DVD
'The Hurt Locker':
Most Iraq war movies elicit a shrug from audiences. But this look at an Army bomb squad isn't most Iraq movies. Right from the first scene, director Kathryn Bigelow draws you in with brutal realism and sets off a tension that lasts through the credits. She knows how to defuse what made those other films bombs: the politics and the moralizing. In stores Tuesday.
THEATER
'Young Frankenstein':
It's alive! Well, sorta. Mel Brooks' oft-panned Broadway show comes to Baltimore with most of the original cast (including Roger Bart of "Desperate Housewives" fame) along for the ride. Critics may have hated the goofy musical, but New York audiences ate it up, especially the sublime version of "Putting on the Ritz." Opens 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hippodrome.
Web: ticketmaster.com
RACE
AMA Arenacross:
The 1st Mariner Arena is ready to get dirty. This week, workers will pile more than 150 truckloads of dirt into the downtown venue. When they're done, organizers promise a "man-made dirt battleground" for the 16 daredevil motocross riders as they tear through the narrow lanes. Arenacross kick-starts its weekend-long run at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Web: www.baltimorearena.com
FILM
'A Single Man' :
Halfway through this heavy but elegant film comes the line: "Sometimes, awful things have their own beauty." Fashion designer-turned-director Tom Ford deftly weaves this '60s period drama of a college professor considering suicide after the loss of his lover. And if anyone could make this grim subject matter beautiful, it's Ford. In theaters Friday.
MUSEUM
'Da Vinci -- The Genius' :
Time is running out to catch the Maryland Science Center's homage to the quintessential Renaissance man. The show features more than 65 re-creations of da Vinci's pioneering inventions along with a scientific look at "The Mona Lisa."
On display through
Jan. 31.
Web: mdsci.org
THEATER
'Murder Ink':
Single Carrot Theatre reprises its popular dramatic readings of the City Paper column that tracks Baltimore's murder rate. Actors including Brendan Regan, below, will take turns reading details about the more than 200 murders that were reported last year. Show starts 7 p.m. Friday at Single Carrot.
Web: singlecarrot.com
CONCERT
Zappa plays Zappa :
Being Frank Zappa's son, he may have an unfair advantage. But Dweezil Zappa and company are one tribute band that doesn't have to struggle with authenticity. The guitar virtuoso returns to his dad's hometown to perform hits like "Peaches En Regalia" and "Catholic Girls." Show starts 8 p.m. Friday at Rams Head Live.
Web: ramsheadlive.com
POP MUSIC
Contra:
by Vampire Weekend:
Music fans either have a love or hate relationship with these guys. Reactions to the Ivy-league-bred band's bookish lyrics and Afro-Caribbean sound range from elation to disgust. While this sophomore effort won't change the haters' minds, it's got the base locked down. In stores Tuesday.
COMEDY
Colin Mochrie :
and Brad Sherwood:
These "Whose Line is it Anyway?" alums may get top billing, yet the audience is just as much the star here. Fans scream out ideas and even get into the act. But, thankfully, it's just Colin and Brad who walk blindfolded amid mousetraps. Show starts 8 p.m. Saturday at the Lyric.
Web: lyricoperahouse.com
TV
'Chuck':
After two seasons of being scared and hapless, accidental spy Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi, below) is getting a tough-guy upgrade. While there is a lot more punching and kicking, the show retains the droll mix of comedy and adventure that made it so endearing in the first place. Airs at 9 tonight on WBAL, Channel 11.