Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008

What's new in entertainment

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

MOVIES:

Opened Wednesday, Aug. 20

"THE ROCKER"
Rainn Wilson ("The Office") stars in this comedy as a schlub who's still smarting after he was kicked out of a heavy metal band that made it big. Twenty years later the would-be drummer gets a chance to play in his nephew's band, and his over-the-top antics may lead to a shot at stardom. With Christina Applegate, Jeff Garlin, Teddy Geiger and Emma Stone. Directed by Peter Cattaneo. Released by 20th Century Fox. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"'The Rocker' is a grubby little redemption comedy that in every way feels like a consignment-shop Jack Black vehicle."
-Wesley Morris, The Boston Globe
"Like its protagonist, the movie is sweet but slow and a little out of date."
-Sam Adams, The Los Angeles Times

Opening Friday, Aug. 22

"DEATH RACE"
A bigger-scale remake of the '70s action cheapie about a group of felons who take part in a deadly auto race for the amusement a global TV audience. A speedway champion (Jason Statham) is framed for murder and forced to compete in the race, and his determination to survive means lots of wreckage and explosions. With Joan Allen, Ian McShane and Tyrese Gibson. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Released by Universal Studios. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"The dialogue is dopey, the dead stretches in between races are dull (Statham stripping off his shirt and doing pull-ups), the resolution laughable."
-Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel
"'Death Race' is all doom and breakneck gloom, shot in deliberately murky tones that suggest a certain hopelessness for all involved."
-Rossiter Drake, The San Francisco Examiner

"HAMLET 2"
A hit at the Sundance Film Festival, this irreverent comedy concerns an ambitious but frustrated drama teacher named Dana Marschz (Steve Coogan) who decides to mount a musical sequel to Shakespeare's classic play. When school officials try to shut down the politically incorrect show, Dana's effort to produce his show becomes an unexpected cause célèbre. With Amy Poehler, Catherine Keener, David Arquette and Elizabeth Shue. Directed by Andrew Fleming. Released by Focus Features. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"This one is on the limp side but gets points for weirdness."
-David Edelstein, New York Magazine
"Not nearly as uproarious as it should be."
-J. Hoberman, The Village Voice

"THE HOUSE BUNNY"
Anna Faris stars in this comedy about a former Playboy Bunny who gets kicked out of the fabled mansion because she's too old, which probably means she's over 25. By luck she ends up at a sorority house full of awkward girls, who she can teach to be more confident when it comes to dealing with the opposite sex. With Colin Hanks, Emma Stone, Katharine McPhee, Rumer Willis and Beverly D'Angelo. Directed by Fred Wolf. Released by Columbia Pictures. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"A blissfully broad comedy that should catapult Anna Faris into a singular kind of stardom."
-John Anderson, Variety
"A terrific Anna Faris keeps this formulaic campus comedy hopping"
-Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter

"THE LONG SHOTS"
A determined girl in a poor Illinois town becomes the first female player in Pop Warner football history and guides her team to the championship as their quarterback. Based on a true story. Starring Ice Cube, Tasha Smith, Keke Palmer, Matt Craven and Malcolm Goodwin. Released by Dimension Films. This film is not yet rated.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"'The Longshots' strains so hard to inspire, every moment underlined with a by-the-numbers score, that it ends up totally innocuous."
-Vadim Rizov, The Village Voice
"Every triumph registers low on the emotion meter, and most of the supporting characters are two-dimensional at best."
-Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter

OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):

"I SERVED THE KING OF ENGLAND"
A picaresque comedy laced with tragedy about a middle-aged man who looks back on his ambitious youth spent in 1930s Czechoslovakia, where he achieved his goal of becoming a millionaire by marrying a German woman with Nazi loyalties. Starring Ivan Barnev, Oldoich Kaiser and Julia Jentsch. Directed by Jiri Menzel. Released by Sony Pictures Classics. Rated R.
Official movie site
"Why can’t Americans make comedies as playful but serious as Jiri Menzel’s 'I Served the King of England'?"
-David Edelstein, New York Magazine
"(A) beguiling, bigger-than-life black comedy."
-Eddie Cockrell, Variety

DVDs:

"Chicago 10"
Animation, interviews and archival footage tell the story of the Chicago 10, a group of peace activists who were accused of inciting protesters to riot at the 1968 Democratic convention. Featuring the voices of Hank Azaria, Dylan Baker, Nick Nolte, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber and Roy Scheider. Directed by Brett Morgen. Released by Roadside Attractions. Rated R. Available Aug. 26.

