She Likes to Watch

This week’s treats include a winter sports documentary, “Ghost Busters” and “Bad Santa”

Hit the slopes with “Warren Miller’s Children of Winter,” playing tonight at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.

Winter sports filmmaker Warren Miller built a reputation over 50 years for annual ski and snowboard movies known for their stunning cinematography, humor and showcases of top talent, including Olympic athletes. Miller has officially retired, but his legacy lives on in the form of Warren Miller Entertainment.

Their latest title, “Children of Winter,” follows world-class athletes as they tackle the snowy mountain peaks of Japan, Austria, British Columbia, Alaska and Iceland. Get ready for a wild ride.

“Warren Miller’s Children of Winter” will be screened at 7 p.m. at the PAC. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students, and include a lift pass for Sierra Summit Mountain Resort.

Proceeds benefit Youth Outreach for the Performing Arts Center.

***

I’m personally looking forward to “Ghostbusters,“ which also plays tonight.

When a trio of wisecracking scientists get booted from their paranormal research program, the guys (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray) go into business for themselves — as the Ghostbusters.

After tackling their first real challenge, a glowing green ghost nicknamed Slimer, the Ghostbusters get a call from Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), a sexy concert cellist who’s just witnessed spooky phenomena in Central Park apartment. Sounds like a normal haunting, right? Wrong.

All hell is literally about to break loose.

“Ghostbusters” earns its “classic” status with a light-hearted, fantasy-tinged plot, terrific chemistry between its leads (who are real-life pals), and hilariously off-beat, endlessly quotable lines. (“Back off, man! I’m a scientist!”) Could there be a better comedy?

Don’t miss “Ghostbusters” tonight at the Fremont theater, 1025 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. following a half-hour of trivia and prizes.

Tickets are $7.50.

***

Christmas gets nasty with “Bad Santa,” Wednesday at The Palm Theatre.

Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie, a bitter, boozing loser who dons the red and white Santa Claus suit every year to spread holiday cheer. But this is no jolly old elf. Willie and his “Little Helper” Marcus (Tony ) are actually cussing con men with a plan to rob their department store on Christmas Eve.

Will Willie ever learn? Or can a pudgy pre-teen, nicknamed The Kid, and a bartender (Lauren Graham of “Gilmore Girls”) with a soft spot for Santa to teach him the true meaning of Christmas?

“Bad Santa” screens at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.

(The Palm Wednesday series returns in January 2009.)

***

Meanwhile, a local celebrity returns home this weekend for that holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.“

Paso Robles native Jesus “Chuy” Solorio was a Top 20 finalist on the hit Fox reality show “So You Think You Can Dance.”

He’ll dance the role of the Prince in “The Nutcracker,” presented by Class Act Dance of Paso Robles and the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation. Solorio appeared as the Cavalier last year alongside fellow finalist Jimmy Arguello.

“The Nutcracker” runs Thursday through Sunday, as well as Dec. 12 and 13, at the Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 Main St. in Templeton. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for children and seniors.

For more information, call 239-3668 or 835-1915.