John Carpenter's Ghosts Of Mars

Question: Is the new movie The Fog a remake of an old black-and-white film?

Answer: The Fog (2005) is a remake, but the original is John Carpenter's 1980 The Fog, which is most definitely in color: The neon pea-green fog is vividly etched in the memories of all of us who traipsed out to theaters to see it, hoping for another Halloween (1978). Carpenter himself was involved with the remake, which defied all expectations of taking the No. 1 box-office slot on its opening weekend, but it's still a pretty soggy excuse for a horror film.

Question: I love Veronica Mars and it's all your fault. I never thought I'd enjoy a show about a young blonde chippy in high school solving mysteries, but you were right — it's fabulous! That said, give up the scoop, er, poop!

Answer: How 'bout some visual Mars poop: Click here for a first look at Joss Whedon playing that testy rental-car manager in the Nov. 9 episode. And to see him in action with Kristen Bell, pick up the new issue of TV Guide magazine and turn to the Ausiello Report on page 10! Also, make sure to read Rob Thomas' latest Q&A with fans in today's Insider. There are a couple of good poop droppings in there.