Beyond the Boulevard

Movies

Envy (PG-13)—And lo, a voice came down from the heavens, and it spake, "Dost thou require more Ben Stiller?" And the people gathered o'er and said, "Nay, for he made many a movie that hath made us cringe." But the voice would not be appeased, and once more it did bid, "What if I throw in Jack Black, just for kicks?" And the people saw that this was good or maybe just good enough. (April 30)

Van Helsing (PG-13)—Both Hugh Jackman (X-Men) and Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) are really burrowing into the fantasy genre. Van Helsing seems right up their alley, a story about vampire/Frankenstein/werewolf hunting in the dark depths of Eastern Europe. (May 7)

Troy (R)—It's Gladiator times four. Or more specifically, times Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana and Peter O'Toole. If you've ever been forced through The Odyssey or The Iliad in English, this one's for you. (May 14)

Shrek 2 (not yet rated)—The ogres are back from their honeymoon and ready to meet their match: Fiona's parents. The sequel to 2001's tongue-in-cheek, fairy-tale-gone-wild Shrek showcases more comic talent, as John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas and Rupert Everett join the ride. (May 21)

Albums

Master P—Good Side/Bad Side—Good Side/Bad Side is New Orleans rapper Master P's first double album, and at 33 tracks, it's over twice the length of 2002's Mama's Bad Boy. (April 27)

Jimmie's Chicken Shack—Re.present—Annapolis natives Jimmie's Chicken Shack have pulled out a fourth album, continuing their genre-bending music and pleasing their devout local following. (April 27)

Courtney Love—Maximum Courtney Love—I'm not really sure the world is ready for maximum Courtney Love. But whether we're prepared for her or not has never been one of shock-rocker Love's biggest concerns. (April 27)

Concerts

Mary J. Blige at DAR Constitution Hall, $75.75 (April 26 and 27)
A Perfect Circle at Patriot Center, $35 (May 2)
Default at The Recher Theater, $15 (May 6)
Orgy at Jaxx Nightclub, $20 (May 6)
Ani DiFranco at Nightclub 9:30, $38 (May 11)
David Bowie at Patriot Center, $43-58.50 (May 16)

Websites

www.littlefluffy.com—Tired of playing Snood over and over again? Or have you just run out of free trials? Either way, this site will help to fuel your Internet game addiction afresh. Little Fluffy Industries compiles free Internet games and ranks them, noting interesting elements like mental challenge and gore.

To buy tickets, call 202-423-SEAT or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com