UNDERRATED / OVERRATED

UNDERRATED

The sight of people pounding the pavement of L.A. can be alarming, but walking this city happens to be the best way to see it. For those who would prefer to do it with a small army, you’re in luck: This Saturday you can hike the 15-mile length of Pico Boulevard -- from downtown to the ocean, with some history lessons along the way. For more details on this free event, go to www.greatlawalk.com. Or simply show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant (where Pico begins at Central).

We’re pushing the definition of underrated here, but it’s bizarre how few people have heard the new, killer single “Harder Than You Think” from Chuck D., Flavor Flav and Co. Check it out on the official PE site, www .publicenemy.com. Definitely No. 1 in L.A.

WALKING IN L.A.

PUBLIC ENEMY

‘SOUTHLAND TALES’

The disastrous Cannes premiere. The year spent re-editing. The scathing reviews. By this point, Richard Kelly’s follow-up to “Donnie Darko” (which opened Wednesday) is a movie so easy to loathe we might as well show it some love.

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OVERRATED

TAKASHI MURAKAMI

The Japanese superstar is a master at marketing. But is his work art? More like a winning formula: Choose a subject that’s violent, sexist and morally questionable but looks innovative and cool--like, say, Japanese anime. Or Nazi regalia. Then make the same thing, at greatly inflated prices, and explain that it’s “art” that makes “commentary” on those objectionable qualities--when, in fact, it simply promotes them. Yeah, that’s a genius alright--of the hard sell.

TASER PARTIES

Consider the following news release: “Women are gathering at homes across America for Taser parties, where the new must-have accessory is presented with wine and cheese, similar to Tupperware parties.” What next, Glock and tea parties?

DOWNTOWN ICE SKATING

The outdoor rink that sets up shop in Pershing Square every winter is, in our opinion, a disservice to the public’s emotional well-being. Any expectant child or nostalgic adult will be psychically crushed by the reality of a backyard pond-sized oval packed like a sardine tin with skaters. Want ice? Make the trek to El Segundo’s Toyota Sports Center.