See You In Pittsburgh [Special Screenings, Sept. 22-29]

Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance. Fathom Events, Universal Pictures and Picturehouse Entertainment beam into theaters a live performance of Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg's legendary musical from a sold-out Prince Edward Theatre in London. It's the epic love story of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with American GI Chris—only to see their lives torn apart by the fall of Saigon. The cast includes Jon Jon Briones as the Engineer, Eva Noblezada as Kim, Alistair Brammer as Chris, Hugh Maynard as John, Tamsin Carroll as Ellen, and Rachelle Ann Go as Gigi. In addition, the finale features appearances from the original cast, including Jonathan Pryce, Lea Salonga and Simon Bowman. Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; also at Century Stadium 25, 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange, (714) 532-9558. Thurs., Sept. 22, 7 p.m. $16-$18.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Blazing Saddles Double Feature. The Frida Cinema honors the recent passing of Gene Wilder with this special double feature. First, it's the adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel about a reclusive candy maker (Wilder) who lets five Golden Ticket winners inside his factory to learn its secrets, eat its edible contents and learn life lessons from its adorable Oompa Loompas. That's followed by Mel Brooks' comedy, among the funniest movies of all time, in which Wilder plays a gunslinger gone to drink and recruited to help the new black sheriff of Rock Ridge (Cleavon Little) save the frontier town from baddies bent on clearing out residents for a new railroad. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Fri. Willy Wonka, 7 p.m.; Blazing Saddles, 8:50 p.m. $7-$10.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Han Solo finally (spoiler alert) makes Chewy cry. Brio Park, 300 S. Euclid St., La Habra, (562) 383-4205. Fri., 7:45 p.m. Free.

Videodrome. This week's Friday Night Freakout is David Cronenberg's mystery fantasy about a trashy TV-channel president (James Woods) acquiring the show Videodrome, which televises torture and punishment, and then trying to figure out who or what is behind it when his girlfriend (Deborah Harry) disappears after auditioning for the program. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11 p.m. $8-$10.

Time Bandits. To celebrate the first national Art House Theater Day, the Frida presents Janus Films' new 2K digital restoration of this 1981 classic, supervised by director Terry Gilliam himself, with a new uncompressed stereo soundtrack. The trippy fantasy follows young history buff Kevin, who can scarcely believe it when six little people emerge from his closet one night. Former employees of the Supreme Being, this troupe of intergalactic adventurers stole a map charting all of the holes in the fabric of time and are using it to steal treasures from different historical eras. Kevin and these time bandits variously drop in on Napoleon (Ian Holm), Robin Hood (John Cleese) and King Agamemnon (Sean Connery) before the Supreme Being catches up with them for an explosive showdown. The first 75 people who arrive for the film get a limited-edition, 14-inch-by-18-inch reproduction of the Time Portal Map used in the film, designed by Terry Gilliam and courtesy of Janus Films. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11 a.m. $7.

Wish Me Away. This documentary about the coming-out journey of country singer Chely Wright makes its regional premiere, screening as part of the two-day, second annual Faith & Works Conference at a local Christian progressive church celebrating its 25th year as an “Open & Affirming congregation” that welcomes the participation and membership of LGBTQ people and their families. Irvine United Congregational Church, 4915 Alton Pkwy., Irvine, (949) 733-0220. Sat., 1:15 p.m. Free, but attendees are encouraged to register at www.iucc.org/register.

The Manhattan Short Film Festival 2016. Making its triumphant return to the Frida Cinema is the world's first global film festival, the only one in which audience members join voters from around the world in crowning the winning shorts. The lineup was still being put together at press time, but last year's fest drew more than 700 entries from 52 countries, and votes from Santa Ana complemented tallies from Europe, Argentina, South Africa and Sri Lanka, to name a few. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Phantasm: Remastered. Attending a midnight screening of director Don Coscarelli's horror opus when it first came out in 1979, I laughed my ass off and literally rolled in the aisles (much to the chagrin of onlookers) the first time one of those silver spheres went flying through the air, had its blades pop out in midflight and ripped into the flesh of an unsuspecting target. Wish I could retrace my steps back to whatever the hell I was on. To continue its Art House Theater Day celebration, the Frida Cinema presents a “loving” 4K restoration from the original camera negative and a brand-new 5.1 audio soundtrack, overseen by longtime fan J.J. Abrams and his production company Bad Robot. The story has a young man (Michael Baldwin) investigating why residents of a small town have begun dying under strange circumstances, leading him straight to the local mortician, the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm). Following the film, a Q&A is beamed in from Alamo Drafthouse, where Coscarelli and cast members are attending their own screening at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 8 p.m. $8-$10.

[

The Room. The Art House Theater Day concludes with this 2003 sensual indie thriller written, directed and produced by and starring Tommy Wiseau. Amiable banker Johnny (Wiseau) and his fiancée, Lisa (Juliette Danielle), are having a grand old time in a gorgeously shot San Francisco, but everything changes when his conflicted best friend Mark (Greg Sestero) joins in to form a love triangle. Mladen Milicevic, Jarah Gibson, Clint Gamboa, and Kitra Williams & Reflection contribute music to The Room, which has been dubbed “the Citizen Kane of bad movies” and, according to the Frida Cinema, “a modern classic.” The Santa Ana theater invites audience members to come dressed as their favorite The Room character (or Wiseau in real life!) for consideration in a costume contest. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11:30 p.m. $8-$10.

Space Jam. In this week's Calle Cuatro Sunday matinee, Michael Jordan posts up Bugs Bunny and throws an elbow into the bill of Daffy Duck, causing Pork Pig to go all Yosemite Sam on his ass. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 11 a.m. $1-$5.

