Don’t Go In the Lake [Special Screenings, Oct. 12-19]

The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd “Z-Man” Zalkins. Written by Todd Zalkins and directed by Richard Yelland, The Long Way Back is that rare film that will delight hardcore fans of a band (in this case Sublime), locals (because of all the Long Beach and Orange County touchstones) and everyone else (because it’s just so fucking compelling). These screenings mark the documentary’s worldwide release Tuesday on video-on-demand platforms, including iTunes and Amazon—with audience Q&As after each showing with Z-Man himself! Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Oct. 12, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $20.

Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton. Rory Kennedy’s newish documentary (which opened April’s Newport Beach Film Festival) chronicles the big-wave surfer’s amazing career that continues despite the punishment his well-chiseled body has taken (and keeps taking). It’s a warts-and-all portrayal of a superstar surfer who barely competes. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Oct. 12, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Walking the Waking Journey. Windward Way Recovery, Casa Capri and Newport Academy present this documentary on Lama Tenzin Choegel’s mission to rescue and educate the orphaned and abandoned children of one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. Sonnee Weedn moderates an audience Q&A with Choegel after the screening. Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Thurs., Oct. 12, doors open, 6:15 p.m.; screening, 7 p.m. Free, but RSVP through eventbrite.com.

Beasts of No Nation. Chapman University’s Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education presents a community screening of this 2015 film based on Uzodinma Iweala’s 2005 novel of the same name. A picture we’ll someday laud as among the best of the decade, it charts the tortured path that led young Agu (Abraham Attah) to become a child soldier in an unnamed African country. Shot in Ghana and written, co-produced and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, who acted as his own cinematographer, Beasts of No Nation resembles a documentary—albeit one centered by another amazing performance from Idris Elba, who breathes humanity into reprehensible souls like no other. Chapman University, Memorial Hall, 1 University Dr., Orange, (714) 628-7377. Thurs., Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Free.

Happy Death Day. This NBCUniversal release opens in theaters Friday, but you can see it for free the night before. Christopher Landon’s latest thriller is about a college student (La La Land‘s Jessica Rothe) reliving the day of her murder until she figures out who killed her. Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, 283 N. Cypress St., Orange, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Thurs., Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Free, but first come, first seated.

6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain. Scott Waugh (Act of Valor, Need for Speed) directs and Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, Penny Dreadful), Sarah DuMont (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, Don Jon) and Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion) star in the incredible true story of Eric LeMarque. He was a former Olympic hockey player who got lost snowboarding alone and out of bounds at Mammoth Mountain on Feb. 6, 2004, survived for a week eating pine nuts and needles in a makeshift igloo in the Sierra Nevada wilderness, and after his rescue . . . well, due to the ravages of frostbite, he won’t be joining the Joffrey. The film is simulcast in theaters nationwide. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, 99 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Oct. 12, 7 p.m. $10.50-$12.50.

Pet Sematary. Come for Mary Lambert’s creepy 1989 chiller screening in honor of source material maker Stephen King; stay for the Ramones’ catchy title track. A doctor (Dale Midkiff) moves his family to Maine, where their cat is accidentally killed. But a friendly local yokel (Fred Gwynne) tells of an old pet cemetery where buried dead things don’t stay dead. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:30 p.m. $7-$10.

RWBY Volume 5. It’s the premiere of the newest episode of the popular western-style anime show that is pronounced “Ruby.” Carrying on with the characters of original, now-departed creator Monty Oum, Kerry Shawcross, Miles Luna and Gray G. Haddock drop viewers into the world of Remnant, where Huntresses-in-training Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long must together battle dark forces bent on destroying humanity. The one-night event simulcast in theaters nationwide includes exclusive interviews with the talent behind the global phenomenon. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. $12.50.

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Beauty and the Beast. First, hear Dr. Jennifer Liu’s 45-minute lecture on bladder health. Then, fire questions at her for the next 15 minutes. Finally, watch the live-action remake of the Disney animated classic, with Dan Stevens playing the young prince imprisoned in the form of a beast; Emma Watson as Belle, the first girl to visit the prince’s castle since it became enchanted; and Emma Thompson voicing lovable Mrs. Potts. There’s a free lunch at this “Medicine, Munchies and Movies” presentation geared toward older adults. Long Beach Memorial Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, (562) 933-1650. Fri., noon. Free, but RSVP.

