You May Now Call Him ‘Dr. McNally’ [Special Screenings, Jan. 31-Feb. 7]

Every Act of Life. Photo courtesy the Film Collaborative

BTS World Tour “Love Yourself” in Seoul. Encore screenings of a recent live performance by one of 2018’s top concert acts worldwide are presented in ScreenX, the projection technology that makes audiences feel as if they have been dropped into the action. Shot in the South Korea capital city’s Olympic Stadium, the cinematic event is aimed at the boy band’s U.S. fans. Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342. Thurs.-Mon., Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. $16.70-$19.70. Also at CGV Cinemas Buena Park 8, 6988 Beach Blvd., (714) 252-6826. Thurs.-Mon., Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 1 and 7:30 p.m. $19.

On the Basis of Sex. In Mimi Leder’s 2018 bio-drama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) struggles for equal rights and to overcome what she has to so she can 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. 31, 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. 31, 4 & 9:50 p.m. $8-$11.

Green Book. Peter Farrelly’s drama, which is up for five Academy Awards, has a working-class Italian-American bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) driving an African-American classical pianist (Mahershala Ali) on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 31, 11:05 a.m., 2:10, 5:05 & 8:05 p.m. $8-$10; also at Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 31, 12:30, 3:30, 6:45 & 9:45 p.m. $8-$11.

The Favourite. In Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2018 bio-dramedy, which has 10 Oscar nominations, early-18th-century England’s Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is in ill health and bad temper as her friend (Rachel Weisz) and servant (Emma Stone) make power grabs. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 31, 11:10 a.m., 1:55 & 7:50 p.m. $8-$10; also at Regency Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, (949) 673-8350. Thurs., Jan. 31, 12:30 & 7 p.m. $9-$11.50; and Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 31, 1 & 7 p.m. $8-$11.

Stan & Ollie. In Jon S. Baird’s 2018 bio-dramedy, Laurel and Hardy (Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly), the world’s most famous comedy duo, try to reignite their film career with a grueling theater tour of post-war Britain. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Thurs., Jan. 31, 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:15 & 9:55 p.m. $8-$11; also at Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 31, 11:50 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:05 & 9:40 p.m. $8-$10.

Vice. Adam McKay’s 2018 bio-drama, which is up for eight Oscars, details the rise of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), 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. 31, 12:30, 3:30, 6:40 & 9:45 p.m. $8-$10.

Cold War. Presented in black and white is this new, passionate, thrice Academy Award-nominated love story set in the ruins of post-war Europe. Politics, character flaws and unfortunate twists of fate keep a mismatched couple separated in 1950s Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris. Presented in Polish with English subtitles. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 31, 1, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30 & 9:50 p.m. $8-$10; also at Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435; arttheatrelongbeach.org. Thurs., Jan. 31, 3, 5, 7 & 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Being John Malkovich. Frida wraps up a collection of 20th-anniversary screenings with Spike Jonze’s freaky 1999 comedy about a temporary file clerk (John Cusack) who discovers a small door that opens into the mind of actor John Malkovich (played brilliantly by you-know-who). After the temp and a co-worker (Catherine Keener) charge admission to spend 15 minutes inside Malkovich’s noggin, the actor suspects something strange is happening. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Jan. 31, 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Gräns (Border). Ali Abbasi’s award-winning 2018 Swedish fantasy rom-dram is about the relationship that develops between a customs officer (Eva Melander) and a mysterious man (Eero Milonoff), both of whom resemble the Geico TV commercial cavemen. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Jan. 31, 2:30, 5, 7:30 & 9:50 p.m. $7-$10.

A Star Is Born. A seasoned musician (Bradley Cooper, who also directs the picture, which has eight Oscar nominations) discovers and falls in love with a struggling artist (Lady Gaga). As her career takes off, he fights an ongoing battle with his inner demons. Regency Lido Theater, (949) 673-8350. Thurs., Jan. 31, 4 p.m. $9-$11.50; also at Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Thurs., Jan. 31, 4:40 p.m. $8-$10.

1948: Creation & Catastrophe. The schools of Social Ecology and Social Sciences present this documentary on the shocking events of the most pivotal year in the most controversial conflict in the world. After Israelis and Palestinians share their moving personal recollections onscreen, a panel discussion is presented in front of the screen. UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business Auditorium, 4293 Pereira Dr., Irvine; socialecology.uci.edu/webforms/1948. Thurs., Jan. 31, screening, 6:15 p.m.; panel, 7:45 p.m. Free, but RSVP to the aforementioned website.