"The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning"
This direct-to-DVD prequel to the hit 1989 Disney film has younger mermaid Ariel fighting a ban against singing in the undersea kingdom by her father, King Triton. Released by Walt Disney Video. Rated G. Available Aug. 26.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" Collector's Edition
This two-disc set of the beloved 1993 animated musical includes a souvenir bust of bony hero Jack Skellington and loads of extras, including commentary tracks from producer Tim Burton, director Henry Selick and composer Danny Elfman, Burton's short film "Vincent" and plenty of behind-the-scenes footage. Released by

"Redbelt"
A jiu-jitsu instructor (Chiwetel Ejiofor) saddled with mounting debts reluctantly enters the world of competitive fighting, egged on by a shady promoter (Ricky Jay), a corrupt producer (Joe Mantegna) and a Hollywood star (Tim Allen). With Alice Braga, Emily Mortimer, Rebecca Pidgeon and Max Martini. Written and directed by acclaimed playwright and filmmaker David Mamet. Released by Sony Pictures Classics. Rated R. Available Aug. 26.

"Salo, or 120 Days of Sodom"
This loose 1975 adaptation of the infamous Marquis de Sade novel was and remains unwatchable for many viewers. With the setting updated to Italy at the close of World War II, the story has a group of Fascist party members abducting a group of young men and women and taking them to a villa, where the captives are humiliated, tortured and murdered over several days. Consider yourself warned. The last film directed by Italian enfant terrible Pier Paulo Pasolini. Released by Criterion. Not rated (contains graphic violence, nudity and prolonged scenes of torture). Available Aug. 26.

"The Shield - Season 6"
The most recent season of FX's drama about a squad of rogue cops saw Vic (Michael Chiklis) pursuing the person who killed Lemansky, not suspecting that his own partner (Walton Goggins) did the deed. Vic's battle with Internal Affairs Lt. Kavanagh (Forest Whitaker) also comes to a decisive end. Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Available Aug. 26.

"Warner Home Video Western Classics Collection"
This box set includes the following films: "Escape from Fort Bravo," "Many Rivers to Cross," "Cimarron," "The Law and Jake Wade," "Saddle the Wind" and "The Stalking Moon." Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available Aug. 26.

"What Happens in Vegas"
After a wild night in Las Vegas, two people (Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz) discover - to their dismay - that they got married the night before in this romantic comedy. When one of them wins a huge casino jackpot with the other's quarter, the newlyweds begin a long fight over the money that sees them falling in love for real. With Lake Bell, Queen Latifah and Dennis Farina. Directed by Tom Vaughan. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Rated PG-13. Available Aug. 26.

VIDEO GAMES:

Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.

"Ferrari Challenge"
This game lets players compete in 15 international auto racing circuits and includes variations such as Time Trial, Quick Race and Endurance. Published by Activision for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. Rated E-10+. Available Aug. 26.

"Harvest Moon"
Grow crops, nurture animals, make friendships, start a family and help restore an island that has been abandoned by the Harvest Goddess. Published by Natsume for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. Rated E. Available Aug. 26.

"Mercenaries 2: World in Flames"
An action game that drops players into war-torn Venezuela, where a tyrant has tried to interfere with the nation's oil supply. It's up to you to stop him, and that means blowing things up. Published by Electronic Arts for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PC. Rated T. Available Aug. 26.

"Rebel Raiders"
An aerial combat game set in the near future, with different aircraft and a variety of missions to choose from. Published by Jack of all Games. Rated E. Available Aug. 26.

"Tales of Vesperia"
The latest title in the role-playing fantasy game has players guide a knight named Yuri as he uncovers an evil plot to control the world using a form of magical technology. Published by Namco for Xbox 360. Rated T.

"Tiger Woods 09"
This game lets you play as the golf superstar himself with help from Woods' coach, Hank Haney. In essence you get to be Tiger Woods without enjoying his millions of dollars in endorsements. Published by Electronic Arts for Nintendo wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Sony PSP and Xbox 360. Rated E. Available Aug. 26.

"Time Hollow"
A fantasy game in which players help a teen named Ethan Kairos who is searching for his missing family by using a magical object that lets him travel through time. Published by Konami for Nintendo DS. Rated T. Available Aug. 26.

