Posted on Thu, Aug. 07, 2008
What's new in entertainment
By JAMES FRANKLIN
A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.
MOVIES:
"PINEAPPLE EXPRESS"
A combination of thriller and stoner comedy about a process server (Seth Rogen) who hits the road with his spacey pot dealer (James Franco) after accidentally witnessing a gangland execution. Unfortunately, their preferred strain of marijuana called Pineapple Express is so rare it puts the killers hot on their trail. With Gary Cole, Danny McBride and Rosie Perez. directed by David Gordon Green. Released by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"A comedy that brings a nicely deflating note of realism to action-film mayhem, as well as being one of the few drug movies you don't have to be high to enjoy."
-Richard Corliss, Time Magazine
"Rogen, Franco and McBride are on the march into stoner legend."
-Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2"
The four friends of the Sisterhood (Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrara, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel) return in this sequel that sees them heading to college but staying in touch with help from those magic pants. Directed by Sanaa Hamri. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"The saga of the well-worn jeans on the move continues to be a warm and pleasantly diverting tale."
-Claudia Puig, USA Today
"Second time around, the magic jeans are an even better fit."
-Carrie Rickey, The Philadelphia Inquirer
OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):
"BEER FOR MY HORSES"
Country music star Toby Keith and comedian Rodney Carrington wrote and star in this comedy about two sheriff's deputies who defy their boss and set off to save a girlfriend from the clutches of a drug dealer. With Tom Skerritt, Claire Forlani, Ted Nugent and Barry Corbin. Directed by Michael Salomon. Released by Roadside Attractions. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
-This film was not available for review.
"BOTTLE SHOCK"
This movie tells the strue story of Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman), a dreamer who abandoned a law career to start his own vineyard in Napa Valley before the region became famous for wine. Barrett defied the odds and created a wine that stunned the world in 1976 when it won a historic blind wine tasting in Paris. With Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Rachael Taylor, and Freddy Rodriguez. Directed by Randall Miller. Released by Freestyle Releasing. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Bottle Shock is something special: there's magic in it."
-Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"Just because a movie is energetic doesn't mean it can't feel sluggish. Case in point: 'Bottle Shock.'"
-John Hartl, The Seattle Times
"ELEGY"
A middle-aged professor (Ben Kingsley) falls for a much younger woman (Penelope Cruz), a romance that causes him a good deal of angst in this drama adapted from Philip Roth's novel "The Dying Animal." With Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard. Directed by Isabel Coixet. Released by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Elegy ultimately holds together as a smart meditation on mortality and love that uses its literary genesis as more of a boost than limitation."
-Chris Barsanti, Film Journal International
"We're in fast company here, and the experience is refreshing."
-David Denby, The New Yorker
"HELL RIDE"
This homage to exploitation films of the '60s and '70s stars Larry Bishop (who also wrote and directed) as a biker named Pistolero who's bent on avenging a friend killed by rival gang leader Billy Wings (Vinne Jones), a quest that's naturally filled with violence and gratuitous nudity. With Eric Balfour, David Carradine and Dennis Hopper. Released by Third Rail Releasing. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"A neo-grindhouse misfire that roars past cult status at full throttle."
-Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter
"Street cred can't save this pic, not even with Dennis Hopper and David Carradine cameos."
-Aaron Hillis, The Villeage Voice
VIDEO:
"The American Mall"
The executive producers of "High School Musical" are behind this song-filled comedy about a teen with musical ambitions who finds her soulmate in a rock-loving janitor who works at that favorite teen hangout, the mall. Starring Nina Dobrev, Rob Mayes, Autumn Reeser and Yassmin Alers. Directed by Shawn Ku. Released by MTV. Not rated. Available Aug. 12.
"The Love Boat: Season 1, Vol. 2"
Gen Xers can pretend it's a Saturday night in the '70s with this collection of episodes from the cheesy ABC comedy's first season. Guest stars include Pat Morita, Marion Ross, Paul Williams and Robert Urich although, strangely, there's no Charo this time. Released by Paramount Home Video. Not rated. Available Aug. 12.
"Prison Break - Season 3"
Catch up on Fox's serialized drama before the fourth season premieres on Sept. 1. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Not rated. Available Aug. 12.
"Smart People"
A self-absorbed literature professor (Dennis Quaid) sees his orderly world come apart when he falls for his doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker), who also happens to be one of his former students, and takes in his deadbeat brother (Thomas Haden Church) in this prickly adult comedy. With Ellen Page and Ashton Holmes. Directed by Noam Murro. Released by Miramax Films. Rated R. Available Aug. 12.