The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story. Based on a true story and shot on location in India, the new drama has a local journalist (Sharman Joshi) investigating an Australian missionary (Stephen Baldwin) suspected of illegally proselytizing to leprosy patients. But when the undercover newspaperman discovers revelations that are difficult to fathom and explain, he must choose between ambition and dispensing the truth. 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 East 12, 155 W. Birch St., Brea, (714) 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, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12, 901 South Coast Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 428-0962; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Jan. 31, 7 p.m. $12.50.

A Silent Voice: The Movie. The new Eleven Arts anime has a popular boy bullying a deaf girl so much their class shuns him. She transfers, he becomes an outcast; alone and depressed, he sets off to find her to make amends. Dubbed in English. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (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 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 Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Jan. 31, 7 p.m. $12.50.

The Tempest. Photo courtesy Royal Shakespeare Co.

The Tempest on Film: Empire and Its Ruins, Winter 2019. UC Irvine’s Humanities Core and Shakespeare Center present a free series of film and television adaptations of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest through Feb. 15, with each introduced by a faculty member. Up first is the 2016 Royal Shakespeare Co. theatrical production of The Tempest, which was filmed and shown two years later on movie screens. English professor Rodrigo Lazo introduces the epic that starts with Prospero, the deposed Duke of Milan, and his teenage daughter Miranda living on a remote island on which they’ve been stranded for the past 12 years. Next comes humanities professor Susan Morse introducing director William Wellman’s 1949 western epic Yellow Sky, which sets the Bard’s story in the badlands of 1867. The Tempest at UCI Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & West Peltason drives, Irvine, (949) 824-6117. Thurs., Jan. 31, 7 p.m. Free; Yellow Sky at UCI Humanities Gateway 1070, Irvine, (949) 824-6117. Wed., 7 p.m. Free.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The last time Nostalgic Nebula presented the 1990 flick, a grandson was heard to ask the grandfather who brought him to see Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael live and in person, “Why are all these other adults also dressed up in costumes?” Well, Johnny, it’s because a special invitation to such screenings is extended to cosplayers, who will enjoy free pizza, themed drinks and a live musical tribute to composer John Du Prez’s energetic score by the Nostalgic Nebula Orchestra. Then comes the original movie from the franchise that pits the heroes in half-shells against the mysterious Foot Clan ransacking the city. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., doors open, 7:30 p.m.; music followed by film, 8 p.m. $15.

Eraserhead. David Lynch’s 1977 head-scratcher of a debut (and Stanley Kubrick’s favorite film) is about a couple (John Nance and Charlotte Stewart) with a new baby who proves to be . . . unique. That description also applies to the chipmunk-cheeked little lady who lives in the radiator inside the couple’s dumpy apartment. The Frida Cinema;
thefridacinema.org. Fri.-Sat., 10 p.m. $10.

The Met: Live in HD: Carmen. Sir Richard Eyre’s Metropolitan Opera production of the Bizet favorite stars Clémentine Margaine as the ultimate seductress opposite Roberto Alagna. is sung in French 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, (714) 258-7036 (no Wed., 1 p.m.); 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; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, 9741 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sat., live, 9:55 a.m.; Wed., encores, 1 & 6:30 p.m. $18-$24.

Groundhog Day. Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures

Groundhog Day: 25th Anniversary Screening. Frida once again celebrates Groundhog Day on Groundhog Day with Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis’ best film. Snarky TV weatherman Phil (Bill Murray) hates the annual assignment that takes him to Punxsutawney to see if a groundhog emerges from his hole. The alarm clock at the B&B where Phil sleeps before the big day goes off with Sonny and Cher’s “I’ve Got You Babe” blaring from the radio. Phil then trudges through town with a bad attitude until the next morning, when “I’ve Got You Babe” awakens him in the same B&B again, as it does the next morning and the next and . . . you get the idea. Will Phil find a way to end the endless loop? The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., noon, 2:30, 5 & 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.

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.

