The man behind the magic: Adrien Brody headlines History's 'Houdini' miniseries
Adrien Brody stars in “Houdini”
He was known as Harry Houdini -- the master of illusion, the greatest escape artist of all time. He was larger than life and seemingly invincible. He could wriggle and writhe his way out of a straitjacket or a pair of handcuffs with ease, even when he was upside down.
Yet what's most often forgotten is that he was human, too.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, on NBC
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning host Jimmy Fallon welcomes Chris Colfer and Halle Berry to the show with his signature brand of comedy, alongside his sidekick and announcer Steve Higgins and his house band The Roots. Florida Georgia Line performs.
Q: Is there any future plan for the return of "Memphis Beat"? It really was a good series.
I commend you on your patience and your enduring affection for a show that's been gone for three years, which is longer than it lasted on air.
Of course, a cop show with a strong Elvis Presley theme (the episodes were named after Elvis songs) was bound to inspire that kind of loyalty.
But not enough people were inspired by "Memphis Beat" to make it worth TNT's while to keep. It was canceled after its second season in 2011.
Q: Is there any future plan for the return of "Memphis Beat"? It really was a good series.
I commend you on your patience and your enduring affection for a show that's been gone for three years, which is longer than it lasted on air.
Of course, a cop show with a strong Elvis Presley theme (the episodes were named after Elvis songs) was bound to inspire that kind of loyalty.
But not enough people were inspired by "Memphis Beat" to make it worth TNT's while to keep. It was canceled after its second season in 2011.
Modern Family, on ABC
In this rebroadcast, Phil (Ty Burrell) plans a huge surprise for Claire (Julie Bowen) for their 20th wedding anniversary while the family is at the school fair. Unbeknownst to him, Claire has a big surprise planned for Phil at home.
4th and Loud, on AMC
Despite distractions and players clashing, everyone's pleased that the home opener proved a successful venture in this new episode. The series follows the coaches and players of the LA KISS arena football team as they navigate their inaugural season.
America's Next Top Model, on CW
It's crunch time for the contestants in a new episode of this reality competition series. The hopefuls vying for a spot in the Final 14 are put to the test when they have to model different seasons in a short period of time. Tyra Banks hosts.
Late Laughs for the week August 24 - 30
Jimmy Kimmel Live: Jimmy Kimmel
Tonight we had the two-hour finale of “The Bachelorette,” and that was followed by the one-hour “After the Rose” special, and that was followed by the “Oh My God -- Did We Really Just Get Engaged on a Reality Show” post-show.
Andi narrowed her harem of hunks down to Nick V. and Josh M. I still maintain that when you have to use a last initial, that means you're dating too many guys named Josh and Nick.
The Doctor is in: BBC America welcomes back 'Doctor Who'
Peter Capaldi stars as the Twelfth Doctor in “Doctor Who”
The Doctor is in: Is it really any surprise that a program about a Time Lord is timeless?
That's right, the eighth season of the revived "Doctor Who" is landing, and with a new Doctor occupying the TARDIS, the premiere is promising to be a doozie.
New Releases for the week of August 24 - 30
Blended
Midway through a terrible blind date, single parents Lauren (Barrymore) and Jim (Sandler) quickly learn that they’re not remotely interested in one another. When they each sign up separately for a family vacation in Africa with their kids, the two are horrified to learn that fate has brought them back together, and they're forced to share a suite for a week at a luxurious family resort. Though they initially can’t stand each other, an attraction begins to form as the families spend more time together, and the kids experience the positive effects of their respective parents’ budding relationship.
Director: Frank Coraci. Stars: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Kevin Nealon, Terry Crews, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Joel McHale, Abdoulaye NGom, Jessica Lowe, Bella Thorne, Emma Fuhrmann. 2014. 117 min. Comedy.
The Normal Heart
In early-1980s New York, Ned Weeks (Ruffalo), an outspoken gay activist, watches as a mysterious disease claims the lives of his friends in his tight-knit community. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is growing, but no one in a position of power is paying any attention. In order to garner more recognition, Weeks helps establish the Gay Men's Health Crisis, a community organization that raises awareness for HIV/AIDS, but soon, his abrasive approach and penchant for loud confrontations leads to disagreements within the organization that may undermine its mutual goal.
Director: Ryan Murphy. Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Julia Roberts, Alfred Molina, Joe Mantello, Jonathan Groff, Denis O'Hare, Stephen Spinella, Corey Stoll, Finn Wittrock, BD Wong. 2014. 132 min. Drama.
The Double
Simon (Eisenberg) lives a timid, unassuming life as a clerk in a government agency. He is often overlooked at work, taunted relentlessly by his mother and rejected by the woman of his dreams. Simon is stuck in a rut, that is until his world takes a thrilling turn with the arrival of his new co-worker, James (Eisenberg), who is his exact physical double and opposite. As James slowly begins manipulating Simon’s life and gets everything Simon never had, Simon is pushed to the brink of a mental breakdown.
Director: Richard Ayoade. Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn, Yasmin Paige, Noah Taylor, James Fox, Cathy Moriarty, Chris O'Dowd, Sally Hawkins. 2013. 93 min. Thriller.
Belle
Inspired by the 1779 painting once attributed to Johann Zoffany, the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Mbatha-Raw) unfolds in 18th-century England. Born in the West Indies, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy officer is brought to Kenwood House estate in London to live with her uncle, Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson). Though the attitudes of the time cast her as an outsider, Belle is raised as an aristocrat and, as she grows up, she helps shape a movement to end slavery in England.
Director: Amma Asante. Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Sam Reid, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Matthew Goode. 2013. 104 min. Drama.