On the Basis of Sex. In Mimi Leder’s new bio-drama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) struggles for equal rights and has much to overcome to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 10, 11 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 & 10:05 p.m. $8-$10; also at Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Opens Fri. Call for show times. $8-$11.
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. Thurs., Jan. 10, 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:30 & 9:55 p.m. $8-$11; also at Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Opens Fri. Call for show times. $8-$10.
Roma. Frida’s Director of the Month is Alfonso Cuarón, 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. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs.-Fri., Jan. 10-11 & Mon.-Thurs., Jan. 17, 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12:15, 3, 5:45 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10; also at Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:50 p.m. $8-$11.
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. Thurs., Jan. 10, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 8 p.m. $7-$10.
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, 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. Thurs., Jan. 10, 7 p.m. (dubbed in English); Sat., 12:55 p.m. (in Japanese with English subtitles). $12.50.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Drag hostess Xochitl and a special guest host a free screening of the hit reality show as well as live drag antics. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 7 p.m. (doors open); 7:30 p.m. (pre-show); 8 p.m. (episode). Free.
Dry Blood. Horror site Dread Central and rising indie horror distributor Epic Pictures partner to present this new flick about an alcoholic (Clint Carney) trying to dry out in his mountain vacation home. Haunted by ghosts and a sadistic local sheriff, he discovers his cabin has a horrifying past. Director/co-star Kelton Jones and writer/co-star Clint Carney participate in a post-screening audience Q&A after Saturday’s screening. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 10 p.m.; Sat., 1:30 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.; Mon.-Thurs., Jan. 17, noon. $7-$10.
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 K.A.O.S. performs in Santa Ana, while it’s Midnight Insanity in Long Beach. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11:30 p.m. $7-$10; also at Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.
Galaxy Quest. It’s a 20th-anniversary screening of Dean Parisot’s 1999 send-up of Star Trek, trekkers and trekkies. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman are among those who play current-day stars of 1970s sci-fi show Galaxy Quest. The fictional crew is beamed aboard a real spaceship by aliens who took the onscreen exploits literally. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., noon, 2, 5 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., noon, 2:30 & 5 p.m. $7-$10.
The Met: Live in HD: Adriana Lecouvreur. For the first time at the Metropolitan Opera, Anna Netrebko sings the title role of the great 18th-century actress in love with the military hero Maurizio, sung by Piotr Beczała. Cilea’s tragedy is sung in Italian with English subtitles. AMC Marina Pacifica, 6346 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 430-8790; 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; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (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. Sat., 12:55 p.m. (live simulcast); Wed., 1 & 6:30 p.m. (encore). $18-$24.
Office Space. Idiocracy/Silicon Valley/King of the Hill/Beavis and Butthead creator Mike Judge wrote and directed this hilarious 1998 cult classic that navigates the often-depressing world of office work, making it instantly relatable to anyone imprisoned in a cubicle. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 10 p.m. $7-$10.
The Death of Superman + Reign of Superman Double Feature. DC, Warner Bros. and Fathom Events celebrate the release of Reign of Superman by first showing the animated feature that preceded it. In last year’s The Death of Superman, which takes its title from DC’s 1992-93 comic book phenomenon, the Justice League rallies to defeat an unstoppable, otherworldly force known as Doomsday. That leads to an epic showdown with Superman, who tries to save Earth and Metropolis. Reign of Superman picks up with Superman’s unfathomable death, which prompts four superheroes to arrive in Metropolis in hopes of becoming the next Man of Steel. 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 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. Sun., 12:55 p.m.; Mon., 8 p.m. $12.50.
Incredibles 2. You can see the animated 2018 smash hit from Disney-Pixar and director Brad Bird outside or indoors, and either way it is free. Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) takes care of the kids while his wife Helen/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is out saving the world. Giveaways and special food and beverage options are available at the outdoor screening event. 4th Street Market, 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 5:30 p.m. Free. Also at Fullerton Public Library, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Children of Men. Frida’s monthlong Cuarón retrospective continues with the filmmaker’s acclaimed 2006 adaptation of P.D. James’ dystopian novel. The thriller is set in 2027, when women have become infertile and a former activist (Clive Owen) agrees to help transport a pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.
Split. Before its sequel Glass hits theaters, see M. Night Shyamalan’s 2017 horror-thriller about three girls (Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson and Jessica Sula) who are kidnapped by a man (James McAvoy) with 23 distinct personalities. They escape before frightful No. 24 emerges. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed.-Thurs., Jan. 17, 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.
Bye Bye Birdie. Based on Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army five years before, George Sydney’s 1963 musical comedy has a drafted rock & roller (Bobby Rydell) going to a small Ohio town to make his televised “farewell” performance, kiss his biggest fan (Ann-Margret) and—hopefully—perform the new tune of a struggling songwriter (Dick Van Dyke). Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.
Capote. This month’s Thursday Matinee Film Series theme is “About the Author.” Philip Seymour Hoffman won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Truman Capote in Bennett Miller’s 2005 biopic, which covers the author’s research for his groundbreaking book In Cold Blood, which was based on a brutal quadruple murder in a small rural town. Bring snacks and beverages, but no booze lest you get the chair. Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 17, 1 p.m. Free.
Free Solo. In this documentary, see Alex Honnold, without ropes or safety gear, become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000-foot-high El Capitan Wall, arguably the greatest feat in rock-climbing history. Art Theatre; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Thurs., Jan. 17, 6 p.m. (Also Jan. 19-20, 11 a.m.) $8.50-$11.50.
Wonders of the Sea 3D. Co-producers Arnold Schwarzenegger, who also narrates, and Jean Michel Cousteau, who serves as the documentary’s main subject, present underwater footage that makes it appear viewers are diving alongside the Cousteau family. Together, they showcase rarely seen sea creatures and too-often-seen ocean threats. AMC Fullerton 20, 1001 S. Lemon St., Fullerton, (714) 992-6962; 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 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; Edwards Market Place Stadium 10, 13782 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12, 901 South Coast Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 428-0962; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; Regal La Habra Stadium 16, 1351 W. Imperial Hwy., La Habra, (562) 690-4909; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Jan. 17, 7 p.m. $12.50-$15.
The Exhibition Room Silent Film Series. The speakeasy, which one enters with a password and through a phone booth, and Long Beach Heritage Museum continue their semi-regular screenings of silent films. Among them are Laurel and Hardy’s Big Business and Charlie Chaplin’s Sunnyside. Fine spirits and Roxanne’s delightful hors d’oeuvres are served. The Exhibition Room—Long Beach Craft Cocktails, 1117 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, (562) 826-2940; www.theexhibitionroom.com. Thurs., Jan. 17, 8 p.m. $40.
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.