Movie of the Week:
White Christmas
’Tis the season for an endless barage of holiday-themed movies, but you could do a lot worse than this classic. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play two vets who form a song-and-dance team after the war (does this kind of thing still happen? Did it ever really?). They team up with a sister act (played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) in an effort to save a financially strapped Vermont inn, run by Crosby and Kaye’s former commanding general. Heartwarming and light (as the holidays themselves should be), the film is hard to resist, especially when projected on the outside wall of the historic Fox Theater (bring a sweater). Fox Fullerton Theater, 500 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 870-0069; www.foxfullerton.org. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.
Also Showing:
It’s a Wonderful Life
Before the Christmas onslaught begins—the shopping, the parties, the rushing around, more parties, the travelling, the endless cries of “gimme, gimme, gimme”—wouldn’t it be lovely to take an evening to remember what it’s all about? It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra and released in 1946, was initially a box-office flop, but it has come to be considered one of the most inspirational, celebratory films of all time. It’s essentially required holiday viewing. In fact, in some states, we believe it’s actually legislated. And much like the relatives you’re forced to be around this time of year, whether you like it or not, you’ll have It’s a Wonderful Life coming out of your pores by New Year’s Day. May as well see it on the big screen, as Capra intended. (Chesney Higgins) Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. N Wed., 8 p.m. $5-$8; CinemaFusion, 321 W. Katella St., Anaheim, (714) 399-0300; www.cinemafusionanaheim.com. Wed., 7 p.m. $7.50.
Into the Light
This powerful documentary follows a Tanzanian sociologist as she travels her country investigating why the AIDS epidemic is still thriving there. Along the way, she forges a relationship with an orphan named Suzy, lending an intensely personal face to the tragedy. Cal State Fullerton’s Steven G. Mihaylo Hall, Room 1502, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 278-7586; www.fullerton.edu. Mon., 7 p.m. Free; parking, $5.
Little Shop of Horrors
A nebbishy young botanist must navigate a tricky relationship with a man-eating plant as he pursues the girl of his dreams in this extremely entertaining musical. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
Warren Miller’s Children of Winter Never Grow Old
Warren Miller’s touring ski-and-snowboard film follows top pros across the world as they tackle the most challenging runs. The film is playing in high definition at theaters across the county this week. Lido Theatre, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Tues., 8 p.m.; Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, (562) 985-7000. Thurs., Dec. 4, 8 p.m. See www.skinet.com/warrenmiller for ticket cost and more information.
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.