Presidential Candidate Debate. Talk about a horror show: The first televised presidential debate between candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is presented live and on the big screen at the Frida Cinema. Coming from New York's Hofstra University, the debate is divided into six time segments of approximately 15 minutes each on major topics to be selected by the moderator—but who the hell knows if that will be stuck to in this wacky election year. It's expected to last for 90 minutes, no RSVP is required, and seating is first come, first served. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon. Doors open, 5 p.m.; screening, 6 p.m. Free.

Pretty In Pink. Poor girl Andie (Molly Ringwald) must choose between the affections of her doting childhood sweetheart “Duckie” (Jon Cryer) and rich but sensitive playboy Blaine (Andrew McCarthy). Here's a spoileresque fun fact about this 1986 film directed by Howard Deutch and written (with Ringwald in mind) by John Hughes: The original ending had Andie and Duckie together, but test audiences hated it, so the current ending was plugged in. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues. Call for show time. $8.

Goodfellas. Some consider this Martin Scorsese's best film and an underappreciated classic. I agree with the latter, but there are too many great pictures by Marty to buy the former. It's based on the book Wiseguys by Nicholas Pileggi (who co-wrote the screenplay with Scorsese) and true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is adopted by neighborhood gangsters at an early age and climbs the ranks of a Mafia family—only to have the violence, body count and drug addiction give him second thoughts about his career. Great performances are turned in by Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Laguna Niguel, 32401 Golden Lantern St., Laguna Niguel, (949) 373-7900; also at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Rancho Santa Margarita, 30632 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 835-1888. Tues., 7 p.m. $14-$16.

Michael Bublé—Tour Stop 148. Go behind-the-scenes with the Grammy- and Juno-winning Canadian superstar and his crew as they mount a concert tour, then see the performance and backstage shenanigans. This screening from Fathom Events and Reprise includes a special introduction and a Q&A with Bublé, who discusses his motivation for making the documentary, his music and his experience of life on the road. AMC Orange 30, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; also at Century Stadium 25, Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 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; and Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342. Tues., 7 p.m. $15.

King Kong. The Cinema Classics series continues with the 1933 version of the big ape saga, which is still the best, no matter how many crappy remakes Hollywood cranks out. #FayWrayForever. Starlight Cinema City, 5635 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, (714) 970-6700; starlightcinemas.com. Wed., 7 p.m. $7.

[

Vanished: The Left Behind Generation. Fathom Events, EchoLight Studios and Liberty University (of Un-open & Non-affirming fame) present the big-screen debut of this apocalyptic movie that is based on recently deceased Christian novelist Tim LaHaye and his writing partner Jerry B. Jenkins' best-selling Left Behind: The Kids series. Headstrong 15-year-old Gabby is thrust into adulthood way too soon when a billion people around the globe suddenly vanish. Gabby, her younger sister and two teen boys try to figure out what happened and how they fit into a dangerous new world. The one-night-only screening also features interviews with the cast and filmmakers and is hosted by nationally known speaker and youth leader Doug Fields. AMC Orange 30, (714) 769-4288; also at Century Stadium 25, Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, Long Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; and Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342. Wed., 7 p.m. Call for ticket price.

True Grit. It's the 1969 western, directed by Henry Hathaway, that along with Charles Portis' same-titled novel from the previous year introduced the world to Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn. John Wayne turned the drunken, hard-nosed U.S. marshal into a movie icon. He and a Texas Ranger (Glen Campbell) help a stubborn teenager (Kim Darby) track down her father's murderer in Indian territory. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $8.

Koyaanisqatsi. Director Godfrey Reggio's 1982 masterpiece, which draws its title from the Hopi word meaning “life out of balance,” is presented remastered for the big screen and with a live improvisational score. The documentary shows how humanity has grown apart from nature through extensive footage of natural landscapes and elemental forces . . . and no narration and dialogue. Produced by collective Pacific Nature, this special presentation features four performing groups and sonic experimentalists—Boanerges, P Whitehill, EH46 and Electric Sound Bath—who will improvise a completely new score, performed live in four continuous parts that aim to seamlessly flow together. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed., 8 p.m $8-$10.

The Hurt Business: A Deeper Look Into MMA. Vlad Yudin's documentary is narrated by Kevin Costner and comes from the producer of Fahrenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine and Bigger, Stronger, Faster. The film delves into the lives of various martial-arts superstars, including Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones, and documents the ups and downs of competing in the fastest-growing sport in the world. Besides featuring legends, such as Georges St-Pierre, and up-and-comers in the sport, the documentary covers the history of mixed-martial-arts fighting, from the coliseums of ancient Greece to modern-day venues such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Presented by Fathom Events, the Vladar Co. and Generation Iron Fitness Network, the event includes a special introduction from Rashad Evans; a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary; and appearances by Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey, Georges St-Pierre, Tito Ortiz, Michael Chandler, Chuck Liddell, Ken Shamrock and Holly Holm. AMC Orange 30, (714) 769-4288; also at Century Stadium 25, Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, Long Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; and Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342. Thurs., Sept. 29, 7 p.m. $15.

One Reply to “See You In Pittsburgh [Special Screenings, Sept. 22-29]”

  1. I recently tried CBD gummies from this website https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/collections/cbd-cream in search the prime time and was pleasantly surprised past the results. Initially skeptical, I create that it significantly helped with my desire and be in the land of nod issues without any noticeable side effects. The lubricator was effortless to put to use, with definite dosage instructions. It had a kindly, earthy taste that was not unpleasant. Within a week, I noticed a patent increase in my overall well-being, hunch more serene and rested. I know the natural approach to wellness CBD offers and procedure to at using it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *