Advance Notice. Batman/Batman Returns at the Aero.

With all the recent hype surrounding the filming of the latest Dark Knight movie, it may be the perfect time to take a step back and remember the classics.

Besides these newest movies, my favorite Batman film would have to be Batman Returns. Tim Burton as superhero film director does still, even now, seem strange, but it all works out perfectly. Danny DeVito as Penguin quite possibly could be the best casting move ever -- those claws and that devilish snarl still give me nightmares today. And of course, there's Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman -- Anne could only wish.

In case you need a refresher, Batman Returns will be screening alongside its predecessor, Batman, on Sept. 23 at the Aero in Santa Monica. The event is intended to honor the release of the memoir by Michael E. Uslan, a man who's been credited as producer on every Batman film since Batman. The Los Angeles Times' Geoff Boucher will be holding a Q&A with Uslan before the films.

Batman/Batman Returns will be screening on Sept. 23 at 7:30pm at the Aero Theatre, located at 1328 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. Buy tickets here.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. 'Elf' and 'Bad Santa' at the Aero.

I feel Jon Favreau's Elf went a little underrated when it was first released. Sure, it simply features Will Ferrell (most overpaid actor) jumping around in an elf suit, and it's your general feel-good story of the season, but the film does it all quite well, in my opinion. The jokes are good-hearted and not overly cheesy, and the acting/characters aren't trying too hard and are surprisingly believable. Plus, Zooey Deschanel (a blonde!) sings! The film's definitely become one of my holiday classics.

If you need a refresher on the greatness of the film, head on over to the Aero tonight. It'll be featured in a double feature with Bad Santa (the director's cut), the naughty adaptation of Miracle of 34th Street starring Billy Bob Thorton. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea when I watched it in theaters, but I can definitely understand how the dark humor works alongside the usual merry seasonal stuff. Whichever way you feel like celebrating the holidays -- cheery or dark -- this double feature is a great way to start.

Elf and Bad Santa screen beginning at 7:30 tonight at the Aero, located at 1328 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Colin Firth at the Aero.

If you read our review but still haven't seen Colin Firth's latest amazing role, here's another incentive: you can watch the film and see the man discuss it in person right afterward.

That's right: Mr. Firth will be on hand at the Aero Theatre tonight to discuss his Oscar-nominated role in A Single Man. It's your chance to get his take on what the fuss is all about, and to probably end up swooning over him anyway.

The discussion will then be followed by a rare screening of Firth's first big film role, in 1984's Another Country, which co-stars the also-dashing Rupert Everett, Cary Elwes (!) and (apparently in a small role) Daniel Day Lewis?! Brilliant.

The Aero Theatre is located at 1328 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, and the A Single Man/Another Country double feature begins at 7:30pm, with the Firth discussion in between the films.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: The Weinstein Company