He Had It Coming [Special Screenings, May 17-24]

Let the Sunshine In. Claire Denis co-wrote and directed the 2017 rom-dramedy about a divorced Parisian artist and mother (Juliette Binoche) looking for true love. In French with English subtitles. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., May 17, 11:15 a.m., 1:50, 4:40, 7:15 & 9:30 p.m. $9.50-$12.50; also at Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., May 17, 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

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 Giménez Cacho), who awaits a transfer to Buenos Aires from the Asunción settlement. But is he waiting in vain? The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., May 17, 2, 4:30 & 7 p.m. $7-$10.

Deadpool 2. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) forms the X-Force team to protect a young mutant from time-traveling soldier Cable. Director David Leitch’s expected blockbuster is based on the character created by Rob Liefeld, who speaks and hawks special comic books he created and signed for the premiere. 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 film, 6 p.m.; prescreening talk by Liefeld, 7 p.m.; screening, 7:30 p.m. $39.99 (includes comic book). Also showing countywide.

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, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; 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 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 17, 7 p.m. $22.

The Snowman Trek: The Ultimate Outdoor Challenge. The documentary follows a team of ultra-marathoners attempting a speed record on the world’s hardest trek, located high in the Himalayas. 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, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (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, (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.

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 17, 9:30 p.m. $10.

Dressed to Kill. Brian De Palma is the focus of Frida’s the Directors series this month. His 1980 thriller apes the Hitchcock style but piles 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 getting a glimpse of the tall blonde who violently slashed the victim. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., May 17, 10 p.m. $7-$10.

Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story. Director Ashley Bell’s documentary is on conservationist Lek Chailert leading a team of rescuers on a 48-hour, 500-mile mission across Thailand to free from captivity a 70-year-old blind Asian elephant. Bell participates in an audience Q&A after Saturday’s screening. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Fri., 2:30 p.m.; Sat. & Mon., 7 p.m.; Tues.-Wed., 4:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 24, 7:30 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

After Auschwitz. Director Jon Kean followed six female Holocaust survivors, each of whom moved to Los Angeles, got married and raised children. Though they became Americans, none found a place to truly call home. Kean, some survivors and Erin Gruwell of Freedom Writers’ fame take part in an audience Q&A after the Sunday screening. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Fri., 4:30 p.m.; Sat., 4 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; Mon., 3:30 p.m.; Tues.-Wed., 2:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 24, 3:45 p.m. $8.50-$9.

Revenge. Coralie Fargeat’s ultra-violent thriller begins with Jen (Matilda Lutz of Rings) and her well-off boyfriend ready to take off on a romantic holiday. But then his sleazy friends arrive unannounced for a hunting trip, a shocking incident finds Jen left for dead, and she goes on to not only survive but also set off for revenge. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 5:30 & 8 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., May 24, 9:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Close-Knit. Long Beach City College Foreign Languages Department’s second-annual film festival continues with this 2017 Japanese drama about 11-year-old Tomo, who is used to her mother taking off, leaving the child to stay with her uncle and his trans girlfriend, Rinko. To control Tomo’s anger, Rinko teaches her knitting, just as Rinko’s mother did when she struggled with sexuality as a boy. The guest speaker is Masumi Emily Umezaki, a board member with PFLAG Long Beach. Long Beach City College, LAC Campus, 4901 E. Carson St., Bldg. D, Room 135, Long Beach, (562) 938-4111. Fri., 6 p.m. Free; parking is free starting at 4 p.m. in lots H, I, F & G.

Kiss the Joy: The Story of Joan Lind Van Blom. Jean Strauss’ documentary, which played at the recent Newport Beach Film Festival, is about a flag girl who walked into a Long Beach boathouse to learn how to be a sculler. Having never before been a competitive athlete, Blom rose to the top of U.S. women’s rowing before taking on the top men in the sport. A special audience Q&A follows Friday’s screening. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 5:45 p.m.; Mon., 5:30 p.m.; Wed., 1 p.m.; Thurs., May 24, 5:45 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Mad Max Fury Road: Black & Chrome vs. Color. For two epic nights, George Miller’s acclaimed 2015 post-apocalyptic blockbuster rolls simultaneously on Frida’s two screens. One theater shows the original full-color version, while the other has the same action the way Miller intended you to see it: in striking black and white. Max (Tom Hardy) teams up with the mysterious Furious (Charlize Theron) to survive in a world in which people fight one another to the death. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m. $7-$10.

Harry & Meghan—The Royal Wedding. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are scheduled to marry in what will be the very early hours our time, so BritBox and Fathom Events roll “The Big Day On the Big Screen” at a more reasonable time. What they’ll show is an encore of ITV’s live royal-wedding coverage as a first-time cinematic event. 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; 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. Sat., 10 a.m. $10.

Sriracha and Beyond Pho. Each documentary short is shown twice as part of the “Viet Stories: Recollections & Regenerations” art and food celebration. Griffin Hammond’s Sriracha examines the hot sauce and its creator, David Tran. Beyond Pho, which comes from the KCET series The Migrant Kitchen, features Kim Ng-Luu and Bryant Ng of Cassia restaurant in Santa Monica, Diep Tran of Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park, and Minh Phan of Porridge & Puffs in Los Angeles. The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda; sites.uci.edu/vaohp/. Sat., exhibition opens, 10 a.m.; screenings, 11 a.m. & noon. Free.

Iron Giant. It’s the most excellent animated flick about a boy befriending a robot from outer space as the army hunts down the iron giant. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. $7-$10.

Loss and Found. Writer/director/producer/star Jon Mancinetti chronicles his suffering from tremendous heartbreak, and then reluctantly fostering a dog who was hours away from being euthanized. Besides getting at exactly who rescued whom, the short dramedy highlights pet-shelter overcrowding and pit bull breed discrimination. Two showings of the Huntington Beach Film Festival Audience Award winner benefit Orange County Pit Bull Rescue. At both, you can meet Mancinetti and his co-star Smokey the pit bull. The Hound Grounds, 6021 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach; ocpbr.org. Sat., red carpet, 2 p.m.; first screening, 3 p.m.; second red carpet, 6 p.m.; second screening, 7 p.m.; after-party (across the street at Surf Dog’s Sports Grill), around 7:30 p.m. $15-$25.

Blow Out. Frida’s the Directors series continues lauding Brian De Palma 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. Sat., 2:45 & 5 p.m. $7-$10.

Chavela. Music by Mariachi Arcoiris ushers in the closing movie of the Long Beach City College Foreign Languages Department’s second-annual film festival. The live performance is followed by Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi’s documentary about Mexican ranchera legend and LGBTQ icon Chavela Vargas. Guest speaker is Gregorio Luke, the former director of the Museum of Latin American Art, consul of Mexico’s Cultural Affairs and first secretary of Mexico’s embassy in Washington, D.C. Long Beach City College, LAC Campus, Bldg. D, Room 135, (562) 938-4111. Sat., 3 p.m. Free; event parking is free starting at 1 p.m. in lots H, I, F & G.

Amadeus: The Director’s Cut. To remember Miloš Forman, who passed away on April 13 at age 86, Frida presents the Czechoslovakian filmmaker’s Best Director and Best Picture Academy Award winner that includes 20 minutes of footage cut from the original theatrical release. The story is about the genius of young composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce), but it is told by an older, jealous composer, Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham, who picked up another of the movie’s eight Oscars). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat.-Sun., 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Jumanji. When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game in this family adventure-fantasy. Seating is available on the grass, so bring a blanket or low lawn chair. Hurless Barton Park, 4601 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda, (714) 961-7192. Sat., 8 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 cast Midnight Insanity performs in front of the screen. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Our Dancing Daughters. First, John Thomas, author of Long Beach Art Deco and past president of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, gives a presentation about Cedric Gibbons’ set designs and themes in the classic 1928 black-and-white drama. Then, we watch the young Joan Crawford turn in the performance that made her a star. She plays Diana, who competes with Ann (Anita Page) for the affections of rich, debonair Ben (Johnny Mack Brown). Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sun., 11 a.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Porco Rosso. The GKIDS/Fathom Events Studio Ghibli Fest 2018 continues with Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki’s anime about a world-weary flying ace-turned-bounty hunter who has this going against him: His face has been transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell. For me, it was a mysterious can of cool ranch Pringles. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (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, (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. Sun., 12:55 p.m. (dubbed); Mon. 7 p.m. (subtitled); Wed., 7 p.m. (dubbed). $12.50.

Know. Meet cast and crew members, and then watch Alex Gasaway’s 20-minute short film about the evolution of queerness through multiple generations, and how perceptions can change for the better but not absolve people from their pasts. After returning home for the first time in 20 years, Andrea must repress her true feelings when she meets her nephew’s boyfriend. Aj Knight, one of the film’s stars, then moderates a panel discussion with queer YouTuber Paloma Renee, Hello Mr. magazine Executive Editor Fran Tirado and creator/writer Allie Swarens, who specializes in LGBT-driven narratives. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sun., 4 p.m. $5.

Carla’s Movie Restaurant Pop-Up Music, Film, Art. Cal State Long Beach film students show their movies, independent Long Beach artists display their works, and Soular System plays music. DiPiazza’s Restaurant and Lounge, 5205 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach; ctartist.com. Sun., 4:30 p.m. Free.

Coco. It’s the English-language version 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. You are advised to bring low-backed chairs and blankets in case it gets chilly at this outdoor screening. Picnic baskets are okay, but surrounding eateries are open; alcohol is prohibited. Also, pets must be leashed. 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.

Akira. Director Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1988 adaptation of his manga series has a bike-gang leader trying to save his friend from a government program called Akira in 2019 Neo-Tokyo. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 3 and 7 p.m. $7-$10.

Godspeed: The Race Across America. The documentary covers a first-time team in the Race Across America, in which competitors ride bicycles 24 hours a day, seven days a week and across 12 states, starting at the Pacific Ocean and ending at the Atlantic Ocean. Author/speaker/Colorado Rockies announcer Jerry Schemmel and 11-time Ironman triathlete Brad Cooper called on their shared faith to embark on the challenge that raised money for Haitian orphans. 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; 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. Tues., 7 p.m. $15-$18.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It’s a rare screening of the 1920 silent film with the musical score performed live by the Jack Curtis Dubowsky Ensemble. John Barrymore plays humanitarian Dr. Henry Jekyll, who seeks to separate the good and evil impulses inside every man through the development of a potion. But a swig unleashes his own darker side, which is personified by demonic Mr. Hyde. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Superman. It’s the 1978 movie that helped usher in today’s cinema takeover by comic-book heroes. Having acquired great powers from the Earth’s sun, Krypton transplant Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) pits his superhero abilities against master criminal Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), who plots the greatest real-estate swindle of all time. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.

Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope. The documentary exposes a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. Toxic stress impacts brain development and can be predictive of a lifetime of physical and mental illness, putting children at greater risk for homelessness, prison time and early death. The film, which looks at trailblazers such as Western Youth Services that address toxic stress, screens as part of the WYS Resilience Workshop. Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Sycamore A & B, Mission Viejo, (949) 900-3246; westernyouthservices.org. Wed., 6:30 p.m. Free.

The African Queen. John Huston’s 1951 adaptation of the C.S. Forester novel stars Oscar winner Humphrey Bogart as slovenly, gin-swilling skipper Charlie Allnut of The African Queen tramp steamer that ships supplies to East African villages during World War I. When Germans invade and a prim British missionary (Robert Morley) dies, his sister (Katherine Hepburn) catches a ride with Allnut back to civilization. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Wed., 7 p.m. $8.50-$11.50; members, free.

American Animals. If you missed (or could not afford) the recent Newport Beach Film Festival’s opening-night picture, you can see it for free, although seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. The Orchard Group and UC Irvine’s Department of Film & Media Studies present Bart Layton’s film, which is based on the true story of four friends at university attempting to execute one of the most audacious art heists in U.S. history. UCI, McCormick Screening Room, Humanities Gateway 1070, Campus & West Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-6117. Wed., 7 p.m. Free.

The Kid. The 1921 silent-film classic has the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin, who also wrote and directed) caring for a child (Jackie Coogan, who would grow up to become Uncle Fester on TV’s The Addams Family), who was abandoned by his mother (Edna Purviance). Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Chicago. Rob Marshall’s 2002 movie adaptation of Bob Fosse’s hit Broadway musical was the winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Murderesses Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar) find themselves on death row, fighting for fame to keep away from the gallows in 1920s Chicago. 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 24, 1 p.m. Free.

Phantom of the Paradise. The Directors Series focus on Brian De Palma continues with his 1974 cult horror/musical classic starring songwriter/sometime actor/’70s-’80s game-show celebrity Paul Williams as a record producer who not only steals the music of a songwriter (William Finley), but also ruins his life. That sets in motion a chain of events that finds the songwriter disfigured—and out for revenge. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., May 24, 8 p.m. $7-$10.