The big news this week is Big Show, but lots of other things are on tap: Green Day's latest album comes out this week, as does the film version of another Dan "Da Vinci Code" Brown novel, "Angels & Demons." And if you missed former Uni student Nina Paley's animated masterpiece "Sita Sings the Blues" when it played at Ebertfest a few weeks ago, you can catch it at Boardman's starting Friday. Oh, and for those of you who noticed, our apologies for being a day late with this guide. Next week will be our final weekly guide until we return in late August. Bring on summer!

MOVIES OPENING IN C-U THIS WEEK

"Sita Sings the Blues"
Not Rated, dir. Nina Paley
This animated film, created by former Uni student Nina Paley (she says she would have been in the Class of 1986 but never officially graduated), was recently shown at Ebertfest. Paley attended the festival, held at the Virginia Theatre, and participated in a post-screening Q&A. The film tells two stories, one about an animator named Nina whose husband breaks up with her by e-mail after taking a job in India. The other retells the classic Indian tale "Ramayana." OG editor Lauren Piester reviewed the film in the days leading up to its Ebertfest showing and described it as a "beautifully mismatched hodge-podge of genres and styles of music, storytelling, and animation; it easily makes you feel like you’re dreaming sometimes, especially if you're already tired." Opens Friday at Boardman's Art Theatre in downtown Champaign.

"Angels & Demons"
Rated PG-13, dir. Ron Howard
This is the latest novel written by Dan Brown, author of "The Da Vinci Code," to be put on the big screen. When symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks, reprising the role he played in 2006's "Da Vinci Code") learns that a resurgent secret ancient underground organization, the Illuminati, has planted a time bomb set to defeat its sworn enemy, the Catholic church, he teams up with an Italian scientist (Ayelet Zurer) and sets off to Rome to find the bomb and decode the Illuminati's secrets.

Laura’s Pick: "Sita Sings the Blues." Anything written by Dan Brown is ridiculous. But who am I kidding? Come to Big Show! (See below.)

NEW CD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"21st Century Breakdown"
Green Day
The punk rockers who defined 2004 with their critically acclaimed album and soon-to-be-musical "American Idiot" have finally returned with a follow-up. Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong describes "21st Century Breakdown" as "a snapshot of the era in which we live as we question and try to make sense of the selfish manipulation going on around us, whether it be the government, religion, media or frankly any form of authority." Musically it is just as enjoyable as "American Idiot" and just as epic. Definitely go check this album out.

"Paper Empire"
Better Than Ezra
The alt-rock trio from New Orleans are back with their first album with new drummer Michael Jerome. Their unique sound is back as well, with dance beats and humble rock notions and a bounce of recording toys (including a vocoder … spare us please). But unless Better than Ezra can make a song as awesome as their single "Juicy," there is no reason to go out and buy this album.

"Safe and Sound"
Crisis in Hollywood
If you're into alterna-mainstream, this is definitely it. Even though you've never heard of this band, they sound exactly like every 2000s pop single that ever aired on the radio, and even though their label is unheard of, their generic sound is unparalleled. So yeah. If you like pop, it's not too bad. But did we mention? — generic.

"Sewn Together"
Meat Puppets
They're still around? We had no idea. But in terms of music, we think we'll let the band sum it up for you. According to vocalist Curt Kirkwood: "If I can get away with it, I'll make a record as cheap as I can and put as little work as I can into it, which is what we did with this one. I don't like putting a lot of time into it. We cut a track, and if we've played it halfway right, we're done with it." So really. Don't buy this.

Katy and Will's Pick: Well, it's a pretty mediocre week for music. We pick Green Day out of Gen Y obligation (we really are American idiots), but other than that you wouldn't do too badly saving your money.

NEW DVD RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Taken"
Rated PG-13, dir. Pierre Morel  
When the daughter of ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is kidnapped while visiting Paris after her high school graduation, this loving father will stop at nothing to bring his child home. When Bryan receives a call from the kidnappers, he tells them he cannot pay but will hunt them down. And he does.

"Passengers"
Rated PG-13, dir. Rodrigo Garcia  
Claire (Anne Hathaway) is a therapist who is assigned to care for five survivors of a plane crash. As she begins to better know the patients, she begins to fall for the most taciturn survivor, Eric (Patrick Wilson, most recently seen in "Watchmen" but most famous for his portrayal of Joe Pitt in HBO's production of "Angels in America"). As their romance grows, survivors begin to disappear. It is only a matter of time before Claire suspects that her newfound love, Eric, may know more than he lets on.

"Of Time and the City"
Rated R, dir. Terence Davies  
"Of Time and the City" is based on a poem following Terence Davies' life. Davies grew up in Liverpool, England, until he left in 1973 at age 28. The movie is meant to depict Davies' Liverpool, showing it as more than just soccer and rock 'n' roll.

"O Jerusalem"
Rated R, dir. Elie Chouraqui  
"O Jerusalem" is about the creation of Israel in 1948. The film follows two American friends, a Jew (J.J. Feild) and Muslim (Said Taghmaoui). Will this friendship survive the religious, political, and moral problems of the new state? The film shifts back and forth from viewpoints of Muslims, Jews, and the British. From Jerusalem to New York to London, we view the new life and destruction that went on in 1948.

Eleni's Pick: It's a tough one. I have been wanting to see "Taken" for too long, but "O Jerusalem" looks like it would be more interesting since it is a film of more substance. But, I think I would rather watch "Taken" on Friday night with a group of girls!

NEW VIDEO GAME RELEASES IN STORES THIS WEEK

"Bionic Commando"
Capcom
Robot Nathan Spencer is a bionic commando who is betrayed by the government and sent to be executed. However, after being freed because of an earthquake, Nathan sets out to exact his revenge. "Bionic Commando" costs $59.99 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and $39.99 for the PC.

"UFC 2009 Undisputed"
THQ
Pick your fighter and battle for the crown in the 2009 Ultimate Fighting Championship. More than 80 fighters are featured as well as six fighting styles: boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, kickboxing, muay thai, and wrestling. In addition, there will be five different weight classes. "UFC 2009 Undisputed" costs $59.99 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

"Terminator Salvation"
Equity Games
It is 2016. The world is coming to an end, and nuclear warfare has almost wiped out the human race. Assume the rule of John Connor as he tries to infiltrate Skynet to stop the enemy. "Terminator Salvation" costs $59.99 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and $49.99 for the PC.

Gordon’s Pick: Nothing exciting this week, but "Bionic Commando" looks like a good choice for those wanting a straightforward and fun action adventure game.

Performances In C-U This Week

Big Show
• 7 p.m. Friday, May 15
• 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16
• North Attic Playhouse, Uni High
• Ticket prices to be announced; last year's show cost $5
Uni High's annual student-written and -directed series of sketch comedy takes the stage after a two-week delay. Proceeds go to this year's charity for X-Week, the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club. The show is directed by seniors Hannah Leskosky and Adam Tiouririne. X-Week events have already raised about $2,000 for the Don Moyer organization, which offers afterschool programs and other activities for local kids. A good turnout this weekend could raise that amount to more than $3,000.

Gargoyle Pick: There are two big shows in town this weekend: Uni's comedy production and the U of I's commencement. Although the prospect of watching Suze Orman receive an honorary degree is tempting, we'll see you in the North Attic.