Go back to the movies with us! It's heating up in the city, so Revival House continues with a classic of spring and summertime in L.A. — a film at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Run by Cinespia, you can picnic and catch a revival film on the iconic grassy knoll. What keeps people coming back year after year? What's the history of it all? Listen along to find out. Learn more about the cemetery tour here: https://www.cemeterytour.com/ Find more about Cinespia here: https://cinespia.org/ Guests: Cemetery tour guide Karie Bible, Cinespia founder John Wyatt.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” Wide Release “Poolman” In Select Theaters “Summer Qamp” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] “Power”  Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]| Streaming On Netflix May 17  “The Last Stop in Yuma County” In Select Theaters “Living With Leopards” Streaming On Netflix “The Roundup Punishment” Wide Release “Force Of Nature: The Dry 2” In Select Theaters “The Image of You” VOD “Lazareth” VOD “Mother of the Bride” Streaming on Netflix  

Saturday Night Live over the decades has served as a building block for comedians, using that platform as a way to get your name out there and eventually spin their popularity into other ventures. One of the earliest, and most iconic cases, being the American Classic that SNL alums Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi created with “The Blues Brothers.” A new book, by writer and journalist Daniel de Visé, gets into how Aykroyd and Belushi’s kinetic, comedic energy was spun into a just as entertaining production process. Along with the film’s influence on pop culture humor, it also shares how the film’s appreciate of blues music is best encapsulated by its soundtrack and appearances by Aretha Franklin and James Brown. For this week’s FilmWeek feature, we talk to Daniel de Visé, author of “The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the making of an American Film Classic” about what he was able to uncover from revisiting this film the captured a special moment in American film and comedy.

“I Saw The TV Glow,” the new film by second-time director Jane Schoenbrun, is a story they consider their most personal. The story follows the character Owen, over multiple decades of their own life, re-visiting their identity through the help of an old friend named Maddy. The film brings together elements of childhood nostalgia and horror in this fictional story of one kid who feels different from everyone else in this small town. Today on FilmWeek, Larry sits down with the film's lead actor, Justice Smith, and its director Jane Schoenbrun, getting into the film’s exploration of identity and dysphoria.   ‘I Saw The TV Glow’ is now in theaters, check your local listings.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. “The Fall Guy” Wide Release “Unfrosted” Streaming on Netflix “I Saw The TV Glow” Wide Release “Wildcat” AMC Century City 15 [Century City] | Vidiots [Eagle Rock] May 4th  “Blood in Blood Out (1993)” Streaming on Hulu “Nowhere Special” Landmark Pasadena Playhouse [Pasadena] | Laemmle Royal [Sawtelle] | Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] | Regency Agoura Hills Stadium [Agoura Hills] | Laemmle Claremont [Claremont]  “The Idea of You” Streaming on Amazon Prime Video “Evil Does Not Exist” Wide Release “Who is Stan Smith?”  Landmark Nuart Theater [Sawtelle] | Expands to Laemmle Town Center [Encino] | Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] | Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] May 10

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms: “Challengers” Wide Release  “Boy Kills World” Wide Release  “Egoist” Wide Release “Bad Faith” VOD  “Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] April 26th | Streaming on PBS May 13 “Uncropped” Laemmle Royal [Sawtelle] on April “Little Empty Boxes” Laemmle Monica [Santa Monica] April 26 | Laemmle Royal [Sawtelle] April 28 “Humane”  The Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] April 26th “ALAM” VOD “Infested” Streaming on Shudder 

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 McBaine and 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 Nicholson and 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 LA producer 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 Rainer and 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-essayGuests: 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: Dune: Part Two (in wide release) Problemista (in select theaters, expands March 22) “Spaceman” Streaming on Netflix Cabrini (wide release March 18) Love Lies Bleeding (Los Feliz Theaters in Los Feliz on March 3, expands to select theaters March 15) The Reverend (streaming on The Criterion Channel) Amelia’s Children (Laemmle Glendale + available on video on demand) Megamind vs The Doom Syndicate (streaming on Peacock) Silver Haze (Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills, available on video on demand March 12)

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 Counter At The Center Of The World” Laemmle NoHo 7“Stopmotion” In Select Theaters“As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial” Streaming on Paramount+ Feb. 27thFilmweek 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]

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.

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]

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.

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 PrimeFilmWeek 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 critics Peter 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 critics Tim 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 critics Andy 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 Siegel about the ongoing complications both on the screen and behind the scenes for Marvel Studios.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy 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 critics Claudia 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 TheatersAnimation 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: “The Exorcist: Believer” Wide Release “The Royal Hotel” Select Theaters “Foe” Select Theaters “She Came To Me” Select Theaters “Dicks: The Musical” Select Theaters|Expands to Wide Release Oct. 20th “The Burial” Select Theaters “Strange Way Of Life” Select Theaters “Totally Killer” Amazon Prime Video “Cat Person” Laemmle Royal [West LA], Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Town Center [Encino] “Miranda’s Victim” Laemmle Town Center [Encino]|Available On Demand “Aberrance” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Dr. Cheon And The Lost Talisman” Select Theaters

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:   “The Creator” Wide Release “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” Wide Release “Man on the Run” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Fair Play” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica], Laemmle Town Center [Encino], and Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood]|Streaming on Netflix October 6 [Next Friday] “The Kill Room” In Select Theaters “Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation” Streaming on Crunchy Roll “Farewell My Concubine” Nuart Theater [West LA] “The Re-Education of Molly Singer” Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] “Reptile” Streaming on Netflix “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.

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. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.  “Expend4bles” Wide Release “It Lives Inside” Wide Release “The Origin Of Evil” In Select Theaters “Flora And Son” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema [DTLA] & Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA]; Available to Stream on Apple TV+ September 29 “Invisible Beauty” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “No One Will Save You” Available to Stream on Hulu “26.2 To Life” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Carlos” In Select Theaters September 23 “Stop Making Sense” 40th Anniversary In Select Theaters “Radical Wolfe” Laemmle Royal [West LA], Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Claremont “Piaffe” Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA]

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 critics Amy Nicholson, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. We also hear from our critic Peter Rainer to tell us about his favorite films at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. “A Haunting In Venice” Wide Release “Dumb Money” In Select Theaters “The Inventor” In Select Theaters “Carpet Cowboys” Brain Dead Studios [Fairfax District] “The Retirement Plan” In Select Theaters “Cassandro” In Select Theaters; Streaming on Prime Video Starting September 22 “Outlaw Johnny Black” In Select Theaters “Love At First Sight” Streaming on Netflix “The Mountain” Laemmle Town Center [Encino] & Laemmle Glendale

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. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” Wide Release “The Nun II” Wide Release “Scrapper” Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] “El Conde” Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood]; Begins Streaming on Netflix September 15 “A Million Miles Away” Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood]; Available on Prime Video September 15  “Joyce Carol Oates: A Body In The Service Of Mind” Lammle Royal [West LA] & Available on Amazon & Apple TV+ “Rotting In The Sun” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema [DTLA]; Available to Stream on MUBI September 15

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.   “The Equalizer 3” Wide Release “Fremont” Laemmle Glendale & Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] “Our Father, The Devil” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “The Good Mother” In Select Theaters “Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files Of The Boy Scouts Of America” Streaming on Netflix September 6  “Before, Now & Then” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “A Day And A Half” Streaming on Netflix “King Coal” Laemmle Glendale “Goldfish” Laemmle Town Center [Encino]

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. “Gran Turismo” Wide Release “Retribution” Wide Release “Bank Of Dave” Galaxy Theater [Mission Grove] & Available on VOD “Golda” Wide Release “Bella!” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica], Laemmle Claremont, Laemmle Town Center [Encino] & Laemmle Glendale “You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah” Streaming on Netflix “Killer Book Club” Streaming on Netflix “Slotherhouse” In Select Theaters August 30 “The Owners” (Other Title: “Vlastnici”) Laemmle Royal [West LA]

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. “Blue Beetle” Wide Release “Strays” Wide Release “Aurora’s Sunrise” Laemmle Glendale “The Eternal Memory” Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle Town Center [Encino] “Dead Shot” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “The Monkey King” Streaming on Netflix “Madeleine Collins” Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle Town Center [Encino] “Landscape With Invisible Hand” In Select Theaters “Grave Of The Fireflies” American Cinematheque [Los Feliz] “The Adults” In Select Theaters

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 critics Wade Major and Christy 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. “The Last Voyage Of The Demeter” Wide Release “Heart Of Stone” Bay Theater [Pacific Palisades] & Streaming on Netflix “Red, White & Royal Blue” Streaming on Amazon Prime Video “Jules” In Select Theaters “Between Two Worlds” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey” Laemmle NoHo 7 [North Hollywood] “Aporia” Landmark Westwood Theatre “Walid” Laemmle Glendale “Medusa Deluxe” In Select Theaters “Billion Dollar Heist” Available on Demand & VOD August 14 “Underdog” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]

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 director John 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.  “The Meg 2: The Trench” Wide Release “Brother” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Shortcomings” In Select Theaters “A Compassionate Spy” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Lola” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “The Beasts” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Kokomo City” Laemmle Glendale & Alamo Drafthouse Cinema [DTLA] “Princess Mononoke” In Select Theaters August 5 through August 9 for Studio Ghibli Fest “Dreamin’ Wild” In Select Theaters “Mob Land” In Select Theaters “Corner Office” Lumiere Cinema Music Hall [Beverly Hills] & Available on Digital and On Demand “What Comes Around” Laemmle NoNo [North Hollywood]

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 critic Charles 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 historian Nat 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.  “Haunted Mansion” Wide Release “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” Wide Release “War Pony” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Available on Demand “The Unknown Country” Landmark’s Nuart Theater [West LA] “The First Slam Dunk” In Select Theaters  “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Justice League: Warworld” Available on DVD and Digital “The Mistress” Laemmle Glendale & Available on VOD “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir The Movie” Bay Theater [Pacific Palisades] & Streaming on Netflix  “Barbie” Wide Release

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. “Oppenheimer” Wide Release “Barbie” Wide Release “The Beanie Bubble” IPIC Theater [Westwood];Expands to Select Theaters & Streaming on Apple TV+ July 28 “20 Days In Mariupol” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Mad Heidi” Available on Digital & VOD “Lakota Nation Vs. United States” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Cobweb” In Select Theaters “Fear The Night” Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] & Available on Demand and Digital “They Cloned Tyrone” In Select Theaters 7 Streaming on Netflix “Have You Got It Yet? The Story Of Syd Barrett And Pink Floyd” Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood] & Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]

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 Cogshell and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. “The Miracle Club” Wide Release “Afire” American Cinematheque [Los Feliz] & Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Theater Camp” In Select AMC Theaters “Bird Box Barcelona” Streaming on Netflix “The League” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Black Ice” In Select AMC Theaters “Earth Mama” Landmark’s Nuart Theater [West LA] “Final Cut” Laemmle Claremont, Laemmle Newhall [Santa Clarita] & Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood] “Two Tickets To Greece” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Regal Edwards Theater [Long Beach] “Joke Man” Available on Digital & VOD Platforms July 18 “The Jewel Thief” Streaming on Hulu

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson and 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) “Mission: Impossible–Dead Reckoning Part One” In Select Theaters July 10; Expands to Wide Release July 12 “Biosphere” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema [DTLA] & Landmark Nuart Theatre [West LA] “Joy Ride” Wide Release “The Lesson” In Select Theaters “Amanda” Laemmle Royal [West LA]; Expands to Laemmle Town Center [Encino], Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Claremont July 14 “The Out-Laws” Streaming on Netflix “The YouTube Effect” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema [DTLA] “Once Upon A Time In Uganda” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema [DTLA]; Expanding to Select Theaters July 14 “The Passengers Of The Night” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Contempt” Laemmle Royal[West LA]     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 Lemire and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.   “Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny” Wide Release “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” Wide Release “WHAM!” Streaming on Netflix July 5 “Revoir Paris” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Nimona” Streaming on Netflix “Every Body” In Select Theaters “In The Company Of Rose” Laemmle Royal [West LA]; Available on Amazon & Apple TV “Prisoner’s Daughter” In Select Theaters “Give Me An A” Available on VOD “2001: A Space Odyssey” 4k Restoration Landmark’s Nuart Theater [West LA]   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 Rainer and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. “No Hard Feelings” Wide Release  “Desperate Souls, Dark City And The Legend Of Midnight Cowboy” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino] “The Last Rider” In Select Theaters “After Sherman” Premiering on PBS June 26 “Love Gets A Room” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino]; Available on Demand June 30 “Maximum Truth” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] & Available on Demand “The Perfect Find” Streaming on Netflix “Here. Is. Better.” Laemmle Monica film Center[Santa Monica]; Available on Digital June 27 “Scarlet” Laemmle Glendale & Landmark’s Nuart Theater[West LA] “Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed” Streaming on MAX June 28   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 director Maggie 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 director Maggie Mackay and board member and LAist film critic Claudia Puig. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell, Christy Lemire and 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) “Asteroid City” Wide Release  “Elemental” Wide Release “The Flash” Wide Release “The Blackening” Wide Release  “Stan Lee” Streaming on Disney+ “Blue Jean” Landmark’s Nuart Theater[West LA] “Lonely Castle In The Mirror” In Select Theaters “Surrounded” Available on Digital “Black Clover: Sword Of Wizard King” Streaming on Netflix “Extraction 2” Bay Theater[Pacific Palisades] and Streaming on Netflix “Anchorage” Laemmle NoHo 7[North Hollywood] “Pretty Red Dress” Available on DOD format 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 Betancourt and 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 “Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” Wide Release  “Flamin’ Hot” Streaming On Hulu “Heroes Of The Golden Mask” Laemmle NoHo 7[North Hollywood] “Persian Lessons” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “The Angry Black Girl And Her Monster” In Select Theaters “Dalíland” Landmark Nuart Theaters[West LA] “Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact” Streaming On Netflix  “Brooklyn 45” Streaming On Shudder and AMC+  “Americonned” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] “Lynch/Oz” In Select Theaters “The Secret Kingdom” Laemmle Glendale[Glendale] 

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 “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” Wide Release  “Past Lives” In Select Theaters “Rise” Laemmle Royal [West LA]  “The Boogeyman” Wide Release “Enter the Slipstream” Available on DOD  “The Roundup: No Way Out” In Select Theaters  “Falcon Lake” In Select Theaters  “Padre Pio” Laemmle Royal [West LA] and Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino] “Film: The Living Record Of Our Memory” Streaming on VOD  “The God Man” Multiple AMC Theaters “Shooting Stars” Streaming on Peacock “Medellin” Streaming on Amazon Prime      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 “The Little Mermaid” Wide Release “You Hurt My Feelings” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Being Mary Tyler Moore” Streaming on HBO Max “About My Father” Wide Release “T.S Eliot's Four Quartets” In Select Theaters “The Hole In The Fence” Laemmle Gelndale [Glendale] “Reality” Streaming on HBO “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick” Available on VOD “Kandahar” Wide Release “Influencer” Available to Stream The Los 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 Cogshell and 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 “Fast X” Wide Release  “Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer” Streaming on Netflix  “Astérix & Obélix: The Middle Kingdom” Streaming on Netflix  “The Thief Collector” In Select Theaters “Chile ‘76” Laemmle Royal [West LA]  “Sanctuary” In Select Theaters “White Men Can’t Jump” Streaming on Hulu  “Master Gardener” In Select Theaters “32 Sounds” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood] “Love To Love You, Donna Summer” Streaming on HBO  “Victim/Suspect” Streaming on Netflix   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 Klein and 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 “Hypnotic” Wide Release  “Book Club: The Next Chapter” Wide Release  “It Ain't Over” In Select Theaters “Fool’s Paradise” Wide Release  “Knight Of The Zodiac” Wide Release  “Still: A Michael J.Fox Movie” Laemmle Royal[West LA] and Laemmle NoHo 7[North Hollywood] “Love Again” Wide Release “L’Immensità” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “The Starling Girl” In Select Theaters  “Blackberry” In Select Theaters “The Mother” Streaming on Netflix  “Monica” In Select Theaters Industry Talk: Guardians At The Box Office, Writer’s Strike And Video Game Adaptations  Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Andy Klein talk 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. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Blasts Off At The Box Office The Writers Strike Will Change Hollywood Video Game Adaptations: Why Some Work And Others Don’t

Guest host John Horn 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. FilmWeek: ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘Plan 75,’ ‘The Eight Mountains,’ And More “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3” Wide Release “Plan 75” Laemmle Monica Film Center “The Eight Mountain” Landmark Nuart “What’s Love Got To do With It” In Select theaters “Ponyo” In Select Theaters “The Taking” Lumiere Music Hall “Hannah Gadsby: Something Special” Streaming on Netflix “Charles: In His Own Words” Streaming on Disney+ “You Can Live Forever” Available on VOD platforms “Anxious Nation” Laemmle Monica Film Center John Horn Talks With Emma Thompson “What’s Love Got To Do With It” stars Emma Thompson and Lily James. It follows a documentary filmmaker, played by Lily James, in Pakistan capturing her childhood neighbor’s arranged marriage in her next film. Though it might be controversial, arranged marriage is still occurring and accepted in many cultures and countries today. And this film shows how love plays a role in these situations. LAist arts and entertainment reporter John Horn speaks with Thompson on her new film and what she loves about the story. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Are You There God? It's Me Margaret,’ ‘Big George Foreman,’ and ‘R.M.N’ “Are You There God? It's Me Margaret” Wide Release  “Big George Foreman” Wide Release  “R.M.N” Wide Release  “Sisu” Wide Release “Other People’s Children” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Peter Pan And Wendy” Streaming on Disney+ “Polite Society” Wide Release  “Freaks Vs. The Reich” Laemmle Glendale “De Humani Corporis Fabrica” Laemmle Glendale  “Snag” In Select Theaters “The End Of Sex” In Select theaters   John Horn Talks About The Ever-Evolving Film Industry At CinemaCon What started as a gathering of movie theater owners in the 1970s, CinemaCon today is the largest annual convention for the theater industry with attendees from 80 different counties. Goers watch upcoming scores and movies. This year’s event happened this past week in Las Vegas and LAist art and entertainment reporter John Horn was there. He sat down with John Fithian, the outgoing President and CEO of The National Association of theater Owners, to talk about the evolution and significant impacts within the film industry.

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. FilmWeek: ‘Beau Is Afraid,’ ‘Judy Blume Forever,’ and ‘Chevalier’  “Beau Is Afraid” Wide Release  “Judy Blume Forever” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Chevalier: Wide Release. Available on VOD platforms  “Joyland” Landmark Nuart Theater[West LA]   “Guy Ritchie's The Covenant” Wide Release  “Carmen” Laemmle Royal [West LA]  “Wild Life” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] and Cinemark [Ventura] “Little Richard: I am Everything” Streaming On Demand “Ghosted” Streaming on Apple TV+  “Flashdance” 40th Anniversary In Select Theaters   John Horn’s Interview about WILD LIFE “On any scorecard, nature is losing.” Those are the words of conservationist Kris Tompkins, the subject of the new climate change documentary Wild Life. Along with the founder of Patagonia clothing line, Yvon Chouinard, they teams up with filmmaking couple Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin in creating a new climate change documentary Wild Life. LAist arts and entertainment reporter John Horn spoke with Kris Tompkins and Chai Vasarhelyi about ecological colonialism, the importance of corporate environmental responsibilities and more. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Renfield,’ ‘Sweetwater,’ ‘Suzume’ and More “Renfield” Wide Release  “Sweetwater” Wide Release “Suzume” Wide Release “Chop & Steele” Alamo DrafHouse [Downtown LA] “A Life On The Farm” Alamo DraftHouse [Downtown LA]  “Once Upon A Time In Ukraine” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale] “Rare Objects” Laemmle NoHo 7 [North Hollywood]  “Imagining The Indian” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]  “Mafia Mamma” Wide Release   “Sakra” In Select Theaters  “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Personality Crisis: One Night Only” Streaming on Showtime   “Chocolat” 4k Restoration Landmark Theater [Westwood]  John Horn’s Interview about HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE Adapted by the non-fiction book of the same name, How to Blow Up A Pipeline is a new fictional film that tells the story of a disparate group of eco-terrorit’s call to action to save the world from the ongoing climate crisis by, you guessed it, blowing up a pipeline. LAist arts and entertainment reporter John Horn speaks more about the movie with Daniel Goldhaber, director and co-writer of the film, and Ariela Barer, actor and co-writer of the film.   

