Monday, April 28, 2025

Over The Weekend: Director Jennifer Reeder Was A Terrible Interviewer For David Cronenberg, Paramount Not Doing So Well Depicted As Nazis & Sperm Racing Real?

From multiple Letterboxd reviews of The Shrouds and social media over the weekend, people hated Director Jennifer Reeder's bizarre and self-indulgent interview of the film's director David Cronenberg. This took place after a special screening in LA.

We've seen Reeder's work and can't say we're a fan.

Paramount got taken down a bit over the weekend. Paramount+ was made fun of a likened to Nazis as an episode relating to the Holocaust was taken off the platform worldwide. This frustrated comedian Nathan Fielder, whose current show, The Rehearsal, on HBO, took to recreating Paramount+ Germany's Headquarters into a Nazi like war room.

We highly recommend. 

Secondly, 60 Minutes explained why their executive producer just resigned because Paramount was exerting more control on the news show to make their merger go easy with our current government. 


Sadly, Sperm Racing was real. KTLA has the deets.

Friday, April 25, 2025

New & Old Places: The Horror Bodega, Apex, Say Cheese Closed & More

So, lots to go through. Sadly, as we reported earlier, Dark Delicacies (the oldest horror store in LA) has closed as of this April. What's apparently moving in its place is a Micro Cinema, no name yet. Not sure, how that's gonna stay a float with how much rent is and I believe one of the reasons Dark closed down.

What's been open in Burbank since the start of the year is a fun new place to grab spooky snacks! 

3116 W Magnolia Blvd #104, Burbank, CA 91505
 

 LA Weekly has a charming article on the place and explains it's owned by the same people who own the Mystic Museum in The Frightfully Delightful Horror Boodega Opens In Burbank

So, if you need any year round creepy treats you can go here or Horror Vibes Coffee, but that's a bit further away and with more caffeine.

On coffee places, coming out from the same guys who run the Revenge Of comic shop is a new one in Glassell Park. And Destroy (the name) will be a gaming cafe ( board and card, mini figures) where you can grab some coffee. If it's anything like the great design of Revenge Of, can't wait to see it.

 

Say Cheese in Silver Lake closed this week, due to insane hikes on their rent. Ah, it just made that area special. Gonna miss it. Enjoy the poke bowl place or coffee shop going in that no one cares about.


You might want to check out the Apex prop house before anything could happen to it. We haven't heard anything, but the entertainment industry in LA ain't doing so hot.

Seriously, though, you've probably seen something from here in a movie or TV show you like and now you can take a gander at it. Or rent something for your production.

8909 San Fernando Rd
Sun Valley, CA 91352

Ginger Root x TOONAMI Saturday


 Ginger Root's Music Movie: "SHINBANGUMI" in its entirety will air on the legendary TOONAMI. April 26th. 3am (est).  Lol, it reminds us of when they were showing Interstellar 5555. You can also watch all of Ginger Root's music vids online now.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Shady Sperm Race Still Happening

It's switched venues and the website keeps changing, but if you want, you can see possibly the world's first magnified and visible Sperm Race. You can now head to LA Center Studios this Friday for either a comedic prank for some Mr. Beast show or the real thing, we don't know.

Tickets are $40, unless your an active UCLA or USC student, than they're $20. Why? Because the dueling sperm comes from those colleges. It's 18+.

We'll have more on this...we guess.

Here's where you can grab tickets

I wouldn't get their early, because like every boring sporting event they have a lot of pre-cumshow, but who know maybe they have sperm shaped foam finger you can wave around?

Press conference
7:00 PM
Undercard event
7:45 PM
Halftime show
8:00 PM
Main event
8:30 PM


Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Weekly What To Do: Welcome Back, We Guess, Film/Book It Up

Plan ahead this April as too big events are taking place. First we have the return of the 

Thursday, April 24 - Sunday, April 27, 2025
Select Theaters 
$$

"Over four packed days and nights, attendees will be treated to an extensive lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions, special events, and more."

We've covered it over the years and there's always a movie for someone or a classic with a special guest you want to see. Check out the schedule for a full list of what they have, which is a lot. They even have a showing of the original Mothra! 

