MoviesSome horror movies have acid-bleeding aliens, mummified mothers and armies of hungry zombies. In 2007, "Paranormal Activity" had ... doors that closed on their own. Things that go bump in the night. And in a heart-stopping final scene, one tremendous body toss. But it also sent viewers out of theaters freaking out about the safety of their homes — looking under beds and into closets, leaving the lights on all night long. Now the sequel, "Paranormal Activity 2," is here, and the uber-creepy trailer shows both a baby and a dog apparently in danger, the two groups of beings who are usually thought of as off-limits for horror flicks. Is there a word that means both "can't wait," and "but I'm not sure I can stand to watch it"? (Opens Oct. 22.)
Will the new film "The Company Men" hit too close to home? Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones play three co-workers who lose their jobs and must redefine their lives, not just as employees but as men. Affleck's character loses his six-figure corporate job and instead begins to work helping his brother-in-law (Kevin Costner) install drywall. (Opens Oct. 22.)
TV
"World's Toughest Fixes" ends the season by taking a look at what's behind the making of a water ride. This reality show is fascinating, and in light of the amazing Chilean miners' rescue, we have even more unmitigated respect for those who are able to build and repair large and dangerous equipment. (Oct. 21, 8 p.m., National Geographic Channel.)
It's TV theme song night on "Dancing With the Stars" this week. With three TV stars, this was a natural. We can only hope that Florence Henderson gets into the polyester flower-prints of the '70s and boogies down to "Here's the story ... of a lovely lady." We're also hearing that Kyle Massey and Lacey Schwimmer will be dancing to the "Charlie's Angels" theme song. Once upon a time there were three little girls who went to the police academy... (Oct. 18, 8 p.m., ABC.)
Ungood undancer is sent packing on 'Dancing'
Host Jon Stewart and comedians Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey and Steve Carell are just some of the comics performing at "Night of Too Many Stars." The performers are raising money to ease the shortage of education programs for children and adults with autism. (Oct. 21, 9 p.m., Comedy Central.)
DVD
"Jaws" made moviegoers stay out of the ocean, but years before, Alfred Hitchock's "Psycho" made them stay out of something even more vital — the shower. "The Psycho Legacy" is a two-disc DVD that explores the historic horror movie. Star Anthony Perkins is interviewed and there's also a tour of the creepy Bates Motel. (Out on DVD Oct. 19.)
The breathtaking "Oceans," Disneynature's extraordinary journey under the sea, is now on DVD. Pierce Brosnan narrates the film, but the true stars are the sharks and fish and turtles and eels and other water residents who hardly seem to notice the cameras. Unlike other reality stars, say, Snooki. (Out on DVD Oct. 19.)