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie,’ ‘Showing Up,’ ‘Paint’ and More  “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” Wide Release “Rewind & Play,” Acropolis Cinema & Lumiere Cinema Music Hall[Beverly Hills] “Showing Up,” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City “Tsurune The Movie: The First Shot,” In Select Theaters April 9 and 10 only “The Worst Ones,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] “Sam Now,” Laemmle Glendale “Paint,” Wide Release “Róise & Frank,” Laemmle Town Center[Encino] & Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Chupa,” In Select Theaters & Streaming on Netflix

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Air: Courting A Legend,’ ‘Tetris,’ ‘Unzipped: An autopsy of American Inequality’ And More  “Air: Courting A Legend” Wide Release “Tetris” Streaming on Apple TV+ “Unzipped: An Autopsy of American Inequality” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa monica]  “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” Wide Release “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” Streaming On Hulu   “One Day As A Lion” In Select Theaters “Rye Lane” Streaming on Hulu  “Space Oddity” In Select Theaters “Murder Mystery 2” Streaming on Netflix  John Horn Interviews Actor Kyra Sedgwick About Directing Her New Film ‘Space Oddity’Kyra Segwick has a plethora of on screen performance credits, including TV crime series The Closer and comedy show Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Now, taking her talents behind-the-scenes, Sedgwick is making her first directorial debut in the Sci-Fi rom-com movie Space Oddity, a film about a young man traveling to Mars… or not. John Horn sits down with Sedgwick to talk about the film and how she feels about her new role behind the cameras. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘A Good Person,’ ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ ‘Jacir’ and More (0:15) “John Wick: Chapter 4,” Wide Release “A Good Person,” In Select Theaters “Jacir,” AMC Theater[Burbank] & AMC Theater[Orange] “Tori And Lokita,” Landmark Nuart Theater[DTLA] “Rodeo,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “The Lost King,” Wide Release “Gods Of Mexico,” Lumiere Cinema Music Hall[Beverly Hills] “The Tutor,” In Select Theaters “The Way Of Gaucho,” American Cinematheque[Los Feliz]   John Horn’s Interview with Willem Dafoe (32:48) Willem Dafoe has been acting for six decades, with a diverse filmography, from the iconic Green Goblin in Sam Rami’s Spiderman to the eccentric lighthouse worker in Robert Egger’s The Lighthouse. In the new film Inside, Dafoe plays an art thief who becomes trapped inside a luxury, high-tech penthouse when a heist doesn’t go as planned. His character is trapped for months, his only concern is that of survival. The film is directed by first-time director Vasilis Katsoupis. John Horn sits down with Dafoe to talk about the film and how it fits into his longtime career as a whole. 

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Scream VI,’ ‘Shazam! Fury Of The Gods,’ ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ and More “Scream VI,” Wide Release “Shazam! Fury Of The Gods,” Wide Release “Moving On,” In Select Theaters “The Magician’s Elephant,” Streaming on Netflix “Champions,” In Select Theaters “La Civil,” Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Royal[West LA] “The Forger,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino] “Sansón And Me,” Laemmle Glendale, Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] & Laemmle Claremont March 20 “Kubrick By Kubrick,” Available on Digital & VOD March 21 “Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game,” Galaxy Theater[Riverside] & Streaming on AppleTV+ “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” Streaming on Netflix “Inside,” In Select Theaters “Boston Strangler,” Streaming on Hulu

The 95th Academy Awards is upon us! It’s been another great year in film. “Top Gun: Maverick,” one of the Best Picture nominees, has been credited as the blockbuster that brought audiences back to theaters post pandemic. This year also saw the long awaited sequel to James Cameron’s technical achievement “Avatar” with “Avatar: The Way Of Water.” But possibly the biggest film of the year was small indie movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which has maintained a dedicated fanbase of everyday movie-goers and critics alike since its premiere in March 2022, and has dominated the award circuit leading up to this year's Oscar ceremony as the projected winner for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress among other categories. Other Best Picture nominees in addition to those three films: “The Banshees Of Inisherin,” “Women Talking,” “Triangle Of Sadness,” “The Fabelmans,” “All Quiet On The Western Front,” “Tár,” and “Elvis.” Other categories covered include Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Supporting Actress, and more! There’s so much to talk about! Larry Mantle and LAist film critics are live at the Orpheum Theater in DownTown Los Angeles to discuss the 95th Academy Award nominations from Best Screenplay to Best Picture. We’ll hear which films are the critics’ favorites and which ones they think will take home the top prizes. You can find the full list of nominees here. Our critics for the 21th annual Film Week Academy Awards Preview are: Justin Chang – Los Angeles Times and NPR’s Fresh Air Tim Cogshell – Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Andy Klein – LAist & AV Club Christy Lemire – Roger Ebert.com & Breakfast All Day podcast Lael Loewenstein – LAist                                                            Wade Major – CineGods.com                                       Amy Nicholson – New York Times film writer & podcast Unspooled Claudia Puig – President/LA Film Critics Association   Peter Rainer – Christian Science Monitor Charles Solomon – Animation Scoop and Animation.com   Round One (0:15) Best Animated Feature: Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio – Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson, Gary Ungar and Alex Bulkley Marcel The Shell With Shoes On – Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, Elisabeth Holm, Andrew Goldman, Caroline Kaplan and Paul Mezey Puss In Boots: The Last Wish – Directed by Joel Crawford and Mark Swift The Sea Beast – Directed by Chris Williams and Jed Schlanger Turning Red – Directed by Domee Shi and Lindsey Collins   Best Documentary Feature: All That Breathes – Directed by Shaunak Sen, Aman Mann and Teddy Leifer All The Beauty And The Bloodshed – Directed by Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, John Lyons, Nan Goldin and Yoni Golijov Fire Of Love – Directed by Sara Dosa, Shane Boris and Ina Fichman A House Made Of Splinters – Directed by Simon Lereng Wilmont and Monica Hellström Navalny – Directed by Daniel Roher, Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris   Round Two (15:45) Best Supporting Actress: Angela Bassett – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Hong Chau – The Whale Kerry Condon – The Banshees Of Inisherin Jamie Lee Curtis – Everything Everywhere All At Once Stephanie Hsu – Everything Everywhere All At Once   Best Adapted Screenplay: All Quiet On The Western Front – Screenplay - Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson & Ian Stokell Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Written by Rian Johnson Living – Written by Kazuo Ishiguro Top Gun: Maverick – Screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie; Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks Women Talking – Screenplay by Sarah Polley   Best Original Screenplay: The Banshees Of Inisherin – Written by Martin McDonagh Everything Everywhere All At Once – Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert The Fabelmans – Written by Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner Tár – Written by Todd Field Triangle Of Sadness – Written by Ruben Östlund   Best Supporting Actor: Brendan Gleeson – The Banshees of Inisherin Brian Tyree Henry – Causeway Judd Hirsch – The Fabelmans Barry Keoghan – The Banshees of Inisherin Ke Huy Quan – Everything Everywhere All at Once   Best Actress: Cate Blanchett – Tár Ana De Armas – Blonde Andrea Riseborough – To Leslie Michelle Williams – The Fabelmans Michelle Yeoh – Everything Everywhere All at Once   Round 3 (34:47) Best Actor: Austin Butler – Elvis Colin Farrell – The Banshees of Inisherin Brendan Fraser – The Whale Paul Mescal – Aftersun Bill Nighy – Living   Best Directing: The Banshees Of Inisherin – Directed by Martin McDonagh Everything Everywhere All At Once – Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert The Fabelmans – Directed by Steven Spielberg Tár – Directed by Todd Field Triangle Of Sadness – Direcetd by Ruben Östlund   Best Picture: All Quiet On The Western Front Avatar: The Way Of Water The Banshees Of Inisherin Elvis Everything Everywhere All At Once The Fabelmans Tár Top Gun: Maverick Triangle Of Sadness Women Talking  

