MOVIES OPENING IN C-U THIS WEEK

"American Gangster" (Rated R, dir. Ridley Scott)
Denzel Washington stars as real-life mob kingpin Frank Lucas, the man who ruthlessly redefined the drug trade in the United States through his visionary global heroin network — attracting the attention of lawman Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe).

"Bee Movie" (Rated PG, dir. Stephen Hickner & Simon J. Smith)
This animated romp features the voice of legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld as a bee who decides to sue the human race for stealing the honey of his bumble brethren.

"Martian Child" (Rated PG, dir. Menno Meyjes)
John Cusack stars in this comical farce about a recently widowed science-fiction novelist who adopts a child who claims he is from Mars.

Kumars’ Pick: This one is obvious. I suppose the other films present clever premises, but there’s no way to compete with “American Gangster.” The impressive cast, prerelease hype (Jay-Z will release his “American Gangster”-inspired LP on Nov. 6), and Ridley Scott’s sensational consistency since returning from his '90s doldrums all point to what is sure to be, at the very least, a stellar viewing experience. I’m so excited, I don’t even care that Boardman's Art Theatre isn’t releasing anything new this weekend.

NEW CD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

Mario, “Go”
After multiple postponements, Mario’s new album, “Go,” will hit stores this week. The record will feature collaborations with Rich Boy and Juelz Santana, as well as tracks produced by everyone from The Neptunes to Timbaland.

Saves The Day, “Under The Boards”
This seasoned emo group drops their second album in a trilogy about self-discovery. While this record is set to be the darkest of the three, following the adage of “things getting worse before they get better,” it will feature a variety of tunes, including the band’s self-proclaimed heaviest and poppiest songs yet.

Eagles, “Long Road Out Of Eden”
Country-rock legends Eagles release their first album in nearly 30 years. “Long Road Out Of Eden” was nearly six years in the making and will show off the band’s brand-new material as well as older work (such as “How Long,” a track written and performed by the band in the ‘70s). Fans be aware: You might want to purchase the record directly from Eagles’ Web site — your only alternative for the first year after the album’s release is to buy from Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club.

Erin’s Pick: Eh. I usually don’t relate so much with present-day R&B, so the Mario record is out the window for me. To Saves The Day: Just no. And, no offense to the hordes of Eagles fans out there (all their records so far have gone platinum at least once), all the clips I’ve heard off “Long Road Out Of Eden” make me feel like I’m being fenced into small-town, white America. That makes me a little uncomfortable. But, hey, that’s probably just me. If you’re into that sound, go for it.

NEW DVD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"El Cantante" (Rated R, dir. Leon Ichaso)
Hollywood lovebirds Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony star in the true story of legendary Puerto Rican crooner Hector Lavoe, who inspired a generation of Puerto Ricans in America to embrace their heritage and culture.

"License to Wed" (Rated PG-13, dir. Ken Kwapis)
Pop star Mandy Moore and John Krasinski (the American version of “The Office”) star as a couple who can’t get married until their kooky pastor (Robin Williams) deems them fit to wed.

"Captivity" (Rated R, dir. Roland Joffe)
Fashion supermodel Jennifer Tree (Elisha Cuthbert) is the object of desire for many — but someone’s desire goes too far when Jennifer is drugged, captured and subjected to her twisted captor’s arsenal of sick torture methods.

Kumars’ Pick: Let’s do some math. “El Cantante” = Jennifer Lopez + Boy Toy = Crap (I cite “Gigli” as evidence that this rule should apply to all J-Lo + hubby collaborations). "Captivity" = “Hostel” – exotic Eastern European setting = Crap (not that “Hostel” was great anyway). “License to Wed” = Crap (have you seen the trailer?!). Therefore, your time > watching any of these.

LOCAL SHOWS & CONCERTS

Friday, Nov. 2: Red Herring Fall Benefit, 6 p.m., Red Herring, $6 ($5 with costume).
The Red Herring, a nonprofit vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Urbana, has fallen under some hard times and needs some improvements for its kitchen. To remedy this, it is hosting a benefit show which, for an extra 5 bucks, will include a vegetarian dinner. The show features Kenny Knowles, The Pony Tales, Bobby Russel, Glasseye Jack, Charles Joseph Smith, Kate Hathaway, Zmick, Yeni Raki, and Krukid.

Saturday, Nov. 3: Me Him & Charlie Miller, 9 p.m., Iron Post, $5.
As Me Him & Charlie Miller approach the status of “local mainstays” — they’ve got gigs every Friday at The Office — they make time in their schedule to play a show at the Iron Post.

Sunday, Nov. 4: Mike Mangione, 8 p.m., Iron Post, cost TBA.
Chicago up-and-comer Mike Mangione brings his soulful folk-rock to Champaign-Urbana.

Erin’s Pick: The Red Herring Fall Benefit sounds awesome. I would enjoy checking it out. Yeni Raki is playing, and their music is definitely sweet. Go to their MySpace page and listen to “As I Go Along.” They’re pretty darn good (plus, they’re amusingly honest: “If you have gotten a free demo you'll notice its title has nothing to do with our music; that's because we pretty much drink beer and write different things on all the demos”). And all the money goes to a good cause. Also, I kind of need to see Me Him & Charlie Miller. I went camping with Charlie Miller once. He’s a cool guy, and he got a tattoo on his shoulder in homage to Hendrix. Anyway, they play shows all the time, and I still haven’t gotten around to going to one. I don’t know if I’ll make this one either. It’s just a general thing on my to-do list.

NEW VIDEO GAME RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

“Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” (Activision)
The ever-popular Guitar Hero series returns with “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock,” a music video game that simulates the playing of rock music on a guitar. “Guitar Hero III” features new characters, wireless guitars, and a new multiplayer mode called Battle Mode, where two players will have the ability to perform eight different attacks against their opponents. Adding to its songs list, “Guitar Hero III” introduces "Paint It Black" (The Rolling Stones), "Cherub Rock" (Smashing Pumpkins), "Sabotage" (Beastie Boys), "The Metal" (Tenacious D), and "My Name is Jonas" (Weezer). “Guitar Hero III” costs $79.99 on the PC, $59.99 on the Xbox360 and PS3, $49.99 on the Wii and PS2. The game does not come with the guitar with the exception of the PC.

“Clive Barker’s Jericho” (Codemasters)
This release is a first-person horror shooter. You play as the Jericho Squad, a seven-man team of super soldiers whose primary goal is to eliminate the First Born, a creation of God that went wrong. In the Jericho Squad, each member has a special ability, such as healing, slowing time, and creating shield barriers. In the storyline, the Jericho Squad goes through time to the World War II, Crusade, Roman, and Sumerian eras in order to slay the First Born. On the way, there will be many gruesome creatures of the First Born that you will have to deal with. “Clive Barker’s Jericho” costs $59.99 on the Xbox360 and PS3 and $49.99 on the PC.

“Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Ratchet the Lombax and Clank the Robot come to the PS3 in the sixth installment of the Ratchet & Clank series, “Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.” This is a 3D platformer/shooter that follows much of the same game play as the previous games, with the addition of playing as new characters, minigames, and an arsenal of new weapons. “Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” costs $59.99 on the PS3.

Gordon’s Pick: “Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” and “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” are both excellent games that came out this week. For those who have a PS3, “Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” is a must-have, while almost anyone can enjoy the awesome feeling of being able to play rock music on a guitar in “Guitar Hero III.”