Hitting the theaters
Playing May 1 – May 9
88 Minutes – A forensic psychiatrist is threatened by a man condemned for serial killing based on his testimony. Starring Al Pacino, Alicia Witt and Neal McDonough. Crime thriller, R.
Baby Mama – When a successful single woman (Tina Fey) discovers she is infertile, she hires a single woman to be her surrogate (Amy Poehler. Comedy, PG-13.
The Forbidden Kingdom – A band of martial arts warriors (including Jackie Chan and Jet Li) take an American teenager who is obsessed with kung fu under their wings. Action, PG-13.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall – Peter (Jason Segal) can’t get over his ex-girlfriend (Kristin Bell), especially since she is a popular TV star who is getting a lot of press. He goes to Hawaii to get away. Also starring Mila Kunis and Paul Rudd. Comedy, R.
Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay – The pot-smoking duo Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) try to escape authorities who suspect them of being terrorists when they try to sneak a bong on a flight to Amsterdam. Comedy, R.
Iron Man – A wealthy industrialist (Robert Downey, Jr.) is forced to build an armored suite after a life-threatening happening, so he decides to use it to fight against evil. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges. Action, PG-13.
Made of Honor – After years of playing the field Tom (Patrick Dempsey) has finally realized he is in love with his best girlfriend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan). When he finally gets ready to reveal the truth to her, she announces she is engaged to another man and wants him to be her maid of honor. Romantic comedy, PG-13.
Married Life – In this 1940s drama, an adulterous man plans to murder his wife rather than putting her through the humiliation of a divorce. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Patricia Clarkson. PG-13.
Nim’s Island – A girl (Abigail Breslin) lives alone on an island with her father (Gerard Butler) and communicates with the reclusive author (Jodie Foster) of a book she is reading. Fantasy, PG.
Prom Night – Donna (Brittany Snow) wants to make her prom the best night of her life, but a killer from her past gets in the way. Also starring Jonathon Schaech. Horror, PG-13.
Street Kings – A veteran LAPD (Keanu Reeves) officer fights the cop culture after his wife dies and he is accused of killing a fellow officer. Also starring Forest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie. Drama, R.33
Hitting the couch
Movies out on DVD May 6
P.S. I Love You – When a man knows he is dying, he leaves behind 10 messages for his widow to help her start a new life without him. Starring Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and James Marsters. DVD and Blu-ray.
I’m Not There – In this tribute to Bob Dylan directed by Todd Haynes and written by Todd Haynes and Oren Moverman, six different characters take on the role of folk musician at different times in his life. While the cast included Heath Ledger, Kris Kiristofferson, Richard Gere and Christian Bale, critics largely agreed that Cate Blanchett stole the scenes. On DVD.
Twister – First released in 1996, this tornado-chasing thriller is being released for home viewing with a little extra punch. The movie follows divorced couple Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) and Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) who keep running into each other as they study the weather-related phenomena. They have to put their differences aside when their lives are in danger. On Blu-ray.
Teeth – This film directed and written by Mitchell Lichtenstein enjoyed only a small theatrical release, but has become a cult favorite among some groups. In the story, a high school girl who is attacked by men finds her body has a unique self-defense. Starring Jess Weixler, John Hensley and Josh Pais. On DVD
The Business of Being Born – Director Abby Epstein worked with Ricki Lake to investigate the business behind birth by following several couples as they prepare for the birth of their child. It discusses the reasons why the United States has the second-highest infant mortality rate of any industrialized nation and some of the other options, such as midwives, used in other cultures. On DVD.
Serial Mom – What would you do if your sweet, mild-mannered mom suddenly went on a rampage. Chip (Matthew Lillard) and Misty Sutphin (Ricki Lake) find out in this campy comedy from director John Waters. When Beverly Sutphin (Kathleen Turner) snaps, no one is safe in their suburban world. On DVD.
Television series released May 6
The 4400 The complete fourth season – When 4,400 people who have been missing from as long ago as the 1940s suddenly appear in the woods near Seattle, the government quickly quarantines them (season 1). Now that it is well-known that the 4400, as the group has been dubbed, have special powers the fight between those who believe humans need the powers to survive and those who think the powers will destroy them continues in season 4.
Bewitched The complete sixth season – The story continues in this 1960s sitcom with the release of season six. Darrin Stephens, an advertising executive, falls for a beautiful woman who turns out to be a with. Samantha tries to give up her background as a witch but with a twitch of her nose, trouble ensues.
Crossing Jordan season 1 – Jordan Cavanaugh is a forensic pathologist who often goes beyond her job as a medical examiner to solve crimes. Her father is a disgraced former detective who helps her figure out the killers with a role-playing game. They are both haunted by the murder of her mother.
