Posted on Thu, Aug. 28, 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:
"BABYLON A.D."
Vin Diesel stars in this futuristic thriller as a mercenary hired to escort a young woman from ravaged Eastern Europe to New York, not knowing her body is host to a strange organism. With Michelle Yeoh, Mélanie Thierry, Lambert Wilson, Charlotte Rampling and Gerard Depardieu. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Released by 20th Century Fox. This film is not yet rated.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Vin Diesel punches, shoots but ultimately dozes his way through (this) sloppy sci-fi actioner."
-Jordan Mintzer, Variety
"Brawny but brainless techno-twaddle."
-James Dyer, Empire Magazine
"COLLEGE"
A comedy about three high school students get the weekend of their lives when their college campus tour turns into a raucous, drunken free-for-all. Starring Drake Bell, Andrew Caldwell and Kevin Covais. Directed by Deb Hagan. Released by Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
This film was not available for review.
"DISASTER MOVIE"
The directors of "Scary Movie" and "Meet the Spartans" take aim at disaster movies - and everything else in sight in - this broad parody. Among the films spoofed: "The Day After Tomorrow," "Cloverfield" and "The Incredible Hulk." Starring Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, Gary "G-Thang" Johnson and Nicole Parker. Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. Released by Lionsgate. This film is not yet rated.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
This film was not available for review.
"TRAITOR"
An FBI agent (Guy Pearce) tracks a former Special Forces soldier (Don Cheadle) who seems to have ties to several terrorists, but as the chase goes on the G-man uncovers a truth that's stranger and more complicated. With Neal McDonough, Said Taghmaoui, Alyy Khan and Jeff Daniels. Directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. Released by Overture Films. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"(A) Solid international thriller focuses just enough on character to give the film moral heft."
-Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter
"'Traitor' comes close to saying something serious, but it slips away into nonsense."
-David Denby, The New Yorker
DVD:
"The Big Bang Theory - Season 1"
The CBS sitcom about two geeky physicists and their perky blonde neighbor arrives on DVD ahead of the second season opener on Sept. 22. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"The Boys in Company C"
A war film from 1978 about several recruits (Stan Shaw, Michael Lembeck, Andrew Stevens, James Canning and Craig Wasson) who endure Marine boot camp and get deployed to Vietnam, where they grapple with drugs, corrupt locals and gung-ho officers. Directed by Sidney J. Furie. Released by Henstooth Video. Rated R. Available Sept. 2.
"Cheers - Season 10"
Season 10 of the long-running sitcom has Rebecca consider having Sam's child before her biological clock runs out and bartender Woody getting married in an hour-long season finale. Released by Paramount Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"Desperate Housewives - Season 4"
Catch up on last season before the next one begins on Sept. 28. Season four revealed a secret about Katherine Mayfair, saw several Wisteria Lane residents facing a violent threat and flashed ahead five years to show how the characters have changed. Released by Touchstone/Disney. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
The beloved Peanuts special from 1966 has faithful Linus anticipating the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, Halloween's answer to the Easter bunny, while ignoring the mockery of kids fixated on getting Halloween candy. Released by Warner Home Video. Available Sept. 2.
"Married Life"
In the mid-20th century, a successful businessman (Chris Cooper) wants to leave his wife (Patricia Clarkson) for his young girlfriend, a woman who has also entranced his best friend (Pierce Brosnan). With all these passions unloosed, it's not long before murder enters the picture. With Rachel McAdams. Directed by Ira Sachs. Released by MGM. Rated PG-13. Available Sept. 2.
"The Office - Season 4"
The collected set of the most recent season includes a Dunder Mifflin commercial starring Michael Scott, a blooper reel and deleted scenes. Released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"Supernatural - Season 3"
The DVD set of the horror fantasy series' third season includes behind-the-scenes featurettes about the show's special effects, segments on major characters and a gag reel. Fans can brush up on the season three finale before the fourth season begins Sept. 18 and resolves some of those cliffhanger dilemmas. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"Then She Found Me"
Helent Hunt directed and stars in this comedy-drama about a newly single teacher whose biological mother (Bette Midler) reappears in her life just as it's falling apart. With Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Released by Velocity/ThinkFilm. Rated R. Available Sept. 2.
VIDEO GAMES:
Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.
"Facebreaker"
A boxing game with stylized graphics that pits players against opponents with unique personalities and fighting styles. In this outlandish world you get to mount the heads of your defeated opponents on your wall. Published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Rated T. Available Sept. 2.
"Infinite Undiscovery"
A fantasy strategy game that offers real-time combat as opposed to turn-based. An evil force called the Order is trying to dominate the world and must be stopped using force or guile. Published by Square Enix for Nintendo DS. Rated T. Available Sept. 2.
