What's coming up in theatres!

Flying High with SUPERMAN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on HBO/Max from writer/director James Gunn based on character from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures is SUPERMAN.

Superman (David Corenswet) finds himself back at Fortress of Solitude, with dog Krypto’s help) needing to give himself time to heal after a battle brought on by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who wants to do everything to rid the world of the Kryptonian. Back in the fight, Superman has his fists busy giving Luthor time to pull off a fortress heist in order to get the world to turn against the people’s hero.

That includes the government who also believes the information Luthor brings back to them gives them reason to put everything under his control. Using the one thing he believes will keep Superman under his thumb, Luthor has created a place where no one will find him. No one that is except for the very determined Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) when the Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) take a pass.

Lois and Jimmy (Skyler Gisondo) discover the truth about Luthor and his nefarious dealing that has caused all the chaos putting Metropolis in danger and countries on the brink of war. It is Superman’s earthly parents, Martha (Neva Howell) and Jonathan (Pruitt Vince) Kent, who remind Clark of who he is, what he is truly capable of and that where he comes from does not define all he has accomplished. That will take him head on once again with Luthor’s twisted mind and determination to destroy Superman!

Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman takes up the mantle from some pretty serious predecessors. He portrays his character with a sense of humanity towards those he is fierce to protect, not just loved ones but people from every corner of the planet. Corenswet lets a naïve charm come into play which, I imagine, is intentional to win over the audience. He also portrays a vulnerability and duality with where Superman is originally from and where Clark Kent grew up but never forgets who is responsible for the chaos. Nice jump out the gate for Corenswet.

Hoult as Lex Luthor is one absolutely unhinged individual from beginning to end. Wanting to rid the world of Superman, he manipulates, is a narcissist, wreaks havoc and shows every sign of having not one drop of a conscience. Hoult takes all of that and brings us on a rollercoaster of insanity and it works. Perhaps we were the twisted ones because, at times, he made the audience laugh in the madness. Gathegi as Mr. Terrific is the sanest person in the whole film. He is the calm in the chaos and isn’t easily rattled as he moves through each with confrontation finesse and a bit of magnetism I must say. Seeing the determination of both Superman and Lois, there is nothing that would keep him away from helping to stop Luthor.

Brosnahan as Lois Lane brings the expected character who is strong, opinionated and is like a dog with a story-bone (sorry Krypto). As a journalist she questions everything and isn’t about to let someone like Luthor get away with anything. There is always a trail and Lois is on it with a vengeance. Brosnahan’s character also realizes that if there is going to be help for Superman, she’s going to be part of it when so many others won’t. As for the connection between Lois and Clark/Superman, I’m not sure they mesh well but then again it’s the first time out so I’ll hold out. Gisondo as Jimmy keeps on top of the stories at the Daily Planet and even has his own connections that he is secretive about. He not only helps discover connections but works with Lois on making sure the truth is exposed. Gisondo has that “Jimmy” quality but with more of an edge making a name for himself for his own work, for them both.

Fillion as the Green Lantern needs no help with his ego even if he does need help with a haircut. His confidence is interesting even if a bit misguided at times and referring to the trio as the Justice Gang just doesn’t roll off the tongue does it. That doesn’t stop him from believing in the name till the bitter end. He does bring a bit of comedy to the drama and I’m here for it. Merced as Hawkgirl is a bit put off by all the hype and has a bit of the Negosanic Teenage Warhead oozing off her winged pours. Although not one to jump into the fray right away, it won’t stop her from eventually having a big of fun with the bad guys.

Shout out to Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho! What an awesome character who deals with his own problems with Luthor and the journey this story takes him on. Yes, we cheered for him quite loudly!

Other cast include Angela Sarafyan as Lara, Michael Rooker as Robot #1, Pom Klementieff as Robot #5, Sara Sampaio as Eve, Stephen Blackehart as Sydney, Bonnie Discepolo as Ms. Jessop, Terence Rosemore as Otis Berg, Natasha Halevi as Amanda, Paul Kim as Larry, Christian Lees as Desmond, Dinesh Thyagarajan as Malik, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Mikaela Hoover as Cat, Christiopher McDonald as Ron Troupe, Zlatko Buric as Vasil Ghurkos, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Louisa Krause as Sapphire Stagg, James Liao as General Mori, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Alan Tudyk as Gary and Bradley Cooper.

The film has a huge price tag on its head but the hype will definitely bring Superman fans into the theatres. The DC Universe is now in the hands of director Gunn and Peter Safran as co-chairmen and co-CEOs. The revamping is in its infancy with SUPERMAN being the first in a long line of new and revamped stories. Their next move will depend on the audience’s reaction to their telling and the acceptance of the changes Gunn made. It might take a little getting used to but I have a sneaky suspicion that the flaws might be happily overlooked.

Let’s get to it, I have seen three Superman’s in my lifetime. Growing up it was George Reeves as my first Superman in his television series Adventures of Superman, years later it would be Christopher Reeves (no relation) who became the new face of Superman, and more years later it would be Henry Cavill that would be the new Man of Steel. So, when it was announced that Gunn was going ‘in a new direction’, I was more than disappointed that Cavill would not be returning. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that having a fourth Superman in a lifetime was on my bingo card.

When it was time to screen the film, it was my granddaughter who asked to see SUPERMAN because she wanted to see Krypto so, of course, I gave in. What transpired was two hours and nine minutes of fun, excitement and adventure for the both of us and although Krypto may have been the main reason originally, the flying pooch would not be the only reason. Corenswet takes on the mantle of Superman that is slightly different in Gunn’s version of the DC world, but it works. It works in the sense that it is a fast-paced story that allows for no time to catch one’s breath and adds touches of humanity, humor and many surprises. There are stunning special effects, gadgets and gizmos, different spaces and place so hold onto your capes. I’m thinking there are going to be a lot of dogs named Krypto and he did steal the film several times. I highly recommend big popcorn bucket, big drink and IMAX recliners because, in the words of a previous version of this superhero – look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s SUPERMAN!

In the end – look up!

LILO & STITCH Land Home

Jeri Jacquin

Currently stream now and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available please visit www.movies.disney.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, ‘Ohana Means Family: Making LILO & STITCH, Drawn to Life, Bloopers, Scenes with Stitch that include Escape to Earth, Feeding Fish, Hula Performance, Stitch Gets Names, Bath Time and Watch This!

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

Kids will enjoy the funny, the antics, the adventure and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm.

Comic Con is this week so look for LILO & STITCH and have a bit of fun in the sun with families getting a chance to hang out together! In the meantime, enjoy just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold onto your coconuts!

They Will Fight for 40 ACRES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writers Glenn Taylor, Lora Campell, director R.T. Thorne and Vertigo Releasing is a fight for 40 ACRES.

The Freeman farm came to be in 1875 when the family settled in Canada after the first Civil War. As the world has been turned upside down, Hailey Freeman (Danielle Deadwyler) knows that farmland is the most valuable thing on earth. Along with Galen (Michael Greyeyes)) and their kids Emmanuel (Kataem O’Connor), Danis (Jaeda LeBlanc), Raine (Leenah Robinson) and Cookie (Haile Amare), are strong together, smart, and well-trained tactically for survival all well tending the farm. That comes in handy as a band of raiders try to take what’s there’s!

Hailey monitors the radio staying in contact with the surrounding farm, especially Augusta Taylor (Elizabeth Saunders) since both women have a military background. They talk of more attacks on farms with no help. Out on patrol, Emannuel is enjoying alone time only to be startled by a stranger. He followers her to a camp but doesn’t tell anyone. Visiting the depot – Galen, Emmanuel, and Raine are met by a pack of strangers saying they were military but they knew differently knowing bad things happen when strangers are around.

More and more danger comes closer to the Freeman farm. What Hailey doesn’t know is what Emmanuel has done to put them all in jeopardy and into the fight of their lives. When the young man takes matters into his own hands, it is Hailey that has no choice but to do whatever it takes to secure her family and the farm. This battle is going to cost them all!

Deadwyler as Hailey is a returning soldier to the farm and the madness follows years later. Determined to keep the farm at all costs, she trains the kids to be able to handle anyone or anything that comes their way. Deadwyler is sharp, strong and doesn’t bat an eye from her objective. Motherhood, on the other hand, is still proving to be a challenge for her attempting to separate the two but her performance is stunning. If Deadwyler looks familiar, her recent 2025 film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD rattled more than a few nerves and recently a role on the Hulu series The Bear.

O’Connor as Emmanuel is the typical young man who thinks he knows more than everyone else and pushes the boundaries. Of course, as with this stereotype of a young person, the choices lead to disaster every step he takes and other suffer for it. That being said, O’Connor is a strong character in the story and makes his presence felt frame by frame. Greyeyes as Galen is the calming influence on the farm but has his moments when certain foods from the past times riles him up. Knowing a lot about the land from his own ancestry, he is happy on the farm with his family but protective just the same make no mistake.

Robinson as Raine is thrilled to be as good with a gun as she is. She is absolutely calm until its time not to be but even then, she knows what has to be done. I enjoyed her cool-as-a-cucumber persona which matches that of Galen. LeBlanc as Danis is a combination of Galen and Raine and thrilled with traditions. Amare as Cookie is such a young girl to be living in such a dangerous time but she also knows more on how to handle herself than I ever would.

Shout out to Saunders as Augusta who befriends Hailey in the early days and although her role is small, her time on the screen with Deadwyler is amazing. Also, Milcania Diaz-Rojas as Dawn coming into the story with a character that pushes Hailey to the brink.

Other cast include Drifters Mimi Cote, Patrick Garrow, John Tench, Derek Barnes, James Binkley and Tyrone Berskin as Felix Freeman.

Vertigo Releasing commitment to discovering and championing quality independent films and filmmakers is reflected in the success of our releases, with multiple Academy Award, BAFTA and BIFA nominated titles in our library including Boiling Point, Sound of Metal, Santosh, Hoard, Benediction, and Censor. Other popular releases include Late Night with the Devil, Timestalker, Reality, Crimes of the Future, Spring Breakers, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Dog Soldiers, Five Feet Apart, Child’s Play, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vertigoreleasing.com.

40 ACRES is absolutely what I would expect of a post-apocalyptic world that doesn’t have zombies in it. Instead, it has those who are trying to survive without hurting anyone and those who want to survive by hurting everyone. I love that the film keeps up the pace of intensity because even with “relaxed” moments, I was never relaxed. The cast brings it full force from the very beginning and doesn’t let off the gas for a second.

Deadwyler takes on the role of lead in the film and she makes it look frightfully easy. Tethered to her is the supporting performance of Greyeyes who is the level head when Deadwyler’s Hailey looks like she could explode. In this world of violent adults, it is the young people of the film that have a grounding of what the world has become and the possibility of where it can go. That is, of course, once they stop the madness. Totally enjoyed the film!

In the end – get off our land!

Apple TV+ Brings History with CHIEF OF WAR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from directors Justin Chon, Anders Engstrom and Jason Momoa is the series telling the history of CHIEF OF WAR.

It is the 19th century and there are four major kingdoms in the Hawaiian Islands. Ka’iana (Jason Momoa) is a man unafraid of the ocean and what lies beneath. Hunting for food, he lands to share with others into the village. Originally from the island of Maui and son of a king, Ka’iana and his woman Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga) have found refuge on the island of Kaua’i. That doesn’t last as a boat arrives from Maui as the men request Ka’iana’s return to speak with King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison).

