Movie of the Week:
Back to the Future
Michael J. Fox must travel back in time to keep his family from disappearing in this mind-bendingly fun classic from director Robert Zemeckis. Bring a blanket and snacks for this outdoor screening on the beach. There will be a dinner menu and free popcorn available. Granada Beach, 5101 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Tues., dusk. Free.
Also Showing:
The 11th Hour
Leonardo DiCaprio narrates this film about environmental crises. Fairview Community Church, 2525 Fairview Rd., Costa Mesa, (714) 721-6554; www.progressivechristiansuniting.org. Fri., 6:30 p.m. Free.
Between the Lines
John Milius narrates this documentary of the surfing culture in Vietnam during the war. Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., Huntington Beach, (714) 374-1650; www.bigredprod.com. Fri., 8 p.m. $15; proceeds benefit the Long Beach Veterans Prosthetics Lab.
Darfur Now
This documentary examines the crisis in Darfur and what we can do to help. Irvine United Congregational Church, Plumer Hall, 4915 Alton Pkwy., Irvine; www.aiusaoc.org/irvine. Thurs., July 31, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Mulan
A young Chinese woman becomes a great warrior in this Disney film. Bring a blanket for this outdoor screening. Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Fri., dusk. Parking, $10.
The Muppet Movie
Remember when children's television was real—not sterilized and P.C.? Back when Looney Tunes contained actual violence and destruction? When Mickey Mouse and friends were depicted boozing and gambling? Man, those were the good times. Luckily, we have the video remnants from this strange and wonderful era to prove that people didn't always encourage their children to grow up square. You can share this evidence with your offspring tonight at the Orange County Performing Arts Center's free outdoor screening of Jim Henson's 1979 children's classic, The Muppet Movie. A pre-performance contest will determine which audience member can do the best Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy impressions. Why not head down with your lawn chair and picnic basket and heckle the film like Statler and Waldorf? We'll even provide the dialogue:
Statler: I like the movie fine so far.
Waldorf: It hasn't started yet.
Statler:That's what I like about it. (Amanda Parsons) Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 556-2787; www.ocpac.org. Mon., 8 p.m. Free.
North By Northwest
Alfred Hitchock directs this cross-country thriller starring Cary Grant. Cherry Beach, E. Ocean Blvd. N Junipero Ave., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Wed., dusk. Free.
Roman Scandals
Eddie Cantor is transported back to ancient Rome in this Samuel Goldwyn laugh fest. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Scarface
Brian De Palma's 1983 movie about a Cuban cocaine-dealing gangster (scripted by Oliver Stone) was originally given an X rating due to the intense graphic violence (remember the chain saw scene?). After three cuts and a hearing with the MPAA, the film was finally graced with an R, making it suitable for teenagers to watch as long as their parents were sitting next to them. Even then, Scarface was met with mixed reviews due to its over-the-top use of violence and graphic language. Flash forward 25 years, and it's been heralded as one of the greatest gangster movies ever made. Little-known fact: Unbeknownst to studio execs, sneaky De Palma released the original, uncut version to theaters and didn't cop to it until months later. (Erin DeWitt) Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359. Thurs., July 31, 7:30 p.m. $10.
Some Like It Hot
Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe star in Billy Wilder's cross-dressing comedy. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
Surf's Up
Penguins surf in this charming family film. Bring a blanket for this outdoor screening. Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Fri., dusk. Parking, $10.
Surf Theatre Film Festival
Big Red Productions hosts this annual screening. See their website for more information. Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., Huntington Beach, (714) 374-1650; www.bigredprod.com. Sat.-Sun., 7:30 p.m. Free.
Unconstitutional: The War on Civil Liberties
This Robert Greenwald film examines the ins and outs of the Patriot Act. The Good Vibes Cafe, 510 E. Broadway Ave., Long Beach, (562) 590-5839. Mon., 7 p.m. Free.
The Wild Bunch
Aging western outlaws attempt to get away with one final score and deal with the rapidly modernizing world around them. The Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Sun., 5:30 p.m.; Mon. N Wed., 7:30 p.m. $5-$8.
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.
