The Wizard of Oz
This classic piece of Hollywood fantasy cinema is being screened with live orchestral accompaniment from the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. The audience is invited to come dressed as one of the “Wizard of Oz” characters. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, (714) 755-5799; www.pacificsymphony.org. Sat., 8 p.m. $22-$102.
The Big Lebowski
The Coen Brothers’ film took a little while to grow, but now ranks as a bona-fide cult classic. Slacker bowlers must use their wit and ingenuity to investigate the disappearance of a young party girl in Los Angeles. This description barely scratches the surface of this multi-textual film. Lucille Keuhn Auditorium, Room 100, Humanities Instructional Building, UC Irvine, Campus N W. Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-5493; summer.uci.edu. Thurs., July 24, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Casablanca
American romantic espionage movie featuring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Cherry Beach, E. Ocean Blvd. N Junipero Ave., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Wed., dusk. Free.
The First Emperor
Based on the latest research, including location photography at key sites in China, this film sheds new light on the achievements, ambitions, and legacy of the enigmatic First Emperor of China—an emperor who wished to reign for all eternity. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Fri., 6:30 p.m. Free with museum admission ($9-$12).
Grease
Charming ‘50s throwback musical starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Awards will be given to the best Grease inspired costume. The film will be projected outside the Performing Arts Center, and guests are invited to bring their own beach chairs and snacks (though refreshments will be on sale). Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 556-2787; www.ocpac.org. Mon., 8 p.m. Free.
Kenny
In Melbourne, Kenny Smyth supplies temporary toilets for everything from street festivals to church fetes. And even if his ex-wife couldn’t cope with his career, she still can’t turn their son against him. When he gets the chance to represent his firm at a toilet expo in Nashville, the trip could change his life. Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Tues., 7:30 p.m. Call for cost.
The Manchurian Candidate
See “Third Party.”
Moonraker
In this, the silliest of Bond films, James Bond goes into space for a little cosmic espionage. Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., July 24, 7:30 p.m. Call for cost.
Network
See “Mad as Hell.”
The Perfect Man
A young woman invents a virtual perfect man to boost her mom’s confidence with mixed results. Granada Beach, 5101 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Tues., dusk. Free.
Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles
This film tells the story of a fisherman who vows to complete his estranged and dying son’s documentary and his odyssey into the heart of China where he befriends a fatherless boy. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Wed., 1:30 p.m. $7, general; $5, members.
Shark Week
The Long Beach Aquarium is hosting an outdoor screening of a new episode of “Shark Week” on their front line. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, (562) 590-3100; www.aquariumofpacific.org. Sun., 8 p.m. Free.
The Sign of the Cross
It may have been marketed as a religious movie, but director Cecil B. DeMille added plenty of sexy and spectacular scenes. The Christians, led by Frederick March, seek religious freedom under Nero (Charles Laughton). Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
The Water Horse
A boy befriends a sea creature in this family film. Bring your blankets, low-back beach chairs and snacks to the amphitheater for a night of family fun. Food will also be for sale. Arovista Park, Elm N Sievers sts., Brea, (714) 990-7177; www.cityofbrea.net. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.
Waterman
Starring Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Gerry Lopez, Rob Machado, and the Malloy Brothers, this is the ultimate waterman journey through the Mentawais with all athletes testing their skills in and out of the water, while enjoying the spirit of surfing’s lifestyle. The screening will be attended by Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama. Surfing Heritage Foundation, 101 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, (949) 388-0313; www.surfingheritage.org. Fri., 8 p.m. $10-$50.
Wild and Scenic Tour
A variety of short films with outdoors and environemtal concerns. Bring your own chair. The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; www.thecampsite.com. Sun., 8:30 p.m. Free.
—compiled by Tom Child
Mail your press releases (and a videotape or disc, if available) to Special Screenings, OC Weekly, 1666 N. Main St., Ste. 500, Santa Ana, CA 92701-7417. Or send e-mail to tc****@oc******.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
