Thursday, Sep. 11, 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:

"BURN AFTER READING"
The Coen Brothers follow up their Oscar-winning film "No Country for Old Men" with this dark comedy about two conniving gym employees (Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand) who stumble upon a disc containing the memoirs of an ousted CIA official (John Malkovich). Thinking they can earn easy money, they try to sell the disc to the highest bidder but instead get themselves into big trouble. With Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons, Richard Jenkins and George Clooney. Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. Released by Focus Features. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"I must confess I enjoyed just about every heartlessly jolly minute of it."
-David Ansen, Newsweek
"Wildly funny, but just as wildly uneven."
-Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"RIGHTEOUS KILL"
Two police detectives (Al Pacino, Robert De Niro) investigate a series of serial killings with a connection to a past case, leading them to wonder if they put the wrong man in prison many years ago. With Curtis Jackson, Brian Dennehy and John Leguizamo. Directed by Jon Avnet. Released by Overture Films. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
-This film was not available for review

"TYLER PERRY'S THE FAMILY THAT PREYS"
Perry's latest movie mixes comedy and drama, telling the story of two families separated by race and wealth but bound by the friendship of two matriarchs (Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates). Their friendship is tested when their children's extramarital affairs and business dealings overlap, potentially creating disaster for everyone. With Cole Hauser, Sanaa Lathan and Tyler Perry. Released by Lionsgate. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
-This film was not available for review

"THE WOMEN"
Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing and Bette Midler star in this remake of the classic 1939 movie about a circle of women helping a friend cope with the news that her husband's having an affair. With Eva Mendes and Candice Bergen. Directed by Diane English. Released by Picturehouse Entertainment. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"'The Women' is such an arduous patchwork of 'issues' it ends up a Frankenstein's monster of a chick flick."
-Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
"These women are ready for action, but the fur never flies."
-Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter

OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):

"TOWELHEAD"
Based on the novel by Alicia Erian, "Towelhead" tells the story of a teenage Lebanese-American girl named Jasira (Summer Bishil) who's sent to live with her father in a small Texas town. Jasira encounters racsim not just from her classmates but also from the bigoted Army reservist (Aaron Eckhart) who lives next door, a man with whom she becomes obsessed. With Toni Collette, Maria Bello and Peter Macdissi. Directed by Alan Ball (creator of HBO's "Six Feet Under"). Released by Warner Independent Pictures. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"(Director) Alan Ball returns to the big screen with another beauty of a razor-sharp American satire."
-Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter
"Ball doesn't have the control to keep it from veering all over the place, to queasy and debilitating effect."
-Todd McCarthy, Variety

DVD:

"88 Minutes"
A professor (Al Pacino) who assists the FBI as a forensic psychiatrist gets a mysterious threat telling him he has only 88 minutes to live. Making a list of potential suspects, he must discover who wants him dead before his time runs out. With Alicia Witt, Amy Brenneman, Leelee Sobieski and Deborah Kara Unger. Directed by Jon Avnet. Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Rated R. Available Sept. 16.

"Deception"
An accountant named Jonathan (Ewan McGregor) finds an escape from his dull life when his slick lawyer friend (Hugh Jackman) who introduces him to a secret sex club. After meeting a woman there who fulfills his fantasies, Jonathan finds his life take a nightmarish turn when he becomes a murder suspect. With Michelle Williams and Maggie Q. Directed by Marcel Langenegger. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Rated R. Available Sept. 16.

"Dirty Sexy Money - Season 1"
This drama laced with satire was one of the better shows that managed to weather last season's writers' strike. An idealistic lawyer (Peter Krause) hires on as counsel to an ultra-rich, Kennedy-esque family that has more than its share of secrets. Released by Touchstone/Disney. Not rated. Available Sept. 16.

"Made of Honor"
When his gal pal goes on a vacation to Scotland, a successful, romantically clueless businessman named Tom (Patrick Dempsey) realizes he misses her and that she may be the love of his life. He's crushed when he hears that Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) has met a rich Scotsman and has become engaged, so he must figure out a way to win her back. With Kevin McKidd, Kelly Carlson and Sydney Pollack. Directed by Paul Wieland. Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Rated PG-13. Available Sept. 16.

