#Middlebury #DVD
“Clemency” (R) – Prison warden Bernadine Williams (Alfre Woodard) dispassionately follows the letter of the law when it comes to fulfilling her Death Row duties. It’s the only way, however ineffective, to separate herself from the actions she must take. But as the latest execution hour approaches, new evidence may be coming to light for the prisoner (Aldis Hodge), while the pressure of Bernadine’s position is palpable. It’s the ultimate powerlessness of one who holds the ultimate power over another’s life. This movie is deep and dark, and full of tremendous performances, most especially Woodard, but also Hodge and Richard Schieff as the defense attorney.
Scene from “1917” (Universal/Dreamworks photo)
“1917” (R) – This riveting first-person war story by celebrated director Sam Mendes centers around two British lance corporals, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay), who are sent across enemy territory to halt the advance of a division of British soldiers after it’s discovered that a German retreat is a ruse. With communication lines cut, the division is almost certainly marching into oblivion if they don’t get through. In the thick of war, through the dead of night and with almost no time in which to complete this impossible feat, the two soldiers set out with singular, unwavering focus, most especially because one of the advancing soldiers is Blake’s brother. Filmed as one continuous take, the action never relents and feels very personal, almost as if you are the third member of the team.
“The Song of Names” (PG-13) – On the cusp of World War II, young Martin’s family takes in a Polish Jew immigrant boy named Dovidl – a prodigy on the violin whose family has sent him to London in order to further his musical education. He lives and thrives as a virtuoso until the day of his first major concert, when he disappears without a trace. Martin (Tim Roth) took him for a brother and never forgets. Years later, a clue emerges that sets him on a journey to discover the truth of what happened to Dovidl, and where he ended up.
Dog Of The Week
“The Grudge“ (R) – A sidecar sequel in the “Grudge” family of films, 2020’s offering is a string of stories connected to 44 Reyburn Drive, which is possessed by the ghost of Kayako Saeki (a character originating in the Japanese Ju-on franchise). A young mother kills her family. A woman with dementia relies on her unrealistic but adoring husband. A police officer winds up in a sanitarium with half a face just for setting foot inside the house. A real estate agent ends up taking his work home with him. There’s a lot to work with, but somehow, this is nothing more than ho-hum horror with terrible writing.
New TV Releases
“Treadstone” Season 1
“The UnXplained” Season 1
“Vindication” Season 1
“The Silver Guardian” Complete Series
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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