Watch Me Fly [Special Screenings, July 12-19]

The Greatest Showman. Photo courtesy 20th Century Fox

Andy Irons: Kissed By God. Surfing champ Andy Irons’ struggles with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction are covered in this documentary. The pride of Hawaii has said he hopes his story will dispel myths about two ferocious diseases. Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Thurs., July 12. Call for show time. $15; also at Regency San Juan Capistrano, 26762 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, (949) 661-3456. Thurs., July 19, 6:45 & 9:15 p.m. $15.

Ikiru. The Directors series’ Akira Kurosawa retrospective continues with his acclaimed 1952 drama about an aging bureaucrat (Takashi Shimura) reeling from stomach cancer and fears that his life will soon end without having had meaning. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., July 12, 3, 5:30 & 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., July 5, 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:15 & 9:35 p.m. $8-$11; also at Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., July 12, noon, 2:15 & 4:30 p.m. $8.50-$11.50; and Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., July 12, 12:15, 2:35, 5, 7:20 & 9:40 p.m. $9.50-$12.50.

The Misandrists. Internationally acclaimed underground queer-cinema filmmaker Bruce LaBruce’s 2018 feature has an injured leftist on the run before he stumbles upon the remote stronghold of the Female Liberation Army. He is hidden in the basement by a member of the radical feminist terrorist group, whose mission is to usher in a female world order. However, the leftist does not represent the only secret that threatens the mission from within. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., July 12, 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9 p.m. $7-$10.

The Wiz. Movies In the Park presents Sidney Lumet’s 1978 musical fantasy that adds soul to The Wizard of Oz. A storm whisks Dorothy (Diana Ross) away from Manhattan to an urban fantasy land. Wanting to return home after accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East, Dorothy is told the Wiz (Richard Pryor) can help her. On her way to find him, she’s joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross). Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Centennial Park, 14722 Devonshire Ave., Tustin, (714) 573-3326. Thurs., July 12, activities, 5:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

Trolls. Free Movie Nights presents the 2016 animated family adventure comedy that has the Bergens invading Troll Village and forcing Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch (Justin Timberlake) to set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Bring dinner or purchase food on site. Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, (714) 895-2860. Thurs., July 12, activities, 6:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free; also at Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Dr., Irvine, (949) 923-2220. Fri., dusk. Free.

Muse: Drones World Tour. It’s a one-night-only screening of the concert movie plucked from the monster band’s 2015-16 tour, which featured drones flying above the stage and over the crowd as well as images flashed on giant screens. “Psycho,” “Madness,” “Uprising,” “Plug In Baby” and “Supermassive Black Hole” are among the captured hits. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., July 12, 7 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

350 Days—Legends. Champions. Survivors. The grueling life on the road for professional wrestlers Bret Hart and Billy Graham, whose personal lives suffered as a result, is captured through interviews, photographs and rare in-the-ring footage. An exclusive introduction by and interview with the Four Horsemen’s manager JJ Dillon is included in the screening event. 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, 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 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., July 12, 7 p.m. $12.50.

Yellow Submarine. It’s a 50th-anniversary run of the cartoon that was made at the height of the Beatles’ popularity. The Fab Four is recruited by an escapee to bring joy (and music) back to the land overtaken by the Blue Meanies. Another tab, Ringo? The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Wed., 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9 p.m.; Thurs., July 19, 1, 3 & 5 p.m. $7-$10.

Friday the 13th Part 2. A blood-soaked hockey mask goes to whoever answers this question first: Why did Frida chose this day for three screenings of Steve Miner’s 1981 slasher flick? Five years after Mrs. Voorhees went on a murderous rampage at Camp Crystal Lake, her son Jason turns up to inflict the same on a new group of camp counselors. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 3:30, 6 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

A League of Their Own. Photo courtesy Sony Pictures

A League of Their Own. The Lot’s Friday Night Flix series continues with director Penny Marshall’s fact-based biopic on two sisters who joined the first female professional baseball league. Geena Davis, Madonna and Tom “There’s No Crying in Baseball . . . I’m David S. Pumpkins” Hanks star. Chairs are provided, but seating is first come, first seated. Fashion Island, Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; www.shopfashionisland.com. Fri., check in, 7:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. $10 (includes a bag of warm popcorn).

