New Releases for the week of February 23 - March 1
Gravity
While on a routine space walk to service the Hubble Space Telescope, medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski find themselves stranded in space when their shuttle is destroyed by a cloud of debris caused by a Russian missile strike on a defunct satellite. Tethered to nothing but each other, Dr. Stone and Kowalski struggle to find a way to survive and get back to Earth as they spiral deeper into outer space.
Director: Alfonso Cuarón. Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris. 2013. 91 min. Drama.
Thor: The Dark World
During an investigation at an abandoned factory where portals have been appearing, Dr. Jane Foster is teleported to another world, where she is infected with a deadly weapon designed to destroy the universe. Upon hearing the news of Jane’s disappearance, Thor travels back to Earth to find Jane and bring her to Asgard. He then learns that she has crossed paths with Aether, a substance sought by Malekith, the leader of the Dark Elves, who intends to send the universe into darkness. Sensing that the Aether is near, Malekith awakens and sets out to find it. Thor hopes to protect Jane by hiding her far away, but he is stopped by his father, who wishes to lure the Dark Elf leader to Asgard. Despite his father's wishes, Thor plans to hide Jane with the help of his comrades and his brother Loki, who remains imprisoned for his war crimes against Earth and whose true motives remain a mystery.
Director: Alan Taylor. Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård, Rene Russo. 2013. 112 min. Action.
Nebraska
David Grant reluctantly agrees to drive his estranged alcoholic father Woody from Billings, Mont., to Lincoln, Neb., to claim a $1-million sweepstakes prize he believes he has won from what is evidently a marketing scam. David and Woody set out on a life-changing road trip that includes a stop in Woody’s hometown of Hawthorne, Neb., where family members and old acquaintances aggravate old wounds and stir up sour memories for Woody, creating an even greater rift between father and son.
Director: Alexander Payne. Stars: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Bob Odenkirk. 2013. 115 min. Drama.
Mixing things up: 'Mixology' is not your average sitcom
The cast of "Mixology"
Every popular sitcom seems to boast its local hangout. Think Central Perk on "Friends," Monk's on "Seinfeld" and, of course, Cheers on "Cheers." The oft-frequented location is a means of getting the main characters together in one place, while serving as an initial meeting place for potential love interests and new characters.
Recaps for the week of February 17 - 21
Eileen Davidson stars in "Days of Our Lives"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Stephanie's presence is felt from beyond the grave when Eric kisses another woman. Liam suggests that Katie take a page out of Brooke's book, but Katie rejects his suggestion. Meanwhile, Rick tells Eric that he's concerned about Ridge's devotion to Brooke, but his fears are put to rest after he has a heartfelt conversation with Ridge. Brooke makes a humble, but significant, gesture to Katie in the hopes that the sisters can rebuild their relationship. After preparing herself for the utter heartbreak that is in store for her, Katie decides to use her painful past to her advantage in the hopes she will have a brighter future. Hope finally grills Wyatt about Quinn after Pam lights a fire under her. Bill tries to drown his sorrows in a bottle of Scotch with an unexpected sparring partner. Two people make a momentous leap forward in starting a new life together.
Days of Our Lives
Things between Hope and Aiden begin to warm up, but Ciara unknowingly makes matters worse. After someone witnesses Abigail and EJ in a private conversation, Abigail informs Sami that she and EJ share a secret. Later, Abigail proclaims she can't just walk away from EJ, and sparks fly as she fights to hang on to him. Meanwhile, Rafe and Jordan are unaware that someone mysterious is spying on them. Daniel is taken aback when Theresa demands that he sleep with her. Later, JJ beats Theresa at her own game and finally comes clean to Jennifer. Marlena becomes suspicious as Nicole makes a bold move to secure her future with Eric. After Brady suffers an unpleasant exchange with Eric, he decides to drown his sorrows with Theresa. Sonny rips into Gabi as he accuses her of throwing Sami and Kate under the bus.
General Hospital
Nikolas plans a Valentine's Day surprise for Britt and later tries to put her worries to rest about baby Ben. Liz struggles with conflicting emotions and ultimately decides to make a big move in the name of true love. Franco fights for his very life in the hopes he may be reunited with the love of his life. Meanwhile, TJ and Molly decide to take their relationship to the next level. When Patrick discovers why Robin has been distancing herself, he shares his concerns with Anna. As Victor tightens his malicious hold over Robin, she is forced to break confusing news to little Emma. Lucas and Morgan have a heart-to-heart about their respective relationship woes. Michael begins to doubt Kiki when Sonny plants a seed of suspicion in his mind. Heather provides information that comes as a relief to many residents of Port Charles. Lulu continues to worry about her missing father.
The Young and the Restless
Kelly mistakenly believes that Jack is the blind date Lily set up for her and she chats him up, but explains she isn't looking for romance. Kelly realizes her mistake when her actual date, James, arrives, but Hilary has flare of jealousy when she notices the chemistry between Kelly and Jack. Nick advises Sharon to move up her next therapy appointment when she admits she's still seeing Cassie's ghost. Abby is upset with Tyler when he reveals he met with Mariah. Chloe is surprised to see Chelsea at the benefit, and Jack convinces her to stay for the auction. Lauren confronts Jill over the status of her relationship with Colin. Avery and Dylan enjoy a romantic evening and bask in their happiness without having to sneak around. Ian sees Summer and Faith at Crimson Lights and realizes they are Nikki's grandchildren.
About a Boy, on NBC
Based on the Nick Hornby novel and Hugh Grant film of the same name, "About a Boy" follows Will (David Walton), a middle-aged man with few responsibilities, who befriends Marcus (Benjamin Stockham), a young boy, and his single mother.
Q: I just started watching the FX series "Archer," and I recognize the voice of Malory Archer. Who is she?
The voice of Malory Archer, domineering mother of super-spy (of sorts) Sterling Archer and president of the private spy agency ISIS, is voiced by an actress known lately as another domineering mother.
Jessica Walter has had a long career, but really came into her own recently with her role as hard-drinking, hard-parenting Lucille Bluth on the cultishly beloved Fox (and later Netflix) sitcom "Arrested Development."
Raise your voice: NBC's 'The Voice' kicks off a new season of singing sensations
Shakira, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Usher and Carson Daly as seen in "The Voice"
It's every hairbrush singer's dream to make it to the big show and get their name up in lights, to perform in front of millions of people and be crowned America's next singing sensation.
Bones, on Fox
The happy couple enjoy their honeymoon in Buenos Aires in a rebroadcast of "Bones." While on vacation, Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Booth (David Boreanaz) help a local detective solve the murder of Nazi war criminal.
The Taste, on ABC
Culinary competitors compete to impress a panel of esteemed judges in this season finale. The remaining hopefuls vie to create the best flavors, which will later be evaluated in a "blind spoon" challenge.
The Taste, on ABC
Culinary competitors compete to impress a panel of esteemed judges in this season finale. The remaining hopefuls vie to create the best flavors, which will later be evaluated in a "blind spoon" challenge.
Q: When "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" host Guy Fieri pronounces his name, it sounds like he is pronouncing it with a "T." Am I missing something in the spelling?
No, what you're missing is the ability to roll your Rs. Don't worry, though, it's English's fault, not yours.
Fieri is of Italian descent -- "fieri" translates, roughly, as "proud" -- and Italian, like many of the other Latin-descended languages, features so-called "rolled" Rs. The result is a sort of purring sound, the result of the tongue rattling against the roof of the mouth as the letter is pronounced.