On Maui, Ka’iana is taken before his uncle the King and sees Prince Kupule (Brandon Finn) but also met by those who see him as a deserter. Happy for his return, Ka’iana makes it clear he has no plans to stay. Explaining why he has been summoned to Maui, Ka’iana is told that an army is being raised on O’ahu and the seer has foretold of people becoming enslaved. The King also believes that Ka’iana is part of a prophecy and the battle can only be one with warrior at his side.

After seeing a desecration, Ka’iana, Kupuohi and brothers Nahi (Siua Ikale’o) and Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka) must make a decision. Ka’iana dons his feathered cape wearing his father’s necklace and stands before Kahekili. Plans are made to take down the young king of O’ahu. Warriors land on the shore as both men and women warrior’s fight. King Kahekili lands further down the beach and another fight begins as the young King is captured. Ka’iana is disgusted by what has happened and feels deceived and an anger wells up in him and now, there is no turning back.

Momoa as Ka’iana is stellar in this role because it requires not only a presence that is unmistakable but looks that make every intention clear. Ka’iana is a character that believes in his people and their way of life but not at the cost of those who abuse the power given them by the very same people. From the moment Momoa takes up the screen, there is such power and intensity that it lets the viewer know the entire story being told is going to be equally powerful and intense.

Hinepehinga as Kupuohi is a woman who clearly believes in what Ka’iana has decided to do in regards to living in Maui. She doesn’t just follow him; there is no issue what so ever fighting alongside the men with the same fierceness. What I saw in this character is someone who cleverly watched and listened to the goings on looking for anything that might keep them all one step ahead. Hinepehinga is just stunning! Morrison as Chief Kahekili clearly has the belief that he is something mighty and no one can stand in his way of getting what he wants. Every decision this character makes is for his own desire for more power and Morrison takes us on Kahekili’s power trip with his foot flooring the gas pedal.

Finn as the prince is a mixture of being his father’s son and cousin to Ka’iana. The violence he is a part of pushes him further and further away from the relationship they once had. Believing his father’s idea of a prophecy, the loyalty is strong. Ikale’o and Tuhaka as brothers Nahi and Namake follow their brother through every phase of his decision making. Supporting the move away from Maui and the return, they are also strong in their belief in who they are and who they are willing to follow – and it’s their brother. These actors not only portray strength in their own characters but they are amazing with Momoa while telling their story.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv.

Co-created and written by Momoa and showrunner Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the initial idea was for the story to be a film in theatres but realized the full story needed to be told in a series. “Jason and I never intended on this just staying a singular season, but we do know the responsibility that comes with it. This is a story that’s never been told and I don’t mean just the story. It is a culture, a language that has never been exposed to the world.”

The high point of Sibbett talking about the series is saying about expanding the story, “if the audiences can respond to that, then we absolutely will tell more, because the story only gets bigger and the story only gets better.” The first two episodes bring such authenticity such as the characters speaking Olelo Hawai’. The series is inspired by real events and warrior Ka’iana who was a chief and warrior for Kamehameha I. Working with Native Hawaiian and Polynesian advisors, doing so brought an accuracy for not only the language but customs and traditions while giving voice to their perspective.

Momoa says of his work, “If we don’t get this right, we don’t get to come home. If we don’t do this for our people – take that weight, that responsibility, it’s not just another job, you know? I’m not coming home where people would be ashamed That’s something that weighs on us (along with Sibbett) This is everything I have, you know? The importance is next level. It’s not just as an actor; it’s as a director and looking out for the whole show.”

The fact that these two gentlemen recognize that CHIEF OF WAR needed to be a series is impressive, knowing that there is more of the story to tell is absolutely stunning. The cinematography is so beautiful and feels so authentic to the era. Filmed in both Hawaii and Bay of Islands, New Zealand, both spots allowing the series-makers places that look untouched and natural as Hawaii might have looked in the 1700s. The story itself is compelling, riveting and gorgeous to watch. I found myself actually looking into the story of Ka’iana and his family and it is even richer than I could have imagined.

Apple TV+ should pat themselves on the back for working with Momoa and Sibbett on this project. It is a winner from beginning to end and has absolutely everything from rich characters, in-depth storytelling and a history that is finally being shared. CHIEF OF WAR begins this Friday with the first two episodes and running weekly through September 19th.

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray for the first time ever from director Peter Weir and 20th Century Studios is the epic ocean story of MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World.

It is 1905 and Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is heading his ship HMS Surprise. After an attack by the French ship Acheron, Captain Aubrey is making repairs at sea but not before being attacked again. The race is on to keep the enemy away from British ships so the captain heads for the Galapagos Islands. The ships surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) is thrilled at the prospect to be able to collect specimens from the island to study and record along with the young Lord Blakeney (Max Pirkis).

Reaching the islands, Captain Aubrey, First Lt. Pullings (James D’Arcy) and crew are surprised to see a dingy of men who were attacked by Acheron and managed to escape. Ready to go after the enemy again, the seas aren’t on their side as the crew begins to grumble about their predicament. After an accident, Aubrey returns to the island giving the men a brief respite. What the captain and crew could have never expected was what comes next. What the enemy never saw coming was an experienced captain and crew who never gave up!

Crowe as Captain Aubrey has a reputation on the high seas as a man who knows how to sail, even in dangerous waters and being chased enemies. The crew hold him in high esteem and follow his orders because they trust him completely. Now that they are chasing the French enemy ship, Crowe gives his character of Aubrey intelligence to outwit his enemy one moment while still being able to care for his crew with equal intensity. It is hard for some members of his crew to understand him, but Crowe’s performance had me raising an eyebrow whenever a crew member stepped a toe out of line. I just love this film period but Crowe’s performance always brings me back to the film again and again.

Bettany as Maturin is the ships surgeon that sees more of the effects of fighting side of war on the high seas. Caring for the men is most important to him but in his off hours he dives into the world of flora, fauna and animals he is excited to see in the Galapagos. He takes Lord Blakeney under his wing when he discovers that they share a curiosity for all things nature and science but also has the respect of the crew. He tells Aubrey straight, even if it causes tension between friends and I liked that about his character. Bettany has comes such a long way in his career but I have to say I enjoy characters he portrays with a bit of spunk.

D’Arcy as Pullings keeps a close watch on Aubrey and learns everything he can. He wants one day to captain a ship of his own but learns how difficult, challenging and frightening it can be. What I enjoyed about Pullings character is that in the beginning there is such hesitation but man, when he gets an emotional rush from the captains’ speeches and actions, he just comes out cannons blazing. Pirkis as Blakeney is a kid doing grown up things in a time of war where there are thing happening that a child shouldn’t see in the form of wounded and death. Yet, I can imagine that this is how Captain Aubrey was at that age – wise, strong and curious.

Other cast include Edward Woodall as 2nd Lt. Mowett, Chris Larkin as Captain Howard, Robert Pugh as John Allen, Lee Ingleby as Holom, Max Benitz as 3rd Lt. Calamy, Richard McCabe as Mr, Higgins, Ian Mercer as Mr. Hollar, David Threlfall as Killick, Bryan Dick as Nagle, Mark Lewis Jones as Mr. Hogg and Billy Boyd as Barrett Bronden.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com.

Bonus Features include Delete Scenes, Historical and Geographical Trivia Track and Pop-Up Map.

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World 4K Ultra HD Bluray release is housed in a collectible two-disc SteelBook set, featuring striking, navy-and-gold nautical artwork that reflects the film’s epic scale and maritime themes. The exterior showcases a richly detailed compass rose and a bold illustration of Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, while the interior reveals a sweeping ocean vista with Russell Crowe poised against story seas – offering fans the ultimate collector’s edition.

Newly restored and remastered from the original elements, this stunning 4K release is presented with Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos audio delivering breathtaking pictures and immersive sound offering fans the definitive home viewing experience of the acclaimed epic.

Crowe, Bettany, D’Arcy, Pirkis and the entire cast made this film the epic memorable film that it is. Bringing the intensity of war on the seas, away from home and limited in help if anything were to go wrong, everything falls to the Captain and Crowe carries that weight to perfection. The cinematography is equally brilliant and director Weir knew exactly how he wanted the film to look and made it come to life. Twenty-two years ago, MASTER AND COMMANDER The Far Side of the World hit theatres and today the film is still as epic.

In the end – Captain and crew are ready for battle!

Toothless and Hiccup Land Home on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

This week on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital in a Collector’s Edition from writer/director Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the returning tale of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

On the island of Berg, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is a young man that doesn’t quite fit in, especially when it comes to fighting the one thing that plagues his village – dragons! It is even more difficult to fit in when your father is Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) the chieftain of Berk. Hiccup mainly spends his time in the workshop of Gobber (Nick Frost) the blacksmith and being pushed out of the way when dragons attack. Except during the most recent attack, Hiccup hears something and knows if he can bring down a Night Fury, his life will get better yet, when he does, no one believes him.

Stoick is dead set on finding the dragons lair and getting rid of their dragon problem once and for all. Before leaving on that journey, Gobber talks him into letting Hiccup go into dragon training as a way of giving him something useful to do and staying under the watchful eye of Gobber. When he arrives for training, Hiccup is met with the groans of Astrid (Nico Parker), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) who see him as a hinderance and not a help to the village.

In between training, Hiccup decides to go look for signs that he caught a dragon. There, in a small opening in the woods, he sees the Night Fury struggling and shortly realizes his tail is damaged. When a friendship is struck and he discovers a way to help the Night Fury, Hiccup realizes that he can’t and won’t hurt other dragons. As the two become inseparable and he learns from the dragon named Toothless – Hiccup also becomes a surprise during training much to the suspicion of Astrid.

She learns Hiccups secret but also realizes that the villagers truly don’t understand dragons. When Stoick returns, everything comes out and now Hiccup and Toothless are separated while finding the dragon’s lair. Hiccup enlists the help of Astrid and the others to do what needs to be done – saving his father and the other Vikings!

Thames as Hiccup is a young man trying to find his place in the Viking village of Berk. Keeping himself busy with making inventions that no one really pays attention to, he thinks it’s time to get a dragon. The one thing Hiccup doesn’t count on is realizing that getting to know dragons is the answer to the villages’ problem. It’s unfortunate that Stoick isn’t interested in hearing about it. Thames is charming and captures a bit of the animated Hiccup but it works smoothly and that’s what is important.

Butler as Stoick is the only person that returns from animation to live-action. The fact is that nobody could voice the chieftain better than Butler and he is fun to watch in full Viking regalia. That makes playing the role much easier since he pretty much already knows the lines. The challenge I think would be going from being only a voice to a full-fledged Stoick on screen. He is funny, challenging, and the scene where he gives Hiccup his mother’s helmet is awkward and lovely at the same time.

Frost as Gobber is the peg-legged, one arm blacksmith who understands Hiccup’s predicament referring to him as “all this” of problems with a mixture of loyalty to Stoick as well as a trusted friend. Frost gives his character sarcasm and wit that I secretly enjoy and delivers. Parker as Astrid giving the strong minded and strong-willed Viking who believes she must beat everyone and everything in order to be seen as a leader. Hiccup is an obstacle to all that as she feels that being the son of the chieftain is a point she cannot get over. Parker delivers on the right bad attitude of her character until she begins to see the other side of the story. Well done.

Dennison, James, Trevaldwyn, and Codd round out the added cast as the other trainees of dragon camp. They might see Hiccup as a problem-child in the beginning but, like Astrid, learn that there is more to their small world than they could ever imagine. Each of these actors are a sweet addition to the live action story.

