From classic films to new cult favorites to composers, television producers, movie-inspired art, and a singer who was in “Troop Beverly Hills,” this weekend is all about onscreen entertainment. You can only get this in Los Angeles, folks, so turn off your television and get out on the town.
FRIDAYWhat: Hero Complex FestivalWhy: This LA Times sponsored superhero film festival features eight classics including "Dick Tracy" and "The Incredibles." Hero Complex will include Q&A sessions with the minds behind "Superman" and the 2009 "Star Trek" reboot, and John Favreau will be on hand to discuss all things "Iron Man." When: June 9-12Where: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, at Highland, (323-464-8111 or events.latimes.com/herocomplexfilmfest)
What: "Weird Science" + "Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure" Double FeatureWhy: These 80s classics will be made all the more excellent by a corresponding drinking game -- you’ll tip a beer back every time someone, (ahem, Keanu), utters “dude”-- and post-film rooftop beer pong. When: 7pm; $10 ($15 at the door)Where: Downtown Independent Theatre, 251 South Main Street, at West Third Street, (213-617-1033 or downtownindependent.com)
What: Camp FirewoodWhy: The opening party of Camp Firewood, at Venice’s 1988 gallery, features 65 interpretations of cult classic "Wet Hot American Summer." The exhibit commemorates the 10th anniversary of the movie, and the evening will be hosted by the film’s director David Wain. Watch for paintings of Paul Rudd looking dreamy in a jean jacket. When: 7pmWhere: 214 Pier Avenue, at Main Street, (www.nineteeneightyeight.com)
SATURDAYWhat: Jenny and JohnnyWhy: The oh-so Silverlake indie darling duo (and girlfriend/ boyfriend) Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice will do the brand of thinking person’s pop that they put down so brightly on their 2010 debut release, "I’m Having Fun Now."When: 7pm; $22.50Where: The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Boulevard, at North Gower Avenue, (323-464-0808 or themusicbox.la)
What: World Naked Bike RideWhy: Strip down to your birthday suit and hop on your bike (carefully) for a free and fancy ride through the east side. World Naked Bike Ride draws attention to environmental causes, and the organization promises that the police very rarely give tickets to in-the-buff-bikers. Costumes are okay, and a post ride party includes music, drinks, dancing and -- maybe -- clothing. When: NoonWhere: Starting location TBA. More information available at worldnakedbikeride.org
SUNDAYWhat: J.J. Abrams and Michael GiacchinoWhy: “Lost” creator J.J. Abrams and composer Giacchino (he wrote the scores for "Up," "Ratatouille," and, uh, “Lost”), will engage in conversation about film, music, and whatever burning question you still want to ask about the island’s smoke monster during this afternoon event. When: \3pm, freeWhere: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, at Westwood Boulevard, (310-443-7000 or hammer.ucla.edu)
What: Journey to the Flames: 10 Years of Burning ManWhy: This documentary follows a group of friends as they journey back to the desert expanses of the fringe favorite Burning Man Festival over the course of eight years. Interactive art – and free grilled cheese sandwiches – will be all available in the theater's pavilion before the show. When: Events begin at 1pm, screening begins at 7:30pm; $11Where: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, at North Las Palmas Avenue, (323-466-3456 or americancinematheque.com)
What: Taste of the NationWhy: LA’s culinary elite – including Michael Voltaggio,Ricardo Zarate and Suzanne Goin – top mixologists and celebrities (Kathy Griffin, Jonathan Gould) congregate to showcase the best flavors and libations of Los Angeles. And it’s for a good cause: all proceeds benefit Share Our Strength food banks in Los Angeles.When: 1pm – 4pm; $25 for children 12-18, $100 for adults ($125 at the door), $150 for VIP admission, including access to the VIP Tent and Valet Parking ($200 at the door). (http://tasteofthenationla.org/blog/)Where: Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City