In “XXX: Return of Xander Cage” (2017, Paramount, PG-13, $30), Vin Diesel proves there’s still some life left in the fur-coat-wearing superspy Xander Cage.
This time around, Cage is hired by a CIA agent (Toni Collette) to retrieve a lethal device stolen by a group of mercenaries. Sure, the action scenes are gummed up with too much CGI but helmer D.J. Caruso knows just when to inject humor into the proceedings.
Co-star Samuel L. Jackson instructs Cage to “kick ass, get the girl and try to look dope while you’re doing it.” Mission accomplished. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Also New to VOD and StreamingTracy Morgan – Stayin Alive: Red Bank’s iconic Count Basie Theatre provides the setting for Morgan’s first stand-up special since his nearly-fatal 2014 car accident. According to Netflix, the special will find the former “30 Rock” star tackling such topics as the challenges of surviving brain surgery, learning to walk again, falling for his physical therapist and mourning the death of his pal James McNair who died in the crash. On Netflix.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Season 3: Now that’s she starting over in New York City after being held captive by a cult for 15 years, Kimmie (Ellie Kemper) has decided to go to college and divorce the Reverend (Jon Hamm). In other developments, Lillian (Carol Kane) breaks up with her boyfriend (Fred Armisen) and Titus (Tituss Burgess) suspects his boyfriend (Mike Carlsen) might be cheating on him. Created by Tina Fey and “30 Rock” exec producer Robert Carlock, the series will once again boasts appearances by skads of guest stars including Laura Dern, Rachel Dratch, Ray Liotta, Andrea Martin, Maya Rudolph and Fey. On Netflix.
I Love Dick: Season One: “Transparent” creator Jill Soloway is back with a unique series that’s based on the acclaimed memoir of filmmaker Chris Kraus, who is played in a typically gutsy performance by Kathryn Hahn. The action begins with Chris finding herself obsessed with – who else? – Dick (Kevin Bacon), a famous sculptor who happens to be the star attraction at a Marfa, Texas artistic retreat. It is Dick’s casual dismissal of Chris’ work which, oddly enough, lights her fire, and prompts her to write a series of lust letters to him, with help from her befuddled husband (Griffin Dunne). On Amazon.
Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie: “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s” Jeff Garlin stars as Gene Handsome, an LA homicide detective tasked with solving a series of crimes. Ironically, Handsome’s knack for figuring out mysteries is matched only by his inability to make sense of his own problems. The film, which is also written and directed by Garlin, aims to be a lo-fi, Columbo-style mystery comedy. Natasha Lyonne, Amy Sedaris, and Leah Remini co-star. On Netflix.
The Apprentice: When the ambitious guard Aiman (Fir Rhaman) is transferred to a Malay maximum security prison, he winds up catching the eye of the chief executioner (Wan Hanafi Su) who wants Aiman as his assistant. But what of Aiman’s haunted past? Is he trying to obliterate or avenge the memory of his murderer-father? Singaporean filmmaker Boo Junfeng uses the seemingly simplest of setups, the mentor/protege relationship, to explore complicated questions of crime and punishment. There’s not much of plot but the harrowing reality of Aiman’s day-to-day existence provides all the drama the film needs. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Welcome To Happiness: What if you could go through a door and magically reverse past mistakes? That’s the intriguing premise which is, essentially, frittered away in this irritatingly chipper slice of whimsy. Kyle Gallner stars as a writer of children’s books whose apartment is the site of the supernatural portal. Among those who step over to the other side is an artist (Brendan Sexton III) racked with guilt. Sexton’s story, which involves a weird benefactor (Keegan-Michael Key), is the only element of the saga that’s even mildly watchable. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Teen TitleThe Space Between Us (2016, Universal, PG-13, $28): Even though Asa Butterfield delivers a remarkably assured performance as the otherworldly Gardner, the first human to be born on Mars, this sci-fi actioner only gets interesting once the teenager journeys back to earth. After managing to escape his handlers (Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino), he hooks up with an Internet pal (Britt Robertson). It’s not a perfect movie but there’s a few lovely moments as the pair hit the road in hopes of outrunning the authorities. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
For The KidsRock Dog: Luke Wilson lends his voice to this irresistible cartoon comedy about Bodi, a Tibetan Mastiff who is hellbent on becoming a rock star. His mission in life it to convince rock legend Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard) to be his mentor. But Bodi winds up facing down a different kind of trouble when his dad (J.K. Simmons) and his village are threatened by a thuggish wolf (Lewis Black) and his rabid pack. Suddenly, it’s up to Bodi to save his home, which he does while conjuring up some awesome riffs. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
Welcome To The Loud House: Get ready for 26 rowdy adventures featuring Lincoln Loud, a youngster who must share his home with his ten sisters. The hit show, which originally appeared on Nickelodeon, captures what is like for Lincoln to try to conquer the chaos of such a huge – and unruly – household. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