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Creed III,’ ‘Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre,’ ‘Transfusion’ and More (0:15) “Creed III,” Wide Release “Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre,” Wide Release “What We Do Next,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica], Regal Foothill Ranch Theater & AMC Burbank Theater “A Little White Lie,” Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] & Harkins Theater At The Grove; On digital & on Demand “Pacifiction,” Laemmle Royal “Hunt Her, Kill Her,” In Select Theaters “Blueback,” In Select Theaters “Unseen,” Available on Digital & on Demand March 7 “Transfusion,” Laemmle Glendale “Children Of The Corn,” In Select Theaters; Available on Demand & Digital March 21 “Casablanca,” In Select Theaters March 5 & March 8 Only   Larry Mantle And The FilmWeek Critics Discuss The Best International Feature Category (31:48) In preparation for the 95th Academy Awards, our FilmWeek critics discuss the Oscar nominees for Best International Feature Film which include ‘All Quiet On The Western Front,’ ‘Argentina 1985,’ ‘Close,’ ‘EO,’ and ‘The Quiet Girl.’ Joining Larry to discuss the prospective winners and share their favorite international film of the year are critics Tim Cogshell, Andy Klein, Wade Major, Peter Rainer, Amy Nicholson and Lael Loewenstein. You can see all our critics live Sunday, March 5th at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles as we break down the major Oscar categories and relive the best of 2022 in film. Tickets are on sale now at LAist.com/events. We hope to see you there!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Cocaine Bear,’ ‘Jesus Revolution,’ ‘We Have A Ghost’ and More (0:15) “Cocaine Bear,” Wide Release “Jesus Revolution,” Wide Release “Navalny,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & AMC Burbank Theater; Available to Stream on HBO Max “Juniper,” In Select Theaters; Available on Prime Video & Apple TV April 4 “Linoleum,” Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood]  “We Have A Ghost,” Streaming on Netflix “Die Hart: The Movie,” Available on Prime Video “My Happy Ending,” In Select Theaters “God’s Time,” Laemmle Glendale   Larry Mantle And The FilmWeek Critics Discuss The Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts (39:20) In preparation for the 95th Academy Awards, our FilmWeek critics Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon discuss the nominees for Best Animated Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film, and Best Documentary Short Film, sharing their favorites and front runners. You can see all our critics live Sunday, March 5th at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles as we break down the major Oscar categories and relive the best of 2022 in film. Tickets are on sale now at LAist.com/events. We hope to see you there!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania,’ ‘Emily,’ ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ & More (0:15) “Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania,” Wide Release “Return To Seoul,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Emily,” Century City Theater & The Grove Theater “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” In Select Theaters; Available on VOD & Digital “Heart Of A Champion,” Laemmle Glendale; Available on Digital & on Demand “Boy From Nowhere,” Available on Amazon “A Radiant Girl,” Laemmle Monica Center[Santa Monica] “The First Fallen,” Laemmle Glendale “The Other Fellow,” On Demand “88,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood] & Regal Foothill Ranch Theater   Sequels That Are Better Than The Original (30:53) One of the biggest films of the year is “Top Gun: Maverick,” nominated for six Academy Awards including best picture. It is also the film credited for bringing audiences back to theaters after the low of the pandemic. The film grossed $1.48 billion and is now the eleventh highest grossing movie worldwide. This is even more surprising when you take into account that “Top Gun: Maverick” is a sequel. Sequels and reboots often have a stigma around them as many never quite measure up to their predecessor. But “Top Gun: Maverick” has proven that sequels can be just as good as (and in its case far better than) the original. Larry Mantle sits down with FilmWeek critics Tim Cogshell and Lael Loewenstein to share some of their favorite sequels that outshine the first installment.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major, Andy Klein and Amy Nicholson review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance,’ ‘Marlowe,’ ‘Sharper’ & More (0:15) “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” Wide Release “Marlowe,” Wide Release February 14 “At Midnight,” Streaming on Paramount+ “Seriously Red,” Harkins Theater [Chino Hills] & Cinelounge Sunset [Hollywood]; Available on Demand “Sharper,” Regal LA Live Theater [DTLA]; Streaming on Apple TV+ “Filmmakers For The Prosecution,” Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] “Your Place Or Mine,” Streaming on Netflix “The Blue Caftan,” Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Full Time,” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “The Nomad,” Available on Digital “Godland,” Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Daughter,” Laemmle Glendale; On Digital & Demand “Consecration,” In Select Theaters “Disquiet,” Available on Digital & Demand   What Does AMC’s New Tiered-Price System Mean For Frequent Moviegoers? (31:48) On Monday, the nation’s biggest movie theater chain said it is implementing the same kind of ticket pricing. Called Sightline, the program from the financially strapped AMC Theatres chain will offer three different prices based on seat location. AMC is introducing Sightline this week at some of its theaters in New York, Chicago and Kansas City, and said it will expand the tiered pricing plan nationwide by the end of the year. The price of a standard seat won’t change, but moviegoers will pay less for sitting very close to the screen, and more for the best locations, usually in the middle of the auditorium. Today on AirTalk, Larry sits down with John Horn, host of the LAist Studios podcast "Retake,” to talk about the news surrounding the large chain and what it means for the film industry.   Larry Sits Down With Ayuko Babu To Talk The 31st Pan-African Film Festival (40:50) Thursday was the first day of the 31st Pan-African Film Festival, an event that screens over 200 films that are either from filmmakers of African descent or center folks in the African diaspora. This year, the event is taking place at the Baldwin Hills. This week on FilmWeek, we talk to Ayuko Babu, executive director of the Pan-African Film Festival, to discuss the festivities and its artistic significance. The Pan-African Festival will take place from February 9-20. 

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics  Christy Lemire, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Knock At The Cabin,’ ‘80 For Brady,’ ‘Baby Ruby’ And More (0:15) “Knock At The Cabin,” Wide Release “80 For Brady,” Wide Release “Sword Art Online-Progressive: Scherzo Of Deep Night,” Wide Release “The Blind Man Who Did Not Want To See Titanic,” Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria “Bill Russell: Legend,” Streaming on Netflix Feb. 8 “The Civil Dead,” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]; Available On Demand February 17 “Facing The Laughter: Minnie Pearl,” At Select AMC & Regal Theaters Feb. 6 “Let It Be Morning,” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Baby Ruby,” In Select Theaters; Available to Stream “The Amazing Maurice,” Wide Release   Larry Mantle’s Conversation With Author Bruce Davis (31:48) The Academy Awards never fail to bring spectacle and criticism to the world of film each year. Yet, despite its prestige and near-fanatic attention, the organization behind the awards has never produced a thorough account of its origins and early development. In his new book “The Academy and the Award: The Coming of Age of Oscar and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences” (Brandeis University Press, 2022), Bruce Davis details the Academy’s birth and maturation to become the Hollywood staple we know today. Larry Mantle speaks with Davis, who served as director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for 20 years and as a staff member for 30, to discuss Davis’ book as a critical piece of filmmaking history. 

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.   FilmWeek: ‘Close,’ ‘You People,’ ‘Shotgun Wedding,’ ‘Infinity Pool’ And More (0:15) “Close,” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City “You People,” IPIC Theater [Westwood] & Harkins Theater [Cerritos]; Streaming On Netflix “Pamela: A Love Story,” Streaming On Netflix January 31 “Children Of The Mist,” Laemmle Claremont, Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] January 30 “The Quiet Epidemic,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Shotgun Wedding,” Streaming On Prime Video “Infinity Pool,” Wide Release “Kompromat,” Laemmle Glendale; Available To Stream & On VOD “The Man In The Basement,” Laemmle Royal [West LA], Laemmle Town Center [Encino] & Regal Theater [Aliso Viejo] “Life Upside Down,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “The Mission,” On VOD & Digital Larry Mantle Talks To KPCC’s John Horn About SUNDANCE (31:48) The Sundance Film Festival returned in person this year for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak. The festival is known for its showcase of independent films and diverse filmmakers, many of which struck distribution deals with some of the industry’s largest buyers such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and A24 in the festival's first few days. KPCC’s John Horn joins Larry today to discuss this year's biggest Sundance premieres and the current landscape of independent filmmaking.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘When You Finish Saving The World,’ ‘Missing,’ ‘Beautiful Beings’ And More (0:15) “When You Finish Saving The World,” In Select Theaters “Missing,” Wide Release “Beautiful Beings,” Laemmle Glendale “The Super 8 Years,” Laemmle Glendale, Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Laemmle Claremont January 23 “JUNG_E,” Streaming on Netflix “Chess Story,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime The Movie,” Wide Release “Out Of Exile,” Galaxy Theater Mission Grove; On Digital & On Demand “Bezos: The Beginning,” On VOD January 24 “New Gods: Yang Jian,” In Select Theaters “Blaze,” Cinelounge Sunset; Available to Stream “Brotherhood Of The Wolf,” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] “Flying Boat,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] John Horn’s Interview with filmmakers Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón, and Alejandro González Iñárritu at a Netflix event held at The Academy Museum (31:49) In recent years, Netflix has become a platform known for its foreign films and television series, as streaming platforms allow more opportunities for foreign filmmakers to reach wider audiences. Just this year Mexican filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro González Iñárritu partnered with Netflix on the respective projects of “Pinocchio” and “Bardo,” and in 2019 Alfonso Cuarón won an Oscar for his film “Roma” which was also produced by Netflix. All three filmmakers, who share a friendship spanning their film careers, sat down with KPCC’s John Horn at a Netflix event earlier this month to discuss their various projects in this new age of movie-making.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘No Bears,’ ‘Saint Omer,’ ‘Plane,’ ‘Skinamarink’ And More (0:15) “No Bears,” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “Saint Omer,” Wide Release “Jethica,” Lumiere Cinema Music Hall [Beverly Hills] “Plane,” Wide Release “Skinamarink,” Wide Release “The Offering,” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] & VOD “The Seven Faces Of Jane,” Laemmle Glendale & Cinelounge Sunset Theater; Available to Stream “Dog Gone,” Streaming on Netflix   John Horn’s Interview with RIAN JOHNSON (31:49) After the huge success of his first murder mystery Knives Out, writer and director Rian Johnson proves his talent once again for crafting narrative puzzles that test the audience’s perception with his follow up film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Becoming one of Netflix’s most popular films after premiering on the streaming site in December, Glass Onion stars Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc who, like the audience, tries to piece together the layered story Johnson has set up.  KPCC’s John Horn spoke with Johnson about his new film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story and the process behind creating a film that aims to keep its viewers guessing.   

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘M3GAN,’ ‘January 6th,’ ‘The Invisible Extinction,’ ‘Alcarras’ And More (0:15) “M3GAN,” Wide Release “January 6th,” Streaming on Discovery+; Special airing on CNN this Saturday at 5pm PST/8pm EST “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker,” Streaming on Netflix January 10 “The Invisible Extinction,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] & Available  on Apple TV “Landlocked,” On Digital & VOD “Alcarras,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] & Laemmle Glendale; Streaming on MUBI February 24 “Mars One,” Streaming on Netflix “The Old Way,” In Select Theaters; On Digital & On Demand January 13 “Last Resort,” Laemmle Glendale; Available on VOD January 10 “Candy Land,” Lumiere Music Hall[Beverly Hills]; On Demand ‘But Have You Read The Book?’ Explores The Art Of Faithfully (Or Not) Adapting A Book To Film (31:49) Studios have adapted novels since the start of film itself, but how closely do the films follow their source material? In But Have You Read the Book? by Kristen Lopez, from Turner Classic Movies & Running Press; on-sale March 7, 2023 but available for pre-order now, film buffs and literature lovers alike are treated to 52 cinema classics and the literary works that served as their inspiration, such as: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ ‘The Last Picture Show,’ ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Goodfellas,’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and so many more. Joining us today on AirTalk to discuss her new book “But Have You Read The Book? 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films” is Kristen Lopez, film editor for The Wrap.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Andy Klein, Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Babylon,’ ‘A Man Called Otto,’ ‘Puss In Boots: The Last Wish’ And More (0:15) “Babylon,” Wide Release “A Man Called Otto,” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City December 29; Wide Release January 13 “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish,” Wide Release “Living,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Women Talking,” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City “Corsage,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] December 30; Laemmle Claremont & Laemmle Town Center[Encino] January 6 “Matilda The Musical,” Bay Theater[Palisades]; Streaming On Netflix “Broker,” Landmark Nuart Theater[West LA] December 28 “Whitney Houston: I wanna Dance With Somebody,” Wide Release “The Pale Blue Eye,” Landmark Westwood Theater, Bay Theater[Palisades] & American Cinematheque Los Feliz Theater; Streaming On Netflix January 6 “Alice, Darling,” In Select LA Theaters December 30; In AMC Theaters Nationwide January 20 “This Place Rules,” Streaming on HBO MAX December 30 “Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro And Robert Gottlieb,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] December 30; Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] January 13 “Wildcat,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Glendale; Streaming on Prime Video December 30 “Joyride,” Laemmle Glendale; On Digital “The Rules Of The Game,” American Cinematheque Los Feliz Theater December 29 “Shadow Of A Doubt,” Available On Digital & VOD

