Sweet Talker [Special Screenings, Jan. 17-24]

On the Basis of Sex. In Mimi Leder’s new bio-drama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) struggles for equal rights and overcomes other obstacles to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 17, 11 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 & 10:05 p.m. $8-$10; also at Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 17, 1, 4:15, 7 & 9:45 p.m. $8-$11; and Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Thurs., Jan. 17, 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. $9-$11.50.

The Favourite. In Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2018 bio-dramedy, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) secretly governs early-18th-century England for her close friend Queen Anne (Olivia Colman, in her Golden Globe-winning performance), who is in ill health and bad temper. When servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, a charmed Sarah takes her under her wing, which the newcomer sees as giving her a shot at returning to her aristocratic roots. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 17, 11:10 a.m., 4:40 & 7:20 p.m. $8-$10; also at Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 17, 4 p.m. $8-$11.

If Beale Street Could Talk. Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel is set in early 1970s Harlem, where wife-to-be Tish (KiKi Layne) recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt (Stephan James). Friends since childhood, the couple’s future is derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 17, 11:20 a.m., 2, 4:50, 7:30 & 10:10 p.m. $8-$10; also at Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Thurs., Jan. 17, 1:30, 4, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Stan and Ollie. Laurel and Hardy (Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly), the world’s most famous comedy duo, try to reignite their film career as they embark on what becomes their swan song: a grueling theater tour of post-war Britain. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 17, 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:30 & 9:55 p.m. $8-$11.

Vice. Adam McKay’s bio-drama details the rise of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale and a packed-on 40 pounds, not counting the Golden Glove statue), the most powerful vice president in history. Amy Adams portrays Lynne Cheney, and Steve Carell plays Donald Rumsfeld. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 17, 12:30, 3:30, 6:40 & 9:45 p.m. $8-$10.

Roma. Frida’s Director of the Month is Golden Globe winner Alfonso Cuarón, which is convenient for him because out now is his new, semi-autobiographical, gorgeously shot black-and-white, Golden Globe-winning drama. It follows a year in the life of a young domestic worker (Yalitza Aparicio) and the middle-class Mexico City family she works for in the early 1970s. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Jan. 17, 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Split. M. Night Shyamalan returned to form with this 2017 horror-thriller about three girls (Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson and Jessica Sula) battling a kidnapper (James McAvoy) with 23 distinct personalities—and deadly No. 24 emerging. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Jan. 17, 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Free Solo. In this documentary, see Alex Honnold, without ropes or safety gear, become the first person to free solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000-foot-high El Capitan Wall, arguably the greatest feat in rock-climbing history. Art Theatre; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Thurs., Jan. 17, 6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Incredibles 2. Family Movie Night presents the animated 2018 smash hit from Disney-Pixar and director Brad Bird. Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) takes care of the kids while his wife Helen/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is out saving the world. Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Wonders of the Sea 3D. Co-producers Arnold Schwarzenegger, who also narrates, and Jean Michel Cousteau, who serves as the documentary’s main subject, present underwater footage that makes it appear viewers are diving alongside the Cousteau family. Together, they showcase rarely seen sea creatures and too-often-seen ocean threats. AMC Fullerton 20, 1001 S. Lemon St., Fullerton, (714) 992-6962; 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 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, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Market Place Stadium 10, 13782 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12, 901 South Coast Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 428-0962; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, 9741 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, (844) 462-7342; Regal La Habra Stadium 16, 1351 W. Imperial Hwy., La Habra, (562) 690-4909; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Jan. 17, 7 p.m. $12.50-$15.

The Exhibition Room Silent Film Series. The speakeasy, which one enters with a password and through a phone booth, and Long Beach Heritage Museum continue their semi-regular screenings of silent films. Among them are Laurel and Hardy’s Big Business and Charlie Chaplin’s Sunnyside. Fine spirits and Roxanne’s delightful hors d’oeuvres are served. The Exhibition Room—Long Beach Craft Cocktails, 1117 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, (562) 826-2940; www.theexhibitionroom.com. Thurs., Jan. 17, 8 p.m. $40.

Tremors. In Ron Underwood’s 1990 comedic creature feature, two handymen (Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward) leave the Nevada hamlet of Perfection for greener pastures, but their exit is blocked by 30-foot-long, carnivorous worms. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 2, 4, 6 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Vox Lux. In Brady Corbet’s new drama, 13-year-old music prodigy Celeste achieves pop stardom from the ashes of tragedy. Fast-forward two decades, and a now-adult Celeste (Natalie Portman) embarks on a tour while grappling with motherhood, monolithic fame and mounting madness. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m. & 5 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs., Jan. 24, 2:30, 5 & 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Pledge. Daniel Robbins’ new horror flick has freshman social misfits (Phillip Andre Botello, Zack Weiner and Zachery Byrd) pledging to their university’s Greek houses in hopes of becoming cool. After every frat turns them down, they are accepted by a shadowy club that offers raging parties, willing coeds and social status. Of course, there is a catch. . . . The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 10 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 p.m. $7-$10.

¡Las Sandinistas! Jenny Murray’s SXSW Film Festival award-winning documentary is about the central role women played in the Nicaraguan revolution. A quarter of a century later, amid rising gender violence, the women brave the streets to demand justice and equality. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 8 p.m. $7-$10.

The Iron Giant. Celebrating its 20th anniversary is this 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., 4 & 6 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m., 2, 4 & 6 p.m. $7-$10.

