SICKO
So, before we all go getting our undies in a bunch about Michael Moore's new film, let's all try actually seeing it at this special one-night-only sneak preview, shall we? Early reviews have mentioned that Sicko has the potential to unify both liberals and conservatives, as it attacks politicians and insurance-company executives regardless of their political orientation. One thing to which we all—rich and poor, Democrat and Republican—can relate is the awareness of the ticking time bomb that is the slobbering, decaying physical vessels we call our bodies. Trouble is, a lot of people in government and the insurance industry have found amazing ways to cash in on our mortality. Why is the idea of providing basic health care for all American citizens tantamount to treason in the minds of loudmouth blowhard pundits and politicians? See this documentary for one perspective. Love him or hate him, at least form your own opinion of Moore's filmmaking before you speak. Edwards University Town Center, 4245 Campus Dr., Irvine, (949) 854-8811. Sat., 7 p.m. Call for cost.
OTHER SCREENINGS:
Gone With the Wind. Classic epic about the grand ol' south, featuring such notable quotables as “Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn” and “As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again.” Everyone knows this movie, but it seems that few nowadays have sat through it. Now's your chance. Pierside SurfCity 6, 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, (949) 640-2370. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $7.
Grease. The 1978 movie adaptation of the smash Broadway musical, starring John Travolta as hot shot '50s greaser Danny and Olivia Newton-John as good girl Sandy. Sandy is hopelessly devoted to Danny, but Danny plays it cool and loses her. Will they get back together in time for graduation from Rydell High? Well, it's a happy musical—what do you think? The film will be projected on the back wall of the Fox Theatre. Bring your own chair and dress warmly. The Fox Theatre, 512 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 870-0069; www.foxfullerton.org. Thurs., June 21. 8 p.m. Free, but donations accepted.
Hoodwinked. An animated film cashing in on the success of Shrek, Hoodwinked purports to tell the true story of Little Red Riding Hood, featuring the vocal talents of Anne Hathaway, Glenn Close, Jim Belushi and many more. Part of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort's Movies on the Beach series, the films are projected on an inflatable screen. Bring a blanket, a low-backed chair and some warm clothes because you'll be sitting outside in the sand. Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Fri., dusk. Parking, $10.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Haven't seen this? And you call yourself a nerd. Legitimately hilarious (at least until you've seen it 8 million times), Holy Grail remains the crowning achievement in the Monty Python cinematic oeuvre. An imaginative take on the King Arthur saga, Holy Grail features some classic geek humor and a lot of fake blood. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Some do Pilates, some do “The Time Warp.” It's okay, boys, put on some makeup and look fabulous—a lot of girls are into ambiguous sexuality. Well, at least they were in Santa Cruz. Royal Theater aboard theQueen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Sat., midnight. $8.
Splendid Stones. This film shows a global journey to discover the origins and use of gems and explores man's centuries-old obsession with these coveted stones. The film is free with paid admission to the museum. Bowers Museum's Nora Kershaw Auditorium, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3679; www.bowers.org. Fri., 1:30 p.m. $12-$17; children under 6, free.
Spy Kids. Part one in Robert Rodriguez's successful series, Spy Kids concerns the efforts of two remarkable children to rescue their secret-agent parents. Any movie featuring Alan Cumming can't be all bad, right? Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Sat., dusk. Parking, $10.
Waking Life. This is Richard Linklater's first film using rotoscoping animation, a technique using the distinctive look created by MIT Media Lab veteran Bob Sabiston. His computer software allows animators to trace over live-action footage with far less effort than before. Waking Life follows one man through his dream(s) while trying to discern his dream from waking life. Amidst his numerous encounters and conversations—some of which delve into questions of existentialism, life, death and consciousness—he attempts to figure out a way to wake himself up. Irvine Fine Arts Center, 14321 Yale Ave., Irvine, (949) 724-6880. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.
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
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. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