"South Park: Complete Eleventh Season"
Season eleven of the animated show about potty-mouthed schoolkids saw Butters sent to a Christian camp for sexually confused children, Cartman pretending to have Tourette's Syndrome and the kids suffering an infestiation of lice. Released by Comedy Central. Not rated (contains mature language and content). Available Aug. 12.
"The Wire - Season 5"
The final season of HBO's sprawling, ambitious drama about Baltimore and its people, politics and crime focuses in part on an ambitious reporter following a serial killer story fabricated by two disgruntled cops. The fifth season also reveals the fates of other characters who have been paret of the saga since the show's first season in 2002. Released by HBO Home Video. Not rated (contains strong language and graphic violence). Available Aug. 12.
VIDEO GAMES:
Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.
"Bangai-O Spirits"
With the emphasis on action more than story, the sequel to the shooter "Bangai-O" boasts 160 levels and an editor allowing players to add even more. Published by D3 Publisher of America for Nintendo DS. Rated E-10+. Available Aug. 12.
"Madden NFL 09"
This update on the popular football game includes an "Adaptive Difficulty Engine" for varied gameplay, a virtual training center and Backtrack, a feature that allows players to learn about mistakes on the fly. Published by Ea Sports for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Ds and Sony PSP. Rated E. Available Aug. 12.
"N+"
A game that combines action with puzzles and a story about a ninja battling stay alie in a world filled with homicidal robots. Published by Atari for Nintendo Ds and Sony PSP. Rated E. Available Aug. 12.
MUSIC:
Beethoven's Wig, "Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 4: Dance Along Symphonies": The latest entry in the classical music series for children features works by Edward Elgar, Scott Joplin, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and, of course, Ludwig van Beethoven. Released by Rounder/UMGD. In stores Aug. 12.
The East Village Opera Company, "Old School": The group continues to marry classical music with rock and roll styles, with works by Wagner, Mozart, Handel, Verdi and Bach used a springboards. Released by Decca. In stores Aug. 12.
Extreme, "Saudades de Rock": The rock band's first album of new material since 1995. Released by Open E Records. In stores Aug. 12.
Jonas Brothers, "A Little Bit Longer": The boy band releases their third studio album. Released by Hollywood Records. In stores Aug. 12.
Irma Thomas, Simply Grand": The "Soul Queen of New Orleans" goes completely acoustoc with the help of 12 pianists. Released by Rounder/UMGD. In stores Aug. 12.
TV:
All times are EDT/PDT.Sunday, Aug. 10
"Masterpiece Mystery": Nathaniel Parker returns as the title character in a new episode of "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries." This time Lynley, still reelinig from the death of his wife, becomes a murder suspect during a visit to Rome. 9 p.m., PBS (check local listings).
Monday, Aug. 11
"Elvis: Viva Las Vegas": Artists as varied as Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Chris Isaak and Three 6 Mafia pay tribute to the King by performing renditions of some of his best-known songs. 8 p.m., CMT.
"The American Mall": The executive producers of "High School Musical" are behind this song-filled comedy about a teen with musical ambitions who finds her soulmate in a rock-loving janitor who works at that favorite teen hangout, the mall. Starring Nina Dobrev, Rob Mayes, Autumn Reeser and Yassmin Alers. 9 p.m., MTV.
"Saving Grace": Grace finds a huge amount of cash in her car, a vehicle once owned by former Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer (appearing here as himself). It seems the money is also tied to a crime. 10 p.m., TNT.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
"Project Runway": Brooke Shields drops by to be a guest judge on the fashion show. 9 p.m., Bravo.
"Skins": A comedy-drama series about a group of teens growing up in Bristol, England. 9 p.m., BBC America.
Thursday, Aug. 14
"Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List": The satirical reality show ends its season with the comedian paying a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 10 p.m., Bravo.
BOOKS:
Ernest Drake, "Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Creatures": A book that catalogs an array of fantastical creatures from Yetis to unicorns to krakens. Features textured "samples" to provide an idea how the creatures' fur/skin/scales might have felt to the touch. Published by Candlewick Press. In stores Aug. 12.
Richard Murphy, "Confessions of a Contractor": Murphy, a former contractor turned writer, spins a tale about a renovator of old homes who falls for two clients at once. Published by Penguin Group. In stores Aug. 12.
