAist and interim editor of Documentary Magazine Maureen Lee Lenker, LAist film critic and freelance journalist (formerly at Entertainment Weekly) who's written for Gold Derby, The Los…

The topic: Larry Mantle and FilmWeek critics review the latest DC Comics adaptation Clayface starring Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie along with a lot of gore. They also talk about LAIKA’s stop-motion spectacle Wildwood, the longest stop-motion animation film in history. The films: Clayface, Wide Release Wicker, Wide Release Wildwood, Wide Release Klara and the Sun, Wide Release The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, In Select Theaters Possible Love, In Select Theaters | Streaming on Netflix Nov. 6 Fatherland, In Select Theaters Once Upon a Time in Harlem, AMC Century City A Talent for Murder, In Select Theaters The critics: Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire,…

The topic: FilmWeek critics Lael Loewenstein and Tim Cogshell discuss the new reboot of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, and You Can See Everything, the new documentary on Elizabeth Holmes from Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. They’ll also review La Bola Negra, winner of this year’s Best Director award at Cannes and Spain’s Best International Feature submission for the 2027 Oscars. The films: Sense and Sensibility (2026) You Can See Everything Street Fighter (2026) La Bola Negra Whalefall The Devils (1971) [4K restoration] Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald My Undesirable Friends: Part II - Exile Capturing Bigfoot Following Harry Desert Angel The critics: Lael Loewenstein, film critic for LAist Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: In his new book, Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever, film critic and author Matt Singer discusses the comedy boom of the early aughts, the “Frat Pack” that dominated the era, and the lessons contemporary studios can take from their success. Event info: Matt Singer will be at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2pm talking about his book with Tim Grierson. You can find more info about the event here. Guest: Matt Singer, editor and film critic of ScreenCrush.com. He is the author of Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: FilmWeek critics Katie Walsh and Claudia Puig join host Larry Mantle to discuss the biggest releases of the week, including screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network, The Social Reckoning of which Sorkin also directs. And they’ll review this year’s Palm d’Or winner at Cannes, Fjord, about a Romanian family in Norway fighting allegations of child abuse. The films: The Social Reckoning, Wide Release Musk, AMC Burbank & AMC Century City | Expanding on October 16 Fjord, AMC Century City & AMC Burbank Tenzing, Laemmle NoHo & The Cinemas LA [Westwood]|Streaming on Apple TV+ October 16 Misty Green, AMC Century City, AMC The Grove, & AMC Burbank Kikuyu Land, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] NAZA, In Select Theaters Animals, Landmark Westwood |Streaming on Netflix The North, Laemmle Glendale, Laemmle Monica Center [Santa Monica], & AMC Burbank The Beast, In Select Theaters The critics: Claudia Puig, film critic for LAist and program director for the Santa Barbara International…

The topic: Richard Linklater’s 2025 film Nouvelle Vague tries to accurately capture the filming process of one of French New Wave’s most influential films — Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960). Shot in black and white and almost entirely in French, Linklater transports viewers back to 1959 Paris on the chaotic and sometimes claustrophobic set. Criterion release: Originally released on Netflix with a limited theatrical run, Nouvelle Vague now sits alongside Breathless in the Criterion Collection with a 4k Blu-ray and DVD release that features audio commentary by Linklater and interviews with the lead actors Guillaume Marbeck, Zoey Deutch, and Aubry Dullin. Guest: Richard Linklater, director of Nouvelle Vague. He is also known for the films Slacker, Dazed and Confused, the Before trilogy, and Boyhood. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: FilmWeek critics Tim Cogshell and Christy Lemire disagree on the effectiveness of Alejandro Iñárritu’s new film Digger starring Tom Cruise, but they do agree that everyone should see it, if only to partake in the discussion. Also out this week is the drama Atonement that shows the ramifications of the Iraqi war. The films: Digger, Wide Release Heart of the Beast, Wide Release Verity, Wide Release The Scout, Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] | Expands Oct. 9 Atonement, Landmark Nuart Theatre [West LA] | Expands Oct. 9 Appofeniacs, AMC Burbank & AMC Orange The Last First: Winter K2, Laemmle Noho [North Hollywood] | Streaming on Apple TV Beware Boiúna, In Select Theaters Rolling Loud: The Movie, In Select Theaters The critics: Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared…

