New films opening...

OPENING THIS WEEK:

BEFORE THE RAINS—Colonial India supplies the background for this story of a love affair between a British spice merchant and an Indian servant. Starring Linus Roache, Nandita Dass and Jennifer Ehle. Directed by Santosh Sivan (Bride and Prejudice). Eastern Hills

PRICELESS—Breakfast at Tiffany’s was the inspiration for this French comedy starring Audrey Tautou as a young woman who only (ahem) dates rich men until she accidentally has a fling with a bartender at a resort hotel. Co-starring Gad Elmaleh and Marie-Christine Adam. Directed by Pierre Salvadori (Apres Vous). Reviewed this issue. Amherst

SEX AND THE CITY—Feature adaptation of the HBO series. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, Candice Bergen, and Jennifer Hudson. Directed by Michael Patrick King. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Galleria, Regal Hollywood, Regal Quaker, Regal Transit

THE STRANGERS—Scott Speedman and Liv Tyler as a troubled couple stalked by murderous psychopaths in a remote rural house. Directed by Bryan Bertino. Reviewed this issue. Flix, Maple Ridge, Market Arcade, McKinley, Regal Elmwood, Regal Galleria, Regal Hollywood, Regal Transit

ETC:

BITTERBLUE—Family film about a young boy who retreats into an imaginary world after losing his parents in the 9/11 attacks. Starring Ryan Sotzen, Therese Boyich and Matthew Vuckovich. Directed by Robert E. Alaniz. This focus screening is free, as long as you don’t mind contributing your reaction afterward. Fri 9pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza Business Center, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)

CITY VOICES, CITY VISIONS DIGITAL VIDEO AWARDS FESTIVAL—Screenings of winning films in this festival for short digital videos produced by Buffalo middle and high school students. 5:30 Thurs June 5. Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main St. (855-3022).

ESCAPE FROM SUBURBIA—Documentary showing the efforts of North Americans who have restructured their lifestyles to adapt to the new era of diminishing energy. The screening will feature an appearance by environmental activist and green entrepreneur Kate Holloway. Directed by Gregory Greene (The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream). Presented by Buffalo First (www.buffalofirst.org/events). 4pm Sun. Squeaky Wheel, 712 Main St (884-7172)

NIAGARA (1953)—Marilyn Monroe’s last film before becoming a major star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was this not-too-suspenseful thriller in which she plays a wife scheming to murder her husband (Joseph Cotton) while vacationing just a few miles north of Buffalo. With Jean Peters and Richard Allen. Directed by Henry Hathaway. Fri 7:15pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in the Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376)