Hunger Games

Opening:

IN DARKNESS—Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film based on the true story of a thief who helped a dozen Jews evade the Nazis by hiding in the sewers beneath the Polish city of Lvov. Starring Robert Wieckiewicz, Benno Fürmann and Agnieszka Grochowska. Directed by Agnieszka Holland (Europa Europa). Reviewed this issue. Eastern Hills

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN—Tilda Swinton as a woman trying to make sense of her life, which includes the son from hell and a horrifying slaughter. With John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller and Jasper Newell. Directed by Lynne Ramsay (Ratcatcher). Reviewed this issue. North Park

THE HUNGER GAMES—Teensploitation. Directed by Gary Ross (Pleasantville). Amherst, Aurora, Flix, Lockport Palace, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria, Sunset Drive-In, Transit Drive-In

ETC:

CULTURES OF RESISTANCE—Documentary filmed on five continents about citizens using tools of art and creativity to change the world. Fri 7 pm. Squeaky Wheel

ESMERALDA—Victor Hugo’s tale of love and loyalty triumphing over corruption adapted to ballet by Marius Petipa, with a new version by Yuri Burklava and Vasily Medvedev. Music by Cesare Pugni, conducted by Pavel Klinichev. Recorded live at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Sun 11am. Eastern Hills

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1999)—Johnny Depp as gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson in Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of his unadaptable book about a drug-fueled quest for the American Dream. With Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Ellen Barkin, Christina Ricci, Penn Jillette, and Harry Dean Stanton. Screens

HENRY’S FUTURE—Romantic comedy-drama made in Buffalo about a lonely bachelor (Jason Gelsomino) who puts his faith in the words of a psychic who predicts that he is about to meet the woman of his dreams. Written and directed by DonnaMarie Vaughan. Thurs 29, 7 pm. Screening Room

KEN DAVIS FULLY ALIVE—Digital broadcast of a performance by the Christian comedian and motivational speaker. Thu 7:30, Sun 2 pm. Amherst, Flix

THE KILLER (1987)—”It’s hysterical. And also very beautiful,” said Martin Scorsese the first time he saw John Woo’s film, which is dedicated to him and Jean-Pierre Melville, He might have added that it’s so cool you could ice skate on it. Chow Yun-Fat stars as an ace hitman who plans to retire after one last job to raise money to pay for an operation to restore the sight of a girl he accidentally blinded. None of Woo’s American films will prepare you for this delirious amalgam of kinetic action and straight-faced melodrama. Presented as part of the Buffalo Film Seminar. Tues. 7 pm. Market Arcade.

OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES (1944)—Sentimental drama starring Edward G. Robinson as a Norwegian farmer raising a daughter (Margaret O’Brien) in rural Wisconsin. With James Craig, Frances Gifford and Agnes Moorehead. Directed by Roy Rowland (The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T). Fri 7:30 pm. The Old Chestnut Film Society, Philip Sheridan School, 3200 Elmwood (836-4757)

TAKE ME HOME—Independent comedy-drama starring Sam Jaeger (who also directed) as a New York cabdriver hired on the spur of the moment by a distraught wife (Amber Jaeger) to drive him to California. Co-starring Victor Garber and Lin Shaye. Screening Room

TWO LANE BLACKTOP (1971)—Monte Hellman’s love-it-or-hate-it road movie, starring non-actors James Taylor and Dennis Wilson as guys in one car having a cross-country race with a guy (Warren Oates) in another. With Laurie Bird and Harry Dean Stanton. Directed by Monte Hellman. Fri midnight. Market Arcade