Toy Story. The next time you pull the cord on the back of your kid’s Woody doll and hear “Howdy, pardner” or “Reach for the sky,” know that you are hearing the voice of Tom Hanks’ brother, as the movie star only does vocal work for the movies. Disneyland presents this summer-series screening. Stoddard Park, 1901 S. Ninth St., Anaheim; publicaffairs.disneyland.com/community/celebratesummer/. Fri., 7:45 p.m. Free.

The Boss Baby. This DreamWorks Animation production is actually quite well-done, thanks to Michael McCullers’ inventive adaptation of Marla Frazee’s picture book; director Tom McGrath’s expert pacing that’ll keep the eyes of adults and children on the screen; and the vocal talents of Miles Bakshi, Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Tobey Maguire and especially Alec Baldwin as the title character. Arovista Park, 415 W. Elm St., Brea, (714) 990-7112. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.

Coco. The 2017 computer-animated 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 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. Bring blankets and chairs to these outdoor screenings, and be prepared to dance to salsa music by La Sirena at the Saturday show. Brio Park, 300 S. Euclid St., La Habra, (562) 383-4205; also at Stanton Central Park, 10660 Western Ave., Stanton, (714) 890-4270. Fri., 8 p.m. Free; and Orville R. Lewis Park, 3662 Kempton Dr., Los Alamitos, (562) 430-1073. Sat., music, 6:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. 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.” Live shadow-cast troupe K.A.O.S. performs “The Time Warp” and other classic Rocky moments simultaneously with what’s flashed on Frida’s screen. Over at the Art, it’s Midnight Insanity. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11:30 p.m. $7-$10; also at Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Neverending Story. Photo courtesy Warner Bros.

The NeverEnding Story. Oh, how Phil Hartman slayed me when, as Lionel Hutz, he said, “Mr. Simpson, this is the most blatant case of false advertising since my suit against the film The NeverEnding Story.” Actually, Wolfgang Peterson’s 1984 family adventure movie clocks in at an hour and 42 minutes. A tormented boy (Barret Oliver) slips into a book shop to escape schoolyard bullies. He “borrows” an ancient storybook about the mythical land of Fantasia, which is in desperate need of a hero. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11:30 a.m., 1:45 & 4 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m., 1:45, 4, 6:15 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Jaws. Steven Spielberg’s 1975 triple-Oscar winner has a police chief (Roy Scheider), an ichthyologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a grizzled sea captain (Robert Shaw) hunting a great white shark snacking on a small coastal town’s tourists. Which reminds me: Feel free to frolic in the ocean waters just beyond the screen, chum. Beachfront Cinema at Huntington State Beach, Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; beachfrontcinema.com. Sat., 5 p.m. SOLD OUT.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. July’s Volunteer of the Month pick (from Frida’s Cristina Lopez) is Michel Gondry’s 2004 sci-fi rom-com from Charlie Kaufman’s Academy Award-winning screenplay. Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey play a young couple who hires a radical medical company to erase all memories of each other after the relationship turns sour. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 6:15 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

The Greatest Showman. Movies On the Lawn’s Blockbuster Saturday movie is Michael Gracey’s 2017 bio-musical that is based on the life of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), who rose from nothing to create a circus and worldwide sensation. You can create from nothing a meal to pack in a picnic basket you will bring along with blankets and lawn chairs, although food trucks are on site. Orange County Great Park, Palm Court, 6950 Marine Way, Irvine; ocgp.org. Sat., doors open, 6:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

Cinema Paradiso. Bowers Museum’s Italian cinema series returns with Giuseppe Tornatore’s 1988 Academy Award winner 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. Arrive at the screening early for basic Italian language instruction to help you better follow the movie. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Sun., 12:30 p.m. (language instruction), 2 p.m. (film). $12. 

Big. Photo courtesy 20th Century Fox

Big. Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies present nationwide simulcast screenings of this 1988 Penny Marshall joint that has a 12-year-old boy (David Moscow) making a wish that turns him into a 30-year-old man (Tom Hanks). He eventually makes his way to a New York City toy company, where he quickly moves up the ladder to become a product tester. 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, (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.

Hidden Fortress. The Directors series continues with Japanese auteur Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 adventure that heavily influenced George Lucas’ Star Wars. Toshiro Mifune stars as soldier guarding his defeated clan’s princess (Misa Uehara) as they smuggle royal treasure across a dangerous land. They are joined by a couple of peasants who may or may not be their friends. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., 3:30, 6 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Bolshoi Ballet: Romeo and Juliet. The Bolshoi Ballet Summer Series presents an encore presentation of Shakespeare’s timeless tale, which was captured live on the Moscow stage. In Verona, Romeo and Juliet fall madly in love despite the feud between their two families. Music by Prokofiev, choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, the Bolshoi’s former artistic director. Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (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; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 7 p.m. $12.50.

