Time is tight as the school year winds down, but don't deprive yourself of A&E sustenance this week. Saturday night, of course, is prom at the Champaign Country Club, but consider taking in the CU Ballet's production of "Cinderella" this weekend, too — the Sunday matinee would be the cherry on top of the prom/post-prom sundae. Other OG entertainment picks await you below.

MOVIES OPENING IN C-U THIS WEEK

"Next Day Air"
Rated R, dir. Benny Boom
A courier played by Donald Faison (Turk in "Scrubs") mistakenly delivers a box containing 10 kilos of high-grade cocaine to two small-time hoods (Mike Epps and Wood Harris). The package is intended for their next-door neighbors — a wannabe gangster (Cisco Reyes) and his girlfriend (Yasmin Deliz) — but the hoods decide to sell the contents and get rich themselves, triggering a chain of events that turns the lives of everyone involved upside down. This action comedy also features Mos Def, Omari Hardwick, and Darius McCrary.

"Star Trek"
Rated PG-13, dir. J.J. Abrams
The latest film to cash in on the epic "Star Trek" storyline, this features a very young version of the crew, on the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise starship. The crew navigates dangerous space, led by the bitter rivals Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto).

"Sugar"
Rated R, dir. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
A young pitcher from the Dominican Republic nicknamed Sugar (Algenis Perez Soto) is assigned to a minor league team in Iowa and tries to make it to the big leagues. Said Roger Ebert in his glowing review: "I thought I could guess the story. But I couldn't. There isn't a single scene in this film where it really matters which side wins a game, and it doesn't end with a no-hitter. It looks with care at Sugar, and there are a thousand Sugars for every Sammy Sosa. Probably more. Baseball players have become an important export for the Dominican Republic, and poor families like Miguel's dream of the day when sons will be sending home paychecks. A minor league salary represents wealth." The film opens Friday at Boardman's Art Theatre in downtown Champaign.

Laura's Pick: Honestly, I doubt I'll go see either of the mainstream films because they don’t look that great, but "Next Day Air" gets this pick, just for having Mos Def, who is not only an amazing musician, but not a bad actor, either.

NEW CD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Family Time"
Ziggy Marley
The son of the greatest reggae artist of all time is back with a sunny album from Jamaica for the kids. This is Ziggy's first attempt with children's music, but just like his other work it will be filled with up-tempo songs talking about love and being yourself. Helping him along on the album are country superstar Willie Nelson, singer/songwriter Paul Simon, and indie-rock singer Jack Johnson. This album can bring smiles to anyone's face.

"Fantasy Ride"
Ciara
Can I get a one, two step? Miss Ciara is back with her third studio album, and she has a whole bag of hit singles describing how guys will do anything to get her. Already a top seller on the Billboard charts with her singles "Love Sex Magic," featuring Justin Timberlake, and "Go Girl," featuring T-Pain, Ciara brings another album consisting of a good singer singing for dance clubs. That's new … not.

"Roadsinger"
Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens)
Anyone who has ever picked up an acoustic guitar and wished to be a great singer/songwriter has listened to at least one Cat Stevens song. Yusuf's return to music in his 2006 album, "An Other Cup," drew much acclaim and brought this '70s folk-pop artist back to the mainstream. With his second release as Yusuf, the artist formally known as Cat Stevens shows the power of self-promotion and what it truly means to be an artist, to create something new and creative.

"White Lies for Dark Times"
Ben Harper and the Relentless7
The pop-soul singer Ben Harper announced that his new album would redefine "the story of modern rock music." That's quite a claim for someone who defines his genre as more soul, blues, and pop than modern rock. But when Harper does do his own sound he is terrific, so only time will tell if he is able to cross genres and succeed.

Will's Pick: This week we have a lot of quality music in the works from highly acclaimed artists. Best bets are the amazing Ziggy Marley and singles from Ciara's CD, including "Go Girl," which is a must listen.

