#Middlebury #DVDs
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (R) – Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt head an all-star cast in director Quentin Tarantino’s reimagining of Los Angeles leading into the summer of 1969. It’s seen through the eyes of Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), an aging action star, and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). As the pair struggle with an ever-growing obsolescence, their paths cross with the unsavory characters of the Manson Family, who are targeting Dalton’s neighbor, Sharon Tate.
Scene from “It: Chapter 2” (Warner Bros. photo)
“It: Chapter 2” (R) – Derry, Maine, is once again under attack by the evil clown Pennywise, who is back to his old antics terrorizing the town’s children after a gang of kids – the Losers Club – thought that they had banished the dreaded monster for good. Twenty-seven years later, only one of the six has remained in Derry. Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), ever vigilant, studies the lore around the clown and deduces the only way to defeat Pennywise is for the now grown-up members of the club (Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, James Ransome) to take a deep dive into their individual childhoods. He calls back the rest of the group, who swore they would defeat Pennywise no matter what it takes.
“Hustlers” (R) – A sexy and savvy group of former exotic dancers run a financial scheme targeting the ruthless financial industry villains who crashed the economy, seemingly without repercussion. It is told from the perspective of Destiny (Constance Wu), who is taken under the wing of the experienced (and merciless) Ramona (Jennifer Lopez). At every turn, the degradation of women at the hands of men is underscored, served in opposition to fierce women taking ownership of and weaponizing their sexuality. Like all strong-arming, things can go too far. Despite all the stripping, this is a girls-night movie full of female empowerment and power cameos (Cardi B, Lizzo).
“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (NR) – In 95 minutes of exhilarating stage footage and emotional interviews with A-list musicmakers (Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne and more), the power and versatility of Linda Ronstadt is heralded, a fitting tribute to one of the most influential voices, certainly of a generation, arguably of all time. It also is a voice that has been stolen from us by Parkinson’s disease, but, as this musical documentary shows, it lives on and will continue to do so. If that weren’t legacy enough, we also are treated to a portrait of a pioneering female in music, as well as a rebellious, protean singer.
New TV Releases
“Suits” Season 9
“Family Guy” Season 17
“The Orville” Season 2
“Doc Martin” Series 9
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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