The topic: Finding humor and fascination in the mundane is John Wilson’s signature. After closing out his acclaimed HBO series How To with John Wilson, the documentarian picks up right where he left off, but this time with a feature film examining one of New York’s most foundational materials: concrete. Wilson joins FilmWeek’s Larry Mantle to talk about his first feature documentary The History of Concrete, his directorial influences, and how he sees the world. Guest: John Wilson, documentarian best known for his acclaimed HBO series How To with John Wilson and director of the new documentary The History of Concrete. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and FilmWeek critics review Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson as NBC Dateline host Chris Hansen, best known for his 2006 series To Catch a Predator. And they talk about the documentary You Had to Be There that attempts to capture the magical 1972 Toronto production of Godspell that launched many famous comedians careers. The events are told through animation and interviews with the original cast. The films: Primetime, Wide Release Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother, In Select Theaters Forgotten Island, Wide Release The History of Concrete, In Select Theaters Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!, In Select Theaters The Stunt Driver, In Select Theaters Never After Dark, In Select Theaters You Had to Be There, In Select Theaters Unabomber, Streaming on Netflix The critics: Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Maureen Lee Lenker <like ‘link’>, LAist film critic and freelance journalist (formerly at Entertainment Weekly) who's…

The topic: It’s the final weekend of the 51st annual Toronto International Film Festival and a handful of movie premieres are already stirring up buzz for this upcoming awards season. We talk to FilmWeek critics Amy Nicholson and Maureen Lee Lenker about their favorites from this year’s festival and what movies they think audiences should look out for when they hit theaters. Films to watch for: I Play Rocky Elsinore The Debut Being Heumann Bucking Fastards The Julia Set Ink Fjord The critics: Amy Nicholson, film critic for LAist and the LA Times and host of the podcast ‘Unspooled’ Maureen Lee Lenker, LAist film critic and freelance journalist who's written for Gold Derby, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Turner Classic Movies. She is also the author of three novels set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: The Halloween season begins this week in earnest with the new Shaun the Sheep movie—The Beast of Mossy Bottom—from British stop-motion animation studio Aardman. And director Zach Cregger returns with another horror crowd pleaser, Resident Evil. Our critics also review the dark comedy The Musical about a vengeful teacher out to sabotage the school play. The films: Resident Evil, Wide Release Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, Wide Release The Weight, Wide Release The Musical, In Select Theaters Sunny Dancer, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & AMC Orange The Oldest Person in the World, In Select Laemmle Theaters Goody Goody, Streaming on Shudder Arsa, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] The critics: Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Katie Walsh, film critic for LAist, the Tribune News Service and the L.A. Times Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi…

The topic: Larry Mantle is joined by our FilmWeek critics Christy Lemire and Katie Walsh to review this week's biggest film releases, including Practical Magic 2, the sequel to the 1998 cozy-cult classic, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sister witches. They’ll also talk about the Watts set drama If I Go Will They Miss Me and the documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, about the Gallagher brothers’ reunion tour. The films: Practical Magic 2, Wide Release Hope, Wide Release The Uprising, Wide Release If I Go Will They Miss Me, AMC Century City | Expands to more theaters Sep. 18 Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger, In Select Theaters Runner, In Select Theaters Black Zombie, Landmark Nuart Theatre [West L.A.] Call My Agent! The Movie, Streaming on Netflix This is Buzz, Brain Dead Studios [Fairfax District], The Frida Cinema [Santa Ana], & The Arts Theatre Long Beach The critics: Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Katie Walsh,…

The topic: In his new book 50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars on Their Favorite Classic Films, Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger asked 50 actors, filmmakers and stars what their favorite classic films are and the ideal way to watch them. What films are included? The book features a wide array of classic cinema, from political dramas like Don Cheadle’s choice, The Battle Of Algiers (1966), to action comedies like Adam Scott’s pick, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). Other movies featured include Wes Anderson’s pick, The Tall Target (1951), Paul Rudd’s selection of Withnail & I (1987), Sterling K. Brown’s pick, Out Of Sight (1998), and Ava DuVernay’s choice, Devil In A Blue Dress (1995). Event info: TCM host Dave Karger will sign copies of his new book on Friday, Sep. 18 at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, followed by a conversation with Jason Bateman and a screening of his selected film, Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy (1982). You can get more information about the event here.…