NEW DVD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Kærlighed på film (Just Another Love Story)"
Not Rated, dir. Ole Bornedal
“Just Another Love Story” is a Danish film about Jonas (Anders W. Berthelsen), a family man with a wife and two kids. Jonas' life is perfect until he accidentally crashes into Julia’s car, resulting in amnesia for her. When Julia (Rebecka Hemse) wakes in the hospital, Jonas comes to visit. Julia’s family assumes that Jonas is her new boyfriend. Jonas happily assumes the role of Julia’s boyfriend and accepts the opportunities it brings him. But what happens when the family finds Jonas is a liar?

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Rated PG-13, dir. David Fincher
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is the film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, which was first published in 1921. The story follows a man who was born in his 80s (Brad Pitt) and becomes young instead of old. The story begins in New Orleans at the end of World War I, where Benjamin grows up in a home for the elderly. In his home, Benjamin finds love, joy, and pain, until one day when he leaves to live his life.

"Last Chance Harvey"
Rated PG-13, dir. Joel Hopkins
Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman), a New York native, must go to London for his daughter’s wedding. After having promised his boss he’d be back on time for a meeting, Harvey finds the stepfather will walk his daughter down the aisle. Harvey’s luck keeps getting worse when he misses the last plane to New York, and his boss fires him. To drown away his tears, Harvey resorts to drinking at the airport bar where he meets Kate (Emma Thompson). Kate and Harvey will change each other’s life.

"Chandni Chowk to China"
Rated: NR, dir. Nikhil Advani
This is the first Bollywood and kung fu movie, ever! From India to China, this movie follows a man's journey as a cook to a kung fu fighter. Great ready for fights on the Great Wall of China.

Eleni’s pick: While I enjoyed "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" when I saw it in theaters, it was not as good as the Fitzgerald original. I would see "Just Another Love Story"; it looks more interesting.

NEW VIDEO GAME RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Battlestations: Pacific"
Eidos Interactive
America is at war with Japan and has just decisively defeated the Japanese at the Battle of Midway. Now, with the American military under your control, bring America to victory at the battle of Okinawa. The player can also play as the Japanese, which tells the story of what happens if the Japanese had won the Battle of Midway. “Battlestations: Pacific” costs $59.99 for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows.

"Help Wanted"
Hudson Entertainment
In nine days, a meteor from outer space threatens the destruction of Earth. In order to stop the threat, a superweapon must be built before it is too late. In order to do so, everyone in the world must band together. "Help Wanted" is a minigame collection that costs $29.99 for the Wii.

"Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus"
Sammy Studios
The third installment of the "Guilty Gear" fighting series, this game introduces five new characters and new game-play mechanics. "Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus" costs $29.99 for the Wii, PSP, and PS2.

Gordon's Pick: Nothing good this week. Save your money.

PERFORMANCES IN C-U THIS WEEK

Champaign Urbana Ballet's Production of "Cinderella"
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8
• 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9
• 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10
• Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park, Champaign
• Tickets: $8-$24 (call box office at 217-356-9063)
Time is tight as the school year winds down, but this promises to be a delightful production well worth attending. From the CU Ballet's official site: "'Cinderella' marks CU Ballet's premier of everyone's favorite fairy tale performed with live dance to the music of Prokofiev. Stylized staging includes all new costumes, scenery, and lighting designed by artistic director Deanna Doty and production supervisor Andy Warfel, with creations by other local artists. Following the traditional tale, Cinderella escapes the misery of her wicked stepsisters to the magnificent beauty of the ball where Prince Charming awaits. Midnight, a glass slipper, a pumpkin coach, and a Fairy Godmother carry Cinderella through this timeless and beautiful ballet." The CU Ballet Company Dancers include Uni students Simone Ballard, Claire Liu, and Sophie Otto Shenk.

Gargoyle Pick: Sure, it's prom weekend plus the 5K, but consider going to the Friday night show or the Sunday matinee of "Cinderella." The CU Ballet always does a first-rate job.