Stan Lee has, for more than four decades, become one of the most recognizable names in the pop culture landscape. At 89, he has the verve and energy few people — apart from perhaps Martin Scorsese — can match, as he continues to spread the gospel of the comic book characters he created or co-created (many with artist Jack Kirby): Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk. What's most surprising is that it took so long to get a documentary about his life, but here it is: tonight's screening of With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story pores over Lee's history, in the process interviewing fans and cohorts Kevin Smith, Patrick Stewart, Samuel L. Jackson, Tobey Maguire, and, for some beautifully bizarre reason, Ringo Starr and Eva Mendes. Also tonight: some combination of filmmakers Will Hess, Nikki Frakes, Terry Dougas, who will be present for a Q&A after the screening. Excelsior! Downtown Independent Theater, 251 S. Main St.; dwntwn.; Sat., Sept. 15, 7 p.m., $10. (213) 617-1033, downtownindependent.com.

Sat., Sept. 15, 7 p.m., 2012

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.