The topic: For our most recent FilmWeek screening, Larry Mantle and critics Tim Cogshell and Claudia Puig traveled down to Santa Ana to the Frida Cinema for Michael Mann’s 2004 neo-noir thriller Collateral. The critics, along with special guest Barry Shabaka Henley, who plays the jazz club owner Daniel in the film, discuss the movie’s impact, its portrayal of Los Angeles, and the great acting by co-leads Jamie Foxx and a rare villainous Tom Cruise. The panel: Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Claudia Puig, film critic for LAist and program director for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Barry Shabaka Henley, film and television actor who plays the character Daniel in Collateral Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and film critics Peter Rainer and Manuel Betancourt discuss this week's biggest releases, including the quiet but sweet romantic drama The Sun Never Sets starring Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson set in Anchorage, Alaska, and Mariannne Elliott’s feature directorial debut The Salt Path starring Gillian Anderson. The films: By Any Means, Wide Release The Sun Never Sets, Wide Release Mayday, Apple TV+ Onslaught, Wide Release Filipiñana, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Laemmle Glendale Boorman and the Devil, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] Virginia Woolf's Night & Day, In Select Theaters The Salt Path, In Select Theaters The critics: Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor Manuel Betancourt, film critic for LAist and interim editor of Documentary Magazine Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Tim Curry, a character actor who created a gallery of delicious, very loony villains for stage and screen, including Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the smug concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, has died. He was 80. Larry Mantle and our FilmWeek critics remember some of Curry’s most iconic roles on the screen and on the stage. The critics: Lael Loewenstein, film critic for LAist Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine Katie Walsh, film critic for LAist, the Tribune News Service and L.A. Times Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and this week’s critics review the long-awaited Coyote vs. Acme, starring Wile E. Coyote and the other Looney Tunes. They’ll also talk about Ridley Scott’s newest sci-fi movie The Dog Stars starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. The films: Coyote vs. Acme, Wide Release The Dog Stars ,Wide Release Finding Emily, Wide Release The Last Blossom, In Select Theaters The Marching Band, Laemmle Royal [West LA], Laemmle Town Center [Encino], Regency Theaters [Laguna Nigel] Dreams in Nightmares, Laemmle Glendale & AMC Burbank Town Center Idiots, In Select Theaters How to Divorce During the War, In Select Laemmle Theaters The critics: Lael Loewenstein, film critic for LAist Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine Katie Walsh, film critic for LAist, the Tribune News Service and L.A. Times Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Summer is over and school is back in session. So we thought we would ask our FilmWeek critics what some of their favorite school-set films are and what makes them so effective in bringing back those school-day memories. Our critics' picks: Cooley High (1975) To Sir, With Love (1967) Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) Fame (1980) The Last Picture Show (1971) Carrie (1976) The 400 Blows (1959) Election (1999) Booksmart (2019) Mr Holland’s Opus (1995) The critics: Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and film critics Peter Rainer and Tim Cogshell talk about the latest installment in the Insidious franchise, and yes, they do recommend you see the preceding five films. They also discuss the documentary The Last Picture Shows, about the handful of independent movie theaters across the U.S. that are slowly dying out. The films: Insidious: Out of the Further, Wide Release It Ends, AMC Burbank & AMC The Grove Mutiny, Wide Release Memory of Princess Mumbi, Laemmle Glendale The Last Picture Shows, Laemmle Royal [West LA] Franz, Landmark Theater [Pasadena] The Magic Faraway Tree, Wide Release Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, Streaming on Prime Video Learning to Fly, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] The critics: Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next…

