MOVIES
Welcome to a fall when many lessons of violence will be taught at the theater. This week’s seminar comes thanks to director Neil Jordan and stars Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard. She is an NPR-style radio personality who is brutally beaten in her beloved New York City along with her fiancé (Naveen Andrews of “Lost”). Howard is an upstanding detective trying to do the righteous thing in a city where a vigilante metes out justice. Her moral compass is cracked. To earn its ethical keep as a parable of fear and the avenging demons it sets free, “The Brave One,” must be more than a tale of revenge. With its mournful love of New York City, its complicated thoughts about broken bodies, and crime and punishment, it is.|Lisa Kennedy
DVDS
Director Michael Apted’s unique “Up” film series involves following 14 British children every seven years, from the original “Seven Up” through 2005’s “49 Up.” The box set, out Tuesday, is a six-disc collection with all the films, which explore the dreams, hopes and reality of their lives. Cab driver Tony, schoolmates Jackie, Lynn and Susan and the tragic Neil give viewers a window into life in the 20th century. As part of the extras package, Roger Ebert interviews Apted. $99.95|The Denver Post
CLASSICAL MUSIC
As she has shown on previous visits to Colorado, Russian pianist Olga Kern knows how to electrify an audience. So it is hardly surprising that the popular keyboardist was chosen to help open the Colorado Symphony’s 2007-08 season as guest soloist in Rachmaninoff’s beloved “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.” Performances in Boettcher Concert Hall are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday (note the unusual day) and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Tickets are $15-$69.50. 303-623-7876 or |Kyle MacMillan
VISUAL ARTS
Because they are such a common part of everyday life, posters are some of the most accessible, well-liked facets of graphic design. Examples by 87 of the world’s top designers in 31 countries are featured in the 15th Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. This year’s installment of what has become one of the world’s largest and most important biennials of its kind opened Friday and runs through Oct. 19. Admission is free. 970-491-1989 or csuschoolof |Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
“How I Learned to Drive” is a landmark play for making the unthinkable thinkable. We don’t need to be told pedophilia is wrong; we need help to understand how it can happen in the first place.
Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer winner tells us how a girl named Li’l Bit fell under the spell of an adoring uncle for seven years. And in a heartbreaking and in every way triumphant performance, C. Kelly Leo and her wonderfully wounded eyes show us how. “Drive” is also a landmark for Curious Theatre, which is revisiting its first-ever offering to celebrate the start of its 10th season. Today is your last chance to see Paul Borrillo as Uncle Peck; Marcus Waterman takes over for the rest of the run Thursday. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. most Sundays through Oct. 26 at 1080 Acoma St. $26-$32 (2-for-1 Thursdays); 303-623-0524 or |John Moore
TELEVISION
If you’re bored by the idea of television’s gala salute to itself (a.k.a. the Emmy Awards), instead try a movie that sends up the idiocy of television. ABC is airing “Anchorman: The Ron Burgundy Story,” tonight at 8 on KMGH-Channel 7, starring Will Ferrell. It’s not just a goof on the 1970s, it’s a knock on local TV newscasts in the ’70s and forever. Christina Applegate, who not coincidentally has a series premiering on ABC Oct. 15, co-stars as Burgundy’s co-anchor. Steve Carell (who just might be winning an Emmy for “The Office” as you watch) plays the ridiculous weatherman.|Joanne Ostrow
POPULAR MUSIC
It’s not hyperbole to call the Arcade Fire one of the most important bands of our time. The Canadian rock collective is imposing in size and influence, and they proved with their sophomore CD, “Neon Bible,” that their muscular songwriting is the real deal. The indie rock band went from rock clubs to festival headlining dates in less than a year, and now they’re playing their biggest tour to date, bringing them to Red Rocks on Monday. The band is touring with punk-electro outfit LCD Soundsystem, making it one of the most exciting bills of 2007. More information: , 303-830-8497.|Ricardo Baca
