‘Grifters,’ ‘Postcards’ Top Week’s List : RECENT MOVIES

“The Grifters” (HBO, $92.99, R) will immerse you into the world of con artists, focusing on one (John Cusack) whose mom (Anjelica Huston), despite her own criminal connections, wants him out of the life--but whose girlfriend (Annette Bening) has other ideas. Scripted by Donald E. Westlake from Jim Thompson’s novel and directed by Stephen Frears, “The Grifters” trains a well-focused microscope on the human depths.

“Postcards From the Edge” (RCA/Columbia, no list price, R) has its own array of fascinating characters and antisocial behavior (drug use), and even another overbearing mom (deliciously played by Shirley MacLaine), but the tone is considerably lighter than “The Grifters.” This witty, touching adaptation of Carrie Fisher’s autobiographical book stars Meryl Streep as an actress trying to come to terms with her life. Mike Nichols directed.

Also out: “Kindergarten Cop” (MCA/Universal, no list price, PG-13), another hit action film for Arnold Schwarzenegger, but one that softens the violence and mixes in some cute scenes with kids. Ivan Reitman directed.

VINTAGE VIDEO

If you enjoyed Barbet Schroeder’s direction of “Barfly” and “Reversal of Fortune” (the latter due on videocassette June 26), you might like to check out his previous, offbeat films.

Warner Home Video has just released no less than six: “More” (1968) and “The Valley” (1972) feature Pink Floyd scores; “General Idi Amin Dada” (1974) and “Koko: A Talking Gorilla” (1977) are documentaries; “Maitresse” (1976) stars Gerard Depardieu, and “Tricheurs” (1984) takes a look at “Grifters”-like con artists.

OTHER CASSETTES

“The Mouse and the Motorcycle” and its sequel, “Runaway Ralph,” have been repeatedly repeated on ABC Saturday mornings, but if you missed these delightful half-hours about a boy (Fred Savage) and a motorcycle-loving mouse, they’re now available on tape (Strand/VCI, $12.95 each).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Next week: “Green Card,” “White Fang,” “To Sleep With Anger,” “Come See the Paradise” and “Mr. & Mrs. Bridge.”

Future features: “GoodFellas” (June 19), “Edward Scissorhands” (June 27), “Misery” and “Once Around” (July 11), “The Russia House” (July 17), “L.A. Story” (July 18), “Sleeping With the Enemy” (July 25), “Teenage Mutant Turtles II” (July 31, $22.98), “New Jack City” (Aug. 22), “Home Alone” (Aug. 22, $24.98).

Also, for those who can’t catch PBS’ re-showing of “I, Claudius” beginning Sunday, this greatest of all TV miniseries will be released on videocassette July 3. The seven cassettes will cost $24.95 each, the set $149.95.