New Releases for the week of October 9 - 15
Ghostbusters
Although she once believed that the paranormal is real, even co-publishing a book about it, physicist Erin Gilbert (Wiig) has put that all behind her and is now a professor at a prestigious university. When she and the book's co-author, Abby Yates (McCarthy), make the astonishing discovery that they were right all along about the existence of ghosts, they lose their jobs for performing the unorthodox research and open up their own business to study this phenomena. When ghosts start terrorizing New York City, they team up with nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon) and subway worker Patty Tolan (Jones) to put their new ghost-busting technology to work to save the city.
Director: Paul Feig. Stars: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth. 2016. 116 min. Comedy.
Ice Age: Collision Course
After a number of small asteroids fall from the sky during Manny (Romano) and Ellie's (Latifah) wedding anniversary party, nearly killing the wooly mammoths, the herd discovers that a much larger asteroid is heading straight for the planet with the potential to cause a mass extinction. Convinced that the key to stopping the asteroid's destructive collision lies at the location of a previous impact, Manny and his herd set out on what might be their most important adventure yet.
Director: Mike Thurmeier. Stars: Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg, Jennifer Lopez. 2016. 94 min. Animation.
The Legend of Tarzan
When a Belgian expedition to Congo starts brutally enslaving the native population, word of the Belgian actions reaches John Clayton (Skarsgård) in London. Although he's better known by the name given to him in the jungle where he was raised by apes -- Tarzan -- John has settled into Victorian life with his wife, Jane (Robbie). The news of the brutality in his old home spurs him to action, however, and he once again takes up the mantle of Tarzan, King of the Jungle, returning to his home in Africa to set things right.
Director: David Yates. Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson. 2016. 110 min. Action.
Late Laughs for the week of October 9 - 15, 2016
Conan
Hillary Clinton's not feeling well, and here's the interesting thing, Donald Trump is being nice about it. Donald Trump said he wishes Hillary Clinton a speedy recovery from her pneumonia. He said: "Get well soon, you shrill, lying crook."
Some conspiracy theorists are claiming that Hillary Clinton is so sick that she's been using a body double. When Bill Clinton heard about it, he said: "Man, I wish."
'New' in New York: Jess and co. cross paths with the 99th Precinct
The cast of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Recaps for the week of October 3 - 7
Jason Thompson as seen in "The Young and the Restless"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Steffy is more determined than ever to find a loophole that will oust Quinn from her family. Carter tries to get in touch with Ridge to convey some important information about Eric. Ridge lets Quinn know that she's no longer welcome at the Forrester mansion. Eric's family sits vigil at his bedside as they await a prognosis. Ridge is divided between doing right by Eric and protecting his family. Caroline returns to Los Angeles to discover that a lot has changed since she left. Having lost her home already, Quinn deals with the consequences of crossing a Forrester. Wyatt takes an unexpected stance in the war between his mother and his wife. Ivy makes another bold attempt at getting back together with Liam. Carter has doubts about keeping Ridge's secret from the rest of the family.
Days of Our Lives
Hope is fearful as she wonders what Aiden wants when he insists she meet with him. Later, Hope shares some unfortunate news to Rafe, while Andre grows curious about Aiden's victory. Joey's predicament causes Kayla to break down in Steve's arms. Nicole confronts Deimos about his behavior. After the paternity results come in, Chloe tells Philip it's time to say goodbye. Andre suggests to Chad that they take advantage of the Kiriakis blunder and move in on their business. Justin insists that Adrienne move out of the DiMera mansion. John, Marlena, Steve and Kayla discuss their encounters with Orpheus and how to take him down. Ciara and Claire become worried when they can't find Theo. Ciara expresses her worry for Theo to Jennifer when he doesn't return her texts. Gabi helps her friend Janet ward off looters. Marlena turns to Kate for help with Clyde. John, Roman, Steve, JJ and Paul get ready to meet the demands of the convicts. At the same time, Clyde, Orpheus and Xander strategize, while Nicole, Marlena and Victor meet to discuss Xander.
General Hospital
Morgan makes a confession to Andre, while Kiki confides in Franco. Hayden and Finn overhear upsetting news about the hospital. Morgan is confronted by Sonny and Carly. Nina receives a harsh reality check from Curtis, and Claudette tells Griffin about her past. Kiki and Nelle discuss working with Carly. Dante tries to be reasonable. Morgan jumps to the wrong conclusion about something he sees. After questioning Sonny's faith, Griffin confides in Anna. While tipsy, Alexis is met with an unexpected visitor. Sonny struggles with his conscience. Kiki lets her true feelings be known. Things get worse for Alexis.
