Top Film Events of the Week: Midnight Movies Galore, Ben Affleck& 'The Thing'

Now that everyone's gotten through the holidays and the new year and exchanged all of their unwanted gifts and bought all of that stuff that went on sale and relaxed with their families and gorged themselves on delicious, decadent food, it's time once again to take a look at the best way to work off all of that end-of-year indulgence: by sitting in a movie theater. Unfortunately, it seems like a lot of programmers spent more time watching movies than setting up screenings for them, which is why this week's offerings are fairly anemic, at least until the film festivals get cranked up.

But before we get to the stuff we think you should see elsewhere in the country, we would like to remind you to please leave comments and send in emails (leads AT cinematical.com) with any suggestions you may have for events, screenings, or other opportunities film fans may have to share with others in their celebration of the medium. Also, when and if you attend any of the events listed below, please let us know about your experiences, and let the organizers know where you found out about it!

Austin

For a truly bizarre and unforgettable moviegoing experience, head to the Alamo Ritz on Wednesday,January 5, for a screening of the so-underground-cult-doesn't-define-it flick'The Black Gestapo.'Recommended highly byBadass Digest Editor-in-Chief Devin Faraci, the film is a wild blaxploitation film from 1975 that must be seen to be believed. Check out theAlamo Ritz websitefor screening details and ticket information.

Tickets are going fast, but get thee into the Alamo Ritz''Lord of the Rings' Trilogy Hobbit FeastonJanuary 9. Seven courses are served over the course of all three films, so rest assured that you'll get a chance to have both first and second breakfast, as well as a few other dishes that even Hobbits might not have thought of. Check out theAlamo Ritz websitefor screening details and ticket information.

Dallas

At midnight on Friday and Saturday,January 7and8, cult luminary Tommy Wiseau will make an in-person appearance at the Inwood Theatre to introduce and discuss his long-running cult sensation'The Room.'Come on down and see if he always meant for it to be laughed at instead of with and make sure you check out theInwood Theatre websitefor screening details and ticket information.

Los Angeles

At the Aero Theatre onJanuary 6, seeBen Affleckin person as he hosts a screening of his two directorial efforts,'The Town'and'Gone Baby Gone.'The first film starts at 7:30 PM, but make sure you check out theAero Theatre websitefor screening details and ticket information.

On Friday night,January 7, head to the New Beverly Cinema for their monthly screening of theater-owner Quentin Tarantino's classic film'Pulp Fiction.'Rumor has it that Tarantino sometimes shows up to chat with attendees, but make sure you check out theNew Beverly Cinema websitefor screening details and ticket information.

Meanwhile, over at the Cinefamily,January 7marks the opening of their limited run for the acclaimed Greek film'Dogtooth.'A totally messed-up portrait of totalitarian rule as re-enacted in an upper-middle-class household, it's the sort of film you have to see, just so you can say you survived it. Make sure you check out theCinefamily websitefor screening details and ticket information.

And if you haven't had enough of movies after 'Dogtooth,' stick around the Cinefamily for a midnight show of the hilarious horror comedy'Tucker& Dale vs. Evil.'Not only is this an extremely rare screening of the film, which has yet to secure theatrical distributions, but director Eli Craig will appear in person to introduce the film and host the screening. Make sure you check out theCinefamily websitefor screening details and ticket information.

New York

In a shocking turn of events, at midnight on Friday and Saturday,January 7and8, the Sunshine Cinema is playing Edgar Wright's'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.'Make sure you check out theSunshine Cinema websitefor screening details and ticket information.

San Francisco

Thankfully not a midnight screening, but make sure you head to the Castro Theatre onJanuary 7thfor a double feature of'The Princess Bride'and'Time Bandits,'starting at 7:30 PM. Make sure you check out theCastro Theatre websitefor screening details and ticket information.

Washington D.C.

More midnight madness ensues at the E Street Cinema onJanuary 7and8with screenings of John Carpenter's remake of'The Thing.'Worth seeing as the only movie from Carpenter's career for which he didn't compose the score himself, or, we suppose, for being a totally awesome, scary movie on its own merits. Check out theE Street Cinema websitefor screening details and ticket information.

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