New Releases for the week of Jan. 9 - 15
Dune
In this first half of a two-part feature adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 science fiction novel, the House Atreides, led by Duke Leto (Isaac) and his concubine Lady Jessica (Ferguson), is tasked with taking over the rule of planet Arrakis, also referred to as "Dune." It is here that the extremely valuable Melange is found, a natural sand-born spice mixture that bestows heightened vitality and expanded consciousness upon its users. While the Atreides try to govern the planet's people and harvest the temperamental Melange, the house's heir, Paul (Chalamet), learns to hone his own supernatural gift — a gift he must use to fulfil a great destiny on Arrakis by saving the future of his family and the planet's native Fremen people.
Director: Denis Villeneuve. Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem. 2021. 156 mins. Science Fiction.
Mass
In the years following a tragic and preventable school shooting, the parents of the shooter agree to meet with the parents of one of the victims in an attempt to find peace and move forward with their lives. An intimate portrait of grief, anger, acceptance and a parent's attachment to their child's legacy, this four-character drama takes place in a lone, emotion-riddled, Tennessee Williams-esque room.
Director: Fran Kranz. Stars: Reed Birney, Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton. 2021. Drama.
Spencer
During the Christmas season of 1991, the British royal family spends the holidays at the quaint and quiet of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. It's anything but celebration for Princess Diana (Stewart), however, as she struggles with her declining mental health and the public rumors of her husband Prince Charles' (Farthing) extramarital affair. Despite knowing how the royal family prefers to keep their dirty laundry hidden, Diana decides to take a stance for her own well-being and that of her children by leaving the royal family for good.
Director: Pablo Larraín. Stars: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Jack Farthing, Sean Harris, Sally Hawkins. 2021. Drama.
Late Laughs for the week of January 9 - 15, 2022
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
On the fourth night of Hanukkah, President Biden hosted a menorah lighting. Nothing says you really care about a holiday like waiting until the fourth night to celebrate.
An FDA panel just voted 13-10 to "narrowly endorse" Merck's anti-viral COVID pill. Yeah, when it comes to medication, I'm sure "narrowly endorsed" is the phrase you want to hear.
Super teen: 'Naomi' discovers her powers in series premiere
Kaci Walfall, Camila Moreno, Daniel Puig and Will Myers as seen in "Naomi"
Q: I just found out they made another "Nikita" show a few years ago. How many have there been now?
There have been four "Nikita" productions -- so far, at least. That's either a lot or surprisingly few, depending on how you look at it.
A change gonna come: Friends practice 'Pivoting' in new Fox dramedy
Maggie Q, Ginnifer Goodwin and Eliza Coupe star in "Pivoting"
A change gonna come: Friends practice 'Pivoting' in new Fox dramedy
Maggie Q, Ginnifer Goodwin and Eliza Coupe star in "Pivoting"
Q: Remember "Chuck"? I loved that show and miss it. What has the actress who played Sarah been doing since?
The best way to say it is that Yvonne Strahovski has, as of late, been spreading her wings.
Her breakout role on the action-comedy "Chuck" (which aired on NBC from 2007 to 2012) could have pigeonholed her into similar action roles, but she's managed to sidestep that. In 2021, she co-led the popcorn-friendly action flick "The Tomorrow War" alongside Chris Pratt ("Guardians of the Galaxy," 2014) while also continuing in her leading role in the critic-friendly drama series "The Handmaid's Tale."
'Women' of a moving tribute: ABC revisits past atrocity in 'Women of the Movement'
Glynn Turman, Tonya Pinkins, Cedric Joe, Adrienne Warren and Ray Fisher in "Women of the Movement"
Q: I was watching "Law & Order" and saw Angie Harmon's name. Is she related to Mark Harmon?
It would be nice to imagine a blood tie between rival TV franchises "Law & Order" and "NCIS," but unfortunately the link is in the name alone.
Mark Harmon (who until very recently played Gibbs on "NCIS") and Angie Harmon (who previously played Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael on "Law & Order") are not related. And despite being high-profile, bankable TV stars at the same time, they haven't even done a project together -- not really, anyway.
Kenan, on NBC
In back-to-back new episodes, Kenan (Kenan Thompson) signs up for a dating app with Gary's (Chris Redd) help, but realizes he might not be ready. Then, Kenan offends Tami (Tayler Louderman) when he reveals he only sees her as a colleague, not a friend.
