Who Are You Really? [Special Screenings, April 12-19]

Isle of Dogs. Wes Anderson’s latest animation has, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City exiled to a vast garbage dump called Trash Island. That sends 12-year-old Atari off alone in a miniature turbo prop to find his bodyguard dog, Spots. He is assisted on his epic journey by a pack of newly found mongrel friends, unaware that they will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture. Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., April 12, 1:30, 4, 6:30 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50; also countywide at various times and ticket prices.

The Sacrifice. It’s a new 4K restoration of Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky’s final masterpiece. As a wealthy Swedish family celebrates the birthday of their patriarch, Alexander (Erland Josephson, Cries and Whispers), news of the outbreak of World War III reaches their remote Baltic island. While the family descends into a state of psychological devastation, Alexander enters into a Faustian bargain with God to save them. Presented in Swedish with English subtitles. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., April 12, 2, 5 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Spirited Away. Director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning anime fantasy begins with Chihiro believing she is on another boring trip with her parents. That all changes when mom and dad undergo a mysterious transformation and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits, shape-shifting dragons and a witch who never wants to see her leave. Cal State Fullerton, Titan Student Union Titan Theatre, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, (657) 278-2468. Thurs., April 12, 4 & 7 p.m. Free.

Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear. This faith-based drama is about Laguna Beach pro surfer Sage Burke, who was 13 when he nearly died in a wipeout. Paralyzed by fear, he avoids the waves until the mythical and powerful pull of the ocean draws him back. Burke plays himself as does his father Douglas, who wrote, directed, produced and composed music for the film. Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Thurs., April 12, 4:15, 7 & 9:50 p.m. $9-$18.

Human Flow. The Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability kicks off the 2018 Golden West Peace Conference with internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei’s powerful visual expression of massive human migration over the course of a year in 23 countries, from Afghanistan to Kenya. Though Weiwei’s subjects are some of the more than 65 million people around the world who were forced to flee their homes because of war, famine and climate change, he uses images and few words to show beauty, humor and unrelenting humanity. Golden West College, Forum 2, 941 Gothard St., Huntington Beach; www.goldenwestcollege.edu/peace/. Thurs., April 12, 6 p.m. Free.

The Amendment. It is based on the true story of writer/producer Brooks Douglass (Mike Vogel) and his sister Leslie (Taryn Manning). They survived a devastating crime that rocked their community and took their parents’ lives in 1979. Initially sent into an emotional tailspin, Brooks regained his footing, became Oklahoma’s youngest state senator and championed victims’ rights legislation. His quest for justice brings him face to face with his parents’ killer, but he discovers finding peace may be held in the lessons of his father (played by the real Brooks Douglass, in his film debut). After the movie, the importance of victims’ rights is discussed by a panel that includes Douglass and Vogel and is led by The Bachelor host Chris Harrison. AMC Downtown Disney, 1565 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 776-2355; 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, (714) 373-4573; 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 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., April 12, 7 p.m. $12.50.

Distant Sky: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Live in Copenhagen. The documentary captures the Aussie rock band’s lauded October 2017 concert at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, where the new album Skeleton Key was performed alongside other material from their vast catalog. “Tense and thunderous at times, tender and cathartic at others. It’s masterful,” raved The Independent of David Barnard’s film. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., April 12, 7:30 p.m. $15.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story. Alexandra Dean’s documentary is on the most beautiful woman in the world of the 1940s, when her look inspired Snow White and Cat Woman. By day, Lamarr was a Hollywood superstar, but by night, she was secretly an inventor who designed the foundation for GPS, Bluetooth and secure wifi. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Opens Fri.; call for show times and ticket prices.

Borg vs. McEnroe. Janus Metz Pedersen’s multilanguage, internationally co-produced, 2017 sports biopic is set during the 1980 Wimbledon Championships, where Bjšörn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason), the placid, No. 1 professional tennis player in the world, is challenged by John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf), a volatile, rising star. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Thurs., April 19, 2, 5, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. $7-$10; also at Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Call for show times and ticket prices.

Senior Thesis Cycle 4 Film Screenings. These senior thesis films premiere, but not in this order: American Letters; Athena; McCarthy; The Moth and the Light; 7 Scenarios In Infiniti; and Whispers of God. Titles are subject to change, and the films are also live streamed. (Go to the website below, scroll to the screening event and click the link.) Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, 283 N. Cypress St., Orange, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Fri., 7 p.m. 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.” Like dark stars in the heavens, Friday the 13th, OC Weekly’s Friday Night Freakouts and shadow cast K.A.O.S.’s regular monthly Frida residency align on the same night. Shadow cast Midnight Insanity performs in Long Beach. 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 Met: Live in HD: Luisa Miller. Pl‡cido Domingo stars in the rarely performed Verdi tragedy. Sonya Yoncheva sings the title role opposite Piotr Beczala, in Italian with English subtitles. AMC Marina Pacifica, 6346 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 430-8790; 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, 99 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (800) 967-1932; 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. Sat., 9:30 a.m. (live); Wed., 1 & 6:30 p.m. (encore; no early show in Tustin). $18-$24.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Elliot, little Drew Barrymore’s scream and dudes in space suits are back for the ultimate going-home flick. Steven Spielberg’s classic family film celebrated its 35th year in release in September 2017. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m. $7.

Grease. TCM Big Screen Classics presents a special 40th-anniversary event that includes the smash movie musical with exclusive commentary from a Turner Classic Movies host. Exchange student Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and bad-boy gang leader Danny (John Travolta) hook up during summer. Things change once school starts, when their respective cliques make romance near impossible. 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, (800) 967-1932; 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. Sat., 2 p.m. $12.50.

