Movie of the Week:
Ghostbusters
Arguably one of the funniest comedies of the ’80s, Ghostbusters combined the comedic talents of Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson under the guiding hand of director Ivan Reitman and produced a massive box-office hit. A team of disgraced scientists (and one average joe) band together to exterminate ghosts in New York City. From this basic premise (and thanks in large part to the brilliance of Murray), a million hilarious quotes sprang. If you have not seen this film and loved it . . . well, we just don’t even know you anymore. The movie will be projected on the outside wall of the historic Fox Theater. Fox Fullerton Theater, 500 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 870-0069; www.foxfullerton.org. Thurs., Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Free.
Also Showing:
Barrio Cuba
Humberto Solás examines issues of Cuban identity, class, politics and familial relations in three interweaving stories. This film is being screened as part of Santiago Canyon College’s Latin American Film Festival. Santiago Canyon College, Building D, Room 101, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, (714) 628-4938; www.sccollege.edu. Fri., 6 p.m. Free.
Bee Movie
Jerry Seinfeld wrote and provides the voice of the lead in this animated film about the necessity of bees in global ecology. Don’t worry, this family film is more entertaining than it sounds. The film is being screened on an inflatable outdoor screen as part of an environmental-awareness event at which, in addition to watching the film, you can get tips on how to live better, healthier and greener. Sports Park, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 240-6589; www.animalcrackersent.com. Fri., 6 p.m. $7.
Creature From the Black Lagoon
A version of the classic “amphibious man meets nubile young woman” story, the 1955 Creature From the BlackLagoon is being screened as part of Lake Forest’s Friday Night Fright festival. Lead actress Julia Adams will sign autographs and participate in a Q&A prior to the screening. Heritage Hill Historical Park, 2151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest, (949) 461-3450. Fri., 8 p.m. $5.
The Dark Crystal
The best children’s films are the ones that make the viewer question whether or not they are actually appropriate for children. By combining the dark with the sweet, movies such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Last Unicorn, The Secret of NIMH, and The Neverending Story manage to lodge firmly in the minds of children who are surprisingly, preternaturally savvy of the ups and downs of existence. The Dark Crystal definitely comes from this proud tradition of unnerving the bejebus out of the youngsters who watch it. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz and featuring their masterful puppetry, The Dark Crystal’s serious study of life and death, good and evil—not to mention its occasionally shocking scenes of puppet violence—makes it a bit more memorable than Space Chimps. Regency Rancho Niguel Cinemas, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. $7.
GrindHouse
Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s attempt to replicate the trashy low-budget films on which they grew up didn’t succeed quite as well as they were hoping financially, but as genre exercises, the films are at the very least interesting. Rodriguez turns in a solidly entertaining zombie film, Planet Terror, in Part I. Tarantino takes the helm for Part II, Deathproof, a postmodern mash-up of femmesploitation, car chase movies, psycho killer flicks . . . you name it. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
The Invisible Man
In this classic horror film directed by James Whale (of Frankenstein fame), Claude Rains plays a scientist who discovers the secret to invisibility, but is driven insane in the process. Bad combo. Richard Goad Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, (562) 997-1494. Sun., 7 p.m. Free.
Night of the Living Dead
In 1968, George A. Romero made Night of the Living Dead and forever changed the face of horror. While the original was light on gore, a bevy of sequels more than made up for lost time. The first, Dawn of the Dead, was released 10 years later and featured special effects by Tom Savini. His ultra-realistic makeup brought gore to new heights and created a tidal wave of blood-soaked cinema that has yet to ebb. Subsequently, Savini and Romero formed a bond and worked together on more than half a dozen films. Fitting then, that Savini paid tribute to Romero in 1990, directing a remake of the classic Night of the Living Dead with a contemporary sensibility. Simply put: more blood. For fans of the genre, it’s not to be missed. Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Fri., 10:45 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. N Wed., 8 p.m. $5-$8.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Hurd Hatfield stars in this adaptation of an Oscar Wilde story about a man who remains mysteriously young and vital despite his dalliances in sin and corruption. His portrait, however, continually torments him by reflecting the ravages of his lifestyle. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Sudden Fear
In this tense 1952 thriller, Joan Crawford plays Broadway playwright Myra Hudson, who falls in love with Jack Palance’s rough-hewn Lester Blaine after she has him removed from her play because he didn’t look romantic enough. The two marry, but when an old lover returns to Blaine’s life, the two plot Hudson’s demise. However, Hudson may have a trick or two up her sleeve. UC Irvine Film and Video Center, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus N W. Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., Oct. 23, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
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.
