How much you'll enjoy this novel from American actor and comedian Steve Martin will depend on how engaged you are with recent art history.

Wanda Jackson dazzled Kiwi crowds when she played here last year and she's about to do it again, this time with a new album, The Party Ain't Over.

Unfinished business is the theme of the new novel from best-selling author Kim Edwards.

It's official then, this week dubstep well and truly went mainstream in New Zealand with this 44-track collection.

This moves from haunting samba on Jorge Ben's Lalari-Olara, to the cool and wild wig-outs of Zimbo Trio's Zimbo Samba and Sergio Mendes' Primitivo, through to the sparkling delights of Roberto Menescal's Inverno.

Cocker Happy? Yes they were. There cannot be anyone who does raw emotion like the lad from Sheffield - Joe Cocker.

Christian Bale took the Golden Globe for best supporting actor (drama) for his role in this deeply enjoyable boxing drama, and must be a shoo-in for the Oscar, too. But he's no support act: this is his film from start to finish.

This collection is a tribute to the best tracks premiered on the London DJ's influential radio show over the years - so kind of like a greatest hits collection, if you like.

Rating: 4/5. Verdict: The son of his father updates Afrobeat for the iPod audience

Rating: 4/5. Verdict: Another killer from the Killah

Rating: 3/5. Verdict: Howard and Vaughn struggle to find the right mix of comedy and drama

Rating: 2/5. Verdict: The ageing Doobies have Willie Nelson as a guest. 'Nuff said?

I picked up this book based on the cover recommendation by travelling gastronome Anthony Bourdain...

A frighteningly plausible story breathes life back into the psychological thriller genre.

Director Ron Howard, Hollywood's principal purveyor of bland, inoffensive mainstream twaddle (The Da Vinci Code, Cinderella Man) brings his affection for beige storytelling to this strained dramedy.

Bosses suit up for blue-collar jobs Undercover Boss returns to champion underdog employees and humble chief executives. By Deborah Hill Cone.

Rating: 4/5

Rating: 2/5

Rating: 4/5

Rating: 3.5/5

And you thought Matt Berninger, the oddly charismatic mate of President Obama and singer in the National, was an introverted type.

Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: Life is a cabaret, but this sure isn't

Rating: 3/5. Verdict: Smoking, drinking, singing, sex - sometimes all at once.

Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: Gorillaz' swansong that doubles as a Damon Albarn solo album

Rating: 4.5/5. Verdict: Top of the pops

Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: He might be smarter than your average ursine. His film isn't

Rating: 3/5. Verdict: The Louisiana spirit evoked by those who know the territory

Rating: 4/5. Verdict: Big names, big emotions, big sound and a big deal.

Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: Fun, frivolous and forgettable.