VIDEOGAME -- CivCity: Rome: Created by the folks behind the groundbreaking Civilization series, this strategy game for the PC lets players get their Caesars on as they build their very own empire. Like other Civ games, Rome's success depends a lot on how structures are built and how people interact with each other. Still, it's the intense chariot races and gladiator contests that have our thumbs up.
MOVIE -- Idlewild: Hey ya! OutKast's long-delayed film finally hits screens, and like André and Big Boi's music, it's a wild, kaleidoscopic ride through myriad styles and sounds. Set during Prohibition, this musical evokes both southern roots (Big Boi's character is named Rooster) and big-city pimpin' (the stars take on gangsters who want a piece of their club). Much dancing, singing, and choreographed gunplay ensue. We like the way it moves.
CD -- Jerry Lee Lewis: A Half Century of Hits: Lewis is one of rock's pioneers, a fiery hillbilly prone to inner demons and public piano-smashing. But you'd never know from this three-disc set that he torpedoed his career in the late '50s after marrying his 13-year-old cousin: Its 66 songs stretch all the way into the '90s. Still, this near-definitive box is more about Elvis-like barnstorming than R. Kelly-style cradle-robbing.
DVD -- The Lord of the Rings Limited Edition: If you have even more time to blow on Peter Jackson's mammoth trilogy, these three new sets are here to help. For the first time, both the theatrical cuts and extended versions (which add more than two hours to the series) can be found on one disc. Each also comes with a second DVD featuring a new documentary specific to its film. Don't plan on seeing any of your geek pals for a few days.
TV -- Midnight Money Madness: TBS' new Monday-through-Thursday game show (premiering at midnight Monday) gets viewers involved via text-messaging and online. The two-hour live quiz show features six to eight games per night, so there are plenty of opportunities to snag some of Ted Turner's cash. Think of it as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for night owls.
COURTESY FLUSH, PLEASE -- Bridezillas: Season One and Season Two: There's absolutely nothing entertaining about whiny women stressing over their upcoming nuptials, as these DVDs make clear. The reality show -- featuring not-so-blushing brides bitching about flowers, dresses, and whatever else gets in the way of their very special day -- was barely tolerable as a weekly series. These 16 episodes (plus outtakes) will make a lifelong bachelor out of you in no time.
