Weekly What To Do: Super Bowl Weekend Everyone

Free Screening Event: In the Corner of the World
Thursday, Feb 1, 7pm
UCLA - James Bridges Theater

1409 Melnitz Hall, Los Angeles, California 90095

Free

 
Film screening of the movie, "In this Corner of the World" which is nominated for the 45th Annie Awards for Best Independent Feature. Also, the chance to meet the director, Sunao Katabuchi and the producer, Taro Maki during the Q&A session.

First Fridays
February 2, 5pm - 10pm
The Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007
$20

Explore The Natural History Museum After Dark.

Tour: "L.A. Backstory" with NHM History Department
Discussion: "From LA, to Infinity – and Beyond!" with Benjamin Dickow,
Peter Westwick and Diana Trujillo, moderated by Los Angeles Times journalist Patt Morrison
DJ Lounge: KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez and special guest DJ Reflex
Music: John Doe & Exene / Phoebe Bridgers (acoustic)

Before We Vanish
Starts Feb 2
Regal LA LIVE Stadium 14
$ 

A new creepy alien invasion movie from Japan. 

Monty Python At Gallery 1988

Grand Opening Friday, February 2, 7-9pm
G1988
7308 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
90046

Art based on the strange, hilarious works of Monty Python. 

Quattro 3 Show Opening on Fri, Feb 2nd at 7pm
Hero Complex Gallery2020 South Robertson Blvd. 
Studio D, LA, CA 90034
Free



Quattro 3 with artists James Rheem Davis, Matt Ryan Tobin, New Flesh & Vance Kelly.
                      

Smorgasburg Dumpling Day at Santa Anita Park

Saturday, Feb 3, at 12 PM - 4:30 PM

Santa Anita Park

285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, California 91007

$tarts at $30

"We’re bringing a small taste of DTLA’s Smorgasburg to Santa Anita Park for this one-of-a-kind event. Try some of the most exciting new dumplings in southern California from Workaholic, Brothecary, Mad Dumplings LLC. NIKUMAN-YA, and Gentaro Soba while you wager on world class horse racing at this trackside event."

CoffeeCon LA 2018

February 3 – February 4

The Reef

1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90007

$tarts at $23.16

CoffeeCon is the world's first 100% consumer coffee festival featuring tasting floor, top coffee experts, tasting seminars, coffee classes and labs in every brewing method.

Dungeon - A Standup Comedy Role Playing Game

Saturday, Feb 3, 7pm

NerdMelt Showroom

7522 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90046

Tickets are $8 in advance / $10 at the door

Dungeon is comedy, Dungeons & Dragons style! Players face off against the devious Dungeon Master John-Michael Bond in adventures sure to make you laugh, gasp, and cheer! Between adventures catch your breath with some of the best stand-ups comedy in Los Angeles. 

SUPER BOWL LII

Sunday, Feb 4, at 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The Downtown Independent

251 S Main St, Los Angeles, California 90012

Free

"Join us again this year for Super Bowl Sunday! Free Admission, and we will be open as early as 2:30 so you can come and grab the best seats in the house to see Super Bowl LII on the silver screen!"

Eureka Seven: Hi-Evolution 1 Screenings

Feb 5 (sub) Feb 7 (dub)

Select Theaters

$$

"Ride the trapars and take to the skies once more! The revolutionary mecha anime from studio Bones returns for the first movie in a high-flying trilogy.

It all begins with the story that was left untold—the earth-shattering incident where Renton’s father disappeared. With the mysterious pilot Eureka by his side, only Adroc Thurston could undo his own mistake, sparking the event that changed everything and earned him the title of a hero. Now, ten years later, Eureka lies in critical condition as Renton leaves the crew of the Gekko. But when he finds himself in the care of his father’s old friends, he has a choice to make. Either stay with the loving family he’s always wanted, or earn the love he seeks."

Toshio Iwai Lecture
Tue, Feb 6th, 6pm
Broad Art Center, 240 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Free

 Toshio Iwai is a Japanese interactive media & installation artist who created a number of commercial video games, including SimTunes, Bikkuri Mouse, and Electroplankton.

Black Panther Fan Event Feb 15

Another Marvel movies means seeing it before everyone else. So be that kind of fan with a bunch of other fans with the special Black Panther Fan Events planned at the different theaters around LA on Feb 15, 2018. What do you want more the collectible coin or a poster?

-Disney's El Capitan
$35 Per Person Includes Reserved Seat, 85 oz. Souvenir Popcorn Bucket, 20 oz. Bottled Beverage and Exclusive Poster.

