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The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
Movies
The gangster of Hollywood
FEATURE. Johnny Depp doesn’t know what time it is. Though he technically calls an adorable village in France home and owns an island in the Caribbean, the mercurial actor spends so much time working that his internal clock is all out of whack.
 
 
Movies
Directorial debut is a shot at the ‘Moon’
INTERVIEW. When directors are limited to a $5 million budget and a 33-day shooting schedule, they usually won’t do anything too arduous — especially for their first films. But director Duncan Jones, 37, tells us that he “wanted to do something with ambition” for his debut flick. So instead, Jones, who is the son of David Bowie, decided to make the sci-fi adventure “Moon,” which opens Friday. The affable Brit explains how.
 
The Word
The Beckhams’ island getaway
GOSSIP. According to the Sun, David Beckham is planning a trip to Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island hideaway, to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary with Victoria Beckham. And the best part? It only costs $51,000 a night to have the whole island to themselves.
 
Movies
Bale does light-lifting
 MOVIES. Christian Bale is more relaxed than usual, and with good reason. The heavy lifting in promoting his latest film, “Public Enemies,” falls to Johnny Depp. For once, the success or failure of the movie doesn’t rest on Bale’s shoulders. There’s no talk of on-set outbursts or franchise potential. And for that, he’s grateful — and cheerful.
 
Published 23:33, November the 24th, 2008
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Great reads for the weekend

ROUNDUP. Spending the next few days with family members? Take our advice: retreating with a good book is the perfect excuse to get away from those inevitable awkward moments. Here are a few you can pick up —along with your Xanax prescription — before you hit the road.

1. ‘Somebody: The Reckless Life and Remarkable Career of Marlon Brando’
By Stefan Kanfer
Knopf, $27
This impeccably researched and totally readable book about the turbulent life of one of our greatest actors will distract you for hours. A bonus — Brando’s family life (his son killed his daughter’s lover) will make yours seem tame by comparison!

2. ‘Happy Hour Is for Amateurs: A Lost Decade in the World’s Worst
Profession’
by Philadelphia Lawyer
HarperCollins, $24
This over-the-top (seriously, some of the writing was almost too much to handle — but in a good way) memoir will make you feel much better after your parents spending three hours talking about why going to law school instead of playing in that “silly little band of yours” is a good idea for you.

3. ‘Everything but the Squeal: Eating the Whole Hog in Northern Spain’
By John Barlow
FSG, $25
Feeling gluttonous after consuming a whole Thanksgiving meal? Let writer John Barlow make you feel better. He wittily recounts his “porco-graphical tour” to try every part of the staple meat of Galicia. Like, every part. Trust us — it will make you feel OK about your third helping of deep-fried turkey legs.

4. ‘Twilight Saga Collection’
by Stephenie
Meyer
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $83
If the above fail, pick up this collection of the “Twilight” saga and spend the entire weekend in your room. Your family will talk, sure, but at least they won’t talk TO you.     

 
 
Music
MMMpod
The June edition of MMMpod features an interview with Perry Farrell on getting Jane's Addiction back together, as well as a talk with actor Ed Helms about his love/hate relationship with a capella music. We also have new music from Phoenix, Magic Magic, Lady Sovereign, and a classic from Booker T. & the MGs. As always, there's a chance to win a whole lot of free music.
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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