Vice. Adam McKay’s bio-drama details the rise of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale and a packed-on 40 pounds), the most powerful vice president in history. Amy Adams portrays Lynne Cheney and Steve Carell plays Donald Rumsfeld. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs.-Thurs., Jan. 3-10, 12:30, 3:30, 6:40 and 9:45 p.m. $9.50-$12.50; Also at Regency Westminster, 6721 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, (714) 893-4222. Thurs.-Thurs., Jan. 3-10, 1, 4:05, 7:10 and 10:05 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m. $8-$10.
Roma. Frida’s Director of the Month is Alfonso Cuarón’s, which is convenient for him because out now is his new, semi-autobiographical, gorgeously shot black-and-white drama. It follows a year in the life of a young domestic worker (Yalitza Aparicio) and the middle-class Mexico City family she works for in the early 1970s. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 3, 12:45 and 6:45 p.m. & Fri.-Thurs., Jan. 4-10, 9:50 p.m. $8-$11. Also at The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 2 p.m.; Fri., Mon.-Tues., 5 and 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., Jan. 7-10, 1:30 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs., Jan. 9-10, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.
Finding Neverland. This month’s Thursday Matinee Film Series theme is “About the Author.” Marc Forster’s 2004 bio-drama is about the friendship between author Sir J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) and the family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. Bring snacks and beverages but no booze lest a hook replaces your hand. Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 3, 1 p.m. Free.
The Favourite. In Yorgos Lanthimos’ new bio-dramedy, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) secretly governs early 18th century England for her close friend Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), who is in ill health and bad temper. When servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, a charmed Sarah takes her under her wing, which the newcomer sees as giving her a shot at returning to her aristocratic roots. Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Thurs.-Thurs., Jan. 3-10, 1:30, 4, 6:30 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50. Also at Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Fri.-Thurs., Jan. 4-10, 11:10 a.m. and 1:50, 4:40, 7:20 and 9:55 p.m. $9.50-$12.50; Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Fri.-Thurs., Jan. 4-10, 4 p.m. $8-$11.
The Matrix. It’s the 20th-anniversary of the Wachowskis’ 1999 sci-fi classic that perfectly captured the turn-of-the-century paranoia zeitgeist. A computer hacker (Keanu Reeves) is plucked from his normal routine by a mysterious band of rebels determined to teach him the truth about the nature of his reality. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Jan. 3, 2:30, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. & Sat., 8 p.m. $7-$10.
Twisted Pair. Writer/director Neil Breen plays identical twins who become hybrid artificial-intelligence entities torn in different directions to achieve justice for humanity. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Jan. 3, 8 p.m. $7-$10.
On the Basis of Sex. In Mimi Leder’s new bio-drama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) struggles for equal rights and with what she has to overcome to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Fri.-Thurs., Jan. 4-10, 11 a.m. and 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 and 10:05 p.m. $9.50-$12.50.
Stan and Ollie. Laurel and Hardy (Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly), the world’s most famous comedy duo, try to reignite their film career as they embark on what becomes their swan song: a grueling theater tour of post-war Britain. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Fri.-Thurs., Jan. 4-10, 11:45 a.m. & 2:15, 4:45, 7:30 and 9:55 p.m. $8-$11.
The Mummy. Nostalgic Nebula presents a 20th-anniversary screening of Stephen Sommers’ 1999 action-adventure flick about treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert of 1925 stumbling upon an ancient tomb. Led by Brendan Fraser, the group unwittingly releases a 3,000-year-old legacy of terror that is embodied in the vengeful reincarnation of an Egyptian priest who had been sentenced to an eternity as one of the living dead. Attendees can take a photo with the Mummy in the lobby and listen to Nostalgic Nebula String Quartet’s take on Jerry Goldsmith’s movie score. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., doors open, 7:30 p.m.; string quartet, followed by the film, 8 p.m. $15.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Honoring the work of Frida’s Director of the Month continues with Alfonso Cuarón’s 2004 solid contribution to the fantasy franchise that adapts J.K. Rowling books. Convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) breaks out of Wizards Prison and comes after Harry (Daniel Radcliffe). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. and 2 and 5 p.m. & Sun., 8 p.m. $7-$10.
