Welcome to Cinema Showdown, a new column spotlighting cinematic special events, reparatory screenings and other miscellaneous film presentations around town and under the radar.

If you’re a Rolling Stones fan, prepare to get yer ya-yas out on Thursday, Dec. 5. The Rolling Stones Sweet Summer Sun — Hyde Park Live is playing one night only at Crossroads Cinema, 4811. E. Grant Rd, at 7 p.m. Filmed at a Stones concert at Hyde Park this past summer, this documentary showcases the seasoned veterans playing the hits in front of 100,000 rabid rock ’n’ roll fans. A big draw here is a special appearance by ex-Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, who joins the boys on a few numbers. Taylor debuted with the band at Hyde Park back in 1969, so it’s a full circle affair. Ticket prices are $8.50. For more info check movievalue.com or call 327-7067.

It’s December, and that can only mean one thing — Christmas Movie Overdrive. If you’re having a hard time getting into the spirit, might I suggest you spend some time with the Griswold family. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is playing at Century Park Place, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd, and Century 20 El Con, 3601 E. Broadway Blvd, on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 2 and 7 p.m. More information can be found at cinemark.com. Tell Uncle Eddie I said season’s greetings.

Over at the Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd, they’re celebrating the films of the Marx Brothers all month long. The series starts off with Animal Crackers, the 1930 film that stars Groucho Marx as that infamous African explorer, Captain Spaulding. Mayhem and zaniness ensues! You can catch Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo twice this week at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, and noon on Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are $8 for general admission, and $6 for Loft members and children under 12.

Also at the Loft this week is a one-time-only preview screening of Oscar-nominated director David O. Russell’s latest film, American Hustle, on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Just listen to this cast: Christian Bale. Amy Adams. Bradley Cooper. Jennifer Lawrence. Jeremy Renner. Robert De Niro. Louis CK. Yowzza! American Hustle is part of the Loft’s New York Film Critics series, in which soon-to-be-released films are screened along with special content, behind-the-scenes footage and post-screening interviews with the film’s talent, moderated by Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers. Directer Russell will be doing in interview with Travers after the film, via a captured-live broadcast. That should be almost as entertaining as the film self; Russell loves to talk and is not afraid to speak candidly. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $18 for Loft members. More information can be found at loftcinema.com or call 795-0844.