Other cast include Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma, Andrea Ware as Burnheart, Anna Brophy as Retcha, Marcus Onilude as Snorti, Peter Selwood as Drul, Daniel Williams as Fungi, Kate Kennedy as Flatula and Murray McArthur as Hoark.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

DreamWorks brings amazing, film and animated entertainment, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Love and Legacy: Making HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, Building Berk, Dreaming Up the Dragons and more – over an hour more!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is, of course, the live action version of the 2010 version of the same name. The cast brings together that version of the story nicely with a few changes here and there but most following the formula that made the animated film such a success. That is important for the success of the film because, and let’s be honest here, when a story changes drastically, fans get a little edgy.

Toothless remains animated and everything my family loves about the Night Fury. Needless to say, there are plenty of Toothless items around our house because that is the amazing impression this character has made. He is a combination of a strong willed, free spirited, protector of a black cat and its absolutely wonderful. That’s how I’ve always seen Toothless and this film doesn’t change that about him one bit.

The film is fun, lots of laughs, and exactly the summer feature that families can have an amazing time at the theatre with. There is something for everyone bringing some of us back to 2010 and introducing a new generation to the same fun in a different way with the story of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

In the end – the legend is real!

He is the One and Only ELIO

Jeri Jacquin

Take your family on an interstellar adventure with Disney and Pixar’s ELIO which arrives to digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home) this week.

A great story for the entire family where ever in the universe you might be from with directors Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi.

Young Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is living with his Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldana) since the passing of his parents. It has been a difficult adjustment for them both as Elio isn’t sure where the new normal is coming from and Aunt Olga gives up her dream of being an astronaut. They are both trying to patch their family but Elio finds himself in a bit of trouble. First with schoolmates and then at the at Aunt Olga’s job at a government tracking station.

Both have to do with Elio’s love of space and his desire to be abducted. While at the tracking station, the group is excited that Gunther Melmac (Brendan Hunt) announces that he’s discovered a message. When Olga shoots it down, Elio decides to send a little welcome of his own and the results are more than he could have hoped for.

Taken up to the Communiverse, the aliens believe that Elio is a leader planet Earth and they are excited to have him along with Questa (Jameela Jamil), OOOOO (Shirley Henderson), Tegmen (Matthias Schweighofer, Helix (Brandon Moon), Auva (Naomi Watanabe), Turais (Ana de la Regulera) and Mira (Anissa Borrego). Before he is totally accepted into the Communiverse, Elio witnesses Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett) discovers that he isn’t accepted into the group. Angry, he vows retribution for his rejection.

Worries, Questa and the group worry that things will get worse but Elio volunteers to go to Lord Grigon and make him see reason. Over on the angry leader’s ship, Elio tries to reason with him but discovers it doesn’t work. While going through the ship, he meets Glordon (Remy Edgerly) and they strike up a plan and a friendship. On Earth, Aunt Olga is wondering what is happening to Elio because something has changed.

Chaos explodes when Lord Grigon figures out the plan and Elio is sent back to earth. Elijo explains to Aunt Olga what has happened when a craft with Glordon inside is at the military base. Now it’s time for Elijo, Glordon and Aunt Olga take on the universe to set things right again.

Kibreab as Elio voices a young boy dealing with deal and feeling alone in a very large world. Reaching out into space to find a connection, no one understands what he is doing. When the one thing that he wants in the universe happens, Kibreab gives voice to Elio finding his happy place and that’s the Communiverse. The problem is his dishonesty with his new friends but he tries to make it right. It is his friendship with Glordon that is charming, sweet and so very memorable.

Saldana as Aunt Olga doesn’t know what to do with Elio and she sees that he is so very sad. It isn’t easy trying to understand a child that has gone from being a nephew to practically being a son. Giving up her dreams to take care of Elijo, he senses that she isn’t happy with the decision she made. Saldana is a strong character in a difficult situation and lending her voice to this role is so warm and loving.

Garret as Lord Grigon is an unhappy alien who feels rejected by Communiverse and he’s going to show what happens to unhappy aliens. Garret is a tough voice lending itself to a tough character who doesn’t listen to his son. Edgerly as Glordon is fun, charming, so very sweet and can’t figure out a way to tell his father that fighting just isn’t his thing. I love the friendship that comes about between Glordon and Elio and Edgerly’s giggle is contagious.

Shout out to all the aliens because they are so diverse, colorful and wanting to keep their world intact. My granddaughter just adored Questa because, “she is smooth with a voice that is very calming when things get crazy”. I love that she felt that about one of the characters. Also, Hunt as Melmac is hilarious even though his moments on screen are brief.

Other cast include Young Dylan as Bruce, Jake Getman as Caleb, Shelby Young as Diplo Ship, Bob Peterson as the Universal Users Manual and Kate Mulgrew as Museum Exhibit Narrator.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

Bonus Features include Inside the Communiverse: The World and Characters of ELIO, Out of This World: An Astro Q&A, Astronomic Art Class: Ooooo and Glordon, Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts, Galactic Gag Reel and Deleted Scenes.

ELIO is a magical, color and an absolute family film that should have parents making this a movie night. It is a story of love, sadness, friendship, understanding, dreams and how we (on this planet or any other) are not so different that we can’t learn from one another. The story is one of a young boy dealing with the hardest thing a child would ever deal with yet, the adventure teaches him the importance of being in the present and on earth.

I love when Disney Pixar brings such imaginative stories that draw people together and ELIO does just that. It has such profound moments that are made more vivid because of the animation and the imagination it took to not only tell Elijo’s story but the fantastic world of the Communiverse. Pop the corn and snuggle up with the kids and spend a little time in space with ELIO

In the end – the universe came calling!

They are in a RELAY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Mackenzie and Bleecker Street is the story of the chase and those who would stop the RELAY.

Sarah Grant (Lily James) is trying to find help for the problem she finds herself in. When the company she works for sends her into hiding, it is clear that she needs help. Given a phone number, Sarah is told that the person on the other end specializes in the help that she needs. The number she calls leads her to a service that relays messages between callers and help can be had for a price.

Ash (Riz Ahmed) is a fixer, someone who fixes problems that people find themselves dealing with and nowhere to turn which fits Sarah exactly. Explaining that her employee is lying about research that can hurt people, Ash makes it clear that they will never meet and that she must do everything he asks of her to make the problem go away. Right outside her apartment are ‘problems’ in the form of Dawson (Sam Worthington), Rosetti (Willa Fitzgerald), Ryan (Jared Abrahamson) and a few others who want what Sarah has.

That’s when Ash kicks into gear and send Dawson and his cohorts on a wild goose chase in ways they never thought possible. But as the group gets closer and closer, Ash finds himself growing closer to Sarah which can be deadly for them both. The thing is, will being a fixer be enough to get the job done?

Ahmed as Ash is clearly a man who knows how to play the game. Keeping the way he does business clever and undetectable it what has worked for him. Ahmed does an amazing job in this role but then again if you have ever seen THE NIGHT OF, THE OA, and FINGERNAILS it would be clear that this actor is a force whether he has a film full of lines or hardly any. It is his presence and ability to bring a certain mystery to his characters that I enjoy so much. In this film he once again provides that and the steadfast wonderment of which way his character is going to take us.

James as Sarah is a woman clearly looking for a way out of a bad situation. Agreeing to all in order to get help from Ash is taking it step by step to keep the van from coming any closer to her. This is a straight forward role for James but, at the same time, it is as diverse as all the characters that she has played. From iconic roles such as playing Cinderella to the vivacious Rose MacClare in the successful series Downton Abby, James makes it clear that her choices are intentional. Playing Sarah is a chance to dive into mystery, suspense and twists that make for a tension making film.

Worthington as Dawson is a man on a mission and nothing or no one is going to get in his way. Not experiencing anyone like Ash before, it is fun watching his character run around like a chicken with its head cut off. Worthington can play the tough guy with the best of them but as Dawson he adds sarcasm that had me laughing a few times. Nothing like being a problem with a sense of humor.

Shout out to Fitzgerald and Abrahamson add to the problems that seem to be plaguing Sarah. They are equally as on the case as Dawson and follow his lead – not always to the best places.

Other cast include Pun Bandhu as Lee. Eisa Davis as Wash, Matthew Maher as Hoffman, Seth Barrish as Morel, Jamil Haque as Tariq, Victor Garber as McVie

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

Director Mackenzie says of the characters Ash and Sarah, “These two outsiders must work together (never meeting or hearing each other, communicating through an old but still functioning method designed for the deaf) to safely remove the threat and allow a small semblance of Sarah’s old life to return, away from the city, somewhere where she can build a new life. Ash ruefully acknowledges her desire for normality, even though that is no longer an option for him – his own life having been obliterated by the consequences of his past actions and decisions.”

RELAY is a mixture of action, suspense, mystery, and twists that just keep coming. Ahmed, James and Worthington lead the chase. This is not a story that is going to be easy to figure out, oh no, director Mackenzie wasn’t about to make it so. Instead, it’s like his little playground of tension filled fun, daring us all to come along and pick up the clues he leaves but even that isn’t going to be easy. It’s probably clear that I love films that surprise me and RELAY did just that.

Buckle up because this film is going to keep you going until the very end. In the almost two hours running time, there isn’t a moment to take a breath because, like the characters in the film, there also isn’t much time to do anything else but stay one step ahead!

In the end – never break your own rules!

NE ZHA 2 is a Global Phenomenon

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Jiaozi based on the story Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin and A24 is the animated NE ZHA 2.

Ne Zha (Crystal Lee) and Ao Bing (Aleks Le) bodies are in the hands of Master Taiyi Zhenren (Rick Zieff) as he tries to prevent their souls dying. Using the Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus to turn them from mush back to their original form, the two have a lot of healing to do. Ao Bing’s father, Ao Guang, is the East Sea’s Dragon King and he believes that his son is gone. Trying to make things right gets interrupted when Master Shen Gongbao is sent to fight for the Chentang Pass and without time to properly heal, Ao Bing falls once again.

Now, Ao Bing and Ne Zha will have to share one body but it will only last seven days. Master Zhenren tells everyone that Ne Zha will have to do the three trials to become immortal to get the elixir that will fix the Sacred Lotus and bring Ao Bing back. Going to the Immortal Wuliang (Robert Clotworthy), there is no time to waste to begin the tests. Believing Shen Gongbao (Aidyn James Ahn) will maintain a ceasefire during the process, Ne Zha’s parents Li Jing (Vincent Rodriguez III) and Lady Yin (Michelle Yeoh) attempt to reach him in understanding that what is happening is wrong.

But things go horribly wrong and Ne Zha turns his anger toward anyone who stands in his way. It is the love he has for his family that makes him realize that his anger should be focused towards one person – and it is shocking when they all find out about the lies, deception, and abuse of power. Ne Zha and Ao Bing realize working together to battle the true evil is worth putting themselves in danger as long as necessary.

Other cast include Damien Haas as Deero, Grace Lu as Crana, and Michael Yurchak as Ao Shun.

A24 is an American company specializing in film and television production. They are best known for distributing such amazing films as EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, MOONLIGHT, HEREDITARY, THE LIGHTHOUSE, MIDSOMMAR and this years stunning look at WARFARE. For more information, please visit www.a24films.com.

NE ZHA II is a fantastical, thrilling, artistically beautiful, funny and a complex story line that is captivating from start to finish. Using the Chinese mythology, it wraps itself around Ne Zha’s need to find out what he is capable of and Ao Bing trying to return to a form that allows him to help with the turmoil from all sides. There are family bonds that are being stretched to its heavenly limits and bonds being formed from the mostly unlikely places.