The Young and the Restless
Travis accepts Victor's job offer, admitting to Victoria that he was getting bored with his laid-back lifestyle. He then takes Victoria to the bar where they first met and promises that nothing will change between them. Billy teases Victoria about Travis when he sees them together. As Phyllis moves in with her daughter, she tells Summer she won't give up on her marriage. When Michael visits Jack and Ashley to tell them Phyllis wants her job at Jabot back, Jack says that will never happen. Nick confronts Sharon for pushing him and Chelsea together, and demands she stay out of his personal life. Travis is surprised when he learns that Ashley is Billy's sister. Stitch tells Abby that he doesn't think it's too late for them. Travis tells Victor he wants Adam's old office when he shows up for work at Newman Enterprises. He worries people will think he slept his way to the top if he shares an office with Victoria.
Q: I just got around to watching that show "Ash vs Evil Dead," and I'm wondering who the actress is playing the villain. She looks so familiar.
Playing the non-dead villain is frequent Raimi collaborator and former warrior-princess Lucy Lawless.
"Ash vs Evil Dead," the horror-comedy series that premiered last year on Starz, was created by Sam and Ivan Raimi, based on their Evil Dead film series. Sam Raimi also produced the campy action series "Xena: Warrior Princess," which brought Lawless to fame (the series also co-starred a third Raimi brother, Ted).
Q: I heard recently that Kiefer Sutherland released a country music album. After taking a lot of "tough guy" acting roles, I never would have pegged him as a country artist! Can you think of any other actors-turned-musicians who got into surprising genres
As you suspect, most actors who turn to music choose very unsurprising genres -- you only have to look at Jeff Bridges to know he makes roots-country albums in his spare time. But there have been a few surprises in recent years. Here are some examples.
When planning her musical career, Jada Pinkett Smith didn't choose rap like her husband, Will Smith (who went the other direction, from musician to actor), instead she chose heavy metal, of all things.
A strike for equality: Fox's 'Pitch' puts female pitcher on MLB mound
Kylie Bunbury stars in “Pitch”
The old saying "anything boys can do, girls can do better" may or may not be true, but one thing is certain -- men have dominated the majority of professional sports leagues for decades. All that is about to change, though. Well, at least in prime time.
Q: Has Disney ever made a statement about how all their characters have at least one dead parent? Do they think only single-parent families have drama?
The people at Disney have never made a statement about this, so of course others have done so for them.
There are various theories about this, ranging from the poignant one, which says it stems from Walt Disney's guilt about his own mother's death, to more practical ones, which say that parents just don't fit into the kinds of stories Disney tells.
Legal 'Conviction': ABC's latest drama gives things a topical twist
Hayley Atwell stars in “Conviction”
Legal 'Conviction': Hayes Morrison was once the president's daughter, with all the trappings and glamor that living in the spotlight as the nation's first daughter brought, and there's a good chance that she will be again, now that her mother is running for the highest office in the land.
New Releases for the week of October 2 - 8
X-Men: Apocalypse
When a long-forgotten and ancient mutant of incredible power named Apocalypse (Isaac) awakens in the year 1983, the world itself teeters on the brink of total destruction. He recruits several other mutants to his cause, including the powerful Magneto (Fassbender) and Angel (Hardy), and he uses his ancient knowledge to enhance their mutant abilities. Meanwhile, the X-Men, led by Prof. Charles Xavier (McAvoy), have noticed the global disturbances caused by Apocalypse, and they prepare to confront the world-threatening menace.
Director: Bryan Singer. Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Ben Hardy, Nicholas Hoult, Evan Peters, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan. 2016. 144 min. Action.
The Purge: Election Year
In a dystopian future America, the annual purge is about to happen during an election year. One presidential candidate, Sen. Charlie Roan (Mitchell), announces an intent to eliminate the Purge, an annual 12-hour event during which all crimes, including murder, become legal. Roan believes that the purges disproportionately benefit the rich who can afford protection, while punishing the poor who cannot. When the ruling party unexpectedly removes the ban on attacking ranking government officials during the Purge, Roan realizes that it's nothing but a veiled attack on her life, and she turns to her head of security, Leo (Grillo), to keep her safe through the night.
Director: James DeMonaco. Stars: Elizabeth Mitchell, Frank Grillo, Mykelti Williamson, Joseph Julian Soria, Betty Gabriel. 2016. 109 min. Action.
Swiss Army Man
While stranded on a deserted island, Hank (Dano) discovers a dead body that's washed up on shore. He soon finds that the body can still talk, and he decides to call the dead man Manny (Radcliffe). As he gets to know his new "friend" better, Hank discovers that Manny has many supernatural abilities that he can use to escape from the island and starts referring to him as a Swiss Army Man, due to his many uses. As the two of them get closer to civilization, though, their friendship begins to wear thin when they find themselves both desiring the same girl.
Directors: Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert. Stars: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. 2016. 97 min. Adventure.