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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Galacta in Marvel Rivals

The creator of the character, comic artist Adam Warren, seems happy to see Galacta, daughter of Galactus in Marvel Rivals, an upcoming video game. It's funny to see her showing up years later as she's non-cannon and technically doesn't exist, even in Marvel's Multiverse.


 

Weekly What To Do: WonderCon Weekend With Some Easter


 
Marc 27 & 30

Hate to Love: Nickelback documents the real story of Nickelback from their humble beginnings in Alberta, to the explosive global success of 'How You Remind Me' in 2001 and the record-breaking hits that followed and continue to this day. With the 'Rockstar' fame came an early wave of the online negativity. In a refreshingly open, honest, and revealing account, the band discuss the conception of Nickelback and their incredible rise to the top in the 2000's. They reveal the personal impact of the online vitriol and the appreciation for the loyalty of their fans.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday, March 28th, 2024
1:10 PM
Dodger Stadium
$$


 
 

WonderCon 2024 ain't in April, it's taking place back at the Anaheim Convention Center March 29th-31st. The annual convention is for all kinds of fandom and is more like a smaller Comic-Con. It's a random roll of the dice on what talent or panels will show up from you favorite shows/movies or comics. 
 
March 29 - March 31, 2024
Los Feliz 3 
$
 
Three rascal children run afoul of an enigmatic coven in Weston Razooli’s whimsical neo-fairytale, which evokes a menagerie of esoteric genres and dreamy cult-film vibes.
 
L.A. Intersections
Saturday, Mar 30, 2024
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Lobby, 1st Floor Exhibition Galleries, Oculus Hall at The Broad
Tickets $30 

Join us after hours at The Broad for L.A. Intersections, a two-part festival-style series celebrating organic music and spoken word scenes that have emerged in Los Angeles including punk, jazz, rap, noise, and the culturally infused experimentation led by a new generation of Filipinx artists. 
 
Sat, Mar 30th 3 pm:
$19.00 - $33.00

Signing with Jason Jenkins, Michael January, Jeffrey Reddick, Andrew Divoff , Adam Marcus, Debra Sullivan, Alex Litvak,, Jayson Rothwell, Scott Milam, Nick Principe, Luke Piotrowski, Ben Collins, Kevin Bocarde
 

Sunday on Adult Swim, hhhmm isn't April Fools, what could happen? Remember, stuff goes down 9pm EST
 
 
7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 1st, 2024
The Michelle and Kevin Douglas IMAX Theatre, RZC 119, Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 
Free

Seventeen-year-old Tanya Crandell (Simone Joy Jones) can’t wait to spend the summer living it up with her friends in Spain before heading to Howard University in the fall. But when her mom (Ms. Pat) decides to head to a much-needed wellness retreat in Thailand, Tanya is forced to stay home with her three siblings instead. Following the unexpected death of their elderly babysitter (June Squibb), Tanya gets a job working for the confident and ambitious Rose (Nicole Richie). Juggling work, family, and a complicated romance, Tanya faces the responsibility of adulthood at the cost of her summer of freedom.
 
 Extra:

North American Total Solar Eclipse
March 25-Apr 8
Sonic
$
-a blend of cotton candy and dragon fruit flavors
-receive a complimentary pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses with every purchase of the Blackout Slush Float, while supplies last, enabling you to safely witness the eclipse.
 
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.
 


American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.

Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán.

Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.


 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style

Cinelounge - Hollywood based tiny theater, showing off indies you've never heard of
 
Brain Dead Studios-Newcomer that manages to fill its schedule almost every night
 

March 17 - August 25, 2024, 10 AM-5 PM (last group admitted at 4:30 PM)
Timed tickets are for 30-minute sessions and are free for Members, $8 for Non-members with a general admission ticket.

Visitors are able to walk among hundreds of butterflies in NHM’s outdoor, open-air netted enclosure. The seasonal experience also features colorful native plants and plenty of natural light to help guests see these creatures flutter and fly.

Visitors can expect to see the stages of the butterfly lifecycle — from eggs to caterpillars and chrysalises — for up to 30 different species, including California natives like the Mourning cloak and Common buckeye. Museum educators and animal care specialists will also be onsite to share what makes these animals so special.
 
March 2-Sept 1
Japanese American National Museum
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Admission $

Giant Robot Biennale 5 features artists Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean,
Taylor Lee, Rain Szeto, and Yoskay Yamamoto, among others. Since 2007, JANM has partnered with Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot, to produce the Giant Robot Biennale, a recurring art exhibition that highlights diverse creative works celebrating the brand’s ethos.
 
 
March 9, 2024 – September 8, 2024
Bowers Museum 
$ Admission
 
 Never-before-seen at a museum and making its American debut, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form presents the largest ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms. This exhibition is a vivid journey through the art of comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond, highlighting key creators, characters, and publications.

