New Releases for the week of Nov. 7 - 13
Respect
Following the life of Aretha Franklin (Hudson), the biopic begins as the young woman sings in her father's (Whitaker) choir after the sudden death of her mother. As a teenager, Franklin meets Ted White (Wayans), who launches her career with Columbia Records and later marries her, a union that would see future tumult. Releasing hit after hit, Franklin begins to overwork herself while coping with the pressures of her career by turning to alcohol and drugs. As a way to reconcile with herself and those around her, Franklin returns to her gospel roots, where she records the most successful album of her storied career.
Director: Liesl Tommy. Stars: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Mary J. Blige. 2021. 145 mins. Drama.
Reminiscence
In the near future, the rising sea levels and temperature make it unbearable to work during the daytime. Meanwhile, Nick Bannister (Jackman) operates a business that allows people to relive their memories. After meeting Mae (Ferguson), a walk-in client, Nick becomes obsessed with her and the two start a relationship. Months later, Mae disappears and Nick spends hours reliving his memories of her, a decision that could ultimately trap him in the memories forever. Regardless, Nick's obsession won't stop until he finds the truth, even if it means putting himself at risk.
Director: Lisa Joy. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton, Cliff Curtis, Marina de Tavira, Daniel Wu. 2021. 116 mins. Sci-Fi.
My Salinger Year
Aspiring writer Joanna (Qualley) leaves graduate school to pursue her dreams and gets hired as an assistant to Margaret (Weaver), the stoic literary agent of J.D. Salinger. Spending her days in an old-fashioned office where Dictaphones and typewriters still reign, Joanna is tasked with responding to Salinger's fan mail. Despite the agency's standard impersonal responses, Joanna opts to take a different approach to the return mail and soon discovers her own voice.
Director: Philippe Falardeau. Stars: Margaret Qualley, Sigourney Weaver, Douglas Booth, Seána Kerslake, Colm Feore, Brían F. O'Byrne. 2020. 101 mins. Drama.
'The Patient' is in: Carell to star in FX psychological thriller
Steve Carell to star in FX’s "The Patient"
'The Patient' is in: FX has ordered a new 10-episode limited series from Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, the Emmy-winning duo behind "The Americans." What's more, "The Morning Show" actor Steve Carell has been tapped to play the lead character -- a move that has added some serious star power and big ratings potential to the whole project.
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, on ABC
Hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White are joined by Boyz II Men singers Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, and TV personality/NSYNC singer Joey Fatone in a new episode of this long-running game show's star-studded spinoff. Celebs compete to win big for charity.
Late Laughs for the week of November 7 - 13, 2021
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Once again, the winner [of Fat Bear Week] is 480 Otis. ... That bear's got a little extra Paddington! That bear is so fat, he uses Charmin bears as toilet paper. This win is extra sweet because, at approximately 25 years old, Otis is one of the oldest bears in the competition. You hear that, everyone? No matter how life knocks you down, just remember: you're never too old to be fat.
Spicing things up: Teigen matriarch lands on discovery
Vilailuck "Pepper" Teigen from "Getting Spicy With Pepper Teigen"
Families play a big role in shaping a child's food preferences and establishing good eating habits that are carried into adulthood. So it's no surprise that many famous chefs, celebrity or otherwise, often credit their mothers for their culinary success.
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.
Q: Did George Clooney do anything before "ER"?
Quite a bit, actually. George Clooney ("The Monuments Men," 2014) was just another struggling, unbelievably handsome actor for years before landing his star-making "ER" role.
His first role was a classic case of Hollywood nepotism -- he appeared (as himself, age seven) in a 1968 episode of his dad's variety show, "The Nick Clooney Show." However, his career didn't really get going in earnest until he was in his 20s.
Teen Wolf, on AMC
Michael J. Fox stars in this 1985 comedy as a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers that he's afflicted with a not-so-ordinary condition. After discovering that he's a werewolf, Scott Howard (Fox) gains popularity and amazing basketball skills.
Serial thriller: 'Dexter: New Blood' breathes new life into deadly show
Michael C. Hall in "Dexter: New Blood"
When a popular television show ends, there are always heartbroken fans who want more, especially when they are unhappy with the finale. Most of the time they are out of luck, but every so often a series is so compelling it's resurrected. One such series is headed back to prime time in all its bloody glory.
Holidays on Hulu: 'Taste the Nation' shifts focus to the season's foods
Padma Lakshmi hosts "Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi: Holiday Edition"