OPENING THIS WEEK:

MARC RIBOT: DESCENT INTO BALDNESS and MUSICIAN—A pair of films about two musicians who have recently performed at Hallwalls. Descent into Baldness (1993, Cassis Blush) uses experimental techniques to explore the work of the guitarist who stepped into the mainstream recently with his work on Robert Plant and Allison Kraus’ album Raising Sand. Musician (Daniel Kraus, 2007) is a portrait of avant-garde jazz reedman Ken Vandermark, recipient of a 1999 MacArthur genius grant who has released more than 100 albums with nearly 40 ensembles. Sat, 8 pm. Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Ave (854-1694) www.Hallwalls.org

PROM NIGHT—Remake of the 1980 slasher movie. If you keep seeing these things they’re just going to keep making more of them. Starring Brittany Snow, Scott Porter, and Jessica Stroup. Directed by Nelson McCormick. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Hollywood, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit

SMART PEOPLE—Dennis Quaid stars as a widowed English professor trying to reconnect with humanity at the prompting of his brother (Thomas Hayden Church) and daughter (Ellen Page). Co-starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Christine Lahti Directed by Noam Murro. Reviewed this issue. Amherst, Flix, McKinley, Regal Elmwood, Regal Transit

SNOW ANGELS—David Gordon Green (George Washington) directed this drama set in a small town where a young man’s first experience of love plays out against the marital trouble of three older couples. Starring Kate Beckinsale, Michael Angarano, Sam Rockwell, Griffin Dunne, Tom Noonan, and Amy Sedaris. Reviewed this issue. North Park

STREET KINGS—James Ellroy wrote this story starring Keanu Reeves as an embittered LA detective who rebels at the corruption in his department. Co-starring Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Cedric the Entertainer, and Jay Mohr. Directed by David Ayer (Harsh Times). Reviewed this issue. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Hollywood, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit

UNDER THE SAME MOON—After years of waiting for his mother to send for him to join her in Los Angeles, a young boy (Adrian Alonso) decides to make the trip from Mexico on his own. With Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, and Mário Almada, Directed by Patricia Riggen. Reviewed this issue. Amherst

ETC:

THE BAND’S VISIT (Israel, 2007)—Winner of all the top awards at the Israel equivalent of the Oscars this year, this comic drama puts a group of Egyptian policemen and musicians in a dusty Israeli village when they get lost on their way to a competition. Directed by Eran Kolirin. Sat 8pm; Tue 7:30pm. Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. Fredonia (716-679-0891) www.fredopera.org

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (England, 1971)—Stanley Kubrick’s satire about media manipulation starring Malcolm McDowell as the leader of a band of thugs who is subjected to “re-programming” to cure him of his violent tendencies. Thirty years after it was made, it continues to be enjoyed by a lot of people for entirely the wrong reasons. Fri-Sat 9 pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza Business Center, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)

MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL—Restored version of the 1975 classic about pornographic moose dentistry. Directed by 40 specially trained Ecuadorian mountain llamas, six Venezuelan red llamas, 142 Mexican whooping llamas, 14 North Chilean guanacos (closely related to the llama), Reg Llama of Brixton, 76,000 battery llamas from “llama-fresh” farms ltd. near Paraguay, and Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones. Fri 7 pm. Sat 7:30, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda (692-2413)

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN—Adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel about a Texas hunter who finds $2 million from a drug deal gone bad, only to be stalked by a relentless killer who wants it back. Oscar winner for Best Picture, Directors (Joel and Ethan Coen) and Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem). Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald, Tess Harper, Barry Corbin, and Stephen Root. Sat. 8pm. Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 East Third Street, Jamestown (484-7070)

NOTE BY NOTE: THE MAKING OF STEINWAY L1037 (2007)—Documentary following the creation of a Steinway concert grand piano, exploring the relationship between musician and instrument, chronicling the manufacturing process, and illustrating what makes each Steinway unique in this age of mass production. The screening is presented in conjunction with Friday’s piano recital in Asbury Hall by Winston Choi, sponsored by the Yvar Mikhashoff Trust For New Music. Thurs April 17, 8 pm. Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Ave. (854-1694) www.hallwalls.org

THINGS TO COME (Great Britain, 1936)—Classic adaptation of the H. G. Wells novel speculating what might happen in the next century, and how life might be after such events. Starring Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson, Cedric Hardwicke and Margaretta Scott. Directed by William Cameron Menzies. Fri 7:15 pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza Business Center, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)

UNFORGIVEN (1992)—Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning film about an aging gunfighter who accepts a job to go up against a corrupt sheriff (Gene Hackman). With Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris. Presented as part of the Buffalo Film Seminar. Tues 7 pm, Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022).