Sharon and Sharon Alike [Special Screenings, Sept. 20-27]

Mandy. In Panos Cosmatos’ agonizing thriller, a broken and haunted man (Nicolas Cage, channeling Nicolas Cage) hunts in the Pacific Northwest wilderness for a religious sect that slaughtered the love of his life, Mandy (Andrea Riseborough). The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Sept. 20, 1:30, 4:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

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. Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Sept. 20, 4 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Lobster. Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2015 black rom-dramedy is like a mashup of episodes of Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone and The Love Connection. David (Colin Farrell) must find a life partner within 45 days or he will be turned into the animal of his choice, a lobster. Just when all seems lost, David finds a fellow “Loner” (Rachel Weisz), but his troubles are not over. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Sept. 20, 5 & 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Moses. Sight & Sound Theatres presents a stage production that was filmed before a live audience. Moses is exiled and insecure before God calls on him to free the Israelites. Live animals, massive sets and spectacular special effects are promised. 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; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (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; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. $12.50.

Priced Out: Gentrification in Portland, Oregon. Documentarian Cornelius Swart takes a personal and investigative look at housing discrimination and the pain of losing one’s community as new money moves into ethnic communities and old residents find themselves priced out. It’s certainly not a problem confined to Portland, and to drive home that fact, Emphasize Displacement presents the free screening and talk with Swart and a panel of experts about gentrification in Long Beach. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Storks. It’s a Family Movie Night screening of the 2016 computer-animated 3D comedy in which storks have moved from delivering babies for expectant parents to delivering packages for a global eCommerce giant. When the Baby Factory cranks out an adorable but unauthorized girl, the goose is cooked for top delivery stork Junior (Andy Samberg). Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. Free.

An American in Paris: The Musical. The Tony Award-winning musical, inspired by the Oscar-winning MGM film, is captured from the stage and broadcast in theaters. It tells the fiery story of true love found in the City of Lights. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446; also at Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Sept. 20, 7 p.m.; Sun., 12:55 p.m. $13-$17.

The Penalty. Cal State Fullerton’s Division of Politics, Administration and Justice presents Will Francome and Mark Pizzey’s documentary on the death penalty, followed by a panel discussion. The film reveals an America in which grieving families, botched executions and wrongful convictions challenge what we think we know about the ultimate punishment. Cal State Fullerton, Humanities 110, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, (657) 278-2011. Thurs., Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Free.

Digimon Adventure tri.: Future. The climactic finale has the suffering DigiDestined standing together to save their friends and the Real World, which may be swept up by the Digital World. Dubbed in English from the anime’s original Japanese. 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, 99 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (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. Thurs., Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. $12.50.

Fahrenheit 11/9. Provocateur Michael Moore takes a comedic look at the times we live in and seeks answers to these Trump-era questions: How the f**k did we get here, and how the f**k do we get out?. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435; Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Opens Fri.; call theaters for show times and ticket prices.

Love, Gilda. See “Love, Gilda Reminds Us of Its Subject’s Brilliance and Compassion.” Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Opens Fri.; call theater for show times and ticket prices.

Sharon 1.2.3. Barbershop writer/producer Mark Brown wrote and directed this new indie comedy about a tech nerd (Matt Bush) who struck it rich and lives the dream with two women named Sharon (Erinn Hayes and Nadine Velazquez). But then he mucks it up by falling in love with a third Sharon (Skyler Samuels). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Thurs., Sept. 21-27, 1:30 p.m. $7.

Cars. The 2006 Disney/Pixar computer-animated flick that started a franchise has upstart race car Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) getting stuck in a dusty desert town, where an old stock car (Paul Newman) teaches him how to be a winner. Crafts, candy and popcorn are free, and food can be purchased. Channel Place Park, 4400 Channel Place, Newport Beach, (949) 644-3151. Fri., activities, 6 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

The Star. In this computer-animated comedy, small but brave donkey Bo (voiced by Steven Yuen) yearns for a life beyond the village mill before he finally muscles up the courage to break free and set off for adventure. Arrive early for activities. Snacks are sold. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 900 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, (562) 383-4205. Fri., activities, 6 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

The Incredibles. It’s a kid flick I’ve actually seen for a change, although I barely remember anything other than I have the same physique as the dad. Wear your favorite superhero costume to this screening, and tell your kids to do the same. Marina Hills Park, 24802 Marina Hills Dr., Laguna Niguel, (949) 425-5100. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.

