Monday, December 15, 2025

Happy Second Night of Hanukkah

 

Here's a utterly weird mash-up of KPop Demon Hunters, AI and Hanukkah songs.

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2025 Nishimoto World Gift Catalog & 2025 New Beverly Holiday Shirt

As always we love showing you our favorite gift catalog, the Nishimoto World Gift Catalog. It skimps on the English, but not the Engrish and never really seems to care. Really, some good looking goods to send to Japan from the US. And, some tasty looking treats to get here from Japan.
 
As per usual we grabbed some of the typos that the catalog seems to not care to fix.
 
There's still time to order, here. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Not as many mistakes this year, but they never want to seem to correct this one. As you can see with this delicious cut of "Born in Ham", not Bone in Ham. It's Born in Ham. 
 
And, Santa Claus Favorite, not Santa Claus's Favorite or Santa Claus' Favorite. And, apparently that favorite is citrus fruit?
 

 

2025 New Beverly Holiday Shirts are out now, always love a new creepy Christmas design. This year the design comes from the artist known as Burrito Breath.
 
$35.00
$7.95 shipping
 
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Friday, December 12, 2025

Holiday Round-Up: Hanukkah, Purrquoise Inspired, Oh. What. Fun. & Silent Night, Deadly Night

Look to your local Chabad's this Sunday for gelt drops for the first night of Hanukkah.
 
LAist has a nice list of venues and Chrsitmas movies to see for the rest of the month.
 
 
LA Daily News straight up tells it like it is and gives you a list of places to go with those jerks...we mean relatives. 

 

We hate the dubbed "Purrqoise", now seating pretty in The Getty that looks very much like the cat demon in KPop Demon Hunters. But, The Getty and public seem to love it, so they've made holiday inspired merch.

Purrquoise Inspired


 
 
 
Oh. What. Fun. is a perfectly good Christmas movie that still gets a PG-13 with getting that one saying of F**k in. Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) literally gets forgotten this Christmas and then ditches her ungrateful family for the mysterious and foreign land of Burbank. Just head to Prime.
 

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Thursday, December 11, 2025

Local/Movie Hype: Predator 2, Westwood’s Village Theater, Return to Silent Hill & A Useful Ghost



L.A. Taco has a list of places featured in Predator 2 and what they look like now.

 

LA Times has it's list of the best restaurants in LA. We miss you Jonathan Gold. 

These are the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles

 

Return to Silent Hill is coming out this January...not the greatest release window, but it is from the original French director of the first film. This is based on the second game in the series.

We didn't expect this to have any screenings in the US, but A Useful Ghost will have select screenings here in January. A young couple continues their romance even after one dies and becomes a ghost that haunts a vacuum. We love the poster just made for the US too.


 
 

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Marvel Cosmic Invasion Review: They Couldn't Call It Avengers Cosmic Invasion?


 
We hate the name, but love the game. Tribute Games knocks it into deep space, just like the totally
tubular job they did with TMNT: Shredder's Revenge. Marvel Cosmic Invasion, uggh, that title, is another beat-em up that bashes and thrashes so good that we're already wanting more. DLC, please. Combining elements from older comics, newer comics and even the movies. Sorry, cinematic Universe. You have a ready to go, out-of-the-gate instant classic where you can toss AIM agents with She-Hulk or have Cap throw his shield at gross symbiotes. So, many playable characters! And, of course there's dinosaurs. It wouldn't be a classic, without dinosaurs!
 
It's an alien invasion, but this time it's bugs from the Negative Zone. So, get prepared to to save the Universe. Oh, and the bugs are taking over a bunch of bad guys and even super heroes, so be prepared for a fight. Luckily, you have options.
 
It's an insane number of fighters and quite the list with 15 playable franchise-able peeps from all over Marvel Comics timeline. From well known heroes like Spidey, Venom (is he a hero?), Iron Man, Cap, Wolverine, and Storm who almost seem like they were taken out of Marvel Vs Capcom. To newer heroes who weren't in 2D fighters like She-Hulk, Black Panther, Phoenix, Nova, Rocket Racoon (in 3D Marvel Vs Capcom). And, then you have Silver Surfer, Beta Ray Bill, Cosmic Ghost Rider (makes sense with his name) and Phyla-Vell. And, those last ones ain't been in any Marvel Vs Capcom game.
 
It's not a Capcom game, but dang was Tribute Games inspired by the Marvel Vs Capcom series and other 2d classic starring some of the heroes. Tribute (it's in the name) really plays tribute to attacks, moves and animations from other games. They're adding to it with new attacks and stuff we never got from those previous titles, but do they draw from a hefty back-log. If you've recently gotten the Capcom Fighting Collection you'll totally see what I'm talking about.
 
Then, there's the feel of the game like it's coming out in the 80's/90's with Nova's mullet hair. It's such a fun mix, because the series is drawing from the style from earlier comic runs, but is taking from newer comic arcs like the limited series  Annihilation and the whole Knull arc. And, you can, of course, switch to a CRT style and a curved TV style, to really feel like your playing in the past.
 
From pulling from so many comics, it makes for so many great levels. Of course, you have your dinosaurs in the Savage Land. You have your Rainbow Bridge to Asgard. No Marvel game is complete without walking the streets of New York City! Then, you get your creepy space places. One of my favorite levels is of course the one where Spidey and She-Hulk are supposed to be chosen ( more on that later) and you go through an animal sanctuary. Not Sanctuary II with Thanos, but a level with rife fourth wall breaking fun to be had by too of Marvel's best talkers.
 
Online play was an ease and with cross-play you can play with friends on any console that they have the game on. What's truly crazy is seeing four heroes on screening taking out so many bugs and dinos.
 
Or should I say eight? In a smart decision, you can switch on the fly between two heroes. So, one second your Spider-Man, the next Iron Man with whatever combo you want. The game has certain characters it wants you to play with on certain levels as their highlighted on the select screen before going into that level. You can ignore it or try and finish the challenges in the level for those characters.
 
If I haven't stated it clearly already, the game looks gorgeous. Tribute Games just makes everything
looks so damn good. 
 
I just love throwing Cap's shield or finally learning to hold down an attack button for some impressive moves like She-Hulk's thunder clap.
 
Honestly, I can only nitpick the name, there's really nothing here to hate on. 
 
There's a whole thing on collecting Cosmic Cubes and collecting all the art and files or getting to a higher level with each characters for more HP or faster focus to pull off your super attack.
 
Oh, those super attacks, don't forget you can combine with the other selected heros and pull off an even greater move. 

Another solid game from Tribute that you should get for the holidays. You're gonna want to beat down Thanos around the Menorah and rip Annihilus a new one around the Christmas tree. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is here to ring in the new year and ring MODOK's neck...well, if he had a neck. Beat him up and see his little baby legs kick.

* There was a rumor back around TMNT review of a The Simpsons game from Tribute, here's still hoping. 


MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is out at $29.99 on PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch 1 &  2, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox Series X|S. On Steam, 10% Offer ends December 15
 
Game provided by publisher for review purposes on Steam.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Shogun Santa Dec 20-21, 11am-3pm

 

Shogun Santa returns to Little Tokyo later this month. We just wanted to give you a heads up because you only have one weekend to take photos with the jolly samurai warrior. You only have Dec 20-21, 11am-3pm at the Village Plaza to get pics with Shogun Santa.


 

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Weekly What To Do: Game Awards Or Not It's Still The Holidays

 
Holiday Happenings: 
 
Dec 10 from 8pm to 11:30pm
Killer Fitness
822 N Hollywood Way
$13

Deathcember is an anthology horror film structured like a cinematic Advent calendar, featuring 24 short films from different international directors, with one released each day leading up to Christmas. The shorts explore the darker side of the festive season through various subgenres of horror, including splatter and black comedy. The segments are connected by animated segments about the advent calendar itself.

HORROR MOVIE SURVIVAL GUIDE PRESENTS: DEATHCEMBER
SPECIAL GUESTS IN PERSON:
BARBARA CRAMPTON
TIFFANY SHEPIS
MATT MERCER
MARC GOTTLIEB
JIM OJALA
SAM WINEMAN
 
Friday, December 12, 7pm - 11pm
Saturday, December 13, 7pm - 11pm
Janss Marketplace
285 N. Moorpark Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 
$42.99 and up
 
The haunt you love returns for a chilling dose of holiday spirit! Step inside Reign of Terror as it's transformed with festive lights, eerie carols, and sinister holiday surprises lurking behind every wreath. It's the same massive, award-winning haunted house—just wrapped in tinsel, snow, and screams.
 
Dec. 12–23
San Pedro Fish Market
Two locations
 
Taking place December 12–23, guests can celebrate the season with 12 days of festive World Famous Shrimp Trays, holiday offerings and exclusive seasonal specials available at the Long Beach location and the newly opened Landing in San Pedro. The family-friendly celebration is the quintessential SoCal holiday experience, featuring fresh seafood, sparkling coastline views and live music—the perfect backdrop for gathering with loved ones.
 
December 12 – 14 The parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. 
Dana Point Harbor 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA
 
Free
The highly anticipated 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season from December 12 - 14. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. nightly near the Wharf and features the theme Golden Jubilee - Carol of the Boats. Boaters will deck out their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more. The public is welcome to view the parade from the boardwalk and parkscapes, reserve a table with a view from one of the harbor’s waterfront restaurants, or hop aboard a special boat parade charter.
 
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Santa Monica
Tickets start at $20 for GA or $40 for VIP Route Hopper and $15 for Sober Santa (N/A - designated driver route). Wristbands include $6-9 drink specials, discounted food items, 1 free drink (while supplies last), priority entry, free cover charges, DJs and live entertainment, and entry into Santa's official after-party. A portion of all proceeds benefits the Westside Food Bank. 

More than 20 bars and restaurants across the city will come together to offer exclusive $6-$9 drink specials and discounted food items to those with the official pub crawl wristband. In addition, the ticket also includes free entry into all locations, 1 free drink (first 500 ppl), DJs, beer gardens, costume contests, prizes, and entry into Santa's Official After Party at 1212 when both routes collide for one epic dance party and holiday celebration. This year, in celebration of the City of Santa Monica's 150th anniversary, there will also be a Block Party on Third Street Promenade in the new "Entertainment Zone "with outdoor stages, DJs, beer garden, and winter-themed pop-up bars. 

Sat • Dec 13, 2025 • 5:00 PM
Kia Forum
3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305
$tarts at $78

Featuring bands like Evanescence, Papa Roach, Social Distortion, Rise Against, The All-American Rejects, Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard, Wet Leg, and The Paradox. Proceeds benefit two youth education charities: the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center and Para Los Niños.
 

Join us on Saturday 12/13 for SANTA VILLAGE!! Vendors! Pinball! Tattoos! FREE cookies and cocoa! AN MORE!! 
 
A Christmas Card from John C. Reilly in Los Angeles
A Holiday Toast to Peace and Tom Waits
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 
Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048
$50.00

Dec 13 at 7pm
Don Quixote
2811 East Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90023
$17.85
 
Lucha Goth Haus - Noche De Krampus - Lucha Libre, Live Music, Dark Arts Performance, Toy Drive and After Party

 
12 Guests of Xmas - Doug Loves Movies
Monday, Dec 15, 2025, 7:30 PM PST - 9:00 PM PST
Dynasty Typewriter
2511 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
doors: 6:30pm | 18+ General Admission
Tickets: $20 General Admission / $25 Day of Show
 
Comedian Doug Benson hosts a special holiday edition of his podcast Doug Loves Movies where he invites 12 (or more) guests to join him on stage for a massive Xmas movie trivia competition. Bring a movie themed name tag for a chance to win a sackful of presents!
 