The Book of Life. The 2014 animated comedy is about Mexican childhood friends Manolo (Diego Luna) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) both wanting to marry their mutual amiga Maria (Zoë Saldana), but the love triangle is even more complicated by battling husband-and-wife deities. You can bring food and beverages to this Movies In the Park Program screening, but the snack bar is also open. Seating is on grass so blankets and beach chairs are a must. Our Lady of Guadalupe, 900 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, (562) 383-4200. Fri., activities, 6 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

OC Film Fiesta. The festival of films, fun and food comes to a close this weekend. The Magnificent Ambersons is presented in a special 75th-anniversary screening under the stars and in a turn-of-the-century setting, with local Orson Welles scholar Lee Gordon explaining why this 1942 release should have been an even greater masterpiece than Welles’ film from the year before, Citizen Kane. About the first two-thirds of Welles’ adaptation of Booth Tarkington’s novel about the rise and fall of a powerful family at the turn of the century builds to become the best American film ever. Unfortunately, the studio abandoned Welles’ full vision, chopped up the remaining reels and ruined what would have been his greatest cinematic achievement. It’s still pretty damn swell, though. Radioactive Chicken Heads Children’s TV Pilot Premiere unveils the latest project from the colorfully costumed band that recently appeared on The Gong Show reboot. Radioactive Chicken Heads actually made their television debut on The Tyra Banks Show in 2006, and they went on to release three albums, appear in nine music videos and tour the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Peru. Greetings From Tim Buckley, which I saw at a past Newport Beach Film Festival, is actually pretty well-done given director/co-writer Daniel Algrant is imagining a 1991 trip by singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley (Penn Badgley) from Orange County to New York to perform at a tribute concert honoring his deceased father, legendary songwriter Tim Buckley (Ben Rosenfeld). Imogen Poots and the songs of Tim Buckley also star. The Blues Brothers, John Landis’ 1980 rock-’em-sock-’em comedy musical, begins with the prison release of Jake Blues (John Belushi), who accompanies his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd, who co-wrote the script with Landis) to the home where they were brought up. They learn the nuns who run the place will be kicked out unless $5,000 in back taxes is paid in 11 days. And so, Jake and Elwood embark on a “mission from God” to reassemble their blues band and stage a big gig to raise the money. The Spoils Before Dying, Eric Jonrosh’s little-seen 2015 jazz/murder noir mystery set in the 1950s, is presented with a discussion by writer Andrew Steele (Saturday Night Live, Casa de Mi Padre). The film stars Michael Kenneth Williams, Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Tim Meadows, Tim Robbins, Kate McKinnon, Michael Sheen, Chris Parnell, Haley Joel Osment and Will Farrell. The Magnificent Ambersons at Heritage Museum of OC, 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana. Fri., 6 p.m. Free; Radioactive Chicken Heads Children’s TV Pilot Premiere at OC Musicians’ Association, 2050 S. Main St., Santa Ana. Sat., noon. $10; Greetings From Tim Buckley at OC Musicians’ Association. Sat., 3:30 p.m. $10; The Blues Brothers at OC Musicians’ Association. Sat., 5:30 p.m. $10; The Spoils Before Dying at OC Musicians’ Association. Sat., 8 p.m. $10. Info for all: (888) 906-0340 Times and locations vary; www.ocfilmfiesta.org.

One Mind and A Thousand Mothers. Cinema Orange, the Orange County Museum of Art-Newport Beach Film Festival collaboration, presents a rare double feature. One Mind is a portrait of life inside one of China’s most austere and revered Zen communities, where the Zhenru Chan Monastery upholds a strict monastic code established more than 1,200 years ago by the founding patriarchs of Zen in China. A Thousand Mothers is set at an ancient nunnery above the majestic Irrawaddy River. The documentary looks at the lives of Buddhist nuns in Myanmar. Cinema Orange is presented when museum admission is free, but seating is first restricted to museum members. If seats remain available before show time, they are made available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Food trucks await outside. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 759-1122. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.

