Ben Gazzara, an intense actor whose long career included playing Brick in the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway, roles in influential films by John Cassavetes and work with several generations of top Hollywood directors, died Friday in New York City. He was 81. (Today)

Freeing Willy was a cakewalk compared to what would-be rescuers face in Alaska. Three California gray whales, christened Fred, Wilma and Bamm-Bamm, are trapped off the coast of Barrow, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. (Yesterday)

This is how the young Clark Kent must have felt. If Clark Kent had been on Facebook. For Andrew, Matt and Steve -- three self-obsessed Seattle high school buds who climb down a hole and emerge with telekinetic powers -- coming to grips with their newfound skills not only is a challenge, but also a kick. (Yesterday)

"The Woman in Black" is a ghost story for beginners. It stars Daniel Radcliffe, is rated PG-13, and runs just 95 minutes. At a preview, a cluster of moviegoers audibly reacted now and then, but the jolts were mild, barely raising any gooseflesh and certainly not electrifying audiences the way "Insidious," "The Orphanage" or "The Shining" did. (Yesterday)

In the event you find yourself in Los Angeles later this month, there are a series of "Oscar Week" events that are either free or just $5 each. On Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird will host "Shorts! The 2011 Animated and Live Action Short Film Nominees." (Yesterday)