#Middlebury #DVD
Movies reviewed in this week’s column have just been released on video and DVD.
“Doolittle” (PG) – Robert Downey Jr. headlines as Dr. Doolittle, the man who can talk to animals. He is joined by an exhaustive list of big-name celebrities who voice an entire menagerie of animals, from Rami Malek as a gorilla to Craig Robinson as a mouse. Even Tom Holland managed to make an appearance as a dog. The story goes that the doctor, cloistered with his animals after the death of his wife, is brought out for a brand new mission to assist a poisoned young queen. During the mission, he must outrun his rival and face new challenges to find a cure. It didn’t go over well, and Downey effects a strange accent that is a little off-putting, but I found it to be watchable – mostly for young kids.
Saoirse Ronan, Timothee Chalamet in “Little Women” (Sony Pictures photo)
“Little Women” (PG) – This treasured classic tale of the March sisters has been brought back again by director Greta Gerwig (“Ladybird”), adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s novel and writings. It’s a simple coming-of-age tale, from the perspective of Jo (Saoirse Ronan), the family writer, who chronicles her and her sisters’ journey to independence. Florence Pugh plays Amy, the youngest, an artist and rival for the attentions of young neighbor Laurie (Timothee Chalamet). Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlan and Meryl Streep round out as Meg, Beth and Aunt March, respectively, all delivering performances that keep this Civil War-set tale as relevant and endearing as ever.
“Cats” (PG) – A young recently abandoned cat is introduced to life on the streets and a gang of cats called the Jellicles. Feline personalities vie for the crown of the Jellicle Ball and its reward: a trip to the Heaviside Layer and a better life. The thing about “Cats” is that it’s not just a musical; it’s a concept stage-play musical, and that spectacle doesn’t always translate – even with CGI and big-name voices. At least part of the uniquely special value of a stage play comes from the immersion in the experience. Absurdity makes sense on a stage, but on the screen, I’m distracted rather than buying in (although Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of “Memory” as Grizelda is worth watching).
“Escape From Pretoria” (PG-13) – A jailbreak drama out of 1979 South Africa stars Daniel Radcliffe as Tim Jenkin and Daniel Webber as Stephen Lee, real-life apartheid activists who were jailed in Pretoria Central Prison and who staged an escape along with a handful of other prisoners. It’s based on Jenkin’s book, “Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison.” The political prisoners hatch a plot to escape that becomes a race against time to execute. I thought it was a good mix of action and tension, with an especially nuanced performance by Radcliffe.
New TV Releases
“Madame Secretary” Final Season
“The L Word” The complete series
“Dexter” The complete series
“Cheers” The complete series
“Hogan’s Heroes” Season 3
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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