Friday, March 22, 2024

Game Hype: Release Reveals For Indika May 8 & Harold Halibut Apr 16, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero More Fighters


INDIKA is coming out May 8th for us to get weirded out by on PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox Series X and Series S. We've been looking forward to this game that reminds us a bit of No More Heroes.


One that we've been following for quite a few years, Harold Halibut is out April 16th.  Coming to Steam, Playstation and XBox.


Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero just revealed more characters:

    Super Trunks
    Master Roshi, Max Power
    Nappa
    Burter
    Jeice
    Super Saiyan Broly (Full Power)
    Hit
    Super Saiyan Kale (Berserk)
    Toppo
    Dyspo
    Kakunsa

 Te new game that reminds you of how it used to be played will be out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam.

ABYSS X ZERO made a splash online with it's look and small two person team.

"A 3D Metroidvania with carefully crafted dungeons and expressive low poly visuals. Take control of two different characters, both legendary heroes with unique abilities, fated to battle each other."

X-Men '97 Early Review: Animation Wise The Best In-Game Cut Scenes

 

On Thursday, Disney+ finally released X-Men '97 under some controversy as the new series creator, Beau DeMayo was just fired and the long, long road for the show finally coming out with noticeable delays for those in the industry. Examples like the toy line launching well ahead of the series premiere by months and talk of the show being ready at various cons over the years.

The show retains much of its signature style with story and character design. With no joy, I bring up the animation and the difference in voice actors. They aren't great, they seem to fall into the rut of Disney+'s What If...? and if you're okay with that shows look, then this is passable.

Spoilers ahead

So story-line wise you'll be drawn in immediately as to what's going on with Scott and Jean having a baby on the way. Magneto switching sides to being in charge of the team and a lot of other drama that the X-Men are known for. New characters from the comics being put in. Oh, and just straight up racism/insurrection that looks very much like Jan 6th. 
 
A mix of sadly, still modern day problems and what to do with a racist group within a kids show, the Friends of Humanity is back to spread mutie hate. It looks like the Friends of Humanity had a campaign drive for new members and it isn't just white dudes. It's kind of sad to see all of humanity come together to hate the X-Men. Still, funny to see every race under the sun hating them together.
 
 
What's not so great is the animation. Sorry original viewers, Disney don't pay for animation like they used to or thought it was easier to make the show using 3D animated models. It's noticeable, it's not the best and it doesn't get the best results. It's the same as their What If...? show, however this has flashy and fun character design. 
 
And the team behind it seems to really get the powers of are heroes, pulling off some amazing on-screen attacks or use of their powers.

Voice wise, nothing can compare to the original cast in their prime. Sadly, many of them have since passed on. Those who are back, well they do sound older. The newcomers are trying their best, but you can't ever fully replace those voices, they're to engrained in our brains.
 
So, they X-Men are back and it took them a long, long time and this is what you get when you wait too long. 
 
We're glad it's back. It could have been better. You get ten new episodes of the show you grew up with as a kid that's a little more adult.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Fest Hype: This Is Not A Fiction, TCM Classic Film Festival & Netflix Is A Joke

We have some cinephile love coming as we're seeing a bit of a rebirth of LA indie film festivals. We've already told you about the upcoming Los Angeles Festival of Movies happening April 4-7. Now we've got a new documentary film fest in April too.

'This Is Not A Fiction 2024'
Wed. April 10 - Thu. April 18, 2024
Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre and Los Feliz 3

"The American Cinematheque proudly presents 'This Is Not A Fiction,' a documentary and non-fiction film festival from April 10th to 18th, 2024. Spanning nine days across three venues—Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, and Los Feliz 3—the festival showcases 43 films and 11 short films, hosts over 20 filmmakers and subjects for in-person Q&As, celebrates with a special anniversary panel, and unveils six premieres.

The inaugural festival includes a dynamic lineup of repertory classics, cutting-edge documentaries, television programs, experimental works, essay films, fiction and more. 'This Is Not A Fiction' goes beyond the limits of genre, with a lineup reflecting the boundless possibilities of non-fiction storytelling, and is a celebration of non-fiction as a form of filmmaking and its profound impact on our lives, from its influence in art and entertainment to its power in education, political advocacy and social discourse."

And, we have an old contender for film festival to check out in April with the
 
April 18 – 21, 2024 in Hollywood
 
It's funny that Spaceballs is being screened as I believe it's the we don't know ...100th anniversary of Blazing Saddles, but if Mel Brooks is getting up to do it and at his age, let him do whatever he wants...It's good to be the King.
 