Seriously, not many chances of seeing theses films on the big screen and if someone's taking their phone out at these screenings ask them, "Why the f**k are they even there?"

Criterion Closet LA Stops
April 26–27, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Vidiots
4884 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Los Angeles

with special screenings!

BOUND (Lilly Wachowski, 1996) - Saturday, April 26 - 7:00pm
*Q&A With Lilly Wachowski to follow
8 1/2 (Federico Fellini, 1963) - Sunday, April 27 - 12:30pm 
 THE BEACHES OF AGNÈS (Agnès Varda, 2008) - Sunday, April 27 - 4:00pm

Being in the Criterion Closet is like a dream come true, seeing countless amazing films and looking at all of their specially made wonderful covers. It's like being trapped in a panic attack of pure cinema.

"Stocked with more than 1,000 of the greatest films from around the world, the Criterion Closet may offer more cinematic inspiration per square foot than any other place on the planet. Filmmakers, stars, and creative luminaries of all kinds come to Criterion to champion their favorite films in our popular Criterion Closet Picks video series. Last year, Criterion opened the door to everyone by taking the Closet out on the road, and LA is our fourth stop. "-Criterion

The Return of the Living Dead  (1985) 40th Anniversary Screening

Thursday April 24, 2025
7:30PM
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas | 128 N. Artsakh Ave Glendale, CA 91206
$

Screamfest presents The Return of the Living Dead. They're Back From The Dead and Ready to Party!
On his first day on the job at a medical supply warehouse, poor Freddy (Thom Mathews) unwittingly releases toxic gas from a secret U.S. military canister, unleashing an unbelievable terror. The gas reanimates an army of corpses, who arise from their graves with a ravenous hunger...for human brains! And luckily for those carnivorous cadavers, there is a group of partying teens nearby, just waiting to be eaten!

April 25-May 18 Select Nights 
Universal Studios
$$

Multiple themes based on a well known movies, series, video/games or animes converge at night at Universal for these events. You get to experience special nights revolving around all of those different fandoms.

Good examples or close approximations would be how Universal transforms for Horror Nights. With different themed mazes. Then, there's stuff we've shown you from Disney's California Adventure and Japan theme parks where they change it up a bit and have specially themed characters show up. For Disney they have Marvel super heroes walking around and doing stunts. Japanese parks seems to change it up every year and bring characters and attractions from anime out more and have a ride based on their work for a limited time.

Check out all the different fandoms, not at all owned by Universal at the link above that goes into what activity there is in each area. There's something for everyone, including specialty food items to grab only while at Fan Fest Nights. I do want a Cardassian Dog: Hot Cheeto covered Korean-style Corn Dog with Yamok sauce, made with smoked gouda, nacho cheese, gochujang and jalapenos. They even got Vulcan food correct with it being Vegan.

Oh and if looking for deals. "Universal Studios Hollywood is offering guests a chance to experience two of the best days in L.A. with the purchase of a Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free General Admission ticket, available for purchase from March 27 through August 13, 2025."

 OPENING RECEPTION: April 25th, 4 – 7PM
Show will run from: April 25th – May 5th
&&gallery
3045 West 8th Street
Los Angeles CA 90005
 
The Last Game Centers is a tribute to arcades; a map of the hidden treasures of the old game centers still operating in Japan.

For decades, arcades were vital community spaces, where people gathered to bond over video games, creating shared experiences in a vibrant, neon-lit environment. However, with the rise of home gaming, mobile devices, & online play, many game centers have closed, a trend accelerated by rising rents & the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an attempt to immortalize the remaining game centers as they fade from Japan’s urban landscape, serving as a reminder of a cultural phenomenon that shaped a generation. Through these photographs, Víctor Alonso hopes to preserve the legacy of these spaces, offering a nostalgic look at their role in youth culture & social life.

The Last Game Centers exhibition is but a small preview of Víctor Alonso’s new photo book of the same name.
 
 
Los Angeles, California’s annual LA Astrofest offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow astrology enthusiasts and learn from leading figures in the field.

Guest speakers often include a range of astrological practices, from Hellenistic to Vedic, Evolutionary to Harmonic, and in-between! Whether you’re a casual chart-gazer, a seasoned pro with the planets, or you just want to know what this astrology thing is all about, there is something for everyone at LA Astro Fest!
 