Bronson. The Directors series at Frida this month spotlights Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn and includes his 2009 biopic on Michael Peterson, Britain’s most dangerous prisoner, who upon his release fought as a bare-knuckle boxer under his nickname, Charles Bronson. Tom Hardy’s performance in the title role launched his movie career. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 2:30, 7 & 9 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 & 9 p.m.; Mon., 4:30 & 9:50 p.m. $7-$10.

Grad Thesis Cycle 3 & 4 Film Screenings. These graduate thesis films premiere, but not in this order: Thicker Than Water; The Moon and the Night; In Search of Paul; and Drawn Curtains. Titles are subject to change. Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, 283 N. Cypress St., Orange, (714) 997-6765; chapman.edu/dodge/. Sat., 7 p.m. Free.

Survival Sunday: The Walking Dead/Fear the Walking Dead. Sure, you could stay home in your jammies, hiding under your binky during the scary/gory/gross parts, but why not instead see AMC’s double-bill on the big screen with fellow Deadheads? Apparently, Morgan and his big stick cross over from the older show to the newer one. Best of all, The Walking Dead season finale and Fear the Walking Dead season premiere are presented without commercials but with bonus content and a commemorative item to take home. Hope it’s not my partially consumed spleen! AMC Downtown Disney, (714) 776-2355; 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, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (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. Sun., 5:30 p.m. $10.

Selena. A free screening of writer/director Gregory Nava’s 1997 biopic celebrates what would have been the Tejano singer’s 47th birthday. Then-barely known Jennifer Lopez beat out 22,000 other actresses to win the role of the pop-culture icon, whose career was (spoiler alert) cut short at age 23 in a Corpus Christi motel. Jon Seda, Edward James Olmos and Lupe Ontiveros co-star. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon., 1:30 p.m. Free.

Phoenix Wilder and the Great Elephant Adventure. In writer/director Richard Boddington’s family film, Phoenix Wilder (Sam Ashe Arnold) is a 13-year-old American orphan sent to live with his only surviving relative, his Aunt Sarah (Elizabeth Hurley), and her husband, Jack (Tertius Meintjes). The thing is, they reside in Africa, which Phoenix quickly falls in love with. But while out on safari with Uncle Jack, Phoenix gets lost, must survive in the African bush and befriends a giant bull elephant he frees from a trap. As they bond, Phoenix decides to try to stop poachers who prey on African elephants. AMC Downtown Disney, (714) 776-2355; 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, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 6 p.m. $10-$12.50.

Valhalla Rising. The Directors series continues with Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2010 death metal-fueled medieval odyssey that stars Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal) as One Eye, who has been forced to fight in brutal combat for the entertainment of his evil captors. After escaping imprisonment, One Eye discovers there are even worse evils outside his cage. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Tues.-Thurs., April 19, 2:30, 4:30, 7 & 9:15 p.m. (no late show April 19). $7-$10.

The Dating Project. Hey, people who flock from church and into theaters for inspirational movies need love, too. Pure Flix and Paulist Productions present this look at five single people searching for meaningful relationships beyond the one with you-know-who. 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, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Tues., 7 p.m. $12.50.

Gunfight at the OK Corral. Lawman Wyatt Earp (Burt Lancaster) and outlaw Doc Holliday (Kirk Douglas) form an unlikely alliance in the most famous Wild West shootout, which happened Oct. 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona. Look for Lee Van Cleef, DeForest Kelley and Earl Holliman in John Sturges’ 1957 western. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Kong: Skull Island. Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ action-adventure flick from last year has a team of scientists exploring an uncharted island in the Pacific—and fighting to escape when it turns out to be the domain of the mighty Kong. Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson star. You can bring light snacks and covered beverages to this screening, but alcohol is not allowed. Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., April 12, 1 p.m. Free.

Laguna Art Museum at 100. It’s the premiere of Dale Schierholt’s artumentary chronicling the museum’s history, from the formation of Laguna Beach Art Association in 1918 to its transformation into Laguna Art Museum in the mid-1980s and on to the current mission of presenting California art. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971. Thurs., April 19, invitation-only VIP reception, 6 p.m.; screening, 7 p.m. Free with museum admission ($5-$7; children ages 12 and younger, free).

Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future. Just in time for Earth Day (April 22), OC Parks, Newport Bay Naturalists and Newport Beach Film Festival present a documentary filled with solutions to global eco-crises. Writers/directors Jordan Osmond and Antoinette Wilson unveil the inspiring stories of people changing their lives and communities in sustainable and regenerative ways. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 923-2290; www.NewportBay.org. Thurs., April 19, 7 p.m. Free.

The Riot and the Dance: A Cinematic Celebration for Creation. It’s an encore presentation of the Gorilla Poet Productions documentary about Gordon Wilson, a faith-based biologist who traverses the planet “basking in God’s masterpieces.” Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., April 19, 7 p.m. $10-$12.50.

The Exhibition Room Silent Film Series. The speakeasy, which one enters with a password and through a phone booth, and Long Beach Heritage Museum team up for the first of what will be semiregular screenings of batches of silent films through at least early next year. Up first are two with Mickey Mouse (Shindig and Choo-Choo) and three with Felix the Cat (Switches Witches, The Smoke Scream and Felix Follows the Swallows). 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., April 19, 8 p.m. $40.

Imitation Girl. Horror website DreadCentral.com returns to Frida with Natasha Kermani’s 2017 sci-fi flick that stars Lauren Ashley Carter in two roles: as Julianna, an adult-film star questioning her career, and an alien who takes Julianna’s form. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., April 19, 10 p.m. $7-$10.