Opening This Week

FAREWELL—True story of a Russian government agent in the 1980s who enlisted the help of a French businessman to smuggle Soviet secrets to the West in order to hasten the collapse of the USSR. Starring Emir Kusturica, Guillaume Canet, Niels Arestrup, Fred Ward, Willem Dafoe, and David Soul. Directed by Christian Carion (Joyeux Noël). Reviewed this issue. Eastern Hills

Vertigo

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE—Game-based horror sequel, part four if you’re counting and in 3D if that makes any difference. Starring Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, and Kim Coates. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (Death Race). Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Transit Drive-In

ETC:

THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)—Previously a top scriptwriter, John Huston moved into the director’s chair for one of the most assured directorial debuts in Hollywood history. Dashiell Hammett’s tale of Sam Spade and his search for the killer of his partner makes a movie that, if not perfect, could hardly be improved upon. With Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, and Elisha Cook Jr., all perfect. Presented as part of the Buffalo Film Seminar. Tues, 7pm. Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022).

MY NAME IS KHAN (2010)—Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as an autistic man and the single mother he falls in love with and has to track across America. Directed by Karan Johar. 1, 4, 7pm. HD Video Café, 5445 Transit Rd, Williamsville (688-4933 / www.hdvideocafe.com).

VERTIGO (1958)—Guilt-ridden over the death of a policeman and a woman he was hired to watch, James Stewart falls madly (literally) in love with a shopgirl (Kim Novak) who resembles the dead woman. One of Alfred Hitchcock’s most overrated films, not helped by the fact that it’s been copied many times. Filmed in the glossy 1950s studio style that’s so dated that films of the era actually look better on television. But that’s just my opinion. Fri, Sat, Thurs 8pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376 / www.screeningroom.net).

THE VICIOUS KIND—Indie film starring Adam Scott as a man taking out the effects of a bad breakup on his brother’s girlfriend during a family holiday. With Brittany Snow, J.K. Simmons, and Alex Frost. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger. Delevan Drive-In