What's new in entertainment

By JAMES FRANKLIN - McClatchy Interactive

A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.

MOVIES:

"THE DARK KNIGHT"
The much-anticipated sequel to "Batman Begins" finds the Caped Crusader (Christian Bale) tangling with the Joker (Heath Ledger), a dangerous new breed of criminal. Meanwhile, his alter ego Bruce Wayne is caught in a love triangle involving his childhood sweetheart Rachel (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). With Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine. Directed by Christopher Nolan. Released by Warner Bros. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"An ambitious, full-bodied crime epic of gratifying scope and moral complexity, this is seriously brainy pop entertainment that satisfies every expectation raised by its hit predecessor and then some."
-Justin Chang, Variety
"It's a ride for the gut and the brain."
-Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

"MAMMA MIA!"
Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth are among the stars in this big-screen version of the hit Broadway musical. With her daughter about to be married, a mother (Streep) reunites with old friends while the daughter invites three men from mom's past to discover who her real dad is. Featuring songs by ABBA. With Julie Walters, Stellan Skarsgard, Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper and Christine Baranski. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Released by Universal Pictures. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"This movie isn’t just unapologetic fluff; it’s aggressive, out-loud-and-proud fluff. Just like ABBA."
-Hank Sartin, Time Out New York
"'Mamma Mia!' is a massive mess, but it's fun - exuberantly goofy, sloppily crafted fun."
-Christy Lemire, The Associated Press

"SPACE CHIMPS"
A crew of chimps is sent by scientists to bring back a space probe that disappeared through a wormhole in this animated comedy. Before long the simian travelers are caught up in a struggle on a distant planet, where peaceful citizens are resisting an evil dictator who wants to enslave them. Featuring the voices of Andy Samberg, Cheryl Hines, Patrick Warburton, Kenan Thompson, Kristen Chenoweth and Jeff Daniels. Directed by Kirk De Micco. Released by Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation. Rated G.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"A fairly fatuous but enjoyably slim family entertainment."
-Lael Loewenstein, Variety
"This product is a babysitting DVD making a brief stop in theaters before hitting the shelves at Target."
-Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):

"A VERY BRITISH GANGSTER"
A documentary about British gangster Dominic Noonan, who rules a Manchester crime family with a combination of paternal benevolence and cold-blooded violence. In interviews Noonan reveals himself to be a man of surprising contradictions, one who can't help but take pride in his work even as he stops short of implicating himself in any crimes. Directed by Donal MacIntyre. Released by Anywhere Road Entertainment. Not rated.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"A deeply unnerving exposé."
-James Christopher, The Times of London
"It would have been nice to hear a small something about Noonan's very British victims."
-Julia Wallace, The Village Voice

"BERLIN"
Director Julian Schnabel's ("The Diving Bell and the Butterfly") record of a concert by former Velvet Underground leader Lou Reed, who performs tracks from his dark, much-maligned record from 1973 album of the same title. Released by Third Rail Releasing. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Satisfying for devoted fans and might even win a convert or two."
-John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter
"It’s one of the most fascinating performances of the year."
-Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York

VIDEO:

"21"
The house always wins - it's a guiding principle of gambling. A group of whiz kids from MIT decide to challenge that axiom at the blackjack tables, and using an intricate system of card-counting, they take Vegas for millions. Inspired by a true story. Starring Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, and Laurence Fishburne. Directed by Robert Luketic. Distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Rated PG-13. Available July 22.

"The Last Winter"
An exploratory crew looking for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge encounters a mysterious entity that begins killing off the crew members one by one in this independent horror film from writer-director Larry Fessenden ("Wendigo"). Starring James LeGros, Ron Perlman, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford and Kevin Corrigan. Released by IFC Films. Not rated. Available July 22.

"Masters of Horror - Season 2"
The collected second season of Showtime's horror anthology show includes episodes directed by Dario Argento, Stuart Gordon, Joe Dante and Tobe Hooper. Released by Staz/Anchor Bay. Not rated (not suitable for children). Available July 22.

"Robot Chicken: Star Wars"
The cartoon show spoofs the "Star Wars" films with its typically outrageous humor, plus a true fan's loving attention to detail. Released by Turner Home Entertainment. Not rated (contains material not suitable for children). Available July 22.

"Satantango"
Hungarian director Bela Tarr's acclaimed, seven-hour drama from 1994 concerns the residents of a desolate collective farm who await the return of a charismatic figure from the past who may be completely untrustworthy. Released by Facets. Not rated. Available July 22.

"September Dawn"
Based on a true story, this drama concerns a group of pioneers who were slaughtered in 1857 by a mysterious group of attackers who may or may not have been in the service of Mormons bent on keeping non-believers out of Utah. Starring Jon Voight, Terrence Stamp, Tamara Hope, Trent Ford and Lolita Davidovich. Directed by Christopher Cain. Released by Black Diamond Pictures. Rated R. Available July 22.

"Turn the River"
A gritty indie drama about an alcoholic pool hustler (Famke Janssen) who tries to win enough money to reunite with her son and begin a new life in Canada. With Rip Torn, Matt Ross, Jaymie Dornan and Lois Smith. Directed by Chris Eigeman (best known as an actor in such films as "Barcelona" and "The Last Days of Disco"). Released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Rated R. Available July 22.

