What’s playing? From ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ to ‘Broadcast News,’ here’s our weekend movie picks around LA

It’s the middle of August, and you know what that means — everyone is waiting for August to be over. The blanket of heat isn’t lifting, and you’ll certainly be finding me escaping into a movie theater every chance I get. We’ve got some delightful picks for you this weekend if you’d like to disappear into the dark and be transported.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day solidified my love of the L.A. River on screen with a stunning chase scene through the concretized waterway. Broadcast News maybe feels all too real for those of us in journalism, but Holly Hunter is captivating to watch as ever.

Let RRR take you to a fictionalized story in 1920s India and fire you up! And if it didn’t make me cry, you might find me at Where the Wild Things Are in 35mm. The transportive landscapes and soundtrack hit me just a little too hard sometimes.

If you’re really looking to slip into a dreamscape, 3 Women is screening at The Egyptian. If you only know Shelly Duvall’s work from The Shining, this is a fascinating look at her as an actor.

All right, as usual, read on for more details! What world will you slip away to this weekend?

For the machines

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

New Beverly Cinema

Friday, Aug. 16, 2 p.m.

Tickets are $11.25, more info here.

Synopsis: He’s back! Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton reprise their roles as The Terminator and Sarah Connor, but this time with a twist. Instead of trying to kill savior-of-the-future John Connor (now a punky kid), the machine from the future is trying to save him. With incredible action and chase sequences, you’ll have a good time.

For people who care about the future of journalism

Broadcast News

Vidiots

Saturday, Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $13, more info here.

Synopsis: This compelling comedy stars Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, and William Hurt as three people working in broadcast news — they navigate layoffs, ethical questions, and workplace relationships as they try to feed the news cycle, keep viewers, and advance their careers. It’s a movie that’s barely aged a day.

For the freedom fighters

RRR

Gardena Cinema

Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at various times

Tickets are $14.60, more info here.

Synopsis: If you missed the box-office-record breaking Telegu language smash hit in theaters, now’s your chance. This spectacular period action film will get you on your feet – whether with the Academy Award winning original song and dance break, or with the unbelievable action sequences (Fire! Tigers! Motorcycles!). This fictional story about two real-life Indian freedom fighters should be seen as big and as loud as possible.

For the kids-at-heart

Where the Wild Things Are

Brain Dead Studios

Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $14.50, more info here.

Synopsis: A beautiful adaptation of the classic children’s book. After throwing a tantrum in a wolf costume, 9-year-old Max is sent to bed without dinner, where he’s transported to the island of Wild Things. The seven large monsters (brought to life on film with practical costumes, animatronics, and tasteful CG) welcome Max into their lives and their ways on the island. But it isn’t just a wild rumpus — the monsters are complicated too. With stunning visuals and a beautiful soundtrack by Karen O, this is a coming-of-age journey you won’t soon forget.

For the complicated women

3 Women

The Egyptian

Sunday, Aug. 18, 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10-15, more info here.

Synopsis: Shelly Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Janice Rule star as three women living in the California desert in the 70s. It’s a surreal and dreamlike film about shifting identities based on a dream that director Robert Altman had when his wife was in the hospital. A perfect film to check out if you want to have a trippy Sunday afternoon and pay respects to the late, great Shelly Duvall.