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: Drillbit Taylor gets Hammered
()
I'd rather have a Windy City Heat 2 but the The Hammer will have to suffice. | Photo courtesy of Hammer the Movie
I've been a devoted fan of Adam Carolla since his early days on Loveline so don't expect any objectivity in my coverage of The Hammer. I've been waiting to see this movie since it played at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival and tomorrow it finally hits theaters. Even non-fans of the Aceman should enjoy this punchy tale about a rundown former boxer who gets back into the ring to give it one last shot (think Rocky but funny). All it's missing is a Carolla beat-down of the dreadful, show-wrecking Danny Bonaduce. Bring back Dave Dameshek!
I'm usually a solid supporter of Judd Apatow and his many creative progeny, but I'm finding it hard to get excited about the Apatow-produced and Seth Rogen-scripted Drillbit Taylor. Since it's rated PG-13, there will be none of the raunchy humor that is a staple of the brand. And let's face it--absent the adult content--would Knocked Up, The 40 Year Old Virgin or Superbad really be all that funny? I'm planning to skip Taylor and pin my hopes on Judd's upcoming Pineapple Express. Early word is that it's a hysterical return to form.
Support for LAist comes from
()
An ill-advised decision to go all-in with 7, 2, off-suit | Photo courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment
I'm a big fan of poker and an even bigger fan of Woody Harrelson so going to see The Grand is a no-brainer for me. I'm not expecting Rounders-level excellence, just a funny take on one of my favorite games. The cast, incidentally, is loaded: David Cross, Dennis Farina, Gabe Kaplan! Plus, Zak Penn previously directed what I consider to be a minor classic, Incident at Loch Ness. Might be a Hammer, Grand double-feature Saturday.
Does anyone else see an eerie correspondence between Tyler Perry and Judd Apatow? Both seem to have movies they've had a hand in hitting the theaters every couple of weeks. Meet the Browns is Perry's latest. I love Angela Bassett, but Perry's movies seem to be so pathologically life-affirming that I'll probably pass.
Now that Hollywood has started to run out of Japanese horror movies to re-make, they've turned to Thailand for fresh inspiration. Shutter is a re-tread of 2004's Shutter. It stars the cute and bland Joshua Jackson and the cute and equally bland Rachael Taylor. It's a PG-13 rated horror film which means that, on principle, I won't see it.
Under the Same Moon reeks of cliche so strongly that I'm not sure I can endure it. Basically, a little boy struggles to emigrate from Mexico to the U.S. to reunite with his mother after his grandma dies. I can't be sure, but I'm expecting a negative portrayal of the Border Patrol. Save your money and rent El Norte instead.
After its initial explosion in the 1980s, I thought that breakdancing would quickly go the way of the dodo (or parachute pants). As Planet B-Boy demonstrates, though, the dancing sub-culture is thriving all around the world. Having neither rhythm, strength nor flexibility I can only marvel at the wild talent on display.
Support for LAist comes from
Tickets & Showtimes
The Hammer
Drillbit Taylor
The Grand
Meet the Browns
Shutter
Under the Same Moon
Planet B-Boy
Reviews
The Hammer
Drillbit Taylor
The Grand
Meet the Browns
Shutter
Under the Same Moon
Planet B-Boy
Previews
The Hammer
Drillbit Taylor
Support for LAist comes from
The Grand
Meet the Browns
Shutter
Under the Same Moon
Planet B-Boy
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
-
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. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist