Not as Charming as You Think You Are [Special Screenings, Aug. 23-30]

Eighth Grade. Standup comic Bo Burnham’s writing and directing feature debut is about an introverted girl (Elsie Fisher) trying to survive her disastrous eighth-grade year before she is off to high school. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Aug. 23, 11:50 a.m., 4:50 & 10 p.m. $9.50-$12.50.

Blackkklansman. Directed by Spike Lee, produced by Jordan Peele and based on a true story, the film is set in the early 1970s, when a black Colorado Springs police detective (John David Washington) tries to make a name for himself by infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan. But he must recruit a white partner (Adam Driver) to take down a KKK that is simultaneously trying to . . . ahem . . . whitewash its hateful reputation. Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Aug. 23, noon, 3, 6 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50; also at Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Aug. 23, 12:45, 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 p.m. $9.50-$12.50.

Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood. Matt Tyrnauer’s documentary is based on the best-selling memoir of Scotty Bowers, a sexual procurer to Hollywood stars and, until now, an unsung legend. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Aug. 23, 2 p.m. $9.50-$10.50.

Leave No Trace. Writer/director Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone, Down to the Bone) shows how a small mistake forever derails the lives of a father (Ben Foster) and his 13-year-old daughter (Thomasin McKenzie). Until then, their existence had been ideal in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Aug. 23, 2:15 & 7:05 p.m. $9.50-$12.50.

Wild at Heart. The Directors series tribute to David Lynch continues with his 1990 Cannes’ Palme d’Or winner that is based on the novels of Barry Gifford. Sailor and Lula (Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern) leave North Carolina for California (by way of New Orleans), even though that means he will be breaking his parole on a manslaughter rap. The trip sets off Lula’s deranged mother (Diane Ladd, in a Oscar-nominated performance), who hires a private detective (Harry Dean Stanton) to find the star-crossed lovers as well as a hitman (J.E. Freeman) to rub out Sailor. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs-Fri., Aug. 23-24, 2:30, 6 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? This documentary takes you to the heart of the late Fred Rogers’ career, which he dedicated to how best to speak with young kids even beyond Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, his PBS children’s show. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Aug. 23, 4:30 p.m. $8-$8.50.

Despicable Me 3. The animated 2017 hit has the mumble-mouthed Minions wanting back their old crime boss, but the fired Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell) considers himself retired as he sets off to meet his long-lost twin brother. Bring blankets and chairs to the outdoor screening, which includes food trucks on site. Atlantis Play Center, 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, (714) 741-5200. Thurs., Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m. Free.

The Short Films of David Lynch + DumbLand. Thanks to Janus Films, Absurda and the honoree himself, the Directors series tribute to David Lynch closes with six of his short live-action films as well as DumbLand, a series of eight, crudely drawn five-minute animated shorts written, directed and voiced by the legendary filmmaker in 2002. The live-action shorts, which Janus Films presents in 2K digital restorations, are: Six Men Getting Sick (1967); The Alphabet (1968); The Grandmother (1970); The Amputee, Version 1 (1974); The Amputee, Version 2 (1974); and Premonitions Following an Evil Deed (1995). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Aug. 23, 7:30 & 9:40 p.m.; Sun., 7 & 9:15 p.m. $7-$10.

Rifftrax Live! Krull. Rifftraxers Bill, Mike and Kevin for the first time take on Peter Yates’ swashbuckling space-opera thriller. On the magical planet Krull, the wedding plans of Princess Lyssa (Lysette Anthony) and Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall) are interrupted by invader the Beast and his army of Slayers, who kidnap the bride-to-be. 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 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. Live, Thurs., Aug. 23, 8 p.m.; taped encore, Sat., 12:55 p.m. $12.50.

Puzzle. In Marc Turtletaub’s new drama, Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire, No Country for Old Men) plays Agnes, who reached her 40s sheltered from most of the outside world, first by her widowed father, then by her domineering husband (David Denman) and two sons. After receiving a puzzle as a birthday gift, Agnes becomes such a whiz at putting it and other puzzles together that she gets recruited by a wealthy inventor (Irrfan Khan) to be his partner in the world jigsaw tournament. The journey there opens Agnes’ eyes to what she has missed her whole life. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Opens Fri. Call for show times and ticket prices.

The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl. Enjoy one epic night in Kyoto. Masaaki Yuasa’s anime is presented in the original Japanese with English subtitles. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri. & Sun.-Thurs., Aug. 30, 2:30, 5, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.; Sat., 2:30, 5 & 7:30 p.m.. $7-$10.

Jumanji. The original 1995 comedy has two kids finding and playing a magical board game, which unleashes seemingly unstoppable forces into the lives of a makeshift family headed by Robin Williams. Hot dogs, other snacks and beverages can be bought and enjoyed next to the pool. La Habra High School, Stadium Pool, 801 W. Highlander Ave., La Habra, (562) 383-4205. Fri., doors open, 6 p.m.; screening, dusk. Ages 3 and older, $2.

Mulan. This animated family adventure from 1998 has a young maiden secretly taking her father’s place in the army and becoming one of China’s greatest heroines. Enter the costume contest and win a new bike! Harper Park, 8675 Bluebird Ave., Fountain Valley; www.fountainvalley.org/856/Special-Events. Fri., festivities, 6 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

The Lion King. In the 1994 animated Disney classic, lion-cub prince Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is tricked by his treacherous uncle (Jeremy Irons) into thinking he caused his father’s death, prompting him to flee. But as an adult, Simba (Matthew Broderick) learns his identity and responsibilities. Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Rancho Pkwy., Lake Forest; ca-lakeforest.civicplus.com. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Free.

Rampage. A primatologist (Dwayne Johnson) must secure an antidote to halt a global catastrophe after a rogue genetic experiment goes awry and gentle animals are turned into giant creatures. Attendees of the Source OC’s Outdoor Movie Night can capitalize on neighboring stores’ and eateries’ coupons and discounts, but movie seating is first-come, first-served. The Source OC, 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 521-8858; www.thesourceoc.com. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Free.

People’s Choice Movie. Votes cast by attendees of three previous outdoor movies determined which title rolls tonight. Placentia Champions Sports Complex, 505 N. Jefferson St., Placentia, (714) 993-8232. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.

Coco. The 2017 computer-animated Disney Pixar hit 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 annual 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. Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 923-2240; ocparks.com. Fri., dusk. Free.

Re-Animator. Showing is American Genre Film Archives’ new restoration of the 1985 cult horror flick, which was adapted from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and marked the feature debuts of director Stuart Gordon and producer Brian Yuzna. A ruthlessly ambitious doctor (David Gale) sets in motion increasingly disastrous events when he tries to steal from a university student (Jeffrey Combs) a serum that “re-animates” corpses. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11 p.m.; Sat., 10 p.m. $7-$10.

Anime Club. Such titles as Bleach, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan and Sword Art Online are streamed, and premium prizes from Crunchyroll are doled out during this program aimed at ages 13-17. Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, (714) 826-0350. Sat., 2 p.m. Free.

The Secret Life of Pets. Irvine’s Splash-In Movie & Recreation Swim has families swinging by for dips in the pool followed by a movie on the deck. Tonight, it’s a 3D-animated tale about a terrier (voiced by Louis C.K.) enjoying a comfortable life in New York until his owner adopts a giant, unruly canine. William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, 4601 Walnut Ave., Irvine, (949) 724-6717. Sat., swimming, 6:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. $2-$4.

The Emoji Movie. T.J. Miller, James Corden and Anna Faris supply voices to this 2017 computer-animated adventure comedy about a multi-expressional emoji setting out to become a normal emoji. Bring a blanket, chair and a kid who can win prizes in the costume contest. Murdy Community Center, 7000 Norma Dr., Huntington Beach, (714) 960-8884. Sat., 8 p.m. Free.

Thir13en Ghosts. Nostalgic Nebula presents the 2001 remake of William Castle’s horror classic, which was produced by his daughter Terry’s indie company Dark Castle Entertainment and directed by Steve Beck (Ghost Ship). A down-on-his-luck father (Tony Shalhoub) and daughter (Shannon Elizabeth) move into a lavish home he inherited from his eccentric uncle (F. Murray Abraham). They discover buried treasure and 13 trapped spirits are within the manor walls. Each attendee receives a Quick Silver glow stick to shoo away any pesky ghosts inhabiting the theater. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 8 p.m. $15.

The Room. Did you know that on the last Saturday of every month in 2018, the Frida screens the odd 2003 indie thriller written, directed and produced by as well as starring Tommy Wiseau? Consider yourselves warned. He plays an amiable banker having a grand old time in a gorgeously shot San Francisco with his fiancée (Juliette Danielle)—until his conflicted best friend (Greg Sestero) joins in to form a love triangle. Sestero’s tell-all book about the project inspired James Franco’s film The Disaster Artist. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11 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.” See live shadow-cast troupe Midnight Insanity shimmy to “The Time Warp.” Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

South Pacific. Fathom Events and TCM Big Screen Classics present a 60th-anniversary screening of Josh Logan’s adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Broadway musical. On a tropical island during World War II, a naval ensign (Mitzi Gaynor) falls in love with a French plantation owner (Rossano Brazzi), while a lieutenant (John Kerr) goes gaga over a local beauty (France Nuyen). But because the Frenchman has two mixed-race children and the islander has dark skin, the Yanks must confront their racist views. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz appears onscreen before and after the picture to share exclusive insights. 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, (562) 435-5754; 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.

