FilmWeek

The war in Ukraine started in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. We watched as civilians sheltered from airstrikes and buildings became ruins in the Oscar award-winning documentary ‘20 Days in Mariupol’, just as the Russians took siege of one of Ukraine’s largest metropolitan areas. Now, three years after the Russian invasion and two years after that film's release, writer, director and producer, Mstyslav Chernov’s follow up documentary, ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’ takes us back to the frontline as we follow Ukrainian soldiers on a mission to liberate the small town of Andriivka. Austin Cross sat down with Chernov to talk about the documentary and the importance of capturing the war on camera.   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Austin Cross and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell, Manuel Betancourt and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: The Naked Gun, Wide Release The Bad Guys 2, Wide Release Happy Gilmore 2, Streaming on Netflix Together, In Select Theaters Architecton, In Select Theaters 2000 Meters to Andriivka, Laemmle Royal Georgia O'Keeffe: The Brightness of Light, In Select Theaters Folktales, In Select Theaters   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Although nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Henry VIII in the 1966 film A Man for All Seasons, audiences now may know Robert Shaw best for his role as Captain Quint in the 1975 film Jaws. Having been released a decade later, Shaw’s performance as the grizzled shark hunter served as an important role in the Hollywood blockbuster, mixing a drunken tone with a confident look that sold viewers on the idea that he could help defeat any animal. Shaw’s life story— from his work in theatre to his time making movies— is all referenced in a new book written by his nephew titled Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life On The Set Of Jaws And Beyond. For this week’s FilmWeek feature, we sit down with book author Christopher Shaw Myers about his uncle’s work and his new book.   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Beandrea July review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Wide Release Oh, Hi! In Select Theaters Heightened Scrutiny Laemmle Noho July 26|Laemmle Monica Film Center Jul. 27|Laemmle Glendale Jul. 29 The Ride Ahead Streaming on PBS Last Swim Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Available on VOD Diciannove Laemmle Glendale|Laemmle Monica Film Center BTS Army: Forever We Are Young Wide Release [5-Days Only; July 30 to August 3] Shari and Lamb Chop Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino] Death & Taxes Laemmle Royal [West LA]   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson, Charles Solomon, and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms! Films: I Know What You Did Last Summer Wide Release Eddington In Select Theaters Smurfs Wide Release Afternoons of Solitude Laemmle Monica Film Center Finally Dawn Laemmle Glendale | Available on VOD Sunday Best Streaming On Netflix July 18 Bury Me When I’m Dead Available on VOD Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 [3-Days Only, July 20, 23-24] Wall to Wall Streaming On Netflix   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!  

What was originally a creature feature that metaphorically gets into the horrors of nuclear bombs, Godzilla has now become a media icon that’s lasted for more than 70 years. In Steve Ryfle’s new book, Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions, the author digs into the well-known monster's filmography and the significance each adaptation carried. It takes you through the monster’s many nemeses and friends, as well as the special effects work that would eventually win the property its only Academy Award. Joining us to discuss the first 70 years of Godzilla is Steve Ryfle, former LA Times reporter and author of the book Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions.   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

A couple of weeks back, the New York Times released an expansive project, with a focus on determining the best films released in the 21st century. Having polled 500 people in the film and entertainment industry, asking each person about their top 10 favorites, they released many of the topline results. In a separate ask to its readers, over 200,000 people contributed their ballots. Both lists included similar films, and notably held Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite as it’s consensus number 1 pick. This week on FilmWeek, Christy Lemire and Tim Cogshell stick with us to discuss their thoughts and reactions on the ‘best films of the 21st century’ lists. We’re also joined by New York Times pop culture reporter and awards season columnist, Kyle Buchanan, to discuss the New York Times’ project.   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: Superman Wide Release Kill The Jockey Laemmle NoHo 7 Apocalypse in the Tropics Laemmle Monica Film Center |Streaming on Netflix July 14  To a Land Unknown Laemmle Royal Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight AMC Burbank|Laemmle Royal Sovereign Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino]|Laemmle Monica Film Center|Available on VOD Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story Streaming on Hulu & Disney+ Daniela Forever Alamo Drafthouse DTLA The Last Class Landmark Nuart Theatre   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: Jurassic World: Rebirth Wide Release 40 Acres In Select Theaters Nobu Laemmle Monica Film Center The Old Guard 2 Streaming on Netflix Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print Streaming on Max Heads of State Streaming on Prime Video In The Mood For Love Laemmle Royal [West LA]| Laemmle Glendale Igualada Premieres July 7 on PBS| Streaming on PBS until October 5   Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

As we enter the second half of the year, and the 4th of July weekend, our critics Manuel Betancourt and Lael Loewenstein will take some time to recap what’s been released this year so far and talk about their favorite films that have been released as of now.