The topic: The two-part documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man! has garnered 6 primetime Emmy nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program. Co-directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio join Larry Mantle on FilmWeek to talk about the legendary filmmaker himself (now 100 years-old) and what it was like to talk to Brooks about his generation-defining comedy. Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man! is available to stream on HBOMax. Guests: Judd Apatow, co-director and executive producer of the two-part HBO documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man! Michael Bonfiglio, co-director and executive producer of the two-part HBO documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man! Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Maureen Lee Lenker review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: The End of Oak Street, Wide Release Don’t Say Good Luck, Streaming on Netflix Late Fame, Laemmle Royal [West LA] The Wrong Girls, Wide Release If These Walls Could Rock, Available on Digital Six the Musical Live!, In Select Theaters Union County, Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] The Brink of War, Wide Release The critics: Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Maureen Lee Lenker, LAist film critic and freelance journalist formerly of Entertainment Weekly who's written for Gold Derby, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Turner Classic Movies. She's also the author of three novels set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire,…

The topic: In a follow up to her book But Have You Read the Book?, author Kristen Lopez focuses on romance movies that were adapted from or inspired by famous works of literature. From beloved classics like Anna Karenina to modern cult favorites like Bridget Jones’ Diary, But Have You Read the Book? Romance Edition will give you the perfect reading (and corresponding watch) list for the summer. Guest: Kristen Lopez, freelance entertainment journalist and author of the new book But Have You Read the Book? Romance Edition

The topic: Larry Mantle and the critics discuss the confusing intricacies at play in the society of One Night Only and the impressive storytelling and meta-commentary behind writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s latest film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. Larry also reminisces on his interview with Anthony Bourdain following Kitchen Confidential. That time in Bourdain’s life is portrayed in the new biopic Tony. The films: One Night Only, Wide Release Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, In Select Theaters Tony, In Select Theaters Ice Cream Man, Wide Release Mr. Hero, In Select Theaters Cookie Queens, In Select Theaters Olmo, In Select Theaters The Last House, Streaming on Netflix Above and Below, Available on VOD Aug 25 The critics: Amy Nicholson, film critic for the Los Angeles Times and host of the podcast ‘Unspooled’ Tim Cogshell, film critic at the Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com

The topic: Don’t understand the 70mm IMAX craze for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? LAist host Julia Paskin talked to Taylor Umphenour, one of L.A.’s top IMAX projectionists, on FilmWeek to understand why the format is becoming a filmmaker favorite and why audiences are clamoring to theaters to see The Odyssey in the largest format possible. Guest: Taylor Umphenour, IMAX projectionist Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: Julia Paskin and the LAist film critics talk about the fourth installment to the Tom Holland Spider-Man series that takes an introspective look at the superhero, and they applaud Olivia Wilde’s performance as a sexually dominant boss in Gregg Araki’s new film I Want Your Sex. The films: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Wide Release I Want Your Sex, Wide Release Wild Inside, In Select Laemmle Theaters Everybody Calls Me Mike, Available on Indiepix The Samurai and the Prisoner, Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] The Best Pizza is in LA, Available on VOD Middle Life, Laemmle Glendale The critics: Lael Loewenstein, film critic for LAist Maureen Lee Lenker <like ‘link’>, freelance journalist who's written for Gold Derby, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Turner Classic Movies. She was previously at Entertainment Weekly for nearly nine years. She's also the author of three novels set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any…

The topic: Julia Paskin and the LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Motor City, In Select Theaters Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, Streaming on Paramount+ Her Private Hell, Wide Release Hadestown: The Musical, In Select Theaters Sheep in the Box, AMC Century City|Expands to more theaters July 31 Nothing to See Here: Watts, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, In Select Theaters Cruel Hands, Laemmle Glendale & Available on VOD The Kidnapping of Arabella, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Laemmle NoHo The Dink, Streaming on Apple TV+ Lars Shrike Walks the Night, Streaming on Digital Correction: In the original broadcast for the review for American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, Lou Diamond Phillips was incorrectly credited for the role of 'El Pachuco' in the 1978 Mark Taper production of 'Zoot Suit'. The character 'El Pachuco' was played by Edward James Olmos. The…

