Family-friendly films are among the top picks this week among new DVD and Blu-ray releases.
• “Christopher Robin”: The production features the familiar characters from the books by British author A.A. Milne. The big difference is that Christopher Robin in this film, played by Ewan McGregor, has grown up and lost the childhood innocence he had when he would play in the Hundred Acre Wood. Pooh comes back into Christopher’s life in hopes of rekindling the youthful exuberance Christopher once had and in the process make him a better husband and father.
There’s a sweetness to “Christopher Robin” that could fill a heffalump load of honey pots. It’s a good reminder that life moves swiftly and it’s important to remember the very important.
• “The Incredibles 2”: The family elements – especially having to do with baby Jack-Jack’s budding powers – make for the best moments in the animated sequel. From a training session with the no-nonsense Edna or the fun battle between the laser-shooting, dimension-hopping, fire-throwing baby and a raccoon, Jack-Jack steals the show.
How Elastigirl deals with the pressure of being the last, great hope for superheroes and the strain of her being away – especially from Jack-Jack — are strong enough building blocks to carry the movie. Director Brad Bird had so many years to think about the story, the central strength of the family dynamic gets muddled by plot threads of young love gone wrong, a cautionary tale of technology and the introduction of a bevy of new characters with super powers.
The only one of the new characters that is developed enough to be interesting is Voyd (Sophia Bush). Her story would make for a full movie.
• “Destination Wedding”: Frank (Keanu Reeves) and Lindsay (Winona Ryder) meet when they are headed to a destination wedding. The only thing they have in common is they are both unhappy with having to make the long trip to watch the couple get married against a perfect sunset.
Director Victor Levin’s script has been structured like a two-person play or in a similar style to the 1995 Ethan Hawke/Julie Delpy feature film “Before Sunrise.” Having every line of dialogue in “Destination Wedding” be delivered by either Reeves or Ryder establishes in a crystal clear form that this is a movie with a laser focus on one man and one woman.
Also on DVD
• “Getting Grace”: Teenage girl dying of cancer and awkward funeral director (Daniel Roebuck) learn about life and death.
• “Sesame Street – The Magical Wand Chase”: Elmo, Abby and friends take to the skies in colorful hot-air balloons.
• “The Woman in White”: The five-part screen adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ novel brings to life elements that made the mystery thriller a success when it was published in 1868.
• “Who Is America”: Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy series that features candid interviews with political leaders.
• “The Good Fight: Season 2”: Members of the law firm find themselves under psychological assault when a client at another firm kills his lawyer for overcharging.
• “BlacKKKlansman”: Spike Lee film that offers a true-life examination of race relations in 1970s America that is just as relevant in today’s tumultuous world.
• “Breaking Brooklyn”: Homeless young dancer and his brother are taken in by an old Broadway showman when their father is arrested.
• “Blood, Sweat and Terrors”: Lethal combination of gangsters, hit men, crooked cops and guerilla fighters head for the ultimate showdown.
• “Succession: The Complete First Season”: Series follows the Roy family, owners of one of the biggest media communications and entertainment conglomerates in the world.
• “Mara”: Criminal psychologist discovers a group of people have been terrorized by a shadowy menace.
• “Midaq Alley”: Salma Hayek stars in the film adapted from the 1947 novel “The Alley of the Miracles” by Nobel Prize laureate Naguib Mahfouz.
• “American Dresser”: Vietnam veteran decides to confront the mistakes of his past by fulfilling a lifelong dream.
• “La Boyita”: Argentinean drama about the connection between sisters from director Julia Solomanoff.
• “Beyond the Sky”: Skeptic about alien abduction has his mind changed by a young woman.
• “Masterpiece: Poldark: Season 4”: To defend Cornwall and those he loves from an empowered George, Ross must play the political game on a journey that takes him to the nation’s capital.
• “Sleepwalkers”: Brian Krause and Alice Krige star in this tale of modern-day vampires who move from small town to small town to prey on young women.
• “Native America”: This series combines history and science with living indigenous traditions.
On digital HD
• “Crazy Rich Asians”: A woman must battle the family of the man she loves during a wedding weekend. Out on DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 20.
• “Red Vs. Blue: The Shisno Paradox”: Trip out for pizza ends with the Reds and Blues scattered and lost in time. Available on Blu-ray Jan. 1.
• “Kin”: Ex-con and his adopted teenage brother find themselves on the run from a vengeful criminal with only a mysterious weapon to protect themselves. Will be available Nov. 20 on DVD.
• “Blindspotting”: Parolee facing his final three days of probation needs to stay clear of trouble but witnesses a police shooting. On Blu-ray and DVD Nov. 20.
