* indicates that this title is also available to rent, stream, or purchase on various platforms. Please note that streaming options may differ from these home video presentations in terms of visuals, supplemental features, etc.
“Incubus” * (1965, Arrow Video) Soldier Marc (William Shatner) returns to his pastoral hometown (played by Big Sur), which hosts a well that heals the sick. He and his sister (Ann Atmar) are targeted by the evil spirits who prey upon visitors to the well, but one (Allyson Ames) falls for Marc, which unleashes the titular demon (Milos Milos). Ambitious. European arthouse-style feature by “Outer Limits” creator Leslie Stevens, who required his cast to deliver their lines in Esperanto** ; that choice, along with the heavy-handed occult and religious symbolism, threatens to tip “Incubus” into camp territory, but it’s largely countered by the otherworldly locations, shivery score by Dominic Frontiere, and photography by Oscar winner Conrad Hall. Lost for decades until a 35mm print was found in France in the late ’90s, Arrow’s Blu-ray and 4K discs contain two scans culled from that source: one which covers the burned-in French subtitles and a second that retains them without English subs. Two vintage commentaries – one with Shatner and one with Hall, uncredited DP William Fraker (who are also featured in a separate interview) and producer Anthony Taylor – join a new informative track by author/historian David Schow and new interviews with artist/historian Stephen Bissette (entertaining and enjoyable as always) on the film and author Esther Schor on the history of Esperanto.
Co-founded by health luminary Dr. Andrew Weil, Matcha Kari is bringing its Matcha Mobile to Los Angeles from May 17 to May 26 to introduce Angelenos to their matcha lattes — for free!
Matcha Kari is made with premium, ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha directly from long-standing farms in Uji, Japan. In the words of Dr. Weil, “When you consume matcha, you ingest the entire tea leaf and receive 100% of the nutrients from the leaf, which you don’t get when drinking other types of tea. This means matcha has a higher concentration of antioxidants and more L-theanine compared to regularly brewed green tea.”
You can get one of Matcha Kari’s complimentary matcha oat lattes at assorted locations around LA, including Amoeba Records, Abbot Kinney, Echo Park Lake, Silver Lake, Melrose Trading Post, and Muscle Beach in Venice, after stopping at the Big Bear Spartan Race this weekend.
More than a pop-up, Matcha Kari calls this event a “matcha education and wellness experience on wheels.” While enjoying your latte, learn about how matcha is changing how many Americans think about energy, special daily rituals, and mindfulness.
There will also be prize giveaways, including matcha starter kits. You can find the complete tour schedule here.
The Mount Wilson Observatory presents its first Matinees on the Mountain screening, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., with Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
This unique opportunity to see 2001: A Space Odyssey atop Mount Wilson is a mind-blowing dream marriage between movie-going and mountain vista viewing. And if 2001: A Space Odyssey wasn’t already on your bucket list, then now is your chance to see it at the Mount Wilson Observatory during their series, Matinees on the Mountain, inside the auditorium. Noted for its “unconventional narrative,” scientifically accurate depiction of spaceflight (R.I.P. PanAm), and pioneering visual effects, 2001: A Space Odyssey is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made by Kubrick.
The new film series on select Saturday afternoons this season will take place in the Observatory’s 256-seat auditorium, screening classic science fiction, early scientific, vintage silent films and shorts, and other surprises. Continue reading →
Image courtesy of The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. If you still haven’t made plans, why not take a look at our guide to dining on Mother’s Day? L.A. is in for a beautiful weekend that’s perfect for brunching and dining al fresco. See below for suggestions for celebrating Mom on rooftops, verdant patios, by the ocean, and more. These spots still have some reservations (or at least did at publication time). See below for some of our favorites.
Enjoy a picturesque Mother’s Day lunch atop Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach! Tickets include lunch on the rooftop veranda overlooking Rainbow Harbor, in addition to all-day aquarium admission, where you’ll see sharks, penguins, sea otters, and much more. The lunch menu includes Baja Caesar Salad, Vegetable Frittata, Chilaquiles, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Sausage, Blueberry & Cheese Blintzes, Cinnamon Rice Pudding, and more. Tickets for both lunch and museum admission are $95 for adults and $65 for kids 3-11. Find more informationhere.
Enjoy the relaxing beauty of Dana Point at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. The elegant beachside resort offers several dining experiences of Mother’s Day. The Lilies & Lemons Brunch at AVEO Table + Bar includes a roaming St. Germain cart offering customized spritzes. Bourbon Steak Orange County is offering a three-course dinner on its outdoor terrace or its stylish dining room, while Monarch Bay Beach Club offers an exclusive brunch inspired by California’s coast. You can find more information about dining at Monarch Bay Resort here.
