Weekend Movie Guide: Rock Hard, Cox!
One day the golden touch of Judd Apatow will fade and one of his films will bomb (--but I'll be piling into the theater along with everyone else this weekend to marvel at the daring of John C. Reilly.
Largo: The Film
Over the last few months, there have been rumblings about a possible Largo concert film. And 24 hours ago, a trailer popped up on YouTube that confirmed it all. Produced by Largo owner Mark Flanagan and Andrew van Baal, the film will be sure to highlight the intimate magic of this unassuming venue on Fairfax Ave. Featuring snippets of performances by Jon Brion, Fiona Apple, Paul F. Tompkins, Zach Galifianakis, Nickel Creek, Grant Lee...
The Future of a 217 Year-Old Landmark
The Board of Directors of Campo de Cahuenga, the 217 year-old North Hollywood historical site, is locked in a battle with a development firm over the future of the landmark.
New Movie Friday: Grindhouse, Are We Done Yet?, Black Book, The Reaping
Grindhouse - I've already reviewed this movie, so I won't bother rehashing it, but trust me, Grindhouse totally freakin' rocks! Three full hours of beautiful cinematic mayhem. Are We Done Yet? - Ice Cube stars as a beleaguered urban dad who moves with his new wife (Nia Long) and her two kids to their dream house in the 'burbs and is terrorized by a contractor (John C. McGinley from Scrubs). Black Book - Dutch-born...
TV Junkie: 'Lost'; Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on Conan
A Word or 52: Some people hated last week's "useless" Lost because it didn't further the storyline but I thought it was a humorously macabre and welcome break that reminded me of some of the better tangential X-Files episodes from 10+ years ago. If looks like we're going back to that story line tonight, oh well. Jericho (CBS, 8:00 p.m.) Roger goes off the deep end, and who can blame him Friday Night Lights/Crossing...
"Scrubs" Actor Raises Awareness of Down Syndrome
LAist has the pleasure from time to time to hear about the good the entertainment industry can do and certain individuals who are invested in a cause and pounding the pavement to raise awareness. Though he might play a snarky doctor on Scrubs, John C. McGinley (aka Dr. Perry Cox) took the day off from the set of the hit TV show last week to host a special Storytime at Barnes & Noble at The Grove. McGinley has personal experience with Down syndrome -- his 9-year-old son Max is inflicted. Through the National Down Syndrome, he is able to raise awareness to the Buddy Walk, an initiative he joined officially as their spokesperson in 2002.
Missed The Oscars? Relax, This Was the Best Part
Will Ferrell, Jack Black, and John C. Reilly brought the biggest laughs to a pretty ok Oscar telecast in this musical jab at how the Academy doesn't reward comedic actors as much as dramatic ones. The singing from this trio wasn't as great as the "Dreamgirls" medley, but it was way better than Celine Dion's tune, and it filled the gaping hole left by the lovable Three 6 Mafia, who we now know are...
Derby Dolls: Fight Crew 44, Tough Cookies 27
Before we get down and dirty with Saturday night's game, here is a little "audio postcard," if you will, that features some play by play action and Scientology bashing by the game announcers: You know you're missing something when celebrities start coming to an event that a few years ago used to be held illegally in warehouses in Chinatown. Last Saturday's game brought out John C. Reilly (pictured left) and Patricia Arquette (interestingly enough,...
Tonight in Rock in LA - Beck
Beck @ Echo Lobster Repair @ Il Corral Damien Rice @ The Orpheum Shooter Jennings @ El Rey Theatre Children of Bodom, Amon Amarth @ Wiltern Flock of Goo Goo, Electric Frankenstein, ADHD @ Alex's Bar Dead Meadow, Spindrift, Tsk Tsk @ The Troubadour Pink Mountaintops, Menomena, 31 Knots @ Spaceland Aimee Mann, Grant Lee Phillips, John C. Reilly @ Avalon Little Ones, Small Sins, June in July @ The Echo The Morlocks, The...
Hating Jay Leno
The Conan Countdown goes on and the world's longest lame duck continues to be lame.
LA Public Libraries Expanded
The Fairfax Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library opened this morning. Located at 161 S. Gardner Street, just north of 3rd, the new branch boasts lots of parking, beautiful dark wood furniture, a phalanx of computers and a very large floor plan. It has one of the biggest footprints of the regional branches, with a central section full of tables, chairs and room for study groups.
PTA Meeting
• At the Egyptian Theatre, tonight is the John C. Reilly Tribute, starting at 7:15 PM, and featuring screenings of Hard Eight and Magnolia. There will be a discussion with the actor between films.
Seeing Stars
The American Cinematheque presents a double feature of Reese Witherspoon in "Vanity Fair" (2004) and Alexander Payne's "Election" (1999). A discussion with Ms. Witherspoon will take place between films.
Checking Out Local Libraries
The Los Angeles General Services Department's efforts to unload a couple libraries at auction further proves that nothing is sacred in this hot real estate market. The former Durant Branch on Gardner in Hollywood and the erstwhile location of the Westchester Branch on Sepulveda Eastway are going on the block next month. Minimum bidding on each starts at $1,000,000.
Mysterious Wonderland
As August draws to a close, blogland seems to be on hiatus, leaving us with re-runs. But repeats can be rewarding. For instance, LA journalist Rodger Jacobs posts a 1999 article about his experiences writing a documentary about porn legend John Holmes. How could you not love an essay that begins with:

