Big names, small screen: Stars flock to television this fall
Reba McEntire stars in "Malibu Country"
As hot summer days give way to crisp autumn air, students and parents anxiously await the start of the school year. Homecoming looms on the horizon, and this time it isn't just for students.
Four Weddings, on TLC
Bride Kristyn puts on her dancing shoes at her wedding as a flash mob takes over the dance floor, while Taylor has a big surprise for her guests. Also, an elegant winery serves as the setting for Shannon's nuptials.
Q: Where does the term "silver screen" come from?
"Silver screen," a term that is now associated with classic Hollywood glamor and class, comes from a surprisingly literal and workmanlike source.
It comes from the early days of cinema, when films were projected on screens coated with metallic paint in order to reflect more light -- early cinema projectors were rather weak.
Storage Wars Texas, on A&E
The bidders travel to a wealthy suburb of Dallas where Victor tries to get inside Bubba's head and turn him against Ricky. Jenny Grumbles works for a picky client, and Mary Padian finds herself up against a former mentor.
Last Man Standing, on ABC
Mike somehow convinces 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart (guest starring as himself) to jazz up the Outdoor Man retail space in a rebroadcast. Meanwhile, Kristin's thirst for adventure inspires Vanessa.
Q: Sean Murray, who plays Special Agent Timothy McGee on "NCIS," lost quite a bit of weight and looks really fit and trim. I noticed, however, that he then developed a raspy voice that continued for nearly all of this past season. Is he OK?
There has been persistent concern and speculation about Sean Murray's health since "NCIS's" 2010-2011 season (the show's eighth), enough that he took to the social media site Twitter to explain what's going on.
"To those who have asked what I did to lose the 25 pounds: 14 months of no alcohol and almost no sugar. Ate strictly organic," he wrote in September 2010. "You can actually see me gradually lose the weight over the 24 eps of Season 7. Slowly, a pound every week or two."
Big Tiny, on TLC
Brad and Bri go camping with their dad and his girlfriend, and later surprise their mom by helping out around the house. This larger-than-life series chronicles the lives of Bri and Brad, primordial dwarf siblings with positive attitudes.
Keep on trucking: 'Food Truck Race' rolls in for third season on Food
Team Momma's Grizzly Grub (Angela Reynolds, Adriane Richey and Tiffany Seth) as seen on “The Great Food Truck Race”
One truck pulls out, another pulls in.
Healing from cuts: Seattle Grace staff undergoes major facelift
Eric Dane has announced he is leaving ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”
HEALING FROM CUTS: ABC's top-rated medical drama is on the cusp of major change now that the network has announced even more comings and goings at Seattle Grace.
New Releases for the week of Aug. 19 - 25
A Separation
Married couple Nader and Simin come to a crossroads in their relationship as they face an impossible choice: leave Iran to improve the life of their child, or stay and care for an ailing parent. Their marriage deteriorates, but Simin fails to sue Nader for divorce, leaving the couple at an impasse. Complicated questions of gender roles, religious obligations and family ties linger as the couple determines what the future holds for them.
Director: Asghar Farhadi. Stars: Peyman Moadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini, Sarina Farhadi. 2011. 123 min. Drama.
The Dictator
In North Africa, the Republic of Wadiya has been ruled by a despot known as Admiral General Shabazz Aladeen. With only the worst of character traits, Aladeen has ruled Wadiya with an iron fist and the oddest of behavior. When his treacherous uncle betrays him during a visit to the UN headquarters in New York City, Aladeen is left to fend for himself in America. If he is ever to return to his homeland, Aladeen must learn to get along in America, the land he so despises.
Director: Larry Charles. Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley. 2012. 83 min. Comedy.
Bernie
In a small town in Texas, an unlikely friendship develops between Bernie, the local mortician's assistant, and Marjorie, a cantankerous widow. When that relationship sours and Marjorie disappears, the town doesn't seem to care that she's gone. Bernie, who has suddenly come into a large sum of money, begins to win over the town with his philanthropy. So much so, that when the local district attorney charges Bernie with Marjorie's murder, the town rallies around him and lobbies for his release.
Director: Richard Linklater. Stars: Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey. 2011. 104 minutes. Comedy.
Chimpanzee
Follow a chimpanzee named Oscar as he takes on life's perilous journey in this Disney documentary. Oscar is a toddler as the film opens, just beginning to learn the skills he will need to survive in the forests of Africa. When his mother suddenly disappears, Oscar must find his own way in a dangerous world. Finding friends in unlikely places, Oscar's idea of family is redefined.
Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfieldt. Narrator: Tim Allen. 2012. 78 min. Documentary.