‘Girls Trip’ celebrates sisterhood
Also new to VOD and streaming are “1922” and “Everybody Hates Chris: The Complete Series.”
A surprise hit, the raucous “Girls Trip” tracks the adventures of four college pals (Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah) who reunite for a vacation at New Orleans’ Essence Festival. Yes, “Girls Trip” is too long, too loud and too vulgar but the women dance, drink and brawl their way through the Big Easy with a no-holds-barred sense of fun.
Director Malcolm D. Lee hits a sweet spot with the more emotional scenes, managing to celebrate the gals’ sense of sisterhood without getting gooey about it. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Also New To VOD and Streaming
Moka: In the tradition of the slow-burn thrillers of Claude Chabrol comes a marvelous showcase for two of France’s best actresses. Emmanuelle Devos stars as a mother of a teenager who was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Determined to avenge his murder, she tracks down a woman (Nathalie Baye) whom she believes is the owner of the mocha Mercedes which struck him. But, of course, delivering justice turns out to a complicated matter. The beauty of “Moka” is that even as it is tightening the screws of suspense, it makes you care about its flawed characters. It’s superb. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu Bushwick: Unfolding in real time, this explosive, nonstop thriller begins with a young woman (Brittany Snow) emerging from the subway in Brooklyn only to discover that a Civil War is raging, thanks to a handful of Southern states’ attempts to stage a coup against the government. After teaming up with a man (Dave Bautista) struggling to locate his family, the pair try to make their way to Queens for an airlift to safety. In a time of political divide, “Bushwick” feels remarkably timely, particularly in the way it depicts the ethno-diverse citizens of Brooklyn banding together to resist the invasion of their neighborhood. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu Harold and Lillian - A Hollywood Love Story: A candidate for the year’s best documentary, this engrossing movie showcases Harold and Lillian Michaelson who, between them, worked on scores of Hollywood classics including “The Birds” and “Scarface.” He toiled as a storyboard artist and production designer while she assisted filmmakers as a researcher. In addition to delving into their remarkable contributions to movie history, director Daniel Raim spotlights their decadespanning love affair. There’s interviews, home movies and lots of film clips. Delightful. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu 1922: It’s a good time to be a Stephen King fan. The author’s 131-page story is the basis for this thriller about a man (Thomas Jane) who admits to killing his wife (Molly Parker) in Nebraska. But after he buries her body, he finds himself terrorized by rats and, as his life begins to unravel, he becomes convinced his wife is haunting him. On Netflix. American Gods - Season 1: In this Starz series, Neil Gaiman’s trippy book comes to life with mostly terrific results. The hook is that old gods and new gods are gathering for a showdown. At the center of the storm is Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), an ex-con who crosses paths with old god Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) and is quickly enlisted as Wednesday’s bodyguard. The early episodes are a bit confusing but show runners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green are playing the long game and, by the end of the season, the pieces begin to be fit together nicely. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Teen Title
Everybody Hates Chris The Complete Series: Dive into all four seasons of the classic sitcom narrated in fine style by Chris Rock. Inspired by Rock’s coming-ofage years in 1980s Brooklyn, the series delivers plenty of hilarity as Chris struggles to fit in at his high school and also supervise his younger siblings for his hard-working parents. It’s easy to love this smart, witty laughfest. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
For The Kids
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas - 40th Anniversary: Narrated by Kermit and based on the book by Russell and Lillian Hoban, this affable classic is bound to put a song in her heart and a smile on your face. The action pivots on a talent contest which ensnares Emmet Otter who, in hopes of winning joins a jug band. Meanwhile his Ma decides to sing a song. But Emmett will have to put a hole in Ma’s washtub to make a bass and Ma will have to hawk Emmet’s tool chest to buy a costume. Expect lots of fun from this seasonal evergreen. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu