Where Are Our Woodward and Bernstein? [Special Screenings, Dec. 8-15]

Burn Country. After being exiled from Afghanistan, a former war journalist (Dominic Rains) settles in a small town in Northern California and takes a job with a local newspaper. This preview screening is followed by on-screen talkback, beamed into 50 U.S. movie theaters, with co-stars Melissa Leo and James Franco. The film, which will be released theatrically and on Video on Demand Friday, was inspired by director Ian Olds' prior documentary about an Afghani guide to Western journalists, Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi. Port Theater, 2905 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, (949) 723-6333. Thurs., Dec. 8. Call for times. $18.

Spirited Away. Fathom Events and GKIDS repeats the 15th-anniversary celebration of the classic Japanese anime. Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki won an Oscar for the fantasy that has Chihiro thinking she is on another boring trip with her parents before they stop at a village that is not all that it seems. Her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits, shape-shifting dragons and a witch who never wants to see her leave. Also screening is the short film Ghiblies: Episode 2, which has never been released in North America. AMC Downtown Disney, 1565 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 776-2355; AMC Orange 30, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; www.FathomEvents.com. Thurs., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. $12.50.

Auntie Mame. This 1958 Golden Globe winner for Best Actress and Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy has Mame Dennis (Rosalind Russell), a progressive and independent woman of the 1920s, left to care for her nephew Patrick (Jan Handzlik/Roger Smith) after his wealthy father dies. But Mr. Babcock (Fred Clark), Patrick's assigned executor, objects to Mame's unconventional way of living. The Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. $10.

Elle. Director Paul Verhoeven's debut in French cinema is a dramedy that first subverts, then transgresses the rape-revenge narrative. France is seeking Best Foreign Language Film consideration for Elle at the next Oscars. The prerelease screening is followed by a Q&A with Variety film critic Peter Debruge. Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Folino Theater, 283 N. Cypress St., Orange; chapman.edu/dodge/. Thurs., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Free, but seating is first come, first served.

Destination Africa: Malawi. Dodge College students wrote, directed, filmed and edited short documentaries profiling non-government organizations in the region—thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Folino Theater; chapman.edu/dodge/. Fri., 7 p.m. Free, but seating is first come, first served.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Holiday Special. The KAOS shadow-cast troupe presents a special Christmas-themed presentation of the movie you love to throw rice and toast at. You'll be joined by Slutty Santa, Naughty Elves and more depraved (in a good way!) folks. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Fri. Preshow, 11:30 p.m.; screening, midnight. $8-$10.

The Polar Express. Robert Zemeckis' 2004 computer-animated chestnut, based on Chris Van Allsburg's book, is about a young boy who discovers the spirit of Christmas on a magical train ride to the North Pole. Among the voices are Bosom Buddies Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari. This Pajama Party includes hot cocoa, snacks, crafts and museum admission. Drop-offs of children ages 5 to 12 are welcome, but those younger than 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 956-8936. Sat., 9 a.m. $10-$15.

Elvira's Haunted Hills. Mistress Azrael returns to the Frida to present a wild preshow before the 2001 camp classic that stars Cassandra Peterson and her push-up bra as the other mistress. After the Mistress of the Dark gets kicked out of a Carpathia inn in 1851, locals take Elvira to a castle high above the village, where her resemblance to the count's missing wife stirs up trouble. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 10 p.m. $8-$10.

L'Amour de Loin (Love From Afar). Fathom Events and The Met: Live in HD broadcast one of the most highly praised operas in recent years. Kaija Saariaho's yearning medieval romance, produced by Robert Lepage and L'Opera de Quebec, stars Tamara Mumford as the Pilgrim who carries messages of love between Clemence (Susanna Phillips) and Jaufre (Eric Owens). Finnish conductor Susanna Malkki makes her debut leading the performance, whose intermissions include behind-the-scenes details from the cast and crew. AMC Orange 30, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (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, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.FathomEvents.com. Sun., 9:55 a.m. $20-$26.

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All the President's Men + State of Journalism Discussion. See the 1976 film about the Watergate investigation by the Washington Post—starring Robert Redford as Bob Woodward and Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein—and then hang around for a discussion on how American journalism has changed in the years since. Panelists include former Los Angeles Times columnist Russ Parsons; published journalist and Santa Ana College adjunct professor Sarah Bennett; former Orange County Register journalist and Cal State Long Beach journalism professor Barbara Kingsley-Wilson; and Long Beach Press-Telegram columnist Tim Grobaty, author of the memoir I'm Dyin' Here: A Life in the Paper, which will be available for sale in the lobby (purchasers get free coffee and pastries!). The moderator is Jennifer Fleming, a Cal State Long Beach journalism professor and former Canadian news broadcaster. The Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sun., 10:30 a.m. Free.

