SXSW has passed and we now return to our regularly scheduled programming. Looking for the best in film Austin events happening this weekend? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got ’em. And TV events too!
These are the best screenings and events the entertainment world has to offer this weekend.
Movies Opening This Weekend
Isle of Dogs
The Wes Anderson directed film, which closed out SXSW, involves a group of canine pets that are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island. 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinson
Pacific Rim: Uprising
Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) is a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous Kaiju. Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through cities and bring the world to its knees, Jake is given one last chance by his estranged sister, Mako Mori, to live up to his father’s legacy.
Stars: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Jing Tian, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day
Unsane
Sawyer Valentini relocates from Boston to Pennsylvania to escape from the man who’s been stalking her for the last two years. While consulting with a therapist, Valentini unwittingly signs in for a voluntary 24-hour commitment to the Highland Creek Behavioral Center. Her stay at the facility soon gets extended when doctors and nurses begin to question her sanity. Sawyer now believes that one of the staffers is her stalker — and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay alive and fight her way out.
Stars: Claire Foy, Juno Temple, Jay Pharoah, Amy Irving
New TV Episodes and Specials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rX5MOSuOhw
Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: I’m Still Laughing
Showtime | Friday | 9 p.m
Comedian and film star Mike Epps takes center stage as the host of the newest installment in Shaquille O’Neal’s All Star Comedy Jam franchise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4zP2I0PkUE
Santa Clarita Diet
Netflix | Friday
Season 2 of the Drew Barrymore helmed Netflix zombie comedy adds Zachary Knighton in a recurring role, while Joel McHale, Maggie Lawson, and Gerald McRaney will guest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-enyxyb0300
Trust
FX | Sunday | 9 p.m.
Inspired by actual events, “Trust” delves into the trials and triumphs of one of America’s wealthiest and unhappiest families, the Gettys. Equal parts family history, dynastic saga and an examination of the corrosive power of money, “Trust” explores the complexities at the heart of every family, rich or poor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cZFPRrRN_g
Silicon Valley
HBO | Sunday | 9 p.m.
HBO’s perennially Emmy-nominated comedy Silicon Valley will upload its fifth season starting on Sunday. It will be the first without former regular T.J. Miller, who left the show in May.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dKownfx75E
Billions
Showtime | Sunday | 9 p.m.
The Paul Giamatti-Damian Lewis drama is set to return for its third season on Sunday. In Season 3, Giamatti’s Chuck Rhoades and Lewis’ Bobby Axelrod will find themselves fighting for survival against new enemies while still finding time to destroy one another. Meanwhile, Chuck’s wife, who also happens to be Axe’s performance coach, is “all in for both of them,” which will probably cause at least a few problems for everyone along the way.
Barry
HBO | Sunday | 9:30 p.m.
Originally ordered to series almost two years ago, this HBO comedy (which screened at SXSW) comes to us from Bill Hader and Silicon Valley‘s Alec Berg. Hader stars as a depressed hitman who embarks on a career change after discovering an acting class. Joining him in the cast are Stephen Root, Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, and Glenn Fleshler.
Film Events in Austin
Thor Ragnarok Free Outdoor Screening
Friday | 7 – 9 p.m. | Community Cinema & Amphitheater
Mobile Loaves & Fishes invites you to a free movie night at the Community First! Village. Event is free but a $5 donation is appreciated. More info here.
Master Pancake Wes Ander-Thon
Friday & Saturday | at 7 & 10 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
Normally they roast actors, but for the first time they’ll be roasting a director, whose career spans from Bottle Rocket in the 90’s, to Grand Budapest Hotel, and now his latest film: Isle of Dogs. And, of course, they’ll be playing the Master Pancake drinking game for Wes Anderson: take a shot every time the camera dollys sideways or every time you see a Wilson brother. More info here.
Flashback Brunch: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Saturday & Sunday | Saturday at 12:15 & 3:30 p.m., Sunday at 3:15 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
A cocktail-fueled, totally tubular throwback brunch series featuring the absolute best films of the 1980s. Flashback with us to the greatest decade for cinema about teen angst, the suckage of early adulthood and, of course, heartbreak. More info on this installment here.
Back to Back to Back to the Future Trilogy Marathon
Sunday | 12:30 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
HEY MCFLY! Put on your self-lacing Nikes and get yourself down to the Ritz for a whole day full of time-traveling shenanigans with Back to Back to Back to the Future! Everyone’s favorite teenager and wily scientist duo zoom through time in style, from the candy-colored Americana of the ’50s to the hoverboardin’ future of 2015 to the Old West. Get ready for a day of Tannens, Pepsi Free, sports almanacs, frisbees, rock n’ roll, and more! Buy tickets here.
Champagne Cinema: Say Anything
Sunday | 7 & 7:15 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline and Slaughter Lane
In the land of ‘80s crushes, amidst the Duckies and the Jake Ryans, one man stands alone. And that man (not a guy, a man!) is Lloyd Dobler. And at this edition of Champagne Cinema, we’ll give him the celebration he deserves. Join us for a night of love, heartache and, of course, songs about Joe. Keys will be collected, and if you’ve got a boom box lying around, well… you know what to do. Buy tickets here.
I, Tonya with Tonya Harding Video Q&A
Sunday | 7 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Village
Experience this triple-axel-of-a-film complete with a pre-recorded video Q&A with the woman herself, TONYA HARDING! Buy tickets here.
TV Events in Austin
The L Word Trivia
Sunday | 6 – 9 p.m. | Hops & Grain
Arrive from 6 – 7 p.m. for social hour with fellow queers. Grab yourself a delicious pint from Hops and Grain to enjoy before trivia starts. Form your team, strategize, and study up. Round one of trivia begins promptly at 7 p.m. More info here.
Harry Potter Trivia
Sunday | 6 – 8 p.m. | Stay Gold
Alright Potterheads, let’s do this. From Dobby to Diagon Alley, from Wingardium Leviosa to the Whomping Willow, they’ll cover it all! Free to play. Boozy prizes for top notch teammates. Early arrival is strongly encouraged. More info here.
The Walking Dead Viewing Party
Sunday | 8 – 10 p.m. | Hot Box Diner (805 Start St.)
Outdoor venue, BYOB, pet friendly and totally free. Enjoy complimentary popcorn under the stars for each new episode of The Walking Dead. (Weather permitting)
Looking for a recap of the TV and Film events that happened at SXSW? Read about our top 10 favorite things from SXSW here.
And, go inside SXSWestworld here.
