“La La Land,” the winner of six Academy Awards (including Best Picture for about two minutes), highlights a fresh slate of films coming to TDS TV on Demand. The award-winning “La La Land” offers one of the most innovative and fresh musicals to hit the big screen in years. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the pulse-pounding horror/thriller “Split,” a remarkable return to form for director M. Night Shyamalan. Also, horror aficionados will enjoy a return to the “Underworld” franchise, and Michael Keaton fans should delight in his meaty portrayal of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.
LA LA LAND
Available April 25. Rated PG-13.
Copyright Summit Entertainment, LLC.
Emma Stone (who won an Oscar for her performance) and Ryan Gosling shine as an actress and musician chasing their dreams in the City of Angels. Director Damien Chazelle (also an Oscar-winner) weaves a charming and enchanting tapestry of music, laughs and romance in this heartfelt love letter to Hollywood. “La La Land” is a quirky, beautiful film that should prove to be irresistible to anyone who loves movies.
THE FOUNDER
Available April 18. Rated PG-13.
Copyright Speedee Distribution
Michael Keaton delivers an inspired and engaging portrayal of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc in this sly satire of American capitalism. It is often funny—and often bitingly sad. The film follows the life of Kroc, beginning as a struggling salesman in Illinois, to his rise as the mastermind behind of a billion-dollar burger empire. The supporting cast is uniformly good, but it is Keaton’s electric performance that really propels “The Founder.”
SPLIT
Available April 18. Rated PG-13.
Copyright Universal Studios
Intense film about a young man with 23 personalities who kidnaps three young girls in an attempt to awaken a 24th personality that he believes exists. James McCovoy is fantastic in the lead role, and Anya Taylor-Joy matches him as the protagonist. “Split” is a unique, edge-of-your-seat thriller—and a welcome return to form for writer-director M. Night Shyamalan.
UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS
Available April 4. Rated R.
Copyright Lakeshore Entertainment Group
Kate Beckinsale returns for the fifth “Underworld” film, but this time, both the Lycan clan and the Vampires are after her. There’s nothing very original here, but Beckinsale jumps into her role full force, and the action and effects are quite good. Fans of the “Underworld” series should enjoy a return to the franchise, and newcomers can watch “Blood Wars” without having seen the other entries in the series.
BLUE JAY
Available now. Rated PG-13.
Copyright Orchard Enterprises
Be forewarned—not a lot happens in “Blue Jay.” And that’s okay. The film, about former high school sweethearts who reconnect after 20 years, is a charming and sweet little gem. Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson are outstanding as two people who find themselves looking back at their past and doing the whole ‘how did we get here’ discussion. “Blue Jay” is a subtle, poignant and heartbreaking film – recommended for anyone who enjoys a simple, human drama.
Check out all the movies available on TDS TV Movies on Demand.
