What#39;s new in entertainment
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A look at what’s new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.MOVIES:”LEATHERHEADS”
A comedy set in the early days of football about a gridiron veteran named Dodge Connelly (George Clooney, who also directed) who recruits World War I hero Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski of “The Office”) to draw fans to the mostly ignored professional game. Both men, however, are drawn to a reporter (Renee Zellweger), who suspects Carter’s hero story isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. With Malcolm Goodwin and Stephen Root. Released by Universal Pictures. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
“(This) Disappointing period football comedy laterals too often without a clear goal in mind.”
-Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter
“Laid-back, amiable and terminally tepid.”
-David Ansen, Newsweek”NIM’S ISLAND”
An imaginative girl (Abigail Breslin) enlists the help of her favorite author (Jodie Foster) when her father goes missing on the island where they live in this mixture of adventure and fantasy. With Gerard Butler. Directed by Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin. Released by Fox Walden. Rated PG.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
“All things considered, the movie does a good enough job of filling that void of kid films between cartoons and ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.’”
-Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel
“A children’s story that alternates awkwardly between over-earnest and silly.”
-Cathy Frisinger, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram”THE RUINS”
A group of young travelers encounter something nightmarish in the jungles of Mexico in this adaptation of Scott Smith’s bestselling horror novel. Starring Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore and Laura Ramsey. Directed by Carter Smith. Released by DreamWorks. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
-This film was not available for review.”SHINE A LIGHT”
Martin Scorsese directed this Rolling Stones concert film made when the rock superstars performed at New York’s Beacon Theater in 2006. Released by Paramount Vantage. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
“‘Shine a Light’ doesn%26#146;t really bear much of the director%26#146;s imprint; it%26#146;s a proficient celebration of the band%26#146;s great songs, performing skills and durability, and perfectly enjoyable as such.”
-Todd McCarthy, Variety
“(The Stones) have a low-down dirty joy, and for a pack of skinny leather-faced geezers in tight pants, that’s enough.”
-Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment WeeklyOPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):”FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON”
A modern expansion of the classic 1956 French film “The Red Balloon.” A harried mother (Juliette Binoche) hires a Taiwanese nanny (Song Fang) to help her care for her two children. The nanny forms a bond with Simon, the oldest child, and together they explore the streets of Paris followed with a red balloon that gently, affectionately hovers nearby. With Simon Iteanu, Hippolyte Girardot and Louise Margolin. Directed by Hou Hsaio-Hsien. Released by IFC Films. Not rated.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
“Filmmaker Hou Hsiao Hsien uses Albert Lamorisse%26#146;s 1956 masterpiece ‘The Red Balloon’ as a springboard for his own masterpiece.”
-David Edelstein, New York Magazine
“This is a movie of genius.”
-J. Hoberman, The Village Voice”MEET BILL”
Aaron Eckhart (”Thank You for Smoking”) stars in this comedy as a sad sack named Bill who decides to change his life he catches his wife cheating on him. With encouragement from the student he’s mentoring, the changed Bill pursues his dream of owning a doughnut shop. With Jessica Alba, Elizabeth Banks, Logan Lerman and Craig Bierko. Directed by Bernie Goldmann and Melisa Wallack. Released by First Look International. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
“This quirky comedy falls flat despite Eckhart’s best efforts.”
-Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter
“If this ‘Bill’ ever arrives, duck out on it.”
-Eddie Cockrell, Variety”MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS”
The first English-language film from the acclaimed director of “In the Mood for Love” stars Norah Jones as a woman traveling the U.S. as a contestant in pie-eating contests and is looking for love along the way. With Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman and David Strathairn. Directed by Kar Wai Wong. Released by MGM. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
“(Director) Wong has made the perilous journey into a new language without sacrificing his artistic soul and very personal visual style.”
-Andrew Sarris, The New York Observer
“The aphoristic philosophical nuggets Wong favors sound banal and clunky in this context, leaving the film thematically in the shallow end of the pool.”
-Todd McCarthy, VarietyVIDEO:”The 11th Hour”
A documentary on global efforts to stop climate change and its catastrophic effects, featuring interviews with prominent thinkers such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Stephen Hawking and David Orr. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Directed by Nadia Conners and Leila Conners Petersen. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available April 8.”Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 3″
This lavish box set includes the films “Hit the Deck,” “Deep in My Heart,” “Kismet,” “Nancy Goes to Rio,” “Two Weeks with Love,” “Born to Dance,” “Lady Be Good,” “Broadway Melody of 1936″ and “Broadway Melody of 1938.” Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available April 8.”Lions for Lambs”
A drama that weaves together stories about two young men who volunteer to fight in Afghanistan, the college professor (Robert Redford) who inadvertently inspired them to join, and the U.S. senator and presidential candidate (Tom Cruise) who has a revelation for a reporter (Meryl Streep) that may impact the two soldiers’ lives. With Michael Pena and Derek Luke. Directed by Robert Redford. Released by United Artists. Rated R. Available April 8.”Reservation Road”
The lives of two families intersect following a fatal car accident in this drama starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly and Mark Ruffalo. Based on the novel by John Burnham Schwartz. With Elle Fanning and Mira Sorvino. Directed by Terry George. Released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Rated R. Available April 8.”Resurrecting the Champ”
A reporter (Josh Hartnett) who needs a big story stumbles upon a homeless man (Samuel L. Jackson) who claims he was once the No. 3 ranked boxer in the world. It sounds like a great story, but the newsman’s got a surprise waiting for him. With Kathryn Morris and Alan Alda. Directed by Rod Lurie. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Rated PG-13. Available April 8.”Sense %26 Sensibility”
The recent TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel about two English sisters who have very different ways of dealing with the men who want to marry them. Starring Janet McTeer, Charity Wakefield, Hattie Morahan and David Morrissey. Directed by John Alexander. Released by BBC Warner. Not rated. Available April 8.”There Will Be Blood”
One of the most acclaimed films of 2007, “There Will Be Blood” is a loose adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!” Daniel Day-Lewis (who won the best actor Oscar this year) stars as a ruthlessly determined prospector named Daniel Plainview who’s looking for oil in the California desert. He strikes it rich, but his rise to wealth wrecks the lives of many around him. With Paul Dano, Kevin J. O’Connor, Ciaran Hinds and Dillon Freasier. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Released by Paramount Home Video. Rated R. Available April 8.”Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”
A comedy that satirizes musician biopics such as “Ray” and “Walk the Line” about a rocker named Dewey (John C. Reilly) who rises from a poor Alabama childhood to conquer the music world and look like an idiot all along the way. With Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig and Paul Rudd. Directed by Jake Kasdan. Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Rated R. Available April 8.”The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep”
A fantasy film about a young boy in Scotland who finds a mysterious egg that hatches a strange reptilian creature. Treated like a pet, the beast soon grows too big to keep in the house and must take up residence in nearby Loch Ness. Starring Emily Watson, Brian Cox, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey and Alex Etel. Directed by Jay Russell. Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Rated PG. Available April 8.VIDEO GAMES:Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.”Arcana Heart”
Female fighters employ the help of supernatural beings to try to stop a mysterious woman from destroying humanity.
Published by Atlus for PlayStation 2. Rated T. Available April 8.”Assassin’s Creed”
A historical action game set against the Crusades in the 12th century that has players try to assassinate key figures on both sides of the conflict and change the course of history. Published by Ubi Soft for PC (title already available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo DS). Rated M. Available Feb. 5.”Baroque”
A fantasy game that has players guide a man who has awoken to find the world in ruins. He must descend a mysterious tower, battle strange foes and find clues to help him on his journey. Published by Atlus USA for Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2. Rated T. Available April 8.”Half Life 2: Episode Pack”
This expansion of the award-winning game allows players to fight new alien enemies, drive new vehicles and explore environments beyond the original City 17 setting. Published by Electronic Arts for PC. Rated M. Available April 8.”Imagine: Animal Doctor”
Build your veterinary hospital into a more advanced facility so you can better care for the sick animals that are brought through your door. Published by Ubi Soft for PC. Rated E. Available April 8.”MiniCopter: Adventure Flight”
Customize and fly virtual mini-helicopters. Can be used as preparation for flying real remote-control mini-copters without the worry of flying them into trees or power lines. Published by Aksys Games, Inc. for Nintendo Wii. Rated E. Available April 8.MUSIC:The Breeders, “Mountain Battles”: The Deal sisters and their alt-rock band return with this album that was recorded off and on over the last several years. Released by 4AD/ADA. In stores April 8.Nick Cave %26 the Bad Seeds, “Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!”: Singer-songwriter Cave pours more humor and humanity into his dark sensibility with this new album. Released by Anti. In stores April 8.Mari%26eacute; Digby, “Unfold”: The Internet phenomenon makes her album debut with this set of original songs and covers
of tunes by the likes of Linkin Park, Rihanna and others. Released by Hollywood Records. In stores April 8.Hilary Hahn, “Schoenberg, Sibelius: Violin Concertos”: The young violin virtuoso takes on a challenging work by Arnold Schoenberg and a more lushly melodic composition by Jean Sibelius. Released by Deutsche Grammophon. In stores April 8.Leona Lewis, Spirit”: After wowing Simon Cowell and winning “The X Factor” talent show on British TV, the singer’s first album lands stateside with high expectations. Released by J-Records. In stores April 8.Meat Beat Manifesto, “Autoimmune”: The electronic music group pushes their sound in new directions on their tenth album. Released by Metropolis Records. In stores April 8.Nine Inch Nails, “Ghosts I-IV”: A collection of instrumental pieces that NIN (aka Trent Reznor) composed over the years that together create a disc of dark mood music. Released by The Null Corporation. In stores April 8.James Otto, “Sunset Man”: The country singer’s second album features the hit single “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.”
Released by Raybaw/Warner Bros. In stores April 8.P.O.D., “When Angels and Serpents Dance”: The nu metal band’s seventh studio album includes guest appearances by Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies, Helmet guitarist Page Hamilton and the Marley Sisters. Released by Sony. In stores April 8.Steve Reich, “Daniel Variations”: The master minimalist composer pays tribute to Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was abducted and murdered while on assignment in Pakistan in 2002. Released by Nonesuch. In stores April 8.Jonathan Richman, “Because Her Beauty Is Raw %26 Wild”: The cheerful eccentric singer’s first new album in three years includes new material and a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Here It Is.” Released by Vapor Records. In stores April 8.TV:All times are EDT/PDT.Friday, April 4″Battlestar Galactica”: The acclaimed science-fiction show begins its final season with some yet-to-be-answered questions: is Starbuck who she says she is? Has she really found Earth? Are the crew members who discovered they’re Cylons really Cylons? 9 p.m., Sci Fi.Sunday, April 6″King”: A two-hour special timed to the anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King includes interviews with Harry Belafonte, Bill Clinton, Condoleezza Rice and Chuck D, among others. 8 p.m., History Channel.”Monk”: The hit USA show makes its debut on NBC with neurotic detective Monk finding a new friend (guest star Andy Richter) who’s not quite what he appears. 8 p.m., NBC.Monday, April 7″New Amsterdam”: John tries to fulfill his dying partner’s wish, which means catching a killer who has eluded justice for years. 9 p.m., Fox.”Samantha Who?”: Samantha finds herself living in her old apartment just as ex-boyfriend Todd’s new girlfriend is moving in. 9:32 p.m., ABC.Tuesday, April 8″The Medicated Child”: A “Frontline” presentation that looks at the rise in the number of children taking prescription drugs for such conditions as attention deficit disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. 9 p.m., PBS (check local listings).”The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo”: This documentary examines the shocking number of rapes and kidnappings that have occurred in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo as heavily armed militias prey on victims of all ages. 10 p.m., HBO.Wednesday, April 9″Idol Gives Back”: Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg are among the celebrities scheduled to appear on this special to raise funds for charities in the U.S. and abroad. 7:30 p.m., Fox.Thursday, April 10″30 Rock”: The acclaimed sitcom is back with top exec Jack (Alec Baldwin) enraged over being called a “moron” by someone quoted The New York Post. 8:30 p.m., NBC.”The Office”: The first new episode in ages has Michael and Jan throwing a dinner party. Cue cringes. 9 p.m., NBC.BOOKS:David Bach and Hillary Rosner, “Go Green, Live Rich”: Financial columnist Bach and journalist Rosner tell you how to get wealthy while making sure your investments are good for the environment. Published by Broadway Books. In stores April 8.Carol Higgins Clark, “Zapped: A Regan Reilly Mystery”: Clark’s PI Regan Reilly returns to contend with a New York blackout and three separate investigations, including a case that reaches right into her own home. Published by Simon %26 Schuster. In stores April 8.Mary Higgins Clark, “Where Are You Now?”: A suspense tale about a woman who’s determined to find her mysteriously long-absent brother despite his third-party attempts to discourage her. Published by Simon %26 Schuster. In stores April 8.Dorothea Benton Frank, “Bulls Island”: A family grudge splits a woman and her would-be husband apart for two decades in this soapy tale from best-selling author Frank. Published by HarperCollins. In stores April 8.Misha Glenny, “McMafia: A Journey through the Global Underworld”: Former BBC correspondent Glenny looks at how organized crime has flourished in a globalized economy. Published by Knopf. In stores April 8.Alice Hoffman, “The Third Angel”: Hoffman tells the stories of two women and one girl in different time periods of 20th-century London, with each narrative strand casting light on the others. Published by Crown Publishing Group. In stores April 8.Peter Matthiessen, “Shadow Country”: Matthiessen revisits the story of E.J. Watson, a real-life outlaw and entrepreneur who met a grisly fate at the hands of his neighbors in the Florida Everglades. Published by Random House. In stores April 8. Philip Pullman, “Once Upon a Time in the North”: Pullman brings back Texas aeronaut Lee Scoresby and other characters from the “His Dark Materials” trilogy for this adventure tale that includes illustrations and a pull-out board game. Published by Random House. In stores April 8.Jennifer Weiner, “Certain Girls”: Weiner’s sequel to “Good in Bed” picks up with beleaguered heroine Candace “Cannie” Shapiro as she struggles with her 13-year-old daughter, her relationship with her husband and her writing career. Published by Simon %26 Schuster. In stores April 8.
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