MOVIES:
"PINEAPPLE EXPRESS"
A combination of thriller and stoner comedy about a process server (Seth Rogen) who hits the road with his spacey pot dealer (James Franco) after accidentally witnessing a gangland execution. Unfortunately, their preferred strain of marijuana called Pineapple Express is so rare it puts the killers hot on their trail. With Gary Cole, Danny McBride and Rosie Perez. directed by David Gordon Green. Released by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Rated R.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"A comedy that brings a nicely deflating note of realism to action-film mayhem, as well as being one of the few drug movies you don't have to be high to enjoy."
-Richard Corliss, Time Magazine
"Rogen, Franco and McBride are on the march into stoner legend."
-Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2"
The four friends of the Sisterhood (Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrara, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel) return in this sequel that sees them heading to college but staying in touch with help from those magic pants. Directed by Sanaa Hamri. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated PG-13.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"The saga of the well-worn jeans on the move continues to be a warm and pleasantly diverting tale."
-Claudia Puig, USA Today
"Second time around, the magic jeans are an even better fit."
-Carrie Rickey, The Philadelphia Inquirer
OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):
"BEER FOR MY HORSES"
Country music star Toby Keith and comedian Rodney Carrington wrote and star in this comedy about two sheriff's deputies who defy their boss and set off to save a girlfriend from the clutches of a drug dealer. With Tom Skerritt, Claire Forlani, Ted Nugent and Barry Corbin. Directed by Michael Salomon. Released by Roadside Attractions. Rated PG-13.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
-This film was not available for review.
"BOTTLE SHOCK"
This movie tells the strue story of Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman), a dreamer who abandoned a law career to start his own vineyard in Napa Valley before the region became famous for wine. Barrett defied the odds and created a wine that stunned the world in 1976 when it won a historic blind wine tasting in Paris. With Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, Rachael Taylor, and Freddy Rodriguez. Directed by Randall Miller. Released by Freestyle Releasing. Rated PG-13.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"Bottle Shock is something special: there's magic in it."
-Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"Just because a movie is energetic doesn't mean it can't feel sluggish. Case in point: 'Bottle Shock.'"
-John Hartl, The Seattle Times
"ELEGY"
A middle-aged professor (Ben Kingsley) falls for a much younger woman (Penelope Cruz), a romance that causes him a good deal of angst in this drama adapted from Philip Roth's novel "The Dying Animal." With Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard. Directed by Isabel Coixet. Released by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Rated R.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"Elegy ultimately holds together as a smart meditation on mortality and love that uses its literary genesis as more of a boost than limitation."
-Chris Barsanti, Film Journal International
"We're in fast company here, and the experience is refreshing."
-David Denby, The New Yorker
"HELL RIDE"
This homage to exploitation films of the '60s and '70s stars Larry Bishop (who also wrote and directed) as a biker named Pistolero who's bent on avenging a friend killed by rival gang leader Billy Wings (Vinne Jones), a quest that's naturally filled with violence and gratuitous nudity. With Eric Balfour, David Carradine and Dennis Hopper. Released by Third Rail Releasing. Rated R.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"A neo-grindhouse misfire that roars past cult status at full throttle."
-Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter
"Street cred can't save this pic, not even with Dennis Hopper and David Carradine cameos."
-Aaron Hillis, The Villeage Voice
VIDEO:
"The American Mall"
The executive producers of "High School Musical" are behind this song-filled comedy about a teen with musical ambitions who finds her soulmate in a rock-loving janitor who works at that favorite teen hangout, the mall. Starring Nina Dobrev, Rob Mayes, Autumn Reeser and Yassmin Alers. Directed by Shawn Ku. Released by MTV. Not rated. Available Aug. 12.
"The Love Boat: Season 1, Vol. 2"
Gen Xers can pretend it's a Saturday night in the '70s with this collection of episodes from the cheesy ABC comedy's first season. Guest stars include Pat Morita, Marion Ross, Paul Williams and Robert Urich although, strangely, there's no Charo this time. Released by Paramount Home Video. Not rated. Available Aug. 12.
"Prison Break - Season 3"
Catch up on Fox's serialized drama before the fourth season premieres on Sept. 1. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Not rated. Available Aug. 12.
"Smart People"
A self-absorbed literature professor (Dennis Quaid) sees his orderly world come apart when he falls for his doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker), who also happens to be one of his former students, and takes in his deadbeat brother (Thomas Haden Church) in this prickly adult comedy. With Ellen Page and Ashton Holmes. Directed by Noam Murro. Released by Miramax Films. Rated R. Available Aug. 12.
