#Middlebury #DVD
“Onward” (PG) – In a land where magic has been fostered and then forgotten, two teenage elf brothers receive a magical gift from their deceased father, a spell to let the boys visit with him for a day. But the spell goes sideways, and the pair must set off on an adventure to get the items they need to complete the spell before the day is up. Brothers Ian (voiced by Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) rely on a tentative understanding of spells, Barley’s sweet van named Guinevere and a mythical being called The Manticore to help them find the missing magic that will bring back their dad’s other half. It’s a decidedly Pixar combination of charming characters, kind messages and delightful animation.
Jim Carrey in “Sonic the Hedgehog” (Paramount Pictures)
“Sonic the Hedgehog” (PG) – A bright blue blur of video game fame gets the live-action/CGI treatment in the directorial debut of Jeff Fowler. Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is an electrified trickster who’s adjusting to life on our planet with his new bestie Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). He accidentally causes a blackout, which puts him square in the crosshairs of aptly named ubervillain Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), who immediately plots to capture Sonic and use that blue streak to further his own nefarious goals. Tom and Sonic and some new friends will need to pull out all the stops to wreck Robotnik’s plans. The PG audience will be appeased with Carrey’s always over the top performances, and it’s got some sweet moments too.
“Emma” (PG) – Another reimagining for Jane Austen’s beloved tale of mischief, matchmaking and mismanagement takes a turn, this time featuring Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role as the marvelous Miss Woodhouse. When Emma’s companion is married off, she is left only with her father and neighbor Mr. Knightly to banter with. To pass the time, she employs her highly self-rated matchmaking skills on local ward Miss Smith. The situation is escalated with the arrival of a very suitable suitor and complicated by the local unmarried pastor. As she bumbles her way through finding love for her friends (and frenemies), will she also find love for herself?
“The Way Back” (R) – Ben Affleck stars as Jack Cunningham, a local basketball legend in high school, who is asked to return to his former school to coach the struggling team. After high school, Jack could have had it all, but instead has let himself be ruled by personal demons. His life is reduced to physical labor jobs and too much alcohol and isolation. When the call comes to coach, Jack surprises himself by agreeing to the offer. The small ragtag team may be just what Jack needs to bring back glory to the school and to himself. This is a strong performance by Affleck, who toes the line between oppressive hopelessness and burgeoning possibility.
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© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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