Tron
This 1982 Disney film about a computer programmer who gets sucked into a computer and is forced to compete in deadly games by a vindictive Master Control program remains exciting despite the dated programming references and special effects. The earliest film to use computer-generated animation, Tron was a monumental achievement in science-fiction filmmaking, though ultimately not a huge box-office success. Despite the relative primitivism of the effects, there is something undeniably unique and eerily beautiful about the look of the computer world. Starring Jeff “The Dude” Bridges. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.9/11: The Riplle Effect Five Years Later—Lies, Propaganda, and a Call for Justice. This film, presented by the Patrick Henry Democratic Club, examines the consequences of 9/11 on our society, government and laws. Marie Callender's Upper/Back Platform, 1821 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana; phdc-oc.org . Tues., 7 p.m. Free.The 400 Blows. Deemed by many to be the film that kick-started the French New Wave, Francois Truffaut's largely autobiographical feature tells the story of an adolescent determined to run free from the grips of his parents. Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus N Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-5493; www.summer.uci.edu . Thurs., July 26, 7 p.m. Free.The Bitter Tea of General Yen. This Frank Capra-directed film stars Barbara Stanwyck as an American woman caught in intrigue in the midst of the Chinese Civil War. This film is being screened alongside Night Nurse, another Stanwyck feature. 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.Black and White. An in-depth profile of six-time world surfing champ Kelly Slater, one of the most dominant and influential surfers of all time. Shot on location in France, Fiji, Southern California and the north shore of Oahu. Peninsula Park Field, next to the Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, (949) 673-0895; www.thebalboatheater.org . Thurs., July 26, dusk. Free.Casablanca. Frequently rated one of the best American films ever made, Casablanca is one of those films that cineastes need to see, for better or worse. Spawning so many pop-culture references (“Here's looking at you, kid”) and becoming the iconic Humphrey Bogart picture, Casablanca tells the story of an American expatriate's reunion with an old flame in World War II-era Northern Africa. Granada Beach (look for the large movie screen), Long Beach. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.The Cincinnati Kid. There's just something inherently sexy and dangerous about professional gamblers—doubly so when they're played by someone as magnetic as Steve McQueen. In New Orleans, an up-and-coming poker player takes on a longtime master of the game. Not only is there a small fortune at stake, but also the status of being the top player. But the trusted dealer has been blackmailed into rigging the game. As a bonus, the film ably exploits its New Orleans setting, from the opening jazz funeral to the blues band that briefly diverts The Kid as he kills time in the Quarter. Orange Coast College, Fine Arts Building, Room 119, 2701 Fairview Rd., Costa Mesa, (714) 432-5599. Fri., 6:30 p.m. $5-$6.Diamonds—Objects of Beauty, Objects of Greed. Visit a world of ancient myths and magic, human adventure and tales of amazing wealth and power to understand the vibrant, alluring and dangerous world of diamonds. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3679; www.bowers.org . Fri., 1:30 p.m. Free with paid admission to the museum ($14-$17).Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This classic science-fiction/horror film has been the influence of many followers (including the upcoming The Invasion with Nicole Kidman). An alien intelligence comes to Earth and begins to posess the bodies of humans. Originally alluding to the Communist witch-hunts of the McCarthy era, the basic metaphor of paranoia remains trenchant. Edwards University Theater, 4245 Campus Dr., Irvine, (949) 854-8818. Tues., 9 p.m. $6.The Orange Thief. A young man, living on the outer boundaries of society, steals oranges for sustenance, money and the sheer excitement of courting danger. When he finally ends up in a Sicilian jail, his life takes an unexpected turn. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 759-1122; www.ocma.net . Thurs., July 26, 8:30 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.
