Austin Cross and LAist film critics Tim Cogshell, Manuel Betancourt and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.

Films:

The Naked Gun, Wide Release

The Bad Guys 2, Wide Release

Happy Gilmore 2, Streaming on Netflix

Together, In Select Theaters

Architecton, In Select Theaters

2000 Meters to Andriivka, Laemmle Royal

Georgia O'Keeffe: The Brightness of Light, In Select Theaters

Folktales, In Select Theaters

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Although nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Henry VIII in the 1966 film A Man for All Seasons, audiences now may know Robert Shaw best for his role as Captain Quint in the 1975 film Jaws. Having been released a decade later, Shaw’s performance as the grizzled shark hunter served as an important role in the Hollywood blockbuster, mixing a drunken tone with a confident look that sold viewers on the idea that he could help defeat any animal. Shaw’s life story— from his work in theatre to his time making movies— is all referenced in a new book written by his nephew titled Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life On The Set Of Jaws And Beyond. For this week’s FilmWeek feature, we sit down with book author Christopher Shaw Myers about his uncle’s work and his new book.

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Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Beandrea July review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.

Films:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Wide Release

Oh, Hi! In Select Theaters

Heightened Scrutiny Laemmle Noho July 26|Laemmle Monica Film Center Jul. 27|Laemmle Glendale Jul. 29

The Ride Ahead Streaming on PBS

Last Swim Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Available on VOD

Diciannove Laemmle Glendale|Laemmle Monica Film Center

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young Wide Release [5-Days Only; July 30 to August 3]

Shari and Lamb Chop Laemmle Royal [West LA]|Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino]

Death & Taxes Laemmle Royal [West LA]

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Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson, Charles Solomon, and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms!

Films:

I Know What You Did Last Summer Wide Release

Eddington In Select Theaters

Smurfs Wide Release

Afternoons of Solitude Laemmle Monica Film Center

Finally Dawn Laemmle Glendale | Available on VOD

Sunday Best Streaming On Netflix July 18

Bury Me When I’m Dead Available on VOD

Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 [3-Days Only, July 20, 23-24]

Wall to Wall Streaming On Netflix

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What was originally a creature feature that metaphorically gets into the horrors of nuclear bombs, Godzilla has now become a media icon that’s lasted for more than 70 years. In Steve Ryfle’s new book, Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions, the author digs into the well-known monster's filmography and the significance each adaptation carried. It takes you through the monster’s many nemeses and friends, as well as the special effects work that would eventually win the property its only Academy Award. Joining us to discuss the first 70 years of Godzilla is Steve Ryfle, former LA Times reporter and author of the book Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions.

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A couple of weeks back, the New York Times released an expansive project, with a focus on determining the best films released in the 21st century. Having polled 500 people in the film and entertainment industry, asking each person about their top 10 favorites, they released many of the topline results. In a separate ask to its readers, over 200,000 people contributed their ballots. Both lists included similar films, and notably held Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite as it’s consensus number 1 pick.

This week on FilmWeek, Christy Lemire and Tim Cogshell stick with us to discuss their thoughts and reactions on the ‘best films of the 21st century’ lists. We’re also joined by New York Times pop culture reporter and awards season columnist, Kyle Buchanan, to discuss the New York Times’ project.

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Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Tim Cogshell review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.

Films:

Superman Wide Release

Kill The Jockey Laemmle NoHo 7

Apocalypse in the Tropics Laemmle Monica Film Center |Streaming on Netflix July 14

 To a Land Unknown Laemmle Royal

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight AMC Burbank|Laemmle Royal

Sovereign Laemmle Town Center 5 [Encino]|Laemmle Monica Film Center|Available on VOD

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story Streaming on Hulu & Disney+

Daniela Forever Alamo Drafthouse DTLA

The Last Class Landmark Nuart Theatre

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As we enter the second half of the year, and the 4th of July weekend, our critics Manuel Betancourt and Lael Loewenstein will take some time to recap what’s been released this year so far and talk about their favorite films that have been released as of now.

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Lael Loewenstein review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.

Films:

Jurassic World: Rebirth Wide Release

40 Acres In Select Theaters

Nobu Laemmle Monica Film Center

The Old Guard 2 Streaming on Netflix

Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print Streaming on Max

Heads of State Streaming on Prime Video

In The Mood For Love Laemmle Royal [West LA]| Laemmle Glendale

Igualada Premieres July 7 on PBS| Streaming on PBS until October 5

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Although the Hays Code and Lavender Scare served as a deterrent to queer representation in cinema, many filmmakers still found ways to include queer themes into their works. In his new book Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness, film historian Michael Koresky collects examples of these early queer projects and helps provide context to their development. Detailing the use of queer innuendos and development of Hays-code approved stereotypes, the book shares how films like The Children’s Hour and Rebecca served as some of the earliest examples of LGBTQ-themed cinema. Joining us to discuss their book, early films with queer themes and the filmmakers behind them, is Michael Koresky, author of the new book Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness.

‘Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness’ is out now, click here for more information.

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