COUCH THEATER

PICK OF THE WEEK

Rowan Atkinson is Mr. Bean . "Mamma Mia!" - If you're looking for the Ultimate Karaoke Chick Flick of 2008, then look no further. Based on the hit Broadway show, "Mamma Mia!" isn't so much a musical as it is a contrived story that puts the cast in situations that allow them to belt out old ABBA hits.

"Mamma" stars Amanda Seyfried as Sophie, a young bride-to-be who sends a letter to three men inviting them to her wedding. One of the men could be her long-lost father. Hilarity, middle-aged romance involving Meryl Streep and over-the-top musical numbers ensue.

This movie has everything: A pretty ingenue; catchy, kitschy tunes; and hunky guys in exotic locales. I'm not even a woman, but doggone it, watching this movie made me feel pretty.

DOG OF THE WEEK

. "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" - This is a bad year for big-budget action/adventure films about archaeologists. Like this year's Indiana Jones fiasco, "The Mummy" makes the same mistake: Focusing the story on the son of the hero rather than just giving us a great flick about the hero.

This installment of the "Mummy" franchise has Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and his wife (Maria Bello in a bad British accent filling in for Rachel Weisz) coming to the aid of their impetuous tomb-raider-in-the-making son (Luke Ford) who is up against a bad guy who wants to resurrect a bajillion terra cotta warriors so he can take over the world.

There are also Yetis. But not enough to warrant buying this DVD. Rent it if you're curious.

KIDS AND FAMILY

. "Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Collection" - This seven-disc boxed set is a must-have for all fans of Rowan Atkinson's bumbling, lovable dweeb, Mr. Bean. The set includes every episode of the classic series, both theatrical films, 16 episodes of the animated series, deleted scenes and sketches that never made it on TV. TV SERIES "The Biggest Loser: Boot Camp" "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" Vol. 6 "Ice Road Truckers" Season 2 "Petticoat Junction" Season 1 "Naruto" Uncut Box Set Vol. 1 "The A-Team" Season 1