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water,’ ‘Bardo: False Chronicle of A Handful Of Truths,’ ‘The Quiet Girl’ And More (0:15) “Avatar: The Way Of Water,” Wide Release “Bardo: False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths,” The Landmark Theater & Bay Theater[Pacific Palisades]; Streaming on Netflix  “The Quiet Girl,” AMC Sunset[West Hollywood] “Little Nicholas: Happy AS Can Be,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Who Killed Santa?: A Murderville Murder Mystery,” Streaming on Netflix “The Runner,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino] “The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari,” Bay Theater[Pacific Palisades]; Streaming on Netflix Larry Mantle’s Interview about HOLLYWOOD: THE ORAL HISTORY (31:48) Since 1969, the American Film Institute in Los Angeles has held a series called the Harold Lloyd Master Seminars, where industry professionals would discuss the trade with AFI students. In the new book ‘Hollywood: The Oral History,’ written by film scholar and professor Jeanine Basinger and film historian Sam Wasson, these recordings are put to page. The book contains stories from over 300 industry professionals ranging from make-up artists to cinematographers, from the silent movie era to contemporary blockbusters. Larry speaks with co-writer Sam Wasson about the process of bringing spoken history to paper and the evolution of Hollywood from its conception to present day.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Empire Of Light,’ ‘Emancipation,’ ‘The Whale’ And More (0:15) “Empire Of Light,” Wide Release “Emancipation,” Wide Release & Streaming on Apple TV+ “The Whale,” AMC Burbank, AMC The Grove & AMC Century City “One Fine Morning,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Second Chance,” AMC Burbank & Alamo Drafthouse[DTLA] “Blanquita,” Laemmle Glendale “I Am DB Cooper,” Cinelounge Sunset December 11[Sunday] & VOD “Loudmouth,” Laemmle NoHo{North Hollywood], AMC Burbank Town Center & Regal Theater in South Gate   John Horn’s Interview with actor Anna Diop from ‘Nanny’ (31:48) The new film Nanny follows Aisha, an undocumented immigrant from Senegal, who is hired by a wealthy couple to care for their young daughter. The couple makes no attempt to learn about Aisha’s personal life, treating her simply as ‘the help,’ even demanding she work overtime with no pay. The film is directed by Nikyatu Jusu, and the character Aisha is portrayed by Sengalese-American actor Anna Diop who spoke with KPCC’s John Horn about the thriller and the issue of representation in Hollywood.    John Horn’s Interview With Director Laura Poitras of ‘All The Beauty And The Bloodshed’ (43:51) The Sackler family is known for their pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma and their contribution to the opioid crisis, in which they created and heavily marketed the painkiller OxyContin knowing it was highly addictive. Possibly far less known, however, is photographer and activist Nan Goldin, who staged public protests at museums bearing the Sackler name as they tried to artwash their image through generous donations. The new documentary ‘All The Beauty And The Bloodshed’ tells the story of Goldin and her quest to take down the Sacklers. KPCC’s John Horn spoke with the film’s director Laura Poitras about bringing Nan Goldin’s life and career to the screen. 

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Eternal Daughter,’ ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ ‘Spoiler Alert’ And More (0:15) “The Eternal Daughter,” LOOK Dine-In Cinemas[Glendale] & Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” Streaming on Netflix “EO,” Alamo Drafthouse[DTLA] & Multiple Laemmle Locations “Killing Me Softly With His Songs,” Laemmle Town Center[Encino] “Lowndes County And The Road To Black Power,” Laemmle Monica Town Center[Santa Monica] “All The Beauty And The Bloodshed,” AMC Sunset[West Hollywood] “Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon A Time,” At Regal & AMC Theaters December 6, 8, 11 “Spoiler Alert,” Multiple AMC Locations; Wide Release December 9 “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” Streaming On Disney+ “Four Samosas,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood], Harkins Theaters Cerritos; Available On Demand “Hunt,” Alamo drafthouse Cinema[DTLA] & CGV Cinemas[Buena Park]; On Digital & On Demand “The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie,” Wide Release “Christmas With The Campbells,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood]; Streaming on AMC+   John Horn’s Interview with actor Emma Corrin from ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ (40:50) D.H. Lawrence’s novel “Lady Chatterley’s Lover”  has been suppressed and censored since its initial release in 1930 due to its candid descriptions of sex and sensuality. The story, which has been adapted for the screen several times, follows a young aristocratic woman as she begins an affair with the hired gamekeeper. KPCC’s John Horn speaks with actor Emma Corrin who portrays Lady Chatterley in the latest film adaption of this controversial tale.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Peter Rainer and Amy Nicholson review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,’ ‘Devotion,’ ‘Nanny’ And More (0:15) “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” In Wide Release for One Week; Streaming on Netflix December 23 “Devotion,” Wide Release “Nanny,” Regal LA Live; Select Laemmle Locations December 2; Available on Prime Video December 16 “White Noise,” Landmark’s Nuart Theater[West LA] & Bay Theater[Pacific Palisades] November 25; Streaming on Netflix December 30 “Memories Of My Father,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino] November 25 “The Son,” AMC Sunset & Laemmle Royal[West LA] November 25 “Sr.,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica]; Streaming on Netflix December 2 “Leonor Will Never Die,” Alamo Drafthouse[DTLA] November 29; Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] & Laemmle Glendale December 2 “2020 Chaos and Hope,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] John Horn’s Interview with director Noah Baumbach of ‘White Noise’ (31:49) Writer-director Noah Baumbach is known for his deeply personal films, often inspired by his own life experiences. His new film, ‘White Noise,’ however, is an exception. Based on Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel of the same name, the movie follows an ordinary family dealing with ordinary problems along with what is called “an airborne toxic event,” a chemical spill of deadly gasses. KPCC’s John Horn spoke with Baumbach about how he brought this previously “unadaptable” story to the screen.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘She Said,’ ‘The Menu,’ ‘Bones And All’ And More (0:15) “She Said,” Wide Release “The Menu,” Wide Release “The Inspection,” At Multiple AMC Locations “Bad Axe,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood]; On Demand “Bones And All,” In Amc Theaters; Wide Release November 23 “I Am Vanessa Guillen,” Streaming on Netflix “Fisherman’s Friends: One And All,” Laemmle Royal[West LA]; On Digital “Only In Theaters,” At All Laemmle Locations “Mickey: The Story of A Mouse,” Streaming on Disney+ “The Swimmers,” In Select Theaters; Streaming on Netflix November 23   John Horn’s Interview with Zoe Kazan from ‘She Said’ (31:48) In 2017, New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey wrote an article about their investigation into Harvey Weinstein’s long history of sexual assaults. Along with Ronan Farrow’s work in the New Yorker, Kantor and Twohey helped launch the Me Too movement. The new film ‘She Said’ chronicles Kantor’s and Twohey’s investigation that eventually led to Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction in New York, with Carey Mulligan as Twohey and Zoe Kazan as Kantor. KPCC’s John Horn spoke with Kazan about the film and her own history of speaking out against sexual harrassment in Hollywood.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon  review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ ‘The Fabelmans,’ ‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio’ And More (0:15) “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Wide Release  “The Fabelmans,” Wide Release “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio,” Laemmle Royal[West LA]; Streaming on Netflix December 9 “Spirited,” Regal La Live Theater & regency Bruin Theater; Streaming on AppleTV+ November 18 “Falling For Christmas,” Streaming on Netflix “The 22nd Animation Show of Shows,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] November 14 & Laemmle Glendale November 16 “Sam & Kate,” Laemmle Town Center[Encino] “My Father’s Dragon,” Streaming on Netflix “Poker Face,” Laemmle Noho[north Hollywood] November 15; Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] November 18 John Horn’s Interview with ‘Armageddon Time’ director James Gray (31:49) Set in Queens in the 1980s, ‘Armageddon Time’ tells the semi-autobiographical story of James Gray’s childhood. Paul, a Jewish kid, befriends Johnny, one of the few Black kids at their school. As their friendship grows, Paul wrestles with issues of privilege, race and class and allows the intolerant norms of the time to come between him and Johnny. KPCC’s John Horn speaks with ‘Armageddon Time’ writer and director James Gray about bringing these personal experiences to the screen. 

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Tim Cogshell and Charles Solomon  review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Enola Holmes 2,’ ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,’ ‘Good Night Oppy,’ ‘One Piece Film: Red’  And More (0:15) “Enola Holmes 2,” Streaming on Netflix “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” Available on The Roku Channel “Good Night Oppy,” Regal LA Live[DTLA]; Streaming on Prime Video November 23 “On The Line,” Laemmle Glendale “Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche,” On Amazon & Apple TV+ November 8 “One Piece Film: Red,” Wide Release “Holy Spider,” Alamo Drafthouse[DTLA] & Laemmle Royal Theater[West LA] “Selena Gomez: My Mind And Me,” Laemmle Glendale; Streaming on Apple TV+ “The Soccer Football Movie,” Streaming on Netflix November 9 “Missing,” Laemmle Glendale; On Digital & VOD November 18 “Peaceful,” Laemmle Glendale “The Estate,” At Multiple AMC Locations “Next Exit,” Laemmle Glendale; Available on VOD John Horn’s Interview with ‘Good Night Oppy’ director Ryan White (31:49) In 2003, NASA launched two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, to Mars to collect data from the Red Planet and search for signs of ancient water. The rovers were built to last Mars’ equivalent of 90 Earth days. Yet, 14 years later, after surviving dust storms and getting stuck and nearly running out of power, Opportunity was still exploring the planet as NASA’s longest-running Mars rover.  The new film ‘Good Night Oppy’ not only pays tribute to the persistent rover, but also shows the almost parent-child relationship the scientists and engineers working on the project had with Opportunity. KPCC’s John Horn, sat down with director Ryan White at the Telluride Film Festival, where ‘Good Night Oppy’ premiered. 

