Opening This Week

THE CITY OF YOUR FINAL DESTINATION—In James Ivory’s new film, a graduate student (Omar Metwally) researching the life of a novelist becomes caught up in tensions between the man’s widow (Laura Linney) and his mistress (Charlotte Gainsbourg), both of whom share his estate. Co-starring Anthony Hopkins and Norma Aleandro. Reviewed this issue. Eastern Hills

GET HIM TO THE GREEK—Spinoff of Forgetting Sarah Marshall centering on spoiled rock star Russell Brand as he is shepherded from London to a LA gig by record company intern Jonah Hill. With Colm Meaney, Elisabeth Moss, Kristen Bell, and Paul Krugman. Yes, apparently the Paul Krugman. Directed by Nicholas Stoller. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, McKinley, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria

KILLERS—Ashton Kutcher as an international assassin who retires when he falls in love with Katherine Heigl, only to have his past catch up with him a few years later. As far as I can tell it’s supposed to be a comedy. With Tom Selleck and Catherine O’Hara. Directed by Robert Luketic (Monster-in-Law). Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria, Transit Drive-In

MARMADUKE—Live-action adaptation of the newspaper cartoon about a rambunctious Great Dane. The bottom of this barrel has to be just about in sight… Starring Lee Pace, Judy Greer, William H. Macy, and the voices of Owen Wilson, Emma Stone, and Kiefer Sutherland. Directed by Tom Dey (Failure to Launch). Angola, Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit, Sunset Drive-In, Transit Drive-In

MOTHER AND CHILD—Drama starring Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, and Kerry Washington as three women affected in different ways by the issue of adoption. Co-starring Samuel L. Jackson and Jimmy Smits. Directed by Rodrigo Garcia (Passengers). Reviewed this issue. Amherst

SPLICE—Sundance hit about two genetic scientists who, for all the wrong reasons, combine human and animal DNA to create a new being. Starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, and Delphine Chanéac. Directed by Vincenzo Natali (Cube). Flix, Market Arcade, McKinley, Regal Elmwood, Regal Niagara Falls, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria, Sunset Drive-In, Transit Drive-In

ETC:

CINEGAEL BUFFALO FILM FESTIVAL—Four films from Ireland presented in an all-day marathon this Friday: The Yellow Bittern: The Life and Times of Liam Clancy (3pm); The Boy from Mercury (5:15pm); Cinegael Paradiso—Once Upon a time in Connemara (7pm) and The Secret of Kells (8:15pm). All are free and open to the public. See the feature this issue. Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave.

CRAZY HEART—Jeff Bridges in his Academy Award-winning performance as a hardscrabble country singer who has spent too many years in too many bars. Co-starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell, and Beth Grant. Directed by Scott Cooper. Fri. 8pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376 / www.screeningroom.net).

THE LOTTERY—Premiere screening of a documentary examining problems with the traditional public school system through the eyes of parents in Harlem and the Bronx who have entered their children in a lottery for placement in a charter school. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local educators and school board members. Admission is free and open to the public. Tue 7:30pm.

MEG KNOWLES: RETRO-SPECTACLE—A program of short films compiled from the 20-year career of local filmmaker Meg Knowles. See the feature article this issue. See the feature this issue. Sat 7:30pm. Squeaky Wheel, 712 Main St (884-7172 / www.squeaky.org).

RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE—Documentary chronicling the 40-year career of the Canadian power trio. Thurs June 10. 8pm, Fri June 11 9:15pm; Tues June 15 8pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)