Who you gonna call for the best movies? TDS TV! This week we serve up some of the biggest films of the year, including the blockbusters “Ghostbusters” and “Independence Day: Resurrection.” And if that isn’t enough, we have the latest from Tarzan, Alice and the gang from “Ice Age.”
New on TDS TV on Demand
Ghostbusters
A first-rate cast (Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones) does a solid job updating the “Ghostbusters” saga. The film basically takes a lot of the original elements, blending in the personalities of the four leads. It’s not the most original film of the year, but the effects are good and the cast is game. Available October 11.
Ice Age: Collision Course
We’ve had several other “Ice Age” films, so this one won’t surprise anyone. It’s an enjoyable slapstick comedy aimed mostly at the younger kids. The film is buoyed by the likable cast (Ray Romano, Denis Leary) and an infectious energy. Available October 11.
The Infiltrator
“The Infiltrator” is powered by Bryan Cranston’s crackerjack performance as an undercover agent involved in a massive sting operation involving drug lord Pablo Escobar during the 1980s. It is a complex and smart movie, crackling with suspense and intrigue. Available October 11.
The Legend of Tarzan
Alexander Skarsgard takes the lead in this latest update of the Tarzan saga. In this version, Tarzan has returned to London, but is called back to Africa to investigate atrocities being committed in the jungle he once called home. The story is routine, but the effects are good and Skarsgard brings a physical presence to the role. Available October 11.
Independence Day: Resurrection
“Resurrection” suffers from the absence of Will Smith, and the story nothing special. But the film delivers with some top-notch action and special effects. The best moments are when the veteran actors—Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch and Brent Spiner—are on screen. Available October 18.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Alice (Mia Wasikowska) has to head back to Wonderland to help the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp). The film gets bogged down in too much CGI (which is fantastic) and an uninspiring story, but the film is visually stunning. Available October 18.
Cafe Society
Woody Allen’s latest film is about a young New Yorker who falls in love in Hollywood in the 1930s. It is a gentle and bittersweet comedy that should please Allen’s many fans. Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carrell star. Available October 18.
Within
A widow and his new wife move into a peaceful new neighborhood only to find that their perfect home isn’t quite right. It’s a standard haunted house thriller, complete with spooky sounds, creepy visions and a dark past. Available October 18.
TV Highlights
Supergirl
The move from CBS to The CW is ready to fly. Supergirl was one of last year’s more enjoyable newcomers, with Melissa Benoist shining in the title role. This year’s opener will introduce Supergirl’s cousin—a guy you might of heard of—Clark Kent. Monday, October 10, The CW.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine/New Girl
Crossovers are a mixed bag, but this week’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “New Girl” mashup is inspired. Both shows feature some of the wackiest (and often funniest) situations on television. And who doesn’t think Jess and Jake would be an awesome couple? Tuesday, October 11, Fox.
Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids
Concert film from music icon Justin Timberlake, courtesy of directory Jonathan Demme. The concert was filmed on the final day of Timberlake’s last tour at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Expect Timberlake to rock the house. Wednesday, October 12, Netflix.
Lip Sync Battle
A 3rd season of musical craziness kicks off with Oscar winner Ben Kingley (yes, I’m not joking), taking on “Star Trek’s” John Cho. Awesomeness is going to ensue! Wednesday, October 12, Spike.
Falling Water
Producer Gale Anne Hurd (who helped bring to the screen such properties as “The Terminator,” “Aliens” and “The Walking Dead”) helped create this new drama about a three people who come to realize they can enter each other’s dreams. Thursday, October 13, USA Network.
Mascots
“Mascots” is the latest film from Christopher Guest, who created “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Huffman,” not to mention being a key member of Spinal Tap. In “Mascots” a crazy cast of characters vie for the World Mascot Association Championship. If you like Guest’s earlier work, you’ll love this. Thursday, October 13, Netflix.
Goliath
David E. Kelley is back on television with a new legal drama. “Goliath” stars the wonderful Billy Bob Thornton as a down-and-out attorney who makes a bid for redemption when he takes on a giant corporation. Friday, Oct. 14, Amazon.
The Durrells of Corfu
The British do the costume drama better than anyone. This latest is a six-part series adapted from Gerald Durrell’s “My Family and Other Animals.” “The Durrells of Corfu” follows a widowed man and his four children who end up living on a Greek island in the 1930s. Sunday, Oct. 16, PBS.
Killing Reagan
Tim Matheson stars as Ronald Reagan in this adaptation of Bill O’Reilly’s book. The film examines the events leading up to the assassination attempt on Reagan, and the aftermath. Cynthia Nixon plays his wife Nancy. Sunday, October 16, National Geographic.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again
This new production of the 1975 cult classic stars Laverne Cox, Victoria Justice, Ryan McCartan, Annaleigh Ashford, Adam Lambert, Reeve Carney, and Christina Milian. The film’s original star, Tim Curry, returns as the narrator. The film’s braintrust promised to re-imagine the film visually while sticking faithfully to the original text and score. Friday, October 21, Fox.
Walking Dead
It’s been a long summer for “Walking Dead” fans. Last season ended with Negan (the great Jeffrey Dean Morgan) killing an unknown cast member. So who will die – and who will live. Tune in to find out. Sunday, October 23, AMC.
News
One of the best animated shows on television, Cartoon Network’s Emmy-winning “Adventure Time,” will wrap after its 9th season, which will air in 2018.
FX has renewed “American Horror Story” for a 7th season.
Remember Chuck Barris’ “The Gong Show?” ABC has ordered a primetime version of the classic 70’s era game show.
Amazon has will produce a live-action version of the cult comedy “The Tick.”
Simon Cowell has re-upped with “America’s Got Talent” through the 2019 season.
A movie based on Green Day’s concept album, “American Idiot,” will be produced by HBO. A Broadway adaptation captured two Tony Awards.
Sigourney Weaver will be joining the cast of Marvel’s “The Defenders” television show. Best yet – she gets to play the villain.
Image Credits:
Ghostbusters – Sony
Legend of Tarzan – Warner Bros.
Supergirl – The CW
Adventure Time – Cartoon Network
