Opening

A BETTER LIFE—The Bicycle Thieves updated to South Central LA, where an undocumented Mexican worker and his teenage son look for the truck that was stolen just after he purchased it, without which he will be unable to support his family. Starring Demian Bichir, Jose Julian and Delores Heredia. Directed, in a complete 180 from his previous films, by Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass). McKinley

COWBOYS AND ALIENS—This weeks big-budget special effects blockbuster, with a pretty self-explanatory title. Starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Keith Carradine and Paul Dano. Directed by Jon Favreau (Swingers). Reviewed this issue. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria, Sunset Drive-In, Transit Drive-In

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE—Romantic comedy starring Steve Carrell as a man tossed for a loop when his wife of 24 years (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce. Co-starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei and Kevin Bacon. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (I Love You Phillip Morris). Reviewed this issue. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria

THE NAMES OF LOVE— French comedy about a young left-wing activist who has a novel way of converting rightwingers to her cause—by having sex with them. Starring Jacques Gamblin and Sara Forestier. Directed by Michel Leclerc. Reviewed this issue. Eastern Hills

THE SMURFS—Cartoon adaptation mixing live action and computer animation. The scary thing is that it’s rated PG. Starring Neil Patrick Harris. Directed by Raja Gosnell (Beverly Hills Chihuahua). Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, McKinley, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria, Sunset Drive-In, Transit Drive-In

ETC:

ETC:

COMPULSION (1959)—Richard Fleischer’s efficient dramatization of the Leopold and Loeb murder case of the 1920s, in which two intelligent young men of privileged background murdered a child just to prove that they could get away with it. Arriving late in the film, Orson Welles steals the show as their defense attorney (based on Clarence Darrow), who delivers an impassioned speech against capital punishment. Starring Dean Stockwell, Bradford Dillman, Diane Varsi, E.G. Marshall, Martin Milner and Gavin McLeod. Fri—Sat 8. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376 / www.screeningroom.net).

GOD’S LAND—Comedy-drama based on a true story that took place in Lockport about Chinese members of a cult that believes God is coming to take them away in a spaceship, and their efforts to assimilate while they wait. Thurs Aug 4 8 pm. Reviewed this issue. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376 / www.screeningroom.net).

HELLO DOLLY (1969)—Barbra Streisand as matchmaker Dolly Levi in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit. With Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford, E. J. Peaker and Louis Armstrong. Direceted by Gene Kelly. Thurs Aug 4, 7 pm. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St, N. Tonawanda (692-2413 / www.rivieratheatre.org).

THE MAIN EVENT (1979)—70s nostalgia with Barbra Streisand as a perfume magnate who becomes the manager of a washed-up boxer (Ryan O’Neal). Directed by Howard Zieff (Private Benjamin). Thurs July 28, 7 pm. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St, N. Tonawanda (692-2413 / www.rivieratheatre.org).

THE TRIAL (1963)—Orson Welles’ adaptation of Franz Kafka’s novel, starring Anthony Perkins as Josef K, who is persecuted by a faceless bureaucracy for an unnamed offense. With Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider and Welles. Thurs July 28 8 pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376 / www.screeningroom.net).