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By JAMES FRANKLIN
- McClatchy Interactive A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.
MOVIES:
"STEP BROTHERS"
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly team up in this comedy as two immature, unmotivated slackers whose parents fall in love. When their refusal to grow up threatens their parents' romance, the guys realize they must work together to save the relationship and get on with their own lives. With Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins and Adam Scott. Directed by Adam McKay. Released by Sony Pictures. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Childish. Moronic. Simple. Juvenile. Silly. Just ridiculous. Man, is it funny."
-Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic
"About all it has going for it is the comic talent of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly - which is just enough for it to squeak by."
-Robert W. Butler, The Kansas City Star
"THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE"
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return as FBI agents Mulder and Scully in this thriller that picks up their story six years after the series ended. The plot has been kept under wraps, but producers say this film is more of a stand-alone story than the previous "X-Files" film. With Amanda Peet, Callum Keith Rennie and Billy Connolly. Directed by Chris Carter. Released by 20th Century Fox. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"As a movie, it doesn't add up to much; as another glimpse at two characters who remain fascinating, it's worth seeing."
-Moira McDonald, The Seattle Times
"Director/franchise creator Chris Carter gives devoted fans plenty of small moments to swoon over, but the appeal should be limited beyond those fervent loyalists."
-Brian Lowry, Variety
OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):
"AMERICAN TEEN"
A documentary that looks at the lives of five teenagers in Warsaw, Indiana over the course of ten months. Although they fall into recognizable social types - jock, popular girl, geek, etc. - the film reveals the kids are far more complex than their appearances might suggest. Directed by Nanette Burstein. Released by Paramount Vantage. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Except for some obvious staging on Burstein’s part, (The teens') ups and downs, doubts and dreams, all feel vividly real."
-Christy Lemire, The Associated Press
"The movie does get under your skin, but the way it has been put together reminds me of those animal shows where the crew nudges the gazelles in the direction of the lions with multiple cameras standing by."
-David Edelstein, New York Magazine
"BRIDESHEAD REVISITED"
An Oxford student (Matthew Goode) becomes enamored of his schoolmate's aristocratic family, particularly the schoolmate's sister, in this adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel. Eventually he sees his path become intertwined with theirs in the years leading up to World War II. With Michael Gambon, Ben Whishaw, Hayley Atwell and Emma Thompson. Directed by Julian Jarrold. Released by Miramax Films. Rated PG-13.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"This 'Brideshead' is mainstream arthouse fare par excellence."
-Dennis Harvey, Variety
"(The filmmakers) have taken some liberties with the material that will likely upset purists and leave others feeling merely unsatisfied."
-Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter
"MAN ON WIRE"
A big hit at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, this documentary recounts how a daring Frenchman named Philippe Petit pulled off a death-defying stunt by walking a tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. To accomplish this feat, Petit relied on a team of helpers and a plan that required all the precision of a bank heist. Directed by James Marsh. Released by Discovery Films. Not rated.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"'Man on Wire' erupts onscreen as one of the most wildly entertaining docs of recent years."
-Robert Koehler, Variety
"A crowd-pleaser in such witty, poetic ways that even an art-house curmudgeon couldn't deny its tidy vigor."
-Aaron Hillis, The Village Voice
VIDEO:
"Dark City - Director's Cut"
An extended version of the noirish 1998 horror fantasy about a man trying to regain his memory in a strange city where he's wanted for murder. Starring Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland and Ian Richardson. Directed by Alex Proyas. Released by New Line Home Video. Rated R. Available July 29.
"Doomsday"
Neil Marshall ("The Descent," "Dog Soldiers") directed this futuristic thriller about a team of operatives sent into a long-quarantined zone of Britain to find a cure for disease that's once again decimating the human race. Starring Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Malcolm McDowell and Sean Pertwee. Released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Rated R. Available July 29.
"Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay"
The pot-loving pals are back, this time on the run from federal authorities who have mistaken them for terrorists. After escaping from Guantanamo Bay, the two stoners must make their way to Texas to find the one man they believe can get them out this jam. With Rob Corddry, Roger Bart and Neil Patrick Harris. Directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. Released by New Line Home Video. Rated R. Available July 29.
"Shine a Light"
Martin Scorsese directed this concert film that records a 2006 performance by the still-hardy Rolling Stones. Released by Paramount Home Entertainment. Rated PG-13. Available July 29.
"Stargate: Continuum"
This made-for-DVD feature derived from the hit Sci Fi Channel series finds the Stargate team transported to an alternate reality where the Stargate never existed and Earth is a very different place. Starring Richard Dean Anderson, Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge. Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Not rated. Available July 29.
