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