Down In Fraggle Rock . . . [Special Screenings, Dec. 13-20]

The Belles of Fraggle Rock. Photo courtesy Fathom Events

Roma. Alfonso Cuarón’s new, semi-autobiographical, and (based on the trailers) gorgeously shot black-and-white drama 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, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Dec. 13, 12:30, 3:45, 7 & 9:55 p.m. $8-$11; also at Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Thurs., Dec. 13, 12:45, 3:30 & 9:15 p.m.; Fri., 12:45, 3:30, 6:15, 9 p.m.; Sat., 3:45, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m.; Sun., 1, 3:45, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., Dec. 20, noon, 3, 6 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50; and Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Dec. 13, 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 & 10:15 p.m. $9.50-$12.50.

Fanny and Alexander: The Complete Television Version. The month-long Ingmar Bergman retrospective concludes with his uncut 1982 masterpiece about a family in turn-of-the-century Sweden, where the young children experience various comedies and tragedies. We’re talking the 312-minute version that played on Swedish TV, not the Oscar winner that had two hours trimmed before its U.S. release. Presented in Swedish with English subtitles. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Dec. 13, 1 & 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. $7-$10.

It’s a Wonderful Life. In Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, a banker (Jimmy Stewart) is on the brink of suicide after losing his town’s money. He finds out what life would be like without him from an angel without wings (Henry Travers). Bring snacks and beverages, but no booze lest you get the ol’ Mr. Potter treatment. Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Dec. 13, 1 p.m. Free; also at Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Fri.-Mon., 1 & 7 p.m. $9-$11.50; the Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. $7-$10; and Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.

Hola Mexico Film Fest: ÀComo matar a un esposo muerto? (Like Killing a Dead Husband). The fest closes with Joel Núñez Arocha and Conrado Martinez’s comedy, which was inspired by true events. A dedicated mother of two must destroy her ex-husband and his legacy after the womanizing businessman dies unexpectedly and leaves his fortune and the custody of his daughters to his brother. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Dec. 13, 7 p.m. $7-$10.

Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki. Academy Award-winning director, animator and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro) announced his retirement at age 72 in 2013. But the master of hand-drawn anime could not overcome a burning desire to create. Filmed over two years and presented in Japanese with English subtitles, this new documentary shows Miyazaki overcoming struggles to create his first computer-animated film, the short Boro the Caterpillar. 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, (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., Dec. 13 & Tues., 7:30 p.m. $12.50.

Slay Belles. Dan Walker’s new horror flick is about three cosplayers (Kristina Klebe, Susan Slaughter and Hannah Wagner) breaking into Santa Land for Christmas Eve partying. Confronted by Krampus, the trio joins forces with Santa Claus (Barry Bostwick) to defeat the evil demon. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Dec. 13, 10 p.m. $7-$10.

The House That Jack Built. Lars von Trier’s new horror-thriller looks at five incidents that shaped the development of an American serial killer (Matt Dillon) in the 1970s. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri. & Sun., 9 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., Dec. 17-20, 10 p.m. $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; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Met: Live in HD: La Traviata. Michael Mayer’s Metropolitan Opera production of the Verdi tragedy is first presented live on the big screen, and then as a taped encore, with both sung in Italian with English subtitles. Germont (baritone Quinn Kelsey) destroys the love of his son (tenor Juan Diego Flórez) and the opera’s classic heroine Violetta (soprano Diana Damrau). AMC Marina Pacifica, 6346 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 430-8790; AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288 (no encore); AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036 (no Dec. 19, 1 p.m.); 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., 9:55 a.m. (live); Wed., 1 & 6:30 p.m. (encore). $18-$24.

Deconstructing the Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour. Composer, music historian and Beatles enthusiast Scott Freiman returns to break down another Fab Four project and songs: the one-hour, 1967 psychedelic film they wrote and directed and the tracks “Blue Jay Way,” “I Am the Walrus,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “The Fool On the Hill” and more. Art Theatre; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Home Alone. In Chris Columbus’ brilliant 1990 resurrection of physical comedy, an 8-year-old boy (Macaulay Culkin), who is mistakenly left home by his European-vacationing family, must spend the holidays defending himself and his home from a couple of knuckleheaded burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., noon, 2:30 & 5 p.m.; Sun., 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Canelo vs. Rocky. Boxers Canelo Alvarez and Rocky Fielding clash live for the Super Middleweight world championship. 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; www.fathomevents.com. Sat., 6 p.m. $20.