"Rapala Fishing Frenzy"
Players try to catch 25 of the world's sought-after fish in a variety of virtual environments. Published by Activision for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Rated E. Available Sept. 2.
"Warhammer: Battle March"
A tactical strategy game in which players guide armies of elves, goblins and other creatures in bloody battle against one another. Features a storyline mode and three different campaigns. Published by Namco for Xbox 360. Rated M. Available Sept. 2.
"World in Conflict: Soviet Assault"
A strategy game in which players must command troops in a world in which the Cold War never ended. The Soviets are the enemy, and they're invading American soil. Clear them out city by city, suburb by suburb. Published by Sierra for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Rated T. Available Sept. 2.
MUSIC:
Lila Downs, "Shake Away": With her profile having been raised several years ago by the 2002 movie "Frida," the Mexican singer continues to explore the sounds of her native country on this new album. Released by Manhattan Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Michael Feinstein, "The Sinatra Project": The singer puts his own spin on a number of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, including "I've Got a Crush on You," "You Go to My Head" and "Exactly Like You." Released by Concord Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Giant Sand, "proVISIONS": This lineup of the ever-changing group includes musicians from Denmark and appearances by Neko Case, M. Ward and Isobell Campbell. Released by Yep Roc Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Terrence Howard, "Shine Through It": The acclaimed actor makes his album debut with this collection of 11 original neo-soul songs. Released by Sony. In stores Sept. 2.
Libera, "New Dawn": the English boy's choir performs classical pieces as well as newer songs by the likes of Enya and Brian Wilson. Released by EMI Classics. In stores Sept. 2.
Joe Lovano, "Symphonica": The veteran saxophonist collaborates with Germany's WDR Big Band & Rudfunk Orchestera to produce a blend of jazz and classical sounds. Released by Blue Note Records. In stores Sept. 2.
New Kids on the Block, "Block": Now all grown up, the former boy band releases their first new album in 14 years. Released by Interscope Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Young Jeezy, "The Recession": Kanye West co-produced and appears on one track of the rapper's new album that Jeezy describes as being like his first disc "Thug Motivation" except "on steroids." Released by Def Jam. In stores Sept. 2.
Brian Wilson, "That Lucky Old Sun": A concept album in which the former Beach Boy narrates spoken-word pieces about life in Los Angeles. Released by Capitol. In stores Sept. 2.
TV:
All times are EDT/PDT.Monday, Sept. 1
"Prison Break": Michael (Wentworth Miller) has revenge in mind in the two-hour season opener. 8 p.m., Fox.
"Gossip Girl": The pampered preppies return for a new season. 8 p.m., The CW.
"Raising the Bar": "NYPD Blue" creator Steven Bochco is behind this new courtroom drama starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben and Jane Kaczmarek. 10 p.m., TNT.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
"The Shield": The premiere of the gritty cop show's final season finds Vic (Michael Chiklis) facing early retirement, getting threats from the Armenian mob and still at odds with former partner Shane (Walton Goggins). 10 p.m. Tuesday, FX.
"90210": The hit '90s show about teens in tony Beverly Hills gets a 21st-century makeover. 8 p.m., The CW.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
"Bones": The crime show opens its fourth season in London as the Brennan and company investigate the killing of a rich young American. 8 p.m., Fox.
Thursday, Sept. 4
"Kitchen Nightmares": The reality show is back with more of the same screaming and bleeping. 8 p.m., Fox.
BOOKS:
Paul Begala, "Third Term: Why John McCain is Really Just More George W. Bush": Political strategist Begala argues that John McCain is not the maverick he claims to be, and that a McCain presidency would be much like his predecessor's. Published by Simon & Schuster. In stores Sept. 2.
Brad Meltzer, "The Book of Lies": Meltzer's odd new thriller links the murder of "Superman" creator Jerry Siegel's father with Cain's murder of Abel centuries ago. Published by Grand Central Publishing. In stores Sept. 2.
T. Boone Pickens, "The First Billion Is the Hardest: How Believing It's Still Early in the Game Can Lead to Life's Greatest Comebacks": The billionaire and former oilman talks about he beat the odds and staged a remarkable financial comeback in his late sixties. Published by Crown Publishing Group. In stores Sept. 2.
Marilynne Robinson, "Home": Robinson follows her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Gilead" with this tale of a prodigal son returning home in time to help care for his dying father. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. In stores Sept. 2.
Curtis Sittenfeld, "American Wife": Sittenfeld's third novel tells the story of a woman whose path takes her from a small Wisconsin town to Washington, D.C. as first lady. Published by Random House. In stores Sept. 2.
MOVIES:
"BABYLON A.D."