Festival Highlights include
"a closing night screening of 1987's comedy SPACEBALLS presented by writer and director Mel Brooks. The lineup for the weekend will also include:

• Steven Spielberg in Q&A with UCLA Film School’s Howard Suber ahead of the director’s cut of Spielberg's film CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)

• A LITTLE ROMANCE (1979) with star Diane Lane in conversation with TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz

• A cast reunion for LITTLE WOMEN (1994) featuring Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis and Eric Stoltz

• Filmmaker Nancy Meyers introduces the world premiere restoration of one of her favorite movies, NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959), completed by Warner Bros. and The Film Foundation

• A world premiere restoration of THE SEARCHERS (1956), completed by Warner Bros. and The Film Foundation, introduced by writer/director Alexander Payne

• Director David Fincher presenting a world premiere restoration IMAX® screening of his 1995 thriller SE7EN

• Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings introduces a U.S. premiere restoration of THE SMALL BACK ROOM (1949), restored by The Film Foundation and courtesy of Rialto Pictures

In addition, TCM and Warner Bros. will present THAT'S VITAPHONE!: THE RETURN OF SOUND-ON-DISC (2024). For the first time in more than 90 years, six hilarious, often outlandish, Vitaphone vaudeville shorts of the 1920s will be projected in 35mm, with sound played back from their original 16-inch discs on a turntable designed and engineered by Warner Bros. Post Production Engineering Department."

Then in May every comedian from every podcast will be in town doing comedy acts. You're gonna be
knee-deep in comedy around Hollywood this Spring with

"Netflix is a Joke Fest, back from May 1 - May 12, 2024 for a second round of laughs in Los Angeles  – and with it comes Outside Joke: The Hub of Netflix is a Joke Fest, an exclusive, fan-fueled mini-fest located outdoors at the famed Hollywood Palladium.

Happening the weekends of May 3-5 & May 10-12 during Netflix is a Joke Fest, Outside Joke will feature a wide range of programming, including drag brunches, Netflix trivia, live music and podcasts, a Roast Battle competition and, of course, comedy. Fans can look forward to special appearances by Atsuko Okatsuka, David Wain, Fred Armisen, Freddie Gibbs, Janelle James, Jeff Ross, Jim Jefferies, Ken Marino, Leslie Jones, Marc Rebillet, Masego, Michelle Buteau, Reggie Watts, Stavros Halkias and Tim Dillon; drag icons Alyssa Edwards, Jimbo, Latrice Royale and Trixie Mattel; the casts of Love Is Blind, Selling the O.C., Selling Sunset, That 90s Show, The Circle and Too Hot to Handle, and more; plus performances from Marc Rebillet, Masego, Reggie Watts and Morgan Jay."

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Weekly What To Do: See A Movie Or Check Out A Museum


Celebrate Rad Day
Rad Screenings
March 21
Select Theaters 
$

The story of one young man, Cru Jones, who has the intensity and desire to win a BMX race called Helltrack. Remastered in 4K and back on the big screen in celebration of RAD DAY, the day of Rad’s original theatrical release in 1986. This special event will also include an exclusive Q&A moderated by RAD super fan Ed Helms (The Hangover).




 
 
Starts March 22nd
Select Theaters
$

It won an Academy Award, so it's back in theaters. Probably Godzilla at some point too.
 
"In celebration of the Academy Award win for Best Animated Feature for Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s latest feature, THE BOY AND THE HERON, GKIDS, the North American distributor for the Studio Ghibli library of films, is proud to bring the critically acclaimed and award winning feature back into theaters nationwide, beginning March 22nd. Bring back screenings will include exclusive bonus content featuring an introduction from the film’s composer Joe Hisaishi, who received a Golden Globe nod for his work on the film, and a recorded drawing session with supervising animator Takeshi Honda, who was honored at this year’s Annie Awards with a win for Best Character Animation."

NOIR CITY: Hollywood
Fri. Mar 22 - Sun. Mar 31, 2024
Egyptian Theatre
$
 
NOIR CITY: Hollywood returns to the Egyptian Theatre! One of the most elaborate noir showcases in the United States celebrates its 25th anniversary at the American Cinematheque with a killer lineup of twenty-three films. In the face of contemporary political turmoil, NOIR CITY has declared "Darkness Has No Borders" as its guiding principle. Alongside its classic lineup, the festival will present a series of allegorical double features, pairing international films with more familiar English-language ones. Join the Film Noir Foundation’s Eddie Muller and Alan K. Rode on a global adventure of noir cinema with twelve 35mm prints (including a glorious Nitrate print) and special guests for a splashy, sinister trip back in time.

Multiple Museums
Free, Might Have To RSVP

SoCal Museums announced today that this year’s Museums Free-for-All, an initiative started almost twenty years ago to invite new audiences and encourage cultural participation across Southern California, will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024. This year more than thirty museums and cultural institutions are participating in the annual event, which has become a celebration of the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.