"Surfwise"
A documentary about Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz, a physician who gave up a conventional suburban life to travel with his wife and nine kids in a camper. Taking his family to beaches all over the world, avid surfer Paskowitz taught his children his unconventional philosophy but also damaged them with his odd parenting style. Directed by Doug Pray. Released by Magnolia Pictures. Rated R. Available July 29.
"Two Fat Ladies - Complete Series"
The cooking show that followed two women as they traveled through Britain, stopping in unlikely places to cook adventurous dishes for the locals. The show ran for three seasons before being cut short by the unexpected death of co-host Jennifer Paterson. Released by Acord Media. Not rated. Available July 29.
"The Wiggles: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing"
The children's music sensations from Australia perform 20 new songs on this DVD that includes 2 bonus episodes and a feature on safety tips for the house. Released by Warner Home Video. Not rated (appropriate for all ages). Available July 29.
VIDEO GAMES:
Note: Release dates subject to change without notice.
"MLB Power Pros 2008"
The latest version of the baseball game boasts improved play and different modes that allow players to play one game against their favorite opponents or take their team through the season and compete for the championship. Published by Take 2 Interactive for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2. Rated E. Available July 28.
"Puzzler Collection"
This title features more than 2,000 different puzzles including word searches, sudoku and crossword. Published by Destination Software for Nintendo DS. Rated E. Available July 29.
"Soul Calibur IV"
This fighting game brings back old characters from the series and introduces new ones. Game modes include Story, Arcade, Tower of Reminiscence, Training Practice and others. Published by Namco Bandai Games America for Xbox 360 and Play Station 3. Rated T. Available July 29.
"Spectral Forces 3"
This fantasy role-playing game puts players in charge of a group of mercenaries fighting an epic war in a fantastical realm. Includes more than 150 missions and dozens of unique characters to include in the protagonist's mercenary squad. Published by Atlus for Xbox 360. Rated T. Available July 29.
MUSIC:
Alice Cooper, "Along Came a Spider": The '70s bad boy is still going at it, this time with a conceptual album centered around a serial killer known as Spider. Released by Steamhammer SPV. In stores July 29.
Gregorian, "Masters of Chant": The group chants songs by songs from Coldplay, the Everly Brothers, Björk and Queen. Released by Curb Records. In stores July 29.
Scars On Broadway, "Scars On Broadway": The debut album from the band that features former System of a Down members Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan. Released by Interscope Records. In stores July 29.
Soulfly, "Conquer": The metal band delivers more thrashing guitars and throbbing bass lines in another angry assault on listeners. Released by Roadrunner. In stores July 29.
Sugarland, "Love on the Inside": The country band opted for a grittier sound on their third album. Released by Mercury Nashville. In stores July 29.
Third Day, "Revelation": The Christian band offers more songs that deal with the everyday struggle of living with the hope of salvation. Released by Sony. In stores July 29.
TV:
All times are EDT/PDT.
Sunday, July 27
"Mythbusters": The Discovery Channel begins its annual Shark Week with this show that has the Mythbusters team testing whether swimming dogs attract sharks and if chili powder and magnets can actually repel the marine predators. 9 p.m., AMC.
"Mad Men": The acclaimed show about ad men (and now women - one, at least) in 1960s New York begins its second season. 10 p.m., AMC.
Monday, July 28
"Surviving Sharks": A Shark Week presentation hosted by "Survivorman" Les Stroud that looks at the best ways to survive an encounter with the potentially deadly animals. 9 p.m., The Discovery Channel.
Tuesday, July 29
"Eureka": The residents of Eureka - a town populated by geniuses and one normal, put-upon sheriff - are back for a new season. 9 p.m., Sci Fi.
Thursday, July 29
"Hopkins": The documentary about the famed Baltimore hospital concludes with a first-year resident coping with a catastrophic mistake. 10 p.m., ABC.
BOOKS:
Stephen Mansfield, "The Faith of Barack Obama": Author Mansfield tries to objectively scrutinize the liberal Christian faith of the Democratic presidential candidate. Published by Thomas Nelson. In stores July 29.
Stephenie Meyer, "Breaking Dawn": Bestselling author Meyer continues her wildly popular "Twilight" series about young Bella and her beloved Edward, who happens to be a vampire. Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. In stores July 29.
Nancy Pelosi, "Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters": Pelosi, the first women ever to hold the position of Speaker of the House in Congress, urges women of all ages to make themselves heard and pursue their dreams. Published by Doubleday. In stores July 29.
Eric Van Lustbader, "Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Sanction": Profilic novelist Lustbader revives Ludlum's ex-government agent Jason Bourne for this new thriller. Published by Grand Central Publishing. In stores July 29.
In Print
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