On Demand picks

December 10, 2008

HOOSIERS

(Encore on Comcast) "Rocky" in quintuplicate, as a 1951 small-town high school basketball team battles the odds in Indiana. The authentic setting counts for a lot here. So do Gene Hackman (above), Dennis Hopper, and Barbara Hershey in the Gipper film of the '80s. (PG; runs through Dec. 18)

FLASH GORDON

(Encore on Comcast) For kids only. A low camp satire with a banal sense of humor. After five minutes you'll tire of the puns. But, before you do, remember that it's only a Flash-in-the-pan. (PG; runs through Dec. 18)

FLIPPER

(Encore on Comcast) Bland but attractive and easy to take. This reprise of the TV show about the world's favorite dolphin retains a '60s feel, but Elijah Wood is a plus as the surly kid who benefits from befriending a dolphin. Paul Hogan is engaging as his beach-bum uncle - and the underwater photography is terrific. (PG; runs through Dec. 18)