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Friday the 13th. Is there a more appropriate movie for Friday the 13th than Friday the 13th? I mean other than Freaky Friday the 13th, Thank God It’s Friday the 13th and, of course, Friday the 13th Night Lights. Counselors ignore locals’ warnings of Crystal Lake’s history of murders and set up a summer camp where, one by one, young people start disappearing. Director Sean S. Cunningham’s low-budget slasher flick of 1980 spawned a remake, 10 sequels and this refrain muttered under one’s breath while closely following anyone at night in the pitch-black wilderness: “Kill-kill-kill . . .” The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 8 p.m. $7-$10; Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Fri., 11 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The car of sweethearts Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) breaks down near the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist whose home also hosts a rocking biker (Meat Loaf), a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien) and assorted freaks who include a hunk of beefcake named “Rocky.” Watch what’s on and in front of the screen thanks to shadow casts K.A.O.S., which presents a special Friday the 13th themed show as part of OC Weekly‘s Friday Night Freakouts in Santa Ana, and Midnight Insanity in Long Beach. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11:30 p.m. $7-$10; Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). Opera companies in London and New York present productions in the original German of the Mozart classic that debuted in Stockholm on Sept. 30, 1791. The Queen of the Night persuades Prince Tamino to rescue her daughter Pamina from captivity under the high priest Sarastro, but Tamino becomes enchanted by the high ideals of Sarastro’s community and seeks to join it. Julia Jones conducts David McVicar’s Royal Opera production, and James Levine conducts Julie Taymor’s Metropolitan Opera production. Both are simulcast live in local theaters, then repeat as encores days afterward. The Met: Live in HD at AMC Marina Pacifica, 6346 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 430-8790; AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Live, Sat. 9:55 a.m.; encore, Wed., 1 & 6:30 p.m. (encore at above theaters and Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-373-4573). $16-$24. The Royal Opera House at Regency Directors Cut Cinema at Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446; and Regency South Coast Village, 1561 Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Live, Sun., 12:55 p.m.; encore, Tues., 7 p.m. $17.

Patti Cake$. A coming-of-age story straight out of Jersey about an unlikely rapper who finds her voice as a one-of-a-kind hip-hop legend in the making. This is the first feature film from acclaimed commercial and music-video director Geremy Jasper. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Healing, Miracles, Mysteries & John of God. Learn about “the most extraordinary healer of our times.” who reportedly performs operations without anesthetics or bleeding, asks for no payment and turns no one away. Long Beach Senior Arts Colony, 200 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, (562) 452-9705. Sat., 1:30 p.m. Free.

Nosferatu. After a brief hiatus, Lola’s Outdoor Retro Cinema, which is a collaboration between Lola’s Mexican Cuisine of Long Beach and the Frida Cinema of Santa Ana, returns with F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece of 1922 that is considered one of the greatest horror films ever made. And it is being presented in a very dead place with a very live score! Max Schreck, as the pallid and deadly Count Orlok, comes in and out of the silvery shadows of German Expressionism. Sunnyside Cemetery, 1095 E. Willow St., Long Beach; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 8 p.m. $15. Parking is extremely limited, so you are advised to arrive early.

Resident Evil. A mysterious outbreak unleashes hell on Raccoon City, whose fate is in the hands of badass heroine Alice (Milla Jovovich). Nostalgic Nebula presents a 15th-anniversary screening of Paul W.S. Anderson’s thriller as “An Umbrella Corporate Cocktail Party” that includes prize giveaways, trivia games and themed drinks served in T-Virus-style cocktail glasses. (If a cocktail is inside, you must be 21 or older to purchase.) The Frida Cinema; re15th.brownpapertickets.com. Sat., 8 p.m. $15.

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The Princess Bride. This excellent adventure movie from 1987, which is my favorite Rob Reiner film (this week), has swashbuckler Westley (Cary Elwes) trying to save his childhood sweetheart Buttercup (Robin Wright) from marrying Sean Penn. Or was it President Underwood? The 30th-anniversary screening, which is beamed into theaters nationwide, includes an introduction by Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz as well as Reiner, who will discuss his film’s legacy. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sun. & Wed., 2 & 7 p.m. $12.50.

The Exorcist. It’s the extended director’s cut of William Friedkin’s 1973 horror masterpiece that was adapted from William Peter Blatty’s best-seller. Sweet 12-year-old Regan (Linda Blair) begins exhibiting strange behavior that is soon accompanied by strange events in her Washington, D.C., house. Her actress mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) seeks help from a medical doctor, a psychiatrist and eventually Roman Catholic priests who suspect demonic possession is the cause. The print being shown has been digitally restored with remastered stereo sound and 11 minutes of footage cut from the original release. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Samurai Jack: Premiere Movie Event. Be the first to see the fully remastered Emmy-nominated movie from the acclaimed first season. The animated story follows a young Samurai after he is sent to the future by the evil wizard Aku. With the determination to defeat the wizard and undo his destruction, Jack sets off on a daring journey to return to the past and defeat Aku once and for all. Dubbed in English and simulcast in theaters nationwide for one night only, the premiere event includes an interview with creator and celebrated animation director Genndy Tartakovsky. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 7 p.m. $12.50.

