A Landmark Not To Be Missed: Landmark Theaters at the Westside Pavilion

Watching a movie at the Landmark Westside Pavilion is a whole new movie viewing experience. It was kind of like watching a movie in my living room, except the couches (that’s right couches!) were way comfier than mine and the screen was like 1000 times as big and the speakers were 1000 times better. Ok, so maybe it wasn't like watching a movie in my living room, but that’s a good thing.



Housed in the Westside Pavilion shopping center, the multiplex - just opened in June - plays a mix of mainstream and indie films. Most of the twelve theaters are relatively small, filled with cozy leather couches. Even a few stability balls are thrown in the front for people to sit on or perch their feet on. Parking is free and plentiful (almost unheard of on the Westside).



Unlike other theaters, you choose your exact seat when you buy the ticket so you can avoid those nasty front row seats that require an ostrich-like neck crane to watch the movie, leaving you in pain the next day. Did I mention there are ushers around to escort you to your seat?

So what's this experience going to cost? Amazingly, tickets run about the same as other theaters around town - $11 for an adult, $9 for a matinee. Besides the standard popcorn and soda on offer, the concession sells Yogurberry fro-yo (a Pinkberry rip-off), pizza from Pizza Rustica, and fancy imported chocolate like Toblerone.

Touted as the ultimate grown-up moviegoing experience, Landmark offers special 21+ nights on Fridays and Saturdays, when you can buy a glass of wine or a brewsky to enjoy with your flick.

To find out what's showing now, click here.

Westside Pavilion
10850 Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Cross Street: Westwood Blvd

Star-Struck at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Movie Night

Besides seeing stars (both in person and on screen) at Saturday’s showing of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, I was also in the midst of stars (dead ones) at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

On Saturdays throughout the summer, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts movie nights, from old horrors to 80s classics. Don't worry, this isn’t some goth clique that gets off on hanging amongst the dearly departed. Thousands turn out for this only-in-LA event. You can be among them…check out the website to see this summer’s calendar.



Reminiscent of a giant slumber party, people splay out across the lawn on blankets and pillows. The main lawn is tombstone-free, but with a turn of my head, I spotted Hitchcock’s grave in the area behind us.

The regulars, who know how to do it right, bring low chairs and tables and even candles. Most come with a picnic dinner and some sort of imbibement, generally wine or beer. And the freshly-cut stuff below you won’t be the only grass you smell.



For a mere $10, you will be treated to the movie and some pretty decent DJ mixes before and after the screening. Adding to the awesomeness is the entry stroll that winds among tombstones – some decorated with headshots (this is Tinseltown after all!). Dispel any desecration guilt pangs from your head – the movie proceeds go towards the upkeep of this Tinseltown resting place.

The key thing to remember is to get there early. Gates don’t open until 7:30p, but people start lining up around 6p or so, especially if they want a decent viewing spot on the lawn. Traffic can get gnarly so show up early to claim a parking spot.

If you’re into star sightings, this seems to be a top spot for it. I’m generally pretty oblivious, but Hillary Duff, her sis, and the weasly Talan Torriero of Laguna Beach fame were all in line together right behind us. As if this weren’t enough, Drew Barrymore - who claims this is one of her regular haunts (pun intended) - introduced the movie.

I can’t wait to come back!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd at Gower