Check It. Drive.

Drive is the best movie I've seen in a long long time. An unexpected end-of-summer treat, Ryan Gosling is at his absolute coolest as a stunt driver / getaway driver in Los Angeles. The film is beautifully shot, and I think Angelenos will especially appreciate the opening driving scene. Carey Mulligan is perfect as Irene, a subtle and sweet neighbor down the hall. There's so much to love about Drive. See it! Now playing at the ArcLight Hollywood (my favorite), and other theaters worldwide.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: via Collider

Check It. Attack the Block.

It's a peculiar thing watching Attack the Block while being aware of all the riots and madness going on in London and surrounding whereabouts right now. There's a youthful grittiness that's almost all too real in this film, and can hit particularly hard if you think about it too much.

Thankfully, there's enough fast-moving action, witty remarks and just plain heart to distract you and have you enjoy this fun-filled adventure of a film. Attack the Block was directed by first-time director Joe Cornish, a friend of Edgar Wright (who also produced the film), and it's obvious that Cornish looks up to Wright's fast-cut storytelling pace. It's refreshing, keeps the movie young and holds well with the script's banter.

I went into the theater not knowing much anything about the plotline, and I think other moviegoers should do the same. But if you're curious, the basic story follows a group of British teenagers as they encounter a pretty crazy, out-of-this-world (wink wink) night. I was extremely impressed by the cast of actors -- many of them young and new and right of the gate (similar to Super 8 earlier this year; the kids are killing it!). They really help to bring you into this South London world, and you strangely might not ever want to leave.

Attack the Block is playing at the Arclight theaters, L.A. Live and other theaters.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. The Hangover Part II.

For everyone who laughed all through the misadventures of Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug in the summer of 2009, the sequel is out tonight. This time they're in Thailand, and so far I'm hearing all good things.

The Hangover Part II is out at midnight.

As always, drinks (but not too many!) at the Hungry Cat Hollywood are recommended if you're going to the ArcLight.

ArcLight Hollywood has 12:01 a.m. and 12:05 a.m. screenings.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Check It. Midnight in Paris.

If you like Woody Allen films, do yourself a favor and run to the nearest theater to see Midnight in Paris this weekend.

The opening is, like many Allen films, a love letter to a city--in this case, Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, sidewalk cafés, etc. His vision, captured by Cinematographer Darius Khondji, is truly beautiful. Allen says he would live in Paris if he didn't live in New York.

He first came up with the title, which he thought was "very romantic", and went from there, thinking, "What goes on at midnight in Paris?".

Owen Wilson is perfect as Gil, a Hollywood screenwriter who's thinking he might prefer a simpler life in Paris writing novels. While there with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), and her parents, he has some magical adventures at the midnight hour. I don't want to reveal much more, because it will be much more fun to see for yourself.

Other stars in the film include Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Michael Sheen, and France's First Lady, Carla Bruni.

This is a real Woody Allen gem, and I'm already looking forward to watching it over and over again.

Other favorites:

Annie Hall (of course)

Manhattan

Manhattan Murder Mystery

Match Point

Midnight in Paris opens tomorrow, Friday May 20, in Los Angeles and New York.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credits: Sony Pictures Classics

Check It. Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

You may have seen (or heard of) Werner Herzog films such as Grizzly Man, Rescue Dawn, or Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans. Whether you've liked anything he's made before, see Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

Almost two months ago, I attended a private screening, and it was a magical experience. It was so enchanting and beautiful and relaxing, yet thrilling at the same time.

The cave is the Chauvet Cave in southern France, and it contains the earliest known cave paintings (horses, lions, bears, all fascinating). It is so well-preserved because the cave has been enclosed by fallen rock for over 20,000 years. In 1994, it was discovered by some hikers, and scientists quickly discovered the importance of the ancient artwork inside, and shut off any public access. Herzog and his small crew had a very rare, fortunate, highly-regulated window of time to go in and film. With a team of select scientists, his Director of Photography Peter Zeitlinger, an extremely limited crew, and adapted 3D cameras, Herzog made a beautiful film.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams opens Friday April 29.

On Friday night, Herzog will be at the ArcLight Hollywood for a Q & A session following the 7:45 p.m. film, and he will introduce the 10:20 p.m. screening.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credits: history.com

Do It. Arclight's Valentine/Anti-Valentine Celebration.

You either hate Valentine's Day or you love it. The Arclight is letting you celebrate both, through film, of course. Check out special series this weekend that'll surely satisfy you whichever way you feel:

ArcLight Hollywood:
Once OR Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Sunday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 14 at 8pm

ArcLight Sherman Oaks:
From Here to Eternity
Sunday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 14 at 7:30pm OR
500 Days of Summer
Sunday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 14 at 8pm

ArcLight Pasadena:
The Notebook OR Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sunday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 14 at 8pm

ArcLight Beach Cities:
Titanic
Sunday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 14 at 7:30pm OR
Legends of the Fall
Sunday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 14 at 8pm

Click here for tickets and more info.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Weekend To Dos.