 
 

Oh. What. Fun. with The Bird and the Bee & Friends
Monday, Dec 15, 2025 
Show: 8:00PM
Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Normal Stuff: 
 
 
December 11, 2025
Event Starts 4:30PM Doors Open 3:30pm 
Peacock Theater
1111 S. Figueroa Street.
 $376 - $2,510
 
Tickets went way up this year for the world's leading video game trailer event. Yes, you can see it for free online everywhere or you can pay to...enjoy L.A. Live. Oh, so tack on parking.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE END IS NEW
Calla Henkel and Max Pitegoff
DEC 11-13, THU-SAT, 8 PM
Redcat 
631 W 2ND ST,
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
$27*

This new play follows a film editor who is hired to take over the project of a recently deceased documentary filmmaker. Alone and haunted by the material, the editor attempts to navigate endless footage in hopes of finding meaning in a dramatic collective of once united characters. When the composer arrives, ready to score the film, the entire narrative begins to tilt – and the uneasy truths of the past lash out.
 
Dec 13 from 10am to 3:30pm
Million Dollar Theater
307 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
$8 – $16
 
10a BARBARELLA (1968, dir by Roger Vadim, w/ Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, David Hemmings, Anita Pallenberg, Paramount 98mns, USA, 35mm)

1p DANGER DIABOLIK (1968, dir by Mario Bava, w/ John Philllip Law, Michell Piccoli, Paramount, 105mns, USA, 35mm)

*SPECIAL NOTE: This is a Secret Movie Club holiday party! Come in costume. Come ready to celebrate the holidays with two 60's psychedelic classics. On 35mm. In a movie palace. We'll make it fun. You just bring yourselves and your love of cinema. 
 
Dec 14 from 4pm to 11:45pm
The Million Dollar Theater, 307 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
$8 – $21
 
3 vampire movies. 3 lim edit posters just for SMC by phenom Frederick Cooper. 4p Coppola's DRACULA 7p UNDERWORLD 930p INTERV W/ A VAMPIRE
 
December 14, 2025 - April 18, 2027
NHM 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007 
 Free with general admission or for Members. 
 
Join us at NHM to experience our newest exhibition showcasing some of the rarest and most spectacular mineral specimens ever discovered. Unearthed reveals the beauty of minerals and crystals in their natural state, with some on view for the very first time.

Visitors will descend into a world of mystery and wonder to learn about the science behind minerals, crystals, gems, and rocks, emerging with a deeper understanding that minerals are everywhere—from distant caves to our homes and even our bones.  
 
 

 Like art, animation & pop culture? On December 14th, Sunday, 2025, come visit our ARTIST ALLEY EVENT at @GameRealms in Burbank California!

Event Date: December 14th, Sunday, 2025
 
 
 Even More To Do:
 
Oct 5, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026
HAMMER MUSEUM
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
90024
Free for good

Made in L.A. 2025 is the seventh iteration of the Hammer’s signature biennial exhibition that showcases artists practicing throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The 28 participants in the exhibition present work not only made in the city but also grounded in its complex and unfolding terrain. Neither myth nor monolith, Los Angeles is many things to many people, and its dissonance is perhaps its most distinguishing feature. The works presented in this year’s biennial include film, painting, theater, choreography, photography, sculpture, sound, and video. Attitude draws them together: Each engages with this city in ways alternately literal, formal, material, and metaphoric. Conceived or made in Los Angeles, they are of this city and nowhere else.
 
 
Oct 21, 2025–Jan 25, 2026
Getty Center
Museum West Pavilion, Plaza Level
Free
All exhibitions are included in your free, timed-entry reservation to Getty. Reservations are available six weeks in advance. Please note, there is a fee for parking.
 
 Drawing is a skill, gained like any other through study and practice. Combining the movement of the hand with the dedication of the mind, drawing was considered the foundation of the arts of painting, sculpture, and architecture since the Renaissance. Proficiency in drawing was critical for exploring, inventing, and communicating ideas visually, but how was this foundational ability actually learned? This exhibition explores artistic training and the mastery of drawing in Europe from about 1550 to 1850.
 
  
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.



 
Sat, Aug 30, 2025 - Sat, Dec 27, 2025
9:00 am - 2:00 pm every Sat
Isamu Noguchi Plaza
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free
 
"Join us at the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant new Saturday tradition in the heart of Little Tokyo. Presented in partnership by JACCC and Food Access LA, this weekly market brings together fresh, affordable produce, rich cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection."
 

 

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. & Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
 
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
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