‘Marigold’ brings back phenomenal cast
This week’s new DVDs feature the love of traveling, a rodeo star and machine.
• “Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” • • • : Efforts to open a new hotel are thwarted and interfere with wedding plans. Maggie Smith stars.
Though the sequel lacks a touch of the magic that came with the grand discovery of the quirky characters and exotic settings in the original production, it uses the same phenomenal cast, sweet writing and beautiful appreciation of the Indian culture to create a film that may be “second best” but is still a winner.
The veteran cast demonstrates that life and love are timeless. In doing so, this cast becomes a global treasure – the kind of riches that make movie-going so enjoyable.
• “The Longest Ride” • • ½ : Story of star-crossed lovers based on the book by Nicholas Sparks. “The Longest Ride” features one of the most emotionally connected couples since Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams starred in “The Notebook.”
Scott Eastwood’s good ol’ boy Southern gentleman is sweetly charming. He is perfectly matched with Britt Robertson, who has grown since the under-appreciated CW Network series “Life Unexpected.”
• “Ex Machina” • • • : Young programmer is part of artificial intelligence testing. Domhnall Gleeson stars. “Ex Machina” is a 21st century take on the classic “Frankenstein” monster tale. Instead of the creature being a lumbering giant, it’s a lithe young woman.
And, where Dr. Frankenstein and Igor might discuss why there are so many townspeople at the game with torches and pitchforks, the new film has two computer experts discussing the definition of life.
• “It Follows” • • • : Young woman is followed by evil force passed to her through a sexual encounter. “It Follows” is a smart, disturbing and haunting tale that is truly, deeply scary.
Director Robert Mitchell’s film follows no traditional horror film rules. The director lures you into a world where anyone and everyone can be the killer.
Also new on DVD
“The Strain Season 1 Collector’s Edition”: Cable series from Guillermo Del Toro.
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2”: Security guard is pressed into action while in Las Vegas.
“Powers”: Detectives investigate homicide cases involving people with superhuman abilities.
“The Magic School Bus: Season Three”: Series based on the book series by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen.
“SHReD”: Documentary about 6-year-old skateboarder.
“The Salt of the Earth”: Sebastiao Salgado’s visual tribute to the planet.
“Freedom”: Two men separated by time are united in their search for Freedom.
“Poltergeists: Real-Life Hauntings”: A look at magic spells, curses and satanic worship.
“Tales from the Royal Wardrobe”: Historian Dr. Lucy Worsley explores the royal wardrobes of our kings and queens.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Return to NYC”: Turtles head back to the Big Apple to defend it.
“The Chambermaid”: Ingo Haeb’s prize-winning film about a shy hotel maid.
“Black Beauty”: A horse helps bring father, daughter together.
“Little House on the Prairie: Season 6 Collection”: Includes 22 episodes of the season for the TV drama.
“The Crimson Field”: Team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers work together to heal the bodies and souls of men wounded in the trenches of WWI.
“Goodbye to All That”: Newly single dad navigates dating world. Paul Schneider stars.
“Touched By an Angel: Family Reunion”: Faye Dunaway stars in the two-part story.
“Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove: Season Two”: Cable series based on the novel.
“Borderline”: Charles Bronson plays a tough Border Patrol officer.
“American Masters: American Ballet Theatre: A History”: New documentary about American Ballet Theatre in honor of its 75th anniversary.
“Clouds of Sils Maria”: Veteran actress (Juliette Binoche) faces uncomfortable reflection of herself.
“All Quiet on the Western Front”: This is the 1979 version of the classic novel.
“Cartoon Network: Adventure Time; Season 5”: Includes 52 episodes of the Cartoon Network series.
“Pound Puppies: Pick of the Litter”: The Pound Puppies go on five adventures.
“Batman: Season 2: Part Two”: More episodes of the 1960s TV series are being released.