The relationship between Ne Zha and Ao Bing is complicated and, at times, frustrating to the little fire bomb. Master Zhenren is wise and at the same time a bundle of nerves and wants fire and water to find their way back to themselves. Ao Guang is a father who has his own anger issues and finds himself in the middle of a battle. Immortal Wuliang lives on his little cloud watching Ne Zha take the trials to become and immortal. Parents Li Jing and Lady Yin want what is best for their son and they have the capability to fight as well as any demon or immortal. Watching the journey of these characters is, shall we say, enlightening.

The animation is crips, clean, and mind blowing all at the same time with a powerful story and a message. A sequel to NE ZHA, the visuals fill the screen with flawless battle scenes and emotional family moments that makes the journey through the film helps it fall into the ‘epic’ category. There are so many characters and how they link test the mind and still manage to be surprising at times.

In the theatre there were families watching and cheering throughout the film. My granddaughter and I had such a stellar time together. Seeing it in IMAX 3D is eye candy completely!

In the end – they will change heaven and earth!

Each Wanted EDEN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Ron Howard, Noah Pink and Vertical comes the story of an island and those who want nothing more than to find EDEN.

Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and partner Dora (Vanessa Kirby) have found their bit of solitude on the island of Floreana in the Galapagos. Ritter spends his days writing his meaning of man and Dora gardens and loves her burro, this is the life they want. That is all about to change with the arrival of Heinz (Daniel Bruhl), wife Margaret (Allison Sweeney) along with son Harry (Jonathan Tittel). They have read the works of Dr. Ritter and want to be part of that isolated life.

Upset by the isolated intrusion, Ritter sets them up far away from their home thinking by the looks of them, running home will happen quickly. What Ritter couldn’t have expected is that within months, the new family is adjusting and settling quite well so their presence is tolerated. That tense acceptance is quickly interrupted when Baroness Eloise (Ana de Armas), Felix (Rudolph Lorenz) and Robert (Toby Wallace) land on the beach with plans of their own.

Heinz and Margaret make it work, especially with a child on the way. Ritter, however, is constantly distracted by the madness the Baroness brings with her. There is manipulation and deception constantly swirling around the eight islanders that brings about mistrust and danger. There is a social virus on the island and it is beginning to infect them all!

Law as Ritter is a man possessed writing a book that he believes will save humanity from itself. Isolation on the island is something he craves in order to do the ‘important’ work. The distraction of new arrivals sets him on a path that can either help his thought process or hurt it. Law is just exceptional in this character with the mystery surrounding him. There are moments of lyrical brilliance followed by madness but who am I to say which is which. I just loved his performance, period.

Kirby as Dora is a woman with her own set of physical issues but believes she is Ritter’s biggest supporter in all things. Keeping herself busy around their makeshift home, she isn’t the warmest human being to be around but they each seem to understand one another and it works for them – well it did for a while. Kirby gives her character the standoffishness that made me want to know so much more about her and why she saw the island as her home.

Bruhl as Heinz is taken with the prospect of making a life on Floreana with the family. Working hard to set it up, he tries to befriend Ritter but realizes its better to focus on their own homestead and let things work out on their own. Bruhl has the uncanny ability to totally own a character role and he has such a wide range of them both good guys and not-so-good guys. Every film he has been in I’m always in line to see where he is going to take the story. In this film, he kept me guessing.

Sweeney as Margaret is a young wife who wants to keep the peace on the island. She does try to befriend Dora and Ritter but finds herself taking small steps to understanding them. When the Baroness enters the pictures, Margaret clearly knows narcissism when she sees it and has not difficulty standing on her own. Sweeney’s character is the timid one and on the watchful side than the other characters, taking it all in before doing whatever it takes to protect her family – and that isn’t always noticeable.

De Armas as the Baroness is an absolute train on flaming tracks and she is the conductor. Every moment she is on the screen I wanted to throw something at it. The character reminded me of an attention seeker who would burn the world down if it would make her feel superior. Charming, well dressed and manipulative are in her bag of tricks. It is an intense role adding another layer to the madness happening on the island. Lorenz and Wallace play the two men who see to her every whim and, like Dora, believes in her and the plan she has made.

Other cast include Ignacio Gasparini as Manuel, Richard Roxburgh as Allan Hancock, Nicholas Denton as Ray, Thiago Moraes as the Captain, and Antonio Alvarez as the Governor of the Galapagos.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. Film such as MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU, FIGHT OR FLIGHT and IN THE LOST LANDS are only a few of the film the studio has brought forward. For more of what they have to offer, please visit www.vert-ent.com.

The film is loosely based on the real-life story of these characters, living on an island wanting solitude, the Ritters had their life far away from Germany. Even the story of the Wittmer family comes with a respect for the island and the couple living a distance away and again, it worked. Then, Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet landed on the beach. What comes next is pure speculation and conjecture which is where writer/director Howard and writer Pink comes in.

Howard says of his film, “I am fascinated by stories based on real events. There is no question that in this circumstance, the kinds of the choices these characters feel compelled to make or are forced to make are more complex than anything I’ve done in film. This is what these people leaved through and I found it fascinating, I found it utterly human and surprisingly relatable to the human existence today with all its quirks, all its pain and danger as well. It was exciting every day!”

That is what makes this film so compelling as Howard has chosen to do something out of his directorial character. His memorable films include WILLOW (1988), THE DA VINCI CODE (2006), THIRTEEN LIVES (2022) and in my family, THE GRINCH (2000), which is a yearly holiday happening. EDEN is a different direction bringing such rawness and the horror of human nature when squeezed beyond all sanity. He chose a story that allows for so many levels of lies mixed with truths that I spent some time reading up on this story myself.

EDEN is one of my favorite films of this year because of its unpredictability, its jaw dropping moments, the lives it is based on and the originality of it all. I found myself on the edge just waiting to see what could possibly happen next on this roller coaster ride of a storyline. I love that it is framed around an island forcing the characters to deal with one another because it’s not like they could easily walk away. There is even humor that felt twisted and intriguing at the same time. I am hoping to see awards attached to it very soon.

In the end – where is the truth lie?

A Winning HBO Series with THE WHITE LOTUS Season 3

Jeri Jacquin

Now on DVD from creator Mike White is the HBO Original THE WHITE LOTUS: The Complete Third Season.

Zion (Nicholas Duvernay) is attempting to try meditation with Amrita (Shalini Peiris) when gunfire breaks out leaving him wondering where mom Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) is. A week prior, a boat comes to port with Rick (Walton Goggins), girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), Timothy (Jason Isaacs), wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and their kids Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). Also, actress Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) and friends Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon). Already on shore is Chloe (Charlotte Le Bonn) and Greg (Jon Gries). Fabian (Christian Friedel) meets the guests along with hotel owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi).

The resort is already a buzz with Rick being upset that the person he came to see isn’t there, Kate and Jaclyn talk divorce, Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) finally talks with health mentor Mook (Lalisa Manobal) about his feelings. Belinda and Pomchai (Dom Hetrakul) have something going, Saxon can’t stop himself from being inappropriate, and Timothy tries hard to avoid the calls that are plaguing him. Victoria is dealing with a big of worry about a tsunami which sets Piper off believing it is a foreboding. Piper finally gets to do what she came for and visits a monastery for her thesis. Belinda might know someone and does what anyone would do.

Fabian might have made a mistake by giving Gaitok a gun but Mook sees it as promotion potential. Ricks detachment from Chelsea has her wondering what is happening and gets an unexpected answer. Lochlan also gets an unexpected discussion with Piper about her monastery visit. Timothy can’t get away from his problems and finds a questionable way to deal with it and Gaitok confronts him. Chloe takes the younger crowd to a Full Moon party and supplies the ‘party favors. Jaclyn, Kate and Laurie go clubbing and meets up with guys and makes a night of it, literally.

Belinda is surprised by her son Zion catching her in an awkward situation. Greg is suspicious of the happenings around Saxon and Lochlan. Timothy’s situation has caused him to think about doing the worst things possible. Rick is not done trying to meet Jim Hollinger (Scott Glen) and involves Sritala in his scheming. It doesn’t take but a moment for Rick to make it clear why he is in Thailand and it isn’t for his mental health. Mook decides to go out on a date with Gaitok and she learns his security guard secret. Chelsea tries to help Saxon with his wileyness, but some guys you can’t help.

Piper finally tells her parents the truth of her visit to Thailand, after a girlfriend disagreement, Laurie remembers why she is friends with Jaclyn and Kate and Timothy turns everything upside down in a blender of pina coladas. Jim and Rick finally have their moment and it is after that Sritala changes everything and it seems the only one walking away from this in a positive way is Gaitok!

Goggins as Rick doesn’t have the same thrill as his girlfriend about being in Thailand. That could be because he is there with a mission in mind and it has nothing to do with a vacation. Watching him unpack with health mentor Amrita, he blurts out a past that might explain the present. I have to say that honestly, I love everything Goggins does so when I heard he was on this season, I tuned in for it. I love when he takes on a character that is spicey or standoffish and the character of Rick gives me both. Wood as Chelsea is a young woman who can’t understand why Rick is behaving a bit mean with her. This is a rather cheerful and outgoing young lady and her man is starting to take the joy out of her.

Isaacs as Timothy is a man with a problem, and that problem is the law. Trying to stay out of it is proving to be a challenge no matter how many phone calls he takes. It is his thoughts about how to get out of it that are disturbing. Posey as wife Victoria seems disjointed on this trip but things begin to happen around her that make it impossible to not have an all-out reaction. Hook as Piper has brought her family to Thailand for one reason but it is clear she has another reason. Out of all the people at the hotel, I think she is the sanest one of all.

Schwarzenegger as Saxon is a sex starved degenerate of a son who doesn’t hesitate to see that he has a problem – but that’s what narcissism does. He is absolutely the peacock of the hotel and doesn’t mind what anyone thinks of what he says or does. Nivola as brother Lochlan admits that he is a people pleaser but finds himself going way to far. Caught between what sister Piper is doing and how brother Saxon behaves may be the thing that pushes him over the edge.

Monaghan as Jaclyn is an actress taking time away to rekindle her friendships. Getting the gossip in person feels so much better than their yearly telephone calls. Bibb as Kate doesn’t mind filling Jaclyn in on what has been happening as their first dinner. The scene between Monaghan and Bibb is girl talk but also feels like a chipping away at a friend yet I loved it. Coon as Laurie is going through problems of her own and trying to hide it from the others. I just love Coon and especially her latest role as Bertha Russell in the wildly successful hit THE GILDED AGE also on HBO.

Rothwell as Belinda is such a charming character. She is at the hotel on her own but it is clear that she feels like she is missing something in her life. Finding it in Hetrakul as Pomchai, it makes her wonder whether staying is something she really wants but at the same time so cute! Manobal as Mook gets the joy (and I laugh when I say that) to deal with the guests and their idiosyncrasies. So charming and lovely, I don’t think I’d be as gracious as Mook and well done Manobal. Thapthimthong as Gaitok is not only a little love sick, but will do anything to move up the ladder and impress Mook. He is equally as charming as Manobal and if I were a big roller I’d tip both of them beyond belief.

Shout out to Patravadi as Sritala, the colorful and outspoken hotel owner who comes in and out at will. She is also a wonderful singer. Also, Friedel as Fabian who tries to keep things running smoothly but his facial expressions say it all.

Other cast include Ke Huy Quan as Kenneth, Scott Galloway as Chuck, Rob Carlton as Rupert, Yothin Udomsanti as Pee Lek, Suthichai Yoon as Luang Poor Teera, Yuri Kolokolnikov as Vlad, Julian Kostov as Aleksei, Morgana O’Reilly as Pam, and Arnas Fedaravicius as Valentin.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

The episodes include Same Spirits New Forms, Special Treatments, The Meaning of Dreams, Hide or Seek, Full-Moon Party, Denials, Killer Instincts, and Amor Fati.

