#Middlebury
“Deadpool 2” (R) – Your favorite fourth-wall-breaking, red-and-black-spandex-wearing, irreverent superhero is back in action in “Deadpool 2.” While recovering with the X-Men after a traumatic near-death experience, Wade/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) discovers a boy who is being hunted by time-traveling supercop Cable (Josh Brolin), and is convinced that the kid needs his protection. He suits up to help, with the aid of some random B-level heroes, including the adorably hot Domino (Zazie Beetz), whose power is simply being lucky. He calls them the X-Force, and yes it’s totally and purposely derivative. It is exactly what you’d expect if you saw the first film, and because Deadpool’s real superpower is not taking himself seriously, it’s a darn good sequel. It’s also perfect for multiple viewings, because there are So Many References.
Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried in “First Reformed” (A24 photo)
“First Reformed” (R) – A preacher in a dying church, Reverend Toller (in a stunningly humane performance by Ethan Hawke) tends to a troubled flock that includes newly pregnant Mary (Amanda Seyfried), whose radical environmentalist husband is in need of counsel. The Reverend Toller provides, but while doing so, must confront his own troubled soul – he is a former military chaplain who encouraged his son to join the military only to see him killed in action. The religious, environmental and existential themes are heavy, but emotionally borne. Written and directed by the legendary Paul Schrader (“Taxi Driver,” “American Gigolo”).
“Black Water” (R) – Put on your guilty pleasure hat, because you’re in for a treat: Jean-Claude Van Damme, as CIA agent Scott Wheeler, joining forces with Dolph Lundgren, as German special forces soldier/prisoner Marco, in a convoluted cross/double cross plot set on a submarine, which is a CIA black ops site! I don’t even care that most of the acting is cliche and ham-fisted, nor that you have to suspend your disbelief from the Golden Gate Bridge in order to follow the storyline. It’s cheesy action, and all you need to do is order in the pizza and hot wings and put the beer on ice. High five, and you’re welcome.
Dog Of The Week
“Show Dogs” (PG) – Will Arnett stars alongside a Rottweiler named Max (voiced by rapper/actor Ludacris) as cops on a mission. In order to thwart an animal smuggling ring’s plans to steal and sell a baby panda, real person cop Frank (Arnett) with police dog Max will go undercover in the country’s elite dog show in Fabulous Las Vegas, where he will primp and prance despite his tough-guy persona in order to nail the bad guys – and yes, I’m still talking about the talking dog here. Will Arnett’s talents are wasted, even as he plays to form as a bumbling human. It’s as bad as it sounds. No … it’s worse; don’t even bother.
New TV Releases
“Blindspot” Season 3
“Blue Bloods” Season 8
“The Walking Dead” Season 8
“Gotham” Season 4
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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