Movies
George Clooney for president! In "Ides of March," one of the most-anticipated movies of the year, Clooney plays a presidential candidate who seems to have everything going for him. Idealistic employee Ryan Gosling sure thinks so, until, like everything in politics these days, things start to go bad. In addition to starring, Clooney directed and co-wrote the film. What can't he do? He probably could run for president, and win. (Opens Oct. 7.)
If you like "Battlebots" and "Rock Em Sock Em Robots," you'll probably love "Real Steel." Hugh Jackman plays a washed-up boxer in a time when human fighters have been replaced by giant pummeling robots. But instead of going all "Transformers" with the special effects, this looks to be a family film. Jackman's character and his son restore a 'bot that's been thrown out as junk and try to get him to the championship. Awesomely named review site Badass Digest calls the film "Rocky with rivets." (Opens Oct. 7.)
TV
"Pop Up Video" is back! It's hard not to love these music videos when they're paired with cute little pop-up messages. Admittedly, not all of the messages on past videos are that edifying ("Some of these dancers were nervous about working with Madonna") but some are actually educational or entertaining ("The band didn't play any instruments in the '1999' video — Prince played them all.") Get poppin'. (Oct. 3, noon, VH1.)
"American Horror Story" may be one of the most-anticipated shows of the new season. Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott move into a decaying mansion and as we all know, those places always have haunted goings-on. TV Guide's Matt Roush tweeted after watching the pilot, "'American Horror Story' is laughably, memorably, audaciously nuts." We think he means that in the best possible way. Set your DVRs now!(Oct. 5, 10 p.m., FX.)
DVD
Remember when families would gather around nature shows? You can do that this week by renting or buying the DVD of "African Cats," a Disneynature film. There are two stories in the documentary, one following the competition between rival lion prides and the other at a brave cheetah family. You may find yourself looking at your own little yard leopards with new respect. (Out on DVD Oct. 4.)
Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is TODAY.com's movies editor.