Now Playing

Here's a look at the new, holiday-themed film I saw last week. As a bonus, below that are reviews of the new series/mini-series playing on the pay cable networks.

Hop

Starring: James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, and the voices of Russell Brand, Hank Azaria, and Hugh Laurie

Synopsis: "Hop" tries to do for Easter what so many films have done for Christmas. It's a light, fluffy, colorful tribute to the Easter Bunny. The story focuses on the heir-apparent to the big job — EB (Brand) — who would rather spend life as a drummer. His father (Laurie) tries to hand down the Easter Bunny mantle, but EB flees to Hollywood. There he meets a down-on-his-luck Fred (Marsden), and slap-stick comedy ensues. The film is directed by the director of "Alvin and the Chipmunks," and employs much the same style. It is a hybrid of live action and CGI creatures. There is a good look and a bright color palette, but that can't help the story. The script — from the writing team behind "Despicable Me" — leaves something to be desired. The CGI bunnies and chicks are cute, and kids will likely be drawn to the presentation, but there's little exceptional or memorable about this film. It is unique in trying to build a kid's film for Easter, but that's about the best that can be said.

Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.

Verdict: Two stars out of Four

On the Small Screen:

Mildred Pierce

Starring: Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood, and Melissa Leo

Synopsis: This five-hour mini-series is a new adaptation of the James M. Cain novel by the same name that was adapted into a movie in 1945 starring Joan Crawford. In this expanded version — co-written and directed by Todd Haynes ("Far From Heaven") — there is a greater focus on incorporating more of the characters and story from the source material. Winslet, an Academy Award winner, offers a strong performance in the lead role. The story is of a woman, Mildred Pierce (Winslet), who struggles to find work and, eventually, open her own business in Depression-era California. The heart of the story is the complicated relationship between Mildred and her eldest daughter, Veda. The story takes place over 10 years through the five hours, with Veda being played by Morgan Turner in the early parts and Evan Rachel Wood in the latter installments. Haynes nails the period look and feel, and the mini-series has a wonderfully old-style pacing. The performances are strong, and it's clear from the early installments that the series is building to a nice crescendo.

Rating: TVMA

Verdict: B

Where to Find it: "Mildred Pierce" debuted March 27 on HBO. Parts 1-3 are available now, Parts 4-5 air Sunday night at 9 p.m.

The Borgias

Starring: Jeremy Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, David Oakes, and Colm Feore

Synopsis: I wrote about the historical aspect of this story on Monday's blog. For more on that, check out "The First Crime Family." This series is about the historical figures the Borgias family, whose patriarch, Rodrigo Borgia (Irons), was named Pope Alexander VI in 1492. The historical family served as the inspiration for Mario Puzo in creating "The Godfather," and was later the subject of his final novel, "The Family." In this new series, Neil Jordan ("The Crying Game") serves as executive producer and also wrote and directed various episodes. It is a gritty, at times brutal look at these people. Given the historical record regarding the family during the time period, there is plenty of darker elements from the historical record to be worked into the show. Puzo's novel on the family was certainly R-rated. The show's pilot, which debuted Sunday, April 3, felt like a mix between "The Sopranos" and "The Tudors." It will be interesting to see how the show develops from here. Irons is a strong actor, Feore is developing into a credible villainous foil, and Arnaud did great work in the pilot as the eldest Borgia son, Cesare.

Rating: TVMA

Verdict: B+

Where to Watch It: The Pilot aired April 3, and is available on Demand. The Series airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime.