Movies opening in C-U

“Cloverfield” (Rated PG-13, dir. Matt Reeves)
A monster the size of a skyscraper descends upon New York City, and a video camera captures the attempts of one group of young Manhattanites to survive the nightmare.

“Mad Money” (Rated PG-13, dir. Callie Khouri)
In this whimsical crime caper, Queen Latifah, Diane Keaton, and Katie Holmes play three unlikely friends who plot to rob one of the most secure banks in the world.

“27 Dresses” (Rated PG-13, dir. Anne Fletcher)
Katherine Heigl (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Knocked Up”) stars as Jane, a perennial bridesmaid who is forced to reexamine her life when her younger sister begins dating the man of Jane’s dreams.

“Atonement” (Rated R, dir. Joe Wright)
Set in World War II-era England, "Atonement" is the story of 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony (Saoirse Ronan), who inflicts an unforgivable injustice upon the lover of her sister (Keira Knightley). Note: This movie has been in limited release since Dec. 7 and opened in C-U on Friday, Jan. 11.

“The Kite Runner” (Rated R, dir. Marc Forster)
Khaled Hosseini's novel about friendship, betrayal, and life in war-torn Afghanistan gets the Hollywood treatment in "Finding Neverland" director Marc Forster's adaptation. Note: This movie has been in limited release since Dec. 14 and opened in C-U on Friday, Jan. 11.

Kumars’ Pick: “Atonement” is almost certainly the best of the lot in theaters this week, but I’m not going to lie — the trailers and hype for “Cloverfield” have got me itching to see this reinterpretation of “Blair Witch” as a monster movie. Really, though, “Atonement” is the one to see.

CD releases this week

Raheem DeVaughn, “Love Behind the Melody”
The self-titled “R&B Hippie NeoSoul Rockstar” Raheem DeVaughn, currently on tour with Jill Scott, releases his second studio album.

The Magnetic Fields, “Distortion”
The New York based rock/indie synth-pop band, led by singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt, release their ninth studio album.

Ringo Starr, “Liverpool 8”
Twelve songs co-written and performed by the former Beatle showcase his musical talent that made him the most famous drummer in the world.

Laura’s Pick: None of this is really my thing. Raheem DeVaughn looks like he has potential, but that’s just because I trust Jill Scott.

DVD releases this week

“Good Luck Chuck” (Rated R, dir. Mark Helfrich)
When Charlie (Dane Cook) discovers that every girl he sleeps with finds true love with his immediate successor, he gains a reputation as a “good luck charm” that gets him ungodly amounts of action. Despite all of the sex, Charlie is unable to find what he wants most — love — until he meets Cam (Jessica Alba), an accident-prone penguin specialist he is determined to keep.

“Mr. Woodcock” (Rated PG-13, dir. Craig Gillespie)
Seann William Scott stars as John Farley, the successful self-help author who returns to his hometown only to discover that his mother (Susan Sarandon) is dating the man who subjected him to boundless physical and psychological torment — his high school gym teacher (Billy Bob Thornton).

Kumars’ Pick: In conclusion, your new release options this week are comprised of the insufferable Dane Cook and the slightly less insufferable Stifler — erm — Seann William Scott. The fact that Susan Sarandon hasn’t been hot for a good 20 years allows the Jessica Alba-assisted “Chuck” to barely edge out “Mr. Woodcock” for the title of Kumars’ Pick, an honor which as of today has officially lost all meaning.

Video game releases this week

“Samurai Warriors: Katana” (Koei)
The popular series of ancient Japanese warfare and hack-and-slash game play continues on the Wii. Unlike the previous games, all fighting actions are carried through by performing various actions on the Wii remote and nun chuck. “Samurai Warriors: Katana” costs $49.99 for the Wii.

“FlatOut: Head On” (Warner Bros.)
Known for its wide use of physics in vehicle damage and collisions, this demolition derby-style racing game is all about being as destructive as you can. Rag-doll physics are also present, allowing the player to see how far he or she can toss drivers out of their cars after large crashes. The game costs $29.99 for the PSP.

“Furu Furu Park” (Taito)
Inspired by classic Taito arcade games, this compilation game contains a collection of 30 various mini-games for the Wii. Each mini-game requires the player to use the Wii remote and nun chuck to complete the game. “Furu Furu Park” costs $19.99 for the Wii.

Gordon’s Pick: Another week of bad games that aren’t worth the buy. The rest of January doesn’t look very promising either …

Local shows this week

Weapons of Mass DisFunktion
7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, Iron Post, 120 S. Race St., Urbana, $3
Featuring Dave Dickey on trombone, the local funk and fusion jazz band will feature new tunes on Wednesday at the Iron Post.

Afterglow: Nathaniel and Friends, featuring Barrington Coleman and Ron Bridgewater
10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, free
Trumpeter Nathaniel Banks, saxophonist Ron Bridgewater, and pianist Barrington Coleman bring their sounds of smooth jazz to the Stage 5 cabaret in the Krannert lobby.

Laura’s Pick: It’s too bad the fascist doormen (slight exaggeration) at the Canopy Club won’t let me see Agent Mos, Krukid, and Cornbread on Wednesday. … But come check out the jazz, both Wednesday and Friday. As senior Angie Jin says, “People need to broaden their horizons.”