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“DADDY’S HOME 2”
Portraying unlikely co-parents, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell combine their dissimilar styles for laughs again in this amusing comedy sequel that adds two more fathers to the mix. Mel Gibson and John Lithgow play the top-billed stars’ holiday-visitor dads, who also have very different natures ... compounding the complications as the men try to give the youngest members of the family a merry Christmas and a solid upbringing in general. However, that outcome is placed in doubt by deep-seated resentments between the two sides of the family. Linda Cardellini and John Cena also are among returnees to the cast. (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) challenges. The result was a very unexpected but enduring friendship. Hall co-wrote the screenplay with director Michael Carney.
(PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“MIDNIGHT, TEXAS: SEASON ONE”
Another unusual environment informs this series adaptation of books by Charlaine Harris, whose writings also inspired “True Blood.” The title town in the show – which NBC aired last summer – is the base for a psychic (played by former “The Borgias”’ co-star Francois Arnaud) whose otherworldly dealings prompt him to seek help from other locals, some human and others not. Additional stars include Dylan Bruce (“Orphan Black”), Arielle Kebbel, Peter Mensah, Sarah Ramos and Jason Lewis (“Sex and the City”). (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“THE FLORIDA PROJECT”
Veteran actor Willem Dafoe is a current Oscar nominee for his involving performance in this drama as a Florida motel manager who tries to protect the younger people staying at his site. Those efforts encompass his attempt on behalf of one girl (Brooklynn Prince) whose mother (Bria Vinaite) turns to prostitution to make the rent. Director and co-writer Sean Baker reportedly went rogue in filming the concluding portion set at a very famous resort, bypassing the usual protocols and using an iPhone to capture the footage he needed. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; outtakes; cast and crew interviews. (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)