On demand picks

August 28, 2009

MARVIN’S ROOM

(Encore on Comcast) This film of the late Scott McPherson’s successful play is rather too schematic as it makes its point about the dying teaching the living how to live. But it’s got glorious performances by Diane Keaton as the sister who stayed home to care for an ailing father, Meryl Streep as the sister who took off and feels edgy and defensive, and Leonardo DiCaprio (above, with Streep) as her angry son - doing some of his best work. (PG-13; runs through Sept. 3)

NIGHT AND THE CITY

(Encore on Comcast) Richard Widmark in one of his best film noir roles, a glib, jumpy tout on the run from the London underworld in the most stylish film Jules Dassin ever made (unrated; runs through Sept. 3)

THE LAST SUPPER

(Encore on Comcast) This bright directorial debut by Stacy Title falls somewhere between “Shallow Grave’’ and “Arsenic and Old Lace.’’ A houseful of liberal grad students unexpectedly kill a bigot, then find they like the idea and decide to kill some more. Engaging ensemble interplay carries the story past a sometimes too-schematic script covering the entire right-wing political spectrum. (R; runs through Sept. 3)

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