Lots of good releases this week in video games, including the latest installment of "Guitar Hero." Meanwhile, Bloc Party's latest leads the way among the new CD releases. And if you want something to do on Halloween besides eat candy, check out the hip-hop show at the Illini Union Courtyard Café, starring Krukid, Sense L, Manifest, and Supastition.

MOVIES OPENING IN C-U THIS WEEK

"Zack and Miri Make a Porno"
Rated R, dir. Kevin Smith
Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are longtime friends who are both in need of money. The two decide to make a pornographic film together to fix their financial situations, but things get complicated when the two begin to wonder if they might be more than just friends.

"The Haunting of Molly Hartley"
Rated PG-13, dir. Mickey Liddell
After being brutally attacked by her mother, 17-year-old Molly Hartley (Haley Bennett) is trying to fit in as the new girl at the school her father moved her to. While still trying to cope with the emotional wounds, Molly begins to exhibit signs of mental illness. As if this weren’t enough, she also has to escape a series of people who believe they must kill her before she can be haunted by the devil.

Laura’s Pick: "Zack and Miri" looks like it's a step above "Molly Hartley," but I still haven't seen "Pineapple Express," so I'm a bit behind on Seth Rogen movies. I'm probably going to miss out on this particular sexually themed comedic romp. Unless you're a big fan of that kind of thing, save your money.

NEW CD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Intimacy"
Bloc Party
This British indie-rock band are releasing their third album, so naturally I'm psyched! The first album, "Silent Alarm," was a major success and has been featured on multiple TV shows, such as "The OC." Bloc Party have a unique style. Their second album, "A Weekend City," was made with electronic and R&B influences, most notably in the song "Flux." Fans are avidly awaiting this album, which is supposed to be even more experimental, with trumpets and electronics.

"Off With Their Heads"
Kaiser Chiefs
Each time I catch a Kaiser Chief song I become more and more impressed. The first song I heard by them was "Ruby." I was extremely impressed by this upbeat rock tune! At the time, the only thing I would listen to was the Vitamin String Quartet. Since "Ruby," I have become an avid follower of this British rock band. Even when I am unimpressed by one of their songs, such as "Na Na Na Na Naah," there is always a good song to make up for it, such as "Modern Way." Give this CD a listen! The band decided to cancel many U.S. tour dates to write it, and their work shows. The single, "Never Miss a Beat," featured on their new album is especially good. It's a bit more electronic and mellow than previous songs, neither upbeat nor intense. It's different, but in a good way.

"Evolver"
John Legend
The king of R&B, John Legend is releasing his third album. Finally! After hearing "P.D.A," I have become a die-hard fan. I really can't wait to see what he is up to this time, but whatever it is, his loyal fans will make it a hit. I am always impressed with Legend. His own albums are great and so are his collaborations! From T.I. to Fergie to The Black Eyed Peas, John Legend does it all perfectly.

"A Hundred Million Suns"
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol were always decent in my mind. "Chasing Cars" and "You're All I Have" were good, but I felt they were overplayed on the radio. They are not even representative of their "Eyes Open" album, which is definitely not my favorite. I still do not understand why "Chocolate" is considered to be such a good song. But, Snow Patrol redeemed themselves when I heard "You Could be Happy" off their "Eyes Open" album. While I am not sure that "A Hundred Million Suns" will be as good as many expect, I am sure there will be at least a few amazing songs that I will love for many years to come.

"4.13 Dream"
The Cure
"Friday I'm In Love" is among the songs I listen to every week, no kidding. It's a good song, but it just makes me happy. It's sweet and upbeat and it makes me think of the '90s. Ah yes, when homework was never so bad! I am really excited for this next album; I have been anticipating it eagerly.

Eleni's Pick: I’m really impressed with the CD selection this week; any album would do for me. But if I must chose one, it would be Bloc Party. I’m very curious to see Bloc Party’s latest experimentation, and also because Bloc Party suit any mood or occasion. The Cure and John Legend also look quite tempting!

