Q: I've seen a few "Herbie" movies over the years, but what was the first one? How did that series get started?
The films have gotten a little hackneyed over the years, but you should know that once upon a time Herbie was a genuine American phenomenon -- the star of the highest-grossing film in 1969. That film, the one that started it all, was the literary film "The Love Bug," based on the story "Car, Boy, Girl" by Gordon Buford.
The premise -- a racing driver is paired up with an old Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own -- had wheels, and so did the film's leading character.
The Ultimate Surfer, on ABC
Jesse Palmer returns to host another episode of this wild new reality competition series. Erin Coscarelli and Joe Turpel provide commentary as some of the world's best up-and-coming surfers train and live together at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, Calif.
New Releases for the week of Sept. 5 - 11
Zack Snyder's Justice League
Often referred to as "the Snyder cut," this Justice League story takes place after Superman's (Cavill) demise in Snyder's 2016 film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." Trying to make sure that the Man of Steel's death is not in vain, Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman (Affleck), and Diana Prince, a.k.a. Wonder Woman (Gadot), join forces to reunite the rest of the Justice League and save the world from looming threats that are more present than ever given the death of one of the world's most powerful superheroes. Once Wayne and Prince find Cyborg (Fisher), Aquaman (Momoa) and the Flash (Miller), however, it becomes clear that they have their own personal demons to conquer and must learn to save themselves before they're ready to save the world.
Director: Zack Snyder. Stars: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Amber Heard, J.K. Simmons. 2021. 242 mins. Action.
Together Together
When quirky, caring, single 40-something-year-old Matt (Helms) decides he wants to have a biological child without being in a relationship, he interviews a number of potential surrogates to help him. Deciding on a quiet young woman named Anna (Harrison) to carry his child, it soon becomes clear that Matt has trouble adjusting to the idea that Anna has a life outside his baby. Going the extra mile to make sure that Anna and his child are well cared for, Matt opens up the door to a uniquely complicated relationship between himself and his reserved loner of a surrogate.
Director: Nikole Beckwith. Stars: Patti Harrison, Ed Helms, Rosalind Chao, Timm Sharp, Tig Notaro, Fred Melamed, Julio Torres. 2021. 90 mins. Comedy.
The Gateway
When the dangerous husband (Avery) of struggling single mother Dahlia (Munn) is released from prison after serving his time, the social worker (Whigham) assigned to her case becomes involved in trying to save her and her daughter (Burns) from being dragged further into his life of crime. Spread thin between her job, her motherly duties and the desire to believe her husband has changed, Dahlia doesn't see the new trouble until it is too late.
Director: Michele Civetta. Stars: Olivia Munn, Frank Grillo, Zach Avery, Taryn Manning, Taegen Burns, Shea Whigham, Bruce Dern. 2021. 91 mins. Drama/Thriller.
Kardea's back: Fifth season of 'Delicious Miss Brown' underway
Kardea Brown from "Delicious Miss Brown"
Kardea Brown recently took to Instagram to tell fans about the fifth season of "Delicious Miss Brown," saying, "I think this will be my best season yet. Hands down, the production, the recipes, the lighting … We changed it up a bit and I promise you'll love the new changes." The new season kicked off last week (Aug. 29) on Food Network.
Late Laughs for the week of September 5 - 11
Late Night with Seth Meyers
I Love a Mama's Boy, on TLC
It's a fight for the mama's boys as these women find their relationships threatened by their boyfriends' overbearing mothers. From disapproving moms who won't budge an inch to nosy moms with no boundaries, this unscripted series has them all.
Casting 'MacGruber': Billy Zane to play villain in upcoming Peacock series
Billy Zane to star in "MacGruber"
Casting 'MacGruber': Actor Billy Zane has been known to play a charismatic villain from time to time. In fact, his very first role had him playing a member of young Biff's gang in "Back to the Future" (1985).
Saturday Night Live, on NBC
This beloved sketch series that launched the comedy careers of countless big names since its inception in 1975 airs a rebroadcast this evening. From hilarious celebrity impersonations to on-point spoofs and satirical news, this show is a comedy staple.
The Greatest #AtHome Videos , on CBS
Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, this fun, family-friendly-clip show series was created to showcase the creative and hilarious ways people across the globe have kept themselves and their families entertained during the coronavirus quarantine.
Q: Is "Avenue 5" coming back?
When last we heard, yes, but a lot has happened since HBO made that commitment. The show was only a few episodes into its first season when HBO announced a second-season renewal on Feb. 13, 2020.
HBO hasn't given any news yet about this second season, but of course, they've been a bit preoccupied since then, as have we all.