FilmWeek cover image

FilmWeek

Latest episodes

undefined
Apr 4, 2025 • 17min

Feature: What’s your favorite fight scene in a movie?

Executing a fight scene requires a lot of attention to detail, but spending time to get the right fight choreographer and stunt doubles to execute their vision can make for a rewarding watch. In the case of stuntman-turned-director Chad Stahelski, his directorial debut John Wick helped spark a franchise that moviegoers love due to its well-choreographed action. Although the series has become a common example of great fighting, there’s a whole host of other examples that date back decades. Hong Kong action cinema has given so much to the action genre, having helped popularize high-speed martial arts fighting for international audiences; through this style of filmmaking, audiences were introduced to filmmaker John Woo and actor Jackie Chan.  Joining us to share their extensive knowledge of fight scenes are Tim Cogshell and Andy Klein. 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!
undefined
Mar 28, 2025 • 33min

FilmWeek: ‘Death of a Unicorn,’ ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island,’ ‘Thank You Very Much,’ and more

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Manuel Betancourt review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on-demand platforms. Death of a Unicorn Wide Release Ballad of Wallis Island AMC Burbank 16|AMC Burbank Town Center 6| AMC Century City 15 Grand Tour In Select Theaters  Thank You Very Much In Select Theaters The Penguin Lessons In Select Theaters  Being Maria Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] Audrey’s Children In Select Theaters
undefined
Mar 28, 2025 • 16min

Feature: Fandango releases study highlighting moviegoing, summer box office

Earlier this week, American entertainment company Fandango published a study that surveyed moviegoers, casual and loyal, on their viewing habits. Insights ranged from the way they learned about movies, to what amenities made the theatrical experience most worthwhile. With CinemaCon— a yearly event comprised of theater chain owners— happening next week in Las Vegas, we thought it’d be good to dig into this data and break down what’s driving moviegoing this year. Joining us, alongside our critics Lael Loewenstein and Manuel Betancourt, is Deadline business editor Dade Hayes.
undefined
Mar 21, 2025 • 18min

Feature (re-air): New book ‘Opening Weekend’ provides insider perspective on film marketing

Feature: New book ‘Opening Weekend’ provides insider perspective on film marketing Although the film industry can be quite lucrative, there are a lot of moving parts to how a film gets to be a “success” or “flop.” As it relates to building up hype for a movie, marketing teams play a huge role in growing excitement and finding ways to resonate with general audiences. A new book, Opening Weekend: An Insider's Look at Marketing Hollywood's Hits and Flops, by longtime film marketing executive Jim Fredrick. Frederick’s career in the business has included working on the marketing team for films like Eyes Wide Shut, The Shawshank Redemption, and even the Harry Potter film franchise. So for this week’s feature, we’ll talk to Frederick about Opening Weekend and get an insider’s understanding of how marketing works within the film industry. Jim Fredrick, studio marketing executive, and Chapman University film professor; he’s also the author of the new book Opening Weekend: An Insider's Look at Marketing Hollywood's Hits and Flops
undefined
Mar 21, 2025 • 32min

FilmWeek: 'Snow White,' 'The Alto Knights,' 'Magazine Dreams,' 'Locked,' and More

FilmWeek: 'Snow White,' 'The Alto Knights,' 'Magazine Dreams,' 'Locked,' and More Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Snow White The Alto Knights Magazine Dreams The Assessment Misericordia Locked Asian Persuasion Bob Trevino Likes It Ash AUM: The Cult at the End of the World
undefined
Mar 14, 2025 • 32min

FilmWeek: 'Black Bag,' Novocaine,' 'Opus,' 'The Electric State,' and More

FilmWeek: 'Black Bag,' Novocaine,' 'Opus,' 'The Electric State,' and More Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Black Bag Novocaine Opus The Electric State The Actor Borderline The World Will Tremble The Visitor
undefined
Mar 7, 2025 • 32min

FilmWeek: 'Mickey 17,' 'Last Breath,' 'Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse', 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl ' and More

FilmWeek: 'Mickey 17,' 'Last Breath,' 'Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse', 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl ' and More Guest host Austin Cross and LAist film critics Claudia Puig and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Mickey 17 Riff Raff Last Breath Art Spielgelman: Disaster Is My Muse Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna Eephus On Becoming a Guinea Fowl The Accidental Getaway Driver The Rule of Jenny Pen The Empire
undefined
Mar 7, 2025 • 18min

Feature (re-air): ‘Anora’ filmmaker Sean Baker and star Mikey Madison discuss the film’s production

At this year’s Academy Awards, the comedic drama Anora, came away 5 Oscar wins, including Best Picture. The film follows Ani, an exotic dancer and escort in Brighton Beach, who’s relationship with a Russian oligarch’s son takes her on an emotional rollercoaster. Having premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, it received the festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or. Since then, it’s received critical acclaim and many awards. So for this week’s FilmWeek feature, we re-air our conversation on Anora, with Best Actress winner Mikey Madison, and 4-time Academy Award winner, filmmaker Sean Baker.
undefined
Feb 28, 2025 • 50min

FilmWeek’s 2025 Oscars Preview: LIVE from the Alex Theatre

The 97th annual Academy Awards is this Sunday— with dozens of films having campaigned across 23 categories this awards season— and many spectators are unsure on which folks will come home with Oscars. With all that drama comes our 23rd annual FilmWeek Oscars Preview, which was held this year at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. Eight of our FilmWeek critics joined host Larry Mantle on stage and broke down their picks in all the major categories; categories mentioned include Best Picture, Director, International Feature, Animated Feature, as well as each acting and screenwriting category. For a list of all the nominees this year, click here.
undefined
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 3min

NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: And the Oscar Goes To...

With Hollywood getting ready for the biggest awards show in movies, this episode of the new LAist Studios podcast NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is all about the Oscars! Hear Oscar nominees Peter Straughan and Kris Bowers, and actress Caitlin Reilly duke it out for the ultimate award — winning a game show where the points are made up by our host, Franklin Leonard.   Guests: Screenwriter Peter Straughan (“Conclave”), composer Kris Bowers (“The Wild Robot”), and actress and comedian Caitlin Reilly (“Hacks,” “Loot”).   NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is a production of The Black List and LAist Studios, in partnership with The Ankler.   Support for this podcast is also brought to you by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes L.A. a better place to live.   New episodes premiere Tuesdays and you can listen to the show on the radio at LAist 89.3 Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 10 p.m.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app