The Big Screen

Last week, Nov. 27

“Victor Frankenstein”; “The Good Dinosaur”; “Creed”

This week, Dec. 4

“Krampus” (Universal), PG-13, 98 minutes

About — A boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a Christmas demon to his family home. Stars — Allison Tolman, Adam Scott, Toni Collette, Stefania LaVie Owen. Director — Michael Dougherty.

“Macbeth” (Weinstein), NR, 113 minutes

About — The Thane of Scotland receives a witches’ prophecy that he would be king, and spurred by ambition and his wife, he murders the king and takes the throne. Stars — Michael Fassbender, Elizabeth Debicki, Marion Cotillard, Sean Harris. Director — Justin Kurzel.

“Youth” (Fox Searchlight), R, 118 minutes

About — A retired orchestra conductor, while on holiday in the Alps, receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to perform for Prince Philip’s birthday. Stars — Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano. Director — Paolo Sorrentino

Next week, Dec. 11

“In the Heart of the Sea”; “Legend”; “The Big Short”

(Note: Movie descriptions by IMDB, imdb.com)

Home rentals

The latest top 10 digital movie purchases based on transaction rate, by Rentrak:

1. “Inside Out”

2. “Vacation” (2015)

3. “San Andreas”

4. “Pixels”

5. “Spy”

6. “Tomorrowland”

7. “Max”

8. “Avengers: Age of Ultron”

9. “Man From U.N.C.L.E.”

10. “Terminator Genisys”

Other recent favorites: “Hocus Pocus”; “Hotel Transylvania”

Upcoming events

• Japanese Currents, a Japanese film festival that features anime, samurai epics, documentaries, family melodramas and more, will be held Dec. 4-13 at Whitsell Auditorium. The ninth annual Japanese Currents series offers a fresh take on the country’s culture and showcases the wealth of creative invention at work. The schedule: “Round Trip Heart,” 7 p.m. Dec. 4; Sapporo Shorts Program, 2 p.m. Dec. 5; “Neko Samurai 2: A Tropical Adventure,” 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5; “I Alone,” 7 p.m. Dec. 5; “Haruko’s Paranormal Laboratory,” 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6; “Ecotherapy Getaway Holiday,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6; “Sanchu Uprising: Voices at Dawn,” 7 p.m. Dec. 10; “Ow,” 8 p.m. Dec. 11; “When Marnie Was There,” 2 p.m. Dec. 12; “Wonderful World End,” 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12; “Nuclear Nation II,” 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13. All screenings will be at Whitsell Auditorium, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. ($9, $8 students/seniors, $6 children, http://www.nwfilm.org).

• The Pacific Lutheran University concert band puts on the PLU Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway

(http://www.portland5.com), and it’ll feature the world premiere of the latest work by Hollywood composer J.A.C. Redford, “A Christmas Invitation.” Redford has written scores for nearly 100 feature films and TV movies and programs, including Disney’s “Oliver and Company,” “Newsies” and “The Mighty Ducks II” (and “III”), as well as orchestrating dozens of blockbusters, including “Skyfall,” “The Help” and “Avatar.”

• “RiffTrax Live: Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny” hits cinemas at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, featuring the former stars of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” Mike Nelson, Bill “Crow” Corbett and Kevin “Tom Servo” Murphy commenting on one of the strangest titles ever made. The story: Santa’s sleigh is stuck on the beach, and only one creature can help him, the Ice Cream Bunny. For info/tickets: http://www.FathomEvents.com. It’ll be shown at Cedar Hills Crossing 16 in Beaverton, Clackamas Town Center with XD, Lloyd Center 10 with IMAX, Century 16 Eastport and Wilsonville 9 Cinema.

• The Hollywood Theatre’s “Getting to Know You(Tube)” series relaunches in December, hosted by Gabi Villasenor and Helmy Membreno. The series unearths hidden treasures from YouTube; there are 15-minute presentations by guest presenters, with YouTube providing the inspiration and content, and there’ll be question-and-answer sessions and audience participation. The first event takes place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, 415 S.W. 10th Ave. It’s free. For info: http://www.hollywoodtheatre.org.