‘The Last Jedi’ is hard to resist
The most dynamic “Star Wars” movie since the original trilogy, Rian Johnson’s “The Last Jedi” centers on Rey (Daisy Ridley), a rebel who seeks out guidance and training from none other than Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill.)
Meanwhile General Leia (Carrie Fisher) is struggling to preserve the Resistance fighters (Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran) and save the galaxy from the dastardly First Order (Adam Driver, Domnhall Gleeson, Andy Serkis).
Johnson handles the action with bravura skill while drawing out thrilling performances from his ensemble cast. It’s altogether irresistible. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu
Also New to VOD and Streaming
Acts of Violence: A gory but well-directed slice of vigilante cinema, this actioner revolves around a horrific human trafficking ring run by a ruthless gangster (Mike Epps). After a young woman (Melissa Bolona) is kidnapped, her boyfriend (Ashton Holmes) and his brothers (Cole Hauser, Shawn Ashmore) will stop at nothing to get her back. Even though Bruce Willis is topbilled, he’s sidelined for much of the action, only popping up occasionally to sympathize with the brothers’ mission. If you don’t mind the carnage, it’s an effective time-waster. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. White Sun: Nepal’s official selection for the Academy Awards, this family drama captures how tough it is for citizens of the povertystricken country to balance tradition with progress. Two brothers – one a Maoist rebel (Dayahang Rai) living in Katmandu, the other a Royalist (Rabindra Singh Baniya) who has never left home – clash as they attempt to prepare their dead father for his funeral rites. Co-produced by Danny Glover’s Louverture Films, “White Sun” might be set in a faraway land but the struggles the family members must endure feel universal. Extras: none. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Thirsty: The gifted Cher impersonator Scott Townsend – who bills himself as Thirsty Burlington — might seem like an unusual subject for a biopic but this enchanting musical carries a powerful message about always being true to yourself. Directed with flair by Margo Pelletier, “Thirsty” offers up vignettes, many of them punctuated with dance sequences, from three periods of Townsend’s life. Different actors portray the role of Scott, with Townsend playing himself for a large portion of the movie. Stylistically daring, “Thirsty” crackles with wit and energy. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. The Nine Lives of Marion Barry: Broadcast on HBO not long after disgraced former Washington D.C. mayor Marion Barry ran for city council, this absorbing doc humanizes Barry, a former colleague of Martin Luther King’s whose political career was derailed by his cocaine addiction. The filmmakers chronicle not only Barry’s bust but also his revolutionary programs which helped D.C. residents find work. The movie is far from a celebration of the politician but it does put his phoenix-like rebirths into fascinating perspective. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. A.W. - A Portrait of Apichatpong Weerasethakul: You might not be able to pronounce his name but this maverick of Thai cinema is someone to keep on your radar. He’s already directed such mind-bending classics as
“Uncle Boonme Who Can Recall His Past Lives” and “Cemetery of Splendor” and now Tilda Swinton is starring in his upcoming “Memoria,” his first film shot outside of Thailand. In this nifty doc, Canadian actor and filmmaker Connor Jessup (“Closet Monster”) profiles Weerasethakul by giving viewers a rare glimpse at the director’s creative world and the inspirations which fuel his work. On FilmStruck. Legion - Season 1: A wild ride, this trippy comic-bookinspired series is unlike anything you’ve seen before, at least since “Twin Peaks” concluded its run. Dan Stevens stars as a mutant who, over the course of the season, joins forces with other mutants to battle Division 3, a mysterious government force. But first he has to get out of the psychiatric hospital where he’s being held alongside a terrifying baddie (Aubrey Plaza). On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Archer - The Complete Season Eight: Set in 1940s Los Angeles, this animated series delivers more adventures featuring Archer, the world’s suavest and most irreverent sleuth. As he tries to solve
For The Kids
Dinotrux Supercharged Season 2: Are you ready to roar into new larger-thanlife adventures with the supercharged Trux? In the latest batch of episodes, the Dinotrux find a new source of superchargers and suit up Dozer with upgrades, while Ton Ton tricks out in supercharge to participate in the “Doom Run” ore race. On Netflix.