"South Park: Complete Eleventh Season"
Season eleven of the animated show about potty-mouthed schoolkids saw Butters sent to a Christian camp for sexually confused children, Cartman pretending to have Tourette's Syndrome and the kids suffering an infestiation of lice. Released by Comedy Central. Not rated (contains mature language and content). Available Aug. 12.
"The Wire - Season 5"
The final season of HBO's sprawling, ambitious drama about Baltimore and its people, politics and crime focuses in part on an ambitious reporter following a serial killer story fabricated by two disgruntled cops. The fifth season also reveals the fates of other characters who have been paret of the saga since the show's first season in 2002. Released by HBO Home Video. Not rated (contains strong language and graphic violence). Available Aug. 12.
VIDEO GAMES:
Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.
"Bangai-O Spirits"
With the emphasis on action more than story, the sequel to the shooter "Bangai-O" boasts 160 levels and an editor allowing players to add even more. Published by D3 Publisher of America for Nintendo DS. Rated E-10+. Available Aug. 12.
"Madden NFL 09"
This update on the popular football game includes an "Adaptive Difficulty Engine" for varied gameplay, a virtual training center and Backtrack, a feature that allows players to learn about mistakes on the fly. Published by Ea Sports for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Ds and Sony PSP. Rated E. Available Aug. 12.
"N+"
A game that combines action with puzzles and a story about a ninja battling stay alie in a world filled with homicidal robots. Published by Atari for Nintendo Ds and Sony PSP. Rated E. Available Aug. 12.
MUSIC:
Beethoven's Wig, "Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 4: Dance Along Symphonies": The latest entry in the classical music series for children features works by Edward Elgar, Scott Joplin, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and, of course, Ludwig van Beethoven. Released by Rounder/UMGD. In stores Aug. 12.
The East Village Opera Company, "Old School": The group continues to marry classical music with rock and roll styles, with works by Wagner, Mozart, Handel, Verdi and Bach used a springboards. Released by Decca. In stores Aug. 12.
Extreme, "Saudades de Rock": The rock band's first album of new material since 1995. Released by Open E Records. In stores Aug. 12.
Jonas Brothers, "A Little Bit Longer": The boy band releases their third studio album. Released by Hollywood Records. In stores Aug. 12.
Irma Thomas, Simply Grand": The "Soul Queen of New Orleans" goes completely acoustoc with the help of 12 pianists. Released by Rounder/UMGD. In stores Aug. 12.
TV:
All times are EDT/PDT.Sunday, Aug. 10
"Masterpiece Mystery": Nathaniel Parker returns as the title character in a new episode of "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries." This time Lynley, still reelinig from the death of his wife, becomes a murder suspect during a visit to Rome. 9 p.m., PBS (check local listings).
Monday, Aug. 11
"Elvis: Viva Las Vegas": Artists as varied as Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Chris Isaak and Three 6 Mafia pay tribute to the King by performing renditions of some of his best-known songs. 8 p.m., CMT.
"The American Mall": The executive producers of "High School Musical" are behind this song-filled comedy about a teen with musical ambitions who finds her soulmate in a rock-loving janitor who works at that favorite teen hangout, the mall. Starring Nina Dobrev, Rob Mayes, Autumn Reeser and Yassmin Alers. 9 p.m., MTV.
"Saving Grace": Grace finds a huge amount of cash in her car, a vehicle once owned by former Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer (appearing here as himself). It seems the money is also tied to a crime. 10 p.m., TNT.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
"Project Runway": Brooke Shields drops by to be a guest judge on the fashion show. 9 p.m., Bravo.
"Skins": A comedy-drama series about a group of teens growing up in Bristol, England. 9 p.m., BBC America.
Thursday, Aug. 14
"Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List": The satirical reality show ends its season with the comedian paying a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 10 p.m., Bravo.
BOOKS:
Ernest Drake, "Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Creatures": A book that catalogs an array of fantastical creatures from Yetis to unicorns to krakens. Features textured "samples" to provide an idea how the creatures' fur/skin/scales might have felt to the touch. Published by Candlewick Press. In stores Aug. 12.
Richard Murphy, "Confessions of a Contractor": Murphy, a former contractor turned writer, spins a tale about a renovator of old homes who falls for two clients at once. Published by Penguin Group. In stores Aug. 12.