"Pushing Daisies - Season 1"
The quirky, heavily stylized comedy-mystery show arrives on DVD after suffering, like many other new shows, from a truncated first season. Includes interactives based on the show's multitude of pies. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 16.

"Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour - Season 3"
The third season of the comedy show generated so much controversy that CBS abruptly yanked it off the air in 1969. Now you can see what so ticked off the network. Released by Time Life Records. Not rated. Available Sept. 16.

"Snow Angels"
A drama about three intertwined relationships in a bleak northern town that received respectful notices at last year's Sundance Film Festival. A father (Sam Rockwell) violently clings to his ex-wife (Kate Beckinsale) and children after his divorce, a high-school romance blooms and a middle-aged father (Griffin Dunne) carries on an affair. With Kate Beckinsale, Nicky Katt, Michael Angarano, Olivia Thirlby and Amy Sedaris. Directed by David Gordon Green. Released by Warner Home Video. Rated R. Available Sept. 16.

"Speed Racer"
The Wachowski brothers ("The Matrix") directed this big-screen version of the cult Japanese cartoon about a young racer (Emile Hirsch), his feisty dad (John Goodman) and his mysterious competitor, known only as Racer X (Matthew Fox). With Christina Ricci, Roger Allam and Susan Sarandon. Directed by Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski. Released by Warner Home Video. Rated PG. Available Sept. 16.

"Will & Grace: The Complete Series"
It took 33 discs to contain all episodes of the hit sitcom and its DVD extras. Released by Lions Gate. Not rated. Available Sept. 16.

"Young @ Heart"
The hit documentary about the vocal group from Northampton, MA who perform songs by such artists as Sonic Youth, The Ramones and The Clash. What makes them so different? Their average age is about 80. Directed by Stephen Walker. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Rated PG. Available Sept. 16.

VIDEO GAMES:

Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.

"Armored Core: For Answer"
Choose sides as a mercenary and fight in a war between factions living on a polluted future Earth. Published by UbiSoft for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Rated T. Available Sept. 16.

"Battle Fantasia"
From the makers of the Guilty Gear Series comes this fighting game that lets you compete as 12 different characters, taking on challengers within the game or online. Published by Aksys Games for Xbox 360. Rated T. Available Sept. 16.

"Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party 2"
This update of the popular game boasts enhanced motion capture, a new selection of songs from the past 40 years and 50 unique environments in which to perform. Published by Konami for PlayStation 3. Rated E-10+. Available Sept. 16.

"Disney Sing It"
A karaoke game that includes songs from Disney movies, TV shows and from artists on Hollywood Records. Published by Disney Interactive for Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2. Rated E. Available Sept. 16 (available for other consoles Sept. 30).

"Igor"
Based on the upcoming animated film, this game has players build their own monsters to fight against those made by evil scientists or their own online friends. Published by South Peak Interactive for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC. Rated E. Available Sept. 16.

"My Secret World by Imagine"
An interactive diary that includes mini-games, trivia, personalized avatars and other customizable features. Published by UBI Soft for Nintendo DS. Rated E. Available Sept. 16.

"Pure"
An off-road racing game that rewards players' willingness to take risks and perform outrageous stunts in locations around the world. Published by Disney Interactive for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. Rated E. Available Sept. 16.

"Speed Racer"
This game does pretty much the same thing as the movie except for dying at the box office. Published by Warner Home Video Games for PlayStation 2. Rated E. Available Sept. 16.

"Star Wars: The Force Unleashed"
This immersive action game has players guide an apprentice of Darth Vader's who either chooses to fight for the dark side or become a noble Jedi. The storyline unfolds in the years between "Revenge of the Sith and "A New Hope." Published by LucasArts Entertainment for Xbox 260, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Sony PSP. Rated T. Available Sept. 16.

"Yggdra Union"
A fantasy role-playing game that has a princess trying to free her kingdom from a brutal army with the help of a thief. Published by Atlus for Sony PSP. Rated T. Available Sept. 16.

MUSIC:

Renée Fleming, "Strauss: Four Last Songs": The famous soprano, known for her distinctive interpretations of Richard Strauss, performs the German composer's final works. Released by Decca. In stores Sept. 16.

