Damon cast away on Mars
The Martian blasts off week in pop culture
“You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows,” but these days, a guide through the seemingly endless flurry of pop culture offerings is just what we need. With that in mind, here is what’s on the radar screen in TV, music and film for the coming week.
MOVIES
Big release on Oct. 2: The Martian. Big picture: The Martian, based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir, follows the cosmic struggles of astronaut Mark Watney ( Matt Damon). Left behind by his crew and presumed dead, Weir must find a way to pass the time — and survive — alone on an inhospitable planet.
Forecast: This cinematic launch can’t misfire — especially in the hands of a director, Ridley Scott, with interplanetary experience. It’s essentially Cast Away on Mars — minus Wilson the volleyball.
TV
Big events: Grandfathered ( Sept. 29, Fox/ City); The Grinder ( Sept. 29, Fox/ City).
Big picture: Grandfathered finds John Stamos in the role of Jimmy, “the ultimate bachelor,” ladies’ man and restaurateur. Jimmy’s priorities are upended when he learns he has an adult son ( Josh Peck), and baby granddaughter. Meanwhile, The Grinder finds Rob Lowe playing Dean, a vain actor best known for his role as a melodramatic TV lawyer. When he decides to join his family’s law firm, despite no actual legal experience, laughter ensues.
Forecast: Lowe makes every show better as part of an ensemble or supporting cast.
MUSIC
Big releases on Oct. 2: Janet Jackson ( Unbreakable); The Sheepdogs ( Future Nostalgia).
Big picture: Jackson tries to prove resilient with her first effort in seven years, while Missy Elliott and J. Cole help keep things fresh with guest appearances. Meanwhile, Saskatoon’s The Sheepdogs don’t go barking up any new trees, sticking with their safe, accessible brand of retro rock ‘ n’ roll.
Forecast: Future Nostalgia will find sentiment in its favour. While Jackson’s return will fuel fan nostalgia, she will struggle to break through the din of today’s arsenal of young pop queens.