Wildfires have been raging across Los Angeles, keeping Southern California in the spotlight for more than a week. The unpredictable and fast-moving disaster burned entire communities and forced tens of thousands of Californians to evacuate.
It’s hard not to think about LA right now amidst all this devastation. So if you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, try some of the Los Angeles-inspired movies and shows for their depth and specificity. Call for a documentary about one of the greatest writers, a talk show that lovingly celebrates L.A.’s unique character, or a selection of stories in which the City of Angels plays a uniquely vibrant role. These titles explore the characteristics of truly singular places known around the world for their creativity, community, and resilience.
First things first, what’s new with Netflix?
comeback. In her first film role in more than a decade, Cameron Diaz will co-star with Jamie Foxx in Seth Gordon’s new comedy, Back in Action. The superstars play a couple of former super spies who are forced to retire after their secret identities are revealed. Or how about something completely different? Enjoy Season 2 of XO, Kitty, a teen rom-com. Kitty (Anna Cathcart) returns to Seoul for a sweet semester of love and friendship.
If only for one night…
Take the highway with the icon. The 2017 documentary Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold, directed by Didion’s nephew Griffin Dunne, chronicles the extraordinary life and respect of the author, a legendary chronicler of her native California. We are verifying the work that will be done. Known for her stylish, understated prose, relentless honesty, and, of course, her impeccable observations about life in Los Angeles, Didion continues to captivate readers around the world.
If you have a whole day…
Please everyone check in. All six episodes of “John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.,” a comedy talk show created and hosted by Mulaney and featuring announcer Richard Kind, aired live for one week last spring. In each episode, Mulaney and a different celebrity guest discuss their love for Los Angeles through the lens of a specific aspect of the city: coyotes, palm trees, helicopters, and more. Interspersed with pre-recorded sketches, musical performances, and footage filmed around the city, this goofy take on late night is a love letter to L.A. in all its weird and wonderful ways.
If you have time for a whole weekend…
Enjoy the magic of movies. Los Angeles is the home of the entertainment industry, and the city itself has captured the imagination of countless artists who have told their unique stories on screen. Let’s start with two coming-of-age movie classics. Boyz N the Hood, the 1991 Oscar-nominated crime drama directed by John Singleton, stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ice Cube as teenagers growing up in South Central. Meanwhile, John G. Avildsen’s sports drama “The Best Kid,” a precursor to “Cobra,” follows a teenage boy (Ralph Macchio) struggling to move to the Valley and learning martial arts from his master (Pat Morita). Draw a picture of learning. Kai. If you’re looking for a laugh, check out Rush Hour, the 1998 action buddy comedy directed by Brett Ratner. The film stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as an odd couple of cops who go on a mission together. Or join Doug Ellin’s Entourage, the 2015 film sequel to the decadent HBO series in which an up-and-coming star (Adrian Grenier) and his boisterous hometown gang take on Hollywood mosquito.
While we’re on the topic, let’s add a little bit of classic Hollywood. David Fincher’s Oscar-winning 2020 biopic Mank dramatizes screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz’s (Gary Oldman) life while developing Citizen Kane. Finally, whether we’re talking about the industry or not, Los Angeles has always been home to dreamers. So check out these three movies about women who head to Los Angeles to find their future. Greta Gerwig’s 2023 comedy blockbuster Barbie follows the iconic film. A doll (Margot Robbie) goes on a journey of self-discovery from Barbieland to Venice Beach. Tamra Davis’ 2002 road movie Crossroads stars Britney Spears alongside Zoe Saldaña and Taryn Manning as a teenager who drives west on the eve of adulthood. and Stephen Antin’s campy 2010 musical Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera as an aspiring dancer who buys a one-way ticket from Iowa to Los Angeles, where she meets the owner of a burlesque lounge (Cher), a friend and Find someone to mentor you.
Remember, you have one last chance…
…For a bedtime story. The Babadook, the acclaimed 2014 indie horror film directed by Jennifer Kent, stars Essie Davis as a single mother with a young son whose mysterious pop-up book unleashes a sinister presence in her home. Starting next week, the monster will be wearing a hat.
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