Vin Diesel stars in this futuristic thriller as a mercenary hired to escort a young woman from ravaged Eastern Europe to New York, not knowing her body is host to a strange organism. With Michelle Yeoh, Mélanie Thierry, Lambert Wilson, Charlotte Rampling and Gerard Depardieu. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Released by 20th Century Fox. This film is not yet rated.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"Vin Diesel punches, shoots but ultimately dozes his way through (this) sloppy sci-fi actioner."
-Jordan Mintzer, Variety
"Brawny but brainless techno-twaddle."
-James Dyer, Empire Magazine
"COLLEGE"
A comedy about three high school students get the weekend of their lives when their college campus tour turns into a raucous, drunken free-for-all. Starring Drake Bell, Andrew Caldwell and Kevin Covais. Directed by Deb Hagan. Released by Rated R.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
This film was not available for review.
"DISASTER MOVIE"
The directors of "Scary Movie" and "Meet the Spartans" take aim at disaster movies - and everything else in sight in - this broad parody. Among the films spoofed: "The Day After Tomorrow," "Cloverfield" and "The Incredible Hulk." Starring Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, Gary "G-Thang" Johnson and Nicole Parker. Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. Released by Lionsgate. This film is not yet rated.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
This film was not available for review.
"TRAITOR"
An FBI agent (Guy Pearce) tracks a former Special Forces soldier (Don Cheadle) who seems to have ties to several terrorists, but as the chase goes on the G-man uncovers a truth that's stranger and more complicated. With Neal McDonough, Said Taghmaoui, Alyy Khan and Jeff Daniels. Directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. Released by Overture Films. Rated PG-13.
Official movie siteWhat the critics say:
"(A) Solid international thriller focuses just enough on character to give the film moral heft."
-Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter
"'Traitor' comes close to saying something serious, but it slips away into nonsense."
-David Denby, The New Yorker
DVD:
"The Big Bang Theory - Season 1"
The CBS sitcom about two geeky physicists and their perky blonde neighbor arrives on DVD ahead of the second season opener on Sept. 22. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"The Boys in Company C"
A war film from 1978 about several recruits (Stan Shaw, Michael Lembeck, Andrew Stevens, James Canning and Craig Wasson) who endure Marine boot camp and get deployed to Vietnam, where they grapple with drugs, corrupt locals and gung-ho officers. Directed by Sidney J. Furie. Released by Henstooth Video. Rated R. Available Sept. 2.
"Cheers - Season 10"
Season 10 of the long-running sitcom has Rebecca consider having Sam's child before her biological clock runs out and bartender Woody getting married in an hour-long season finale. Released by Paramount Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"Desperate Housewives - Season 4"
Catch up on last season before the next one begins on Sept. 28. Season four revealed a secret about Katherine Mayfair, saw several Wisteria Lane residents facing a violent threat and flashed ahead five years to show how the characters have changed. Released by Touchstone/Disney. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
The beloved Peanuts special from 1966 has faithful Linus anticipating the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, Halloween's answer to the Easter bunny, while ignoring the mockery of kids fixated on getting Halloween candy. Released by Warner Home Video. Available Sept. 2.
"Married Life"
In the mid-20th century, a successful businessman (Chris Cooper) wants to leave his wife (Patricia Clarkson) for his young girlfriend, a woman who has also entranced his best friend (Pierce Brosnan). With all these passions unloosed, it's not long before murder enters the picture. With Rachel McAdams. Directed by Ira Sachs. Released by MGM. Rated PG-13. Available Sept. 2.
"The Office - Season 4"
The collected set of the most recent season includes a Dunder Mifflin commercial starring Michael Scott, a blooper reel and deleted scenes. Released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"Supernatural - Season 3"
The DVD set of the horror fantasy series' third season includes behind-the-scenes featurettes about the show's special effects, segments on major characters and a gag reel. Fans can brush up on the season three finale before the fourth season begins Sept. 18 and resolves some of those cliffhanger dilemmas. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated. Available Sept. 2.
"Then She Found Me"
Helent Hunt directed and stars in this comedy-drama about a newly single teacher whose biological mother (Bette Midler) reappears in her life just as it's falling apart. With Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Released by Velocity/ThinkFilm. Rated R. Available Sept. 2.
VIDEO GAMES:
Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.
"Facebreaker"
A boxing game with stylized graphics that pits players against opponents with unique personalities and fighting styles. In this outlandish world you get to mount the heads of your defeated opponents on your wall. Published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Rated T. Available Sept. 2.
"Infinite Undiscovery"
A fantasy strategy game that offers real-time combat as opposed to turn-based. An evil force called the Order is trying to dominate the world and must be stopped using force or guile. Published by Square Enix for Nintendo DS. Rated T. Available Sept. 2.