Mameshiba. The Japan Foundation of Los Angeles and Outdoor Movie Night At the Source OC continue Japanese Cinema Month with Kamei Toru’s 2009 adaptation of a popular Japanese TV series that spawned two more movie sequels, including one that was in 3D. Jiro is an out-of-work, 32-year-old shut-in who lives with his parents. After tragedy hits the family, his mother runs away, leaving behind a bean-sized, 6-month-old dog named Ichiro. Jiro and the Shiba Inu—the smallest of six distinct Japanese Spitz breeds—must venture outside to find mother. The Source OC, first-floor Step Plaza, 6940 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 521-8858; www.thesourceoc.com. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.

What the Health. Schmid College Food Sciences presents the follow-up documentary from the creators of the award-winning Cowspiracy. This one is billed as “a surprising, and at times hilarious, investigative documentary that will be an eye-opener for everyone concerned about their own health, that of the nation’s, and how big business influences both.” A discussion follows the screening. Chapman University, Hashinger Science Center 150, Irvine Lecture Hall, 1 University Dr., Orange, (714) 997-6812. Fri., 7 p.m. Free, but RSVP required.

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. Eisenhower Park, Main Street and Ocean Avenue (next to the pier), Seal Beach;
moviesintheparksb.com. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.

Flubber. In Disney’s 1997 comedy fantasy, a professor (Robin Williams) becomes so preoccupied with the lively, rubber-like substance he discovers that he misses his wedding to his struggling college’s president (Marcia Gay Harden). After she dumps him, he tries to use his so-called “flubber” to save the school and win her back. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, behind Moe B’s Watersports, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Free, but there is a fee to park.

The Hunger. Tony Scott’s 1983 directorial debut, which is adapted from Whitley Strieber’s novel of the same name, is about a love triangle that forms between two vampires (Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie) and a scientist (Susan Sarandon) he had sought out when his health began deteriorating. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m. $7-$10.

Dazed and Confused. Richard Link-later’s influential 1993 coming-of-age comedy follows Texas teens on the last day of school in 1976. Among the cast’s then-unknown or barely known actors were Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, Adam Goldberg, Joey Lauren Adams and Matthew McConaughey. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11:30 a.m., 2 & 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m., 2, 4:30 & 7 p.m. $7-$10.

Medicated Meditation: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Welcome the fall equinox with a night of meditation, yoga (to set intentions for the new season) and this popcorn movie in which convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) breaks out of Wizards Prison and comes after Harry (Daniel Radcliffe). Ticket price includes special snacks, which you may need because organizers say that “arriving medicated is HIGHly suggested.” And this: “Wear comfy clothes so you can relaaaax.” Aero Art Fitness Academy, 2940 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, (714) 947-0127. Sat., 6 p.m. $35.

The Wizard of Oz. Victor Fleming’s 1939 family classic has Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto winding up in the wonderful world of Oz after a large tornado picks up her aunt and uncle’s house from a Kansas farm. Dorothy and her new friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion go to Emerald City in hopes the Great and Powerful Oz can return her home. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, (949) 729-3863. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Free, but there is a fee to park.

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.” K.A.O.S. and Midnight Insanity are the live shadow casts in Santa Ana and Long Beach, respectively. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11 p.m. $7-$10; also at Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Rebel Without a Cause. James Dean, who was propelled to icon status thanks to Nicholas Ray’s 1955 classic, plays a teen who arrives in town and befriends a troubled classmate (Sal Mineo), falls for the neighborhood gang leader’s girlfriend (Natalie Wood), and gets dragged into switchblade fights and street races. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz provides special commentary before and after the feature that is presented by TCM, Warner Bros. and Fathom Events. 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 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.

Haikyu! The Movie: Battle of Concepts. Crunchyroll Movie Night returns on Art House Theater Screening Day with the feature film based on the third season of the popular anime TV series. The Karasuno High School boys volleyball team, which is known as “The Fallen Champions,” are determined to take down the seemingly unbeatable Shiratorizawa High squad. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 3:30 & 5:30 p.m. $10.

Cinema Paradiso. Art House Theater Screening Day is celebrated with a 30th-anniversary screening of Giuseppe Tornatore’s 1988 Academy Award winner. It’s about the memories from childhood that flood a famous filmmaker when he returns home to rural Sicily, where a moviehouse provided refuge from the ravages of World War II. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Holy Motors. Leos Carax’s 2012 absurdist fantasy-drama is about an actor (Denis Lavant) who is carted around Paris by his driver (Edith Scob) to stage a wide range of performances in different costumes. Eva Mendes, Kylie Minogue and Elise Lhomeau show up along the way. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

End Game Community Screening & Discussion. The New York Times just carried this about the Netflix Original Film from Academy Award winners Jeffrey Friedman and Rob Epstein: “A provocative and intimate look at how doctors, nurses and patients at two San Francisco Bay Area hospitals cope with death.” After the documentary short, community members and clinical professionals discuss end-of-life care. Refreshments are served. Chapman University, Argyros Forum 209A, Schoolsfirst Federal Credit Union Conference Suite, 1 University Dr., Orange, (714) 997-6621. Wed., 6:30 p.m. Free.