 AMC
-get a collectible Black Panther coin and regular popcorn










Regal Cinemas
 -Exclusive content, A collectible coin, Collectible 44 oz. cup with soft drink & 105 oz. popcorn combo

 Cinemark
?

MoviePass Doesn't Work At Century City 15 and Universal City Walk

Apparently, the service hasn't worked at City Walk's AMC for a year due to it pricing its tickets higher than other theaters. Recently, we just lost Century City 15 as MoviePass tries to cut a deal with AMC over ticket sales and it not going well.

via Deadline

The Man Behind The Man Children: Le Neckbeard Interview Jonathan Rawlings

by Jonathan Bilski

On tumblr or on 4chan, maybe perusing Twitter on my phone, I saw the dumbest picture of a neckbeard on what looked like a card game. At first, I thought it was a mock-up. I mean, it looked so funny. As though someone stole a meme or a comic artist's sketch. Then, I looked it up online and sure enough...it was real. Le Neckbeard was real. This game about strange smelly nerd men, was real!

I debated getting it over the holiday season. Friends were out of town. But, late one night I put down a $20 and received it shortly after. Soon, I was trying to win the most waifus using my neckbeard skills in the game. At a friend's apartment a toss of a card hit me with responsibly after responsibility from having to take a shower to having a real girlfriend. I couldn't win the waifus! What I did do was laugh and howl at the art and the jokes as I played with my friends.

That's all thanks to one man. Jonathan Rawlings, JR. He took the time out of his schedule to discuss his creation that he came up with and did all the art for, Le Neckbeard. We went over how he made it and a bit about his life.

I asked JR how he came up with the game, a huge part of it was boredom, that and study these weird men children. He said, "It started with a fascination with neckbeards." "Before this, I made a bunch of different versions, that looked nothing like this and it took me six to eight months to come up with this idea."

JR added, "I did a lot of research for the game. I had to look up a lot of terms...I learned about what a neckbeard was a few years ago, but I was surprised not many people knew what a neckbeard was...and I did my due diligence." One of his sources being the Urban Dictionary, another Reddit.

The way JR described his interest into the subculture of our species was almost like he studied them like a host on his own documentary mini-series. "I had to find out there habits, what they eat and what they wear," he said. From that  research he constructed the attributes in the game you need to win a waifu: Appearance, Sustenance, Ego, Intellect and Skill. You need to match the specific requirements of the waifu you're after with the cards your dealt. So a waifu might want two Appearance cards and a Sustenance card, all color coded to make it easier on the players.

If it sounds complicated, it's really not. And the game can be picked up in a few minutes.

The obvious question had to be asked, "Why 'le' neckbeards?" The answer from JR, "I've seen the word "le" used a lot as a prefix to to a bunch of random words, like le gentleman..." Then JR tried to explain some meme within neckbeard culture that used it, he wasn't very sure. He told me, it just happened to workout.

"I think everyone in their own way has a part of a neckbeard inside them (don't take that literally)," is what JR told me when I asked if he was a neckbeard or had friends that were neckbeards. He told me, sure he eats junk food and stays up late and plays tons of video games. That's not enough to be the fedora headed, samurai sword-wielding, Hawaiian t-shirt wearing and eyes-always-covered-when-in-doors-with sunglasses person depicted in the game.

During the process of making the game, JR posted images of it on Reddit, he was contacted by Jason of Jason Anarchy Games. Jason wanted to publish the game right away. With Jason's help a Kickstarter was launched and the game met its initial goal and has only been out for purchase for about 4 months. With those who funded the Kickstarter getting the game first with perks for what they paid.

"He's [Jason] making a second run of the game, because it's selling out so quickly," is what JR told me, when we started talking about the games rules.

Once those sell out, a new print run will come out with updated rules for the game as your suppose to have more waifu's to acquire. JR also told me Jason Anarchy Games will eventually be selling  other waifus in packs, there's thirty waifus in all to get.

*Here's some quick tips on the updated rules if you're getting the game now or already own it:
Instead of playing to 10 stars you play to five stars and there's an alternative rule to have three waifu's out at a time, in which they're all up for grabs for a faster game. Lastly, you can only play one responsibility card on a person at a time.

JR told me he had a run of the game locally before it came out. "There was a game store on Melrose [Mega City One] it was like a card shop...comic book shop...I posted on Reddit, 'Oh, hey, if you want to test this game I created this game, you can' and so I test it with people and some random people." And they liked it and realized it was pretty easy to play.

