Podcast · Film & TV

FilmWeek

FilmWeek on AirTalk, hosted by Larry Mantle, is a one-hour weekly segment devoted to films. It offers reviews of the week's new movies, interviews with filmmakers, and discussions on various aspects of the industry.

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 26 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 14 min

Feature: The ‘Frat Pack’ comedies of the early 2000s

The topic: In his new book, Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever, film critic and author Matt Singer discusses the comedy boom of the early aughts, the “Frat Pack” that dominated the era, and the lessons contemporary studios can take from their success. Event info: Matt Singer will be at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2pm talking about his book with Tim Grierson. You can find more info about the event here . Guest: Matt Singer, editor and film critic of ScreenCrush.com . He is the author of…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

9 Oct 2026 · 36 min
FilmWeek: ‘The Social Reckoning,’ ‘Musk,’ ‘Tenzing’ and more!
The topic: FilmWeek critics Katie Walsh and Claudia Puig join host Larry Mantle to discuss the biggest releases of the week, including screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network , The Social Reckoning of which Sorkin also directs. And they’ll review this year’s Palm d’Or winner at Cannes, Fjord , about a Romanian family in Norway fighting allegations of child abuse. The films: The Social Reckoning, Wide Release Musk , AMC Burbank & AMC Century City | Expanding on October 16 Fjord , AMC Century City & AMC Burbank Tenzing , Laemmle NoHo & The Cinemas LA…
2 Oct 2026 · 19 min
Feature: Richard Linklater on Nouvelle Vague and its Criterion release
The topic: Richard Linklater’s 2025 film Nouvelle Vague tries to accurately capture the filming process of one of French New Wave’s most influential films — Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960). Shot in black and white and almost entirely in French, Linklater transports viewers back to 1959 Paris on the chaotic and sometimes claustrophobic set. Criterion release: Originally released on Netflix with a limited theatrical run, Nouvelle Vague now sits alongside Breathless in the Criterion Collection with a 4k Blu-ray and DVD release that features audio commentary by…
2 Oct 2026 · 31 min
FilmWeek: ‘Digger,’ ‘Verity,’ ‘Atonement’ and more!
The topic: FilmWeek critics Tim Cogshell and Christy Lemire disagree on the effectiveness of Alejandro Iñárritu’s new film Digger starring Tom Cruise, but they do agree that everyone should see it, if only to partake in the discussion. Also out this week is the drama Atonement that shows the ramifications of the Iraqi war. The films: Digger , Wide Release Heart of the Beast , Wide Release Verity , Wide Release The Scout , Alamo Drafthouse [DTLA] | Expands Oct. 9 Atonement , Landmark Nuart Theatre [West LA] | Expands Oct. 9 Appofeniacs , AMC Burbank & AMC Orange The Last…
25 Sep 2026 · 21 min
Feature: Documentarian John Wilson talks about ‘The History of Concrete’
The topic: Finding humor and fascination in the mundane is John Wilson’s signature. After closing out his acclaimed HBO series How To with John Wilson , the documentarian picks up right where he left off, but this time with a feature film examining one of New York’s most foundational materials: concrete. Wilson joins FilmWeek’s Larry Mantle to talk about his first feature documentary The History of Concrete , his directorial influences, and how he sees the world. Guest: John Wilson, documentarian best known for his acclaimed HBO series How To with John Wilson and director…
25 Sep 2026 · 29 min
FilmWeek: ‘Primetime,’ ‘Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother,’ ‘Forgotten Island’ and more!
The topic: Larry Mantle and FilmWeek critics review Primetime , starring Robert Pattinson as NBC Dateline host Chris Hansen, best known for his 2006 series To Catch a Predator . And they talk about the documentary You Had to Be There that attempts to capture the magical 1972 Toronto production of Godspell that launched many famous comedians careers. The events are told through animation and interviews with the original cast. The films: Primetime , Wide Release Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother , In Select Theaters Forgotten Island , Wide Release The History of Concrete , In Select…
18 Sep 2026 · 14 min
Feature: What big releases from the 51st TIFF should you look out for?
The topic: It’s the final weekend of the 51st annual Toronto International Film Festival and a handful of movie premieres are already stirring up buzz for this upcoming awards season. We talk to FilmWeek critics Amy Nicholson and Maureen Lee Lenker about their favorites from this year’s festival and what movies they think audiences should look out for when they hit theaters. Films to watch for: I Play Rocky Elsinore The Debut Being Heumann Bucking Fastards The Julia Set Ink Fjord The critics: Amy Nicholson , film critic for LAist and the LA Times and host of the podcast ‘…
18 Sep 2026 · 36 min
FilmWeek: ‘Resident Evil,’ ‘Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom,’ ‘The Weight’ and more!
