[Special Screenings] Local Showings of 'Big Wednesday,' 'Back to School,' More

Movie of the Week:

Big Wednesday
John Milius directed and co-wrote this classic surfing movie, starring Jan-Michael Vincent, William Katt and Garey Busey as three friends coming of age during the late ’60s. Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Fri., 10:15 p.m.; Sun.-Mon., 6 p.m.; Wed., 8 p.m. $5-$8.

Also Showing:

Back to School
Playing a millionaire businessman, Rodney Dangerfield (in a totally natural casting choice) decides to enroll in college to help support his son’s collegiate efforts. Having never been to college himself (millionaire businessmen don’t need college, after all), Dangerfield’s character becomes the star student, throwing massive parties and hitting on hot professors. Often called a lesser Animal House, this romp through comedic silver presents Dangerfield in his element, throwing around acerbic one-liners like they’re going out of style. Some other things that Animal House doesn’t have? Oingo Boingo, Sam Kinison and a young Robert Downey Jr. (Erin DeWitt) Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave, Santa Ana, (714) 540-1970; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $10.

Central China With Globe Trekker
Travel through central China with globe trekker Megan McCormick, who takes you on a journey beginning in Shanghai, then on to Huangshan Mountain and along the Yangtze River to Chongqing (the home to the Three Gorges project) and on to Xi’an (one of the ancient capitals of China) and ending at the site of the Terra Cotta Warriors. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Fri., 6:30 p.m. Free.

West Side Story
Two star-crossed lovers try to make their way against the backdrop of a New York street-gang turf war. Regency Rancho Niguel Cinemas, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. Call for cost.

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 tchild@ocweekly.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.