"Vampyr"
Carl Dreyer's eerie 1932 classic is suffused with a strange, dream-like quality that makes it unlike other horror films. A young man traveling through the French countryside comes upon a village dominated by a castle. Strange illnesses have stricken the family that resides in the castle, afflictions that may be caused by a vampire. Starring Julian West, Maurice Shultz and Rena Mendel. Released by Criterion. Not rated. Available July 22.

VIDEO GAMES:

Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.

"Final Fantasy IV"
This entry in the popular fantasy franchise has a dark knight searching for several magical crystals at the behest of his king, whose motives he questions. And he also wonders why the land is suddenly overrun with monsters. Published by Square Enix for Nintendo DS. Rated E-10+. Available July 22.

"Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns"
Izuna the unemployed ninja returns, this time trying to find her missing sidekick while avoiding the wrath of the gods. Published by Atlus for Nintendo DS. Rated T. Available July 22.

"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor"
An action game based on the upcoming summer movie that takes players exploring underground tombs in China and the Himalayan mountains, battling fearsome opponents along the way. Published by Vivendi Universal for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2. Rated T. Available July 22.

"Order Up!"
A virtual restaurant game that allows players to create recipes, impress food critics and open more establishments as they grow more successful. Published by Zoo Digital Publishing for Nintendo DS. Available July 22.

"Suzuki Superbikes"
This racing game features 40 different motorcycles to ride and more than 70 different events in which players can compete. Published by Jack of All Games for Nintendo DS. Rated E. Available July 22.

MUSIC:

Black Kids, "Parties Traumatic": The Florida band singled out by Rolling Stone as an "Artist to Watch" in 2008 make their album debut. Released by Red Into/Red Ink. In stores July 22.

Mile Cyrus, "Breakout": The young singer says her new album was inspired by recent events in her life and has nothing to do with her famous alter ego, Hannah Montana. Released by Hollywood Records. In stores July 22.

Dr. Dog, "Fate": The Philadelphia quintet continues to put their unique spin on the soul genre on their newest album. Released by Park the Van Records. In stores July 22.

The Game, "LAX": the rapper's new album features guest appearances by Ice Cube, Mary J. Bilge, Ludicrous and Rae won. Released by Geffen Records. In stores July 22.

Buddy Guy, "Skin Deep": The singer-guitarist's new disc boasts guest appearances by The Memphis Horns, Willie Mitchell, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Eric Clapton, Robert Randolph and Quinn Sullivan. Released by Zomba. In stores July 22.

Nine Inch Nails, "The Slip": The latest disc from Trent Reznor and company can already be downloaded for free at their Web site, but if you really want to pay for it, it's being released by The Null Corporation. In stores July 22.

Sugarland, "Love on the Inside": An album of 13 new songs from the country duo, including the recent hit "All I Want to Do." Released by Mercury Nashville. In stores July 22.

Paul Weller, 22 Dreams": The ninth album from the former front man of The Jam and The Style Council features appearances by Oasis' Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer. Released by Yep Roc Records. In stores July 22.

TV:

All times are EDT/PDT.

Sunday, July 20

"High School Musical: Get in the Picture": Teen performers from across the nation compete for the chance to appear in a music video that will be shown at the end of the upcoming film "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." 8 p.m., ABC.

"The 16th Annual Espy Awards": Ashanti, Kristen Bell, Zac Efron and Samuel L. Jackson are among the celebrities slated to appear at this awards show that honors the year's greatest athletic achievements. Justin Timberlake hosts. 9 p.m., ESPN.

"Foyle's War: Broken Souls": Another "Masterpiece: Mystery" with Det. Chief Superintendent Foyle (Michael Kitchen), who this time investigates the killing of a young doctor. Foyle discovers this crime has more than its share of suspects since the young doctor was widely disliked. 9 p.m., PBS.

"Generation Kill": The Marines finally gets their first taste of real action in Iraq. 9 p.m., HBO.

Monday, July 21

"Wanna Bet?": Celebrities such as Scott Hamilton, Bill Engvall, Jerry Rice, Drew Lachey and Sherri Shepherd place bets on stunts performed by everyday people. The stunts include skiing over 200 fresh eggs without smashing them and trying to solve a Rubik's Cube underwater while blindfolded. 9 p.m., ABC.

"Heidi Fleiss: The Would-Be Madam of Crystal": This documentary shows former Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss' attempt to open a Nevada brothel where male prostitutes would service female clients. 9 p.m., HBO.

Wednesday, July 23

"Love Me, Love My Doll": This documentary shows several men who have fallen in love with their life-size female dolls, some of which cost as much as $10,000. 9 p.m., BBC America.

Thursday, July 24

"Fear Itself": This episode of the horror anthology series entitled "Community" finds a young couple (Brandon Routh and Shiri Appleby) moving into appears to be the perfect neighborhood, "appears" being the operative word. 10 p.m., NBC.

BOOKS:

J. A. Jance, "Damage Control: A Novel of Suspense": Jance's heroine Sheriff Joanna Brady returns for another mystery set in Arizona. The case this time involves a shady halfway house and a series of seemingly accidental deaths. Published by HarperCollins. In stores July 22.

Jerry B. Jenkins, "Riven": Jenkins, one of the co-authors of the "Left Behind" series, tries his hand at the thriller, with the added twist that Providence guides the main characters. Published by Tyndale House Publishers. In stores July 22.

James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X": A man who possesses the god-like ability to manipulate matter with his mind hunts the assassin who killed his parents. Published by Little, Brown & Company. In stores July 22.