Best Foreign Language Oscar film ‘A Fantastic Woman’ a knockout that stays with you
The central figure is a trans woman named Marina (magnetic Daniella Vega) who’s shattered by the sudden death of her partner. Forbidden by his family from attending his funeral, and forced to give up the apartment they shared, Marina has to fight one battle after another simply to survive.
Directed with insight by Chile’s Sebastian Lelio (“Disobedience”), “A Fantastic Woman” is not only a study in strength, but it also looks at the gap in humanity between Marina and a cadre of folks who pride themselves on being “normal.” A must-see. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Also New to VOD and Streaming Vazante: Shot in breathtaking black-and-white, the debut film by Daniela Thomas masterfully captures what life must have been like on a decaying farm in Brazil in the early days of the 19th century. The central figure is a teenager named Beatriz (Luana Nastas), who despite being married off to her late aunt’s husband (Adriano Carvalho) winds up feeling more comfortable in the company of the property’s African slaves. Full of keen observations about colonialism, feminism and race, “Vazante” suffers a bit from pacing problems, but its characters and setting are so highly original that it sweeps you away. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. The Lodgers: A masterful use of water imagery turns this gothic thriller into something uniquely terrifying. It’s set in a decaying mansion in rural Ireland where twin teenagers Rachel (Charlotte Vega) and Edward (Bill Milner) are forced to sequester themselves for fear of disturbing spirits who reside “beneath.” When Rachel meets a local lad, she longs to rebel, which stirs up heaps of trouble. Even though a few more twists would have been welcome, “The Lodgers’ still conjures up plenty of ghostly bumps in the night. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Season Four: The final season of the Tina Fey-created hit comedy is still plenty funny, with our irrepressible heroine (Ellie
Kemper) dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, white privilege and her ever-evolving friendship with Titus (Titus Burgess). The season features plenty of guest stars including Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, Busy Phillips, Aidy Bryant, Greg Kinnear, Amy Sedaris and Zosia Mamet. On Netflix. Picnic At Hanging Rock
- Season 1: There was no resolution to the mystery of three disappearing schoolgirls and their teacher in the classic 1975 film from Peter Weir, but this series re-examines the tragedy from a different angle. Natalie Dormer stars as the boarding school’s creepy headmistress, Hester Appleyard, with standout turns by Lily Sullivan and Yael Stone of “Orange Is The New Black” fame. On Amazon. I’m Dying Up Here - Season One: If you’re a fan of
‘70s comedy — and who isn’t? — check out this edgy Showtime series, exec-produced by Jim Carrey, and starring the great Melissa Leo as a ferocious entrepreneur who rules over her Sunset Strip club with an iron fist. The show not only boasts a cadre of fascinating characters (Michael Angarano, Ari Graynor, Clark Duke) but it’s also goosed along by portrayals of real-life figures from the era, including Johnny Carson (Dylan Baker) and Richard Pryor (Brandon Ford Green). On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu.
For the Kids
RWBY - Volume 5: Dive into the saga of four teens — Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang — as they share one destination: Haven Academy and the promise of ancient relics, mystical maids and endless power. From the creators of “Red vs. Blue,” this anime series is a must for action fans of all ages. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere
and Vudu. Satellite Girl and Milk
Cow: Imagination abounds in this unique cartoon from Studio Now or Never and SBA Seoul Animation Center. The action pivots on Il-ho, an out-of-commission satellite, who crash lands on Earth after hearing a lovelorn ballad that makes her swoon. She transforms into a human girl and discovers that the source of the song — a 20-something loser named Kyungchun — has been transformed into a milk cow. The pair connect and soon find themselves trying to outwit an incinerator monster, a wily pig witch and a gaggle of other adversaries. On Amazon, Google, iTunes, Movies Anywhere and Vudu. Inspector Gadget - Season 4: Inspector Gadget is back and must face his old enemy, the evil Dr. Claw, who has reactivated MAD, his global crime syndicate. Ivan Sherry, Tara Strong and Martin Roach provide the voices for this animated action comedy aimed at kids 5-7. On Netflix.