Women’s Surf Film Fest. Sandy Feet Initiative, which passes along a love of the ocean and watersports to the siblings of children with special needs, presents this inaugural event. Screening are two documentaries by Elizabeth Pepin Silva: One Winter Story and The Super Stoked Surf Mamas of Pleasure Point. She has been filming women surfers for more than 20 years and has won awards all over the world for her work. (See also: “OC’s Inaugural Women’s Surf Film Fest Launches With a Double Bill by Elizabeth Pepin Silva.”) San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente; sandyfeetoc.org. Sat., 4 p.m. $20.

Pacquiao vs. Broner. Beamed live into theaters is boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, defending his world welterweight title against former four-division world champ Adrien “The Problem” Broner. The undercard features: two-division world champ Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim light-heavyweight title; former world champ Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC bantamweight championship; and unbeaten Jhack Tepora facing former world champ Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; 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, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sat., 6 p.m. $20.

Bombs Away Live! Deep Blue Sea: Wet and Wild Interactive Screening. Team Bombs Away returns to run a B-movie, then host a live podcast about it, but for the first time, it’s an interactive screening in which every seat is in a splash zone, audience members who pre-ordered are armed with squirt guns, and sharks are everywhere. Indeed, those out of shark costumes are urged to wear ponchos or other water-resistant wear. Renny Harlin’s film, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is about undersea researchers who alter the brains of sharks to find an Alzheimer’s cure. But it backfires as the sharks get smarter. Samuel L, Jackson, Saffron Burrows and Thomas Jane star. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 8 p.m. $15 (includes pre-party, high-definition screening with “wet and wild” interactive scenes, the podcast, photo ops, a poncho and, if you pre-ordered it, a water gun).

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.” Live shadow-cast troupe Midnight Insanity performs. Art Theatre; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Bolshoi Ballet: La Bayadere. Beamed into U.S. theaters the same day the stage event is performed in Moscow is one of the greatest works in classical ballet history. In India, temple dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor fall deeply in love, igniting heated passions and murderous intrigues when the rajah and his daughter Gamzatti discover their forbidden love. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; 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. Sun., 12:55 p.m. $18; also at Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Sun., 1:15 p.m.; Tues., 7 p.m. $14-$17.

They Shall Not Grow Old. Warner Bros. and Fathom Events bring Peter Jackson’s “most personal” film back by popular demand after two December screenings set box-office records. The World War I documentary, which was culled from archival footage and 600 hours of BBC interviews, uses colorization, 3D technologies and state-of-the-art restoration to present the authentic experiences of the British soldiers who lived them. 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, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Market Place Stadium 10, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12, (714) 428-0962; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; Regal La Habra Stadium 16, (562) 690-4909; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 1, 4, 7 & 10 p.m. $12.50-$17.45; also at AMC Fullerton 20, (714) 992-6962; AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (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; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 1 & 7 p.m. $12.50-$17.45.

Y Tu Mamá También. This month’s Cuarón retrospective continues with his groundbreaking 2001 Mexican dramedy about teenage best friends (Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna) embarking on a carefree summer road trip with an older woman (Maribel Verdú). Both boys are attracted to her, and she has a secret. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Network. The saddest thing about Sidney Lumet’s 1976 satire of television is how less farfetched it has become with each passing day. But thanks to the brilliance of Paddy Chayefsky’s script and Peter Finch’s acting, it remains a classic. Finch plays a TV anchor who can’t take it anymore—something he tells his audience with growing, deranged desperation. When his show racks up boffo ratings, his network cynically exploits him (naturally). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed.-Thurs., Jan. 24, 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Cyrano de Bergerac. In U.S. theaters from the renowned Comédie-Française stage and award-winning director/stage and cinema actor Denis Podalydès comes the classic tale that was updated and remade into the 1987 Steve Martin comedy Roxanne. Cyrano de Bergerac has swordsman skills, a great wit . . . and an enormous nose that makes him self-conscious when it comes to romance. Christian asks Cyrano to help him woo Roxane with words, but success is complicated by Cyrano also being in love with her. 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 Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; 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. Wed., 7 p.m. $15.

Wayne’s World. Penelope Spheeris’ exxxxcellent 1992 comedy from the mind of Mike Myers has him starring as Wayne Campbell, who along with his fellow Midwest slacker pal Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) tries to take their goofy public access talk show to the next level: local television. Pushed by his budding rock-goddess girlfriend (Tia Carrere) and a slimy producer (Rob Lowe), Wayne really just wants to party on, Garth. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

The Hours. This month’s Thursday Matinee Film Series theme is “About the Author.” Stephen Daldry’s 2002 drama, which is adapted from Michael Cunningham’s novel, is about three women (Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman) who have, in one way or another, dealt with suicide in their lives. Bring snacks and beverages, but no booze lest you wish to deal with an angry librarian. Fullerton Public Library, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 24, 1 p.m. Free.

The Final Wish. Actor/producer/director Timothy Woodward Jr.’s new horror film is about a young man (Michael Welch) who returns home to care for his mother (Lin Shaye) after his father dies. The son also confronts his past as he goes through his father’s belongings and finds a mysterious item that is more than it seems. The cinematic event beamed into theaters nationwide includes a recorded introduction from Shaye and a Q&A with cast and crew from the Screamfest Horror Film Festival. AMC Fullerton 20, (714) 992-6962; AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; 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, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12, (714) 428-0962; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. $12.50.