Movie of the Week:
The Mummy
To ease that post-Halloween depression, the Long Beach Shakespeare company is screening the original version with Boris Karloff. Though it may contain slightly less edge-of-your-seat swashbuckling than the Brendan Fraser update, is that really a bad thing? Karloff’s mummy remains poignantly creepy. Richard Goad Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, (562) 997-1494. Sun., 7 p.m. Free.
Also Showing:
Bad Sugar
This documentary takes a critical look at the historical, social and environmental causes for the high incidents of type II diabetes among two Native American tribes in Arizona. Cal State Long Beach, Lecture Hall 150, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, (213) 202-3970. Fri., 6 p.m. Parking, $4.
Ben-Hur
Charlton Heston appears as Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince wrongly imprisoned who swears to regain his position in this Bible-oriented epic. Everyone knows the famous chariot-race scene, worth the price of admission alone. Regency Rancho Niguel Cinemas, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. $7.
Cat Ballou
Lee Marvin won an Oscar for playing dual roles alongside Jane Fonda in this entertaining western/musical/comedy about a young woman who enlists the help of a legendary gunman well past his prime in order to avenge her father’s death. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
The Fifth Element
Luc Besson helms this wildly kinetic, visually spectacular, gonzo science-fiction movie starring Bruce Willis, Mila Jovovich and Gary Oldman in a spectacularly bizarre performance. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
La Lupe: Queen of Latin Soul
This documentary examines the career arc of Lupe Yoli, a Cuban salsa singer who achieved international musical fame, and then became a born-again evangelist in the Bronx. Director Ela Troyano will be present at the screening for a Q&A. UC Irvine Film and Video Center, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & W. Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., Nov. 13, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
Network
Initially considered a bleak, pitch-black satire upon its release in 1976, Network looks more and more like some kind of psychic documentary with each passing year. Screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky must have been channeling Cassandra when he composed this story of a major television network that chooses to sell out its ideals in pursuit of the almighty share points. Peter Finch deservedly won an Oscar (posthumously) for his portrayal of Howard Beale, a veteran news anchor who goes insane on-air and subsequently has his instability milked by the corrupt corporate owners who see the ratings potential of giving a raving lunatic a forum on live television. Their cynical gamble pays off, and the network becomes more successful than ever as they continue to cater to the basest human interests by adding programming such as Fear Factor, Rock of Love, Cheaters and . . . oh, wait, even we’re getting confused now. Network remains brutally effective in its condemnation of exploitation in all its forms and could easily be considered one of the greatest American films of all time. Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana, (714) 667-1517; www.occca.org. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.
Orgasmic Birth
This documentary argues that childbirth need not be as painful and stressful as you might think. By highlighting women who have found the process can be joyous and even sensuous, the film aims to change the way we view birthing children in American culture. This screening is being held as a fund-raiser for the Community Alliance for Birth Options. Regency Laguna Niguel, 24571 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 933-5737; www.orgasmicbirth.com. Tues., 6 p.m. $25.
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.
