When all is said and done, there are really only two movies on this list that are interesting—and I'm not sure you're safe to use them in any way from the pulpit: Inglourious Basterds and District 9. Both earn every inch of their R ratings.

The intriguing thing about Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds is that it's a World War II film…but it's not. It's about a reimagined World War II—an alternative version of history that allows the audience the "satisfaction" of seeing someone really stick it to Hitler and his cronies. I probably shouldn't say much more about the film than that. You can go snooping around if you like, and you'll know what I'm getting at. Bottom line: This one is about the depth of the human desire for revenge. In the really real World War II, we won the war. But Tarantino realizes that for some, that wasn't enough. We wanted to win a few particular battles.

And as for District 9, here's a sci-fi movie that is unashamed in its international social commentary on legislated prejudice. Check out this review from Brett McCracken for more.

Top Five Books (according to USA Today research)
1. 92 Pacific Boulevard: A Cedar Cove Novel, by Debbie Macomber
2. Alex Cross's Trial, by James Patterson
3. Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer
4. The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger
5. Blood Promise: A Vampire Academy Novel, by Richelle Mead

Notables: There's not much here to report—though I guess it's worth pointing out that another vampire novel has elbowed its way in. A little while ago, I heard someone say the whole vampire craze has come and gone—that it's on its last legs. I'm not sure what rock they are living under, because it's never been stronger. The biggest success story of HBO this year has been the show True Blood. Another TV show being launched this season is The Vampire Diaries. Kids (and adults) are rabid over the next cinematic version of Meyer's novels. And, well, look at our list for this week. I'd say vampires are alive and well. Which make sense. They are immortal, of course.

So, this is it. The last time I'm going to link to it. Because I'm tired of linking to it. Check out the conversation we once had on this blog about the vampire craze. There are some great thoughts tucked away in the comments section...

Top Five Albums (according to Billboard)
1. Breakthrough, Colbie Caillat
2. Awake, Skillet
3. Time of Our Lives, Miley Cyrus
4. Only by the Night, Kings of Leon
5. Ellipse, Imogen Heap

Notables: Nothing much here. Someone tell me if I'm missing something.

Top Singles (according to Billboard)
1. "I Gotta Feeling," The Black Eyed Peas
2. "Knock Down," Jay Sean (featuring Lil' Wayne)
3. "Party in the U.S.A.," Miley Cyrus
4. "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
5. "You Belong with Me," Taylor Swift

Notables: Same here—nothing. Because music is so hit and miss—and because the fall season is about the kick off in full force—I might start focusing on TV shows for a while. Would you all like that?

Top Five Web Searches (based on the Google Trends report for Thursday)
*Exercise caution when searching; some topics may be inappropriate.
1. legarrette blount
2. gonzales cantata
3. maia campbell
4. people of wal mart
5. maia campbell crack video

Notables: The college football season kicked off last night with a game between Oregon and Boise State. Boise State won the game, 19–8. And Oregon lost in more ways than one. At the end of the game, their star running back, Legarrette Blount, went a little nuts, physically attacking an opponent and some teammates. He even tried to go after some folks in the stands.

The whole "Gonzales Cantata" is—get this—a 40-minute opera choral piece based on transcripts of the 2007 dismissal hearings of former attorney general Alberto Gonzales.

Maia Campbell is a former sitcom star who seems to have fallen quite far from fame (and into a life of drugs and all things related). See items 3 and 5. I don't really care to offer any links. This one is gossip-heavy and, well, sad.

A viral video that mocks Wal-Mart customers has hit it big.