The Special Features include Invitation to Set: Welcome to Thailand, Thai Tea, Closet Tour, Unpacking Each Episode, and Get to Know the Characters.

THE WHITE LOTUS: The Complete Third Season gives so much complexity, twists and turns, and getting to learn about each guest is so intriguing. Taking on some dark topics, they are wrapped in the kind of humor that I like. Like a warmed towel, the story slowly unwraps and keeps us comfortable so that we have no issues waiting for it all to explode. Carbon based units are difficult enough, those at THE WHITE LOTUS are ripe with their insecurities and fears but have no problem having a few drinks under the sun.

Watching all these problems under the stunning setting of Thailand, it would normally make one wonder how it’s possible to have any problems at all. Of course, the monkeys probably knew these were human train wrecks before their feet could make an impression in the sand upon arrival. Goggins is sublime, Isaacs has me as nervous as a turkey at Thanksgiving, Posey had me laughing, Schwarzenegger was good at being ridiculous, the trio of Monaghan, Bibb and Coon reminded me of groups of girlfriends I know, and Manobal and Rothwell are so endearing and charming.

This series definitely deserves to be binge-watched because one at a time is just torture. I intentionally left off details because I hate when someone gives everything away. It is much more fun to have a clue about the characters but get the deep dive while watching on one’s own. Also, this is a perfect series to have friends over to share and with the DVD you can do just that. No commercials only a fun get together with strangers in Thailand!

In the end – same luxury new reservations!

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH Roars Home

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray, DVD and Digital platforms from director Gareth Edwards, Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH.

It has been several years since the last take on the dinosaurs and Earth is becoming a problem for the creatures. The cause of it is that the environment, air, weather etc., just do not help their survival. One place where they are managing to survive are several tropical locations are similar in many respects to what they need, be can thrive and it be forbidden for anyone to go there.

Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) meets with Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a woman with a certain set of skills that Krebs needs to take on a special mission. He asks that she go to the dinosaur island to obtain blood samples that can create medicine to save lives. After striking a deal, they go to the one person who would know how to find the exact dinosaurs needed – Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) who agrees to go along. Zora finds help, and a boat, from longtime friend Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali).

Out in the ocean, dad Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) is sailing with daughters Teresa (Luna Blaise), Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono). As the boat glides through the water, they are bumped by something strange. What they could never have imagined it what was circling them! Kincaid hears a distress call coming from Reuben and makes the decision to go and rescue them. It takes no time before the boat becomes the new target.

Racing to get to the island, if they thought they were any safer on land, they would be wrong as Reuben and his family are separated from those on the boat once again. Knowing they are under a serious time constraint, Zora, Krebs, Duncan and Dr. Loomis continue on to get their samples are met by some amazing animals but they are different dinosaurs, genetically different. In the jungle, Reuben and his family remember hearing the others talk about a village and believe it might by where they can meet up with the others.

Each step they take brings them closer to creatures who do not want them on their island and survival means staying one large step ahead of anything chasing them, including a Distortus Rex!

Johansson as Zora is a woman who, for the right paycheck, can be bought for covert missions. Quick with a sample weapon, she spends time watching everyone around her come face to face with dinosaurs. Johansson gives us a straight forward character who wants to get the job done and get as many people out alive as possible. She is the rough and tumble Ellie Sattler or Claire Dearing, maybe it’s mercenary thing.

Bailey as Dr. Loomis is an Alan Grant type character who is disappointed that people seem to have lost their curiosity for dinosaurs. That, in itself, took the story into a realm because there isn’t a kid (or grown up for that matter) that wouldn’t be all over dinosaurs living in the world. Bailey gives us a man who agreed to help find creatures that will help medicinally. The character of Dr. Loomis gives Bailey an innocent kind of charm in the midst of chaos and dinosaur madness.

Friend as Krebs is a familiar character in his actions and reasons for finding the mutant dinosaurs. His eyes roll with dollar signs and no one is going to get in his way, and I mean no one. Happy to see Friend on the screen even if his character is one I’d have thrown overboard early in the film (kidding). Ali as Duncan knows and understands Zora having worked together before. He may be on a dinosaur mission but he isn’t willing to sacrifice anyone or anything and I like that about his character.

Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben is a father who obviously is clueless to the world around him. On a boat with his kids (in a forbidden area) and a boyfriend that would make excellent dino-bait, it’s just one disaster after another. Blaise as Teresa screams and runs extremely well. Iacono as Xavier is the dude all parents are afraid to find next to their daughter, he has his moments and a few of them bring laughs. Miranda as Isabell is very cute and even cuter when she meets Dolores.

Other cast include Philippine Velge as Nina, Bechir Sylvain as Leclerc and Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater.

Exclusive Bonus Features are Alternate Opening, Deleted Scenes (Raptors and Mutadon Attack), Jurassic World Rebirth: Hatching a New Era (The World Evolves, Off the Deep End, Trekking Through Thailand, Rex in the Rapids, Don’t Look Down, and Mini-Mark Mayhem), Gag Reel, Meet Dolores, Munched: Becoming Dino Food, A Day at Skywalker Sound, Hunting for Easter Eggs, Feature Commentary with Director Gareth Edwards, Production Designer James Clyne, and First Assistant Director Jack Ravenscroft, and Feature Commentary with Director Gareth Edwards, Editor Jabez Olssen and Visual Effects Supervisor David Vickery.

Director Edwards says of the film, “There is an aesthetic I’ve been chasing my whole career, that the 70s, 80s and 90s look. Now you can film with a 360 camera, put it into software and get a 3D environment. The quality is so good that it is nearly photo-real perfect.”

In 1993, JURASSIC PARK hit theatres and just literally roared at the box office. It was and still is an amazing film filled with excitement, drama, dinosaurs, screaming and yelling (and a lot of it from the viewing audience). Audiences couldn’t get enough of the film seeing it time and time again and, like me, have it as part of a home entertainment library of films. That is followed by THE LOST WORLD: Jurassic Park (1997), JURASSIC PARK III (2001), JURASSIC WORLD (2015), JURASSIC WORLD: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION in 2022. Where does this leave JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH?

A mish-mash of easter eggs dropped here and there for fans of the previous films. This seemed more focused on the human story. The dinosaurs were there of course but instead the stories of those who were there and why seemed to take center stage.

If you are a die-hard fan of JURASSIC PARK then the film will be a summer joyride but if you are a JURASSIC PARK purest, one might be like my family finding a mixture of good and not-so-good about the ride. There is a bit of humor, there are characters that might seem familiar in behaviors to past characters and a few jump moments because, I mean, who would expect a dinosaur to be napping next to shore! The drink cups and popcorn footprint ‘bucket’ are pretty awesome though!

In the end – your home and their world!

The Group Takes THE LONG WALK

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Francis Lawrence, screenplay by JT Mollner, Vertigo Entertainment and Lionsgate

is a story from the Stephen King novel THE LONG WALK.

The United States has become a dystopian world under the control of a totalitarian regime that has a yearly contest. Young men are chosen to walk at a designated pace or are removed until only one is left to collect a prize. One such young man is Raymond Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) who is about to leave his worried mother Ginnie (Judy Greer). Immediately Garraty makes friends with Peter McVries (David Jonsson), Arthur Baker (Tut Nyuot) and Hank Olson (Ben Wang).

Before setting off, the Major (Mark Hamill) makes the rules simple but the most important one is – keep walking! Surrounded by military vehicles and weaponized soldiers, the walk begins. Mile after mile, the group keeps it to small talk except for Garraty’s group who try to lighten their situation. Collie Parker (Joshua Odjick) has a stern face and doesn’t say much, Curley (Roman Davis) moves swiftly with Rank (Daymon Wrightly), Gary Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer) can’t help being obnoxious and Stebbins (Garrett Wareing) looks like doom.

Each step the boys take tightens their friendships as they share in the ‘what if’s’ and the possibilities of winning and losing.

Hoffman as Garraty is a young man who has seen his share of heartache but keeps it to himself. Finding friendship in the group of boys becomes the one thing to hold onto with each passing mile. Hoffman gives us a character that is complex, kind, protective and focused. His flow seemed so natural and perfectly paired with Jonsson. Speaking of Jonsson as McVries, he is almost the twin of Garraty in ways and means. He is also clear on the reason to be walking and finds a protective kinship with Garraty and I truly loved watching the two together. Jonsson gives us a character that is a leader without actually realizing he is and that serves his character well.

Nyuot as Baker is thrilled to be part of the group and is the naïve walker in many ways. It is not that he is unaware, he just chooses to see things simpler than most. Davis and Wrightly as Curley and Rank try to stay focused but get wrapped up in emotions that don’t serve them well. Plummer and Wareing as Barkovitch and Stebbins are the thorn to many of the boys on the walk. They test and taunt a bit which, under normal circumstances, would typically be considered normal but, this situation is far from normal.

Greer as Ginnie is a mother who clearly is having a difficult time being separated from her son. Wishing he had made a different choice, Greer gives us the heartache and struggle to let go. Odjick as Parker is doing his best to not becoming part of any clique or friendship group. He has his eyes on the prize and doesn’t want connection with anyone. Odjick’s character says more with his expressions than with words.

Shout out to Mark Hamill as the Major. If you didn’t know it was him you wouldn’t know it was him. Hiding behind large reflective glasses and military uniform, he is the voice that was suppose to encourage but felt more like condescending honest or even teasing with cruelty to me. I am happy anytime I see Luke Skywalker, oh sorry, Hamill on the screen and this role was his chance to be hands-off wicked.

Other cast include Jordan Gonzalez as Richard Harkness, Noah de Mel as Ewing, Thamela Mpumlwana as Pearson, Jack Giffin as Ronald, Keenan Lehmann as Larson, Dale Neri as Percy Grimes, Teagan Stark as Patrick Smith, Sam Clark as Tressler, Emmanuel Oderemi as Zuck, and Josh Hamilton as William Garraty.

THE LONG WALK is probably the closest to the source of Stephen King’s book to be put on film. The amazing part is that he wrote in in 1967 while still in college at the University of Maine. His first completed novel, finally published in 1979 but not under the name of Stephen King but of Richard Bachman. It wasn’t until 1985 when the world would come to know the name of Stephen King (which I like much better).

The film is a gambit of emotions from shocking, to sadness, to feeling a bit uncomfortable listening in on conversations and back to shock again. There is no way to avoid these feelings as the entire film is the boys walking, talking and seeing things no one should ever see or experience. Lawrence may have allowed us to listen in on the conversations but never, ever let us forget for a moment that stopping has consequences.

Keeping the road as a character in the film, the audience doesn’t have to worry what’s on the right or left because the story is right in the middle, right on the road. The cast is absolutely amazing with powerful performances as each actor playing their characters exactly how I would see and hear a group of boys behave with profound skill. It is the violence that is harsh and the choices each young man has to make it absolutely heartbreaking. Well done all around.

In the end – the task is simple, walk or die!

PRISONER OF WAR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and VOD from director Louis Mandylor and Well Go USA in a story by Scott Adkins is the story of war and those who fight being the PRISONER OF WAR.

Wing Commander James Wright (Scott Adkins) is in the British Airforce during the Battle of Battan in 1942. He is shot down, captured and taken to a prison camp where he is marked for death. Wright is not about to let that happen and makes a daring escape but is recaptured and brought before Lt. Col. Benjiro Ito (Peter Shinkoda). Believing he has plans for Wright, to his surprise, he never anticipated anyone like this soldier.

