Guess What, Paris Hilton Can't Act

Though the summer movie season kicks off this weekend, you might be better off continuing to celebrate the offerings of the spring. Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven" has plenty of two-fisted action but falls flat on the human scale. Star Orlando Bloom has the "look" but not the acting skill to make a credible Middle Ages action hero. "House of Wax" has little to offer, despite the "acting" debut of Paris Hilton. And no, she can't act. Consider checking out a smaller film, such as the independent film, "Winter Solstice," starring Anthony LaPaglia and Allison Janney. This simple drama, about a widowed father of two teenage boys who's still in mourning and trying to find a direction in life, is subtle and quiet but quite moving. The movie is rated R for profanity. Also worth seeing are "The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy," "Millions," "Fever Pitch" and "The Interpreter."

Theatre Best Bets

The sets will be struck and the closing notices posted for two shows this weekend. Olney Theatre Center's production of "Omminus Gatheruum" and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company/University of Maryland co-production of "Curse of The Starving Class" at the Calrice Smith Performing Arts Center, both end on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Arena Stage has extended its production of August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" through May 15. Also, Arena brings back its Helen Hayes Award-winning musical, "Crowns," for a summer run on July 5. Tickets are on sale now.

The Washington Shakespeare Company continues to pick up the pace of its "Bard 37" series of staged readings of all the Master's plays. "Henry V" will be presented on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. "Julius Cesar" will be read on May 10, also at 7:30. The readings take place at the Shakespeare Company's home base, the Clark Street Playhouse in Arlington.

Finally, the National Theatre brings back one of its most popular productions. "Mama Mia!" starts May 17. Though the book is a weak reworking of a 1,001 "B" movie romantic comedy plots, the real draw is the music of the internationally popular pop band ABBA, which propels the story and the show. It runs at the National through July 3.

Video Best Bets

Though it often comes off as "action movie light," "National Treasure" turned out to be perfect movie junk food when it came out last fall.

Nicolas Cage stars as a "treasure protector" who is obsessed with solving the riddle of a hidden treasure clues to which are hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Along with his trusty assistant and a skeptical researcher from the National Archives (Diane Kruger), Cage goes on a globe-hopping journey to solve the mystery and find the treasure.

While it can't match the thrills of, say, "Raiders of The Lost Ark," the movie does have a certain gung-ho, goofy charm that makes it fun to watch.

"National Treasure" is rated PG for mild violence.

Club and Concerts Best Bets

Country music fans have all day Saturday to enjoy the first major country music show of the spring at Nissan Pavillion. Lonestar and the Charlie Daniels Band headline the concert. Bluesman the Rev. Horton Heat plays the 9:30 Club Saturday night.

Variety is the spice of life- and the music circuit- on Sunday with Broadway vet Barbara Cook (the original Marian in "The Music Man") at the Music Center at Strathmore Hall; rappers Snoop Dogg and "The Game" play the Patriot Center and jazz pianist, singer and songwriter Michael Franks performs at the Birchmere.

In the Week Ahead, watch for:

Lisa Marie Presley at the Birchmere, on Monday.

The jazz band the Yellowjackets, at Blues Alley, on Monday and Tuesday.

Donny Osmond, at the Birchmere, on Tuesday.

Country singer Lee Greenwood, performing at the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore, on Thursday and jazz trumpet legend Maynard Fergeson begins a weekend stand at Blues Alley, on Friday.