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Causeway,’ ‘Armageddon Time,’ ‘Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues,’ ‘All Quiet On The Western Front’  And More (0:15) “Causeway,” Laemmle Royal[West LA]; Streaming on Apple TV+ November 4 “Armageddon Time,” In Select Theaters; Wide Release November 4 “The Good Nurse,” In Select Theaters; Streaming on Netflix “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood] & The Landmark Westwood; Streaming on Apple TV+ “All That Breathes,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] “Is That Black Enough For You?!?,”  Bay Theater[Pacific Palisades]; Streaming on Netflix November 11 “The Wonder,” In Select Theaters November 2; Streaming on Netflix November 16 “All Quiet On The Western Front,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood]; Streaming on Netflix “Call Jane,” In Select Theaters   John Horn’s Interview about ‘Tár’ with lead actor Cate Blanchett and director Todd Field (31:48) There has never been a female chief conductor of a major German orchestra, yet the new film ‘Tár’ feels almost biographical in its depiction of the main character Lydia Tár. Lydia, played by Cate Blanchett, is the first symphony conductor of a German orchestra, her reputation one of prestige, until her conduct is called into question, threatening the persona she has meticulously crafted. John Horn speaks with actor Cate Blanchett and director Todd Field about bringing this complicated character to life on screen. 

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Ticket To Paradise,’ ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ ‘Black Adam,’ ‘Wendell & Wild’  And More (0:15) “Ticket To Paradise,” Wide Release “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Wide Release “Black Adam,” Wide Release “American Murderer,” Lumiere cinema at the Music Hall [Beverly Hills] “Wendell & Wild,” The Hollywood Theater & Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood] October 22; Streaming on Netflix October 28 “Hunted,” In Select Theaters; Digital & VOD October 25 “The School for Good and Evil,” Streaming on Netflix “Voodoo Macbeth,” Laemmle Royal [West LA] “V/H/S 99,” Streaming on Shudder “Cat Daddies,” Laemmle Glendale “Slash/Back,” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]; VOD & Digital John Horn’s Interview about ‘Till’ with Director Chinonye Chukwu and head of Orion Pictures, Alana Mayo (32:50) The new film ‘Till’ tells the story of Mamie Till, as she brings her 14-year-old son Emmett Till home in a coffin, a victim of a horrific lynching, after a trip to Mississippi from Chicago to visit relatives. Different from other films on the subject, director Chinonye Chukwu makes a point to never show the lynching, but chooses to focus on the aftermath, particularly Mamie’s insistence on an open-casket funeral. Mamie wanted the world to see what white hate looked like, even allowing photographers to take pictures of her son’s battered face and body. This decision ultimately transformed her into a Civil Rights pioneer. Today on FilmWeek, KPCC’s John Horn sits down with the film’s director Chinonye Chukwu as well as the head of Orion Pictures, Alana Mayo, to discuss the process of  bringing ‘Till’ to the screen.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Justin Chang review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Decision To Leave,’ ‘Till,’ ‘Stars At Noon,’ ‘Halloween Ends’  And More (0:15) “Decision to Leave,” In AMC Theaters “Till,” In Select AMC Theaters; Wide Release October 28 “Stars at Noon,” In Select Theaters “Rosaline,” Streaming on Hulu “Halloween Ends,” Wide Release; Streaming on Peacock “The Swimmer,” Laemmle NoHo[North Hollywood] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino]; Digital & VOD “Last Flight Home,” Laemmle Glendale & Laemmle Monica film Center[Santa Monica] “Raymond and Ray,” Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] & Laemmle Town Center[Encino]; Streaming on Apple TV+ October 21 “The Curse of Bridge Hollow,” Streaming on Netflix

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Wade Major and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms. Also on the show, John Horn interviews ‘Battleground’ director Cynthia Lowen. FilmWeek: ‘Amsterdam,’ ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,’ ‘Tár,’ ‘Hellraiser’  And More (0:15) “Amsterdam,” Wide Release “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” Wide Release “Tár,” Select AMC Theaters; Expands to Wide Release October 28 “Triangle of Sadness,” Multiple AMC Theaters “Piggy,” Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]; Expands to additional theaters & VOD October 14 “Iké Boy,” Digital & VOD October 11  “Battleground,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]; Expands to multiple Laemmle locations October 11 “Young Plato,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Taming the Garden,” Laemmle Royal [West L.A.], Claremont, and Glendale starting October 10 “Pretty Problems,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & VOD “Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind,” Digital & VOD October 11 “Quintessentially British,” VOD October 11 “Hellraiser,” Streaming on Hulu “Tiger 24,” Laemmle NOHO 7 [North Hollywood] “To Leslie,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & VOD   John Horn’s Interview about ‘Battleground’ with Director Cynthia Lowen (40:50) Three years before the Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade, filmmaker Cynthia Lowen started work on her documentary ‘Battleground’. The film follows the efforts of anti-abortion activists, and shows how they were able to succeed despite the majority of Amercians’ support for abortion rights. The documentary ends before the Supreme Court strikes down Roe in its Dobbs decision, a move seemingly preordained in light of Lowen’s film. Today on FilmWeek, KPCC’s own John Horn sits down with Cynthia Lowen to talk about the making of ‘Battleground.’

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. Also on the show, John Horn interviews ‘The Woman King’ director Gina Prince-Bythewood. FilmWeek: ‘Bros,’ ‘God’s Creatures,’ ‘Nothing Compares,’ ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ And More (0:15) “Bros,” Wide Release “God’s Creatures,” Laemmle Royal [west L.A.] & Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] “Nothing Compares,” Airing on Showtime Network Multiple Days & Streaming on the Showtime App “Hocus Pocus 2,” Streaming on Disney+ “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” Streaming on Netflix October 5 “What We Leave Behind,” Streaming on Netflix “The Greatest Beer Run Ever,” Wide Release & Streaming on Apple TV+   John Horn’s Interview about ‘The Woman King’ with Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (31:49)   The new film, ‘The Woman King’ is a rarity in Hollywood with a Black female studio head, a Black female director, and an overwhelmingly Black cast. The film is a fictionalized account of a group of 19th century African warriors who were all women. It stars Viola Davis and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood of ‘Love & Basketball,’ ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘The Old Guard.’ In addition to strong reviews and word-of-mouth, ‘The Woman King’ has done quite well at the box office.   Today on FilmWeek, KPCC’s own John Horn sits down with Gina Prince-Bythewood to talk about bringing ‘The Woman King,’ to the screen.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. Also on the show, John Horn interviews ‘Moonage Daydream’ director Brett Morgen FilmWeek: ‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ ‘Blonde,’ ‘Meet Cute’ And More (0:15) “Don’t Worry Darling,” Wide Release “Blonde,” Multiple Laemmle Locations, Landmark Nuart Theater[West L.A.], & Los Feliz Theater [Los Feliz] Netflix September 28 “Meet Cute,” Streaming on Peacock “Catherine Called Birdy,” Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood] & Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA]; Prime Video October 7 “Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan’s Island,” Wide Release September 27 & 28 Only “Sidney,” Laemmle Royal [West L.A.] & Apple TV+ “Riotsville, USA,” Laemmle Glendale  “The Railway Children Return,” Wide Release “Hold Me Tight,” Laemmle Royal [West L.A.] “Athena,” Netflix   John Horn’s Interview about ‘Moonage Daydream’ with director Brett Morgen (32:40) The new documentary ‘Moonage Daydream’ from director Brett Morgen is different from just about any other music documentary you’ll see. There’s no formal interviews, no biographical timeline for its subject — David Bowie. Instead, the film is a rapid-fire collage of images, sounds, and ephemera. Animation scenes and film clips that don’t seem to have anything to do with Bowie are interspersed throughout the film. But according to Morgen, the film’s themes mirror the music and life of Bowie himself: Chaos, experimentation, and fragmentation — a sentiment our critics agreed with on last week’s episode. Today on FilmWeek, KPCC’s own John Horn sits down with Brett Morgen to talk about making ‘Moonage Daydream,’ and trying to capture the essence of David Bowie on film.  