Wright meets the other prisoners of war along with Beardy (Michael Walton), Jonesy (Gary Cairns), and Sgt. Gabrielle Villanueva (Michael Copon) who introduce their leader Captain Collins (Cowboy Cerrone). They fill him in on what is happening at the camp and how there are other camps much worse. Yet Wright is about to find out how Ito deals with punishments in the camp but, the rules are about to change. Ito sees that this soldier has been heavily trained and puts that training to the test.

Not waiting around to see what Ito has planned for the prisoners; Wright comes up with a plan that needs the help of everyone in the camp. One person he did not expect is Teresa (Gabbi Garcia), a nurse who is kept in the camp by Ito. The problem is the watchful eye of Captain Endo (Masanori Mimoto) who wants desperately to be the one to put Wright down. As the plan gets put into place, they group will only have a short window of time to get away before Ito and his men shoot to kill.

Adkins as Wright is a soldier who is sure of himself and doesn’t let anything rattle him, at least he doesn’t show it. Always watchful, it helps him stay one step ahead of anything coming after him, even Ito. The other prisoners quickly trust him and believe that his plan, although put together quickly, will work because they are doing it together! Adkins gives us a pilot who doesn’t fight to end life but fights to avoid it at all costs. I enjoyed his performance mainly because it was more brains over brawn and the martial arts was a bonus.

Shinkoda as Ito is a ruthless man who has no issue with punishments or pitting man against man. Once he experiences Wright’s abilities, he uses it for two purposes and neither of them are worthy of humanity. Trying to keep his emotions in checks, he slips occasionally and Wright is there to take note. Mimoto as Endo is an angry soldier who sees nothing redeeming about any of the prisoners but especially Wright. Trying to convince Ito to let him handle it, his frustration grows in intensity.

Copon as Villenueva takes to Wright immediately and believes that he can make an escape possible. Cerrone as Collins also sees what the pilot can do and how it has an effect on Ito but believes in an escape is possible. Walton and Cairns will follow strength and that includes newcomer Wright. Garcia as Teresa is a captive as well as Ito uses people for his own purposes. She sees that Wright can be the way out and I love that there is a woman in the mix.

Shout out to Asano as Shunsuke as he brings the past and present together.

Other cast include Shane Kosugi as Corporal Hirano, Fitim Krasiqi as The Greek, Pauline Lopez as Ana, Xin Wuku as The Monster, Andrei Kasushkin as Edgar and Kansuke Asano as Shunsuke Ito.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

Director Mandylor is known on screen for such roles as Marcus in THE PROMETHEUS PROJECT, Ethan Hill in DAYLIGHT’S END, John Caputo in 3 DAYS IN MALAY and as Nick Portokalos in the hit film MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING and the sequels that followed.

Adkins history in film makes PRISONER OF WAR a perfect fit. Trained in the styles of taekwondo, judo, kickboxing, capoeira, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do and Wushu, it offered roles in actions films such as THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2012), ZERO DARK THIRTY (2012) up to DAY SHIFT (2022) and JOHN WICK: Chapter 4 (2023). His other film in 2025 is SKYLINE: Warpath. About his martial arts beginnings, Adkins says, “I started when I was ten years old. I did judo because my brother and dad took part in it. They eventually stopped but I kept going. I got into taekwondo for many years and was a fan of martial arts films from the start.”, so it only makes sense he would use his skills in film.

PRISONER OF WAR is a war film yes, but there is so much more to it. It is a story of survival and camaraderie in the grip of that survival. Wright comes in not to be a supersized hero who wants to take out everyone, but instead focuses on saving as many as he can with the help of fellow prisoners. Even when coming up against an aggressor like Ito, Wright/Adkins refuses to capitulate. The cast adds a layer of complexity that comes with any story of war and an ending that is unexpected!

In the end - captured in war and unleashed in battle!

He Hears LONDON CALLING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Allan Ungar and Quiver Distribution comes the story of hits and unlikely friendships with LONDON CALLING.

Tommy Ward (Josh Duhamel) is a well-known hitman in the UK. Boss Harry (Arnold Vosloo) sends him out of an important hit and it has gone, well, really bad. Now, with a bounty on his head, Tommy has to say goodbye to his son and get out of London going to the one place he hates – Los Angeles. A few years has passed and now Tommy works for Benson (Rick Hoffman) doing the same odd hit here and there and finding what he does best – trouble!

The word gets out internationally that Tommy is in L.A. and one interested person is Freddy Darby (Aidan Gillen) who has a bone to pick with him. Tommy wants to get back to London to see his son and Benson suggests a trade, a plane ticket for help with son Julian (Jeremy Ray Taylor). Julian is a kid into video games and larping which has dad Benson just believing that the family business will disappear if he doesn’t grow up. The trade is this; take Julian to look for the next hit, Alistair McRory (Neil Sandilands) and see it through.

Tommy really isn’t happy with the arrangement but finds himself wanting to help the young man, especially after learning he’d been bullied by his larping group. The lessons begin in shooting, hand to hand ‘combat’, and how to scare people into doing what they want. They get to practice on Seamus McRory (Brandon Auret), Alistair’s brother. As if the pair isn’t busy enough, let’s not forget Darby and his axe that needs grinding. The most unlikely pair getting into the most ridiculous trouble soon discover that this twisted friendship has heart!

Duhamel as Tommy clearly had several good years as a hitman and his name is known to everyone in the game. Something is not quite right but Tommy refuses to hear anything about it, even when a grave mistake sends him to L.A. I love Duhamel’s attitude which is almost that of a grumpy old man. Being a hitman seems to be the only thing that eases the steam from a very hot kettle. There is also a soft spot that Julian taps into and it can be a good or bad thing depending on how you take the chaos!

Taylor as Julian is a kid who is floundering a bit and he finds solace in larping which, by the way, is still a thing enjoyed by a lot of people Feeling the strain between he and father Benson, it is an escape that it both helpful and hurtful. Being sent with Tommy, Julian takes everything he learns in stride and Taylor is a combination of hilarious and needing a warm hug to bat away the insecurities of this character.

Hoffman as Benson is just the worst of the worst of bosses. He has no problem leaving a trail of bodies all over L.A. and happily throws money at Tommy to make it happen. When he is confronted by his son’s issues, like a boss he appointments someone else to handle it. When Darby shows up, its dollar signs, not a father’s love that motivates him. He’s creepy and icky which Hoffman pulls off with ease. Gillen as Darby is just a hot mess that wants to be the one to end Tommy and a trip to L.A. seems like a fun way to do it.

Sandilands as Alistair is just bat-doo-doo nuts and I am all about it. His character is twisted, all over the place and in need of some intense therapy. That being said, if you’re going to have a madman running after you, Sandilands character of Alistair is the guy to get the job done. Auret as brother Seamus knows Alistair is a sandwich short of a picnic but hey, he’s family and that means everything so let the war begin.

Other cast include Daniah De Villiers as Erika, Daniel Thomas as Arthur, Daniel Lasker as Barnabus, Jazzara Jaslyn as Darya, Ntlanhla Morgan Kutu as Amos Woodley, Finnley Barnett as Oliver and Karl Thaning as Ricky.

Quiver Distribution helps filmmakers distribute to worldwide audiences on platforms such as iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. Premier works with every major studio and 100’s of independent distributors providing solutions and servicing their content in 100’s of digital retailers and broadcasters across the globe. For more information on Quiver Distribution please visit www.quiverdigital.com.

LONDON CALLING is a mixture of action, suspense, drama, comedy and a few unlikely hitmen. There are twists and turn that bring unexpected surprises with giggles that can’t be suppressed. Duhamel and Taylor together make a great team in the midst of the reasons they are having to get a job done. They learn to understand one another which keeps them moving toward a day of larping and a reunion with family.

Director Ungar takes the story on a ride that matches Tommy’s gold toned 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. Tommy is supposed to be teaching Julian how to be a ‘man’ but it is their relationship that helps them both grow up. The cinematography is fast and explosive to say the least which adds to the weird telling of the film. Hang on to your gun because this is going to get outlandish and entertaining.

In the end – this isn’t any ordinary babysitting job!

BAU: ARTIST AT WAR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Sean McNamara, ShowBiz Direct and Republic Pictures is the story of a talent that saved many lives with BAU, ARTIST AT WAR.

Joseph Bau (Emile Hirsch) is a Jewish artist living in Krakow, Poland in 1943 as the Nazi’s wreak havoc across Europe. He is a talented artist but also talented at creating identification cards for his people feeling the need to be of help. The one person who isn’t happy about it is father Abraham (Eugene Lipinski) which upsets mother Cyla (Pam Kearns). Living in the Krakow, they are all rousted late in the night by soldiers sent to ‘liquidate’ the ghetto by sending all to the Plaszow concentration camp.

Kommendant Goeth (Josh Blacker) almost immediately calls Bau to his office wanting to use his artistry and map making skills. There, he meets Itzhak Stern (Adam Tsekhman), Oskar Shindler’s (Edward Foy) accountant who sets him up for the work Bau is to do. By day he fulfills the duties of map maker to stay alive and by night uses his art to bring a bit of joy to the other survivors. He also meets the lovely Rebecca (Inbar Lavi) who sees Bau as a little strange but intriguing.

Goeth’s henchman Franz Gruen (Yan Tual) has issues with Bau and has made it his personal mission to be as brutal as possible toward him. That doesn’t stop Bau from getting deeper in the camp learning more about Schindler and Itzhak’s plans and about Rebecca. The time will come when all must sacrifice in the name of the people and the name of survival. Years later it will be time to hold accountable those who tried to destroy a nation and Bau has a story to tell with unexpected help.

Hirsch as Bau gives us a look inside the life of an amazing artist who also had a talent for comforting people and helping to save them as well. Bau is a complex person from the very beginning as Hirsch gives his portrayal light in the darkest of times. Aware that every move that anyone in the camp makes could result in death, Hirsch’s Bau walks carefully and teeters on the edge of danger many times. This portrayal is moving and still allows for moments of smiles and hope.

Blacker as Goeth is the man everyone is afraid of and rightfully so. His willingness to end life has no limits and the constant threat by anyone around him is palpable. There seems to be only one person that doesn’t feel his wrath as Blacker doesn’t hesitate to take on the role of a man that is pure evil. Below him is Tual as Gruen, a man perhaps more ruthless than Goeth as he finds a twisted sense of accomplishment in his ending of life. He becomes focused on Bau and it brings on such brutality that spreads into others. Tual is also an actor bravely taking on a role that brings on such a visceral reaction of those watching, so well done.

Tsekhman as Stern works in Goeth’s office keeping things running smoothly and takes Bau under his wing as it were. Seeing the potential of what Bau can do for the cause of saving lives, Tsekhman’s role as Stern is one of strength, courage and cunning all in the name of helping his people survive insurmountable odds. Foy as Shindler is a man who has plans of his own that started out one way and turned into another. Taking advantage of the war for financial gain, it doesn’t take long before he realizes that he can do so much more than that and knows exactly how to make it all work.

Lavi as Rebecca meets Bau and isn’t sure what to make of him. Standing back, she watches how he is with others in the camp and especially with the young boy Michal and her heart changes. I love the strength Lavi shows in her portrayal of Rebecca and I was horrified at the scene with Goeth and held my breath many, many times. Lipinski as Abraham is a father who wants what’s best for his son even if he doesn’t truly understand him. Once they are in camp together, he begins to understand who he truly is and what he offers those around him. Kearns as mother Cyla understands her son Joseph and enjoys his sense of artistry and humor. She clearly is portrayed as a loving person and we see that in Kerarns’ performance.

