Movies The happiest time of the year is upon us. The folks at Pixar have cooked up another unlikely adventure with their new film, “Up.” Ed Asner provides the voice of the cranky old man whose dream is a life of adventure. After seeing the film at the Cannes Film Festival, the U.K. Telegraph wrote, “It's utterly delightful, certain to appeal to audiences young, old and all points in between.” This film will likely be one of the best of the summer. (Opens May 29.)
Sam Raimi takes a break from “Spider-Man” to direct “Drag Me to Hell.” This timely tale tells the story of a bank loan officer (Alison Lohman) who evicts an old woman from her home and finds herself the victim of a supernatural curse. There are a few CEOs who could use the Raimi cure for the recession blues. (Opens May 29.)
TV
When you invite cameras into your personal life, don't be surprised if they start revealing the not-so-camera-friendly side. Jon and Kate Gosselin have been making headlines lately not for raising their twins and sextuplets, but for allegations of cheating by both partners. TLC sent out previews of their other returning shows, but none of "Jon & Kate Plus 8," so even the critics will have to tune in to see how the controversy is addressed. ("Jon & Kate Plus 8" season premiere, May 25, 9 p.m., TLC.)
Say goodbye to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" this week. Leno is moving to a much-talked-about 10 p.m. slot while Conan O'Brien will be taking over the famed "Tonight Show" desk. Leno's final guests this week will include Prince, Mel Gibson, Billy Crystal and, in a neat bit of synergy, O'Brien himself. ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" finale, May 29, 11:30 p.m., NBC.)
DVD
It's been called "a real-life ‘M*A*S*H.’ Two-time Oscar-winning director Terry Sanders went to Iraq and Afghanistan to shoot "Fighting For Life," a documentary that takes viewers inside the operating rooms both on the front lines and at U.S. military medical facilities. The Village Voice calls it “staggeringly affecting." Actor Tom Hanks says of the combat medics, "Some of them are funny. Some are good-looking. Some are modest. Some are filled with hubris. They are all heroes." (Out on DVD May 26.)
Music Mandy Moore gets less poppy and more intimate with her new album, “Amanda Leigh.” “The music is all a reflection of me now, not somebody else’s choices,” Moore told Men.Style.com. No word on whether new husband Ryan Adams had an input on the album. Moore did say that he is teaching her how to play guitar. (On sale May 26)
Brooklyn indie favorites Grizzly Bear are back with a new album, “Veckatimest.” In a review of the CD, Spin magazine wrote, “Steeped in Wilco's bittersweet Americana, and adding a northeastern gothic twinge, Grizzly Bear sound like they're trying to break your heart.” (On sale May 26)