History comes alive in ‘Darkest Hour’
Set in the early days of World War II, as the Nazis were storming across Europe, pushing British and French soldiers onto the beaches of Dunkirk, “Darkest Hour” (2017, Universal, $28) centers on the controversial appointment of Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) as Prime Minister.
Even though nearly everyone urged Churchill to hold peace talks with Hitler, Churchill knew there was no reasoning with a mad man. Director Joe Wright makes this chapter of British history come alive thanks to his taut storytelling and a majestic turn by Oldman. Not even pounds of fake jowls can mask the fire of Oldman’s astonishing, Oscar-nominated performance. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.
Also New to VOD and Streaming
The Ballad of Lefty Brown: One of the best westerns to come down the pike since “Bone Tomahawk,” Jared Moshe’s Montana-set oater begins with Lefty Brown (Bill Pullman) losing his saddle mate (Peter Fonda) to an assassin’s bullet. Lefty vows revenge but as he goes in search of the killers, he discovers plenty of complications courtesy of the governor (Jim Caviezel), a marshal (Tommy Flanagan) and Fonda’s widow (Kathy Baker). By turns funny and sorrowful, “Ballad” winds up touching deep places in your heart. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.
Chavela: Step right up for a riveting documentary about the Mexican crooner who came to prominence singing songs of loneliness and lost love. Chavela knew of what she sang: as a lesbian trying to navigate life in the 1950s, she experienced plenty of heartbreak as well as a lusty affair with artist Frida Kahlo. The performance footage alone would make this documentary a must-see but the filmmakers also make splendid use of a candid, soul-barring 1991 interview with the singer. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.
Don’t Call Me Son: Familial loyalty and class tensions are put under the microscope in this compelling drama about a sexually adventurous teenager (Naomi Nero) who discovers that he was raised by a woman who kidnapped him from his biological parents. His wealthy “real” parents are desperate to have him back, at least until he decides to don a zebra-print minidress. With this fast-paced entry, Brazilian filmmaker Anna Muylaert creates an absorbing drama that works as a thriller, a coming-ofage saga and a rebuke of conservative values. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.
Rebels on Pointe: You don’t have to be a ballet fan
to appreciate this charmer of a documentary about the all-male, drag company Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo, which was founded over 40 years ago in New York City. Filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart weaves together behind-the-scenes footage with engaging interviews and dance performances to tell the stories of rebels in tutus. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.
This Movie Changed Me:
If you’re a cinema buff always on the prowl for fresh recommendations, check out this podcast from Lily Percy, exec producer of “On Being With Krista Tippett.” Each episode features a celebrity or entertainment professional discussing the movies which rocked their world. So far, Entertainment Weekly’s Anthony Breznican has sung the praises of Barry Levinson’s “Avalon,” Guardian scribe Hadley Freeman has celebrated Cameron Crowe’s “Say Anything” and singer Ruben Blades has pointed out the perfection of “The Ox Bow Incident.” On iTunes.
Ackley Bridge: Fresh from its run on UK TV, this acclaimed series, which has been called “humorous, mischievous, and sparky,” arrives exclusively on AcornTV. The action follows the integration of two communities — one white, one Asian – into one school in a small Northern England town. On AcornTV.
For The Kids
Hedgehogs: Get ready for a raucous family adventure about a bold hedgehog named Bobby who leaves the wilderness to join his pigeon buddy Hubert on a wild journey. Together, Bobby and Hubert must make their way to the big city in hopes of sharing their cuddly selves with stressed-out humans. The voice cast ranges from Jon Heder and Chevy Chase to Web superstars @jennxpen and the Smosh duo. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Bird Boy - The Forgotten Children: In this acclaimed animated film, teenagers stranded in a post-apocalyptic world set out to find a better life for themselves. But what Dinky and her friends don’t know is that old pal Bird Boy, who has shut himself off from the world, might hold the key to changing their existence forever. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.