Enjoy the holidays with new movies from TDS TV on Demand. There are a number of exceptional dramas coming to your TV, including “Sully,” “Ben-Hur” and “Snowden.” And if you need something to entertain the kids – the wild animated comedy “Storks” is perfect for the job.
New on TDS TV on Demand
Sully
Tom Hanks stars as Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger – the man who became a hero for landing a damaged jet on the Hudson River. Director Clint Eastwood keeps things moving along, but it is Hanks who really soars as the honest pilot who simply is doing his duty. Available December 20.
Ben-Hur
The story of Ben-Hur gets a modern makeover – aiming for more action and thrills than the 1959 classic. Speaking of the original, it’s natural to compare the two versions – and this new effort pales (the 1959 version won 11 Oscars). Still, taken on its own this latest version is an enjoying family film that plays up the themes of forgiveness and faith. Available now.
Storks
Storks used to deliver babies – but now they deliver packages. But when the old baby making machine is activated, things go insane. “Storks” is a madcap animated romp that hits far more than it misses. The relentless pace will keep the kids laughing their heads off. Available December 20.
In a Valley of Violence
Ethan Hawke and John Travolta star in this homage to the spaghetti western mixed with healthy doses of twisted humor. Hawke plays a drifter looking for revenge on the men who had tried to kill him. Available December 27.
When the Bough Breaks
It’s sort of a low-budget “Fatal Attraction” about a surrogate mom who becomes obsessed with the soon-to-be-father. The film is predictable on so many levels, yet that doesn’t mean it isn’t a tasty (if disposable) thriller. Available December 27.
Snowden
“Snowden” is a galvanizing film – some will love it, others will hate it due to the politics involved. But in reality, the film is a methodical and nuanced look at the Snowden – perhaps a little dry – which is surprising since Oliver Stone is the director. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a fine job in the title role. Available December 27.
TV Highlights
America’s Got Talent Holiday Spectacular
Expect a super-sized dose of fun to celebrate the holidays, including appearances from this season’s winner, Grace VanderWall, Penn & Teller and crooner Sal Valentinetti. Monday, December 19, NBC.
First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell to the White House – An Oprah Winfrey Special
Oprah Winfrey joins First Lady Michelle Obama for this hour-long interview from inside the White House. Obama will talk about her eight years as First Lady of the United States, the legacy she hopes to leave, and her plans for the future. Monday, December 19, CBS.
The Wall
This new game show comes from producer LeBron James and is hosted by Chris Hardwick. The show features two-person teams who compete for more than $12 million in cash via a combination of trivia questions and a four-story wall of bouncy green (good) and red (bad) balls. “The Wall” debuts on Monday, December 19, on NBC.
Trollhunters
Director Guillermo del Toro created this animated series about a 15-year old teenage boy who finds a magical amulet that reveals a hidden civilization of trolls that live beneath the town of Arcadia – a civilization he must now protect. The voice cast includes the late Anton Yelchin, Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman, and Steven Yeun. Netflix, Friday, December 23.
Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Return of Doctor Mysterio
Christmas and Dr. Who now go hand-in-hand. This year’s special has the doctor heading to Manhattan to save it from mind-altering aliens. Sunday, December 25, BBC.
The 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
Stephan Colbert hosts this annual event, which celebrates the contributions made by artists on our society. This year’s event honors pianist Martha Argerich, rock band the Eagles, actor Al Pacino, singer Mavis Staples, and musician James Taylor. Tuesday, December 27, CBS.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Bring in 2017 with parties, music and celebs. The only problem is where to start. John Legend, Fergie, Shawn Mendes and Flo Rida are a few of the guests on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2017.” Another fun time can be had with “NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly,” which will feature performances from Alicia Keys, Pentatonix and Blake Shelton. Or you can join Queen Latifah and Snoop Dog, who host “Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution” on Fox from Miami.
Sherlock
The world is all good with the return of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in a new season of “Sherlock.” Veteran character actor Toby Jones is on board as Holmes’ latest adversary. The new season of “Sherlock” will consist of three episodes. January 1, 2017, PBS.
Ransom
The new 13-episode series follows an ace crisis and hostage negotiator around the globe as he and his team solve crimes involving some of the world’s most dangerous international criminals. Luke Roberts stars. Series debutes on January 1, 2017, on CBS.
The Mick
Kaitlin Olson, from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” stars in this new comedy about a woman who has always avoided responsibility who finds herself guardian to her sister’s three spoiled children. “The Mick” debuts on January 1, 2017, on Fox.
News
HGTV says that production of the popular house-flipping series “Flip or Flop” will continue despite the split of the husband/wife stars Tarek and Christina El Moussa.
The CW’s “Reign” is coming to an end. The medieval drama will wrap up its run after this upcoming season – the show’s fourth.
Netflix has canceled “Marco Polo” after two seasons.
In January 2017, Cartoon Network will debut “Adventure Time: Islands” – an eight-part miniseries delving into the past of Finn, one of the heroes of the Emmy-winning animated series “Adventure Time.”
Image Credits:
Sully – Warner Bros.
Sherlock – BBC
Flip or Flop – HGTV
