Movie of the Week:
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Perhaps the best aged of all of John Hughes' teen drama-coms, Ferris Bueller's Day Off features a classic performance from Matthew Broderick as the titular protagonist. Alternately hilarious and touching, the film stands as a timeless endorsement of kicking back and enjoying life in the face of society's expectations. The film will be projected on the outside wall of the theater, so bring a chair and a sweater. Fox Fullerton Theater, 512 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 870-0069; www.foxfullerton.org. Thurs., Aug. 7. Call for time. Free.
Also Showing:
Animation Showcase
A unique collection of short films from animators across the globe. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 759-1122; www.ocma.net. Thurs., Aug. 7. Call for time. Free with museum admission ($8-$10).
Hairspray
Cinematic adaptation of a stage musical based on a John Waters film. Coming soon: Pink Flamingos: The Musical: The Movie: The Musical. The screening will also feature a wildest-teased-hairdo contest, so get out the Aqua Net. Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 556-2787; www.ocpac.org. Mon., 8 p.m. Free.
Forbidden Planet
Leslie Nielsen stars with Walter Pidgeon and Anne Francis in this classic science-fiction film. Nielsen's Commander Adams is dispatched to investigate the mysterious disappearance of an extraterrestrial colony of scientists, Aliens-style. Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359. Thurs., Aug, 7, 7:30 p.m. $10.
For the Bible Tells Me So
Impressive documentary that reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture and in the process takes a look at several families confronting the issue themselves. Jefferson Middle School Auditorium, 750 Euclid Ave., Long Beach. Sun., 10 a.m. Free.
The Lost Patroland Island of Lost Souls
These kids today with their CGI and their digital whatzits and “color” film! Back in the 1930s, filmmakers knew how to build suspense with budgets smaller than the average annual salary of a Los Angeles public-school teacher. The Friday Film Forum is hosting a double feature of '30s-era thrillers. In The Lost Patrol, John Ford directs a tale of British soldiers under attack by a wily enemy in a Middle East desert, while Island of Lost Souls adapts H.G. Wells' Dr. Moreau story far more successfully than the 1996 Marlon Brando version—and features Bela Lugosi as a creepy goat-man. The Friday Film Forum will present a preshow program of shorts, cartoons and surprises. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Raging Bull
Following the critical success of Taxi Driver, a manic bout of cocaine abuse and his salvation by Robert De Niro (his friend and the greatest actor he could ever cast), Martin Scorsese developed and shot Raging Bull, commonly cited as one of the Great American Films—as well as one of the best examples of method acting from De Niro, who gained 60 pounds to depict boxer Jake LaMotta in his later years. Scorsese's decision to film entirely in black and white as a shout-out to period boxing photography and to shoot the fight sequences from within the ring resulted in one of the most complex, stunning works of cinema ever made. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
Singin' in the Rain
A romantic musical that uses the difficulties Hollywood suffered as it transitioned from silent films to “talkies” as a backdrop. Featuring one of cinema's greatest hoofers, Gene Kelly, along with Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor (as the comic sidekick). Cherry Beach, E. Ocean Blvd. N Junipero Ave., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Wed., dusk. Free.
The Sting
Classic tale of con men during the '20s featuring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Bring a blanket and snacks for this outdoor screening on the beach. There will be a dinner menu and free popcorn available. Granada Beach, 5101 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Tues., dusk. 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 tc****@oc******.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
