Programmer’s Picks: October in Los Angeles
There is SO MUCH to do in Los Angeles – movies on every corner, seemingly; but movies ON A ROOFTOP? Now THAT is harder to come by, which is why we like to think you’re gonna really get a kick out of our October line-up. It’s a combination of well-worn classics and films you might have forgotten about over the years. We’re appealing to the kid in all of you, as well as embracing the Halloween season more than we ever have before. I’ve chosen some standout films from each of our Los Angeles locations – Hollywood and DTLA – and I hope that you take my advice and give these films the chance they all deserve.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Director: Jemaine Clement & Taika Waititi
Cast: Jemaine Clement & Taika Waititi
This is what we call a CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC – a film so awesome, and so consistently entertaining that it has immediately become one of ‘those films’ that you can watch just about any time it’s on. This mockumentary dazzles with inventive special effects, hilarious one-liners, and the kind of creativity you just don’t see in modern comedies anymore. And, with the film about to be developed into a television series, it’s the perfect chance to catch up with this eclectic clan of vampires and their various shenanigans.
Favorite Quote: “Yeah some of our clothes are from victims. You might bite someone and then, you think, ‘Oooh, those are some nice pants!’.” – Viago
Catch What We Do In The Shadows on our DTLA rooftop, October 25th!
Set It Off (1996)
Director: F. Gary Gray
Cast: Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise
This is what I call my “HOW IS THIS FILM NOT PLAYED MORE?!” choice. When this film was released in 1996, it was quite a to-do. An action film with an all-female cast featuring the baddest African-American ladies working in the industry. And it had a kick-ass soundtrack and came from the director of FRIDAY and (eventually) STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. Unfortunately, SET IT OFF seems to have somehow drifted by the wayside. You just never see it anymore, which is a real shame because this movie is exciting from top to bottom, boundless energy, and performances that suck you in and don’t let go. With the upcoming release of Steve McQueen’s WIDOWS, I am hoping that folks start giving this one a much deserved second appraisal. And that can start on our rooftop in October!
Favorite Quote: “Shit, we’re ain’t robbing stagecoaches, man! We need something to set it off with.” – Chloe
Catch Set It Off on our DTLA rooftop, October 23rd!
The ‘Burbs (1989)
Director: Joe Dante
Cast: Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, and Corey Feldman
If you’ve never seen THE ‘BURBS with an audience, you’ve been missing out. When it was released in 1989, the film just didn’t catch on with audiences or critics. It has steadily become a true cult classic, thanks to Joe Dante’s inspired and pitch black tone, Tom Hanks’ ragingly neurotic performance, and an incredible supporting cast of colorful characters who more than hold their own against a premise that demand a lot from them. This is a horror film, an over-the-top comedy, a neighborhood satire, and so much more. And enjoying it with an audience is such an entertaining experience. There are people who quote every line of this movie for a reason – it’s memorable in almost every way. Come celebrate one of the most underrated comedy classics of all-time with a group of equally curious strangers!
Favorite Quote: “Nobody knocks off an old man in my neighborhood and gets away with it.” – Ray Peterson
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Director: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Jason Statham, Dexter Fletcher, and Nick Moran
Has it been 20-years already? This was the film that thrust Guy Ritchie onto the map with his unique visual sensibilities and over-the-top depiction of British criminals. It was our first collective glimpse into the awesomeness of Jason Statham, which would only grow over the years to the point that he started fighting sharks. And for this screening, we have an extra special treat – a Q&A with actor Stephen Marcus who plays “Nick the Greek” in the film. Stephen will be joining us for a pre-screening Q&A, and we can’t wait! So come and experience a milestone in modern cinema with one of the chaps who helped make it happen!
Favorite Quote: “When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.” – Barry the Baptist
Catch Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels on our Holllywood rooftop on October 15th!
Evil Dead 2 – 4K Restoration (1987)
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Denise Bixler, and Dan Hicks
Horror fans have been waiting A LONG TIME for a 4K restoration of one of the greatest horror sequels of all-time, and now we finally have it. Sam Raimi’s EVIL DEAD 2 has been an obsession for horror nerds for years, and now we get to see it crisper and cleaner than we ever have before, thanks to the wonderful folks at Rialto Pictures who have painstakingly restored the film and polished it the way it deserves. It’s the classic ‘cabin in the woods’ horror tale featuring deliciously gory practical effects and a memorable performance from the man with the golden chin, Bruce Campbell. Whether you’ve seen THE EVIL DEAD or watch ASH VS. THE EVIL DEAD on Starz, there is enough in this sequel to blow your mind. It’s also one of the few chances you’ll have to catch it on the big screen here in Los Angeles.
Favorite Quote: “Groovy” – Ash
Catch Evil Dead II – 4K Restoration on our Hollywood rooftop, October 30th!
