Our weekly list of special event movies to check out this week:

Thursday, Aug. 30

In many movies, 3-D is unnecessary and distracting, but not in the hands of Werner Herzog. For a lesson on the oldest cave paintings in the world and why we are all, in fact, albino crocodiles, come to the Aero at 7:30 for Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

The New Beverly's Slacker Week continues with a 7:30 double feature of Beavis and Butt-head Do America and Ghost World. One concerns two adolescents exhibiting questionable judgment as they interact with an eccentric cast of weirdos and strangers; the other is a cartoon by Mike Judge.

Friday, Aug. 31

Although 30 Days of Night wasn't as good as its premise — vampires in Alaska during permanent-night winter, essentially — had the potential to be, this adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name still makes for a good midnight movie. Make your way to Cinefamily under cover of darkness and see for yourself.

Saturday, Sept. 1

A must for cinephiles and Angelenos alike — that means you! — Thom Andersen's Los Angeles Plays Itself screens at the Aero. Never released theatrically due to unresolved rights issues, the nearly three-hour film explores L.A.'s cinematic depiction over the last 100 years. (This and the encore screening on Sunday night both start at 7:30, and director Andersen will be present for a Q&A after the Saturday show.)

Sunday, Sept. 2

Get stoked for Passion, the new Brian de Palma joint premiering at the Venice Film Festival in early September, by watching Scarface under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Gates at 7, film at 8:30.

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