Whether the weekend brings rain or shine, a trip to the movie theater is likely in the cards for me.

Out this weekend:

Hereafter (Oct. 22) -- Matt Damon, Bryce Dallas Howard, dir. Clint Eastwood

Matt Damon as a psychic with a website. Eastwood is a fantastic director, so as silly as this one looks based on the trailer, I'll give it a try.

Conviction (Oct. 15) -- Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Melissa Leo, dir. Tony Goldwyn

Based on a true story of a woman who puts herself through law school to represent her imprisoned brother.

Stone (Oct. 7) -- Robert De Niro, Ed Norton, Milla Jovovich, dir. John Curran (We Don't Live Here Anymore, The Painted Veil, and upcoming The Beautiful and the Damned)

A messy love triangle between a convict, his wife, and his parole officer. Curran directed Norton beautifully in 2006's The Painted Veil, and I'm looking forward to seeing another of their collaborations.

The above three films are all playing at ArcLight Hollywood. Info: arclightcinemas.com

If you're in the mood for some live entertainment, on Sunday night, Glendale's own Michael Runion will be at the Echo opening for Gold Motel. Runion has worked with Rilo Kiley among other L.A. bands, and was a onetime member of The Elected. All ages. $8 advance, $10 day of show, tickets available on ticketweb.com. Sunday October 24 6:00 p.m.

Vintage fun to stay in for on Sunday evening: Viva Las Vegas (1964, Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret) on TCM, October 24 7:00 p.m.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: la.cityzine.com

Do It. The Town.

Aside from an Indian feast tonight, and plenty of sleep tomorrow and Sunday, my big weekend plan is to see The Town. I was fortunate enough to catch a conversation with Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner about the new release at the L.A. Film Fest in June, and have been looking forward to seeing it ever since. If masked nuns in habits carrying machine guns isn't a scary image, I don't know what is.

The Town is playing at all three ArcLight Cinemas, as well as many other theaters nationwide.

A good suggestion for a pre or post-film meal: Umami Burger (Hollywood) is in walking distance from the ArcLight Hollywood, at 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: geektyrant.com

Check It. Animal Kingdom.

It's Friday the 13th at the end of this week, and that means time for a scary movie. While Animal Kingdom isn't a traditional 'horror movie' one might see, it's sure to be scary in its own right. The Australian crime/drama stars Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgarton, and Guy Pearce.

Limited release - August 13. It will be playing at the ArcLight Hollywood.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: themovieinsider.com

Do It. Joan Rivers at the Arclight.

Say what you will about Joan Rivers--but the lady's got charisma, and enough to give her a household-name career nearly half-a-century long (am I the only one surprised by the fact that she's actually 77 years old?! Do I even dare to say she looks..good?). But what's really behind that infamously plastic face?

The new documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work hopes to reveal a different Rivers, taking a look at the struggles and complications that come with being a groundbreaking female comedian, and how Rivers' personal choices in beauty and health work in an entertainment industry known for preferring youth. It's an interesting story to be sure, and you can get even more insight when Rivers participates in a special Q&A for the Friday 7:30pm premiere at the Arclight. Tickets are now available.

The Arclight Hollywood is located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Watch Sex and the City 2 with cocktails.

Nothing like a good excuse to have martinis with a movie, right? The release of Sex and the City 2, if not for anything else, is just what you're looking for, ladies (besides some Aidan action, of course).

The Americana at Brand is hosting a "Girls Night Out" tomorrow from 6-10pm, where you can catch the movie at the Pacific Theatres and then get special cocktail deals at neighboring restaurants. And the entertainment is full-on 80s, with DJ Richard Blade and a cover band by the name Neurotic City playing live gigs.

Meanwhile, Rick Caruso's other entertainment entity, The Grove, is holding "The Ultimate Sex and the City Night Out," where $45 will get you private and reserved seats for a screening of the film, a cocktail party with food by The Farm of Beverly Hills and complimentary valet parking. Screenings take place in either the park or in the Pacific Theatres, and the promotion occurs all weekend.

But if you want to really go all out, just like Carrie and the girls would, head over to the Arclight Hollywood and take part in the SATC2 21+ Party Package happening all weekend, where for $70 you can get one ticket to a 21+ screening of the movie, where you can sip on (two drink coupons are included) specialty SKYY vodka cocktails with names like Glamour Gal and munch on free, unlimited appetizers from the in house chef.

Speaking of SKYY Vodka, the company's apparently produced special Sex and the City bottles, so you can always just party like the ladies at home! And appropriately, there are recipes to match.

Either way, don't forget your Manolos!

The Americana at Brand is located at 889 Americana Way in Glendale, the Grove is located at 189 Grove Dr. in Mid-City and the Arclight Hollywood is at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Iron Man 2 at the ArcLight Pasadena.

We're big fans of Robert Downey, Jr. (or RDJ if you will) here at the BEAT. Ever since he played Los Angeles times columnist Steve Lopez and filmed in the L.A. Times building, he's held a special place in our hearts.

