BLACK CHRISTMAS — * — The 1974 cult-hit horror film is still in poor taste. Running time: 98 minutes, R (violence, profanity, gore) (Tonight and Saturday: Tower)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE — **** — The granddaddy of all Christmas movies hasn't diminished with time. Its message has never seemed more important. Black and white, running time: 130 minutes, made before ratings (1946), probable G (nothing offensive) (Sunday, 3 p.m.; Monday, 7:30 p.m.: Broadway, free)

LASSIE — ** 1/2 — This reprisal of the much-told canine tale isn't unwatchable, but it could have been so much more. Running time: 99 minutes, PG (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity) (Tonight and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m.: Park City Library)

LARGE-FORMAT FILMS

EVEREST — Liam Neeson narrates this documentary short about a 1996 Himalayan expedition team. Running time: 44 minutes, not rated, probable G (nothing offensive)

THE LIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS — Thanksgiving Point's Museum of Ancient Life produced this computer-animated short with a Christmas theme. Not rated, probable G (nothing offensive)

MYSTIC INDIA — Peter O'Toole narrates this 2004 documentary short about an Indian boy's spiritual journey. Running time: 40 minutes, not rated, probable G (nothing offensive)

SANTA VS. THE SNOWMAN 3-D — ** 1/2 — This digitally animated IMAX comedy is an expanded version of a 1997 TV short with Jonathan Winters as the voice of Santa Claus. Running time: 35 minutes, not rated, probable G (animated violence) —Ivan M. Lincoln

SHARKS 3-D — ** 1/2 — This documentary doesn't offer much depth. Running time: 40 minutes, G (animal violence) —Jim Carnes, Sacramento Bee

WILD SAFARI 3-D A SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE — *** — This cinematic safari's simple pleasures will be best experienced by the littlest ticket-holders. Running time: 45 minutes, not rated, probable G (nothing offensive) —Ned Martel, New York Times News Service

CONTINUING FILMS