The topic: The documentary Nothing to See Here: Watts takes viewers through the lives of community members as they experience violence, decades long gang rivalries, and neglect from city services. How it was made: Twenty participants were given iPhones to film themselves and their community over three years. The filmmakers included gang members, community activists, students, victims of violence, and police officers. They all later came together to decide what ultimately made the final cut. The first screening: The first screening of the film was presented to active members of the rival gangs in Watts in an effort to bring about talks of peace. We see the discussions unfold as decades long rivalries come to a halt to protect their collective community. Guests: Cornelius Wills, gang interventionist and mentor with Soledad Enrichment Action and Bounty Hunter Blood gang member Quiana Williams, mother of Sean Reynolds, a student who was shot in Watts Tim Pearce, retired LAPD gang officer who served in Watts and…

The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: The Odyssey, Wide Release Reading Lolita in Tehran, Laemmle Royal [West LA] The Floaters, Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle Town Center [Encino] Horsegirls, Laemmle NoHo Remake, Laemmle Royal [West LA] Sherman’s March, Laemmle Royal [West LA] Heartstopper Forever, Streaming on Netflix Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is turning out to be the event of the summer, with screenings selling out at theaters a year in advance. Nolan shares how he adapted the Greek epic for a modern audience. On what makes a successful adaptation: “If somebody watching the film who read the poem in high school or something, who doesn’t know it that well but knows it pretty well — if that person feels that my additions or my allusions actually were from the poem, then I think I've succeeded.” The dialogue: “I’m not having the actors speak with mid-Atlantic or some British accents the way Hollywood in the 50s or 60s often did… We want it to be more accessible than that.” The sound and score: “[Ludwig Göransson] is trying to create a soundscape that is as much a part of the sense of place as the sound effects. So in a way we’re trying to blur the boundaries completely between music and sound effects.” New technology: “This blimping system, it’s essentially a high-tech box you put the [70MM IMAX] camera in…

The topic: Horror movies are having a moment. Two of this year's greatest box office successes are two horror films, each from unknown directors with non-IP scripts and relatively small budgets. A horror darling: Obsession is the unexpected runaway hit of the summer, having grossed over $400 million worldwide on less than $1 million budget. Now almost two months out from its initial release, it is still playing in theaters nationwide. Another hit: Backed by the studio A24, Backrooms had a budget of $10 million and has grossed almost $350 million worldwide. Some of its success can be attributed to it being based on a popular 4Chan post that sparked a webseries and several internet games. Guests: Amy Nicholson, film critic for LAist, film critic for the Los Angeles Times and host of the podcast ‘Unspooled’ Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to…

The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Evil Dead Burn, Wide Release Moana, Wide Release Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, Wide Release Mary Oliver: Saved By the Beauty of the World, At Select Laemmle Theaters Night Nurse, In Select Theaters The Isolate Thief, In Select Theaters Mockbuster, Laemmle Glendale & Available on Digital & VOD The American Southwest, Available on Digital and VOD Barrio Triste, Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] & American Cinematheque’s Los Feliz 3 Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Minions & Monsters Wide Release Young Washington Wide Release Romería Laemmle Glendale|Laemmle Royal [West LA] Enola Holmes 3 Streaming on Netflix Reeling Available on Digital & VOD Tues. July 7 Drunken Noodles Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]|Laemmle NoHo Lockbox In Select Theaters The Get Out Available on Digital & VOD Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency The critics: Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine Christy Lemire, film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ YouTube and podcast series Claudia Puig, film critic for LAist and program director for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The topic: Criterion released two director-approved 4k restorations for John Waters’ 1988 film Hairspray and his 1977 film Desperate Living. The disc releases include exclusive commentary tracks from Waters and some of the actors as well as bonus interviews. Waters’ trash cinema: Known for his provocative, camp films, Waters is considered one of the formative directors of gay cinema. His ‘trash trilogy’ of Pink Flamingos (1972), Female Trouble (1974) and Desperate Living (1977) showcased taboos and profanity that garnered Waters a cult following. Mainstream attempt: But he also brought in a more mainstream audience with his much more tame and accessible film Hairspray (1988) about an overweight teen in Baltimore who dreams of being on a local TV show that features adolescents dancing. And you can’t talk about Waters without talking about his frequent collaborator and drag performer Divine, featured in a majority of Waters’ films. Divine played Tracy’s mother Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. It was his last film…