The topic: The Halloween season begins this week in earnest with the new Shaun the Sheep movie— The Beast of Mossy Bottom —from British stop-motion animation studio Aardman. And director Zach Cregger returns with another horror crowd pleaser, Resident Evil . Our critics also review the dark comedy The Musical about a vengeful teacher out to sabotage the school play. The films: Resident Evil , Wide Release Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom , Wide Release The Weight , Wide Release The Musical , In Select Theaters Sunny Dancer , Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] &…
11 Sep 2026 · 34 min
FilmWeek: ‘Practical Magic 2,’ ‘Hope,’ ‘The Uprising’ and more!
The topic: Larry Mantle is joined by our FilmWeek critics Christy Lemire and Katie Walsh to review this week's biggest film releases, including Practical Magic 2 , the sequel to the 1998 cozy-cult classic, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sister witches. They’ll also talk about the Watts set drama If I Go Will They Miss Me and the documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, about the Gallagher brothers’ reunion tour. The films: Practical Magic 2 , Wide Release Hope , Wide Release The Uprising , Wide Release If I Go Will They Miss Me , AMC Century City | Expands…
11 Sep 2026 · 16 min
Feature: What are some of your favorite movie stars' favorite movies?
The topic: In his new book 50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars on Their Favorite Classic Films , Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger asked 50 actors, filmmakers and stars what their favorite classic films are and the ideal way to watch them. What films are included? The book features a wide array of classic cinema, from political dramas like Don Cheadle’s choice, The Battle Of Algiers (1966), to action comedies like Adam Scott’s pick, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). Other movies featured include Wes Anderson’s pick, The Tall Target (1951), Paul Rudd’s…
4 Sep 2026 · 21 min
What makes Michael Mann’s Collateral one of the best LA set films?
The topic: For our most recent FilmWeek screening, Larry Mantle and critics Tim Cogshell and Claudia Puig traveled down to Santa Ana to the Frida Cinema for Michael Mann’s 2004 neo-noir thriller Collateral . The critics, along with special guest Barry Shabaka Henley, who plays the jazz club owner Daniel in the film, discuss the movie’s impact, its portrayal of Los Angeles, and the great acting by co-leads Jamie Foxx and a rare villainous Tom Cruise. The panel: Tim Cogshell , film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com Claudia Puig , film critic for LAist and program…
4 Sep 2026 · 29 min
FilmWeek: ‘By Any Means,’ ‘The Sun Never Sets,’ ‘Onslaught’ and more!
The topic: Larry Mantle and film critics Peter Rainer and Manuel Betancourt discuss this week's biggest releases, including the quiet but sweet romantic drama The Sun Never Sets starring Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson set in Anchorage, Alaska, and Mariannne Elliott’s feature directorial debut The Salt Path starring Gillian Anderson. The films: By Any Means , Wide Release The Sun Never Sets , Wide Release Mayday , Apple TV+ Onslaught , Wide Release Filipiñana , Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] & Laemmle Glendale Boorman and the Devil , Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa…
28 Aug 2026 · 8 min
Feature: Remembering Tim Curry
The topic : Tim Curry, a character actor who created a gallery of delicious, very loony villains for stage and screen, including Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the smug concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York , has died. He was 80. Larry Mantle and our FilmWeek critics remember some of Curry’s most iconic roles on the screen and on the stage. The critics : Lael Loewenstein , film critic for LAist Charles Solomon , film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine Katie Walsh , film critic for LAist, the Tribune News Service and L.A. Times Visit…
28 Aug 2026 · 42 min
FilmWeek: ‘Coyote vs. Acme,’ ‘The Dog Stars,’ ‘Finding Emily’ and more!
The topic : Larry Mantle and this week’s critics review the long-awaited Coyote vs. Acme, starring Wile E. Coyote and the other Looney Tunes. They’ll also talk about Ridley Scott’s newest sci-fi movie The Dog Stars starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. The films : Coyote vs. Acme , Wide Release The Dog Stars , Wide Release Finding Emily , Wide Release The Last Blossom , In Select Theaters The Marching Band , Laemmle Royal [West LA], Laemmle Town Center [Encino], Regency Theaters [Laguna Nigel] Dreams in Nightmares , Laemmle Glendale & AMC Burbank Town Center Idiots , In…
21 Aug 2026 · 19 min
Feature: It’s back to school! Our critics share their favorite school-set flicks
The topic: Summer is over and school is back in session. So we thought we would ask our FilmWeek critics what some of their favorite school-set films are and what makes them so effective in bringing back those school-day memories. Our critics' picks: Cooley High (1975) To Sir, With Love (1967) Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) Fame (1980) The Last Picture Show (1971) Carrie (1976) The 400 Blows (1959) Election (1999) Booksmart (2019) Mr Holland’s Opus (1995) The critics: Peter Rainer , film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor Tim Cogshell , film critic for LAist,…
