"Rescue Me" (TV)

Season 4 of "Rescue Me" is now on DVD and I couldn't wait! This is an excellent show. Original episodes appear on the channel FX, but I don't have cable/sat. Denis Leary is a New York firefighter who is battling multiple demons -- alcohol, drugs, infidelity and the ghosts of fellow firefighters who died September 11, including his close-as-brother cousin. By Season 4, he is trying out clean and sober with OK results. I have to say, I think I liked the first three seasons better although this one still holds up well. Maybe I just like the drunk and drugged out Tommy Gavin better? A lot of folks compare this to "The Sopranos" and I can see similarities: very flawed main characters, a terrific large ensemble cast with story lines of their own and great writing with very creative cursing and insults (my favorite). If you liked "The Sopranos," you will probably like "Rescue Me." But "Rescue Me" is by no means an imitation and has a lot to offer on its own. *****

"Control"

Even if you don't know Joy Division, you can still enjoy "Control." And if you do like Joy Division, you'll like it even more! But basically, this is not meant to be a biopic of the band or even the lead singer, Ian Curtis. It's more of a story about a young guy trying to find his way, creatively and emotionally. Although it's a depressing topic (Curtis killed himself at 23), the movie actually had some pretty funny moments -- the guy playing the band's manager has some really good lines. This is definitely not "La Bamba" or "Walk the Line"; more "The Committments" or "Pollack" vibe than anything else. *****

Across the Universe

If you love the Beatles, you'll like this movie. And if you love the Beatles, you'll hate this movie. "Across the Universe" uses Beatles' songs in this modern-day musical, set in the 1960s. If the idea of "Rent"-type productions numbers to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" has you shuddering, don't watch! I'm a Beatles fan and was wary, but it was actually pretty enjoyable. I won't be rushing to watch it again, but it was actually pretty interesting how the lyrics were interwoven with the storyline so well. It made me appreciate even more the timeless lyrics and melodies those fab four dudes produced. If you liked the movie version of "Rent" or even maybe "Dreamgirls," you'll probably like this. *****