"Vampire Rain: Altered Species"
A horror-fantasy shooter that has players stalk and kill soldiers from a vampire army that are wiping out the human race. Published by Ignition Entertainment for PlayStation 3. Rated M. Available Aug. 26.

MUSIC:

Jonatha Brooke, "The Works": The singer takes previously unheard lyrics by the legendary Woody Guthrie and sets them to original music. Released by Bad Dog Records. In stores Aug. 26.

Eva Cassidy, "Somewhere": This album includes 12 unreleased tracks recorded by the singer before her death in 1996. Released by Blix Street. In stores Aug. 26.

Chanticleer, "Mission Road": The accomplished men's choir performs devotional music heard for centuries in California's Spanish-influenced cathedrals and missions. Released by Warner Classics. In stores Aug. 26.

Simone Dinnerstein, "Berlin Concert": The American pianist's newest disc includes Bach’s French Suite No. 5 in G major, Philip Lasser’s Variations on a Bach Chorale and Beethoven’s Sonata No. 32 in C minor. Released by Telarc. In stores Aug. 26.

The Game, "LAX": The rapper's third album features guest appearances by DMX, Lil Wayne, Ice Cube and others. Released by Geffen Records. In stores Aug. 26.

B.B. King, "One Kind Favor": This recording by the blues master includes songs by fellow greats John Lee Hooker, Lemon Jefferson and others. Produced by T-Bone Burnett. Released by Geffen Records. In stores Aug. 26.

Little Feat, "Join the Band": The band's first new studio album in five years includes collaborations with Bob Seger. Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews and Inara George. Released by 429 Records. In stores Aug. 26.

The Lost Trailers, "Holler Back": The rising country band's fifth album includes the hit song with the same title as this album, "Holler Back." Released by BNA Entertainment. In stores Aug. 26.

Original cast, "Gypsy!": The hit Broadway revival of the classic musical starred Patti LuPone, Boyd Gaines and Laura Benanti. Includes eight bonus tracks. Released by Time Life Records. In stores Aug. 26.

Solange, "Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams": Beyonce's little sister puts her own stamp on R&B and hip-hop on her second album, Released by Geffen Records. In stores Aug. 26.

TV:

All times are EDT/PDT.

Sunday, Aug. 24

"Generation Kill": The battle-hardened Marines arrive in Baghdad, where they face unexpected challenges as the mini-series concludes. 9 p.m., HBO.

"Mad Men": Don must again deal with nasty comedian Jimmy Barrett (Patrick Fischler) and his ambitious, double-dealing wife. 10 p.m., AMC.

"Z Rock": A hard-living New York rock group works by day as a kids' party band a la "The Wiggles" in order to pay the rent in this new comedy series. 11:30 p.m., IFC.

Monday, Aug. 25

"America's Toughest Jobs: Thom Beers, the producer of "Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers," is behind this new reality series that has 13 ordinary people doing tough jobs such as logging and drilling for oil. 9 p.m., NBC.

"The Black List: Volume One": A documentary series in which prominent African-Americans talk about their experiences and struggles in America. Interviewees include Colin Powell, author Toni Morrison and comedian Chris Rock. Former New York Times movie critic Elvis Mitchell hosts. 9 p.m., HBO.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

"America's Got Talent": With the Olympics over, the remaining 10 "talents" take the stage as the competition show resumes. 8 p.m., NBC.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

"Mythbusters": The crew tests the plausibility of the still-bizarre theory that America faked the 1969 moon landing. 9 p.m., Discovery Channel.

Thursday, Aug. 28

"The Fabulous Life of Million-Dollar Babies": Find out just how excessively celebrities pamper their kids. 9 p.m., VH1.

BOOKS:

Terry Brooks, "The Gypsy Morph": Brooks continues his "Genesis of Shannara" fantasy series as the Knights of the Word battle demons to save what's left of humanity. Published by Random House. In stores Aug. 26.

Harlan Coben, "Fade Away": Coben's sports agent hero Myron Bolitar is back and getting mixed up in the search for missing player that soon involves murder and blackmail. Published by Dell Publishing. In stores Aug. 26.

Dick Francis and Felix Francis, "Silks": Francis and his son Felix have collaborated on another mystery, a tale of a London barrister and amateur jockey who must fight to maintain his professional ethics in a murder case that began at a steeplechase event. In stores Aug. 26.

Michael Moore, "Mike's Election Guide": The documentary filmmaker and political agitator turns his sardonic wit to the 2008 election. Published by Grand Central Publishing. In stores Aug. 26.

Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.