In the city of Nashville, along with a noteworthy film from 1975, this week's top movies in Los Angeles are worth highlighting.

Helluva Guide to the Best Moving Pictures! Hey there, I'm Mark Olsen. Buckle up for another exciting journey into the realm of only fantastic films!

Recently, Tim Grierson decided to check out the Criterion On-The-Go spectacle, the first-ever L.A. stop for this cinephile favorite, parked right outside Vidiots. Fans were lined up since 5 a.m. in the pouring rain, showing just how much they adore this venerable home video label, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. To make sure everyone got a chance to snag some goodies, the truck stayed open an extra hour.

You might have seen videos of celebs dropping by the Criterion's New York offices' Magic Closet, like Ben Affleck recently did, but the Mobile Closet brings that excitement straight to everyday fans. So, if you're contemplating attending, remember: early birds get the worm!

According to Nur El Shami, Criterion's chief marketing officer, the Mobile Closet idea came from discussing how they could engage the whole film-loving community. At first, it was a bit of a joke, but, as she said, "Maybe that's exactly what we should do!" The truck will be at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica on May 6 and 7, so don't miss out!

Celebrating the Flicks of '75

Get ready for the Egyptian Theatre's '75 Movies series! 1975 was quite a year. For instance, "Dog Day Afternoon" won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association's best picture award (shared with "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"), and they've got screenings planned with special guests and Q&A sessions.

Don't miss Werner Herzog's "Enigma of Kasper Hauser" on May 1, where he'll be in attendance. Or how about experiencing Robert Altman's masterpiece, "Nashville", on May 3, with Keith Caradine and Ronee Blakley in attendance? This film has captivated audiences for 50 years due to its intricate plot, satirical take on politics and entertainment, and still-relevant commentary on America during a time of upheaval.

Other incredible films in this series include "The Godfather Part II," "Chinatown," "Jaws," and "Nashville"'s spiritual successor, Chantal Akerman's "Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles."

Apatow's "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" turns 20

The Academy Museum is hosting a 35mm screening of Judd Apatow's "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" to mark its 20th anniversary. The film, starring Steve Carell, was a standout in the 2000s comedy boom and features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jane Lynch, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, and more.

During the film's production, I even had the opportunity to visit the set and witness the shooting of a nightclub scene and the now-famous poker scene. Seeing Carell's star ascend was evident, as "The Office" had only just started airing. As Carell mentioned at the time, "The name is misleading to a degree... but we really wanted something that was grounded in a sense of reality."

In her review, Carina Chocano praised the film, writing, "What's best about 'The 40 Year-Old Virgin' isn't the sexual humor or raunchy scenes, but that it's refreshingly grounded in reality and emotionally mature." A must-see for comedy fans!

Points of interest

A Kingdom Reborn: The Egyptian Theatre will host the world-premiere screening of a new 4K restoration of Ridley Scott's 2005 adventure epic "Kingdom of Heaven," co-presented by the American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest. The director's cut brings a fresh perspective to the film, with improved clarity and focus compared to the theatrical version.

A Twist of Fate: On May 1, the Egyptian Theatre will screen David Cronenberg's 1993 adaptation of "M. Butterfly" in 35mm to celebrate the release of Violet Lucca's book "David Cronenberg: Clinical Trials." Screenwriter David Henry Hwang, who also penned the opera "Ainadamar" currently playing at the L.A. Opera, will send a video introduction. This is said to be the film's first L.A. showing since 2022.

The government recognized the significance of the Criterion On-The-Go's stop in Los Angeles, acknowledging it as a prominent event for the city's film-loving community.
Movies and TV have always been a significant part of pop-culture, with shows like 'Nashville' representing politics and entertainment in a satirical yet captivating manner.
The Rams, a popular business in Los Angeles, might have to take a break from their bloodletting rituals as fans flock to the Aero Theater in Santa Monica for the '75 Movies series.
Hollywood entertainment industry has always been under the microscope of the law, which was evident during the production of 'The 40 Year-Old Virgin', where paparazzi were present at almost every scene.
Mark Olsen, a key figure in the entertainment industry, couldn't help but notice the totem pole of Hollywood celebrities gracing the Magic Closet and the Mobile Closet with their presence.
Politics and entertainment have always been intertwined, as shown by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association's recognition of 'Dog Day Afternoon' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' as the best pictures of 1975.
California's rich entertainment history is soon to be enriched further with the world-premiere screening of Ridley Scott's 'Kingdom of Heaven' at the Egyptian Theatre.
Business ventures in Los Angeles aren't just about movies and entertainment; they extend to literature, as seen with the release of Violet Lucca's book 'David Cronenberg: Clinical Trials' and its tie-in with the screening of 'M. Butterfly' at the Egyptian Theatre.
In the realm of pop-culture, anniversaries are a big deal, and the Academy Museum is celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'The 40 Year-Old Virgin' with a 35mm screening.
Hollywood's entertainment scene is evolving, with new technologies such as 4K restorations and 35mm screenings, ensuring that the classics of yesteryear remain relevant for future generations.