#Middlebury #DVDs
“Isn’t It Romantic” (PG-13) – Rebel Wilson plays a New York City architect, Natalie, who’s got a cynical view of romance: To wit, it’s nonsense and not for gals like her. After an encounter with a subway mugger leaves her unconscious, she wakes up in an imaginary world where she’s the star of the PG-13 show – musical numbers, censored curse words and all. How does she get back to the real world, and with a handsome billionaire suitor (Liam Hemsworth), does she really want to? It’s refreshingly funny, and re-teams Wilson with “Pitch Perfect” love interest Adam Devine, who plays Natalie’s best friend Josh. Both have great comedic timing, and for all the poking fun at romantic comedies, they sure did make a cute one. Isn’t it ironic?
Scene from “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (Universal photo)
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (PG) – Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless return in the third of the animated series. Hiccup is now grown, and together with Astrid (America Fererra) and the rest of his pals, remains in charge of the dragon/man clan that is Berk, an island paradise that is rapidly being overrun with liberated dragons. A new threat appears, but so too does the yang to Toothless’ yin – a female Light Fury. As the goofy, super-adorable black dragon explores his feelings, a plan is hatched to move the whole group to the legendary Hidden Island, a mythical place where dragons can be free. Both dragon and rider will finally have their destiny revealed, and the path is emotional – this is the rare threequel with heart and a wonderfully fulfilling story.
“The Upside” (PG-13) – Recently paroled and on the prowl for work (or trying to look like it), Dell (Kevin Hart) interviews for a position as caregiver to quadriplegic billionaire Phil (Bryan Cranston). He gets the job, and grudgingly takes it, and the two begin an unfolding friendship under the watchful eye of Phil’s assistant Yvonne (Nicole Kidman). Through this friendship, both grow and influence the other. It’s a story that’s been told several times, most recently in 2011’s French film “The Intouchables.” Although Hart and Cranston – and in her own way Kidman – are big personalities who can do justice to both comedy and drama, the story lacks a certain zazzle. The messages are predictable, but I think it’s still worth a watch.
“Trading Paint” (R) – Father and son racers face adversity and a falling out when son Cam (Toby Sebastian) leaves dad Sam (John Travolta) to drive for a rival team headed by the slick Linsky (Michael Madsen). So, dad climbs behind the wheel once more to grind out the gears on his legend. I promise you’d have a funner 90 minutes in a car crash – it would probably be more exciting, and you wouldn’t have to hear Travolta’s Southern accent.
New TV Releases
“13 Reasons Why” Season 2
“Call the Midwife” Season 8
“The Public Defender” Season 1
“NCIS: Seasons 1-4”
“Splash and Bubbles: The Kelp Forest”
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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