'Legally Blonde'Sun., April 26, 1PM on Comedy
What It's About: A sorority queen (Reese Witherspoon) enrolls in Harvard to prove to her former boyfriend that she has more than good looks.
What The Critics Said: 'Blonde' earned pretty decent grades from the critics, with high marks going to Witherspoon's Golden Globe-nominated performance.
We Say: Witherspoon's 'Blonde' moment is reason enough to see this charming -- albeit fluffy -- comedy. The Oscar winner shines in a true breakout performance that helped launch her career into movie super-stardom. Our verdict: A must-see.
Rent It on Netflix | Buy It on Amazon
'An Officer and a Gentleman'
Mon, April 27, 5PM on AMC
What It's About: A hardened loner (Richard Gere) shapes up for a military drill instructor (Louis Gossett Jr.) and a factory girl (Debra Winger) from town.
Number of Oscars: 2. 'Gentleman' took home Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Gossett Jr.) and Best Original Song ('Up Where We Belong') in 1982. But despite four additional nods, including one for Debra Winger (Best Actress), Gere was once again overlooked by the Academy. Talk about a dishonorable discharge.
We Say: 'Gentleman' is the ultimate fairy tale story of the '80s -- a whimsical and genuinely romantic movie that is every bit as sweeping as its iconic final scene. The pic also features a classic Richard Gere performance, which means ladies will want to report for duty ASAP.
Rent It on Netflix | Buy It on Amazon
'American Gangster'Tue., April 28, 10PM on Cinemax
What It's About: A Harlem mobster (Denzel Washington) combines ingenuity and strict business codes to dominate organized crime, while a veteran cop (Russell Crowe) searches for a way to bring him down.
Fun Fact: Ruby Dee's five-minute-plus performance earned nabbed her first -- and only -- Oscar nomination.
We Say: 'Gangster' runs a bit long, and doesn't quite stack up against the rest of director Ridley Scott's filmography ('Alien'; 'Blade Runner'; 'Thelma & Louise';) But it's worth seeing if only for the head-to-head performances by Washington and Crowe, who turn in some of their best work in years.
Rent It on Netflix | Buy It on Amazon
More flick picks of the week:
'The Bourne Ultimatum'
Wed., April 29, 7:30PM on HBO
'Bend It Like Beckham'
Thu., April 30, 9PM on Lifetime
'Hustle & Flow'
Fri., May 1, 7PM on MTV
'Dr. No'
Fri., May 1, 8PM on TCM
'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' (HBO premiere)
Sat., May 2, 8PM on HBO
'Sexy Beast'
Watch anytime on AOL TV
Check out our TV calendar for more movies on TV.
Top TV Headlines
ABC Renews 'Grey's,' 'Betty' and Others
ABC has given an early pickup to a whopping 12 series. Among the shows coming back next season include 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Desperate Housewives,' 'The Bachelor' and 'Ugly Betty,' a show once rumored to be getting canceled. Meanwhile, decisions have yet to be made on newbie series like 'The Unusuals,' 'Better Off Ted' and 'In the Motherhood,' according to the Hollywood Reporter. So much for a fresh start. (April 24)
ABC
'Heroes' Faces Cutbacks
TV fans may be seeing a little less of 'Heroes' next season. Ad Age reports NBC is considering cutting back on the show's fourth season episode order. This would potentially bring the number of new episodes down to 18 to 20 -- a noticeable downgrade when compared to this season's 25-episode order. Sources also say the network may air the eps closer together to prevent any storyline interruptions. Guess NBC is no longer holding out for a 'Hero.' (April 24
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'Grey's' Replaces Cuoco
'Big Bang Theory' star Kaley Cuoco will not be part of the 'Grey's Anatomy' season finale, scoops the Ausiello Files. A rep for Cuoco says a "publicity committment" got in the way of the role, which will now be played by 'The OC''s Shannon Lucio. However, sources now claim CBS "didn't want one of their biggest stars appearing on one of ABC's biggest shows." That's one 'Theory,' anyway. (April 24)
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Fox TV Has a 'Breakdown'
Fox TV Studios is planning to bring 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' to the small screen, says the Hollywood Reporter. Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar (pictured) will executive produce the series, said to be about a group of middle-aged suburban women who start planning the latter half of their lives. No word on when the series will officially debut. (April 24)
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'Millionaire' Returns to Prime Time
ABC wants to be a 'Millionaire' again. TV Week reports the revolutionary game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' will return for a limited run in August to celebrate its upcoming 10th anniversary. Host Regis Philbin is also on board for the revival, which will air two nights a week from Sun., Aug. 9 through Sun., Aug. 23. That's their final answer. (April 23)
ABC
Shepherd to Appear on 'Friday Night SmackDown'
Sherri Shepherd is throwing her hat into the ring. Newsday reports the 'View' co-host will stop by 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown' for a special appearance, airing May 1 on MyNetworkTV. No word on whether she'll actually wrestle. But after all the smackdowns she's faced on 'The View,' we think she'll do just fine. (April 23)
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Wood Sinks Teeth Into 'True Blood'
Evan Rachel Wood is joining the cast of 'True Blood.' Wood will play Louisiana vampire Queen Sophie-Ann, scoops the Ausiello Files, said to be a "500-year-old vampire from France." For now, Wood is reportedly booked for two episodes, set to air near the end of season 2, premiering Sun., June 14 on HBO. Should be a bloody good time. (April 23)
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Gorham Back for More 'Betty'
Christopher Gorham is returning to 'Ugly Betty,' reports the Ausiello Files. Gorham will once again play Henry in the May 21 season finale, where he and his new girlfriend agree to go on a double date with Betty and Matt. The setting: a Mets game, meaning viewers should brace themselves for a real double header. (April 23)
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VH1 Double Books Dr. Drew
Get ready for more Dr. Drew. According to Variety, VH1 has ordered eight episodes of 'Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew,' a new series about people suffering from sexual compulsion. Meanwhile, the network has also renewed 'Celebrity Rehab' for a third season -- part of a big renewal order that includes more seasons of 'Brooke Knows Best,' 'Tool Academy' and 'I Want to Work for Diddy.' Look for Dr. Drew to talk about 'Sex' in the fall. (April 23)
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'Tori and Dean' Returns in May
'Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood' has found a premiere date. The Tori Spelling-Dean McDermott vehicle will officially bow on May 26, marking its fourth season on Oxygen, according to Variety. Welcome 'Home.' (April 24)
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