 

 

Experience San Pedro's Arts and Cultural District in a two-day, city-wide Open Studios event.

Walk, drive, or ride the trolley around the city to meet more than 100 local artists, hear live music, and discover the hidden creative gems of L.A.’s most exciting arts destination. 

Find your spark at the 2025 L.A. Times Festival of Books, April 26-27 on the USC campus. It’s the country’s largest literary festival and admission is FREE. *Photo ID will be required at all access points to enter USC
 
You can be part of a volunteer events spreading the good word and work of Jewish folks. Mitzvah is a good deed or act of kindness. It just started this year and it's called Global Mitzvah Maker Day, get more info at the official site. Happening, April 27th.
 
A DESERT
April 28, 2025, 7:00 P.M.
The Michelle and Kevin Douglas IMAX Theatre, RZC 119, Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

A past his prime photographer heads out on a road trip across the American Southwest to recapture the magic and success of his previous work. Instead, he finds himself thrust into the dark and chaotic underbelly of America and unwittingly drags his wife and a shady private detective down into this nightmare world with him.
 
Extra:
 
Free Hours at the Autry
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
Update: During this Wildfire season, The Autry closes off, please check day of event

Let the Autry cover your next visit with Free Hours at the Autry. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. will be free to all Autry visitors. Enjoy access to all the Autry's exhibitions including Imagined Wests, Reclaiming El Camino and more by reserving your spot today!
 

Thanks to the generous support of the Autry Foundation, Free Hours at the Autry* are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
 
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.
 

Street Food Cinema-Outdoor cult or recent hits you'll love.

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


 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-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Hirokazu Kore-eda: An American Cinematheque Retrospective May 10 - May 11

 Woah, this is a nice catch for early May. 

'Hirokazu Kore-eda: An American Cinematheque Retrospective'
Sat. May 10 - Sun. May 11, 2025
Aero Theatre and Egyptian Theatre

"The American Cinematheque, in partnership with JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, is proud to present an in-person retrospective celebrating acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. A leading voice in contemporary Japanese cinema, Kore-eda is known for his deeply humanistic films that explore family, memory, and the complexity of human relationships. With an elegant visual style and naturalistic approach to performance, his work has earned international acclaim, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes for SHOPLIFTERS. This retrospective highlights some of his most essential works and celebrates his newest critically acclaimed television series, ASURA."

Series also includes: STILL WALKING, AFTER LIFE, NOBODY KNOWS and LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Monday, April 21, 2025

TV Hype: Black Mirror S7, Taskmaster S19 & Sandman S2

We talk a lot about anime here, but there's more to the world than anime. Wait, don't skip down to another post. Jeez, we do have some shows we want to show you.

Black Mirror S7 Out Now on Netflix

It's been around since 2011, but thanks to it being British and a Netflix series, it only has 7 seasons. This has been a pretty good season/series/whatever. We've enjoyed all the episodes we've seen so far. Just a reminder that it's British again, so even good endings are messed-up and dark.

Basic premise is how our current technology can take a wrong turn and become a sci-fi moral lesson. 

Friday, May 2nd in the US VIA YouTube is when we finally get Taskmaster S19. This might have been delayed or something else because we talked with the hosts of the show months ago about it. Here whose in in this time:comedian and writer Fatiha El-Ghorri (Live at the Apollo, BBC), American comedian, actor and podcaster Jason Mantzoukas (Big Mouth, Netflix), actor and writer Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, BBC One), podcaster and broadcaster Rosie Ramsey (Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed), and comedian, actor and podcaster Stevie Martin (Starstruck, BBC/HBO Max).

Watch as these comedians are forced to do random task after task to win a big head bust of the host.

 

Sandman Season 2 is chopped up into two volumes and damn does it looks good. Only on Netflix.

Volume 1 premieres July 3, 2025 (6 episodes)
Volume 2 premieres July 24, 2025 (5 episodes)

Based on the adult DC comics line comes a expertly made live action version.

Minus the controversy around the creator, everyone's happy and sad to see the final season of the show.

The damn thing first aired back in 2022 !?! And, it's only Season 2...