This week brings a wide type of films to TDS TV On Demand. Families will enjoy “Paddington”, “Selma” and “Spare Parts,” while adults have an array of options, including the blockbuster “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Also, adults won’t want to miss the debut of “The Casual Vacancy” on HBO.
New on TDS TV On Demand
Paddington
A sweet family film about a bear who travels to London in search of a home. It’s a simple, yet wonderfully charming, funny and engaging tale that offers a thoughtful and meaningful message. Available April 28.
The Boy Next Door
The handsome ‘boy’ in the film (Ryan Guzman, playing the world’s oldest looking teenager) becomes obsessed with his beautiful neighbor (Jennifer Lopez). It’s a classic stalker movie, but the cheese and silliness ratcheted up. It’s sort of a demented, guilty pleasure. Available April 28.
The Wedding Ringer
A not very original, but still funny bromance featuring the talented Kevin Hart and Josh Gad. Fans of the stars should enjoy. Available April 28.
The Gambler
Mark Wahlberg stars as a college professor whose life unravels due to a gambling addiction. The movie is a little slow, but Wahlberg and a strong supporting cast (especially John Goodman) deliver. Available April 28.
Blackhat
Chris Hemsworth (aka Thor) stars as a hacker in director Michael Mann’s cyber terrorism flick. The film is great looking, if a little slow at times, relying more on suspense than action. Available May 5.
Black or White
Kevin Costner stars as a recently widowed lawyer who fights for custody of his biracial granddaughter. “Black or White” is an honest film looking at difficult questions. The result is a little melodramatic, but well worth the journey. Octavia Spencer co-stars. Available May 5.
Selma
This moving and intelligent film chronicling Martin Luther King’s (now) epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. David Oyelowo, as King, is fantastic. Available May 5.
Mr. Turner
British filmmaker Mike Leigh takes on the life of 19th century painter J.M.W. Turner. The film struggles in the plot department, but it is beautiful and well-acted. Available May 5.
Spare Parts
An inspirational film about four Hispanic teens who enter a science competition versus some of the best tech minds in the nation. “Spare Parts” checks off pretty much every cliche in the book regarding this type of film, but it doesn’t stop it from being a wonderful story. Available May 5.
Fifty Shades of Grey
No film is probably as review-proof as “Fifty Shades of Grey.” At it’s best, it’s a glossy erotic romance, at it’s worst, it features some of the most cringe-worthy dialogue ever written. If the thought of reading the book makes you wince, best stay clear. But fans of E.L. James’ novel will want to take a peak at what everyone has been talking about. Be wary, this is not for the kids. Available May 8.
TV Highlights
The Last Days of Vietnam
Oscar-nominated documentary marking the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The film tracks the desperate efforts by some unlikely heroes to evacuate tens of thousands of South Vietnamese citizens who face certain death in the face of the advancing North Vietnamese troops. Tuesday, April 28, PBS.
The Casual Vacancy
HBO brings to the small screen this three-part adaptation of the 2012 J.K. Rowling novel of the same name. “The Casual Vacancy” is about seemingly perfect British town that hides a cesspool of dark secrets. Wednesday, April 29, HBO.
Ripper Street
More serial killers are afoot in the season three premiere of this critically-acclaimed and engrossing Victorian-era thriller. Wednesday, April 29, BBC America.
NFL Draft
Football fans can rejoice at this annual spring rite. No matter how lowly, every NFL team gets the chance to inject some fresh blood (and hope) into their franchise. April 30 through May 2, ESPN.
141st Kentucky Derby
It’s that time of year! Break out the Mints Juleps and catch horse racing’s crown jewel. Saturday, May 1, NBC.
Madame Secretary
Tea Leoni’s political drama wraps up a successful first season. Leoni, as the Secretary of State, is first-rate, and the show has really meshed over the course of the year. Sunday, May 3, CBS.
The Last Man on Earth
This twisted sci-fi comedy stars Will Forte as the last man on earth following a plague. The result is a very strange, and often very funny, look at humanity. Not for everyone, but you should check it out. Sunday, May 3, FOX.
Family Guy
The ageless animated comedy celebrates its 250th show with guest star Liam Neeson. Sunday, May 3, FOX.
News
Loving “Lip Sync Battle” on Spike TV? Then rejoice. The silly (and wildly enjoyable) show has been renewed for a 2nd season.
Comedy Central has renewed “Inside Amy Schumer” for a 4th season.
Netflix has ordered 13 episodes of “Fuller House,” a follow up to the 90s sitcom “Full House.”
“Deadliest Catch” continues to rock. The Discover Channel has renewed the show for a 12th season.
“Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” will be part of SyFy’s second annual Sharknado Week this July.
Jon Stewart has announced that his last day on “The Daily Show” will be August 6, wrapping up more than 16 years at the helm of the network’s signature program. South African comedian Trevor Noah will take over hosting duties.