Shout out to Zuckerman as Michael who shows up in Bau’s life in 1971 with secrets of his own and has the chance to hear Bau’s story from beginning to end.

Other cast include Chris Cope as Mietek, Michael Benyaer as Saul, Boris Bilic as Nathaniel, Aias Dalman as Michal, Dalias Blake as Alesky, Tori Griffith as Dyta, Leslie Deschutter as Alicija, Craig Erickson as Karl Richter and Josh Zuckerman as Michael.

Showbiz Direct is a pioneering motion picture distribution company dedicated to transforming the landscape of movie distribution. They stand as a direct catalyst for bringing deserving content into the limelight ensuring that voices have a chance to be heard and visions have the opportunity to be seen on the big screen. For more please visit www.showbizdirectdistribution.com.

Republic Pictures, originally founded in 1935, is revitalized under Paramount Global Content Distribution. Their library includes such films as BLACKBERRY, MILLERS IN MARRIAGE, MOTHER MOTHER, TWINLESS and BAD APPLES. For more please visit www.paramountmovies.com/Republic-Pictures.

BAU: ARTIST AT WAR is a remarkable film that could easily be watched alongside SCHINDLER’S LIST. The cinematography of black and white dotted with color brings an appreciation of the two eras being portrayed. The subject matter is always one that tugs at the heart because of the fear and intensity it brings up, especially in the world we find ourselves in now. People taken for no other reason than their Jewish ancestry, people taken because they were seen as inferior to a man with inferiorities of his own making, seem familiar?

The cast does a stunning job of bringing the story of Joseph Bau in this film. The running time of two hours and 10 minutes is worthy of every moment. This history of Joseph and Rebecca Bau is a stunning one and should be a teachable moment, and serve as a reminder to us all. Rebecca helped survivors of the Holocaust deal with their pain and Bau eventually worked for the Mossad and the Israeli Intelligence Agency returning to Israel in 1950.

In the end – it is all about love!

DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from director Simon Curtis and Focus Features based on the story created by Julian Fellowes is the ending of an era with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale.

It is the 1930’s and the Crawley family is learning to literally change with the times. Beginning with the visiting the London stage show with Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and assistant Barrow (Robert James Collier). Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), Countess Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) and husband Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton) go backstage and meet the ever-popular Noel Coward (Arty Froushan). It is the height of the season and the next evening Lady Petersfield (Joely Richardson) has a ball and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is dressed to the nines. That is when Mary’s world comes once again crashing as news of her marriage changes her social status.

Coming back to England is brother Harold (Paul Giamatti) who is visiting to update Cora on their late mother’s estate bringing advisor Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola). The family happily returns to Downton welcomed by butler Carson (Jim Carter) who is turning over the reins to Andy (Michael Fox) under the watchful eye of Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). He is not the only one retiring as Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) is also preparing to depart Downton and leaving it in the hands of Daisy (Sophie McShera). Anna (Joanne Froggatt) is still by Mary’s side as is husband Bates (Brendan Coyle) caring for his Lordship. Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) and Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) are still part of the downstairs staff as well. They all know what is happening with Lady Mary and, as always, keep their knowing to themselves.

Arriving at Downton as well is Tom Branson (Allen Leech) bringing daughter Sybbie (Fifi Hart) to visit and be a support to the family and Lady Mary. Isobel (Penelope Wilton) also comes to the family to talk about the upcoming family-community event asking Daisy and Mr. Carson to be part of committee much to the dismay of Sir Moreland (Simon Beale). If all of this wasn’t enough on the Crawley calendar, decisions on changes that have Lord Grantham must now make in order to keep their legacy growing.

Each come to terms with where they have been in their time at Downton Abbey and know that change is not always something to fear.

Other cast include Paul Copley as Albert Mason, Douglas Reith as Lord Merton, Lisa Dillon as Princess Arthur, Sarah Crowden as Lady Manville, Oliver Barker as George, Eva Samms as Marigold, and Rose Galbraith as Lady Gwendoline.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

Now, let me get my Downton Abbey teapot of Earl Grey, teacup/saucer and my delicate plate of madeleines and box of tissues before I start this. Okay, here we go –

I accidentally discovered DOWNTON ABBEY in 2011 while watching another success story with The Great British Baking Show. For year, those shows were my Sunday night back-to-back fun that I could not get enough of. The cast of DOWNTON ABBEY drew me in immediately (as I am a huge fan of period pieces in television and film) and the storyline was riveting, powerful and thought provoking. The Crawley family, being led by Lord Grantham, are important to the community providing positions in the household as well as farming. From the beginning, the family dynamics were so interesting with Cora being the American wife and three daughters who were clearly so very different. Navigating their world from two different perspectives and finding themselves lost occasionally, Robert and Cora were the stabilizing force of Downton. All of it played beautifully by Bonneville and McGovern with an ending that they deserved that was graceful and loving.

Mary, Edith and Sybil were headstrong, insecure, lovely and met the challenges that the world brought them. Mary found Matthew, Edith found Bertie and Sybil found her prince charming in Tom Branson. Dockery as Mary saw more than her fair share of difficulties but the fact is, when the time came, she knew how to stand tall no matter who tries to knock her down in a time where women scratched harder than we, today, could have imagined. Carmichael as Edith began as a shrinking violet in life, love and an older sister who, at times, was not very nice. Yet, the more she experienced, the more she literally grew and deserved a loving and happily ever after. Findlay played Sybil for years and has never been forgotten season after season up until the last.

Stevenson played Matthew and he, as well, was not forgotten for Mary and I adored that about her. Patton as Bertie gave us a man who was content in his life and when it turned around, he became secure in who he was to become with Edith at his side. Now let’s talk Branson, Leech gave us a bit of Irish rebellion while wearing a chauffer’s uniform. He loved Sybil, lost himself in trying to mix working class with Downtown Abbey and it was a story within itself. I loved watching Leech grow and it was so well done.

Downton could not have been without the staff who kept the household together beginning with Mr. Carson. His story began as a young man working in the Crawley household working his way up to butler and always keeping an eye on Lady Mary. He was tough, secretly gentle but always, always put Downton first! That caused a few eyerolls from Mrs. Hughes, played by Logan, who was a woman of straight talk, a shoulder to cry on and believed that every person in service could be more than they could ever have imagined. Sharing the downstairs was the woman behind the dinners as Mrs. Patmore, played by Nicole, who made the kitchen her place of creation with pride in those she cooked for. Keeping her company was McShera as Daisy, a wide eyed, questioning and sometimes moody “sous chef” who often wondered if she’d ever be as good as her mentor. She does finally find a life with Andy, played by Fox, who shares his story of climbing the ladder of service but with a subdued character that made him instantly likeable.

Taking care of Mary’s needs was Froggat’s Anna, a woman with heart, soul and a person that trouble seems to follow on the regular. I just adored the character of Anna as such a stable force among the downstairs and even when her life was just in shambles, she found her way back. Mr. Bates might have had something to do with that strength; Coyle is a man wounded by war but finds a safe space and a kinship with Lord Grantham while also being the man who takes care of the head of house. When his life becomes a roadmap of chaos, it is Anna that helps him consistently so watching their ending in this film was everything anyone could have hoped for. Mr. Moseley, played by Doyle, is the insecure bumbler of a footman who always seems to find himself on the ins and then the outs of Downton until he accidentally stumbles into a line of work that he enjoys and provides. It also gives him a chance at love with Miss Baxter; Cassidy portrays her as a woman who is used for his back history until the day she stood tall and made a new life for herself. Who was using that back history? Well, that would be Mr. Barrow played brilliantly by James Collier. This actor spent years perfecting the man who we all loved to hate and then love again. A mixture of complexities had everyone guessing every episode whether we all wanted to shake him or hug him. In the finale, Barrow finds the missing piece of his life in silent film actor Guy Dexter played by West.

Wilton as Isobel takes the center controls with the absence of Maggie Smith as the Dowager Violet Crawley. Taking the lead in representing the family for the township, I adore her ability to remain steadfast and even cutting when she needed to be and what a relationship between Isobel and Violet that can never be matched or repeated ever again. In the final film, West returns as Dexter to say his final farewells to the Crawley’s and brings along Noel Coward in the form of Froushan and I loved every moment he was on screen. Giamatti returns as Cora’s brother Harold and is taught a lesson in sisterly tough love but knows he can always come ‘home’.

The film is stunningly beautiful with the costuming, the score is everything we have come to know and memorable and, of course, Downton Abbey itself in the form of Highclere Castle. Every time a vintage car pulled in it was the light sound of pebbles below the tires, the front door castes and the sound of the click of the latch, the library that held so many teas, the staircase that is surrounded by stunning artwork, the gallery that overlooked so many events, the lush green vast lawn that anyone would be happy to stroll along – all of it, breathtaking. There are many castles in Europe but to Downton Abbey fans, there is only one that stole our hearts. Not stolen really, more like held onto it until the saga came to its conclusion, then returned it to us with a bow and a ‘thank you’ for the years of dedication we also had to the show.

Finally, to creator Julian Fellowes, how can this woman ever thank you for your thoughtfulness, your ability to tell an amazing story that has kept the world captivated and talking, the time it took for your imagination to find its way onto paper then screen and for taking us all year after year on a journey as the world changed in so many ways for Downton and its inhabitants. These characters grew, changed, felt their worlds collapse only to be rebuilt into something stronger, found amazing joy, unexpected friendships, death of beloved characters and birth of new additions to the family. Thank you for giving me Violate Crawley in the body of Maggie Smith, the woman who had my heart and spoke the words I always wanted to on so many occasions. You kept her front and center even after we all had to say goodbye. It was all you sir, and the words ‘thank you’ feel not enough to express what you have brought to us all.

As I sit here and sit the last drop of my tea, I am comforted in the knowledge that right behind me is a Blu-ray of every season of DOWNTON ABBEY as well as the films that followed. Anytime I wish, I can return to the characters that I have loved so much. DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale was a hard watch, yes. Kleenex worthy? Absolutely. There are moments that just wrecked me and when the lights came up in the theatre, I was so surprised to see that there wasn’t a dry eye in the seats. We all looked at one another and sort of giggled, passing tissue and felt that we had just experienced one of the best endings of a series ever. Strangers had become talking friends walking out of the theatre with tears turning into laughter and hugs. It was an extraordinary experience and, I will remember it. Or, in the words of the Dowager, “My dear, a lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears”.

In the end – the time has come to say goodbye!

Disney Released TRON and TRON: Legacy on 4K

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD from Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the 1982 film TRON and the 2010 follow-up TRON: Legacy.

TRON

Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) is a software engineer who run a video game arcade. His pastime includes hacking into his previous employer ENCOM’s system with his own program called a CLU. Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) and Lora Baines (Cindy Morgan) are dealing with Ed Dillinger (David Warner) who has been living large off of Flynn’s games. When the couple figures it is Flynn using the CLU, they go to his store to warn him. Trying to get evidence of Dillinger’s underhandedness, Flynn finds himself being uploaded into the ENCOM game!

Fitting into the games, Flynn meets Ram (Dan Shor) and Tron and in a game of Light Cycle, the MCP is in hot pursuit. Through it all it becomes clear that Flynn has something the game doesn’t, inside information that can help Tron, he must get past Sark first. Step by step and move by move, Tron and Flynn must find a way to free the system and find a way back home.