Downey is on the cover of the current (May 13) issue of Rolling Stone, and, oh yeah, he's Iron Man.

Iron Man 2 is out today, and is being featured on multiple screens at the brand new ArcLight Pasadena.

The first Iron Man was great, so I'm really looking forward to the sequel. It's also playing at the other ArcLight theaters and at West L.A.'s Landmark.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: screenrant.com

Do It. Coachella alternatives.

Don't feel badly if you're not heading to Indio this weekend, here are some L.A. alternates for fun this weekend:

The Joneses - the new Demi Moore/David Duchovny film that's had some great reviews, is on at the ArcLight Hollywood.

Micachu and the Shapes (pictured) at the Getty. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. the Rough Trade-signed UK-based band will perform for free at the Getty Center. Free, but reservations required.

Silver Lake's new bourbon bar, the Thirsty Crow, is having a soft opening. Call ahead to make sure - (323) 661-6007; located at 2939 W Sunset Blvd. If you're in the mood for a mint julep or an old fashioned, this is your spot.

Finally, the Brewery ArtWalk is both Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Los Angeles (2100 N Main St., 90031). Admission and parking free, and over 100 artists participate.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Olly Hearsey

Do It. Annie Hall at the Arclight.

Nothing like a little classic Woody Allen to start off your week.

Relive the famous neurotic's tour de force Annie Hall tonight, as part of the Arclight's month-long "Crew Oscar Picks" series, which takes a look back at the Arclight crew's favorite Oscar-winning films. Annie Hall, of course, won the Best Picture Academy Award in 1978, and is still revered today for its unconventional take on the romantic comedy (they just don't make 'em like they used to, huh?).

The "Oscar Picks" program is set to end this week, but you can also catch Forrest Gump at the Arclight Sherman Oaks tomorrow night.

Annie Hall will be showing at 8pm tonight at the Arclight Hollywood, located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Greenberg's LA.

Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Margot at the Wedding) has made an L.A. story, and it's playing at the ArcLight. With the help of wife (also the film's producer and co-screenwriter) Jennifer Jason Leigh, Baumbach sprinkled the film with scenes at landmarks such as Musso & Frank's (above), Lucy's El Abobe Cafe, and easy-to-spot places like the Gower Gulch Rite Aid.

Greenberg stars Ben Stiller as Roger Greenberg, a New Yorker in Los Angeles for a while to "do nothing" after a stint at a mental hospital. He visits with old friends (Rhys Ifans' Ivan), and makes new ones (Greta Gerwig's Florence).

Florence's awesome Henry's Tacos T-Shirt stood out to me, and I was so pleased to discover it's an actual place, in Studio City, and they sell the T-Shirts. I went to get one on Sunday, but they were closed. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The film's costume designer, Mark Bridges, who I've had the pleasure of meeting, has a really impressive resume.

It's always fun to see movies based in your town, so if you're an L.A. BEAT reader, check it out--and it's even worth seeing if you live elsewhere!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: www.slashfilm.com

Advance Notice. Animal Collective's "ODDSAC" at the Arclight.

Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavilion" was nearly unanimously chosen as the top record of 2009 by music critics and fans everywhere, but the experimental rock band isn't taking a break for 2010. Not only were they recently invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NYC's Guggenheim Museum with two site-specific live performances, but now they'll be touring the U.S. with director Danny Perez for their unique visual album, ODDSAC.

ODDSAC is, well, as odd as it sounds. At least, that's what we can gather from this trailer:

Knowing Animal Collective, it's sure to be daring and creative, to say in the least, and probably filled with mind-blowing tunes. And in any case, the band and Perez will all be on hand at the two screenings at the Arclight Hollywood (in the Dome!) on March 22nd, so you can try asking them to decipher it for you. One screening will be at 7pm, the other at 9pm, and tickets are only $15. Definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, and likely to sell out.

And if you don't think you can handle taking on this film/visual album in the theater, the DVD with extras will be released on June 29.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Avatar.

James Cameron's (Aliens, The Terminator, Titanic) new epic film Avatar is out today. I saw it last night/early this morning in 3D (with awesome heavy-duty glasses, not those cheap ones that are smudged and pinch your temples) at the ArcLight's Cinerama Dome theater, and it was pretty incredible (which I did hope it would be for $18.50!). Not being a sci-fi type person in the least, I didn't have much initial interest in the film--unlike the revved-up mostly male, mostly nerdy crowd that had gathered in the theater's lobby by 11:30 p.m. It was a case of don't judge a movie by the "look" of it here--because I ended up emotionally attached to these alien-like blue creatures.

Visually, it was thrilling. I highly recommend it in 3D. It had tastes of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and some Disneyland ride magic in there too. It's impossible to imagine how they made it all come together. Aside from a drawn-out fight sequence toward the end that could have wrapped up a bit faster, I enjoyed every minute.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: USA Today