FilmWeek

Charles Burnett talks ‘Killer of Sheep’ 4K restoration, and the film’s lasting influence After a theatrical release in select theaters by Janus Films, the Criterion Collection now introduces the new 4K restoration of Charles Burnett’s 1977 feature debut film, Killer of Sheep, into its library. The film follows a family in Watts, with the father in this household being Stan, who works in a slaughterhouse. Burnett's understanding of working-class family dynamics makes for a story that’s as relatable as it is emotionally devastating at moments. These complex themes portrayed in film have served as inspiration for the likes of Barry Jenkins, whose Oscar-winning film Moonlight offers a similar blend of cinematic storytelling through the lives of adults and children. We’ll dig deeper into the film by speaking with its filmmaker, Charles Burnett. The 4K restoration of ‘Killer of Sheep’ is out now in Blu-ray and 4K UHD; to read more about the special features included, and to purchase the film, click here.

Feature: Bleak Week returns for Year 4, we talk to programmers behind the festival This year marks the 4th year of the American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair, a weeklong festival dedicated to screening films with dark and bleak themes. In this year’s lineup, you’ll find screenings of Michael Haneke’s English adaptation of Funny Games, the Soviet anti-war film Come and See, and Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies. You’ll also find that the Year 4 lineup includes introductions/Q&As with the likes of Bill Hader, Elliot Gould, and Brady Corbet. Outside of the usual festival screenings here in Los Angeles, the American Cinematheque has partnered with other arthouse theaters across the country, and even The Prince Charles Cinema in London. Joining us to discuss this year’s iteration of the festival is Chris LeMaire, lead programmer on the American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week, and Grant Moninger, American Cinematheque’s Artistic Director. We also have our critics, Charles Solomon, Claudia Puig and Peter Rainer, commenting on what about the festival has allowed it to garner interest. Bleak Week runs from June 1-7. You can find this year’s Bleak Week lineup by clicking here or on bleakweek.com 

  FilmWeek: 'Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning,' 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'Drop Dead City,' and more Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Claudia Puig, Charles Solomon, and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Films: Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Wide Release Lilo & Stitch Wide Release Drop Dead City Laemmle Monica Film Center| Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino] Jane Austen Wrecked My Life In Select Theaters | Expands May 30 Into the Wonderwoods Available on VOD The New Boy In Select Theaters|Lumiere Cinema Beverly Hills The Surrender Streaming on Shudder Sister Midnight Alamo Drafthouse DTLA|Landmark’s   Correction: In this episode, Larry refers to Peter receiving first place in criticism from the Society for Professional Journalists (SPJ), but he meant to refer to the Society for Features Journalism (SFJ).

For those who grew up during the British Rock Invasion of the 1960s, you’re probably familiar with many of the names who made their way through the U.S. charts, one such being the psychedelic rock band The Zombies. For a lot of younger generations— their name might not ring a bell— but it might not take too long into their hit song Time of the Season to understand just how important of a band they are. A new feature by filmmaker and musician Robert Schwartzman titled Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary tells the life and legacy of the band, with in-depth interviews with band members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent. For this week’s FilmWeek feature, we air an interview Austin did with filmmaker Robert Schwartzman and The Zombies frontman, Colin Blunstone.

Film critics Tim Cogshell and Manuel Betancourt join host Austin Cross to dissect this week's cinematic offerings. They dive into the chilling world of 'Final Destination: Bloodlines,' balancing horror with humor. The duo critiques 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' finding its narrative lacking. They shine a light on the pivotal documentary 'Deaf President Now,' recounting the fight for deaf leadership at Gallaudet University. Discussions also touch on 'Caught By The Tides' and upcoming diverse films, ensuring a lively exploration of cinema's latest intrigues.

Animation has been a major player in Hollywood, with companies like DreamWorks and Disney having made some of their most acclaimed works here in the Golden State. However, a new report has found that recent high-grossing animated films are being made outside of Hollywood. Examples mentioned include Moana, with the original film being made in Hollywood, but its sequel having been made in Vancouver. The study was co-authored by the Animation Guild, BRIC Foundation and Titmouse Foundation in partnership with CVL Economics.  Today on FilmWeek, we’re joined by CVL Economics founding partner Adam Fowler, the Animation Guild executive board member Jason Mayer, and LAist chief animation critic Charles Solomon.

This week features Tim Cogshell, a film critic known for his insights on emerging cinema, and Lael Loewenstein from LAist, praised for her sharp reviews. They dive into the heartfelt narratives of 'Friendship' and 'Nonnas', blending humor with poignant family themes. The discussion of 'Fight or Flight' unveils its wild plot and comedic brilliance with Josh Hartnett. They also touch on the themes and execution of films like 'Henry Johnson' and 'Magic Farm', highlighting the rich tapestry of storytelling in contemporary cinema.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Lael Loewensteinreview this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Thunderbolts* Wide Release Rust Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino] | Available On VOD  Bonjour Tristesse In Select Theaters Havoc Streaming On Netflix  Another Simple Favor Streaming On Amazon Prime  The Surfer In Select Theaters Monty Python and the Holy Grail In Select Theaters Two-Days Only [May 4 & May 7] Free for All: The Public Library Streaming on PBS.org and PBS’s YouTube Channel Electra Laemmle Glendale  Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

The 2005 sci-fi blockbuster Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year with a notable achievement, with its re-release earning $30 million at the domestic box office. Being the biggest money-making example of a re-release this year, it shows why anniversaries for beloved films mean so much to audiences. Although not as much of a moneymaker, the 20th Anniversary re-release of Pride and Prejudice was able to make $3 million close its opening and close to $6 million total. To widen the scope to other decades-old movies, other beloved films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Jaws are making their way back to theaters to honor their respective 50th anniversaries. Joining us to get into this wide scope of film anniversaries is our film critics Lael Loewenstein and Manuel Betancourt. 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!

Oscar voters will no longer be able to skip watching some of the nominated films. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Monday announced that members will from now on be required to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round of Oscar voting. Up until now, Oscar voters had only been encouraged to watch the nominees and vote in categories they felt qualified in. But in recent years, what films get watched by academy members has been increasingly seen as a significant factor in what wins. At the same time, the publication of anonymous Oscar ballots has often featured members confessing that they didn’t get around to watching some notable films or not finishing lengthier nominees.    In other news — many appearances by the faces of the entertainment industry, from filmmakers of all different backgrounds, the Criterion Closet will get an extended appearance in Los Angeles, as a mobile  version of the closet will be available for cinephiles to visit. With more than 1200 films in its official collection of Blu-rays, the Criterion Collection has been one of the leading physical media distributors. So with the closet arriving in Los Angeles, we thought it’d be worth checking in on the physical media industry with Dominic Patten, senior editor & tv critic at Deadline. We’ll also hear from Peter Rainer, who add their insights and discuss their favorite physical media.   With files from the Associated Press