The ShowBuzz Weekly Forecast

This week's highlights include the MTV's Video Music Awards hosted by Jack Black, the release of Jessica Simpson's new album "A Public Affair," and the season finale of "Rescue Me" on FX.

MOVIES:

"Lassie," a heartwarming remake based on the classic book, movie and TV series, hits theaters Sept. 1. Samantha Morton, Peter O'Toole and fresh-faced newcomer Jonathan Mason star in the film which was shot on location in Scotland and England.

Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear star in "Invincible," the true story of Vince Papale, a substitute teacher/bartender with no prior football experience who tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles. It's released nationally on Sept. 1.

Also in theaters nationally on Sept. 1, "Trust the Man," a romantic comedy from writer/director Bart Freaundlich, is a tale about the challenges two modern New York City couples face. The film stars David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, Billy Crudup, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.2

Ed Burns, Rachel Dratch, and Eric Krumholtz star in "Looking For Kitty," which hits theaters Sept. 1. Burns directs the film about a high school coach (Krumholtz) who is trying to track down his wife who has run off with a musician.

Neil LeBute's "The Wicker Man" is a modern take on the 1973 cult hit about a sheriff (Nicolas Cage) and his search for a missing girl.

MUSIC:

Jessica Simpson's "A Public Affair" hits stores this week. Her first post-Lachey album features 12 tracks, nine of which she co-wrote.

"Modern Times," Bob Dylan's first new album in five years (which People magazine gives 4 out of 4 stars), will be available on Aug. 29. Rolling Stone calls the album's opening song "Thunder on the Mountain," "rollicking blues you've heard a million times before and yet which magically seems to announce yet another 'new' Dylan."

Hip-hop band, The Roots', follow up their 2004 album "The Tipping Point" with a new release, "Game Theory," available Aug. 29.

TV:

Jack Black hosts MTV's Video Music Awards airing live at 8 p.m. on Aug. 31. "My plan is to bring the thunder," Black said. "I've got my top men working on it as we speak, in my thunder laboratory. Radio City Music Hall will never be the same."3

Stars such as Cheech Marin, Lucy Lawless and Alfonso Ribeiro will step up to the mic on Simon Cowell's new reality show, "Celebrity Duets," which premieres Aug. 29 on FOX.

Two reasons to be sad: Denis Leary didn't win the Emmy for best actor in a drama and Rescue Me's season finale airs at 10 p.m. on Aug. 29.

One of the more unique reality offerings to hit TV this summer comes to a close this week, as comic book creator Stan Lee decides which finalist will be immortalized in his new comic book. The finale of "Who Wants To Be A Superhero?" airs Aug. 31 at 9 p.m. on the Sci Fi Channel.

"A Closer Walk," a new documentary film about the global AIDS epidemic, airs Aug. 31 at 9 p.m. on PBS. It's narrated by Glenn Close and Will Smith and features interviews with the Dalai Lama, Bono, Kofi Annan and "Survivor" winner and AIDS prevention advocate Ethan Zohn.

DVD:

The third and final season of the critically acclaimed FOX comedy "Arrested Development" is available Aug. 29.

4The second season of "Desperate Housewives" was widely panned by critics, but here's a chance to judge for yourself, minus the commercials. "Desperate Housewives: The Complete Second Season," is available Aug. 29.

Retrace the horrifying steps of serial rapist "The Carver" when "Nip/Tuck - The Complete Third Season" is released on Aug. 29.

Antonio Banderas cut a rug earlier this year in "Take the Lead," also starring Alfre Woodard. The DVD is available on Aug. 29 and extras include a "You Take the Lead" interactive tango demonstration.

Jennifer Aniston played a pot-smoking housekeeper in this year's comedy "Friends With Money," also starring Frances McDormand. It's available on DVD, Aug. 29.

BOOKS:

Actor Al Pacino's conversations with acclaimed journalist Lawrence Grobel can be found in the new book "Al Pacino," being released Aug. 29 by Simon Spotlight Entertainment. It promises discussion about his childhood, acting career, and fatherhood.

5Author J. Randy Taraborrelli's "Elizabeth," available Aug. 29, promises details of Elizabeth Taylor's "wild, flamboyant, and excruciatingly painful life."

If "24's" Emmy win inspired you to add the series to your TiVo next season, why not have a peek at what you've already missed? "24: The Official Companion Seasons 1 And 2," written by Tara Dilullo and available on Sept. 1, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the FOX hit.