Movie of the Week:
Heat
Michael Mann's stunning crime epic features Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro sharing a scene for the first time in their careers. Filled with beautiful cinematography, moving performances and a gripping plot, Heat remains one of the pinnacles of Mann's directorial career. Lucille Keuhn Auditorium, Room 100, Humanities Instructional Building, UC Irvine, Campus N W. Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-5493; summer.uci.edu. Thurs., July 17, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Also Showing:
Animal House
National Lampoon assembled a collection of legendary '70s comic filmmakers for this classic satire of university life. Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., July 17, 7:30 p.m. Call for cost.
Annie Hall
Woody Allen's Best Picture-winning romantic comedy pairs a couple of seemingly mismatched characters. Filled with classic Allen lines and featuring an iconic performance by Diane Keaton, Annie Hall stands as the quintessential Woody Allen film. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
Body of War
Body of War is an award-winning documentary by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro about a gung-ho Army soldier, Tomas Young, wounded in Iraq on his fourth day there. Young returns home with a Purple Heart, in a wheelchair, his body paralyzed—yet anything but politically paralyzed. Says Young, “I want this film to be a tool for counter-recruitment.” So, no, you're probably not going to see this one at the megaplex with the “Army Strong” ads, but you can watch it with local families of veterans and vets themselves at (of all things) a backyard pool party with politics. OC's chapter of Military Families Speak Out, a national network of anti-war active-duty families, provides the dogs and burgers—you bring your swimsuit, your conscience and a checkbook. Cannonball! Screening and pool-party barbecue, 9893 Peralta River Circle, Fountain Valley, (562) 833-8035; www.mfso.org. Fri., 7 p.m. $10 donation; also screening at South Coast Cinema, 162 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971; www.lagunaartmuseum.org. Thurs., July 17, 7 p.m. $20; Laguna Beach Film Society members, free.
Boomerang Big Bash
A collection of short family-friendly films. Cherry Beach, E. Ocean Blvd. N Junipero Ave., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Wed., dusk. Free.
Dog Day Afternoon
Sidney Lumet directs Al Pacino in this quirky bank-heist film based on a true story. Not quite a thriller, Lumet keeps the suspense relatively low, turning the film into a tremendously fascinating character study thanks to the strong performances of Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning and Chris Sarandon. The Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. N Wed., 8 p.m. $5-$8.
The Dragon Peaks in Li River
This film brings the viewer to the southern part of China, in Shaanxi province. The tour begins in Guangzhou and moves to the Li River in Yangshuo and on to Yumman's capital, Kunming, with a day trip to the Stone Forest in Shilin. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Fri., 6:30 p.m. Free with museum admission ($9-$12).
Easter Parade
There's nothing quite as soothing and reassuring as an Irving Berlin musical, particularly when it stars Fred Astaire. Easter Parade, also featuring Judy Garland, is 60 years old this year, but its simple story line and kicky tunes are the perfect salve for anyone left shell-shocked by Wanted. Astaire plays a dancer whose partner goes solo, forcing him to take on Judy Garland as his new foil. Astaire falls in love with Garland, and various romantic misunderstandings ensue, but the real attraction here are the singing, dancing and classic Hollywood-era good cheer. The film will be projected outside the Performing Arts Center, and guests are invited to bring their own beach chairs and snacks (though refreshments will be on sale). Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 556-2787; www.ocpac.org. Mon., 8 p.m. Free.
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg's classic film concerns the friendship between an adolescent boy and a space alien who comes to visit Earth. Bring your blankets, low-back beach chairs and snacks to the amphitheater for a night of family fun. Food will also be for sale. Arovista Park, Elm N Sievers sts., Brea, (714) 990-7177; www.cityofbrea.net. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.
How to Eat Fried Worms
A fifth-grade boy uses his wits, charm and strong stomach to combat a school bully. The film is screened on the beach, so be prepared. Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Fri., dusk. Parking, $10.
I'm No Angel
When she's bad, she's better, and Mae West was never better, funnier or saucier than in this pre-Code gem. She works in Edward Arnold's sideshow as a lion tamer—and manages to tame Cary Grant as well. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Monster House
Animated family film, screened on the beach, that tells the story of a group of neighborhood friends investigating an house that may be haunted. Newport Dunes Resort Beach, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-3863; www.newportdunes.com. Sat., dusk. Parking, $10.
The Nutty Professor
Nebbishy dork professor develops a potion that turns him into a suave ladies' man with mixed results. Granada Beach, 5101 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Tues., dusk. 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.