Wonder. Stephen Chbosky’s family dramedy is about a boy with facial differences (Jacob Tremblay) entering fifth grade—and a mainstream elementary school—for the first time. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play his supportive parents. Popcorn is served. Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, (714) 327-7550. Mon., 12:45 p.m. Free.

Making The Five Heartbeats. Actor/writer/director Robert Townsend presents a master class in filmmaking and details the obstacles he overcame in Hollywood to bring his 1991 passion project The Five Heartbeats to the big screen. Townsend appears for a special introduction, and behind-the-scenes footage is included from sets of the Motown-flavored musical drama about an African-American vocal group in the 1960s. Townsend; his co-stars Michael Wright, Harry J Lennix, Leon Robinson, Tico Wells and Hawthorne James; and co-writer Keenen Ivory Wayans also share personal stories. AMC Marina Pacifica, 6346 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 430-8790; 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, (562) 435-5754; 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; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 7 p.m. $12.50.

Nekromantik and Nekromantik 2 Double Feature. HorrorBuzz presents American Genre Film Archives’ digital restoration of German filmmaker Jšrg Buttgereit’s low-budget shockers that were eventually banned in his homeland and aboard. In what John Waters dubbed “the first erotic film for necrophiles,” a kinky fellow brings a corpse home to spice things up with his equally kinky wife. The sequel follows a beautiful necrophiliac living alone in Berlin, where, after digging up a freshly dead man for her sexual pleasure, she finds herself in a love triangle because she has also fallen for a living chap. Frida emphasizes only those 18 and older will be admitted because of graphic violence and sexuality. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon., 7:30 p.m. $13. 18+.

Rudy. F athom Events presents a 25th-anniversary screening of David Anspaugh’s sports-history drama about the grueling quest of “5-feet-nothin’, a hundred-and-nothin’-pound” Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) to make the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. The screenings, which bookend Notre Dame’s Sept. 1 season opener against the Michigan Wolverines, feature introductions by the real Ruettiger as well as his participation in Q&As hosted by Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips. 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, (562) 435-5754 (no 7 p.m.); Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (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; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Tues., 2 & 7 p.m.; encore, Sept. 2. $12.50.

Wanda. Janus Films presents a new restoration of the 1970 film—and only film from writer/director/star Barbara Loden, who was nonetheless hailed as the female counterpart to the prolific John Cassavetes, based solely on her masterful vision. She plays a woman drifting through mining country after leaving her husband and losing custody of her children. Amid the sleaze, a bank robber ropes her into his next criminal scheme. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Tues.-Wed., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Seabiscuit. Film Club presents the 2003 historic sports drama about a businessman (Jeff Bridges) dealing with his son’s death during the Great Depression, a jockey (Tobey Maguire) with a history of brutal injuries and a down-on-his-luck trainer (Chris Cooper) coming together to turn an undersized, temperamental horse into a racing champion. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library, Community Room, 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, (949) 646-8845. Tues., 4:45 p.m. Free.

Spaceballs. In Mel Brooks’ 1987 skewering of Star Wars, only Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) can possibly stop Lord Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) from carrying out the order from planet Spaceballs President Skroob (Brooks), who aims to steal planet Druidia’s abundant supply of air. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.

Avengers: Infinity War. The outdoor screening event begins with a trivia contest loosely based on the film. (Maximum trivia team size is six people and space is limited; sign up at www.4thstreetmarket.com/trivianight.) Surrounding bars, eateries and dessert shops stay open until 9 p.m. to serve you. Then comes the recent Marvel flick in which the Avengers—Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), et al.—sacrifice everything to try to stop the powerful Thanos (Josh Brolin) from snuffing out the universe. 4th Street Market, 201 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Wed., trivia contest, 7 p.m.; screening, 8 p.m. Free.

North By Northwest. Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller has Cary Grant chased all over the country by baddies thanks to mistaken identity, and more impressive than the Mount Rushmore set, luscious Eva Marie Saint and the famous crop-duster scene is how Grant’s Roger Thornhill does it all in the same suit that only requires one quick press. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Last Vegas. The Thursday Matinee film series, whose theme this month is “Older and Wiser,” continues with Jon Turteltaub’s 2013 dramedy about four dudes (Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline) who discover Las Vegas is no longer the Vegas of the Rat Pack glory days. Their friendships are tested after they descend on Sin City for a bachelor party weekend in honor of one of them (Douglas), who had been a confirmed bachelor. Are you a confirmed snacker? Bring ’em to this screening, so long as no booze is involved. Fullerton Public Library, Osborne Auditorium, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Aug. 23, 1 p.m. Free.

Rebels Without a Submission Film Festival. See the premieres of indie shorts made by student filmmakers. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. Free.