FilmWeek

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, film critic at the Tribune News Service and LA 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: 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. Guest: Dave Karger, TCM host, film expert, and author of the new book ‘50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars on Their Favorite Classic Films’ 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: 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 wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

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, earthquake or emergency.

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 purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency 

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 critics: Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation 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: 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 South Central LA 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:  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 and it silences it. And so for the first time ever, we could do the entire film that way.” Does the format matter? “They’re all drawn from this massive negative, so they can be as sharp and clear as possible. We’re able to fill the screen with the brightest and clearest image no matter what format you see it in. 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: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 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:     Evil Dead Burn, Wide ReleaseMoana, Wide ReleaseGail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, Wide ReleaseMary Oliver: Saved By the Beauty of the World, At Select Laemmle TheatersNight Nurse, In Select TheatersThe Isolate Thief, In Select Theaters Mockbuster, Laemmle Glendale & Available on Digital & VODThe American Southwest, Available on Digital and VODBarrio 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 role before he died. Guest: John Waters, American filmmaker known for his gay, cult classic films that delve into ‘trash’ and taboo 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: 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: 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 wildfire, earthquake or emergency   

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 ReleaseRenoir, Laemmle Nuart [West LA]Scary Movie, Wide ReleaseCarolina Caroline, In Select TheatersThe Currents, Laemmle Royal [West LA]Time and Water, Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle GlendaleOffice Romance, Streaming on NetflixSavage 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 Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or 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.”  

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell, Christy Lemire, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.   Films: The Devil Wears Prada 2, Wide Release Hokum, Wide Release That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea, Wide Release Two Pianos, Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Expands Wide May 8 Omaha, Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA]|Expands throughout May Swapped, Laemmle Glendale & Streaming on Netflix Power to the People, In Select Theaters May 3 The School Duel, Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] & Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] Modern Whore, Available on Digital & VOD Paying for It, Available on Digital & VOD Deep Water, Wide Release One Spoon of Chocolate, In Select Theaters Casa Grande, In Select Theaters   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 TCM Classic Film Festival is back! With films including Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Confessions Of A Nazi Spy (1939), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), The Misfits (1961), and a special Opening Night Gala presentation of Barefoot in the Park (1967) introduced by Jane Fonda. This year’s honorees include actresses Glenn Close and Barbara Hershey, and songwriter and composer Paul Williams. This week on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle is joined by TCM’s SVP of Programming, Charles Tabesh and TCM host, Ben Mankiewicz, to talk about the festival and its film line-up.  The TCM Classic Film Festival is from April 30 to May 3. Festival passes are available at filmfestival.tcm.com. Tickets for individual screenings are also available. 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 Beandrea July and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: Michael, Wide Release Over Your Dead Body, Wide Release Ricky, In Select Theaters Blue Heron, AMC Burbank & the Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] Just Sing, Laemmle NoHo I Swear, In Select Theaters Something Casual, Laemmle Royal [West LA] April 25|Laemmle NoHo April 24 & 26 Apex, Landmark Westwood|Streaming on Netflix Fuze, Wide Release Kangaroo Island, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] 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   

It's a hard job to explain but seems to be a very easy title to get. The mysterious film producer credit used to go to just a couple people who were integral in a movie's pre- and post-production, but after the consequential Best Picture win for 1998's Shakespeare in Love, the credit of film producer became a title given to people in lieu of other forms of compensation, regardless of how much actual work they contributed to the film. This year marks the PGA's Code of Credits 25th anniversary, created in part due to Shakespeare in Love's unprecedented number of producers. While some "underserving" people may still be credited, the PGA Mark only goes to those who fit their arbitration criteria. On FilmWeek, we delve into the allusive title of "film producer" and how the credit has changed over the years with Deadline senior TV and labor reporter Katie Campione. She's the author of the piece "How ‘Shakespeare In Love’s Best Picture Win Inspired The PGA’s 25-Year Effort To Answer One Question: Who Is A Producer?" 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 Lael Loewenstein and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: Mother Mary, In Select Theaters Balls Up, Streaming on Prime Video Steal This Story, Please!, Laemmle Glendale, Laemmle Royal & Art Theatre Long Beach Lorne, Wide Release Normal, Wide Release Erupcja, Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] Changing Lanes, In Select Laemmle Theaters Mabel, Available on Digital & VOD Immigrant Songs: Yiddish Theater and the American Jewish Experience, Streaming on select platforms A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough, 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   

During World War II, Hitler recognized the power that Hollywood held as a tool for propaganda. So much so that he sent Nazi agents to L.A. to infiltrate the studios. In his new book, Hollywood vs. Nazis: How the Movie Studios Took on Nazis Infiltrating Los Angeles, author Michael Benson, tells the story of how one entertainment lawyer spearheaded the defense against Hitler’s pro-Nazi propaganda in Hollywood. Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle speaks with Benson about his book and this interesting intersection in movie history. 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 Tim Cogshell, Beandrea July, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: You, Me & Tuscany Wide Release                                      Exit 8  In Select Theaters                                                            The Christophers AMC Century City|Expands to Select Theaters April 17 [Next Fri]                             Hamlet In Select Theaters                                                         Faces of Death Wide Release                                            The Stranger In Select Laemmle Theaters                                                         ChaO  In Select Theaters                                                                    The Blue Trail Lumiere Cinema Hall [West LA] Apr. 10-12                                                       Birth of the Black Underworld Laemmle NoHo                   Outcome Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]|IPIC Theaters [Westwood]|Available to Stream on Apple TV+ 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, Beandrea July and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: The Drama Wide Release The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Wide Release Fantasy Life In Select Theaters The Addiction of Hope Available on VOD & Digital Our Hero, Balthazar In Select Theaters Kontinental ‘25 Laemmle Royal [West LA] John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office The Philosophical Research Society & Brain Dead Studios Palestine ‘36 In Select Theaters White With Fear Streaming on the PBS app 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 American Cinematheque, L.A.’s nonprofit film and culture organization, is best known for their curated screenings of cult classic films, filmmaker retrospectives, and festivals like Bleak Week and Beyond Fest. Now, through a new podcast, they are putting actors and filmmakers’ film taste to the test. Every week, artistic director Grant Moninger sits down with a director, actor, or screenwriter and asks them to put together their “perfect” film festival line-up, reflecting on the movies that made an impact on their lives. This week on FilmWeek, Grant Moninger joins Larry to talk about the podcast, his work as AC artistic director, and what programming American Cinematheque has coming up.  “The American Cinematheque Podcast” releases weekly on Thursdays in both video and audio formats, on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. The first two episodes are out now featuring filmmakers Edgar Wright and Mary Bronstein. 

Guest host Austin Cross and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films:  They Will Kill You Wide Release Forbidden Fruits Wide Release Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice Streaming on Hulu Marc by Sofia In Select Theaters The AI Doc: Or How I Became An Apocaloptimist In Select Theaters Alpha In Select Theaters Holy Days In Select Theaters BTS: The Return Streaming on Netflix Refuge Available on Digital & VOD Wardriver Available on Digital & VOD

Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling’s new space blockbuster, reached number one at the Box Office last weekend. It’s the second successful book-to-screen adaptation for author Andy Weir, best known for his novel The Martian which also got a movie adaptation in 2015 starring Matt Damon. Weir helped write the screenplays for both films, which could be part of their positive reception. But, turning a book into a well-received film is no small feat, even if you have the author at the helm. Obviously, a two hour movie cannot fit everything included in a 500 plus page book. A while back, LAist host Austin Cross spoke with FilmWeek critic Tim Cogshell on AirTalk about what makes a good book-to-film adaptation. Listeners also called in to share the movies they thought adapted their source material well and the ones that got it all wrong.  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 Tim Cogshell and Beandrea July review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. 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