THE BEYOND (1981)

Can’t believe I snoozed on posting this… Not intentional, as this is one of my all-time favorite movies. Top 5, easily. The New Beverly screened the restored and uncensored print Tarantino made back in the late 90s. I remember seeing that at a midnight screening at the Sunset 5 around 1998/99 with Felix from Lifes Halt.

The Beyond is like a nightmare put up on screen. Like a dream it doesn’t always make sense, like the army of spiders (tarantulas, actually) that come out of nowhere when someone falls from a ladder at a bookstore, but this has atmosphere and looks great. Steeped in despair with bits of gore, everyone in this movie is damned, and when you contemplate the ending, it’s pretty grim. On this viewing Emily really stood out for me. When she pleads, “I did what you asked of me” to whatever spirit in the room with her and Dicky, you have to wonder what brought her to that fate in the first place. One of Fulci’s best.

Outside the New Beverly, May 7, 2022. Photo by: Matt Average

THE HIDDEN (1987)

I’m of the opinion that The Hidden is an underseen movie. I saw it when it first played in the theaters, and even then it seemed to float under the radar. Directed by Jack Sholder, of Nightmare on Elm Street II fame, The Hidden is a nice blend of horror,science fiction, and buddy cop movie with Kyle MacLachlan as “FBI agent” Lloyd Gallagher, and Michael Nouri as Tom Beck chasing a body hopping alien across Los Angeles. There’s a couple moments where it delves into cheese, but rights itself at the end with a therapeutic vanquishing of the alien. – M.Avrg

Outside the New Beverly waiting for The Hidden (1987) to unspool at midnight. Photo: Matt Average

NEW YORK NINJA (2021) / MIAMI CONNECTION (1987)

The double bill that had to happen happened! The New Beverly ran this event of dreams for two nights back in January, and Devon and I went on the 17th to see director Kurtis Spieler and Voyag3r spoke about the movie and composing the soundtrack. Both prints were great, and the audience reaction made the whole experience next level. Will anyone be able to top this bill? Remains to to be seen.

Photo by Matt Average

THE CONVERSATION (1974)

A newly struck 35mm print Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece The Conversation screened at the fabulous Nuart in West Los Angeles this past week, and it looks and sounds as great as you can imagine. David Shire’s score is one of my all-time favorites. Then there’s Bill Butler’s cinematography. Then you have Gene Hackman, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Allen Garfield, Teri Garr, and more in the cast. Not to mention Coppola was on fire in this period of his career.

Photo by Matt Average

NUART – reopens!

Places are starting to reopen here in California. I have no idea how long that will last, or if we will ever close down again at all. With the vaccines getting around, and after a year of “we’re turning a corner” only to see the numbers rise it’s tough to be positive about much at the moment.

That said, the Nuart opened it’s doors up last Friday, March 19, 2021. No idea when the midnight movies will return, but I’m looking forward to that moment when I can sit in my seat, finish my soda and candy before the trailers finish, and watch whatever classic horror is projected onto the big screen. It will be epic. (MA)

The Nuart: “I see you shiver with anticipation.”

“I see you shiver with anticipation.” Photo by: Matt Average

The legendary Nuart Theatre switched up their marquee recently with this quote from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “I see you shiver with anticipation.”

For those who don’t know, The Nuart was one of the first movie theatres to begin showing Rocky Horror on a regular basis back in 1976. I have yet to attend a screening of that movie there, but I do know the line tends to wind around the building, and the crowd is full of hardcore fans. When we are finally able to return to the movie theatres safely I will definitely go and get in line

I’m also missing seeing this beautiful marquee lit up at night, and look forward to the nights when it’s lit up advertising whatever movie is playing on the screen, as well as their Friday midnight programming. Someday…..  (MA)

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996) / WHOSE STREETS? (2017)

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996) / WHOSE STREETS? (2017)

While the movie theaters here in Los Angeles remain closed due to the pandemic, The Royal marquee communicates to the passerby on the present situation. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant.  I’m thankful to whoever puts these marquees together every week. A much needed light in gloomy times. (MA)

DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993) / ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004)

More great marquee action from the Laemmle Royal Theatre. As I always say, these marqees are a bright spot for me these days. (MA)

HIGH ANXIETY (1977)

Tell me about it! Another one from the marquee at the Laemlee Royal. This one is referencing Mel Brooks comedy from 1977. A little bit of clever humor from the person putting these marquees together goes far these days. (MA)

ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981) / WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS (2008)

More marquee mania greatness from the Laemmle Royal theatre. This one comments on the current situation with one of my all time favorite movies, Escape from New York (1981), and coming soon, one I’ve never seen before, What Happens in Vegas (2008). But the suggestion from that title gave me a much needed laugh. (MA)