“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”: Give yourself over to absolute pleasure

Plenty of movies have fervent followings.

“Star Wars” has spawned multiple movies, television series and novels, conventions and costume contests. Dudes dedicated to “The Big Lebowski” gather yearly to bowl and drink White Russians. There are cults of personality dedicated to the “Evil Dead” movies, “Brazil,” “Heavy Metal” and “Mommie Dearest.”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has to be the only cult classic that requires its fans to strip down to their underwear, shout one-liners and toss toast at the movie screen. Yet, somehow, it’s inspired an international craze.

Some theaters have become legendary for their “Rocky Horror” screenings, such as Portland’s Clinton Street Theater.

Locally, Big Purple Onion Productions presents a live “Rocky” show every month — complete with pirates, cowboys and other delights. (Imagine your funniest, most outgoing friends lipsynching to one of the zaniest movies imaginable — in costume, of course! It’s homegrown fun in an intimate setting, right here in San Luis Obispo.)

Born as a British stage musical in 1973, “Rocky Horror” inspired midnight movie mania two years later with a fantastic film version.

Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon star as Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple who find themselves stranded at night in a torrential downpour. They seek shelter in the nearest dwelling, a castle inhabited by mad scientist Frank-N- Furter (Tim Curry) and his demented staff.

As you might imagine, Brad and Janet are in for a wild night.

“Rocky’s” plot borrows elements from “Frankenstein” and other B-movie classics, mixing cabaret, rock ‘n roll and a wacky sense of humor with counter-culture issues like transvestism, extraterrestrial life and sexual awakening. Hey, everybody! It’s “Time Warp” time!

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be screened tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Fremont movie theater, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.

Since “Rocky” fans tend to be a rambunctious bunch, theater management has a few ground rules: No rice, toast or hot dogs. No squirt guns or spray bottles. No lighters. (Would you want to mop up cold hot dogs or try to scrub stains out of a movie screen? No. You would not.)

Costumes and other props, such as newspapers, noisemakers, flashlights and rubber gloves, are encouraged.

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MTV’s plans to remake “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” have apparently been slammed by all those involved with the original.

Show creator Richard O’Brien, who appears in the 1975 film as Riff Raff, says he won’t be involved with any remakes. Barry Bostwick called a remake “a waste of money” and Susan Sarandon simply doesn’t see the point of rebooting such a “charming … interesting” film.

Nonetheless, a “Rocky Horror” reboot is currently in the works. At least one site, imdb.com, reports the release date as 2010.

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“Total Recall,” “Rent” and the Found Footage Festival are among this week’s events

It’s a busy week for movies.

With “Choke,” “Eagle Eye” and “Miracle at Santa Anna” all hitting theaters on Friday and a slew of movie events planned locally, I’ll probably find myself scurrying from screening to screening like a demented mongoose. I say, “Why scurry alone?”

Here’s the rundown for upcoming Central Coast movie screenings:

San Luis Obispo’s Palm Theatre starts the party tonight with “Total Recall.”

The year is 2084, and construction worker Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) keeps having vivid dreams about Mars.

He approaches Rekall, a company that sends its customers on mental vacations by implanting fake memories, and buys an “ego trip” package: a harmless fantasy about life as a spy. It works.

In fact, it works a little too well.

When the Rekall doctors dredge up actual memories, Quaid discovers that his job and his marriage to sexy Sharon Stone is a hoax. He’s actually a Martian secret agent dedicated to taking down Martian dictator Cohaagen. And he’s in big, big trouble.

“Total Recall” couldn’t be farther from its inspiration, Philip K. Dick’s “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale,” but it’s campy, violent fun nonetheless.

“Total Recall” screens at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. tonight at The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. Tickets are $7.50.

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Tonight and Friday, HopeDance Magazine sponsors two screenings of “The World According to Monsanto.”

A French documentary by independent filmmaker Marie-Monique Robin, “Monsanto” takes a penetrating look at the American biotech giant that provides much of the world’s genetically engineered corn, soybean and cotton seeds. The film is subtitled “From Agent Orange to Genetically Modified Crops.”

“The World According to Monsanto” will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday, following an hour-long potluck, at Dancing Deer Farm, 2975 Vineyard Rd. in Templeton. You can also attend an outdoor nighttime screening Friday at Nature’s Touch, 107 Seventh St. in Templeton.