The Wild Bunch. Western Wednesdays continue with Sam Peckinpah’s 1969 shoot-’em-up, in which William Holden leads a cast of veteran actors playing aging outlaws looking for one last big score as the “traditional” American West disappears around them. Regency San Juan Capistrano, 26762 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, (949) 661-3456. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $14.

Cabaret. Did you know that at the 1973 Academy Awards ceremony, where The Godfather deservedly won Best Picture and two other Oscars, Cabaret took home eight—the most of any non-Best Picture winner—including best director (Bob Fosse), actress (Liza Minnelli) and supporting actor (Joel Grey)? Liza with a Z plays a girlie club entertainer who romances two men while the Nazi Party rises around them in Berlin. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Joan Jett: Bad Reputation. It’s a documentary on the rawk God who first gained notice with the Runaways during the rise of punk in the 1970s and later hit No. 1 on the charts with her anthem “I Love Rock n Roll.” Debbie Harry, Billie Joe Armstrong, Kathleen Hanna and Rodney Bingenheimer are among those on hand to celebrate the rock pioneer. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $14-$17; also at the Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed., 8 p.m. $7-$10.

You’ve Got Mail. The Thursday Matinee film series continues with the 1998 Nora Ephron rom-com about a struggling bookstore owner (Meg Ryan) who hates the owner (Tom Hanks) of the corporate bookstore across the street. So, guess who hooks up online? Snacks and beverages are allowed at this screening, but booze is a no-no. Fullerton Public Library, Osborne Auditorium, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Sept. 27, 1 p.m. Free.

Smokey and the Bandit: Remembering Burt Reynolds. Frida honors the recently passed screen legend by showing Hal Needham’s 1977 action rom-com. Daredevil driver Bo “Bandit” Darville (Reynolds) uses his Trans-Am to run interference while a big rig driven by his pal Cledus (Jerry Reed) secretly transports 400 cases of Coors from Texas to Atlanta in 28 hours. Along the way, Bandit picks up a hitchhiker in a wedding dress (Sally Fields) as well as a pursuit from her would-be father-in-law, Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Sept. 27, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. $7-$10.

Sway. The UCI Department of Film & Media Studies presents Rooth Tang’s feature-length debut about how globalization has made the world so small, yet it can still feel so vast. The drama follows three couples: In Paris, Arthur tries to convince his girlfriend to return to Asia with him before his visa expires; in Bangkok, June ponders her future with husband Palm in America; and in Los Angeles, Amanda tries to fit into the family of a Japanese widower still haunted by their loss. Tang participates in a post-screening audience Q&A. UC Irvine, McCormick Hall, Humanities Gateway 1070, First Floor, West Peltason and Campus drives, Irvine, (949) 824-6117. Thurs., Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. Free.

King Lear. Critics praised Jonathan Munby’s recent production and Ian McKellen’s portrayal of the title character on a London stage. Considered by some to be Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, the play concerns the aging king and his courtier rejecting the children who truly love them, which leads to a violent power struggle. 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, 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, (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., Sept. 27, 7 p.m. $18.

The Transformers (1986) Movie Event. Peter Cullen, Eric Idle, Casey Kasem, Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Stack, Frank Welker and—in his final voice acting role—Orson Welles provide voices for the characters in the full-length animated adventure. The Autobots, led by the heroic Optimus Prime, prepare to make a daring attempt to retake their planet from the evil forces of Megatron and the Deceptions. Unknown to both sides, a menacing force is heading their way: Unicron. The event includes a behind-the-scenes look at Bumblebee: The Movie, a Transformers movie due in theaters in December, and an interview with singer/songwriter Stan Bush, who performs the theme songs “Dare” and “The Touch.” Attendees receive a poster of The Transformers: The Movie (while supplies last). AMC Fullerton, 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 Brea Stadium West 10, 255 W. Birch, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, (949) 582-4078; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Market Place Stadium 10, 13782 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; 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. Thurs., Sept. 27, 7 p.m. $12.50.