Originating in Tokyo, bread, espresso + opened earlier this year in Redondo Beach and has Angelenos buzzing about Japan’s most famous French Toast, its signature mou bread, and full coffee bar with Caffe Luxxe beans. On Mother’s Day, visit bread, espresso + for two Mother’s Day specials. High Tea, served from 2 to 4 p.m, is $45 each and features tea or coffee, three savory treats, and five sweet items. You can also bring your own bubbly for only $3 per person! Also, bread, espresso + is collaborating with Luke’s Lobster all of Mother’s Day weekend with a special lobster plate featuring a lobster sandwich and a mini lobster bisque. More info
In perfect balance and just in time, Southern California’s cooler temperatures and fragrant rains have brought out the best of the Mojave’s high desert for the Spring’s music and camping event, the Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF), May 15 – 18th, 2025.
This family-friendly festival, with it’s unique blend of music, art, dance, and wildly eclectic-yet-intimate and zen vibe, brings to the JTMF line up a showcasing of “up and coming, white hot, have-to-see-them-now-before-they-get-big” roster of quality of artists that will both heat up and chill-as-you-will at this particularly unique desert trip experience.
* indicates that this title is also available to rent, stream, or purchase on various platforms. Please note that streaming options may differ from these home video presentations in terms of visuals, supplemental features, etc.
“Bob Trevino Likes It” (2024, Lionsgate) Kentucky twenty-something Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira, “Euphoria”) who has endured a lifetime of abandonment and dismissal from those closest to her, attempts to mend fences with her self-centered father, Bob (French Stewart), by reaching out to a man with his name on social media, but instead forges an unlikely with another Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo) — one with the capacity for kindness and empathy that her father lacks, and who also longs for familial connection. Outstanding performances by all three leads (who are rarely afforded top billing) buoy this comedy-drama, a feature debut from writer-director Tracie Laymon, who drew on her own experiences to find the bittersweet core of her film. Sincere and funny without being treacly and sad without approaching maudlin, “Bob Trevino” says much, in quiet but honest terms, about finding a connection in a time when it appears to not only in short supply but also actively campaigned against by certain demographics; it also manages to address the issue of familial neglect without wallowing in the misery, which has become the go-to for emotional dramatic fare (looking at you, HBO). In select theaters and on various streaming platforms.
Cinco de Mayo began as a holiday commemorating Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. What better way to celebrate that triumph than with tacos, margaritas, mariachis, and festivities? See below for some ideas on how to enjoy this celebration of Mexican-American culture. ¡Salud!
Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights is the site of a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4-8 pm on Monday. Celebrate Mexican culture with live mariachi performances, artisanal vendors, and fun for all ages. More info
Celebrity chef duo Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken are celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style at Socalo, their fresh-Mex eatery in Santa Monica. Though usually closed on Mondays, Socalo will be open this go-round for Cinco de Mayo. Socalo’s festive patio dinner experience will include mezcal tastings from Hedonistas, a full bar, and exclusive dishes made for this night only. Among the offerings: Tacos filled with Carne Asada, Baja Shrimp, Carnitas, Gobernador Shrimp, Jackfruit, or Barbacoa; Mushroom Dobladitas; and various Tlayudas. More info
Head to Long Beach’s Hotel Maya for its annual “Cinco de Maya” celebration from 5-9 p.m. on Monday. Drink highlights include a $25 margarita flight (choose from watermelon, mango, guava, and more), $7 bottled cervezas, and a premium tequila flight for $36. Take in harbor views while indulging in street tacos, loaded chicken nachos, or a steak quesadilla. Hotel Maya
* indicates that this title is also available to rent, stream, or purchase on various platforms. Please note that streaming options may differ from these home video presentations in terms of visuals, supplemental features, etc.
“Terror is a Man” * (1959, Severin Films) A shipwreck brings Richard Derr to remote Isla de Sangre — Blood Island — where scientist Francis Lederer claims to be conducting experiments on a panther, but the bandage-swathed creature slaughtering the locals appears more human than feline. Low-budget Filipino creature feature plays in part to the grindhouse crowd with its marauding monster and amusing/aggravating gimmick: A bell that rings to warn audiences of (very mild) gory scenes. But Emmanuel Rojas’s B&W photography is appreciably eerie and the film refuses to paint Lederer and his creation as solely mad scientist and monster; in doing so, “Terror” becomes one of the more solid adaptations of “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” even without acknowledging its source material. Co-directors Gerardo de Leon and Eddie Romero returned to Blood Island for three more films (“Brides of Blood,” “Mad Doctor of Blood Island,” and “Beast of Blood”), all far less subtle but enjoyably pulpy shockers, and all compiled in Severin’s “Fear in the Philippines: The Complete Blood Island” Blu-ray set. Its “Terror” presentation offers an uncut scan from newly discovered film elements, promotional material, and interviews with Romero, Mondo Macabro chief/author Pete Tombs, critic Mark Holcomb, and Stateside distributor/Independent-International boss Sam Sherman.
Co-founded by health luminary Dr. Andrew Weil, Matcha Kari is bringing its Matcha Mobile to Los Angeles from May 17 to May 26 to introduce Angelenos to their matcha lattes — for free!
