Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Weekend Movie Guide: Rock Hard, Cox!
()
One day the golden touch of Judd Apatowwill fade and one of his films will bomb (Drillbit Taylor is the likeliest culprit). For now, though, he can seem to do no wrong and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story looks to be his latest triumph. It's a bit of a departure for Apatow--there's a strong Zuckervibe coursing through Walk Hard--but I'll be piling into the theater along with everyone else this weekend to marvel at the daring of John C. Reilly.
If you want to see a film where every department is performing at the top of their game then find a theater where Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is screening. Hands down, it is Tim Burton's best film since Ed Wood. Furthermore, after years of playing Captain Jack, Johnny Depp reminds us what a superb actor he can be. Some may be put off by the phantasmagoric violence, but Sweeney Todd is among the year's best.
Charlie Wilson's War is not a great film, but it is a very good one that could have been great had it been vested with a little more ambition. Still, Tom Hanks seems rejuvenated in the role of the titular character and Philip Seymour Hoffman adds yet another winning performance to what is becoming a startlingly rich career. Trust me, you'll walk out of this movie wanting to know much more about the real Charlie Wilson and Gust Avrakotos.
Support for LAist comes from
LAist Sweeney Todd review
LAist Charlie Wilson's War review
()
The original National Treasure was a guilty pleasure (hereafter defined as "any movie you get caught up watching on TNT") and National Treasure: Book of Secrets looks to be in the same vein. Any movie with Helen Mirren is worth a look and any movie with Diane Kruger is worth a long, leering stare. Sure, Nicolas Cage (bad toupee alert!) may as well be from Mars, but the faux-history of the series should be distracting enough.
Every year, one studio decides to counter-program against the dominant fare and every year that strategy seems to fail spectacularly (see Lucky You vs Spider-Man 3). This year that sacrificial lamb looks to be P.S. I Love You. For such an accomplished actress, Hilary Swank sure does make some odd choices. Likewise, for Gerard Butlerin this case. Something tells me he signed on before 300 took off. God, I hope so.
Tickets & Showtimes
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Charlie Wilson's War
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
P.S. I Love You
Reviews
Support for LAist comes from
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Charlie Wilson's War
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
P.S. I Love You
Previews
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Charlie Wilson's War
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
P.S. I Love You
Support for LAist comes from
Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures and Disney
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
Best of LAist