The topic: The new documentary Peter Asher: Everywhere Man shines a spotlight on the man behind some of America's most famous singer-songwriters. The man: Asher started as a performer himself in the 60s pop duo Peter and Gordon. Despite some hit songs, Asher decided to step off the stage and became a producer and manager for acts including James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and Carole King, just to name a few. The documentary: The new documentary chronicling Asher's life is directed by Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine. The film includes exclusive interviews with Asher. You can see Peter Asher: Everywhere Man at the Laemmle Royal in West LA and the Laemmle NoHo in North Hollywood. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Supergirl Wide Release The Invite In Select Theaters|Expands Wide July 10 Jackass: Best and Last Wide Release Lucky Strike Wide Release Coroner to the Stars Laemmle Glendale|Available on Digital & VOD July 14 Peter Asher: Everywhere Man Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Laemmle NoHo Animals in War Available on Digital & VOD|Streaming on Film Movement Plus Maddie's Secret In Select Theaters Woody Guthrie and The Ghost of Tom Joad Today Streaming on PBS SoCal The critics: Lael Loewenstein, film critic for LAist, and Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: Austin Cross and LAist film critics Charles Solomon, Manuel Betancourt, and Katie Walsh review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Toy Story 5 Wide Release The Death of Robin Hood Wide Release Girls Like Girls Wide Release Leviticus In Select Theaters Enongo Streaming on Indie Pix Unlimited Rose of Nevada Landmark Nuart [West LA] She's the He Laemmle Glendale|Lumiere Music Hall [West LA] Burt Available on Digital & VOD Color Book Landmark Pasadena Playhouse|Streaming on Netflix Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: The new film Burt tells the story of Burt Berger, a 69-year-old musician in LA living with Parkinson's who reconnects with an adult son he never knew he had. The film was shot over seven days in Los Angeles on a micro-budget of $7,000. A personal story: Director and co-writer of the film, Joe Burke’s own father is living with Parkinson’s. A portion of the proceeds will go to Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles. Where to watch: Burt is available on VOD on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Guest: Joe Burke, co-writer and director of the film Burt Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Charles Solomon, Christy Lemire, and Maureen Lee Lenker review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Disclosure Day, Wide Release Jinsei, In Select Theaters The Furious, In Select Theaters The Little Sister, Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] I am Frankelda, Laemmle Glendale & Streaming on Netflix Stop! That! Train!, Wide Release Boy George & Culture Club, Available on Digital & VOD Underland, Laemmle Glendale This Tempting Madness, Available on Digital & VOD Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: Documentary Magazine, published by the International Documentary Association (IDA), released a list of what it determined to be the 25 greatest documentaries of the 21st Century. How the list was made: Documentary polled 300 documentary filmmakers and producers, critics, programmers, and academics, asking them to name three documentaries they deemed the “greatest.” Each documentary had to be released after January 1, 2000. Notable picks: Joshua Oppenheimer’s The Act of Killing (2012) sits in the number spot, garnering the most votes. Other films that made the list include No Other Land (2024), the most recent release on the list, and The Gleaners and I (2000), the oldest release. Guest: Manuel Betancourt, film critic for LAist and assistant editor of Documentary Magazine. He also contributes regularly to Variety and The AV Club Check out Documentary’s full list here. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next…

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Masters of the Universe, Wide Release Renoir, Laemmle Nuart [West LA] Scary Movie, Wide Release Carolina Caroline, In Select Theaters The Currents, Laemmle Royal [West LA] Time and Water, Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle Glendale Office Romance, Streaming on Netflix Savage House, Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Laemmle Town Center [Encino]|The Frida Cinema [Santa Ana] Chum, Laemmle Glendale|Available on VOD Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The Topic: Marilyn Monroe’s life and career has been dissected and displayed for almost a century. But for such a pervasive and enduring figure, Monroe’s true internal life remains mysterious: was she forced into her “dumb blonde,” “bimbo” persona, or did she use it to her advantage? Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in-between. The exhibit: In honor of what would be her 100th birthday, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures attempts to portray Monroe as she was with their exhibition Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon. The exhibition displays Monroe’s most famous costumes and other paraphernalia from her most iconic films as well as personal items that may help reveal the woman behind the camera. Details: The exhibition opens May 31st and will run through February 28, 2027. You can find more information here. The guest: Sophia Serrano, associate curator for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures who curated the Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon exhibition. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency…