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Andy Klein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. Also on the show, our film critics remember the life and legacy of Jean-Luc Goddard and a look at the best films coming out of TIFF this year. FilmWeek: ‘The Woman King,’ ‘Pearl,’ ‘See How They Run’ And More “The Woman King,” Wide Release “Pearl,” Wide Release “The Silent Twins,” Wide Release “Confess, Fletch,” Wide Release & Digital “Moonage Daydream,” Wide Release “Still Working 9 to 5,” Laemmle NoHo [North Hollywood] “See How They Run,” Wide Release “Drifting Home,” Netflix “God’s Country,” Wide Release “Goodnight Mommy,” Streaming [Amazon Prime Video] Our film critics remember the life and legacy of Jean-Luc Goddard   Justin Chang Reviews The Best Films From The Toronto International Film Festival  The film festivals keep happening, and this week it was Toronto’s turn. The Toronto International Film Festival (or TIFF, as the cool kids call it) has been holding its 47th annual festival this week, with a broad lineup of films from around the globe. Today on FilmWeek, Larry caught up with film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR’s Fresh Air Justin Chang, who just got back from TIFF, to talk about the films that stood out from the festival. “The Fablemans,” set to release November 11 “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” set to release december 23 “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” set to release on HBO platforms October 31 “Women Talking,” set to release December 2 “The Eternal Daughter,” no release date set

California is in a drought -- again. LAist’s new show How to LA explores what more Angelenos can do to preserve water. It won't be easy, but we meet up with one long-time resident who shows us how it's possible. Follow How to LA; the show aims to drop a little knowledge about ALL the things that affect the people of Los Angeles, whether that’s something that makes our city great (tacos!) or something that we need to work on, like the alarming number of traffic collisions. We serve the curious Angeleno who wants to better connect with our city, discover the new, navigate the confusing and even drive some change along the way. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major, Lael Loewenstein,  Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. Also on the program, KPCC's John Horn shares his thoughts on the best films out of the Telluride Film Festival. “Pinocchio,” Disney+ “Clerks III,” Wide Release September 13 through September 18 “Medieval,” Wide Release “House of Darkness,” Harkins Theatre Chino Hills & Lumiere Cinema [Beverly Hills]; VOD & Digital September 13 “Hazing,” PBS Channel September 12, 7:00PM PT [Monday] & PBS Video App “The Story of Film: A New Generation,” Laemmle Royal [West L.A.] “The Anthrax Attacks,” Netflix “Loving Highsmith,” Landmark Nuart Theatre [West L.A.]; Laemmle Glendale September 16 “Let The Little Light Shine,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Laemmle Royal [West L.A.] “Goodbye, Don Glees!” Wide Release September 14, 18 & 20 only “The Class,” TCL Chinese Theatre [Hollywood] & Digital “The Domain,” Digital September 13 [Tuesday]  

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Honk For Jesus,’ ‘The Rings Of Power,’ ‘Kaepernick & America’ And More  “Honk For Jesus,” Wide Release & Streaming [Peacock] “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” First Two Episodes Streaming on Prime Video; Remaining six episodes will debut each subsequent Friday one at a time. “Gigi & Nate,” Wide Release “We Are As Gods,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] “Kaepernick & America,” VOD (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+) and Cable On Demand (AT&T, Comcast, Dish) “Love in the Villa,” Netflix “Our American Family,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]; VOD September 6 “Burial,” Laemmle’s Glendale Theater & VOD “Peter Von Kant,” Laemmle Royal [West L.A.], Laemmle Glendale, Laemmle Town Center [Encino] & Aero Theater [Santa Monica] “One Way,” Laemmle Royal [West L.A.] “McEnroe,” Streaming & VOD Platforms for SHOWTIME subscribers starting September 2; airs on SHOWTIME September 4 at 7 p.m. PT “The Movie,” VOD platforms starting September 6 “Tiny Cinema,” Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]; VOD [iTunes] September 6 With Major Releases Like ‘LOTR: The Rings Of Power’ And ‘House Of Dragon’  – What Makes For A Good Fantasy Adaptation?  

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: “Three Thousand Years Of Longing,” “Breaking,” “Funny Pages” And Many More (0:15) John Horn Speaks With “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” Director Yu In-Silk (41:51)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Beast,’ ‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,’ ‘Orphan: First Kill’ And More (0:15) John Horn Speaks With Director Alex Pritz On His Documentary ‘The Territory’ (31:49)

Guest Host John Horn and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Wade Major, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Emily The Criminal,’ ‘Day Shift,’ ‘Inu-Oh’ And More John Horn’s Interview With Aubrey Plaza From 'Emily the Criminal’ John Horn’s Interview With Jordan Peele, Director Of 'NOPE'

Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Peter Rainer, Charles Solomon and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Bullet Train,’ ‘Easter Sunday,’ ‘Luck,’ ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ And Many More John Horn’s Interview With Comedian Jo Koy Of EASTER SUNDAY 

Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Claudia Puig and Charles Solomon  review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Vengeance,’ ‘Sharp Stick,’ ‘My Old School,’ ‘Thirteen Lives,’ And Many More (0:15) John Horn’s Interview About ‘My Old School’ With Director Jono McLeod (31:19)  

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Andy Klein and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Nope,’ ‘How To Please A Woman,’ ‘My Donkey, My Lover, & I’ And Many More (1:03) Our Critics Talk About Giving Films A Bad Review, And The Potential For Backlash (31:37) Our Critics Share Their Favorite Films So Far This Year (41:39)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Gray Man,’ ‘Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank,’ ‘Where the Crawdad’s Sing’ And Many More (0:15) John Horn’s Interview about ‘Fair Play’ with Director Jennifer Newsom (31:49)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Christy Lemire and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Thor: Love and Thunder,’ ‘The Sea Beast,’ ‘Fire of Love,’ ‘The King of North Sudan’ And More (0:15) John Horn’s Interview about ‘Fire of Love’ with director Sara Dosa (31:49)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru,’ ‘The Forgiven,’ ‘Accepted,’ 'Mr. Malcom's List' And Many More John Horn’s Interview Director Baz Luhrmann About His New Film ‘Elvis’

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Andy Klein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Elvis,’ ‘The Black Phone,’ ‘Marcel The Shell With Shoes On’ And Many More  (0:15)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Lightyear,’ ‘Father of the Bride,’ ‘Official Competition’ And More (0:15) John Horn’s Interview with Director Joseph Kosinski about “Spiderhead” (31:35)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Jurassic World: Dominion,’ ‘Lost Illusions,’ ‘Miracle’ And More (0:30) John Horn’s Speaks With Producers Frank Marshall And Pat Crowley About Jurassic World: Dominion (33:01)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Benediction,’ ‘Hustle,’ ‘Crimes Of The Future’ And More (0:30) LA’s Latino International Film Festival Is On. We Look At The Highlights (43:005)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Wade Major, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie,’ ‘Fire In The Mountains,’ And More (0:30)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era,’ ‘Men,’ ‘Chip ‘n Dale Rescue: Rangers’ And More (0:30) John Horn’s Interview With Alex Garland, Who Wrote And Directed The New Feature ‘Men’ (33:04)

Guest host John Horn and film critics Tim Cogshell, Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Operation Mincemeat,’ ‘Montana Story,’ ‘Mau’ And More Joe Morton On Returning To The Stage In ‘King Lear’ And John Gould Rubin On Directing 

Introducing Human/Nature, from LAist Studios, a podcast with a wild yet inspiring thesis: if you step outside and reconnect with nature in your own city, you’ll feel better, reconnect with yourself, and find your place in the world. This podcast will empower you to reclaim your attention.  In Episode 1, host and nature activist Marcos Trinidad talks with Jenny Odell, an artist and author of the book, “How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy.” O’Dell talks about birdwatching, the repose of Oakland’s bustling Morcom Rose Garden and why seeing a Wilson’s Warbler always puts her in a good mood. Human Nature is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/nature Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Our Father’ ‘Black Box’ And More (0:00) Maggie Cohn And Antonio Campos: The Writers And Showrunners Discuss Their True Crime Drama Miniseries ‘The Staircase’ (30:33)

Snooze is a show about things people put off, how they conquer them, but most importantly, how they conquer themselves. In this podcast host Megan Tan, the creator of “Millennial," the Snooze Squad and guest celebrities will help people like you and me strategize an action plan to face their fears.   Snooze fans - go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and use code snooze16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Survivor,’ ‘The Will To See,’ ‘Flint: Who Can You Trust?’ And More (0:00) Critic Reacts To Latest Film Featuring Bruce Willis Following Actor’s Aphasia Diagnosis And Retirement Announcement  (34:49) Are Theater Owners Feeling Optimistic About The Future? John Horn Reports From CinemaCon  (39:36)

Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent,’ ‘The Northman,’ ‘The Bad Guys,’ And More (0:00) Robert Eggers On Using Research And Sound To Transport Audiences Into A Viking Era In ‘The Northman’ (30:03) Nicolas Cage On Playing Himself In 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' (38:35)  

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ ‘Navalny,’ ‘Paris, 13th District’ And More (0:00) Putin Adversary Russian Corruption And Disinformation Head On In Thriller Style Doc ‘Navalny’ (30:32)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Ambulance,’ ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 2,’ ‘Return To Space,’ And More (0:00) Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: From City Planning Architect To Star Of Michael Bay’s ‘Ambulance’ (30:34)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Morbius,’ ‘Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off,’ ‘The Bubble’ And More (0:00) In ‘Until The Wheels Come Off’ Doc, Tony Hawk Grapples With Growing Older And Identity Consumed By Skating (31:36)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Lost City,’ ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once,’ ‘Writing With Fire’ And More

For the first time in over two years, we were back in person, just in time for FilmWeek’s 20th annual Oscar preview show. Host Larry Mantle is joined by our large cast of KPCC’s FilmWeek critics at the historic Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles to tackle the biggest films nominated in all major categories at the 94th Academy Awards. You can find the full list of nominees here. Our critics for the 20th annual FilmWeek Academy Awards Preview are: Justin Chang -- LA Times & NPR’s Fresh Air Tim Cogshell -- Alt Film Guide.com and CineGods.com Andy Klein Christy Lemire -- Roger Ebert.com & Breakfast All Day podcast Lael Lowenstein                                                              Wade Major -- CineGods.com                                       Amy Nicholson -- New York Times film writer & podcasts Unspooled and Zoom Claudia Puig -- President/LA Film Critics Association   Charles Solomon -- Animation Scoop and Animation.com

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Lael Loewenstein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Outfit,’ ‘Phoenix Rising,’ ‘Deep Water’ And More (1:53) 20th Annual FilmWeek Oscar Preview Show This Sunday (32:50) Director, Star Of ‘Master’ On How The Film Reflects Today’s Society And The Use Of Horror To Tell Stories About Race (33:41) The 20th annual FilmWeek Oscar preview show is live and in person at the historic Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, and we want to see you there! Join Larry Mantle and our esteemed FilmWeek critics this Sunday, March 20th from 1-3 pm as they break down all the major categories, plus a live Q&A with our critics. You can learn more about tickets and safety protocols here.