A $5 donation is encouraged. Call 369-0203 for more information.

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Long-running rock opera “Rent” may have closed on Broadway, but it’s back in theaters in two local screenings.

Jonathan Larson’s musical, based on Puccini’s iconic “La Boheme,” follow a group of starving artists looking for love and acceptance in New York City’s East Village. It won a Pulitzer prize and four Tony Awards in 1996, inspired a 2005 movie, and spent 12 years on the Great White Way, becoming one of Broadway’s longest running shows.

“Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway” will be shown today and Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Fremont theatre, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo.

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Quirky videos are the focus of the Found Footage Festival, Thursday night in San Luis Obispo.

Self-appointed curators Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett scour garage sales, thrift stores and Dumpsters across the nation for odd and hilarious videos.

They create an hour-plus program based on their finds — bizarre home movies, befuddling commercials, cable TV outtakes and more — and take the result on the road as the Found Footage Festival. This screening will be their only appearance in San Luis Obispo.

Some of this year’s highlights include a talent show called “Stairway to Stardom,” an instructional video for a terrifying cosmetic face mask, and exercise videos starring Mark Wahlberg, O.J. Simpson and rapping pregnant women.

Catch the festival at 7 p.m. tonight at The Palm Theatre. Tickets are $10.

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On Friday, film noir meets pinor noir with Salisbury Vineyards in the Avila Valley.

Enjoy dinner, dessert and a private wine tasting as you watch a movie on the winery’s outdoor patio. This week’s selection is “His Kind of Woman,” starring Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell.

Admission is $50 for wine club members and $60 for non-members. That price includes a $10 voucher for beverages and a complimentary wine glass.

It all starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Salisbury Vineyards, 6985 Ontario Road in San Luis Obispo. Part of the proceeds benefit the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

The series continues next month with two film noir classics: “Double Indemnity” (Oct. 3) and “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (Oct. 10).

For reservations, call (805) 595-9463.

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Movies under the moon

With Labor Day around the corner and fall almost upon us, the summer entertainment calendar is winding down.

Before you pack away your camp chairs and beach blankets, here are three final opportunities to enjoy movies in the great outdoors. Enjoy!

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What better place to watch “Young Frankenstein” than an actual castle?

Eagle Castle Winery in Paso Robles offers a screening of the Mel Brooks classic this Saturday, complete with wine, popcorn and ice cream.

One of the funniest, quirkest comedies ever, “Young Frankenstein” is a delightfully demented take on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” (and James Whale’s classic movie adaptation). It’s crammed full of memorable jokes, characters and sight gags ranging from subtle to surprisingly bawdy.

Gene Wilder plays the title scientist, a descendant of the crazy old coot who first brought an undead monster to life.

At first, Dr. Frankenstein has no intention of following in Granddad’s footsteps. But the combined efforts of a hunchbacked assistant (Marty Feldman), a lovely lab partner (Teri Garr) and grandfather’s scary old beau (Cloris Leachman) soon convince him to give it a crack.

Whether you prefer Wilder’s patented weirdness, Feldman’s demented asides or Peter Boyle’s hilariously mute performance as The Monster, “Young Frankenstein” is a black-and-white beauty. Don’t miss this one.

Catch “Young Frankenstein” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Eagle Castle Winery, 3090 Anderson Road in Paso Robles. Tickets are $20 or $15 for wine club members.

The screening will be held in the so-called “Castle Courtyard” so be sure to bring blankets and comfortable chairs. Call 227-1428 for more information.

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Summer nights get sassy with “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Saturday at Meridian Winery in Paso Robles.

The evening, dubbed “Cinema e Vino Paradiso,” begins with a wine tasting, followed by a gourmet Tuscan picnic and a movie screening at a scenic vineyard theater.

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” stars ’50s bombshells Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell as two singers on a transatlantic cruise. They flirt, frolic and remind audiences that “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”

The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. at Meridian Vineyards, 7000 E Highway 46 in Paso Robles. Tickets are $65 for wine club members and $75 for the public. Call 238-0095 to learn more.

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Family friendly entertainment is available at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero.

The city’s free movie series continues Saturday with “Charlotte’s Web,” the 2006 live-action film starring Dakota Fanning and a host of Hollywood voices.

Based on E.B. White’s charming children’s book, “Charlotte’s Web” focuses on the unusual and touching friendship between Wilbur, a humble pig, and a kind, wise spider named Charlotte (voiced by Julia Roberts).

When Wilbur discover that he’s bound for the chopping block, Charlotte sets out to prove just how extraordinary he is. Thanks to Charlotte’s efforts, Wilbur survives and becomes a star attraction at the State Fair.

Vocal talents include Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, Robert Redford and Reba McEntire.

“Charlotte’s Web” will be screened at 8:15 p.m. at Sunken Gardens Park, 6500 Palma Ave. in Paso Robles. Bring blankets and low-backed chairs.

More info is available by calling 461-5000 or visiting www.atascadero.org.

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Truth! Beauty! Freedom! Love!

Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s love of music, romance and spectacle finds an outlet with “Moulin Rouge!”

Set in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, “Moulin Rouge!” follows a young English writer (Ewan McGregor) determined to find love and inspiration with the free-spirited Bohemian movement. He settles in the famous Montmartre neighborhood, home to the famous cabaret Moulin Rogue.

A pack of eccentric artists enlists his help in creating a new show called “Spectacular Spectacular.”

To star, they hope to recruit Satine (Nicole Kidman), the beautiful lead performer of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. She dreams of one day becoming a “proper actress” and sees one suitor, the wealthy Duke, as her way to fame.

Her employer Harold Zidler (the always excellent Jim Broadbent), is naturally happy to arrange such a meeting. He wants the Duke’s money to stage an elaborate new production called — you guessed it — “Spectacular Spectacular.”

Christian gets mistaken for the Duke, he falls in love with Satine and the rest is romantic movie history.

“Moulin Rogue!” may be a relatively shallow music revue — the plot rarely dips deeper than a Madonna song — but its stars are comely, its sets pretty and its music instantly hummable.

“Moulin Rouge!” plays tonight at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.

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“The Wedding Singer” meets “Groundhog’s Day” in the romantic comedy “50 First Dates.”

Henry (Adam Sandler) is a marine biologist in Hawaii with little interest in long-term relationships. That is, until he meets Lucy (Drew Barrymore), a cute, creative blonde with short-term memory loss.

A guy finally ready for true love? A gal who forgets everything she does after 24 hours? Sounds like a recipe for date movie magic to me.

Supporting players Rob Schneider and Sean Astin steal plenty of screen time with a couple of bizarre, hilarious roles.

“50 First Dates” will be screened tonight at 8 p.m. at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, 2727 Shell Beach Road in Shell Beach.

Free lawn seating begins at 7:30 p.m.

Moviegoers also have the option of a three-course dinner served on the patio, starting at 7 p.m. That costs $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

Call 773-8900 for more information.

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Photos courtesy of MovieWeb.com.

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Look behind you! Big things coming to theaters this month

Big-budget blockbusters are one of my favorite signs of summer.

For one, summer movies tend to be fun, light-hearted entertainment — what I like to call “popcorn movies.”

They’re invariably full of awesome action sequences and clever quips. And they’re shown in cool, dark movie theaters, the perfect place to spend a sun-drenched afternoon.

With “Hancock” and “Wanted” rocking the box office and plenty of hits still to come, here’s a look at July’s most talked-about releases.

Click on the links below for trailers.

“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (July 11)

Whether you’re a Hellboy newbie or a longtime fan of Mike Mignola’s comic books like myself, there’s plenty to love about “Hellboy II: The Golden Army.”

“Pan’s Labyrinth” director Guillermo Del Toro returns to Big Red territory with an all-new arsenal of fantasy beasts and high-octane fight scenes.

Judging from the trailer, audiences can expect sleek visual effects, loads of creepy-crawlies and a big dose of self-deprecating humor. Should be fun.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D” (July 11)

Watching the trailer for Disney’s latest 3D rollercoaster, I have just one question: When does the theme park open?

Based on H.G. Well’s classic but scientifically suspect novel, “Journey” shares more with a ride at Disney World than the company’s catalog of beloved family films. There’s not much dialog or character development.

What “Journey” does have is action. Our intrepid adventurers (Brendan Fraser, Anita Briem, and that kid from “Bridge to Terabithia) brave lava, prehistoric beasts and a host of otherworldly dangers.

