OPENING THIS WEEK:

MONGOL—The early days of Genghis Kahn are charted in this Oscar-nominated epic film, the first of a planned trilogy about the man who conquered a fifth of the known world in the 13th century. Starring Tadanobu Asano, Khulan Chuluun and Honglei Sun. Directed by Sergei Bodrov (Prisoner of the Mountains). Reviewed this issue. North Park

THE PROMOTION—Indie comedy about two assistant managers at a corporate grocery store (Seann William Scott, John C. Reilly) forced to compete against each other for a rare promotion. Co-starring Fred Armisen, Jenna Fischer, Lili Taylor, and Jason Bateman. Directed by Steve Conrad. Reviewed this issue. Amherst

ROMAN DE GARE—Veteran French filmmaker Claude Lelouch (A Man and a Woman) wrote and directed this drama about the multiple stories revolving around a novelist (Fanny Ardant) and the man who secretly ghostwrites all of her stories (Dominique Pinon). Reviewed this issue. Eastern Hills

WALL·E—The new Pixar movie hits theaters just in time to go to DVD for Christmas. Directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo). Flix, Market Arcade, McKinley, Regal Hollywood, Regal Transit, Regal Walden

WANTED—Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Day Watch) makes his American debut with a comic book-inspired thriller about a young man (James McAvoy,) recruited to join the elite organization of assassins that employed his late father. With Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp and Angelina Jolie. Reviewed this issue. Flix, Market Arcade, Regal Hollywood, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden, Transit Drive In

ETC:

BLOOD AND STEEL—Rare screening of this locally-made martial arts feature from the late 1980s, directed by and starring Mark Swetland. Fri, 9:15 pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza Business Center, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)

MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)—What better way to get in the mood for the Fourth of July weekend than with Frank Capra’s classic film starring James Stewart as an idealistic Boy Scout leader who becomes an appointed Senator and decides to do something with his position, much to the chagrin of his corrupt colleagues. With Claude Rains, Jean Arthur, and Edward Arnold. Thurs July 3, 7 pm. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda (692-2413)

PATRICK (1978)—Hitchcock-inspired Australian thriller with a cult following about a comatose young man with a telekinetic ability to wreak destruction on his enemies. Starring Susan Penhaligon, Robert Helpmann, and Rod Mullinar. Directed by Richard Franklin (Psycho 2). Fri, 7 pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza Business Center, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1976)—It’s back, for one weekend only. Midnight Fri-Sat, 10 am Sat. Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022)

THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)—What, you want me to tell you what it’s about? I’ll need to see your passport from Mars first. The first in a summer-long series of films from 1939, shown from 35mm prints in Western New York’s most beautiful moviehouse. Thurs June 26, 7 pm. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda (692-2413)

YOUNG AT HEART—Documentary about a Northampton, MA chorus that tours the world singing songs by U2, Talking Heads, James Brown, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Coldplay and other contemporary bands. Did I mention that their average age is 81? Directed by Stephen Walker. Sat 8pm; Tue 7:30pm. Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. Fredonia (716-679-0891) www.fredopera.org

THE LIFE OF REILLY—Film of the one-man stage show by Charles Nelson Reilly, whose public image as a game show panelist hid a career as a theatrical director and Tony-winning actor and as an early gay icon. Directed by Frank L. Anderson and Barry Poltermann. Mon, 7 pm. Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022).