Movie of the Week:
A Hard Day’s Night
Truly a joy to behold, A Hard Day’s Night presents the Beatles at the peak of their early powers, doing what they did best: playing music, charming nearly everyone who fell under their spell and running from women. Richard Lester directs the Fab Four in this completely entertaining, frequently hilarious fluke of a film. No band has yet to top it. The Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed., 8 p.m. $5-$8.
Also Showing:
The Art of Quilting
This documentary examines the traditions and techniques of America’s quilting culture. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Sat., 1:30 p.m. Free with paid admission.
The Big Lebowski
Upon first viewing, the genius Coen brothers’ film The Big Lebowski may seem as sprawling and pointless as Los Angeles itself. But after multiple viewings (some proudly claim to have seen it hundreds of times), the film becomes ineffably funny, something beyond hysterically hilarious. The labyrinthine story follows an anti-hero named the Dude and his attempts to make an easy buck acting as a liaison between a millionaire and the people who may or may not have kidnapped his wife. Most everyone who’s worth their film-buff salt can quote the movie verbatim—and for good reason: Lebowski has some of the funniest lines ever uttered. It has become (inexplicably, really, even to the Brothers Coen themselves) a true modern classic . . . and one uniquely suited to ease the pain of a broken heart or any other number of traumas. You can guess where the story goes from there. He fixes the cable? Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
A Christmas Story
A modern holiday comedy classic about a young man’s experiences with his family during the Christmas season in ’40s Indiana. Cinemafusion, 321 W. Katella, Anaheim, (714) 399-0300; www.cinemafusionanaheim.com. Thurs., Dec. 11, 7 p.m. $7.50.
Fertile Mistakes
This documentary interviews various independently minded musicians about what music is and can be. Hibbleton Art Gallery, 112 W. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, (714) 441-2857; www.hibbleton.com. Sat., 8 p.m. Free.
The Furies
Anthony Mann directs this dark, complicated Western about a cattle baron and his daughter and the trouble they get into after he builds his ranch on disputed land. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Savannah Homecoming
Highlighting the scenery of East Africa, this documentary follows two women as they journey across the region. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Fri., 1:30 p.m. Free with paid admission.
Warren Miller’s Children of Winter Never Grow Old
Warren Miller’s touring ski and snowboard film follows top pros across the world as they tackle the most challenging runs. The flick is playing in high definition at theaters across the county this week. Artist’s Theater at Laguna Beach High School, 625 Park Ave., Laguna Beach, (949) 715-5578; www.lagunabeachlive.org. Sat., 6:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, (949) 854-4646; www.thebarclay.org. Sun., 4 & 7 p.m. See www.skinet.com/warrenmiller for ticket cost and more information.
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.
