A Christmas Story

OPENING

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA—Ron Howard’s big-budget, epic adventure film based on Nathanial Philbrick’s 2000 nonfiction book stars Chris Hemsworth as the first mate of the doomed American whaling ship Essex, whose sinking in 1820 inspired the plot of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Co-starring Benjamin Walker and Cillian Murphy. Flix, Maple Ridge, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden

MACBETH—The latest film adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic play stars Michael Fassbender as the tyrannical ruler of Scotland who spirals into guilt and paranoia after Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard) urges him to murder King Duncan (David Thewlis) and seize the throne. Directed by Justin Kurzel. Dipson Amherst

ETC.

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)—Bob Clark’s classic Christmas comedy about young Ralphie and his attempts to convince his parents to let him get a Red Ryder B.B. gun for Christmas in 1940s America. Riviera Theater Sat 1

A CHRISTMAS WITHOUT SNOW (1980)—Made-for-TV Christmas movie about a divorced woman who moves to a new town with her child and joins a church choir. Angola

JINGLE ALL THE WAY (1997)—Family comedy about a workaholic dad (Arnold Schwarzeneggor) who must travel all over town and contend with an unhinged mailman (Sinbad) to get his son the hottest Christmas present of the season. Directed by Brian Levant. North Park Sat & Sun 11:30am

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE—Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic one life-changing Christmas eve in the soul of Goerge Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) a compassionate but despairing family man on hard times whose visit from a guardian angel reminds him what truly matters in life. Lockport Theater Sat 4 and Sun 1 & 7, The Screening Room Sat and Tue 7:30

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964)—Nicholas Webster’s campy sci-fi comedy is basically the Plan 9 from Outer Space of Christmas movies, frequently listed among the worst movies ever but popular for its so-bad-it’s-good status and its appearance on Mystery Science Theater 3000. Angola Sat & Sun 5

SCROOGE—Alistair Sim’s stars in the role of his life in director Brian Desmond Hurst’s adaptation of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. The Screening Room Wed 5:30

THE SHOPPING AFFAIR—Locally produced film about two mall cops who fall in love with a pair of shoplifters. The Screening Room Sun 5 & 7, Mon 6 & 8

WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)—Irving Berlin’s musical romance about a successful song-and-dance duo (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) who become involved with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen) and team up to save the failing Vermont Inn of their former commanding general is a staple of the Holidays. Directed by Michael Curtiz. Lockport Theater Sat 4 & Sun 7, The Screening Room Fri 7:30