Mob Psycho 100 Season 2 Premiere. Crunchyroll Movie Night presents an exclusive first look at Episode 1 from Season 2 before it premieres in Japan. It is presented in Japanese with English subtitles. For those who have not had a chance to get caught up on Mob’s story as a powerful esper, or if you need a refresher, the screening event includes original video animation that recaps the first season from Reigen’s perspective. The fun begins with a special welcome from Setsuo Ito, the voice of Mob. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, 99 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, 300 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, 255 W. Birch St., Brea, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, 26602 Towne Center Dr., Foothill Ranch, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, 9741 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sat., 12:55 p.m. $12.50.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The pioneering midnight movie starts with the car of sweethearts Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) breaking down near the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). The transvestite scientist’s home also hosts a rocking biker (Meat Loaf), a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien) and assorted freaks, including a hunk of beefcake named “Rocky.” Live shadow-cast troupe Midnight Insanity performs. Art Theatre; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.
Office Space. Idiocracy/Silicon Valley/King of the Hill/Beavis and ButtheadÊcreator Mike Judge wrote and directed this hilarious cult classic that debuted—ready to feel old?—20 years ago. The story navigates the often-depressing world of office work, making it instantly relatable to anyone imprisoned in a cubicle. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 5, 7 and 9 p.m. (Also Jan. 12, 10 p.m.) $7-$10.
Fight Club. It’s a 20th-anniversary screening of David Fincher’s satirical tale—from screenwriter Jim Uhls’ adaptation of the Chuck Palahniuk story—that tackles (or, rather, punches) social isolation and spiritual disconnection and the frequently inappropriate ways in which we attempt to alleviate this angst. Brad Pitt stars in lunatic Adonis mode and Edward Norton co-stars in Edward Norton mode. The fight scenes are not for the weak of stomach. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed.-Thurs., Jan. 9-10, 2, 5 and 8 p.m. (Also Jan. 13, 8 p.m.) $7-$10.
Man On Wire. It’s a gasp-inducing documentary on Philippe Petit, who on Aug. 7, 1974, pulled what was known at the time as the “artistic crime of the century.” The young Frenchman stepped onto a wire suspended between the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York and danced for an hour without a safety net before he was arrested. Art Theatre; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Wed., 7 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.
Rachel Hollis Presents: Made for More. The documentary’s subject is Mother of four, The Chic Site founder/CEO and author of the best-seller Girl, Wash Your Face. Rachel Hollis hopes her story inspires women to chase their biggest dreams. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $15.
Top Gun. Before Top Gun: Maverick hits theaters in 2020, see Tony Scott’s 1986 air action-drama about macho students of an elite U.S. fighter-pilot school competing to be best in class. They include ol’ Maverick himself (Tom Cruise), who is also after the heart of a teacher (Kelly McGillis). Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.
Shakespeare In Love. In the 1998 Academy Award-winning Best Picture, writer Tom Stoppard and director John Madden have young William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) struck by the love bug after he discovers ardent theater-lover Lady Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow, in her Oscar-winning performance) has dressed up as a man to get cast as the male lead in Romeo and Juliet. This month’s Thursday Matinee Film Series theme is “About the Author.” Fullerton Public Library, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 10, 1 p.m. Free.
Modest Heroes: Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1. GKIDS and Fathom Events present the U.S. national debut of the animated anthology from Studio Ponoc, the new Japanese animation studio founded by Yoshiaki Nishimura (The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There). Modest Heroes is a collection of tales (by great anime talent): “Kanini & Kanino” (Hiromasa Yonebayashi); “Life Ain’t Gonna Lose” (Yoshiyuki Momose); and “Invisible” (Akihiko Yamashita). Attendees also view a behind-the-scenes exclusive on the making of the project. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Jan. 10, 7 p.m. (dubbed; also showing Jan. 12, 12:55 p.m. in Japanese with English subtitles). $12.50.
OC Weekly Editor-in-Chief Matt Coker has been engaging, enraging and entertaining readers of newspapers, magazines and websites for decades. He spent the first 13 years of his career in journalism at daily newspapers before “graduating” to OC Weekly in 1995 as the alternative newsweekly’s first calendar editor.