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 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: Will Avatar Be Titanic?
After months of speculation, audiences will finally be able to see Avatar today. Will it live up to all of the hype? How could it? I expect the usual Cameron film -- rigorously applied and dazzling visuals with a script aimed at those with an 8th grade reading level. I don't care if buzz hasn't been great -- I can't wait to see Nine. Folks, Daniel Day-Lewis is the best actor on the planet! You've got to see this one! Let's hope that a wrong is righted this year and Jeff Bridges is awarded an Oscar for his fantastic work in Crazy Heart. Long, long overdue. Emily Blunt is fast becoming the English Anne Hathaway: a young actress with serious chops who can anchor a film. Young Victoria looks sumptuous. The less said about Did You Hear About the Morgans? the better. Hugh Grant was once a wonderful comedic actor. Once.
Tickets, Showtimes, Reviews & Previews after the jump!
Tickets & Showtimes
Avatar
Nine
Crazy Heart
Young Victoria
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Reviews
Avatar
Nine
Crazy Heart
Young Victoria
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Previews
Avatar
Nine
Crazy Heart
Young Victoria
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
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.

-
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.
-
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.