Video Releases December 12 - 18
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
After Eddie Brock's (Hardy) return to journalism following the events of the first film, "Venom" (2018), he remains bonded with Venom (also Hardy) and the pair prowl San Francisco in search of criminals to kill. Brock is soon contacted by Det. Patrick Mulligan (Graham) to speak to serial killer Cletus Kasady (Harrelson) and find the location of his victim's bodies before being executed for his crimes. After locating the bodies, Brock is invited to attend Kasady's execution. But when Venom is provoked into attacking Kasady and Kasady bites Brock's hand, the criminal ingests part of the symbiote, which blocks the execution. The new, red symbiote presents itself as Carnage, and the pair begin wreaking havoc on San Francisco.
Director: Andy Serkis. Stars: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu. 2021. 97 mins. Action.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
On the eve of her departure to film school, aspiring filmmaker Katie Mitchell (Jacobson) gets in an argument with her technology-averse father, Rick (McBride), which leads to the accidental breaking of Katie's laptop. Fearing the altercation will lead to a breakdown in their relationship, Rick enlists Katie's mom (Rudolph), her brother (Rianda) and the family dog (Doug the Pug) to drive Katie across the country to school. However, while at a roadside stop in Kansas, the Mitchell family is attacked by alien robots on a mission. With the fate of human life on earth in their hands, the reluctant Mitchell family sets out to save the world.
Directors: Michael Rianda, Jeff Rowe. Stars: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda, Eric André, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, Doug the Pug. 2021. 113 mins. Animated adventure.
The Card Counter
Touring, card-counting gambler William Tell (Isaac) uses gambling as a way to numb the memories of his time as a U.S. Army torturer in Abu Ghraib. But after a chance encounter with Cirk Baufort (Sheridan), the son of another soldier from Abu Ghraib, in Atlantic City, a series of events is set in motion that leads Tell to relive the horrors of his past and choose his fate once again.
Director: Paul Schrader. Stars: Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, Willem Dafoe, Alexander Babara, Bobby C. King. 2021. 111 mins. Drama.
Saturday Night Live, on NBC
Hilarious sketches and guest hosts return in a new episode of this live, late-night comedy staple's 47th season. Lasting laughs and memorable moments have been made on this show, which began in 1975. Current stars include Cecily Strong and Pete Davidson.
Travel buddies: Ramsay takes scenic route through Europe with celebrity pals
Fred Sirieix, Gordon Ramsay and Gino D'Acampo in "Gordon Ramsay's Road Trip: European Vacation"
90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days, on TLC
Season 5 debuts as couples allow cameras into their relationships while they get to know each other and prepare to apply for their K-1 visas to live in the U.S. Among the couples are Caleb and Alina, the latter of whom is the show's first little person.
Q: I just watched the new "Paranormal Activity" movie, and I loved the puffer jacket the lead character was wearing. Can anyone buy one of those?
The "Paranormal Activity" movies are famously low-budget affairs. So it shouldn't be surprising that, for a character-defining piece of clothing in the newest one, "Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin," they picked something off the rack. Though, in this case, it's a virtual rack.
The distinctive jacket worn by the lead character (played by newcomer Emily Bader, best known for the 2018 Lifetime movie "Stalked by a Reality Star") was made by a designer called Classic Rock Couture.
Bull, on CBS
Michael Weatherly stars as Jason Bull, a brilliant doctor who uses technology and his knowledge of psychology to assist lawyers. He and his team help clients in the courtroom in this new episode of the drama based on the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.
Alter Ego, on Fox
Rocsi Diaz hosts this new competition series in which contestants create an avatar alter ego and use it to perform a series of songs. Canadian icon Alanis Morissette, 98 Degrees' Nick Lachey, Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am and Grimes act as judges.
Q: Were there any real professional wrestlers in "The Wrestler"?
There were loads of real pros in "The Wrestler" (2008), thanks to an insider hook-up named Evan Ginzburg. Credited as an associate producer, a more appropriate title may have been "wrestling consultant."
Ginzburg was working as an agent for a number of wrestlers, including some retired greats, when he says he was approached to be a part of the movie.
Abbott Elementary, on ABC
This upcoming series features a special early premiere before its Jan. 4 release. Lisa Ann Walter, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more star as elementary school teachers in this fresh workplace comedy from comedian and actress Quinta Brunson.
Landscapers , on HBO
Big-name stars Olivia Colman and David Thewlis play Susan and Chris Edwards, a real-life couple who have become the leading suspects in a vicious crime after two bodies were found in their garden. The four-part series comes from director Will Sharpe.
