CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Since there aren't as many new episodes or shows on TV, I find myself renting more movies in the summer. One movie I recently watched and really enjoyed was "The Big Bad Swim."

 A wonderful indie film about relationships that emerge from an adult swim class, it stars a familiar TV face -- "Criminal Minds'" Padget Brewster. Her presence wasn't my reason for watching the movie, nor did my enjoyment hinge on it. However, it was a pleasant surprise to see her since I've become a fan of her show.

This got me thinking about other TV actors and the movies they've appeared in.

One of my all-time favorites in this regard is "Wet Hot American Summer," an '80s summer camp spoof featuring Christopher Meloni. Meloni is best known for the gritty dramas "SVU" and "Oz," so it's a lot of fun to see his off-the-wall character here -- the shell-shocked Vietnam vet camp cook, who just happens to talk to a can of mixed vegetables.

Another "Oz" alum who's done some great movies is J.K. Simmons (also of "The Closer"). He's perhaps most recognized as the Daily Bugle editor in the "Spider-Man" series. However, my favorite film of his -- and one of my favorites in general -- is the 2007 sleeper hit, "Juno."

Of course, some actors were already movie stars before they came to TV -- like Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock"), Kiefer Sutherland ("24"), Sally Field ("Brothers & Sisters") and Holly Hunter ("Saving Grace") just to name a few. In that bunch, some of my favorites are Jonny Lee Miller ("Eli Stone") and Jason Lee ("My Name is Earl").

Miller is best known for his role as Sick Boy in the cult movie "Trainspotting," another favorite of mine, which is excellent, if you don't mind sex, violence, drug use, bodily fluids and hallucinations of dead babies. I will also admit to liking his computer movie, "Hackers," which co-starred his one-time wife, Angelina Jolie.

Lee is probably best known as a favorite of Kevin Smith, having appeared in almost every movie the "Clerks" director has done. (Of those, I prefer "Dogma.") For me, though, his best film, hands down, is Cameron Crowe's music masterpiece "Almost Famous." If you haven't seen it, watch it now.

The opposite can happen, too. Zach Braff's breakout role was on "Scrubs," but since then he's become equally well known for films -- particularly 2004's "Garden State." I liked it, but I also really enjoyed one of his early films, the gay romantic comedy "The Broken Hearts Club" (directed by TV super producer Greg Berlanti and also starring "Deadwood's" Timothy Olyphant and "Frasier's" John Mahoney).

If you're bored with summer TV or are just looking for a familiar face in a new place, visit the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com) and look up your favorite actor or show to see what other projects might strike your interest.

Also, I want to hear from you. What movie starring a current or former TV star do you absolutely love? Send me your answers by July 6, and I will publish them in my July 9 column. Don't forget to include your name and hometown with your response.

 A wonderful indie film about relationships that emerge from an adult swim class, it stars a familiar TV face -- "Criminal Minds'" Padget Brewster. Her presence wasn't my reason for watching the movie, nor did my enjoyment hinge on it. However, it was a pleasant surprise to see her since I've become a fan of her show.

This got me thinking about other TV actors and the movies they've appeared in.

One of my all-time favorites in this regard is "Wet Hot American Summer," an '80s summer camp spoof featuring Christopher Meloni. Meloni is best known for the gritty dramas "SVU" and "Oz," so it's a lot of fun to see his off-the-wall character here -- the shell-shocked Vietnam vet camp cook, who just happens to talk to a can of mixed vegetables.

Another "Oz" alum who's done some great movies is J.K. Simmons (also of "The Closer"). He's perhaps most recognized as the Daily Bugle editor in the "Spider-Man" series. However, my favorite film of his -- and one of my favorites in general -- is the 2007 sleeper hit, "Juno."

Of course, some actors were already movie stars before they came to TV -- like Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock"), Kiefer Sutherland ("24"), Sally Field ("Brothers & Sisters") and Holly Hunter ("Saving Grace") just to name a few. In that bunch, some of my favorites are Jonny Lee Miller ("Eli Stone") and Jason Lee ("My Name is Earl").

Miller is best known for his role as Sick Boy in the cult movie "Trainspotting," another favorite of mine, which is excellent, if you don't mind sex, violence, drug use, bodily fluids and hallucinations of dead babies. I will also admit to liking his computer movie, "Hackers," which co-starred his one-time wife, Angelina Jolie.

Lee is probably best known as a favorite of Kevin Smith, having appeared in almost every movie the "Clerks" director has done. (Of those, I prefer "Dogma.") For me, though, his best film, hands down, is Cameron Crowe's music masterpiece "Almost Famous." If you haven't seen it, watch it now.

The opposite can happen, too. Zach Braff's breakout role was on "Scrubs," but since then he's become equally well known for films -- particularly 2004's "Garden State." I liked it, but I also really enjoyed one of his early films, the gay romantic comedy "The Broken Hearts Club" (directed by TV super producer Greg Berlanti and also starring "Deadwood's" Timothy Olyphant and "Frasier's" John Mahoney).

If you're bored with summer TV or are just looking for a familiar face in a new place, visit the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com) and look up your favorite actor or show to see what other projects might strike your interest.

Also, I want to hear from you. What movie starring a current or former TV star do you absolutely love? Send me your answers by July 6, and I will publish them in my July 9 column. Don't forget to include your name and hometown with your response.

Returning: "Samantha Who,"

8 p.m., and "In the Motherhood,"

8:30 p.m. today, ABC.

TV movie: "Virtuality,"

8 p.m. Friday, Fox. Originally intended as a series pilot (which now looks doubtful), this sci-fi thriller is set in the worlds of outer space and virtual reality as a starship crew prepares to embark on a decade-long mission crucial to Earth's survival.

Of note: "America at a Crossroads: The Mosque in Morgantown,"

9 p.m. tonight, PBS; "Crossroads"

with Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean, 9 p.m. Friday, CMT; "Let Freedom Hum: An Evening of Comedy Hosted by Martin Short,"

10 p.m. Friday, TBS; "Comedy You Can Believe In with David Alan Grier,"

10 p.m. Sunday, TBS; "American Masters"

profiles Garrison Keillor, 8 p.m. Wednesday, PBS.

Reach Amy Robinson at flips...@wvgazette.com.