A Musician In the Motor City [Special Screenings, May 10-17]

The Death of Stalin. Armando Iannucci (Veep, In the Loop) sets his latest political satire in Moscow in early 1953, when Soviet leader Joseph Stalin collapses unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage. That sets off a mad scramble of potential successors. Steve Buscemi, Paddy Considine and Jeffrey Tambor star. Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., May 10, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Untouchables. Frida’s monthlong Directors Series spotlights Brian De Palma and begins with his acclaimed reworking of the 1959-’63 television series about the attempted takedown of Chicago mob boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in the 1920s by federal Prohibition agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and a team that includes an honest Irish-American cop (Sean Connery) and a new police-academy grad (Andy Garcia). The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., May 10, 2:30, 5 & 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 6 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami. Director Sophie Fiennes spent five years recording personal footage and live music sequences for a documentary as unconventional as its androgynous glam-pop diva subject. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., May 10, 4 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Animation/VFX Thesis Films. Senior filmmakers premiere their works, which are also live streamed. (Go to the website below, scroll to the screening event and click the link.) Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, 283 N. Cypress St., Orange, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Thurs., May 10, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Digimon Adventure tri.: Coexistence. The arrival of rampaging Meicoomon starts the countdown to the real world’s collapse. The DigiDestined are cast out of the Digital World when it goes out of order, and even after returning to the real world, they’re driven away by people on account of their accompanying partner Digimon. Meanwhile, a cruel fate is imminent for Kari, and God almighty, I am so fucking high right now. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, 99 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., May 10, 7:30 p.m. $12.50.

Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey. It’s a documentary on the original American “Dirtbag” climber whose name, distributors say, “has evoked mystery, adulation and vitriol since the 1940s. Beckey’s stubborn, singular quest to conquer peaks meant a solitary life on the road, where he left a long trail of scorned climbing partners and lost lovers in his wake.” Sender One Climbing, 1441 S. Village Way, Santa Ana, (714) 881-3456; dirtbagmovie.com. Thurs., May 10, 7:30 p.m. $15-$20.

Director’s Cut. DreadCentral.com presents the crowd-funded mind-bender from world-famous illusionist Penn Gillette and acclaimed director Adam Rifkin that is a genre-defying, movie-within-a-movie mashup of narrative thriller and docu-mental-case. A cineaste stalker (Gillette) kidnaps his favorite actress (Missi Pyle) and forces her to star in his amateur horror movie. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., May 10, 10 p.m.; Fri., 3:30 & 6 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 p.m.; Sun., 8 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., May 17, 9:30 p.m. $10.

Zama. Argentinian Lucrecia Martel’s 2017 cinematic marvel, which is based on Antonio Di Benedetto’s 1956 novel, is about 17th-century Spanish officer Don Diego de Zama (Daniel GimŽnez Cacho), who awaits a transfer to Buenos Aires from the Asunci—n settlement. But is he waiting in vain? The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Thurs., May 17, 2, 4:30 & 7 p.m. $7-$10.

Mine vaganti (Loose Cannons). Long Beach City College Foreign Languages Department’s second-annual film festival continues with this 2010 rom-dramedy about A college student in Rome going home on a break to southern Italy, where he is to tell his family he is gay. But his brother ruins his plans. Guest speaker is Leonilde Callocchia, the cultural attachŽ with the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles. Long Beach City College, LAC Campus, 4901 E. Carson St., Bldg. D, Room 135, Long Beach, (562) 938-4111. Fri., 6 p.m. Free. Event parking is free starting at 4 p.m. in lots H, I, F and G.

Senior Thesis Cycle 8 Film Screenings. These films premiere, but not in this order: Dionaea House; Sandman; A Day Unto Nothing; Super Moon; Loteria; and A Certain Kind of Love. Titles are subject to change, and the films are also live streamed. (Go to the website below, scroll to the screening event and click the link.) Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.

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.” Shadow casts K.A.O.S. and Midnight Insanity perform in front of the respective screens in Santa Ana and Long Beach. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11:30 p.m. $7-$10; also at Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Sandlot. It’s the family-friendly adventure of a new kid in town trying to fit in by playing with a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. Total fantasy; kids don’t play outside. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m. $7; also Sun., 5:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Puffs: Filmed Live Off Broadway. A certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This stage production, which was filmed for simulcast in theaters nationwide, is not about that kid, but rather a group known as the Puffs who were also there (but in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling or her Harry Potter books. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (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 Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sat., 12:55 p.m. $18.

Raising Zoey. Frida’s upstairs neighbor the LGBT Center OC presents a free screening of this inspiring documentary about 13-year-old trans activist Zoey Luna, who along with her mother, sister and the ACLU fought for her right to self-identify in her Downey school. There is a post-screening audience Q&A with Luna; her mother, Ofelia; and director Dante Alencastre, followed by a reception at LGBT Center OC. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 3 p.m. Free.

Ovarian Psycos. Kate Trumbull-LaValle and Johanna Sokolowski’s documentary is about the Ovarian Psycos Cycle Brigade, a new generation of fierce, unapologetic and feminist women of color from East LA who redefine identity through their raucous, irreverently named bicycle crew. An audience Q&A with some members follows the screening that is part of Barrio Baroque, a night of female art, film, music and discussions. Included are performances by Alice Bag and LA post-punkers ELLA, a DJ set by the all-female collective Chulita Vinyl Club, live art installations by Long Beach’s Grab Bag Studio, a Mujeres de Maiz dialogue space, food for sale, a cash bar, a photo booth, and all-female craft vendors. Pedaling to the event is encouraged, and there is a free bike valet. Barrio Baroque is inspired by the August opening of the Judithe Hern‡ández exhibition at the Museum of Latin American Art, the first solo show by a Chicanx artist there. Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, (562) 437-1689. Sat., 4 p.m. $20.

TV Pilots Film Screenings. Student-made pilots premiere. Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Sat., 4 p.m. Free.

Byte Size Film Screenings. Thesis films premiere. Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Sat., 5:30 p.m. Free.

Repo! The Genetic Opera! The costumed shadowcast troupe Addicted to the Knife returns to Frida to dance and lip-sync to the 2008 horror-musical opus filled with dirty, gory excess; family melodrama; mysterious illnesses; mind-blowing future-drugs; designer organ repossessions; a few surprising cameos; and a super-abundance of bloody stabs and slices. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Sunset Blvd. Fathom Events’ latest TCM Big Screen Classics film is Billy Wilder’s 1950 skewering of Tinsel Town fame. A struggling screenwriter (William Holden) finds the easy life in the mansion of faded (and quite mad) silent-film queen Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). The film is presented in its original aspect ratio with special pre- and post-screening commentary by a favorite Turner Classic Movies host. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sun. & Wed., 2 & 7 p.m. $12.50.

Mommie Dearest. Your mom will wonder what kind of message you’re trying to send if you take her to this Mother’s Day screening of the movie adaptation of Christina Crawford’s best-selling tell-all about her abusive mother, screen queen Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway, in perhaps her most memorable performance). The Frida Cinema;
thefridacinema.org. Sun., 2:30 p.m. $10.

Coco. It’s a Spanish-language version this week and an English-language version next week of the computer-animated Pixar hit that has 12-year-old Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) taking the famed guitar of his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) before the Day of the Dead talent show in his town’s plaza. But with a single strum, Miguel is sent to the Land of the Dead, where he will remain unless he finds his way back to the Land of the Living before Day of the Dead ends. Free and outdoors, the community screenings are curated by Frida with the support of Santa Ana Business Council, Eddie Quillares of State Farm Insurance, OMNI Group Real Estate’s Julio Arana Team and ASE Marketing Group. You are advised to bring low-backed chairs and blankets in case it gets chilly. Picnic baskets are okay, but surrounding eateries will be open; alcohol is prohibited. Pets must be on leashes at all times. Yost Theater parking lot at Third & Spurgeon sts., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 8 p.m. Free. Parking available in the structure at Fifth & Spurgeon sts. English-language screening, May 20, 8 p.m.

