Movie & music in Today

MANILA, Philippines - Stars of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Immortals and The Change-Up take up the first half of the week while music dominates the other as blind Tuscany-born opera sensation Andrea Bocelli and a Los Angeles-based pop-rock band Maroon 5 complete the line-up of Today.  

James Franco explained yesterday that his entry in the Planet of the Apes saga had a different theme from that of Charlton Heston’s original  and that it’s all about why science and money are dangerous to mix together. Also featured were tooth bleaching; steps toward better health; boosting brain power; preparing financially for the unexpected; makeup with glasses.

Freida Pinto reveals today that she took on a role in Immortals because she would get to work with scantily clad men. The Mumbai-born actress said that she agreed to star in the fantasy-action movie when she realized she would be covered up. Catch also the performance by Trace Adkins; and features on what’s inside the home of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith; top colleges; “Diet S.O.S.”; the cost of raising kids; and comfortable shoes.

On Aug. 3, Today welcomes Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman who team up for a twist on the buddy comedy this summer in The Change-Up while food writer Mark Bittman expounds on why higher taxes can make Americans eat better and live healthier lives. There are features on doctors rejecting patients; Tony Bennett’s 85th birthday; crossword puzzles; “Money 911”; fashion for school; and Today’s Kitchen.

Andrea will return to the US and to Today Show for a special performance on Aug. 5. The blind, Tuscany-born vocalist is back for a special concert tour as his Spanish-, Italian- and English-language renditions of dramatic love songs have proven to be especially popular hits. Catch features on middle children; AI’s stint with the Monkees; affordable cruises; gift cards; style buzz; and Today’s Kitchen.

The August 6 episode has Maroon 5 touring this summer with Train beginning August 18 and will perform Moves Like Jagger, its feisty ode to Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger’s schweet dance skills in one of the summer’s sparkling best  featuring hot guitar riffs and that easy, breezy oh-so-catchy whistled melody, making it even more tailored for the dance floor than ever before. Brain foods for kids will be discussed.          

The Today Show airs Mondays to Fridays at 7 p.m. with replays at 3 a.m. on TALKtv (Channel 16) on SkyCable, Channel 28 on Destiny and Channel 21 on VHF.