The short film was once a cornerstone of the theatrical experience (think "The Twenty", only worth watching). A cinematic laboratory, short films test talents & technologies, often in less time than it takes to read this column. In an age of digital streaming, the LA Shorts Fest offers a rare opportunity to see these small films back on the big screen. The 15th annual fest begins tomorrow at the Sunset 5, and runs through the 29th. more ›

When the subject is Andy Kaufman, people seem to divide into two fairly distinct camps: those brilliant few who recognize him as a comic genius years ahead of his time and the fucking idiots who should probably be put to sleep by the government. While Andy Kaufman: World Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion doesn't offer anything new to the devoted Kaufman-phile, it does package it all together nicely. Buy it for a friend or your mom today! Better yet, start an inter-gender wrestling club in your local community! I know I am, girls! more ›

In a just world families would be heading out to the multiplex this afternoon to see Terry Gilliam's latest (and Heath Ledger's last) The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Of course, we don't live in such a world so Sherlock Holmes will be getting all of the business. If you want to try something thought-provoking and serious (yeah, I know you don't), check out Police, Adjective. I respect everything about Nancy Meyers other than the actual movies she makes. Her latest is It's Complicated. I will, of course, pass. Apparently, there is some kiddie flick opening today called Dumb Fucking Chipmunks Movie. Probably gonna miss that one, too. more ›

On this icy weekend, nobody's more explosive than Black Dynamite! The blaxploitation tribute lights up Long Beach this Friday, with exclusive giveaways & Adrian Younge, the Dynamite composer who brings more funk than the junk in your trunk! Want even more bang for your buck? The New Beverly has a neo-grindhouse triple-threat of Black Dynamite, Planet Terror & Death Proof sure to make your Sunday sizzle. Or go to LACMA for a quadruple Korean KO of Bong Joon-ho's The Host, Barking Dogs Never Bite, Memories of Murder (for free!) & Mother (South Korea's hard-boiled Oscar submission). If space is your place - head to Echo Park, for alien abduction documentary Hollywood UFO. Check your Milla Jovovich at the door. more ›

This may be the twentieth time I've declared this in this space, but one more time can't hurt: watch Battlestar Galactica! It may not be the best show of the last ten years, but it's as good as any. How a floundering NBC never thought to scoop it up from its little Syfy sister and air it on the big network still astonishes me. Whatever Works isn't nearly as good as recent Woody Allen gems Vicky Cristina Barcelona or Cassandra's Dream, but it's good for a few laughs. Is Chris Hitchens the best damn debater on TV? Yep! Is three Monty Python DVDs in one week too much? Nope! Who would thought that The Big Lebowski would produce such an underground sensation? My money would have been on Raising Arizona or Miller's Crossing. more ›

At the premiere of IFC's "Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)" at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City on October 15th LAist's TV Junkie met all the remaining Pythons other than Eric Idle: Terry Jones, Carol Cleveland, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and John Cleese. They keep saying that the friendliest Python is Michael Palin but that was impossible to tell as they were all so very kind and patient standing outside in the rain in 40 degree weather (poor Carol Cleveland!). more ›

Aside from pseudo-news trash there's no new programming on tonight and even late night is all repeats. On this last night of a 3-day weekend, I'd make some nice drinks and hunker down to watch TCM's lineup. 5:00pm La Jetee TCM - This short film by Chris Marker is the inspiration for Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys but without all that Bruce Willis starpowercrap. Excellent montage of beautiful B&W photographs is totally compelling. 5:30pm Point... more ›

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THURSDAY more ›

• At Largo, Sarah Silverman will be performing her own special, heartwarming brand of standup with Louis CK. Doors open at 8 PM. more ›