Godzilla (1954) + Ishiro Honda: A Life In Film Q&A and Book Signing. Los Angeles Arts Society presents Ishiro Honda’s classic that spawned a franchise that continues to this day (Godzilla vs. Kong is due in 2020). In the original, American nuclear testing unleashes a dinosaur-like beast that tramples through Tokyo. A post-screening Q&A features Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski, authors of Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa, which is available for purchase and signing in the lobby. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 7 p.m. $12.

The Polar Express. Robert Zemeckis directed and co-wrote (from Chris Van Allsburg’s book) this 2004 computer-animated family film. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the train Polar Express. Tom Hanks voiced Hero Boy, the father, the conductor, a hobo, Scrooge and Santa Claus. Bring your own blanket to protect the indoor gymnasium floor. Food is available, but you can also bring your own. City Gym and Pool, 1600 Palm Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 960-8884. Sat., doors open, 7:15 p.m.; screening, 8 p.m. Free; also at Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed. Call for show time. $9.

Jim Henson’s Holiday Special. Two holiday specials helmed by the Muppets’ creator have been remastered. Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, which features music by Paul Williams, is about a poor family trying to win a $50 talent show prize so they can afford presents. The Bells of Fraggle Rock has Gobo Fraggle venturing to the center of Fraggle Rock to figure out why the spirit of the season eludes him. This event includes a new featurette and a special guest. 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, (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 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., 1 & 4 p.m. $10-$12.50.

Tokyo Godfathers. The heart-tugging 2003 anime from Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika) begins on a snowy Christmas Eve, when three homeless friends discover an abandoned baby rummaging through a Tokyo dump. With only a note and a few trinkets as clues, the trio sets out to find the baby’s parents. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 2:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $7-$10.

They Shall Not Grow Old. Fathom Events and Warner Bros. present Peter Jackson’s “most personal” film, a World War I documentary culled from archival footage and 600 hours of BBC interviews. Through colorization, 3D technologies and state-of-the-art restoration, Jackson aims to present the authentic experiences of the British soldiers who lived them. The filmmaker recorded a special introduction, and his film is followed by a making-of featurette. Some theaters present both 3D and non-3D versions. AMC Fullerton 20, 1001 S. Lemon St., Fullerton, (714) 992-6962; 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, (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; 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. Mon., 4 & 7 p.m. $15.

Black Christmas. Photo courtesy Funding Ltd. of Canada

Black Christmas. HorrorBuzz.com presents this 1974 Canadian slasher from Bob Clark, who is better known for A Christmas Story, Rhinestone and a couple of the Porky’s movies. But Black Christmas actually capped a horror trilogy from the filmmaker. The hosts (Margot Kidder and Olivia Hussey) of a college-sorority-house Christmas party receive crank calls from a baddie who increasingly proves to be closer than originally believed. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 2:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Die Hard. John McClane (Bruce Willis, in the role that made him an action-movie superstar) tries to stop a terrorist plot to take everyone hostage at the company Christmas party of his ex-wife (Bonnie Bedelia) in a downtown Los Angeles high-rise. Go see it if only to determine whether you agree with Willis that Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed.-Thurs., Dec. 20, 2:30, 5 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s Ron Howard’s 2000 adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book with Jim Carrey starring as the title character living on the outskirts of Whoville, whose Christmas he is hellbent on spoiling. Pacific City, Level 2 (near Saint Marc and Smocking Birds), 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach; www.gopacificcity.com/events/. Wed., 6 p.m. Free.

Elf. The Thursday Matinee film series concludes this month’s theme “Holiday Classics” with Jon Favreau’s 2003 comedy about a grown man (Will Ferrell) in green tights wreaking havoc on elves and Santa’s village because of his size. He is sent to New York City to discover his real identity and that his dad is Jimmy Fucking Caan—KICKASS! Fullerton Public Library, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Dec. 20, 1 p.m. Free.

The Boss Baby. This 2017 DreamWorks Animation production is actually quite well-done, thanks to Michael McCullers’ inventive adaptation of Marla Frazee’s picture book; director Tom McGrath’s expert pacing that’ll keep the eyes of adults and children on the screen; and the vocal talents of Miles Bakshi, Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Tobey Maguire and especially Alec Baldwin as the title character. Fullerton Public Library, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. Free.

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