Armed only with his mysterious mental connection to the feral minds of studio executives, the Movie Guru reveals just how good or bad this week's new releases will be:

Being Julia (R)
Annette Bening is a successful 1930s stage actress who falls into a dramatic affair with a young American. But her devices turn to revenge when she realizes he’s using her to advance the career of a starlet.
Now Showing: Downtown West

Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason (R)
The first Bridget Jones movie was charmingly foible-filled, from Bridget’s drunken attempts at karaoke during the office party to the unforgettable fire pole scene. Renee Zellweger packed on a few pounds and aced her role as the quirky Brit chick. The sequel is sure to see Bridg through more hysterical embarrassment and romantic blunders while choosing between her two cute British blokes played by Hugh Grant and Colin Farrell (sigh).
Now Showing: Halls Cinema 7, Farragut Towne Square, Knoxville Center, Wynnsong 16, Foothills 12, Tinseltown USA

Enduring Love (R)
A hot-air balloon accident witnessed by happy couple Joe and Claire (Daniel Craig and Samantha Morton) changes their lives forever when fellow witness Jed (Rhys Ifans) shows up at their door and declares his love for Joe. The psychological thriller is directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill and Sliding Doors) and based on a novel by Ian McEwan.
Now Showing: Downtown West

National Treasure (PG)
Ben Gates (Nick Cage) descends from a long line of men whose job it is to guard the national treasure. Pieces of the treasure map are cleverly hidden within the contents of the Declaration of Independence and even on the face of the dollar bill. When Ben gets wind that someone is making plans to steal the historical document and claim the treasure, Ben decides he must steal it himself, to ensure the treasure’s safety.
Now Showing: Halls Cinema 7, Farragut Towne Square, Knoxville Center, Wynnsong 16, Foothills 12, Tinseltown USA

SpongeBob SquarePants (PG)
SpongeBob and his starfish pal Patrick are on the hunt to reclaim King Neptune’s crown. Along the way, they must dodge harrowing sea creatures and a hit-man (Alec Baldwin), even a live action David Hasselhoff. Scarlett Johansson and James Earl Jones both stop in to lend their voices. The best reason not to miss this film? Avril Lavigne sings the SpongeBob theme song, while SpongeBob dances a jig.
Now Showing: Halls Cinema 7, West Town Mall, Farragut Towne Square, Carmike 10, Foothills 12, Tinseltown USA

Undertow (R)
The third feature by David Gordon Green (George Washington and All the Real Girls) is a tale of two young brothers growing up in rural Georgia.
Now Showing: Downtown West

Surprising Development

It’s nice when a television show gets its just desserts. It isn’t fair for programs to face cancellation because of a poor time slot or stiff competition. But even with exceptional acting and first-rate writing, a show can’t rely on its merits to guarantee survival.

And decent network programming is rare, especially comedy. A handful of current shows meet the bill and have endured, improving instead of weathering: The Simpsons, Scrubs and, thankfully, Arrested Development.

Development was almost cancelled after its first season, but Fox execs believed in the quirky program enough—without the ratings to warrant another season—to extend it a second chance. Following its approval for a stay, Development was nominated for seven Emmy awards and was recognized with five.

A DVD treatment of season one was rushed into the hands of its cult following shortly after the broadcast conclusion—with roughly nine hours worth of episodes and extras.

The show revolves around the wealthy Bluth family, recently driven to relative poverty with the arrest of its head George (Jeffrey Tambor), a business mogul, for questionable practices. Michael (Jason Bateman), the most responsible of the eccentric bunch, is charged with handling the company and championing the family, while its other members adjust to life without the company credit card.

The supporting cast members (Will Arnett, David Cross, Portia de Rossi, Tony Hale, Jessica Walter) work together like cogs with impeccable comedic timing, delivering brilliant lines with straight-faced sincerity. Its characters are wonderfully self-absorbed parodies brought to life by actors that embellish each quirk and flaw with affection. And Development uses a reality TV approach to exaggerate its rapid-fire punchlines by balancing comedy with a documentary taping style (with narration by producer Ron Howard).

After an episode or two, it’s tough not to get wrapped up in the absurd lives of the Bluth family and to wonder where creator Mitchell Hurwitz found the inspiration.

—Clint Casey

November 18, 2004 * Vol. 14, No. 47
© 2003 Metro Pulse