IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Best bets: Carell voices supervillain in 'Despicable Me'

MoviesThink about Steve Carell's voice, especially as he plays Michael Scott on "The Office." Rich. Gentle. Cajoling. Sure, his character can be stupid at times, but he doesn't sound like you imagine a supervillain would sound. But Carell may have just the right blend of humor and self-confidence to voice Gru, the world's No. 2 supervillain and the star of 3-D animated film "Despicable Me." Gru ha
/ Source: TODAY.com

Movies

Think about Steve Carell's voice, especially as he plays Michael Scott on "The Office." Rich. Gentle. Cajoling. Sure, his character can be stupid at times, but he doesn't sound like you imagine a supervillain would sound. But Carell may have just the right blend of humor and self-confidence to voice Gru, the world's No. 2 supervillain and the star of 3-D animated film "Despicable Me." Gru has plans to move himself up to the top spot in world villainy when he gets tangled up with three orphan girls who want him to adopt them. Other voices include Jason Segel, Julie Andrews and Russell Brand. (Opens July 9.)

Predators ... in ... SPACE! That had to be an unbeatable pitch for the folks behind "Predators," the latest film in the series about the creepy aliens that went after Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura back in 1987. Now they have much wimpier prey — Adrien Brody and Topher Grace. The plot drops those two and other stars on the Predator home planet, which serves as a game reserve for Predators to practice their human-hunting skills. It's the opposite of a chick flick or a period drama, this is one of those summer-only action flicks you'll have fun seeing, but forget tomorrow. My only question: How is this movie not in 3-D? (Opens July 9.)

TV

"The Choir"
has captivated Britain, but can it leap the ocean and interest U.S. audiences? This documentary series follows real-life choirmaster Gareth Malone as he tries to transform a novice school choir into one that can shine at a global competition in China. It sounds to us like the real-world version of "Glee." (July 7, 10 p.m., BBCA.)

Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals surprised many on "Dancing With the Stars" when he not only came across as a fun and entertaining guy, but a decent dancer, too. Now Ochocinco is looking to win something more valuable than that old mirror ball trophy. He's got his own dating show, "Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch." Supposedly the show will use March Madness-style brackets to sort out the lucky (?) ladies. (July 11, 9 p.m., VH1.)

DVD

Entertainment Weekly splashed Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" across a recent cover with the headline, "The Hottest Book on the Planet." The trilogy of books that began with "Tattoo" has already been made into three Swedish films, but of course, Hollywood can't leave well enough alone — there will be an American remake as well. But forget about that. Instead, rent or buy the Swedish original, which earned four stars from Roger Ebert. The esteemed critic wrote that title character, Lisbeth Salander, "is as compelling as any movie character in recent memory." (Out on DVD July 6.)

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is msnbc.com's movies editor. You can follow her at www.popculturejunkmail.com or www.genxtinct.com.