This Week in Entertainment

By Louis Lesser     10/8/13 7:00pm

Pacific Rim

 

This love-it-or-hate-it film from director Guillermo del Toro (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) showcases a futuristic battle between colossal sea monsters and human-piloted robots, influenced by the works of filmmakers such as Ray Harryhausen (Clash of the Titans, 1981) and Ishiro Honda (Godzilla, 1954). The movie may have been more successful in foreign box office receipts than it was domestically, but it has developed a cult following. 

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Lightning Bolt

 Pearl Jam

 The 10th studio album from this'90s rock powerhouse is Pearl Jam's first new studio release in four years, featuring more of a punk-rock edge than in earlier music. With a darker, more atmospheric sound than Pearl Jam's previous efforts, the collection includes already-released singles "Mind Your Manners" and the Pink Floyd-inspired "Sirens," both of which have charted moderately on U.S. rock charts, as well as 10 other original songs.

Captain Phillips

 

Director Paul Greengrass, known for his films based on real-life events (United 93), directs Academy Award winner Tom Hanks (Cast Away) in the real story of Captain Richard Phillips, who was taken hostage by Somali pirates during the Maersk Alabama hijacking of 2009. The film, based on the captain's autobiography, has already earned strong reviews from critics, with many specifically praising Hanks in a comeback role. PG-13. 134 minutes. Also in Imax.

The Heat

 

One of the year's biggest comedies stars Sandra Bullock (Gravity) and Melissa McCarthy (Identity Thief) in a female buddy comedy. When an FBI special agent and a foul-mouthed Boston cop are made partners, they must learn to work together and overcome their differences in order to take down a notorious mob boss. Bonus features include exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries; several audio commentaries; and deleted, alternate and extended scenes.

Machete Kills

 

This sequel to cult action film Machete (2010) is, like its predecessor, directed, produced, written, filmed and edited by Robert Rodriguez (Grindhouse) and stars Danny Trejo (Spy Kids) again in the title role. In this follow-up, the protagonist is recruited by the U.S. president (Charlie Sheen, Anger Management) to stop a revolutionary arms dealer (Mel Gibson, Signs) from organizing terror riots across the globe. The film also features Lady Gaga's acting debut. R. 108 minutes.

Fortress

Alter Bridge

After transitioning into a complex and dark sound with its last album, hard rock group Alter Bridge returns with a similar effort that has thus far been met with effusive critical acclaim, with some calling it the band's best work to date. Lead single "Addicted to Pain" serves as evidence that the alternative metal collective has maintained its guitar-driven identity, and the album's success in Europe, where it has already been released, suggests that stateside fans are in for a treat.

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