US – Tuesday, February 9
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
My Books
The facets of Anne Frank and her diary
Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of  her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

 
Movies
Channing Tatum on love and war
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
 
Updated 18:01, June the 24th, 2007
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`Evan' can wait

No need to board this ark

DESPITE HAVING the usually hilarious Steve Carell as its leading man, “Evan Almighty” fails to induce much laughter. Trading in his seat in the news anchor chair for one in the halls of Congress, Evan is called upon by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an arc because … well, you know the story, right?

The gags - mostly centered around cute and highly trained animals - are the stuff of movies of the week on ABC Family, not a big-budgeted summer comedy featuring the star of “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”

The special effects are impressive, but even flashy visuals get washed away in the flood of mixed messages. In trying to play to both sides of the ideological fence, director Tom Shadyac and his team wound up landing squarely in the middle. Hard. Anyone who’s ever experienced that knows it’s an exquisite pain. To most anyone who isn’t a devotee of the “700 Club,” this god-awful movie will feel a lot like that.

 "Evan Almighty"
Genre: Comedy
Director: Tom Shadyac
Stars: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham
Rating: PG
Grade: 2 globes

 
 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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