Out Run. Leaders of the world’s only LGBT political party mobilize working-class transgender hairdressers and beauty queens to try to elect a trans woman to congress in the Philippines. The film culminates on election day. Director S. Leo Chiang participates in a post-screening audience Q&A at the UC Irvine Department of Asian American Studies-sponsored event. UC Irvine, Humanities Gateway 1010, West Peltason and Campus drives, Irvine, (949) 824-6117. Tues., 6 p.m. Free.

Ghostbusters. Not to be confused with the 2016 reboot (with chicks!) is Ivan Reitman’s 1984 original blockbuster about paranormal scientists (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis) lucking out of their university gigs and lucking into an in-demand ghost eradication business as New York City is gripped by untold evil. Regency Directors Cut Cinema at Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446, Tues., 7 p.m. $8.

The Heart of Man. It’s the cinematic retelling of the parable of the prodigal son, juxtaposed with the interviews of real people struggling with the distractions from their faith and the shame that follows addiction. This is a Fathom Events encore presentation of the September live event. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Tues., 7 p.m. $13-$15.

Aurora Borealis. In James Burke’s 2005 rom-dram, a young man (Joshua Jackson) tries to right himself after the premature death of his father (Donald Sutherland). This screening includes a discussion on the impacts of dementia on families. Alzheimer’s Orange County, 2515 McCabe Way, Irvine, (949) 757-3721. Wed., 1 p.m. Free.

White Fang. The Teen Book to Movie Club presents, oh, let’s go with director Randal Kleiser’s 1991 take on Jack London’s adventure classic because I’m not actually sure which cinematic adaptation is screening. It’s the story of the relationship that builds between a Yukon gold hunter and a mixed wolf-dog rescued from a man who mistreated him. Teens are to read the book, catch the flick, then discuss it over provided snacks. Fullerton Main Library, Teen Area, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738.6327. Wed., 4 p.m. Free.

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Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. While some OC theaters go for the shock this Hallow’s Eve season, one brave theater is going for the shlock. Freight handlers (Bud Abbott and Lou Costello) find themselves caught in the middle of terror when the remains of Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster arrive from Europe, the vampire and the creature awaken and escape and hot on their tails from London comes the Wolfman to try to catch them. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Creepshow. Frida’s Stephen King Month celebration continues with his anthology collaboration with the late, great George Romero. King appears in one story as a rural fellow who has a too-close encounter of the third kind. There’s also frightful nuggets on a monster that escapes from its holding cell, a husband (Leslie Nielsen) who gets back at his cheating wife, and a homeowner (E.G. Marshall) with a very intense bug problem. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed.-Thurs., Oct. 18-19, 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Seabiscuit. The afternoon matinee is the recent hit movie about a businessman (Jeff Bridges) dealing with his son’s death during the Great Depression, a jockey (Tobey Maguire) with a history of brutal injuries and a down-on-his-luck trainer (Chris Cooper) who come together to turn an undersized and temperamental horse into a racing champion. Fullerton Main Library, Osborne Auditorim, (714) 738.6327. Thurs., Oct. 19, 1 p.m. Free.

Children of Men. Diocese of Orange’s Office of Life, Justice and Peace, as part of Life and Dignity Month, hosts a screening of the thriller set in 2027, when women have become infertile and a former activist agrees to help transport a pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea. The film is followed by a panel discussion with Maria Arroyo, relationship manager for Catholic Relief Services, and Greg Walgenbach, director of Life, Justice & Peace with the Diocese of Orange. Christ Cathedral Academy, Freed Theater, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove; www.rcbo.org. Thurs., Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. $5.

Dolphin Tale. Family Movie Night features Charles Martin Smith’s 2011 gem about a boy befriending a dolphin whose tail was lost in a crab trap (a.k.a. the story of my life). Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. and the Almighty himself Morgan Freeman star. Fullerton Main Library, Osborne Auditorim, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Shalom Italia. Soka Community Cinema presents the PBS POV documentary on Three Italian Jewish brothers who set off on a journey through Tuscany in search of a cave where they hid as children to escape the Nazis. Their quest—which is full of humor, food and Tuscan landscapes—straddles the boundary between history, myth and communal memory. Soka University, Pauling Hall 216, 1 University Dr., Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4000. Thurs., Oct. 19, 7 p.m. Free.