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major, Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Turning Red,’ ‘The Adam Project,’ ‘Ultrasound’ And More (1:12) The 49th Annual Annie Awards (29:47) Amy Poehler On Directing ‘Lucy And Desi’ And How Hollywood Has Evolved Since The Couple’s Heyday (31:36)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Batman,’ ‘After Yang,’ ‘Lucy And Desi’ And More (1:06) ‘The Interpretation Was Key’: Director Matt Reeves On Recreating Batman (31:42)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Cyrano,’ ‘The Automat,’ ‘Servants’ And More (1:02) Reviewing The Oscar Nominated Shorts Plus The Academy’s Controversial Decision To Nix Some Televised Award Categories (32:04) Justice RBG, Mel Brooks And More Serve Up Some Serious Nostalgia In ‘The Automat’ (41:38)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Uncharted,’ ‘Kimi,’ ‘The Long Walk’ And More (1:03) The Personal Connection Yet Universal Story Of Rebecca Hall’s Critically Acclaimed ‘Passing’ (31:42)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms.  FilmWeek: ‘Marry Me,’ ‘Death On The Nile,’ ‘BigBug,’ And More (1:09) Ahead Of Valentine’s Day, We Discuss The Best Of Romance And Film (31:36)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Jackass Forever,’ ‘The Worst Person In The World,’ ‘Moonfall’ And More (1:06) Acclaimed Chef Roy Choi On The New Season Of ‘Broken Bread’ And The Power Of Food In Los Angeles And Beyond (31:51) FilmWeek Critics On Their Favorite Food-Themed Films (44:41)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization,’ ‘The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild,’ ‘The Fallout’ And More (1:01) Sundance Wrap Up With John Horn (31:35) Why Guillermo Del Toro Wanted To Release Two Versions Of ‘Nightmare Alley’ (39:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Lunana: A Yak in The Classroom,’ ‘Compartment No. 6,’ ‘Salt In My Soul’ And More (1:02) Previewing This Year’s Sundance Film Festival As The Events Go Virtual Amid Omicron Surge (32:05) Sian Heder On ‘CODA’ Following Record Breaking Premiere At Last Year’s Sundance Film Festival (41:40)

FilmWeek: ‘Scream,’ ‘Who We Are,’ ‘Hotel Transylvania’ And More (1:05) The Current State Of Movie Theaters As Omicron Surges, Plus What The Future Might Hold (31:38)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘A Hero,’ ‘Licorice Pizza,’ ‘The 355’ And More (1:03) Remembering Peter Bogdanovich (28:00) Lin-Manuel Miranda On His Personal Connection To ‘Tik, Tik… Boom!’ And How It Helped Shape The Film (31:38)

Guest host Matt Dangelantonio and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Claudia Puig, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Matrix: Resurrections,’ ‘Parallel Mothers,’ ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ And More (1:01) AirTalk On FilmWeek: The Movies And TV That Got Us Through 2021 (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Wade Major and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ ‘The Novice,’ ‘The Lost Daughter,’ And More (1:03) Maggie Gyllenhaal And Dakota Johnson On Bringing The Complicated Truths About Motherhood To Light In ‘The Lost Daughter’ (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Being The Ricardos,’ ‘Don’t Look Up’ And More (1:03) ‘Red Rocket’ Director And Star On Filming In The Shadow Of Texas City Oil Refineries And Casting Non-Professional Actors (41:39)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. Also on the show, KPCC’s John Horn speaks with Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen about his new animated documentary film “Flee,” in select theaters now. FilmWeek: ‘Flee,’ ‘Drive My Car,’ ‘Try Harder!’ And More (1:01) The Director Of ‘Flee’ On Using Animation To Tell A Personal Story And The Freedom To Be Who You Are (31:35)

Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Tim Cogshell and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms in an extended FilmWeek special! FilmWeek: ‘Licorice Pizza,’ ‘House of Gucci,’ ‘Encanto’ And More (1:03) Director Reinaldo Marcus Green On The Making Of ‘King Richard’ (31:37) FilmWeek: ‘Licorice Pizza,’ ‘House of Gucci,’ ‘Encanto’ And More….Continued (51:42) Tom Hanks On His New Film ‘Finch’ And How The Entertainment Industry Can Improve Inclusivity (1:13:55) Director Mike Mills On The Inspiration Behind ‘Cmon Cmon’ (1:32:18)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Peter Rainer and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘King Richard,’ ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ ‘Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time’ And More (1:03) Director Kenneth Branagh Gets Personal In His New Movie “Belfast” (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Wade Major and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Belfast,’ ‘Tick, Tick...Boom!,’ ‘A Choice of Weapons’ And More (1:03) Decorated Film Composers On Developing Music And Evoking Emotions For The Screen (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Eternals,’ ‘Spencer,’ ‘Finch’ And More (1:03) Leonard Maltin’s New Book Chronicles Journey From “Film Nerd” To Renowned Historian And Critic (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Tim Cogshell and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Last Night in SoHo,’ ‘Attica,’ ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ And More (1:03) Jorge R. Gutiérrez’s Mission To Bring More Latinos To The Screen In Adventure Series ‘Maya And The Three’ (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Amy Nicholson review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Dune,’ ‘The French Dispatch,’ ‘Passing,’ And More (1:03) Director Denis Villeneuve On Building A New Yet Familiar World in ‘Dune’ (32:41)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms.  FilmWeek: ‘The Last Duel,’ ‘Halloween Kills,’ ‘The Velvet Underground’ And More (0:00)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Lowenstein and Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘No Time To Die,’ ‘Lamb,’ ‘The Rescue’ And More (1:03) Directors On Developing ‘The Rescue’ Under Significant Constraints And Why They Had To See The Project Through (31:37)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Andy Klein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘The Many Saints Of Newark,’ ‘Venom,’ ‘Old Henry,’ And More (1:01) FilmWeek Flashback: Larry’s Interview With James Gandolfini Of The Hit Series ‘The Sopranos’ (40:35)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Tim Cogshell and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: 'The Guilty,' 'Dear Evan Hansen,' 'Live at Mr. Kelly's' And More (1:00) ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Writer Screenwriter On Adapting A Hit Broadway Musical For The Big Screen (41:30)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Wade Major review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Cry Macho,’ ‘The Eyes Of Tammy Faye,’ ‘Best Sellers,’ And More (1:06) Why ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ Director Wanted To Create A Different Kind Of Coming Out Story (34:47)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Language Lessons,’ ‘The Card Counter,’ ‘Come From Away’ And More (1:04) Peter Talks TIFF and Ojai Music Festival, Charles On What Funimation Merger Means For The Future Of Anime And More (31:39) New Documentary Shows How Dr. Fauci Became A Household Name And His Continuing Impact As Pandemic Evolves (42:32)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Wade Major, Claudia Puig and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings,’ ‘Who You Think I Am’ And More (1:05) After COVID Cancellation In 2020, The Telluride Film Festival Is Back -- Here’s What’s On Tap (31:38) New Documentary ‘The Automat’ Dispenses History, Rise To Popularity Of The Old Self-Serve Restaurant Chain (40:43)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Candyman,’ ‘My Childhood, My Country,’ ‘He’s All That,’ And More (1:08) AirTalk On FilmWeek: What Makes A Good Musician Biopic And Why Is It So Challenging? (32:36)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Andy Klein and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: 'Reminiscence,' 'The Protege,' 'Flag Day' And More (1:06)  Sean And Dylan Penn On Starring As Father And Daughter In ‘Flag Day’ (41:38)

KPCC film critics Christy Lemire, Claudia Puig and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s new movie releases. Also on the show, our animation critic Charles Solomon talks about the conclusion of the Evangelion series; John Horn talks to the director of CODA; and more. FilmWeek: ‘CODA,’ ‘The Lost Leonardo,’ ‘Respect’ And More (1:05) Why The Long-Awaited ‘Evangelion’ Finale Is A Big Moment For Fans, Plus Does The Ending Meet Expectations? (32:09) ‘CODA’ Director On Challenging Her Own Gaze And How Some Of The Most Important Scenes Came Together (37:12)

Guest host John Horn and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Wade Major and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases. FilmWeek: ‘The Suicide Squad,’ ‘Whirlybird,’ ‘Ailey’ And More (1:08) The Couple That Revolutionized Breaking News In LA Hid A Dark Secret For Years. ‘Whirlybird’ Brings It All To The Surface (31:28)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases. FilmWeek: ‘Jungle Cruise,’ ‘Stillwater,’ ‘The Green Knight’ And More (1:08) Director Tom McCarthy On Moral Ambiguity And Reassessing The Cinematic American Hero In ‘Stillwater’ (31:41)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Christy Lemire and Andy Klein review this weekend’s new movie releases. FilmWeek: ‘Old,’ ‘Snake Eyes,’ ‘Jolt’ And More (1:02) ‘Ailey’ Director Jamila Wignot On The Lasting Legacy Of Dancer, Choreographer And Activist Alvin Ailey (31:28)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Claudia Puig, Angie Han and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Roadrunner,’ ‘Pig,’ ‘Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones And D-Man In The Waters’ (1:48) Morgan Neville On Portraying Anthony Bourdain’s Mental Health In New Doc And The Impact Of Living A Life For The Unknown (32:22)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Tim Cogshell and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. FilmWeek: ‘Black Widow,’ Summertime,’ ‘Scales’ And More (1:46) Director Andre Gaines Talks New Documentary Looking At The Life, Career And Cultural Influence Of Comedian Dick Gregory (32:20)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Wade Major and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms. IN THIS EPISODE FilmWeek: ‘The Boss Baby: Family Business,’ ‘Long Story Short,’ ‘No Sudden Movement,’ And More (1:02) FilmWeek and Chill: How ‘Airplane!’ Made Its Mark On Parody In The 1980s (31:36)

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. FilmWeek ‘F9 The Fast Saga,’ ‘Summer Of Soul,’ ‘Zola’ And More (1:01) Questlove On His Directorial Debut “Summer Of Soul” And The Significance Of The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (31:35)

The joke about Sparks — if you’ve even heard of them — is that it’s the best British band to come out of America. That confusion is why Edgar Wright, the director of “Baby Driver” and “Shaun of the Dead,” wanted to make his first documentary about the group, headed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Quite simply, Wright was tired of explaining who the band was and why he loves them. His documentary, called “The Sparks Brothers,” premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. John Horn talked with Wright after its January premiere about his personal connection to the band, how he connected with the brother, the editing process of the documentary and more. The film is in theaters now. With guest host John Horn Guest:  Edgar Wright, director of the new documentary “The Sparks Brothers;” he tweets @edgarwright