James, "Hey Ma": Fans can rejoice as the band releases its first new album after seven years apart. Released by Decca. In stores Sept. 16.

Jem, "Down to Earth": The singer's second album includes "It's Amazing," which as featured in this summer's "Sex and the City" movie. Released by Ato Records/Red. In stores Sept. 16.

Dave Koz, "Greatest Hits": Saxophonist and composer Koz picks tracks from five previous albums and gives them a fresh spin. Released by Capitol. In stores Sept. 16.

Charlie Louvin, "Steps to Heaven": The country artist charts a new path at age 80 in this collaboration with gospel musicians Derrick Lee and Chris Scruggs plus a sisterly trio of singers. Released by Tompkins Square. In stores Sept. 16.

Medeski, Martin & Wood, "Zaebos: The Book of Angels, Vol. 11": The jazz trio's second volume in a series in collaboration with avant-garde composer John Zorn. Released by Tzadik. In stores Sept. 16.

Ne-Yo, "Year of the Gentleman": Ne-Yo looks to the long-ago era of Frank and Sammy for inspiration on this disc that includes the hits "Closer" and "Miss Independent." Released by Def Jam. In stores Sept. 16.

Nelly, "Brass Knuckles": After some delay, the rapper's new album hits the shelves with guest appearances by Pharrell, Nate Dogg and Jermaine Dupri. Released by UMVD Labels. In stores Sept. 16.

Darius Rucker," Learn to Live": The Hootie & the Blowfish front man explores his country music side. Released by Capitol. In stores Sept. 16.

TV:

All times are EDT/PDT.

Sunday, Sept. 14

"Secrets of the Dinosaur Mummy": Scientists examine the unusually well-preserved remains of a 77 million-year-old dinosaur nicknamed "Leonardo." 9 p.m., Discovery Channel.

Monday, Sept. 15

"Entourage": Leading man Vince doesn't quite understand that his star is plummeting. Enter foul-mouthed agent Ari for some tough love. 10 p.m., HBO.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

"Biggest Loser: Families": Large families come together to shed pounds in this new season of the weight-loss reality show. 8 p.m., NBC.

"House": After his wife's death, Dr. Wilson wonders if he'd be better off keeping his distance from cranky Dr. House. 8 p.m., Fox.

"Big Brother 10": Having tested the very limits of boredom, the reality show mercifully comes to a close for this season. 9 p.m. CBS.

Thursday, Sept. 18

"Smallville": Clark Kent is all grown up and working at The Daily Planet as season eight begins. 8 p.m., The CW.

"Supernatural": Dean gets paroled ... from Hell. 9 p.m., The CW.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia": The topic for comedy this time? Cannibalism. Points for daring. 11 p.m., Fox.

BOOKS:

Philippa Gregory, "The Other Queen": The author of "The Other Boleyn Girl" spins a tale about the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots and her fight to regain the throne. Published by Simon & Schuster. In stores Sept. 16.

Brian Herbert, "Paul of Dune": Brian Herbert tells what happened between his father Frank Herbert's books "Dune" and "Dune Messiah" when messianic hero Paul Muad'Dib build his empire. Published by Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC. In stores Sept. 16.

Garrison Keillor, "Liberty": The author and radio host returns to Lake Wobegon for this novel about a sixtysomething man whose plans - and suppressed desires - shock his neighbors as the town's Fourth of July celebration draws close. Published by Viking Penguin. In stores Sept. 16.

Kathleen Norris, "Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life": Author Norris describes her battle with an ancient spiritual condition known as acedia that's characterized by a resigned, tired indifference, or "soul-weariness." Published by Penguin Group. In stores Sept. 16.

Christopher Paolini, "Brisingr (Inheritance Cycle #3)": The author continues his fantasy saga of heroes and dragons begun in the book "Eragon." Published by Random House Children's Books. In stores Sept. 16.

Philip Roth, "Indignation": A butcher's son heads to college and dreads the possibility of having to fight in the Korean War in this straightforward-seeming tale that's embedded with some startling surprises. Published by Houghton Mifflin. In stores Sept. 16.

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