‘Ghost in the Shell’ quickens your pulse
Based on the most famous anime of all time, this live-action reboot of “Ghost in the Shell” has a lot to live up to. And it (mostly) succeeds thanks to the staggering visuals and the charisma of Scarlett Johansson, who exudes a feral grace under pressure.
Johansson stars as a human/ android hybrid who, when the action begins, is working as a cyber cop, busting hackers and terrorists. But she comes to believe that the corporation employing her is lying about her true identity.
Even though the action scenes are surprisingly inert, “Ghost In The Shell” quickens your pulse by making you care about its tortured heroine. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Also New To VOD and Streaming
Unforgettable: The rare thriller written, directed and starring women, this guilty-pleasure treat spins the saga of an uptight ex-wife named Tessa (Katherine Heigl) who’s decided to make the life of her husband’s new fiance Julia (Rosario Dawson) a living hell. What begins as Tessa’s simple online spying leads to catfishing and all kinds of bizarre behavior, including contacting a man who once attacked Julia. Julia isn’t allowed to fight back
until the film’s third act but even with that flaw, “Unforgettable” is never less than taut and highly watchable. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Black Butterfly: A serial killer is preying on the residents of a small Colorado town but that doesn’t stop a boozy screenwriter (Antonio Banderas) from offering a drifter (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) a room in his remote mountain cabin. Director Brian Goodman lays on horror, mind games, black comedy and hairpin twists at a giddy pace. Despite a few lapses in logic, “Black Butterfly,” which boasts a nifty supporting turn by Piper Perabo, succeeds at keeping you on the edge of your seat. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Girls: The Final Season: Lena Dunham brings her series about New York gal pals to its close with a typically terrific batch of episodes. Many of the best shows focus on Hannah (Dunham) as she lands a coveted freelance writing gig, begins a flirtation with an easy-going surf instructor (Riz Ahmed), and winds up pregnant. Lots of loose ends are tied up, involving Hannah’s buddies (Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet) and former boyfriend (Adam Driver) with whom she reunites for one funny, bittersweet day. On HBO Go, Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Mad Men: The Complete Series: To celebrate the 10th anniversary
of the groundbreaking series that critics have hailed as one of the greatest shows of all time, Lionsgate is releasing every bonus feature from all seven seasons exclusively on iTunes. Previously available only on Blu-ray and DVD, the series’ bonus content includes over 16 hours of indepth cast and crew interviews, featurettes and commentaries During its run, “Mad Men” earned seven Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, leading to four wins. Dig in. On iTunes.
The 100: The Complete Fourth Season: Among earth’s survivors, a harsh truth emerges: the world’s nuclear reactors are melting and will soon set the atmosphere ablaze. Not surprisingly, the stakes are high during the latest batch of episodes, particularly as fragile alliances between the societies are in danger of splintering apart. In the end, the Leaders are forced to blur the line between justice and revenge as they lead earth’s last inhabitants through some dark, apocalyptic scenarios. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu The Incredible Jessica James: In Jim Strouse’s clever relationship comedy, Jessica Williams (“The Daily Show”) stars as a young, aspiring playwright in New York City who is, among other things, struggling to get over a recent breakup. She is forced by her best friend to go on a date with a recently divorced app designer (Chris O’Dowd.) The two click but can they make it through the tough times in a social media obsessed post-relationship universe? Lakeith Stanfield and Noël Wells co-star. On Netflix.
Teen Titles
Resident Evil: Vendetta: In this CG-animated adventure, a fearless enemy is out for revenge, unleashing a nasty and lethal new strain of zombie virus. It’s up to Captain Chris Redfield, Agent Leon Kennedy and Professor Rebecca Chambers to bring down the death merchant and save New York City, all while battling back hordes of the Undead. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Disconnected: Start your engines and buckle up for a crazy ride as fifteen-year-old Sean Crawford (Bridger Zadina) takes the road trip of a lifetime in this epic adventure. When the movie begins, Sean is the quintessential rebellious teenager who takes his Dad’s Tesla for a joyride along the coast to meet his galpal Chloe. Cue a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities which culminate with the police trailing Sean for stealing his Dad’s car. The ensemble includes Olivia d’Abo and, C. Thomas Howell. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu