StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty PC game (Tue.)
The 12-year wait is overIt’s been 12 years since the original StarCraft 88, and PC gamers have been anxiously awaiting the sequel, which finally arrives on Tuesday. The three races from the original -- Protoss, Terran, and Zerg -- return in a game that relies heavily on multiplayer while delivering an experience that both old school and next-gen fans can enjoy. That means more real time strategy mixed with beautiful cinematics, and cutscenes that feature voiceover work from the likes of Battlestar Galactica’s Tricia Helfer. Just don't try playing StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty on a 12-year-old computer.
Get a sneak peak at the artwork and download a fansite kit at the official website.
Dinner for Schmucks (Fri.)
Just another schmuckSteve Carell (who recently announced that the next season of The Office will be his last) stars with Paul Rudd in this remake of the 1998 French film The Dinner Game 73, in which an executive must find the perfect guest to bring to a dinner of idiots. Rudd plays the exec and Carell is back to playing an eccentric character after a couple of not so great roles in Date Night and Get Smart. Advance buzz is quiet for Dinner for Schmucks (in theaters Friday), but appearances by Zach Galifiankis (The Hangover) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) could have people laughing loudly.
Meet various schmucks at the official film website, or read the first few reviews.
Rubicon series premiere (Sun.)
The conspiracy begins Though the pilot episode aired without much warning following the third season finale of Breaking Bad, viewers will be treated to the official debut (including that pilot plus a second episode) of AMC’s next original series beginning Sunday night at 8pm. Primarily centered around Will Travers (The Pacific’s James Badge Dale), an intelligence analyst dealing with the loss of his wife and son during the attacks on 9/11 who uncovers a possible conspiracy at his office think tank, the dark and moody drama Rubicon starts out slow but will hopefully kick into full gear once Miranda Richardson’s character (mostly absent in the pilot) joins the fray.
Bone up on your conspiracy theories on the official website.
Video Games Live concert airs on PBS (Sat.)
Playing the classicsFrom Super Mario Bros. to Castlevania to The Legend of Zelda to Final Fantasy, videogame music has always been a memorable and vital part of the gaming experience. The past few years have seen the success of concert series Video Games Live, a touring group featuring a symphony orchestra with choir and an interactive stage show playing videogame themes and scores. Now’s your chance to see this unique experience from your couch as PBS airs the group's first ever televised special on Saturday. Check your local listings for showtimes, as they may vary in your area.
Learn more about the project at the official VGL website.
Get Low (Fri.)
Low manBill Murray’s been up to more than just bashing Ghostbusters 3 lately; he’s also been flexing his indie acting muscles. Get Low stars Murray as opportunistic funeral parlor owner Frank Quinn, who sees a chance for a quick buck when town hermit Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) wants to hold a living funeral for himself. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the impressively cast film, which also features Lucas Black, Sissy Spacek, and Major Dad himself, Gerald McRaney, opens in limited release on Friday, and the early reviews are encouraging.
Get a taste of down-home whimsy and learn more about the movie at the film’s website.
Crazy for You by Best Coast (Tue.)
The sound of summerAfter a string of 7" blog-busters, the L.A. surf-pop duo Best Coast release their debut album Crazy for You on Tuesday. With lyrics replete with mentions of happiness, sun, and love and the girl-group-via-My-Bloody-Valentine vibes of lead single “Boyfriend,” Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno’s dreamy melodies provide a sweet feel-good record that’s perfect summer listening.
Check out tour dates and inner musings on their official website.
Closing the book on last week
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Most Popular Title on Metacritic.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Inception 74 | Week ending 7/24 | |
|
Weekend Box Office Champion (Estimated, U.S. only; source: Boxofficemojo.com) | |
| Inception 74 | $43.5 million; 2nd week at #1 | |
 |
#1 Album on Billboard 200 (Source: Billboard.com/Nielsen SoundScan) | |
| Eminem: Recovery 63 | 4th week at #1 | |
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Top-Rated Primetime Broadcast Show (Source: Nielsen) | |
| MLB All-Star Game (Fox) | 12.1 million viewers; week of 7/12-7/18 | |
