#Middlebury #DVD
“Bloodline” (R) – Seann William Scott stars as Evan, a social worker with a roster of at-risk teens. He’s helpful, kind and quick to mete out anonymous vengeance after-hours on their behalf. He’s also a new father. While a newborn can induce “a good kind of crazy,” as his wife (Mariela Garriga) puts it, it’s hard to tell whether it’s the good crazy or the bloodlust crazy that’s in charge – and that’s before his mother comes to visit. Scott shows off some dramatic chops here, but this film is strictly for the non-squeamish set. It’s not called “Bloodline” for nothing.
Scene from “The Lion King” (Disney photo)
“The Lion King” (PG) – These days, the circle of life for any great Disney movie includes a remake, and “The Lion King” is no exception. Made fresh for a new generation by director Jon Favreau, the story remains very much the same: a king sabotaged and dethroned by a jealous sibling; the king’s young heir duped into exile only to return years later to exact retribution and claim his rightful mantle as benevolent ruler. James Earl Jones’ rich baritone reprises as King Mufasa, and many of the iconic scenes are almost shot for shot. But there’s a new, gorgeous song by Beyonce (the voice of Nala), and some strong voice work by Donald Glover as Simba. The biggest difference is that this is a live action film (photorealistic). A worthy effort indeed, but I’m still Team 1994.
“Satanic Panic” (NR) – Gore and titillation are the order of the day in the Fangoria production “Satanic Panic.” Sam (Hayley Griffith) is a pizza delivery driver who gets stiffed on a tip by some rich folks and decides to go back and give the mansion owners a piece of her mind – only she walks right into the middle of a coven attempting to summon a satanic spirit. Oops. When the witches tap Sam to be their sacrificial virgin, all, um, hell breaks loose. It’s a raucous romp featuring Rebecca Romijn as vamped villain coven leader Danica. It’ll take all Sam’s demon-dodging wits to get her out of this jam, but will she ever get that tip?
“Angel of Mine” (R) – Noomi Rapace stars as a woman unraveling under the scars of losing a child in this tight psychological thriller. Lizzie is teetering on the edge of control a few years after the death of her infant daughter. She becomes obsessed with a neighbor child who she imagines is her own. Her obsession escalates – at first snapping a few pictures, then outright stalking – all the while fending off attempts at intervention from her ex-husband (Luke Evans), as well as growing pushback from the girl’s mother (Yvonne Strahovski). It’s only a matter of time before she snaps, but the tension itself is almost unbearable.
New TV Releases
“Veronica Mars” The Complete First Season
“VeggieTales: The Best Christmas Gift”
“NOS4A2” Season 1
“Legacies” The Complete First Season
“Shetland” Season 5 (BBC)
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.