New Releases for the week of February 5 - 11
Trolls
Two decades after their escape from the clutches of the villainous Bergens, the bright-haired and perpetually cheerful Trolls are found by their old enemies. When the Bergen Chef (Baranski) captures a number of Trolls and takes them back to Bergen Town to be eaten, Troll princess Poppy (Kendrick) sets out on her own to rescue them, despite being urged by the grey and gloomy Troll Branch (Timberlake) to keep herself safe. Soon, Branch joins her on her dangerous quest, and together the pair of Trolls begin a mission not only to rescue their friends, but to teach the Bergens how to feel happiness.
Directors: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn. Stars: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christine Baranski, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand. 2016. 92 min. Animation.
Almost Christmas
It's only been a year since his wife's death, and widower Walter (Glover) wants only one thing for Christmas: for his whole family to come together and enjoy the holidays like they used to. His kids are all grown up now, and come with their own baggage and problems. Cheryl (Elise) is successful, happily married and doesn't get on with her younger sister, the recently divorced and financially struggling Rachel (Union). Christian (Malco) is running for Congress and can't seem to put his cellphone down, while youngest child, Evan (Usher), is an athlete struggling with an addiction to pain medication. As Christmas Day draws ever closer, it's Aunt May's (Mo'Nique) sense of humor that helps them set aside their problems and come together as a family.
Director: David E. Talbert. Stars: Danny Glover, Kimberly Elise, Mo'Nique, Romany Malco, Jessie T. Usher, Gabrielle Union. 2016. 111 min. Comedy.
American Pastoral
Swede (McGregor) and Dawn (Connelly) Levov become increasingly worried about the radicalization of their teenage daughter, Merry (Fanning), during the Vietnam War. When a large bomb is set off, killing a man, Merry is named as the prime suspect and disappears, sending Dawn into a spiral of anguish and Swede on a desperate search to find his missing daughter.
Director: Ewan McGregor. Stars: Ewan McGregor, Jennifer Connelly, Dakota Fanning, Rupert Evans, Peter Riegert. 2016. 108 min. Drama.
Squad goals: 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' celebrates 400 episodes
Kelli Giddish, Ice T, Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza and Peter Scanavino star in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
Late Laughs for the week of February 5 - 11, 2017
Conan
CNN is reporting that the Russians have disgusting and damaging information about Donald Trump. Apparently, the Russian report on Trump contains "everything we already know."
Republican Sen. Rand Paul said that this week he will introduce a GOP replacement plan for Obamacare. The new comprehensive health initiative will be called "Don't Get Sick."
Squad goals: 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' celebrates 400 episodes
Kelli Giddish, Ice T, Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza and Peter Scanavino star in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
Windy City law: NBC unveils the newest instalment of its Chicago franchise
Philip Winchester stars in "Chicago Justice"
Ransom, on CBS
Crisis negotiator Eric Beaumont (Luke Roberts) uses his knowledge of human behaviour to get through to dangerous criminals in this new episode. Inspired by actual events, the drama follows Beaumont as he and his team tackle difficult cases no one else can.
Rosewood, on Fox
Rosewood (Morris Chestnut) and Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) are pulled into the inner circle of a former child star following a strange death in an empty high-rise in this new episode. Gabrielle Dennis and Lorraine Toussaint also star.
Q: Who does the voice over/announcing for Judge Judy's show?
Perhaps doing the announcing for one of the most popular court shows of all time pays really well, or perhaps voice work is just a part-time thing for him, but "Judge Judy" announcer Jerry Bishop doesn't have many other credits to his name.
He's been the invisible voice of the show since it premiered in 1996, his smooth tones providing a nice contrast to Judge Judith Sheindlin's ... sharper ones for 20 years.
The countdown begins: A new hero emerges in the premiere of Fox's "24: Legacy"
Corey Hawkins stars in "24: Legacy"
