BASIC CABLE
“Cold Mountain” ***
7 p.m., USA
Renee Zellweger makes up for Nicole Kidman’s artfully messy hair and single-smudged face by looking as if she actually has done manual labor in this 2003 Civil War drama. Zellweger stars as a struggling woman who is hired by prissy Ada (Kidman) to help work her farm when the menfolk leave for war. While Ada’s getting blisters, her true love (Jude Law, above) has deserted and is trying to get home. Donald Sutherland, Brendan Gleeson and Ray Winstone co-star.
MPAA rating: R
PREMIUM CABLE “American Dreamz” **
9 p.m., MAX
The election process and “American Idol” take hits at the same time in this enjoyable satire from writer-director Paul Weitz (“In Good Company”). Dennis Quaid plays the American president who tries to raise his profile by agreeing to judge the finale of a broadcast talent contest overseen by a sly producer-host (Hugh Grant). Mandy Moore cleverly works against her music image as a seemingly innocent contender who has her own agenda.
MPAA rating: PG-13
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Compiled by Tribune Media Services
