The Month in Pop Entertainment: May 2013

Every month brings us countless ways to be entertained, but how do we really know what the biggest releases and events are at the movies, on television, or in music? Well, this handy top ten list, complete with release dates, is here to let you know what’s out there. There’s something for everybody and a whole month of entertainment ahead.

The Great Gatsby (May 10)

This adaptation of the classic novel features an all-star cast in one of the most lavish sets Hollywood will dish up this year. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire star as ridiculously wealthy friends in a highly stylized vision of 1920s New York.

Iron Man 3 (May 3)

The first one was better than you thought it would be. The sequel was a little disappointing, but the sarcastic robotic man returns for another chapter in the Marvel summer movies saga. In this installment, prepare for a cast of iron men (and Pepper Potts) in multiple supersuits.

Lady Antebellum Golden album (May 7)

Their past two albums reached platinum status and racked up plenty of awards, so the music industry is eagerly awaiting this release. Their current single, “Downtown”, has already hit the top of the country airplay charts, so look for this album to get a few nominations in the not-too-distant-future.

American Idol Season 12 Finale (May 15th & 16th)

Even though this season has brought in low ratings (blame the talented yet boring all-female top 5), the powerhouse spectacle is still capable of putting on one of the most star-studded and pleasantly surprising finales of the year. Rumor has it that this year’s winner will perform a self-written coronation song from her own upcoming album.

The Mentalist Season Finale (May 5th)

Who is Red John? We may get closer to solving one of TV’s biggest mysteries when Patrick Jane narrows his list down to seven suspects at this end of the fifth season. No matter what he says, I’ll still think its Van Pelt.

Star Trek: Into Darkness (May 17)

Trekkers will be camping outside of theatres once again for this sequel to the 2009 blockbuster, in which a mysterious new villain (Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch) threatens the Starship Enterprise.

Billboard Music Awards (May 19th)

One Direction, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and fun. are among the nominees. Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Christina Aguilera are among the performers. Prince receives the Icon award, and those of us at home will have to sit through a lot of Virgin mobile commercials in order to see it all.

Supernatural Season Finale (May 15)

Fans of this cult hit are super devoted; partially because of the show’s annual season-ending cliffhangers that are capable of surprising even their biggest fans. This year, the Winchesters attempt to rid the world of every demon and monster using a teenage prophet of God, helpful angels, and a lot of suffering. We only hope that the night kicks off with an awesome season recap set to Kansas’ “Carry on Wayward Son”. (But for now, here’s a recap of the first half of the season set to REO Speedwagon’s “Back on the Road Again”).

Liz & Dick on DVD (May 14)

A tabloid target stars as the ultimate tabloid target: and fails miserably. Still, for those of us who couldn’t see it on cable, Liz & Dick hits DVD shelves this month. See it for the sheer ridiculousness of Lindsay Lohan in a bad wig eventually trying to pretend to be an elderly Elizabeth Taylor.

98 Degrees 2.0 album (May 7)

During the 1990s/early 2000s boy band craze, both N’Syncers and members of the Black & Blue army found common ground with these former-Motown hitmakers. This marks their first new album in over a decade, and judging from the reaction they got on the Today show, has potential.