Director Jason Reitman's live read of the Coen brothers' The Big Lebowski at LACMA's Bing Theater was the hottest ticket in town on March 29. The L.A.-set cult film capped off Reitman's Film Independent series, and the casting was inspired: Seth Rogen (The Dude), Rainn Wilson (Walter), Christina Hendricks (Maude), Hank Azaria (Donny), Jason Alexander (The Big Lebowski), Catherine Reitman (Bunny), Fred Savage (Brandt), Nick Kroll (Jesus) and Sam Elliott reprising his role as The Stranger.
The Dude Abides at LACMA: Jason Reitman Directs All-Star Live Read of 'The Big Lebowski'
How We're Holding Up With All This Rain
It's one of those days when we Angelenos have to band together to cope with the big, bad rains that flood the hills, snarl our freeways and turn the most aggressive drivers into whimpering babies who would just rather stay under the covers until it all stops. Here's our round-up of really deep thoughts on today's storm from celebrities, would-be emo icons and regular folks.
Weekend Movie Guide 04/01: It's A Bird, It's A Rainn, It's 'Super' Man!
Dwight's gone off the deep end! Super stars Rainn Wilson as super-skewer The Crimson Bolt, a 40-something loser who takes to the streets after sleazy drug dealer Kevin Bacon. Armed with a trusty wrench & teen sidekick Ellen Page (who works by day at Studio City's SuperSmash! comics store), The Bolt promises to make it rain a bloody beatdown on criminals everywhere!
DVD Tuesday: Anyone excited about MacGruber?
You know it's a slow week when crap like MacGruber heads the list. Like most Saturday Night Live movies, it's a funny 30-second idea that's ninety minutes too long. If Spread didn't pave the way for Ashton Kutcher's exit from Hollywood, surely Killers will, right? Yeah, nope. Solitary Man isn't a great film, but it's further proof that Michael Douglas somehow morphed from an overrated actor to an underrated one. Not being a huge box-office draw has served his talent well. Sure, The Office has steadily gone downhill since this high point. Still, it's better than every comedy on CBS. Whatever happened to the George Lucas that made THX 1138?
Interview: Carrie Ann Inaba & Chris Harrison
On Sunday, "Dancing with the Stars'" Carrie Ann Inaba and "The Bachelor's" Chris Harrison will be working the Red Carpet for TV Guide Network's coverage of the Primetime Emmy Awards. Earlier this week, LAist had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with the tandem who will be interviewing the biggest stars of the small screen on “Live at the Emmy Awards with Carrie Ann and Chris” from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
LAFF Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
The first Transformers was by every estimation a bad movie. Sure the effects were cool, even groundbreaking, but every other element of the movie was basically silly, if not frequently and insultingly stupid. Its sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is significantly, significantly worse. Absent the mildly diverting discovery arc of the first film, the second one is literally nothing but uninspired set piece after uninspired set piece after uninspired set piece after uninspired set piece. And if you think this review is repetitive, try watching the movie.
Show Some Love: Last Week's Writers Guild Awards
Hollywood can have problems giving credit where credit is due. Ideas get stolen, supporting actors go unnoticed, and many times the writers who make up the foundation of the entertainment industry never get the limelight in the way that they should. That is, until they decide to go on strike, or a blonde bombshell declares them unfit for accolades. So it should be a source of honor and pride for these men and women when, once a year, they are truly recognized and heralded for their achievements. This is the Writers Guild of America Awards.
Screening Alert: The Comedies of Summer
One of the great things about living in Los Angeles is that there are countless opportunities to see movies in advance for free. Spend any afternoon at the Burbank Town Center or the Third Street Promenade and you'll see people hanging around movie theaters with clipboards and flyers for upcoming screenings. Next week, as part of MTV's Sneak Peak Week, five of the summer's biggest comedies will be screening around town. All you have to do is show up early (real early!) with a ticket and get in line. Bring a book and an iPod. Details below:
DVD Tuesday: Hollywood's Darling Arrives
In ten years, we'll remember this movie for introducing Olivia Thirlby | Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight
At The Emmys: The Seacrest/Kanye/Dwight Doofus-Fest
From totally random to completely set up, the Emmys go "reality" with this sketch comedy skit featuring Wayne Brady (Don't Forget The Lyrics), Rainn Wilson (of The Office) and Kayne West with a weird intro by Ryan Seacrest....
TV Junkie: Dancing With the Semi-Stars (no Big Pussy)
Tonight - Monday - March 19th, 2007 Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 8:00 p.m.) Season premiere. Featuring peg leg Heather Mills, Ian Ziering, Clyde Drexler and Paulina Porizkova, Cliff Clavin, that skating guy Apollo Ono, etc. How I Met.../The New Advent.../Two and a Half.../Rules of Engag.../CSI: Miami (CBS, 8-11:00 p.m.) All new tonight. Prison Break/24 (FOX, 8-10:00 p.m.) New episodes for old thrillers. Larry King Live (CNN, 9:00 p.m.) Senator and prez wannabe Barack...