 
March 23, 2024 - April 7, 2024
Opening Reception / Mar 23, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
NUCLEUS 210 East Main St
Alhambra CA 91801
 
Gallery Nucleus is proud to welcome Lisa Hanawalt for her second exhibition of her personal paintings and drawings. Known as the production designer on Bojack Horseman and the creator of Tuca & Bertie, Lisa has also released several books such as Coyote Doggirl and Hotdog Taste Test.
Begins March 23 – April 7, 2024
Live Instagram Tour on @giantrobotstore and Art Available Online on Saturday, March 23rd, 11:00 am PST
Doors at 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Flyer Image by Olivia Pecini
Giant Robot Store
2015 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025





Easter Celebration
Sunday, March 24, from noon to 4 p.m.
1200 block of Third Street Promenade between Wilshire and Arizona, 
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Free

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)  is pleased to announce the return of its Easter Celebration on Sunday, March 24, from noon to 4 p.m. along the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade. The family-friendly event includes free photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, live children's music and entertainment, face painting, balloon twisters, arts and crafts, engaging games and more.

The celebration kicks off with free photos with the Easter Bunny, with the first 200 kids receiving a special surprise treat. Attendees can groove to live children's music and entertainment while exploring the various activities and attractions throughout the event.

Mar 24-25
Select Theaters
$

This special double feature will be the U.S. theatrical premiere for both films and the first time an English dub of either movie has been shown.  This will be the first English dub within the “Rascal Does Not Dream” series.

Exclusive to Fathom Events will be a special video message for the fans from the film’s Japanese voice cast, shown prior to the screening.
 
Let Me Tell You About My Robot Best Friend: A.I. Companionship and Relationships Onscreen
MARCH 26 - APRIL 30, 2024
Los Feliz 3
$
 
"Growing by leaps and bounds, the technology of artificial intelligence has delivered higher and higher functionality and become a facet of our everyday lives. There are robot vacuums, robot delivery carts milling about on the streets, and soon self-driving cars will be the norm. But how close are we as a society to completely blurring the lines between human and A.I. relationships? Will robots fully integrate into our society as counterparts? Or family members? Will they police our cities? Become our partners?"
 
In Theaters on March 22, 2024
 
Synopsis:
October 31, 1977. Johnny Carson rival Jack Delroy hosts a syndicated late night talk show ‘Night Owls’ that has long been a trusted companion to insomniacs around the country. A year after the tragic death of Jack’s wife, ratings have plummeted. Desperate to turn his fortunes around, Jack plans a Halloween special like no other, unaware that he is about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America.

 
Starts Friday 
Select Theaters 
$

*This looks like an instant cult classic.
 
This neo-fairytale set in Wyoming, USA follows three mischievous children as they embark on an odyssey when their mother asks them to run an errand. On the hunt to obtain her favourite blueberry pie, the children are kidnapped by poachers, battle a witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy, and bond together to become best friends forever.
 

Princess Peach: Showtime! is out Mar 22nd. Fight as Princess Peach and have plenty of costume changes to unlock different powers.
 
Extra:
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.
 


American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.

Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán.

Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.


 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style

Cinelounge - Hollywood based tiny theater, showing off indies you've never heard of
 
Brain Dead Studios-Newcomer that manages to fill its schedule almost every night
 

March 17 - August 25, 2024, 10 AM-5 PM (last group admitted at 4:30 PM)
Timed tickets are for 30-minute sessions and are free for Members, $8 for Non-members with a general admission ticket.

Visitors are able to walk among hundreds of butterflies in NHM’s outdoor, open-air netted enclosure. The seasonal experience also features colorful native plants and plenty of natural light to help guests see these creatures flutter and fly.

Visitors can expect to see the stages of the butterfly lifecycle — from eggs to caterpillars and chrysalises — for up to 30 different species, including California natives like the Mourning cloak and Common buckeye. Museum educators and animal care specialists will also be onsite to share what makes these animals so special.
 
March 2-Sept 1
Japanese American National Museum
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Admission $

Giant Robot Biennale 5 features artists Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean,
Taylor Lee, Rain Szeto, and Yoskay Yamamoto, among others. Since 2007, JANM has partnered with Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot, to produce the Giant Robot Biennale, a recurring art exhibition that highlights diverse creative works celebrating the brand’s ethos.
 
 
March 9, 2024 – September 8, 2024
Bowers Museum 
$ Admission
 
 Never-before-seen at a museum and making its American debut, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form presents the largest ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms. This exhibition is a vivid journey through the art of comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond, highlighting key creators, characters, and publications.