Nannies, Sorcerers, Ghosts and Legends Come to Movies on Demand This WeekDecember 14, 2010
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
New Films on VOD for the Week of December 6
On Demand Weekly provides new movie previews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. This week, just in time for the holiday, there’s something new each day, Tuesday through Friday! NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS, THE A- TEAM, CYRUS, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE TOWN, LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE
NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS (Universal Pictures)
Emma Thompson is back as the frightening-looking Nanny McPhee, this time magically appearing on an English farm during WWII. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Isabell Green, an overwhelmed mother operating alone while her husband is off to war. Isabell takes care of her three children and their two spoiled cousins while trying to prevent her slimy brother from forcing her to sell their farm. The film has somewhat fewer laughs than the first, and is more grounded in reality, yet shares wonderful life lessons and has delightful appearances by Maggie Smith, Rhys Ifans, Ralph Fiennes, and Ewan McGregor.
NANNY MCPHEE is available the Same Day as DVD and before Netflix or Redbox.
Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal. PG / 109 Minutes / Available 12/14
THE A-TEAM (20th Century Fox)
Based on the campy television series from the 1980s, this action-comedy stars Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, and Jessica Biel. Don’t expect to settle down and follow a coherent plot; the film is “an experiment in propulsion and personality over substance and story,” according to Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle, who also calls it “fun.” We agree.
Available Same Day as DVD and before Netflix or Redbox.
Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper. PG-13 / 117 Minutes and 136 minutes extended cut / Available 12/14
CYRUS (Fox Searchlight/20th Century Fox)
Written and directed by the Duplass brothers, “Cyrus” is an offbeat comedy about John (John C. Reilly), a lonely, divorced man who meets Molly (Marisa Tomei), a single mother whose 21-year old son, Cyrus (Jonah Hill), lives at home with her. As John and Molly embark on a relationship, it becomes clear that Cyrus wants his mother all to himself. In true indie fashion, the film is funny and squirm inducing at the same time.
Available Same Day as DVD and before Netflix or Redbox.
John C. Reilly, Marisa Tomei. R / 91 Minutes / 12/14
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)
Nicolas Cage plays an ancient sorcerer named Balthazar Blake, battling his nemesis Maxim Horvath, played by Alfred Molina. In order to beat his rival, Balthazar recruits an apprehensive young man named Dave (Jay Baruchel), whom he takes pains to train in order to defeat Maxim and his minions. Although critical reception was mixed, the film is enjoyable, escapist fantasy, with good special effects and a comedic side.
Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel. PG / 109 Minutes / 12/15
DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)
This animated version of the Dickens’ classic features the voices of Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman in a kid-friendly, mostly true to the original, story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Also in 3D.
Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman. PG / 96 Minutes / 12/16
THE TOWN (Warner Brothers)
Directed, co-written, and starring Ben Affleck, The Town is a taut crime film about four life-long friends living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, who work for the same man robbing banks. When Doug (Affleck) decides to call it quits, his boss threatens to kill Doug’s girlfriend (Rebecca Hall), drawing him back in. Now, Doug has to commit a major heist, avoid the FBI, and try to get out of town. Also starring Jon Hamm and Jeremy Renner, with Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper.
Available Same Day as DVD and before Netflix or Redbox.
Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall. R / 125 Minutes and extended cut 148 Minutes / 12/17
LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE (Warner Brothers)
Based upon the popular children’s books, this animated family film combines stories from the series’ first three books. With wonderful animation and voice over talent including Jim Sturgess, Helen Mirren, Geoffrey Rush, and Anthony LaPaglia, the visual adventure soars above the plot line, which can be somewhat dour and confusing.
Available Same Day as DVD and before Netflix or Redbox.
Jim Sturgess, Geoffrey Rush. PG / 97 Minutes / 12/17
Lindsay Felcyn covers new movies on demand for On Demand Weeklyfrom sunny Seattle. Prior, she was a Director of Marking at Miramax Films in New York City, where she focused primarily on the Academy Awards campaign.