We started to talk about if there was gonna be expansions and though none are set in stone or being developed yet, JR did toss around some names if he did.  "I was gonna make an expansion called "Le Legbeard", the girl version of everything. I did research on that too, there's a Reddit page for Just Legbeards. He also looked through his notes to tell me, "There was a good suggestion for the next game titled, 'Waifu for Lifu.' All he said was, "It could be a sequel."


Jonathan Rawlings went over a bit about his life. The 28-year-old was an animator with four years of the School of Visual Arts in New York City under his belt. Then he worked at Titmouse on cartoons like China, IL, Superjail and Motor City. He eventually moved to LA. In LA, he pitched shows to Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, eventually getting in a shorts program. Here, he came up with Le Neckbeards. Still here in LA, he switched into graphic design and marketing, which eventually led him back to New York for a marketing job. So he's not just a game designer.

Jonathan cosplaying as a neckbeard

"Has anyone cosplayed," I asked. JR told me, "No, not yet, I wish. And I really want to go to a convention and dress like a neckbeard, with a katana, ...OMG. Fedoras, shades, over-sized Hawaiian t-shirt, sandals with socks on and walk around or just sit behind a booth and be in character the whole time."

The game recently sold out at PAX South in only six and half and hours.

Jonathan Rawlings

"I'm actually starting to learn programming myself, " Jr told me, piquing my interest. You see JR is also known for his Tumblr page, Jonathan's Amazing Blog. On it, he showcases not only stuff about Le Neckbeards, but also his pixel art. Perhaps, the next game we get from him, might be a video game? He has made three games before for the iPhone, sadly they're no longer available in the store.

We ended our chat reminiscing over places JR had eaten in LA like El Compadre, Roscoe's and of course Howlin' Ray's.

Whatever's next from Jonathan Rawlings we can't wait, but we'd still like more neckbeards or legbeards if the time comes.

You can get the game now here.

The Museum of Failure Fails To Close Staying In LA Till Feb 18th

If you remember our tour of The Museum of Failure, we really liked the pop-up exhibit. So, if you couldn't get to it, you got a bit lucky. The Museum of Failure has extended its stay until Feb 18th.





The Museum of Failure
Dec 2-Feb 18, 2018
Wednesday: 2-6 pm
Thursday/Friday: 2-8 pm
Saturday/Sunday: 12 – 7 pm
Closed: Monday/Tuesday
A+D Architecture and Design Museum
900 E 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
$16.50 online

Weekly What To Do: Anime, Games & Some Free Arts & Culture Weekend

 Anime LA

January 25 – January 28

Ontario Convention Center

2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, California 91764

Full event

$70/$65 Student/Military

Single Days

Thursday – starting November 1st $20
Friday – starting November 1st $30
Saturday – starting November 1st $40
Sunday – starting November 1st $30

For the true otaku who loves the anime community. The biggest draw is the other otaku. This event doesn't grab the biggest companies, but it gathers a huge assortment of fans.

They are trying to get some fun events, they're doing a a special event, Anime Los Angeles Celebrates 20 Years of Cowboy Bebop.Voice talent guests from Cowboy Bebop include Beau Billingslea, Steve Blum, Melissa Fahn, Wendee Lee, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Lia Sargent, Skip Stellrecht, and Paul St Peter!

Dub That Hentai at ALA
Friday, January 26, 11:59 PM - 12 AM
Ontario Convention Center Room 203
@ Anime LA


Join us for a night of animated debauchery as audience members compete with their voices to scenes from adult anime titles. It's a party with prizes and a cash bar you wont want to miss. Players will compete in teams to create the best hentai scene to be voted on by the audience! Prizes from our sponsors will be awarded for all participants.

TASCHEN Sale Beverly Hills

January 25 – January 28

TASCHEN

354 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210

 

From January 25–28, enjoy discounts of up to 75% on display and slightly damaged books across our entire catalogue, both in store and online.

Meet Cute 2
Opening reception Friday, January 26, 7-9pm
G1988 
7308 Melrose Avenue 
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Celebrate pop culture’s cutest couples with us!! From artist Nan Lawson.

Grand Opening: Neon Retro Arcade 2.0!
Friday, January 26 at 7 PM - 11:59 PM
Neon Retro Arcade Northridge
8943 Reseda Blvd.
$10 for an hour
$25 for a day

"Join us for the Grand Opening of Neon Retro Arcade Northridge! Arrive early: the first 50 guests in line will receive a free swag bag! 