Akira. Director Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1988 adaptation of his manga series has a bike-gang leader trying to save his friend from a government program called Akira in 2019 Neo-Tokyo. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun.-Mon., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Every Act of Life. The Orange County premiere of Jeff Kaufman’s documentary on the life and career of American theater icon Terrence McNally is followed by the pair discussing the film with the audience, as well as Chapman University’s conferral of an honorary Doctor of Arts degree on the acclaimed playwright, librettist, Emmy winner and four-time Tony winner. Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, Room 106, 283 N. Cypress St., Orange, (714) 997-6812. Mon., 4 p.m. Free, but ticket required from chapman.universitytickets.com.

Lissa: A Story About Medical Promise, Friendship and Revolution. UCI Illuminations, the Chancellor’s Arts & Culture Initiative, presents a free, three-day lecture and screening event dedicated to the graphic novel that follows young girls Anna and Layla, who strike up an unlikely friendship in Cairo that crosses class, cultural and religious divides. Their friendship is put to the test when each faces a medical crisis that reveals stark differences in their perspectives É until revolutionary unrest in Egypt changes their lives forever. Lissa: Comics in Academia, which is co-sponsored by Visual Arts, is a Q&A with authors Sherine Hamdy and Coleman Nye and illustrators Caroline Brewer and Sara Bao. The Making of Lissa: Behind the Scenes—which is co-presented by the Department of Anthropology, Global Middle East Studies, the Dean of Social Sciences, the School of Medicine and Medical Humanities—includes a making-of documentary followed by a Q&A with filmmakers and illustrators Julia Lupton, Jonathan Alexander, Kat Lewin and Tarek Mohamed. The capper is an Anthropology Colloquium co-sponsored by the Dean of Social Sciences, the Department of Anthropology and the Center for Ethnography. Featured is a roundtable discussion on “Comics as Ethnographic Method” by the Lissa team (Hamdy, Nye, Anne Brackenbury, Brewer, Bao and Francesco Dragone) and discussants Johanna Shapiro, (Medical Humanities) Jonathan Alexander (English) and Antoinette LaFarge (Visual Arts). Visit the website for more details. Lissa: Comics in Academia at UCI Contemporary Arts Center, Colloquium Room, Irvine, (949) 824-5112; illuminations.uci.edu. Tues., noon. Free; The Making of Lissa: Behind the Scenes at UCI Student Center, Pacific Ballroom, Irvine, (949) 824-5112; illuminations.uci.edu. Wed., 5 p.m. Free; Anthropology Colloquium at Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Room 1321, Irvine, (949) 824-5112; illuminations.uci.edu. Thurs., Feb. 7, 3:30 p.m. Free.

Donnie Darko. The really great 2001 Richard Kelly flick is about a troubled kid (Jake Gyllenhaal) who does very bad things because a big bunny tells him to. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Tues.-Wed., 2:30, 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Crazy Rich Asians. Photo courtesy Warner Bros.

Crazy Rich Asians. FPL Arthouse presents the smash-hit movie of 2018 about a native New Yorker (Constance Wu) accompanying her longtime boyfriend (Henry Golding) to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Her excitement about visiting Asia for the first time is rattled by the thought of meeting his family. Once there, she discovers he’s loaded and a sought-after bachelor—and that a target on her back is in the sites of jealous socialites and especially her beau’s disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh). Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Wed., 6 p.m. Free.

Giant. Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean star in George Stevens’ sprawling 1956 epic covering the life of a Texas cattle rancher and his family and associates. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Pretty In Pink. Poor girl Andie (Molly Ringwald) must choose between the affections of her doting childhood sweetheart “Duckie” (Jon Cryer) and rich but sensitive playboy Blaine (Andrew McCarthy) in this 1986 Brat Packer. Bring snacks and beverages, but no booze lest you wind up pretty in trouble. Fullerton Public Library, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Jan. 31, 1 p.m. Free.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. I can’t for the life of me stop using Andy Kaufman’s Latka voice from Taxi to repeat that title. Making its U.S. debut, Erica Mendez’s anime adaptation of Yoru Sumino’s award-winning novel explores the relationship between terminally ill Sakura and a protagonist known only as “me.” Presented in Japanese with English subtitles. 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 Big Newport 6, (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. Thurs., Feb. 7, 7 p.m. $12.50.

Rebels Without a Submission: Short Film Festival. Founded by independent filmmakers, the festival gives students and other cinematic storytellers a big screen on which to show their short works, plus a live audience to watch them. A reception follows the two-hour, second-ever event, which is making its Frida debut. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. $5.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *