OPENING

CITIZEN FOUR—Documentary concerning whistleblower Edward Snowden and the NSA Spying Scandal following the leak of insider information. Reviews so far suggest this is one of the better and harder hitting documentary’s of the year. Directed by Laura Poitras. Amherst Dipson

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS—Biblically-inspired action epic about the exodus of Hebrews from Egypt as led by Moses (Christian Bale, sporting more eyeliner than he wore in Batman) and related in the book of exodus. You would think director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) would be bored with making these kinds of big-budget sword and sandal epics, as many critics sure seem tired of sitting through them. Co-starring Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, and Ben Kingsley. Flix Maple Ridge Regal Elmwood Regal Niagara Falls Regal Quaker Crossing Regal Transit Center Regal Walden Galleria

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES—Final installment in the epic fantasy adventure trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved saga that sees the title character (Martin Freeman) in the center of a massive conflict of good and evil that will determine the future of Middle-Earth. Diehard fans of previous entries in the series will likely find much to love, but the rest of us can just be happy these movies are finally over. Co-starring Ian Mckellen, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lily, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Orlando Bloom. Directed by Peter Jackson. Opens Tues. Flix Maple Ridge Regal Elmwood Regal Niagara Falls Regal Quaker Crossing Regal Transit Center Regal Walden Galleria

TOP FIVE—Comedy film starring Chris Rock in a semi-biographical role as a comedian trying to make it as a serious actor when his reality-TV star fiancé (Gabrielle Union) talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her show, leading to a career-changing interview with a beautiful and intelligent journalist (Rosario Dawson). Looks to be another success for Rock and company. Co-starring Haylie Marie Norman, Rachel Feinstein, Dan Naturman, and Kevin Hart. Directed by Chris Rock. Regal Elmwood Regal Quaker Crossing Regal Transit Regal Walden Galleria

ETC.

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY: THE MUSICAL!—World-War II musical romance adapted from James Jones’s classic 1951 novel detailing Army life and love in the wake of Pearl Harbor. Filmed over the course of two nights at London’s Shaftesbury Theater. Directed by Tim Rice. The Screening Room

THE GREAT BEAUTY—Itialian film from 2013 about an aging Roman journalist reflections on the city’s culture and social life. Winner of last year’s Oscar for best foreign language film. Starring Tony Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrini Ferrili, and Carlo Buccirosso. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Hubbard Film Society

FROZEN SING-ALONG—Hugely popular Disney musical from last year about an ice princess’ epic quest to rescue her estranged sister. Of course, singing along is encouraged. Starring Kristin Bell and Idina Menzel. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Riviera Theater

STAR TREV IV: THE VOYAGE HOME—Science fiction film from 1986 that finds the crew of the USS Enterprise returning to Earth to find the planet in grave peril from an alien threat. Starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Directed by Leanord Nimoy. North Park

THE STIRRING OF A THOUSAND BELLS—A pair of experimental art documentaries that explores the fascinating Indonesian gamelan, one of the ancient music traditions of the world. Directed by Matt Dunning. Hallwalls

CHRISTMAS VIEWING

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)—North Park, Aurora Theater, Hamburg

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)—Hamburg, Lockport Palace, The Screening Room

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947)—Aurora Theater

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992)—Movieland

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989)—North Park

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964)—The Screening Room

SCROOGED (1988)—The Screening Room

WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)—Lockport Palace