[Special Screenings] Local Showings of 'Bad Santa,' 'Bambi,' 'The Goonies,' More

Movie of the Week:

Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton stars in this divisive comedy about a degenerate who becomes a mall Santa in an effort to pull off a store heist. Foul-mouthed, alcoholic and perverse, Thornton finds some redemption in the friendship of an awkward outcast who sparks his buried sympathies. While definitely not for everyone, the film appeals to those nauseated by the standard sugar-coated holiday fare. Cinemafusion, 321 W. Katella, Anaheim, (714) 399-0300; www.cinemafusionanaheim.com. Thurs., Dec. 18, 7 p.m. $7.50.

Also Showing:

Africa, The Serengeti
Every year, the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet treks more than 500 miles in search of food and water. This amazing journey, called the Great Migration, is an extraordinary occurrence few people have ever witnessed. Filmed in Kenya and Tanzania, this film (narrated by none other than James Earl Jones) follows 2 million-plus wildebeests, zebras and gazelles as they make the treacherous trip across scorching plains and croc-filled rivers to ensure their survival. Visually stunning, Africa: The Serengeti’s imagery can range from magnificent to grotesque; however, it’s the shots of the newborn animals that’ll grab your heart in a collective “awww.” 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.

Bambi
Everyone knows this classic Disney film about a young deer making his way in the world after the heart-wrenching death of his parents. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.

Bell, Book and Candle
This cute, quirky romantic comedy scored two Oscar nominations plus a Golden Globe nod for Best Picture back in 1959. Set in bustling 1950s New York, it centers on a modern-day witch who casts a spell on her arch nemesis’ fiance in order to steal him away as revenge. But—surprise, surprise—she ends up falling in love with him for real. Whatever will she do? Relieve him of the spell so he can go back to her bitter enemy? Or keep him all to herself in a trance forever? Bay Theater, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheater.com. Sun., ?6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed., 8 p.m. $8.

The Goonies
Richard Donner helms this classic teen adventure/comedy about a group of small-town outcasts searching for hidden treasure that they hope will save their family homes. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.

Quilts in Women’s Eyes
Seven accomplished female quilt-makers reveal the place that the art has held in their lives in this documentary. 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.

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