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.
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.
The Devil Wears Prada, on ABC
In this biting satire, Anne Hathaway stars as a recent graduate who lands a job with a top fashion mag in Manhattan. Unfortunately, her boss (Meryl Streep) is incredibly demanding and her new career quickly wreaks havoc on her home life.
Lost Girl, on Syfy
When a steamy night goes awry for Bo, Kenzi and Trick race to save her before the incident leaves the succubus bound for a thousand years. As a result, Bo has some very uncomfortable questions for Trick about her origins.
'Face Off' returns with masks, makeup and more
Contestant Rod applies makeup to his model in a “Face Off” challenge
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite sci-fi and horror characters are brought to life? From ghoulish zombies to extravagant superheroes, Syfy’s original unscripted elimination series “Face Off” offers a glimpse into the exciting world of special effects, prosthetics and makeup.
Q: Has Tim Curry done any musicals other than "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"?
He has, though of course none quite like it.
Curry made himself into a cult hero with his very first big-screen role, as the gender-bending Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the genre-bending musical sex-comedy "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in 1975.
None of his subsequent screen-musical work has been as famous -- arguably no screen musical in history has been as famous or influential -- but he has done some.
Burn Notice, on USA
When a civilian ends up over her head with a black market entrepreneur, the CIA enlists Fiona's help in breaking into a guarded safe. Sam and Jesse's search for an exceptionally skilled sniper leads them to a mercenary training camp.
American Hoggers, on A&E
Jerry ruffles Krystal's feathers when he puts Robert in charge of the family business. Later, Krystal tries to prove that she's the better candidate, but Robert isn't too happy when she challenges his newfound authority.
Q: I would like to know the name of the actor who does the Toyota commercials and a little something about him. I had heard that he was a roommate in college of some well-known star.
It's likely you're thinking of the ads featuring longtime comedic supporting man and improv-troupe member Pat Finn.
Finn worked with a few different improv-comedy groups in Chicago, including the famed Second City. Among his colleagues there were such future stars as "Saturday Night Live" alumni Tim Meadows, Tim Kazurinsky and Chris Farley.
Indeed, according to "People" magazine, Finn and Farley were best friends while they attended Milwaukee's Marquette University together.
Masterchef, on Fox
Renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot join restaurateur Joe Bastianich to judge some of the nation's most talented home cooks in new episodes of "Masterchef." Amateur cooks compete in challenges designed to test their skills and palette.