Game Night: A Variety Show
Fri, Jan 26, 8:00 PM
Geeky Teas and Games
2120 Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
$9.27
18+

All inspired by the fun and community of playing games, Game Night is a variety show featuring music and comedy, AND a reason to put on pants and leave your home! January's special guests are comedian David Huntsberger (Professor Blastoff podcast, SyFy Channel), actor/host Clarke Wolfe (Collider, Nerdist, Sending The Wolfe podcast), and powerhouse musicians/comedians, The Library Bards!

Phantasm Screening
Friday, January 26, 11:59pm
Nuarte
$12

Midnight show w/Intro Actor Reggie Bannister.

Nekromantik dir Jorg Buttgereit
Friday, January 26, 10pm
Downtown Independent
$11.34

The controversial horror film that shocked the world in 1987, when it was banned in Germany, censored in Japan and simultaneously became a huge underground hit in the US (now long out of print.)
  
Winter Exhibitions Opening Celebration

Saturday Jan 27, 2018 8:00PM to 11:00PM 

Hammer Museum 

10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 

90024

Free

 

Please join us to celebrate the opening of the Hammer's winter exhibitions Stories of Almost Everyone and Unspeakable: Atlas, Kruger, Walker. This free public celebration features late-night gallery hours, music by Awesome Tapes from Africa, photo booth by MVS Studio, cash bar, and food trucks. 

 

Threads Screening

Sat, Jan 27, 10:15pm

Egyptian Theatre 6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

$

 

*Introduction by director Mick Jackson

 

As current as it ever has been, THREADS supposes that nuclear war breaks out and examines the effect it has upon the citizens of Sheffield, England. Shot in a cinema verite style and pulling no punches, THREADS captures the harrowing experiences that could happen if the bomb is ever dropped. A far cry from “duck and cover” educational films, this is a chilling look at the wrath of atomic annihilation.

 

Pasadena Comic Con & Toy Show
Sunday, January 28, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pasadena Convention Center
General Admission $10.00
Kids are Free 12 and below

Pasadena's very own comic and toy show, probably not big numbers, but if you want to meet fellow fans or get something to put on your desk.

Museums Free-For-All
Sunday, Jan 28 
Multiple Museums Around LA
Free

No, the museums aren't battling to death for federal grant money...yet. Still seeing some museums fight one another would be fun and educational. No, it's a day when many museums around LA are free and open to the public. There's so many to choose from so look at the list at go on adventure.

*Some might have special rules to get in free, so be sure to check on how to get it.

Night On Broadway
Sun, Jan 28, 3pm- Midnight
Multiple Theatres Downtown
Free

At the end of the month we have a big night planned in LA. Night On Broadway will be back downtown. A free arts and music festival, that runs one night only in classic theaters.

Check the official site above for the full line-up and times as they become available. Basically, you show up and whatever has open seats you get into.





Voyager Institute: THE FIVE MINUTES GAME 1/28
Sun, January 28, 2018
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
3044 Rosslyn Street
Los Angeles, CA 90065
$8

It’s the Super Bowl for movieheads! Voyager Institute presents a legendary update on a classic video store clerk tradition.*Every* movie is interesting for its first 5 minutes: its chance to lure you in with people, places and mood while you figure out what’s going on.

Fujiyama Ichiban

Action Live 5

January 28(Sun) 1:00pm & 3:30pm

South End Health Club

2800 Skypark Dr. Torrance CA 90505

$12 over 3yrs old.

Samurai Hero "Fujiyama Ichiban" is coming! Japanese style live hero event such as movie, action show and meet & greet. Come see us on Jan 28(Sun)!

Game Of Thrones Special Season 7 Event

By Jonathan Bilski

With the release of GOT Season 7 on Blu-ray and DVD, HBO Home Entertainment had special screenings around the country of Game of Thrones' fourth episode of the seventh season ("Spoils of War") and a somewhat strange animatic called Conquest and Rebellion, that explained the history of Westeros, like the bible almost.

Fans who had bought the DVD/Blu-ray got to go to the free screenings, LA had its screening this last weekend in the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live. Fans were not only treated to the screening, but photo booths, props to ogle at and popcorn with a free drink.

One of the best parts for the screening we attended was that someone brought there little doggy to sit on the thrones of GOT.

Seeing dragons burn to people to death on the big screen was quite a nice treat. The Conquest and Rebellion "animated" film that preceded was a little bit more hard to watch as it wasn't really animated and more of an animatic or storyboard animation on the past of Game of Thrones.

 Fans still brimmed with joy getting to watch GOT in theaters. There was cosplay, merriment and a cute dog, the true king!