What's new in entertainment
By Compiled by JAMES FRANKLIN, McClatchy Interactive
(McClatchy) - A look at what's new in movies, books, music, television, video games and DVDs for the weekend.
MOVIES:
"ABANDONED"
A horror film about an American woman who inherits a house in remote Russia that was left to her by her long-lost birth parents. When she visits the place she encounters a man who claims to be her brother, and the two discover the house holds some pretty grisly secrets. Starring Anastasia Hille, Karel Roden, Paraskeva Djukelova and Carlos Reig. Directed by Nacho Cerda. Released by Lions Gate and AfterDark Films. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
This film was not available for review.
"THE ASTRONAUT FARMER"
Billy Bob Thornton stars as a man named Charles Farmer who has the long-held dream of becoming an astronaut. So Farmer builds a homemade rocket to launch himself into space, with his family serving as mission control on the ground. Alarmed at the risks he's taking, the government tries to stop him, but Farmer's determined to somehow achieve liftoff. With Virginia Madsen, Bruce Dern and Tim Blake Nelson. Directed by Michael Polish. Released by Warner Bros. Rated PG.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"This movie works precisely because it's bereft of modern cinema's cynicism."
-Robert Wilonsky, The Village Voice
"'Astronaut' often is too corny for its own good."
-Sura Wood, The Hollywood Reporter
"THE NUMBER 23"
Jim Carrey takes on a serious role in this supernatural thriller about a man who receives a book that appears to be about his own life, and is even more alarmed to discover that the book describes him committing a murder some time in the near future. With Virginia Madsen, Logan Lerman, Danny Huston and Rhona Mitra. Directed by Joel Schumacher. Released by New Line Cinema. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"There's a mess of things wrong with this suspense thriller. Start with the fact that it's neither suspenseful nor thrilling."
-Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"Noirish fantasy sequences and red herrings galore fail to enliven this straight-faced but silly exercise."
-Justin Chang, Variety
"RENO 911! MIAMI"
The incompetent cops from Comedy Central's "Reno 911!" hit the big screen as they try to foil a terrorist plot to disrupt a police convention in Miami but, as always, they probably manage to make things even worse. Starring Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Niecy Nash, Cedric Yarbrough, Carlos Alazraqui, Mary Birdsong and Wendi McLendon-Covey. Directed by Robert Ben Garant. Released by Paramount. Rated R.
Official movie site
What the critics say:
"Unusual for this misfit crew, the shot pretty much hits its intended target."
-Michael Esposito, The Chicago Tribune
"(The movie) will suffice for fans hungry for new material and tired of waiting for the show's fourth season to end or the fifth to start."
-Dan Zak, The Washington Post
OPENING IN LIMITED RELEASE (check local listings):
"AMAZING GRACE"
A historical drama about 18th-century politician William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd), who led the fight in the British parliament to abolish slavery with the help of a motley group of allies that included a remorseful ex-slave ship captain (Albert Finney). With Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Rufus Sewell, Romola Garai and Michael Gambon. Directed by Michael Apted. Released by Roadside Attractions/Samuel Goldwyn Films. Rated PG.
What the critics say:
"'Amazing Grace' is a beautifully chiseled blunt instrument. No, its not subtle, but how -David Edelstein, New York Magazine
"The movie sings an old tune ... and it leaves the blood unstirred."
-Gregory Kirschling, Entertainment Weekly
Join the discussion
The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.




















My Yahoo
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@