New Releases for the week of December 20 - 26
Aviva
After sparking a romantic relationship online and then transitioning to old-fashioned, handwritten letters, when Aviva and Eden finally meet, the pair reveal the dual aspects of their personalities: the feminine Aviva (Zinchenko) and Eden (Smith) and the masculine Aviva (Schraiber) and Eden (Phillips). What follows is a demanding courtship, love affair and tumultuous marriage as the couple — or quartet — navigate each other's personalities through separations and reconciliations expressed through dance.
Director: Boaz Yakin. Stars: Zina Zinchenko, Bobbi Jene Smith, Tyler Phillips, Or Schraiber, Omri Drumlevich, Mouna Soualem, Annie Rigney, Isaias Santamaria, Lorenzo Jackson. 2020. 116 mins. Drama.
Jiu Jitsu
Upon discovering an amnesiac man (Moussi) near death in the river, a group of local villagers take him to a U.S. Army base, but, believing the man to be a smuggler, the amnesiac quickly finds himself taken into custody. Before he can be interrogated, a mysterious combatant rescues him from the clutches of the U.S. military. As the man begins to regain his memory, he rediscovers that his name is Jake and that he is a member of the fabled Jiu Jitsu order — a group of warriors who every six years are tasked with battling a dangerous race of alien invaders. With the help of the wise trainer, Wylie (Cage), Jake begins to prepare for his most important mission yet: saving planet Earth.
Director: Dimitri Logothetis. Stars: Alain Moussi, Nicolas Cage, Raymond Pinharry, Tommy Walker, John Hickman, Eddie Steeples, Rick Yune, Marie Avgeropoulos. 2020. 102 mins. Action.
The Place of No Words
When the innocent and curious 3-year-old Bodhi (Palmer) asks the question, "Where do we go when we die?" his parents, Mark (Webber) and Teresa (Palmer), begin reciting a thoughtfully exciting fantasy sequence. Including a wide open sea, rowboats, Vikings and elaborate costumes, they help their young son to navigate his thoughts and feelings surrounding his dad's terminal illness. Tasked with difficult, yet necessary, conversations and explanations, Mark and Bodhi take on philosophical discussions amid the fantastic imaginary realm of magical swamps, witches and fairies.
Director: Mark Webber. Stars: Mark Webber, Teresa Palmer, Bodhi Palmer, Nicole Elizabeth Berger, Eric Christian Olsen, Sarah Wright, Phoebe Tonkin, Mary Benn, Misha Ade. 2019. 95 mins. Fantasy.
Your Honor, on Showtime
Bryan Cranston stars as Judge Michael Desiato in this 10-part limited series. The show explores the ways in which the respected judge abuses his power through lies and deception to protect his son, Adam (Hunter Doohan), who was involved in a hit-and-run.
Pleasantville, on Showtime
When a pair of modern-day siblings are transported to the world of a 1950's TV show, their influence begins to turn the black and white world to color. Jeff Daniels, William H. Macy, Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon star in this unique dramedy.
Love Actually, on AMC
Ten stories of holiday romance play out over the five weeks leading up to Christmas in this beloved, box-office-busting British comedy. The film's ensemble cast includes Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson and Emma Thompson.
Q: I'm rewatching "Bones" and I recognize the woman who plays the psychic Avalon. Where would I know her from?
You know her from just wanting to have fun, and, time after time, being so unusual. She's '80s pop star Cyndi Lauper, and those are some of her best-known titles.
Lauper is, of course, most well known as a singer, originator of the karaoke-favorite "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." However, she parlayed that brief, intense musical stardom into a longer, more varied showbiz career.
The Unicorn, on CBS
A devoted dad and widower, Wade (Walton Goggins) makes his way back into the dating world with help from his friends, who learn a few things for themselves along the way. Maya Lynne Robinson and Omar Miller return as Michelle and Ben in Season 2.
You've got Yule-self a deal: 'Let's Make a Deal' launches holiday special
Wayne Brady hosts "Let's Make a Deal"
Most game shows only last a few seasons at best, though there exist a special few that not only survive, but go on to stand the test of time. "Let's Make a Deal," which first aired in 1963 and has gone on to become one such show, is releasing a holiday special on Tuesday, Dec. 22, on CBS.
Q: I really loved the Hallmark holiday movie "The Christmas Club." What else has the woman done?
The female lead in 2019's "The Christmas Club," starring opposite telefilm mainstay Cameron Mathison, was Elizabeth Mitchell. She, unlike Mathison, was a relative newcomer to the telefilm game, but the ones she's done have been prestigious.
She's mostly known for her roles in a couple of sci-fi series, having played Dr. Juliet Burke/Carlson on "Lost," Erica Evans on the recent "V" remake and Rachel Matheson on NBC's "Revolution."
The Great Christmas Light Fight, on ABC
Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak are back to meet more families who go all out to deck their halls in a new episode of this holiday competition series. Families across the nation showcase their dazzling light displays, over-the-top trees and more.
The Voice, on NBC
Legends of the music industry - John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton - take their talented surviving team members under their wings and help them to put their best voice forward after making it through the dreaded battle rounds.
