Film

Elf In the surprise 2003 Yuletide hit, directed by Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell embraces the cutesy confection of its plot. As Santa Claus doles out presents at an orphanage, a wee human crawls into his sack of toys, winds up at the North Pole, and is subsequently raised as an elf. Eight zillion sight gags constitute the first act, in which a giant-sized Ferrell bangs his head into low ceilings, squats on miniature crappers, and botches even the most remedial toy-making duties. Ferrell finally discovers he’s the bastard son of James Caan, now a distant, terse Manhattan publishing-house exec. Innocent, syrup-swilling Ferrell then goes to big, bad NYC, meets Zooey Deschanel, and hilarity often ensues. So frantic, off-the-cuff, and self-aware in his ad-libs, Ferrell owns the movie the way Santa owns Christmas. ANDREW BONAZELLI Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $7-$9 Saturday, December 19, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Saturday, December 19, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Saturday, December 19, 2015

BRUTALESQUE Holiday Onslaught Burlesque set to metal renditions of classic Christmas tunes.  JewelBox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 $15-$18 Saturday, December 19, 2015, 7pm

Elf In the surprise 2003 Yuletide hit, directed by Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell embraces the cutesy confection of its plot. As Santa Claus doles out presents at an orphanage, a wee human crawls into his sack of toys, winds up at the North Pole, and is subsequently raised as an elf. Eight zillion sight gags constitute the first act, in which a giant-sized Ferrell bangs his head into low ceilings, squats on miniature crappers, and botches even the most remedial toy-making duties. Ferrell finally discovers he’s the bastard son of James Caan, now a distant, terse Manhattan publishing-house exec. Innocent, syrup-swilling Ferrell then goes to big, bad NYC, meets Zooey Deschanel, and hilarity often ensues. So frantic, off-the-cuff, and self-aware in his ad-libs, Ferrell owns the movie the way Santa owns Christmas. ANDREW BONAZELLI Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $7-$9 Sunday, December 20, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Sunday, December 20, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Sunday, December 20, 2015

Elf In the surprise 2003 Yuletide hit, directed by Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell embraces the cutesy confection of its plot. As Santa Claus doles out presents at an orphanage, a wee human crawls into his sack of toys, winds up at the North Pole, and is subsequently raised as an elf. Eight zillion sight gags constitute the first act, in which a giant-sized Ferrell bangs his head into low ceilings, squats on miniature crappers, and botches even the most remedial toy-making duties. Ferrell finally discovers he’s the bastard son of James Caan, now a distant, terse Manhattan publishing-house exec. Innocent, syrup-swilling Ferrell then goes to big, bad NYC, meets Zooey Deschanel, and hilarity often ensues. So frantic, off-the-cuff, and self-aware in his ad-libs, Ferrell owns the movie the way Santa owns Christmas. ANDREW BONAZELLI Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $7-$9 Monday, December 21, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Monday, December 21, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Monday, December 21, 2015

Elf In the surprise 2003 Yuletide hit, directed by Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell embraces the cutesy confection of its plot. As Santa Claus doles out presents at an orphanage, a wee human crawls into his sack of toys, winds up at the North Pole, and is subsequently raised as an elf. Eight zillion sight gags constitute the first act, in which a giant-sized Ferrell bangs his head into low ceilings, squats on miniature crappers, and botches even the most remedial toy-making duties. Ferrell finally discovers he’s the bastard son of James Caan, now a distant, terse Manhattan publishing-house exec. Innocent, syrup-swilling Ferrell then goes to big, bad NYC, meets Zooey Deschanel, and hilarity often ensues. So frantic, off-the-cuff, and self-aware in his ad-libs, Ferrell owns the movie the way Santa owns Christmas. ANDREW BONAZELLI Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $7-$9 Tuesday, December 22, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Tuesday, December 22, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Wednesday, December 23, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Thursday, December 24, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Thursday, December 24, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Friday, December 25, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Friday, December 25, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Saturday, December 26, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Saturday, December 26, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Sunday, December 27, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Sunday, December 27, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Monday, December 28, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Monday, December 28, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Tuesday, December 29, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Wednesday, December 30, 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Thursday, December 31, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Thursday, December 31, 2015

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Friday, January 1, 2016

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Saturday, January 2, 2016