Hmm, the science-fiction film Christmas on Mars bills itself as "a fantastical film freak-out featuring the Flaming Lips." Considering the Lips are one of the country's wildest psychedelic bands, this ought to be interesting. The cast features ex-Houstonian and Lips drummer Steven Drozd, as Major Syrtis.
Wayne Coyne, the band's frontman and mastermind, appears as the Martian. And Steve Burns, astronaut No. 1, was the host of the kid's show Blue's Clues before going on to be a respected indie-rock singer-songwriter. Despite its simple plot, Christmas on Mars isn't kid stuff.
During a colonization of Mars, the oxygen generator and gravity control malfunction. Thankfully, an alien comes along and helps the dumb-nut humans out (sort of like pilgrims and Indians, only without any breathable air). The Lips have a reputation for multilayered lyrics and energetic performances; expect the same from Christmas on Mars. - Olivia Flores Alvarez
7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Alamo Drafthouse, West Oaks, 1000 West Oaks. For information, call 281-920-9211 or visit www.drafthouse.com/westoaks. $8.50.
