New on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy January 5, 2019 "The Girl in the Spider's Web," "The Grinch" and "The Sisters Brothers"

The Grinch

Starring the voices of: Benedict Cumberbatch and Rashida Jones

Rated PG   

Another version of the Dr. Seuss story of the Grinch, who hates Christmas and does everything in his power to stop it from coming to Whoville.

“The Grinch” is an updated animated telling of the story that probably should have been flushed out a little more.

I understand the need to update stories and retell them, but the producers decided to completely rewrite the story and in that process it lost the magic it's predecessors maintained.

The Grinch is still a jerk, but he's not quite the bad guy he needs to be to make the transition at the end of the story. Cindi Lou Who is played more as a street-wise child lacking the purity and innocence that was needed as a catalyst for the Grinch's change.

Without those two ingredients, the story simply loses its wonder and falls flat.

I think little kids will like the animation, but I do not think this version of the Dr. Seuss classic will become a Christmas tradition.

It gets a C and is rated PG.

The Sisters Brothers

Starring: John C Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix and Jake Gyllenhaal

Rated R   

In the film Eli and Charlie Sisters are hired guns in 1850's Oregon going after a gold prospector who has run out on a debt.

“The Sisters Brothers” is an eccentric dark comedy, wonderfully acted by the entire cast. Both John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix create characters that are not only watchable, but are empathetic.

“The Sisters Brothers” is a must-see film.

It gets an A and is rated R.

Girl in the Spider's Web

Starring: Claire Foy

Rated R   

Young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials.

The sequel to “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl in the Spider's Web” promised a deep and involved crime thriller with a good cast.

But, unfortunately, the sequel could not live up to the first film due to an overly predictable story and a lackluster directing style from Fede Alvarez. The film paces itself as if as if it were ready to sleep.

The script is full of twists and turns that ultimately make the audience feel as if they've missed something because of an inconceivable and ridiculous plot.

The film would have fared better if the producers had simplified everything and opted for characters that were believable and empathetic instead of generic and bland.

In the end, “The Girl in the Spider's Web” just won't hold your interest.

It gets a D and is rated R.