She Likes to Watch

“Rushmore”  and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” play this week

If you’ve ever wondered what director Wes Anderson was like as a kid, watch “Rushmore.”

Jason Schwartzman stars as Max Fischer, the world’s biggest overachiever.

A sophomore at upscale Rushmore Academy, Max has a deep-seated sense of school pride that encompasses countless clubs and activities.

He publishes the yearbook, captains the debate and fencing clubs and represents Russia in Model United Nations. He’s the president of the French club, the calligraphy club and the beekeepers club. He collects coins. He wrestles. He writes plays.

Yet, despite Max’s boundless enthusiasm, “He’s one of the worst students we have, Rushmore’s headmaster (Brian Cox) notes.

Max’s frenzied life finds focus when he meets Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams), a widowed first-grade teacher who does her best to rebuff the 15-year-old’s advances.

Undeterred, Max enlists the aid of self-made steel magnate and school benefactor Herman J. Blume (Bill Murray) — only to find himself vying with the  the millionaire industrialist for Rosemary’s affections.

A quirky comedy with endless appeal, “Rushmore” combines the best aspect of Anderson’s films — memorable characters, whip-smart dialogue, endless attention to detail and a fantastic soundtrack.

Don’t miss this classic flick, playing 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 apiece.

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Celebrate Native American Heritage Month on Wednesday with a screening of “For the Next 7 Generations.”

Directed by Bruce and Carol Hart and narrated by Ashley Judd, the documentary chronicles 13 remarkable women united by their concern for the planet and its future.

In 2004, the women came together — journeying from the Amazon rain forest and the mountains of Mexico and North America for a historic gathering. There, they decided to form the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers.

“For the Next 7 Generations” screens at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the San Luis Obispo library, 995 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. A discussion follows the movie.

Organizers suggest a $10 donation; 50 percent will benefit the International Council.

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Surf’s up, dudes!

On Friday, Central Coast surf enthusiasts will get a sneak peak at “High Water,” a new documentary by “Step Into Liquid” filmmaker Dana Brown.

The action-packed documentary focus on the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, held annually on Hawaii’s famed North Shore. Professional surfers brave big waves and personal challenges as they compete for the sport’s most coveted title.

“High Water” screens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Fremont movie theater, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo.

Proceeds benefit the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, which runs March 12 through 21, 2010. Tickets are $15, $10 for students and film festival members.

A portion of the proceeds will also benefit Rebekah Malloy, a friend of the Brown family who’s been diagnosed with leukemia.

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On Saturday, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” returns to the Central Coast.

Big Purple Onion Productions brings the ever-popular cult classic to life with a fun, freaky stage show, featuring costumed actors, props and plenty of audience interaction.

Lucky for “Rocky Horror” fans, two shows are planned for this Saturday at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. in Arroyo Grande.

The 8 p.m. show is a slightly milder version, intended ages 16 and up.

Then there’s the manic midnight show, meant for moviegoers 18 and older. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Costumes and participation are highly encouraged.

Tickets are $10 for the early show and $14 for the midnight show. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at Boo Boo Records and Traditional Tattoo in San Luis Obispo.

For more information, visit “Rocky Horror” online.