Blow Out. Brian De Palma month continues with his 1981 thriller about a movie sound recordist (John Travolta) who becomes a target after he accidentally records evidence that a car accident was actually a murder. De Palma’s then-wife Nancy Allen co-stars. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 3:30, 6 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Michael Bolton Presents American Dream: Detroit. The greatest turnaround of a city in U.S. history is told through the eyes of singer Michael Bolton. Besides the visions of a new Detroit, Bolton exposes the Motor City’s golden age of entertainment that was produced by then-locals such as Francis Ford Coppola, Jerry Bruckheimer, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Alice Cooper. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (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; www.fathomevents.com. Tues., 7 p.m. $12.50.

Race to Nowhere. The documentary from a concerned mother-turned-filmmaker maintains that cheating has become commonplace, students are disengaged, and stress-related illness and depression are rampant in American schools. Consider this a call to action for families, educators and policymakers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare our youth to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. Dr. Angela L. Gonzales—a pediatrician, parenting specialist, transformational speaker and mother of three—leads a post-screening discussion. Discovery of Learning Homeschool Center, 19045 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (925) 310-4242. Tues., 7 p.m. $5-$10.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Peter Jackson’s 2002 sequel sees Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) continuing on to Mordor in their mission to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, their former companions make new allies and launch an assault on Isengard. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.

Airplane! The 1980 Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker farce, which I have watched and re-watched more times than I can remember, is one of my go-to answers when people ask me to name my favorite film. It is the best movie ever made about the 1970s. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Dressed to Kill. Brian De Palma’s 1980 film is among his thrillers that ape the Hitchcock style, then pile on the explicitness. A high-priced call girl (Nancy Allen) becomes a murder suspect and the real killer’s target after stumbling upon the body of a woman (Angie Dickinson) in an elevator, as well as a glimpse of the tall blonde who violently slashed the victim. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed., 3:30, 6 & 8:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 17, 10 p.m. $7-$10.

Jersey Boys. Clint Eastwood’s 2014 bio-musical comes from the same writers who created the hit Broadway musical (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice). It’s the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s pop group the Four Seasons. You can bring light snacks and covered beverages to this screening, but alcohol is not allowed. Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., May 17, 1 p.m. Free.

Deadpool 2. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) forms the X-Force team to protect a young mutant from time-traveling soldier Cable. Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin and T.J. Miller co-star in director David Leitch’s anticipated blockbuster. The script is by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Reynolds and based on the comic-book character created by Rob Liefeld, who speaks at two local screenings. Buy a special comic book he signed and receive free entry to either private showing. Krikorian Theater, 8290 La Palma Ave., Buena Park; robliefeldcreations.com/shop/vip-package/deadpool-2-screening-and-exclusive-comic-book-with-creator-rob-liefeld/. Thurs.-Fri., May 17-18, line up for the movie, 6 p.m.; pre-screening talk by Liefeld, 7 p.m.; screening, 7:30 p.m. $39.99 (includes a comic book).

National Theatre Live: Macbeth. Shakespeare’s most intense tragedy, which was captured live on the London stage just a week ago, has Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff playing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who are propelled toward the crown by forces of elemental darkness. AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., May 17, 7 p.m. $22.

The Snowman Trek: The Ultimate Outdoor Challenge. This documentary follows a team of ultra-marathoners attempting a speed record on the world’s hardest trek, which is located high in the Himalayas. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, 26602 Towne Center Dr., Foothill Ranch, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, 9741 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., May 17, 7 p.m. $10.50-$12.50.