The Hustler. Film Club presents Robert Rossen’s 1961 drama about damaged pool shark Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman), who bounces from one seedy, smoke-filled pool hall table to another as he builds toward a potentially life-changing showdown with Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). Newman reprised his role in 1986’s The Color of Money. Programming is intended for ages 18 and up. Dress for comfort and bring a light jacket. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library, Community Room, 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, (949) 646-8845. Tues., 4:45 p.m. Free.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day. James Cameron’s 2006 sequel, which saved marquee letter hangers by shortening the title to T2, flashes forward 10 years to the time that Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton) is not the one hunted by a cyborg from the future, but her son John (Edward Furlong) is. Fortunately, the future resistance leader has a protector (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who looks exactly like the cyborg who tried to kill mom. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.

The Met Live in HD: Turandot. It’s an encore presentation of Franco Zeffirelli’s dazzling production of the Puccini opera that is sung in Italian with English subtitles. A proud Chinese princess (soprano Nina Stemme) is wooed by a brave prince (tenor Marco Berti). Will he win her hand? AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036 (7 p.m. only); Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342 (7 p.m. only); www.fathomevents.com. Wed., 1 & 7 p.m. $12.50.

Yojimbo. Photo courtesy Janus Films

Yojimbo. The Directors series hosannas for Akira Kurosawa keep coming with his 1961 film about a small-town Samurai (Toshiro Mifune) turning a range war between two evil clans to his advantage. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed.-Thurs., July 18-19, 3:30, 6 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Men In Black. Is there a film that you only saw pieces of, never from beginning to end, but because everyone talked about it, you finally sat down for a full viewing, and now, several years later, you barely recall it? Interstellar Adventures: Movies for Teens presents what is one of those for me, this 1997 sci-fi flick about agents Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) and Jay (Will Smith) of the Men In Black, a government agency that, like ICE, deals with all things alien, only MIBs are of the intergalactic rather than illegal variety. The pair uncovers a space terrorist’s assassination plot. Fullerton Public Library, Osborne Auditorium, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Wed., 4 p.m. Free.

Blazing Saddles. Mel Brooks’ comedy, among the funniest of all-time, has the new black sheriff of Rock Ridge (Cleavon Little), his gunslinger-turned-drunk sidekick (Gene Wilder) and frontier townies battling baddies bent on clearing everyone out for a new railroad—and a classic pie fight. Regency South Coast Village, Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

The Patriot. In Roland Emmerich’s 2000 war drama, Mel Gibson plays a widowed farmer in the new America of 1776 who he at first refuses to join the fight against the British despite his military past. However, when his son enlists and is later captured by the enemy, dad trades pacifism for guerrilla warfare. The Thursday Matinee film series theme is “American Dreams,” and yours of bringing snacks and beverages to a screening can come true, so long as no booze is involved. Fullerton Public Library, Osborne Auditorium, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., July 19, 1 p.m. Free.

The Incredibles. Orange Public Library Foundation’s Family Film Festival continues in the air-conditioned Community Room with 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. Maintaining that bod will be tough given the popcorn and snacks available for purchase at this screening. Orange Public Library, 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, (714) 288-2400. Thurs., July 19, 2 p.m. Free.

The Life of Pi. Ang Lee’s 2012 adventure fantasy is about a young man (Suraj Sharma) who survives a disaster at sea with an unlikely partner: a fearsome Bengal tiger. Hurtled into an epic journey, they make an unexpected connection. Peppertree Park, 230 W. First St., Tustin, (714) 573-3326. Thurs., July 19, activities, 5:30 p.m.; screening, dusk. Free.

A Wrinkle In Time. Photo courtesy Disney

A Wrinkle In Time. Family Movie Night presents the recent film about three peculiar beings (Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling) sending a sister and brother (Storm Reid and Deric McCabe) into alternate dimensions to find their missing scientist father (Chris Pine). Fullerton Public Library, Osborne Auditorium, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., July 19, 6:30 p.m. Free.

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. Tonight brings selections from the Balboa Amusement Producing Co. (a.k.a. Balboa Studios). Fine spirits and Roxanne’s delightful hors d’ouerves are served. The Exhibition Room—Long Beach Craft Cocktails, 1117 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, (562) 826-2940; www.theexhibitionroom.com. Thurs., July 19, 8 p.m. $40.

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