Of course, it’s unfair to judge a film meant to be presented in digital 3D by its 2D trailer. The final verdict will have to come in the movie theater.

“The Dark Knight” (July 18)

I’m going to say it right now: Heath Ledger deserves an Oscar.

The late actor is downright spooky as the Joker in this sequel to Christopher Nolan’s brooding “Batman Begins.”

Watching Ledger lick his lips or rake a hand through his matted green hair, you get a true sense of Joker’s madness. This guy isn’t merely kooky. He’s criminally insane.

Add an A-list cast (Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Gary Oldman among them), dark drama and some jawdropping action scenes, and you’ve got a guaranteed hit.

“Mamma Mia!” (July 18)

Good-looking stars. A gorgeous Greek island. And ABBA songs.

What more could you ask from the summer’s sunniest movie?

With a plot that could be subtitled “Three Dads and a Wedding” and a soundtrack based on ’70s pop, “Mamma Mia!” is decidely lightweight. But that’s hardly the point.

The entire cast — which includes Meryl Streep as the bride’s mom and Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard as the dreamy dads — looks like they’re having a blast.

“The X-Files: I Want to Believe” (July 25)

They’re the ultimate duo. The perfect pair.

Dana Scully is the skeptic, the old soul who’s “done chasing monsters in the dark.” Fox Mulder, ever credulous, just wants to believe.

They’re back in a “X-Files” sequel wrought with otherworldly chills.

This time, everyone’s favorite FBI agents are on the trail of a supernatural phenomenon in the Frozen North.

With a plot this “out there,” it helps to have solid casting.

Fortunately, the chemistry between Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny looks as strong as ever. And scottish actor/comedian Billy Connolly, who plays a priest who receives unearthly visions, is sure to be one of the highlights.

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Photo courtesy of MovieWeb.com.

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FIRST PERSON: “Ever seen that movie about amnesia?”

SECOND PERSON: “I can’t remember.”

That’s a little amnesia-related humor for y’all.

But seriously, folks, “Memento” is one of the best movies yet to use that familiar plot device — memory loss — to its full advantage.

Aussie actor Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, a former insurance investigator searching for the man who raped and murdered his wife.

Problem is, Leonard suffers from short-term memory loss. Unable to form new memories. he leaves hints for himself in the form of notes, Polaroid photos, even tattoos. Each interaction becomes another clue.

That’s the second problem: No one — not Leonard’s friends (”Matrix” co-stars Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-Anne Moss), not even Leonard himself — can be trusted.

Directed by Christopher Nolan (”Batman Begins,” “The Prestige”),  “Memento” is a brilliantly twisted neo-noir.

Playing hard and loose with the facts, the movie constantly speeds forward and cycles back. Details are hazy. Characters are unreliable. And the audience is never quite sure which version of the truth is real.

Whether or not you can decipher “Memento,” it makes for an enjoyable head-game. *

Watch “Memento” tonight at the Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Showtimes are 7 and 9:15 p.m.

Tickets are $7.50.

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Also playing tonight is “West Side Story,” starring Natalie Wood.

I’ve always been a big fan of “West Side Story,” which sets Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers — “Romeo and Juliet” — in New York City, circa 1961.

Leonard Bernstein’s score is stunning, and the songs are instantly hummable — even though the numbers performed by the film’s allegedly Puerto Rican characters dip into racial stereotypes now and then.

“West Side Story” will be screened at 8 p.m. at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, 2727 Shell Beach Road in Shell Beach.

Free lawn seating begins at 7:30 p.m. No outside beverages, food or chairs are allowed.

Moviegoers also have the option of a three-course dinner served on the patio, starting at 7 p.m. That costs $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reserations are required.

Dolphin Bay’s “Cinema Under the Stars” series continues July 2 with “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Call 773-8900 for more information.

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* For all you psych students out there: Caltech neuroscientist Christof Koch called “Memento” “the most accurate portrayal of the different memory systems in the popular media.”

And Esther M. Sternberg, a director at the National Institute of Mental Health, called the film a “thought-provoking thriller.” As she wrote in the trade journal Science, “‘Memento’ is a movie for anyone interested in the workings of memory and, indeed, in what it is that makes our own reality.”

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