NEW DVD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Elite Squad"
Rated NR, dir. Jose Padilha
The "Elite Squad" is a true story about two childhood best friends who have always done everything together. While in college, they enlist in Rio de Janeiro’s military police department in order to crack down on drug crimes. We are taken through the streets of Brazil to see the underground drug trade and the effects on those associated with the business and those who try to stop it.

"Zombie Strippers"
Rated R, dir. Jay Lee
When the government unleashes a secret, deadly chemo virus at a strip club, the outcomes are pretty intense. A stripper becomes infected with the virus, and as a consequence she becomes the hit of the club! How will her co-workers react when they find out how to become a successful stripper?

"Death Defying Acts"
Rated NR, dir. Gillian Armstrong
Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, this film is set in 1926, where we follow the life of Harry Houdini. Many describe Houdini as a "tortured soul." At the height of his career, his mother's ghost haunts him because he never heard her dying words. So, he offers a reward of $10,000 to anyone who can make contact with his mother beyond the grave. The mysterious Mary McGregor and her sidekick daughter, Benji, offer to help him with his little problem. What begins, as a con, ends as a tangled love affair.

Eleni’s Pick: My pick would have to be "Elite Squad." "Zombie Strippers" seems a little too ridiculous for my taste, while "Death Defying Acts" seems a little too confusing. "Elite Squad" makes for the perfect intense and informative film, not a dry documentary.

NEW VIDEO GAME RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Fallout 3"
Bethesda Game Studios
You live in a fallout shelter in Washington D.C in the year 2277. The U.S. has been reduced to wastelands and society has been decimated. One day, your father disappears and you must venture out into and explore the wastelands to find him. "Fallout 3" costs $59.99 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and $49.99 for the PC.

"Little Big Planet"
Sony Computer Entertainment
In this puzzle platformer game, players are given the option to "play," "create," and "share." "Play" allows players to control small characters and navigate through levels, while "create" gives gamers the opportunity to make their own levels and customize their characters. Finally, "share" lets players trade their created material with other people. "Little Big Planet" costs $59.99 for the PS3.

"Guitar Hero World Tour"
Activision
The latest "Guitar Hero" installment now features drum and microphone controllers in addition to the guitar. Players will also be able to create new songs with the drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, and rhythm guitar. "Guitar Hero World Tour" costs $59.99 for the Xbox 360, PS3, $49.99 for the Wii and for the PS2.

"Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3"
Electronic Arts
Red Alert! Three supernations are now at total war. The game features the Allied Nation, Empire of the Rising Sun, and the Soviet Union. "Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3" costs $49.99 for the PC.

Gordon’s Pick: All these games are excellent, so it really depends on what type of game genre you prefer. "Fallout 3" is a must-have for anyone, and only gamers who absolutely hate RPG games shouldn't get it. Strategy gamers will love "Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3." If you have the money and are still not over the "Guitar Hero" and "Rockband" hype, "Guitar Hero World Tour" is worth investing in. Finally, creative thinkers will enjoy toying around with the many customization features available in "Little Big Planet."

PERFORMANCES IN CHAMPAIGN-URBANA

Halloween Hip-Hop Show
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Courtyard Café, Illini Union
$5; $3 with student ID
Hip-hop show with local rapper Krukid, along with Sense L, Manifest, and Supastition from Chicago, Ghana, and North Carolina, respectively.

OneRepublic
7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27
Assembly Hall
$30; $25 with student ID
Pop/rock stars OneRepublic perform hits like "Apologize." Special guests include Augustana, The Spill Canvas, and The Hush Sound.

Laura's Pick: It should be noted that the Halloween Show will be on Green Street on Halloween at night, and there was a schoolwide e-mail regarding a threat of violence involving that area that should be taken into consideration. I personally will not be attending because it’s Halloween and I like candy, but it should be great music. I think OneRepublic is lame, but obviously their fans will be enticed by the upcoming show, even if it's $25 and on a school night.