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Wade Major, along with guest critic William Bibbiani review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Backrooms, Wide Release Power Ballad, In Select Theaters| Expands wide June 5 Pressure, Wide Release The Last Viking, Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Available on digital & VOD Propeller One-Way Night Coach, Streaming on Apple TV+ Ask E. Jean, Landmark Nuart [West LA] Been Here Stay Here, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]|Laemmle Glendale Rafa, Streaming on Netflix The Breadwinner, Wide Release Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire, Lael Loewenstein and Maureen Lee Lenker review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The Films: Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, Wide Release Tuner, AMC Grove & AMC Century City|Expands May 29 I Love Boosters, Wide Release Passenger, Wide Release Ladies First, Streaming on Netflix Saccharine, In Select Theaters The Travel Companion, Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] Diamonds, Laemmle Royal [West LA] Magic Hour, Landmark Nuart [West LA] Stolen Kingdom, Laemele Glendale|Available on Digital & VOD Jun 16 Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The Topic: Larry Mantle speaks with the stars of the new film Tuner, Leo Woodall and Havana Rose Liu. The plot: Leo Woodall plays Niki, a former music virtuoso now serving as an apprentice to the vivacious but stubborn piano technician Harry Horowitz, played by Dustin Hoffman. Niki suffers from a unique hearing condition that makes him extra sensitive to sound: a useful skill for tuning pianos as well as cracking safes. His condition and secret extracurriculars isolates him from his budding relationship with music composition student Ruthie, played by Havana Rose Liu. Tuner is playing at the AMC Grove and AMC Century City. It expands to more theaters May 29. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: Movies on film are having a resurgence. Just take late year’s biggest movies: One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Marty Supreme. But the craft of screening movies on film is a dying one, with few projectionists experienced enough to handle the delicate prints. A film stronghold: In L.A., it's the local repertory theaters that have helped maintain the art of film projection with many offering screenings of old movies on vintage prints. The task may be tedious, but for audiences, it’s a striking viewing experience. Guests: Spencer Christiano, a senior projectionist at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Boris Ibañez, technical director of Vidiots, a repertory theater and DVD/video rental store in Eagle Rock. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

Austin Cross and LAist film critics Claudia Puig, Tim Cogshell, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: Is God Is, Wide Release Life Hack, In Select Theaters The Propagandist, Available on select digital platforms Decorado, In Select Theaters Silent Friend, AMC Burbank & Laemmle Royal [West LA] American Agitators, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] The Wizard of the Kremlin, In Select Theaters Marty, Life is Short, Streaming on Netflix Obsession, Wide Release The A List: 15 Stories from the Asian and Pacific Diasporas, Streaming on HBO Max Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

The topic: Last week, the Academy Awards released new rules for the Oscars. Some of the changes include awarding the director rather than the country for Best International Feature and allowing actors to be nominated for multiple films in the same category, such as Best Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actor/Actress. Other changes: Two of the new rule changes included explicit language about acting performances and screenplays being “demonstratively human” and “human-authored” respectively. These new rules come as the Oscars are planning for a change in venue and a new broadcast partner in YouTube starting in 2029. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

Guest host Austin Cross and LAist film critics Claudia Puig and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: The Sheep Detectives, Wide Release Mad Bills to Pay: (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo), Laemmle NoHo, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica], and Vidiots [Eagle Rock] Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour, Wide Release W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]|Airs on PBS May 19 at 9 p.m. ET Couples Weekend, Available on Digital & VOD Group: The Schopenhauer Effect Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Laemmle Royal [West LA] Mistura, Laemmle Town Center [Encino], Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Regal Edwards in South Gate Broad Trip, Streaming on Roku Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

In order to keep up with the changing film landscape, Canada’s Motion Picture Bureau was re-established as the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). It was helmed by filmmaker John Grierson, known for coining the term ‘documentary.’ Grierson recruited filmmaker and animator Norman McLaren to lead the NFB’s animation division, and under the two of them, the NFB supported pioneering artists pushing Canadian animation and filmmaking forward. This time on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle speaks with FilmWeek’s own Charles Solomon, animation historian and critic, about his new book “Animation for the People: An Illustrated History of the National Film Board of Canada.”