Happening Monday July 19, 2010

MOVIES

What is a Cult Film? Though related to (and occasionally overlapping) B-movies, grindhouse flicks and other guilty pleasures, true cult films do more than entertain — they inspire veneration and ritual appreciation in their followers. Writer and critic Anthony Miller examines such phenomena in this five-part course held at Vidiots’ new film-study center. This week’s class explores musical cult movies. Vidiots Annex, 302 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 7 p.m. $39.95. (310) 392-8508. https://www.vidiotsannex.com

“Happiness” We will never feel the same about the Air Supply monster ballad “All Out of Love” after seeing Todd Solondz’s “Happiness.” Now he’s back with “Life During Wartime,” a movie that’s being described as part sequel, part variation on the 1998 film. The ensemble cast includes Paul Reubens, Michael Kenneth Williams, Ally Sheedy, Michael Lerner, Charlotte Rampling and Ciáran Hinds. We can’t wait to see what familial horrors will be set to what forgotten soft rock gem this time. Solondz and Reubens will be available for Q&A after the show. Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 655-2510. 8 p.m. Free but RSVP required. cinefamily.org

POP MUSIC

New Pornographers Vancouver, Canada’s, indie rock super group swings through the Southland in support of their latest release, “Together,” which debuted in May from Matador Records. The album was recorded with help from St. Vincent, Beirut’s Zach Condon and Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, but the eight-piece band should be more than enough on its own during its two nights at the Fonda. The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m., also Tue. 7:30 p.m. $25. (323) 464-0808. https://www.henryfondatheater.com

COMEDY

Last Comic Standing Craig Robinson is the voice of get-a-load-of-that-guy scorn on “The Office” and in “Hot Tub Time Machine,” but here he’ll host the cutthroat comic contest to find America’s next great knee-slapper. The winner gets $250k and a deal with NBC, so don’t show up without the funny in tow. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Ave., Glendale. 10:45 a.m. https://www.alextheatre.org