The Nutcracker. Bolshoi Ballet presents the holiday dance classic set on Christmas Eve, when Marie is given a wooden nutcracker as a gift. When the clock strikes midnight, the Nutcracker transforms into a prince and saves Marie from the Mouse King and his army. Dancing to Tchaikovsky's timeless score are Denis Rodkin as the courageous Prince and the magical Anna Nikulina as Marie. Regency Directors Cut Cinema at Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446; Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Sun., 12:55 p.m.; Tues., 7 p.m. $4.50-$10.50.

From Here to Eternity. The winner of eight Oscars in 1953—including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra) and Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed)—is beamed into theaters with “eye-opening commentary” from Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz. Based on the National Book Award-winning novel by James Jones, director Fred Zinnemann's film is set in Hawaii in 1941—before Japan's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Army Captain Dana Holmes (Philip Ober) has heard of the boxing prowess of new arrival Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) and is keen to get him to represent the company. But “Prew” is adamant he doesn't box anymore, so Holmes gets his subordinates to make his life a living hell. Meanwhile, Sergeant Warden (Burt Lancaster) starts seeing the captain's wife (Deborah Kerr), who has a history of seeking external relief from a troubled marriage. Prew's friend Maggio (Sinatra) has a few altercations with the sadistic stockade sergeant, “Fatso” Judson (Ernest Borgnine), and Prew begins falling in love with social club employee Lorene (Reed). AMC Orange 30, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.FathomEvents.com. Sun. & Wed., 2 & 7 p.m. $9.25-$12.

Finding Joseph I. The documentary, making its world premiere at this screening featuring the director, crew members and (fingers crossed) main subject, is on the eccentric life of Bad Brains front man Paul “HR” Hudson. The film—which features exclusive interviews and never-before-seen photographs and footage, some of it from HR's own cameras—shows how the pioneering hardcore punker was pulled away from music by his Rastafarian faith and mental struggles. (See “New Documentary on H.R. of Bad Brains Sheds Light on His Untold Story.” The Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sun., 9 p.m. $8-$11.

The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America. Fathom Events, Eagle Rock Entertainment and Universal Music Group present this documentary that follows the world's greatest rock & roll band during its early-2016, 10-city Latin America tour. The action builds to a once-in-a-lifetime open-air concert in Havana, Cuba. Special extras during this broadcast include an introduction from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the band and footage of two songs performed in South America. AMC Orange 30, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.FathomEvents.com. Mon., 8 p.m. $13-$15.

White Christmas. It's not a Trump supporter's wet holiday dream. The 1954 musical rom-com is about singers Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye), who join sister act Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen) to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into General Waverly (Dean Jagger), the boys' Army commander in World War II, who, they learn, is having financial difficulties; his quaint country inn is failing. So what's the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle: a fun-filled musical extravaganza that's sure to put Waverly and his business in the (sorry, Trump fans) black! Regency Directors Cut Cinema at Rancho Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues. Call for time. $8.

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George Takei's Allegiance: The Broadway Musical On the Big Screen. Inspired by the true-life experiences of Star Trek's George Takei is this musical about a family whose life is upended by the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. First comes an exclusive introduction from Takei, then the musical and finally special behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and creators. Last month, in reaction to remarks on national television by Trump-campaign surrogate Carl Higbie citing the Japanese-American internment as a precedent for the Trump administration's proposed registry of Muslims in America, Takei denounced the comments as dangerous and invited elected officials across America to attend this one-night-only screening from Fathom Events. AMC Orange 30, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (714) 373-4573; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.FathomEvents.com. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $18-$20.

Scrooge. The Cinema Classics series continues with this 1970 holiday chestnut about a stingy old man visited by three ghosts who teach him the reason for the holiday season. Starlight Cinema City, 5635 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, (714) 970-6700; starlightcinemas.com. Wed., 7 p.m. $7.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The Griswolds prepare for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark (Chevy Chase); his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo); and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going, knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. Regency South Coast Village, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

Just Friends. The Thursday Matinee feature from 2005 finds Chris (Ryan Reynolds) dismissed by his would-be high-school sweetheart Jamie (Amy Smart), who just wants to be friends. A decade later, Chris is a successful record executive involved with a self-absorbed pop star (Anna Faris). But still pining for Jamie, he returns to his hometown to try and win her heart. Fullerton Main Library, Osborne Auditorium, Room B, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738.6327. Thurs., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. Free.

The World Has No Eyedea: A Film About Michael “Eyedea” Larsen. It's an encore screening of Brandon Crowson's exploration of the life and death of freestyle rapper/guitarist/breakdancer/poet/philosopher Michael “Eyedea” Larsen. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Dec. 15, 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Made In Venice. Forty-plus years of skateboarding in Venice—from the formation of the iconic Z-Boys to the creation of the iconic Venice Skatepark—are captured in Jonathan Penson's new documentary. Turns out becoming an iconic Venice skateboarder was easier than opening a skatepark there. The Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Dec. 15, 8:30 p.m. $8-$11.

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