"Rapala Fishing Frenzy"
Players try to catch 25 of the world's sought-after fish in a variety of virtual environments. Published by Activision for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Rated E. Available Sept. 2.
"Warhammer: Battle March"
A tactical strategy game in which players guide armies of elves, goblins and other creatures in bloody battle against one another. Features a storyline mode and three different campaigns. Published by Namco for Xbox 360. Rated M. Available Sept. 2.
"World in Conflict: Soviet Assault"
A strategy game in which players must command troops in a world in which the Cold War never ended. The Soviets are the enemy, and they're invading American soil. Clear them out city by city, suburb by suburb. Published by Sierra for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Rated T. Available Sept. 2.
MUSIC:
Lila Downs, "Shake Away": With her profile having been raised several years ago by the 2002 movie "Frida," the Mexican singer continues to explore the sounds of her native country on this new album. Released by Manhattan Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Michael Feinstein, "The Sinatra Project": The singer puts his own spin on a number of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, including "I've Got a Crush on You," "You Go to My Head" and "Exactly Like You." Released by Concord Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Giant Sand, "proVISIONS": This lineup of the ever-changing group includes musicians from Denmark and appearances by Neko Case, M. Ward and Isobell Campbell. Released by Yep Roc Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Terrence Howard, "Shine Through It": The acclaimed actor makes his album debut with this collection of 11 original neo-soul songs. Released by Sony. In stores Sept. 2.
Libera, "New Dawn": the English boy's choir performs classical pieces as well as newer songs by the likes of Enya and Brian Wilson. Released by EMI Classics. In stores Sept. 2.
Joe Lovano, "Symphonica": The veteran saxophonist collaborates with Germany's WDR Big Band & Rudfunk Orchestera to produce a blend of jazz and classical sounds. Released by Blue Note Records. In stores Sept. 2.
New Kids on the Block, "Block": Now all grown up, the former boy band releases their first new album in 14 years. Released by Interscope Records. In stores Sept. 2.
Young Jeezy, "The Recession": Kanye West co-produced and appears on one track of the rapper's new album that Jeezy describes as being like his first disc "Thug Motivation" except "on steroids." Released by Def Jam. In stores Sept. 2.
Brian Wilson, "That Lucky Old Sun": A concept album in which the former Beach Boy narrates spoken-word pieces about life in Los Angeles. Released by Capitol. In stores Sept. 2.
TV:
All times are EDT/PDT.Monday, Sept. 1
"Prison Break": Michael (Wentworth Miller) has revenge in mind in the two-hour season opener. 8 p.m., Fox.
"Gossip Girl": The pampered preppies return for a new season. 8 p.m., The CW.
"Raising the Bar": "NYPD Blue" creator Steven Bochco is behind this new courtroom drama starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben and Jane Kaczmarek. 10 p.m., TNT.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
"The Shield": The premiere of the gritty cop show's final season finds Vic (Michael Chiklis) facing early retirement, getting threats from the Armenian mob and still at odds with former partner Shane (Walton Goggins). 10 p.m. Tuesday, FX.
"90210": The hit '90s show about teens in tony Beverly Hills gets a 21st-century makeover. 8 p.m., The CW.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
"Bones": The crime show opens its fourth season in London as the Brennan and company investigate the killing of a rich young American. 8 p.m., Fox.
Thursday, Sept. 4
"Kitchen Nightmares": The reality show is back with more of the same screaming and bleeping. 8 p.m., Fox.
BOOKS:
Paul Begala, "Third Term: Why John McCain is Really Just More George W. Bush": Political strategist Begala argues that John McCain is not the maverick he claims to be, and that a McCain presidency would be much like his predecessor's. Published by Simon & Schuster. In stores Sept. 2.
Brad Meltzer, "The Book of Lies": Meltzer's odd new thriller links the murder of "Superman" creator Jerry Siegel's father with Cain's murder of Abel centuries ago. Published by Grand Central Publishing. In stores Sept. 2.
T. Boone Pickens, "The First Billion Is the Hardest: How Believing It's Still Early in the Game Can Lead to Life's Greatest Comebacks": The billionaire and former oilman talks about he beat the odds and staged a remarkable financial comeback in his late sixties. Published by Crown Publishing Group. In stores Sept. 2.
Marilynne Robinson, "Home": Robinson follows her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Gilead" with this tale of a prodigal son returning home in time to help care for his dying father. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. In stores Sept. 2.
Curtis Sittenfeld, "American Wife": Sittenfeld's third novel tells the story of a woman whose path takes her from a small Wisconsin town to Washington, D.C. as first lady. Published by Random House. In stores Sept. 2.