The ShowBuzz Weekly Forecast

This week, we've got Tony Bennett singing a set of new duets, we've got Janet Evanovich spinning another tale with a heroine who's full of fizz and vinegar, and there's still more new TV to sort out. And if you're looking for more than that, try Forest Whitaker wrapping his acting chops around dictator Idi Amin.

Or you can just go pick up the DVD set of the first season of "Mama's Family" and have yourself a bag of cheese curls.

MOVIES:

"The Last King of Scotland," with a fearsome performance by Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin, the former villainous dictator of Uganda, opens Wednesday. If you prefer your villains on the naughty-boy charming side, try Billy Bob Thornton in "School for Scoundrels," in theaters Friday.

If you have a hankering to see what happens when "An Officer and a Gentleman" gets married to "Top Gun" and they have a little movie baby, go see "The Guardian" and then tell us we're wrong. Kevin Costner plays the Louis Gossett role and Ashton Kutcher plays the Richard Gere/Tom Cruise role.

If you're up for a 'toon, try "Open Season," with cute woodland characters given voice by stars like Martin Lawrence and, yes, Ashton Kutcher.

TV:

Another reminder: The are being handed out Sept. 25. But season premieres are still the big news in TV land. Here's a rundown for this week:

Monday, Sept. 25: "Seventh Heaven" (The CW), "Heroes" (NBC), "Runaway" (The CW)

Tuesday, Sept. 26: "Gilmore Girls" (The CW), "Help Me Help You" (ABC)

Wednesday, Sept. 27: "One Tree Hill"

Thursday, Sept. 28: "Smallville" (The CW), "Ugly Betty" (ABC), "Supernatural" (The CW), "TNA: Impact!" (Spike TV)

Saturday, Sept. 30: "American Idol Rewind" (SYN)

Don't forget to make your predictions on which of the new TV shows will sink or swim! To take our quick polls, click here.

MUSIC:

It's a big week for fans of Tony Bennett, who's out Tuesday with "Duets: An American Classic." For a voice like well-aged brandy, you can't beat Bennett and this time around he's joined by fellow musical heavyweights like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Bono, Elvis Costello and Elton John. (He even sings "The Best Is Yet To Come" with Costello's significant other, Diana Krall.)

Love him or hate him, song satirist Weird Al Yankovic is out with "Straight Outta Lynwood" Tuesday with tracks like "Polerama" and "White & Nerdy" … He's a little bit country, to say the least. It's Alan Jackson and on Tuesday you can get his latest, "Like Red on a Rose" … Oh, yes, Janet Jackson is still making her music and here's proof: "20 Y.O." in stores Tuesday … Great balls of fire! Is that Jerry Lee Lewis? It sure is, and the new CD's called "Last Man Standing." … And a very interesting release comes from Paul McCartney, a collection of classical pieces titled "Ecce Cor Meum," which indicates it's for his own heart. He has said the music is for his late wife, Linda, and with the maelstrom that's been surrounding his personal life lately, that seems to make a lot of sense. And it probably makes for a deeply-felt listening experience. You can find out for yourself Tuesday.

BOOKS:

You probably know at least one person who's going to want to read this one: "U2 by U2" written by U2 with Neil McCormick. Band members, including the ever-articulate Bono, tell their own story, with manager Paul McGuinness speaking up, too, now and then. Publication date is Tuesday.

Bill O'Reilly is pretty articulate himself and for his new book, you only have to wait till Monday. It's called "Culture Warrior."

But just for a plain old good time, you've got a sure bet with "Motor Mouth" by Janet Evanovitch, who knows how to tell a story that keeps you up way past bedtime. She's bringing back feisty little blonde Barney, sexy NASCAR hero Hooker, and probably a load of tart dialogue and offbeat adventures. (If you've been there before in "Metro Girl," betcha can't wait.) It comes out Oct. 1.

THEATER:

Big news for Usher fans. He's already made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in "Chicago," a run that was to have ended Oct. 1. But now word comes that he'll stick around another two weeks, till Oct. 14.

Here's a good one if you live in Austria: "Rebecca," the 1938 novel by Daphne du Maurier made famous by Alfred Hitchcock's movie, will enjoy a new life Sept. 28, when the new musical by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay will have its world premiere at Vienna's Raimund Theatre.

DVD:

Who doesn't love "Curious George"? Well, a lot of people seemed to be put off by the idea of a big-screen version of the beloved monkey tales but it got pretty good reviews. When it comes out on DVD Friday, maybe you'll give it a whirl. (Hey, come on. Will Ferrell is in it.)

For those who seek monkeyshines of the more adult variety, there's "Whose Line Is It Anyway? — Season 1, Vol. 1 (Uncensored)". This is the American version hosted By Drew Carey.

And, finally, for a blast from the more obscure past, you can get your hands Tuesday on "Mama's Family: The Complete First Season," in which you get to see Vicki Lawrence dress up like a crabby old lady and bully the likes of Ken Berry and Dorothy Lyman.