Jacqueline Smith's week of it

MOVIES
If a bloodbath is what you're after, then this is your week. There's Robert Rodriguez's messy film Machete, starring Robert de Niro, Jessica Alba, Danny Trejo as the Mexican machete-wielding assassin, and Lindsay Lohan as a nun with a gun; meanwhile George Clooney takes on a darker-than-usual character when he plays an assassin in action flick The American.

Adding to the thriller line-up are British film The Disappearance of Emily Creed and Let Me In, an American remake of last year's Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In.

TV
In today's U2 special you can find out what made Spike Jonze (of skateboard, music video, Jackass, Being John Malkovich and Where The Wild Things Are fame) jump on Bono's Aids crusade and lend his skills to documentary The Lazarus Effect. The moving half-hour film screens on Maori Television on Wednesday, which is also World Aids Day. And if you haven't seen the award-winning Topp Twins documentary The Untouchable Girls, TV One screens it this Sunday.

MUSIC
Assuming anyone going to see U2 and Jay-Z has their ticket already (tomorrow night's not sold-out though), here are a few other acts to fill up your diary. Former Goodshirt member Gareth Thomas is playing at the Kings Arms tonight to celebrate the release of his new album Lady Alien and tomorrow night the venue hosts The Ruby Suns who are back on home turf. If you're down in Hawke's Bay or fancy a road trip, stroll around Napier to check out more than 30 of the most exciting new Kiwi and Aussie acts from all genres, who will be playing on the streets for from tonight, ending in a big concert at the Soundshell on Marine Parade on Sunday. It's all part of City Showcase, a spin-off of the London festival that helped launch the careers of Amy Winehouse and Keane.

OR..
Noticed the big red papier mache man on the Whitcoulls building? Yes, it's that time of year again, and for the 76th time, bagpipers, marchers, and larrikin clowns will lead Santa's sleigh through the CBD for the Farmers Santa Parade. It all kicks off at 2pm, and Aotea Square hosts an after-party of non-stop music from 3.30pm-5pm (use this information for your diaries, or as a warning).

-TimeOut