BIBLE MADNESS/DON'T GO IN THE CHURCH
Avid readers of the OC Weekly know we've covered many incidences of child abuse by local Catholic priests, but this kind of behavior is not isolated to one particular faith. Dwayne Walker, the director of Bible Madness and Don't Go In the Church, will be hosting a screening of these two movies to raise awareness on the growing problem of pedophile pastors in Protestant churches who, with the aid of enablers in equally high places, have deftly avoided jail time. Walker, a former graduate of Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, has been blogging events leading to the upcoming trial of Bob Gray, a good friend of the late Jerry Falwell, for serial child molestation. Some of the accusations against Gray go as far back as 1949, when he returned from Florida after allegedly covering the Nuremberg trials for the Stars and Stripes military newspaper. Five of the civil cases against Gray's church, Trinity Baptist of Jacksonville, concern incidents that allegedly took place in the late '70s/early '80s, when the Christian School movement was at its zenith and the Moral Majority was experiencing its first triumphs. Falwell called Gray's child-molestation trials “a bump in the road.” Mr. Walker will read a statement before the movies and will be available to take questions throughout the evening. Gallery 117, 117 Linden Ave., Long Beach; www.christianschoolconfidential.com. Sat., 8:30 p.m. $5 donation.
also screening:
Before the Rain. Set against the backdrop of Macedonia and London in a time of political turmoil, this film skillfully interweaves a series of love stories that ultimately serve to emphasize the savagery of war and its toll on human lives. The film will be preceded by a themed dinner at Tangata Restaurant (provided at additional cost). Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3679; www.bowers.org. Thurs., July 12, 7:30 p.m. $8-$10. For reservations to the pre-film dinner, call Tangata Restaurant at (714) 550-0906.
Crooklyn. Troy, the only daughter in a family of rambunctious brothers, must fight to earn the respect of her siblings and the denizens of her New York neighborhood. When her mother grows ill, Troy is sent to Virginia for the summer, where she is separated from both fast-paced urban life and her usual male-dominated atmosphere. Spike Lee presents a somewhat-idyllic portrait of 1970s Brooklyn, though, as the tongue-in-cheek title implies, there is also commentary on the often-chaotic nature of the multicultural metling pot. Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus N Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-5493; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., July 12, 7 p.m. Free.
Fight Club. If you're a caucasian male aged 20 to 30, this movie probably made a lot of sense to you when it came out. When I first saw it, I absolutely hated it, believing it advocated physical violence as a means to relieve tension. Later viewings revealed a bit more depth, but I still don't think this film is the classic that many film nerds claim it is. Stylistically intersting, with typical David Fincher touches, I can at least credit the film with reviving my interest in the Pixies due to its excellent use of “Where is My Mind” over the end credits. Not for the weak-stomached, due to the graphic and brutal beatings most of the characters endure over the course of the film. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.
Gone With the Wind. Classic epic about the grand ol' south, featuring such notable quotables as “Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn” and “As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again.” Everyone knows this movie, but it seems that few nowadays have sat through it. Now's your chance. Cinema City, 5635 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, (714) 970-6700. Wed., 7 p.m. $8.
High School Musical. While on a New Year's Eve vacation, high school hoops star Troy and brainy Gabriella—two teens who are worlds apart—meet. During a karaoke contest, they discover their mutual love for singing—and an interest in each other. After vacation, Troy finds out that Gabriella is the new girl at his school, and both happen to audition for the upcoming high school musical. Ryan and Sharpay Evans, the school's top theatrical talents, try to thwart Troy and Gabriella's efforts. Find out how Gabriella's and Troy's decision to audition turns their world—and their school—upside-down. Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Sat., dusk. Parking, $10.
How to Eat Fried Worms. A fifth grader must deal with his school's bully by accepting a shocking dare that is sure to provoke some squirms from the more sensitive members of the audience. The film will be shown outdoors on a giant screen. Bring your blankets and beach chairs to the park amphitheater for a family night of fun. Arovista Park, near Elm and Sievers St., Brea, (714) 990-7177. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.
Looker. A plastic surgeon gets suspiscious when models he has operated on begin to die in mysterious ways. With the help of Cindy, the next in line to be killed, he traces the deaths to a mysterious corporation that develops new technologies. Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana, (714) 667-1517; www.occca.org. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.
Remember Last Night? A detective's investigation of the murder of a party host is hindered by the fact that none of the partygoers can remember the previous evening due to the copious amounts of liquor consumed. Directed by Frankenstein's James Whale (subject of Gods and Monsters). The Friday Film Forum will present a preshow program of shorts, cartoons and surprises. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Some do Pilates, some do “The Time Warp.” It's okay, boys, put on some makeup and look fabulous—a lot of girls are into ambiguous sexuality. Well, at least they were in Santa Cruz. Royal Theater aboard theQueen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Sat., midnight. $8.
The Wizard of Oz. American classic that for some reason reeks of creepy. Perhaps it's the whole “bad trip” aspect of the plot with some of the most hallucinogenic imagery to come out of mainstream Hollywood. Perhaps its those unshakable rumors about the Munchkin that committed suicide on the set (not true, by the way). But there's something deeply unsettling about this movie in all the best ways. This film is being screened on Granada Beach, so if you like, you can bring your headphones and listen to Dark Side of the Moon while the film is playing. Granada Beach, look for the large movie screen, Long Beach. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.
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 tc****@oc******.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
