This Week in Entertainment
Trilogy (The Weekend) - While primarily a compilation of mastered songs from the break-out R&B artist's mix-tapes, the debut studio album also features new tracks, including "Valerie," "Twenty Eight" and "Till Dawn (Here Comes the Sun)." The Weekend has already made a positive impression on the music scene: He has collaborated with fellow Canadian Drake and Wiz Khalifa and his concert tour has sold out arenas across the United States. The Weekend's soulful, seductive sound should satisfy electronic and R&B fans and sustain his pattern of critical acclaim.
Skyfall - The 23rd film in the James Bond series marks the third appearance of Daniel Craig as Agent 007. Reviewers have already hailed the thrilling installment as one of the best, if not the best, movies in the franchise. The plot follows Bond as he investigates an attack on MI6 headquarters. He soon discovers the attack was part of a greater plot to attack the director of the agency, M (Judi Dench, Shakespeare in Love). Having already set box office records internationally, Skyfall expects to pack theaters nationwide as the first major blockbuster of the fall. (PG-13, 143 min., also in IMAX)
Brave - The newest release from animation powerhouse Pixar is also the first fairytale produced by the studio, not to mention its first project with a female protagonist. The movie tells the story of Merida, a princess who would rather make her mark as an archer than as a royal. When a clash with her mother compels her to make a reckless decision, Merida must lift an ancient curse as she attempts to set things right. Bonus Features include deleted and extended scenes, audio commentaries and a new short film, The Legend of Mor'du. (PG, 93 min., Available on DVD and Blu-Ray)
King Animal (Soundgarden) -The sixth studio album for the seminal grunge rock band marks the newest material from the band since 1996's Down on the Upside. Though the 16-year hiatus is the longest gap to date between the band's work, the band returns with its signature combination of compelling lyricism and mesmerizing melodies. If its first single, aptly titled "Been Away Too Long," is any indication of what to expect from the band's newest track list, Soundgarden should expect to not only excite old fans but also to gain new fans from a younger generation of listeners.
Lincoln - Based on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lincoln chronicles the final four months of the life of the 16th President of the United States. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film features an all-star cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood) as Lincoln, Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters) as his wife Mary Todd and Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men) as congressional leader Thaddeus Stevens. Brimming with prestige and media hype, this film will inspire both Oscar discussion and patriotism. (PG-13, 150 min.)
Sweet Tooth (Ian McEwan) - The return of the acclaimed author of Atonement follows Serena Frome, a student noted for her beauty and intelligence, as she is recruited by MI5, a British Intelligence Agency. Through an operation codenamed "Sweet Tooth," the agency wishes to manipulate society by funding writers whose politics are in line with those of the British government. Serena is considered to be the perfect candidate for the job, but when love derails her from the operation, tension and chaos ensue.
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