21 Aug 2026 · 31 min
FilmWeek: ‘Insidious: Out of the Further,’ ‘It Ends,’ ‘Mutiny’ and more!
The topic: Larry Mantle and film critics Peter Rainer and Tim Cogshell talk about the latest installment in the Insidious franchise, and yes, they do recommend you see the preceding five films. They also discuss the documentary The Last Picture Shows , about the handful of independent movie theaters across the U.S. that are slowly dying out. The films: Insidious: Out of the Further , Wide Release It Ends , AMC Burbank & AMC The Grove Mutiny , Wide Release Memory of Princess Mumbi , Laemmle Glendale The Last Picture Shows , Laemmle Royal [West LA] Franz , Landmark Theater [Pasadena] The Magic…
14 Aug 2026 · 20 min
Feature: Directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio on their Emmy-nominated Mel Brooks documentary
The topic : The two-part documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man! has garnered 6 primetime Emmy nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program. Co-directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio join Larry Mantle on FilmWeek to talk about the legendary filmmaker himself (now 100 years-old) and what it was like to talk to Brooks about his generation-defining comedy. Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man! is available to stream on HBOMax. Guests : Judd Apatow , co-director and executive producer of the two-part HBO…
14 Aug 2026 · 30 min
FilmWeek: ‘The End of Oak Street,’ ‘Don’t Say Good Luck,’ ‘Late Fame’ and more!
The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire and Maureen Lee Lenker review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: The End of Oak Street , Wide Release Don’t Say Good Luck , Streaming on Netflix Late Fame , Laemmle Royal [West LA] The Wrong Girls , Wide Release If These Walls Could Rock , Available on Digital Six the Musical Live! , In Select Theaters Union County , Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] The Brink of War , Wide Release The critics: Christy Lemire , film critic for LAist, and co-host of the ‘…
7 Aug 2026 · 18 min
Feature: Why some of the greatest romance movies started as novels
The topic: In a follow up to her book But Have You Read the Book? , author Kristen Lopez focuses on romance movies that were adapted from or inspired by famous works of literature. From beloved classics like Anna Karenina to modern cult favorites like Bridget Jones’ Diary , But Have You Read the Book? Romance Edition will give you the perfect reading (and corresponding watch) list for the summer. Guest: Kristen Lopez , freelance entertainment journalist and author of the new book But Have You Read the Book? Romance Edition
7 Aug 2026 · 31 min
FilmWeek: ‘One Night Only,’ ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,’ ‘Tony’ and more!
The topic: Larry Mantle and the critics discuss the confusing intricacies at play in the society of One Night Only and the impressive storytelling and meta-commentary behind writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s latest film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma . Larry also reminisces on his interview with Anthony Bourdain following Kitchen Confidential. That time in Bourdain’s life is portrayed in the new biopic Tony . The films: One Night Only , Wide Release Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma , In Select Theaters Tony , In Select Theaters Ice Cream Man , Wide Release Mr. Hero , In…
31 Jul 2026 · 24 min
We talk to an IMAX projectionist about The Odyssey IMAX 70mm craze
The topic: Don’t understand the 70mm IMAX craze for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey ? LAist host Julia Paskin talked to Taylor Umphenour, one of L.A.’s top IMAX projectionists, on FilmWeek to understand why the format is becoming a filmmaker favorite and why audiences are clamoring to theaters to see The Odyssey in the largest format possible. Guest: Taylor Umphenour, IMAX projectionist Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency
31 Jul 2026 · 26 min
FilmWeek: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ ‘I Want Your Sex,’ ‘Middle Life,’ and more!
The topic: Julia Paskin and the LAist film critics talk about the fourth installment to the Tom Holland Spider-Man series that takes an introspective look at the superhero, and they applaud Olivia Wilde’s performance as a sexually dominant boss in Gregg Araki’s new film I Want Your Sex . The films: Spider-Man: Brand New Day , Wide Release I Want Your Sex , Wide Release Wild Inside , In Select Laemmle Theaters Everybody Calls Me Mike , Available on Indiepix The Samurai and the Prisoner , Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] The Best Pizza is in LA , Available on VOD Middle Life ,…
24 Jul 2026 · 30 min
FilmWeek: ‘Motor City,’ ‘Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender,’ ‘Her Private Hell,’ and more!
