'The Pianist'Sun., Mar. 8, 8PM on IFC
What It's About: Polish Jew Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody) survives five years in the Nazi-controlled Warsaw ghetto during World War II.
Fun Fact: Brody shocked everyone by beating Oscar-winners Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Daniel Day-Lewis and Jack Nicholson to become the youngest Best Actor recipient ever.
We Say: Given the talent behind this film, it's no wonder 'The Pianist' pulled off so many upsets on Oscar night. It was a major comeback for Roman Polanski, whose quiet and reflective direction here will take you back to the days of 'Chinatown' and 'Rosemary's Baby.' But the heart of 'The Pianist' is Adrien Brody. Brody carries the film in a true breakthrough performance -- one that is somber, touching and ultimately Oscar-worthy.
Add to Netflix queue | Buy from Amazon
'Harold and Maude'
Mon., Mar. 9, 11:45PM on TCM
What It's About: A 20-year-old heir (Bud Cort) with a death wish meets a 79-year-old free spirit (Ruth Gordon) who knows how to live.
Fun Fact: Following 'Harold and Maude,' director Hal Ashby went on direct such '70s classics as 'Bound for Glory,' 'Being There' and the Oscar-winning 'Coming Home.'
We Say: Despite rather serious subject matter, the dark humor featured in 'Harold and Maude' makes it one of the most hilarious movies ever. As an added bonus: Cort and Gordon have indelible chemistry together, which will both tug at your heart and have you rooting for the unlikeliest of pairs.
Add to Netflix queue | Buy from Amazon
'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead'Tue., Mar. 10, 10PM on TMC
What It's About: Events spiral out of control when a man (Philip Seymour Hoffman) ropes his brother (Ethan Hawke) into a scheme to rob their parents' jewelry store.
What The Critics Said: Critics loved Sidney Lumet's crime drama, calling it one of his best movies in years.
We Say: The critics were right: 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead' is a tightly-wound thriller that features -- among other things -- a terrific ensemble that includes Hawke, Hoffman and a rather, um, revealing performance by Marisa Tomei.
Add to Netflix queue | Buy from Amazon
More movies picks of the week:
'Inside Man'
Wed., Mar. 11, 8PM on BET
'Grease'
Thu., Mar. 12, 7:30PM on ABC Family
'Double Indemnity'
Fri., Mar. 13, 8PM on TCM
'Minority Report'
Sat., Mar. 14, 12PM on TNT
'Nim's Island' (HBO premiere)
Sat., Mar. 14, 7:15PM on HBO
'Someone Like You'
Watch anytime on AOL TV
Find more movies on TV using our TV listings.
Top TV Headlines
Hughley Breaks Bad News
D.L. Hughley is switching gears at CNN. His show 'D.L. Hughley Breaks the News' is ending so the host can be permanently based in L.A. with his family, according to EW. However, Hughley isn't leaving CNN entirely: The funnyman will reportedly stay on as a contributor from Los Angeles. Talk about breaking news. (March 6)
Getty Images
TBS Cuts 'Frank TV''s Signal
'Frank TV' has been cancelled, reports Broadcasting Cable. TBS has decided to pull the plug on the sketch comedy series, which hasn't seen a new episode since Nov. 11. On the bright side: star Frank Caliendo will continue his role on Fox NFL Sunday thanks to an additional two-year contract. So only a couple of yards lost. (March 6)
TBS
'Seinfeld' Meets 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
'Seinfeld' is about to have a reunion of sorts. According to Variety, the show's four main stars -- Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander and Michael Richards -- are gearing up for a multiple episode gig on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' Specific details have yet to be revealed, but we bet it'll be a slew of episodes about nothing -- not that there's anything wrong with that. (March 6)
Getty Images
McCarthy joins 'Gossip Girl' Spin-off
'80s heartthrob Andrew McCarthy has booked a role on the upcoming 'Gossip Girl' spin-off. He'll play Lily's (Brittany Snow) music-exec father, reveals the Hollywood Reporter, making us all feel just a little bit older. (March 6)
Getty Images
Margulies Finds 'Good' Role
Julianna Margulies has snagged a leading role in 'Good Wife,' scoops the Ausiello Files. Margulies will reportedly play a politician's wife who works as a defense attorney in the drama airing on CBS. No objections here. (March 6)
Getty Images
Haley Becomes 'Human Target'
Oscar nominee and 'Watchmen' star Jackie Earle Haley is set to co-star in Fox's 'Human Target.' Haley joins Chi McBride and Mark Valley in the comic book adaptation, reports the Hollywood Reporter, scheduled to air on Fox. (March 6)
Getty Images
Chenoweth, Garber Added to 'Glee'
Broadway veterans Kristin Chenoweth and Victor Garber are joining the cast of 'Glee,' scoops the Ausiello Files. Chenoweth will play a "top secret" part on the Fox musical-dramedy series, while Garber will play dad to another Broadway star: actor Matthew Morrison. The pilot will air May 19 after an episode of 'American Idol,' according to EW. Gives 'Pushing Daisies' fans something to sing about. (March 5)
Getty Images (2)
'Osbournes' Lands Premiere Date
Fox's 'Osbournes: Reloaded' will officially premiere Tue., Mar. 31 at 9PM, reports Variety. From then on, the variety series will air periodically throughout the season, including one week where it will pre-empt 'Fringe.' Talk about fringe benefits. (March 5)
Related Links
Getty Images
ABC Names New 'Bachelorette'
Jillian Harris is the next 'Bachelorette,' E! confirms. Harris, who finished third on the last season of 'The Bachelor,' will star in her own spin-off set to premiere May 18 on ABC. Poor Melissa -- doesn't she really deserve this? (March 5)
ABC
Brady to Guest on 'Entourage'
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is about to give acting another try. Brady will guest on an upcoming episode of 'Entourage,' reveals E!, where he'll play himself in a celebrity golf tournament. The episode is scheduled to film next week. (March 5)
Getty Images
Add your comments