Much of the movie and TV magic in LA happens in the Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank. Driving past the different lots on the always busy Burbank streets, it is easy to get into an accident pointing out gigantic ads for whatever WB teen drama you just can’t live without. Maybe it’s a new fall comedy or the latest Johnny Depp adventure set to hit the big screen that catches your attention; whatever it is, we all wish we could pull up to one of those guard shacks and hear the words: access granted.

I was given such a pass recently for the screening of Mama’s Boy, a feature film being distributed by Warner Independent Pictures starring Diane Keaton and everybody’s favorite dork, Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder. After a wonderful wine and cheese reception we moved into a beautiful theater large enough to seat 600 people but still reminiscent of that old Hollywood glamour from the early days of this movie making machine.

The director, Tim Hamilton, revealed that the very small budget for this comedy did not allow for exotic locations so the audience was treated to shots of Santa Clarita and other spots throughout the city. The settings are irrelevant; the writing is what counts in this one. The story takes you into the dysfunctional mind of a 30-year old son who is having a hard time with loosing his mommy to her new boyfriend. The movie has some really funny moments as he discovers what dating and becoming a man is all about. Growing up is hard to do and Jon Heder has that role down.

Warner Brothers Studios
Where: 4000 Warner Brother Blvd, Burbank, CA 91522