The topic: Julia Paskin and the LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Motor City , In Select Theaters Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender , Streaming on Paramount+ Her Private Hell , Wide Release Hadestown: The Musical , In Select Theaters Sheep in the Box , AMC Century City|Expands to more theaters July 31 Nothing to See Here: Watts , Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica] American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez , In Select Theaters Cruel Hands , Laemmle Glendale & Available on VOD The Kidnapping of…
24 Jul 2026 · 20 min
New doc ‘Nothing to See Here: Watts’ brings rival gangs together in pact to stop violence
The topic: The documentary Nothing to See Here: Watts takes viewers through the lives of community members as they experience violence, decades long gang rivalries, and neglect from city services. How it was made: Twenty participants were given iPhones to film themselves and their community over three years. The filmmakers included gang members, community activists, students, victims of violence, and police officers. They all later came together to decide what ultimately made the final cut. The first screening: The first screening of the film was presented to active members of the rival…
17 Jul 2026 · 30 min
FilmWeek: ‘The Odyssey,’ ‘Reading Lolita in Tehran,' 'Heartstopper Forever’ and more
The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: The Odyssey , Wide Release Reading Lolita in Tehran , Laemmle Royal [West LA] The Floaters , Laemmle Royal [West LA] & Laemmle Town Center [Encino] Horsegirls , Laemmle NoHo Remake , Laemmle Royal [West LA] Sherman’s March , Laemmle Royal [West LA] Heartstopper Forever , Streaming on Netflix Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or…
17 Jul 2026 · 20 min
The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan talked to us about making a 2,800-year-old story feel new
The topic: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is turning out to be the event of the summer, with screenings selling out at theaters a year in advance. Nolan shares how he adapted the Greek epic for a modern audience. On what makes a successful adaptation: “If somebody watching the film who read the poem in high school or something, who doesn’t know it that well but knows it pretty well — if that person feels that my additions or my allusions actually were from the poem, then I think I've succeeded.” The dialogue: “I’m not having the actors speak with…
10 Jul 2026 · 20 min
Horror movies are bringing audiences back to theaters. But how long can it last?
The topic: Horror movies are having a moment. Two of this year's greatest box office successes are two horror films, each from unknown directors with non-IP scripts and relatively small budgets. A horror darling: Obsession is the unexpected runaway hit of the summer, having grossed over $400 million worldwide on less than $1 million budget. Now almost two months out from its initial release, it is still playing in theaters nationwide. Another hit: Backed by the studio A24, Backrooms had a budget of $10 million and has grossed almost $350 million worldwide. Some of its success can be…
10 Jul 2026 · 29 min
FilmWeek: ‘Moana,’ ‘Evil Dead Burn,’ 'The American Southwest’ and more
The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Evil Dead Burn , Wide Release Moana , Wide Release Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass , Wide Release Mary Oliver: Saved By the Beauty of the World , At Select Laemmle Theaters Night Nurse , In Select Theaters The Isolate Thief , In Select Theaters Mockbuster , Laemmle Glendale & Available on Digital & VOD The American Southwest , Available on Digital and VOD Barrio Triste , Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] & American Cinematheque’s…
3 Jul 2026 · 32 min
FilmWeek: ‘Minions & Monsters,’ ‘Young Washington,’ ‘Romería’ and more
The topic: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. The films: Minions & Monsters Wide Release Young Washington Wide Release Romería Laemmle Glendale|Laemmle Royal [West LA] Enola Holmes 3 Streaming on Netflix Reeling Available on Digital & VOD Tues. July 7 Drunken Noodles Laemmle Monica Film Center [Santa Monica]|Laemmle NoHo Lockbox In Select Theaters The Get Out Available on Digital & VOD Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared…
2 Jul 2026 · 18 min
Feature: Two of John Waters’ iconic films get a 4k restoration with Criterion
The topic: Criterion released two director-approved 4k restorations for John Waters’ 1988 film Hairspray and his 1977 film Desperate Living . The disc releases include exclusive commentary tracks from Waters and some of the actors as well as bonus interviews. Waters’ trash cinema: Known for his provocative, camp films, Waters is considered one of the formative directors of gay cinema. His ‘trash trilogy’ of Pink Flamingos (1972), Female Trouble (1974) and Desperate Living (1977) showcased taboos and profanity that garnered Waters a cult following. Mainstream attempt:…

About FilmWeek

FilmWeek is a English film & tv podcast from LAist. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: LAist
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 26 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id211687974
Rights: 2026 KPCC 89.3 | Southern California Public Radio

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