Bridges as Flynn gives 80’s diehard video gamers something to get excited about on the big screen. The character of Flynn has become so iconic that even my own grandchildren know who he is and that is in part to Bridges embracing the character he made so real. Boxleitner in the dual role of Bradley and Tron also gave a character that is complex in both the real and digital world. Morgan as Baines let it be known in the 80’s and today that women are equally as talented in creating as well as playing video games – and I have two grandkids who can attest to that. Both are well versed in how it all works and it is the characters from TRON that are a constant encouragement.

Warner as Dillinger as well as Sark has always been so good at playing bad. Taking on a videogame bad guy is equally as good if not better. He takes on the duality of bad in the real world and the game world and I was all for it in the 80’s and still love watching it every time I see it on television. Remember, “I do the thinking around here!”.

Other cast include Barnard Hughes as Dr. Walter Gibbs, Peter Jurasik as Crom, and Tony Stephano as Peter. The film’s writer/director is Steven Lisberger.

TRON: Legacy

After becoming CEO of ENCOM, seven years has passed and Flynn (Jeff Bridges) spends time with his young son talking about Tron and the grid, then, he suddenly disappears. Twenty years after that, son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) is a shareholder in the company and finding himself in trouble as his father was. Trying to get the company’s software out for free, Sam is arrested forcing Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) to bail him out because there is a message that brings him to a basement with a computer that suddenly goes off digitizing him into the grid. Immediately captured, Sam is sent to the games. Set to fight Rinzler, he instantly realizes Sam is a ‘user’.

Meeting up with Clu, Sam discovers the Light Cycle matches and it is Quorra (Olivia Wilde) who takes him to a hideout away from it all. It was Clu who sent the message to Bradley getting Sam to the Portal and tells him of the master key disc and his father Flynn. Now, father and son must work together to avoid Castor (Michael Sheen), Rinzler (Anis Cheurfa) and the warship to get back to the arcade as Sam intends to make some changes there as well.

Hedlund as Sam is a young man lost to a lot of his life still thinking about his father. Once in the world that he could never have imagined, he is put in the same danger as his father with one exception – he has Flynn on his side. The return of Jeff Bridges is everything to TRON: Legacy and I could not have wanted to see the film without him. He embraces Flynn and steps back into the role like he never left even though 30 years had passed. Dare I say – he is our Flynn and I loved his return then and now.

Keeping with the formula, Boxleitner returns as Bradley who has been watching out for Sam. Wilde as Quorra is a young ‘woman’ who knows how to protect Sam taking him to the one person who has answers. I love Sheen as Castor/Jarvis as his antics are absolutely fantastic and I have to admit that not smiling when he is on screen is impossible. He brings showmanship into a place no one else but Flynn and Sam could possibly go.

Other cast include Beau Garrett as Gem, James Frain as Jarvis, Jeffrey Nordling as Richard Mackey, Conrad Boates as Bartik, Cillian Murphy as Edward Dillinger Jr. and Steven Lisberger as Shaddix. The director is Joseph Kosinski.

TRON and TRON: Legacy has been digitally scanned and carefully restored by The Walt Disney Film Foundation to take care of direct and other imperfections to the film bringing it a mind-blowing pristine imagery. The man keeping an eye on the process is none other than director Steven Lisberger. It is just in time to see the amazing visuals at a third installment TRON: Ares is set to his theatres October 10, 2025 and the return of Flynn.

What an amazing opportunity to gather the kids and grandkids together to once again explore a film that was and continues to be a literal game changer. Led by Bridges and Leitner, it is not only a story of video games and those who make them but a bit of subtle politics as well. The story speaks of those controlled by others, living under the thumb of a ruthless dictator. Their survival depends on working together in order to stop the evil destruction.

The special effects, beginning with TRON, were absolutely stunning for their time and the remastering proves that director Lisberger got it right the first time. It is still brilliant in color and vibrant in the storytelling. TRON: Legacy reminds us that once again you can have a sequel that stays true to the original characters and storyline while pushing the envelope even further, now, fifteen years later, the prospect of the next part of the story is thrilling to fans.

In the end – the game has changed!

It is the Return of M3GAN 2.0

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Gerard Johnstone and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of M3GAN 2.0.

It has been a few years as Gemma (Allison Williams) has now become a writer and spends her time advocating for AI regulation while working with cybersecurity expert Christian (Aristotle Athari). Cady (Violet McGraw) is growing up quickly and is following a bit in her aunt’s footsteps studying computer science. Their life is a bit more normal than previously when Gemma learns that the military and a Col. Sattler (Timm Sharp) have an android named Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno) that has gone a bit rogue.

Gemma is worried for Cady and attempts to find ways of protecting her from anything that comes into their home. What she didn’t count on was that M3gan (Amie Donald) is in her home as well and it is her presence in their smart house that warns of what is to come. Offering to help, she convinces Gemma to find her a ‘body’ to help gain access to the information they need. Hacking into the system, M3gan gets them all home, including Gemma, Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez) and Tess (Jen Van Epps) and shows them a way to create a, well, super M3gan that can take on Amelia.

Secrets are coming out left and right as Gemma and Cady try to keep up with what is actually happening and how to stop it. When Cady is taken, the one thing Gemma knows is very true – M3gan will do whatever is necessary to keep Cady safe and that means no one or nothing will get in her way – no one or nothing.

Williams as Gemma has tried to bring a stable home together after the last run in with M3gan. Writing a book and speaking out for accountability in AI creation and use, having to return to a bad time just wasn’t on her bingo card. Her character of Gemma is smart, a bit of a wisecrack when necessary and trying to be a good role model for Cady and M3gan can test all of that. McGraw as Cady is in her teenage eye-rolling heavy-sigh I-know-best era which always drives me a bit crazy. McGraw does give her character a tough exterior while pretty much being a softie in the middle.

Athari as Christian was Gemma to be a part of the work they are doing and isn’t happy when Gemma rather be on her own. Athari gives us a slick and smart character that really doesn’t know what he’s getting into. Sharp as Sattler is gunning for Gemma without actually understanding what he is doing but then again, you can’t tell a government guy anything.

Donald as M3gan is just stunning as this character. She has all the right moves and with the help of Davis’ voice, they make a perfect good/bad bot. Alvarez as Cole is the bumbling dude who works with Gemma but carries a few chips on his shoulder. Van Epps as Tess also works with Cole and Gemma and is the calmer of the two focused only on stopping Amelia.

Shout out to Jenna Davis as the stunning voice of M3gan. Her humor and horror is unmistakable in that voice and we love it! Also, Jemaine Clement as Alton Appleton showing corruption has its price.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Unrated Version Upgraded with enhanced kills, deleted scenes and more blood & carnage, Total Upgrade: Making M3GAN 2.0 Equipped with some killer upgrades, the team that unleaded M3GAN returns, Droid DNA Unveil M3GAN 2.0 as she prepares to tackle rogue military asset Amelia, The Art of Slaying The cast and stunt team discuss creating and executing the film’s most explosive and gruesome action sequences and Scene Breakdown: Embrace AI Convention From a dance battle to a blood fest, this breakdown will show how each department worked together to create this epic and deadly sequence.

M3GAN 2.0, especially the unrated version, will give fans a little more than they expected. The little robot turns into a bit of a John Wick in dancing shoes and a humor setting that is really good. The action and fight scenes are set in some pretty cool settings and nothing gets in the way of it all. The cast reuniting for the film makes it so much more fun to watch and definitely should be on the Saturday night cozy couch double feature.

We are definitely M3GAN fans and M3GAN 2.0 turned out to be even more fun than the first film that came out in 2022. Don’t keep up waiting for a follow up!

In the end – she can never be erased!

A Life of ELEANOR THE GREAT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Scarlett Johansson and Sony Picture Classics is a tale of friendship and stories with ELEANOR THE GREAT.

Eleanor (June Squibb) and roommate/bestie Bessie (Rita Zohar) have a daily routine with one another. From morning coffee to long walks, their friendship has spanned decades, and so have their stories. When their time comes to a close, Eleanor finds herself moving to New York with daughter Lisa (Jessica Hecht) and grandson Max (Will Price). Lisa has decided its time for Mom to check out places where she can make friends and Eleanor isn’t too thrilled about that.

She does give in and wanders into the community center and a group gathered together to share. They are also introduced to Nina (Erin Kellyman) who is writing an article about survivors of the Holocaust and Eleanor realizes she has stumbled into the wrong group. As they talk, she can’t help but tell a story as if she were Bessie about her time in a concentration camp. Captivated by the story, Nina approaches her and asks if they can talk more. Believing her mom has found a group of new friends, Lisa feels less stressed and can focus on Max’s adolescent problems.

Eleanor is also surprised to discover that Nina’s father is none other than Roger (Chitwetel Ejiofor), someone Bessie admired greatly. She does find herself becoming friends with Nina and the young girl encourages Eleanor to continue telling her stories and spending time together. They learn more about one another but secrets have a way of coming out and that’s when friendships are tested and forgiveness feels impossible.

Squibb as Eleanor is absolutely stunning in this role as a woman who clearly has a life and history with her friend Bess. They have shared lives since their youth and that includes all the stories that come with it. Trying to start over again it never easy for anyone, but even less for someone who is under the roof of family that don’t understand her. Squibb gives us all the realities of aging from sensible shoes to feeling distant from the life she loved. There are so many moments of heartbreak and laughter that there never is enough time to recover from one to the other and I’d have it no other way.

Kellyman as Nina is a young woman following in her father’s journalistic footprints in her own way. Meeting Eleanor, she believes there is an important story to tell and will not let up on Eleanor until she agrees. Nina doesn’t understand the cost of it and Kellyman is lovely at showing us exactly what it means to love and lose and still love again. Ejiofor as Roger is a man grieving a loss and forgets that he is not the only one who is trying to find a place to put all the emotions. I love Ejiofor in everything he does, and here we see a man trying to do it all alone.

Hecht as Lisa is a daughter doing ‘her duty’ to bring Eleanor to come and live with them, even though she’s trying to find a way around that. There is a muddled history between mother and daughter as the roles are now reversed. Price as Max is a kid who is doing what kids do nowadays, their own thing with emotions that can fit on the head of a pin if it means dealing with anyone but themselves. Well done Price.

Shout out to Zohar as Bessie is so adorable and charming playing next to Squibb. It is totally believable that these two ladies could be lifelong friends.

Other cast includes Lauren Klein as Vera, Stephen Singer as Rabbi Cohen, Raymond Thomas as Professor Thompson, Tristan Murphy as Charlie, Stephen Bradbury as Ivan, Barbara Andres as Clarice, Samti Steigmann as Sami, Mila Falkof as Rebecca and Elaine Bromka as April.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com.

ELEANOR THE GREAT was nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award and Golden Camera for Scarlett Johansson at the Cannes Film Festival, nominated for the Grand Special Prize and winner of the Audience Award for Scarlett Johansson at the Deauville Film Festival, and a nominee for Best Feature Film for Scarlett Johansson as the CineFest – Miskolc International Film Festival.

There is so much about this film to love from the relationship of two life long friends, to mother-daughters history, new friendships but ultimate all in jeopardy because of one story that is told. I love the simplicity of the film that allows us to follow along being able to laugh, jaw drop, feel the pull of our hearts and a level of sincere friendship. Squibb is so marvelous of an actress who, at 95 years old, has put herself wholeheartedly into this story that I can not imagine anyone else playing this role.

This is Johansson’s directorial debut and taking on this storyline is so well done from start to credits. A generational story, we are taken on a journey of two stories – no matter how they are told it is love that transcended both. It is filled with complexities and although it might be easily pointed to Eleanor’s fib as the culprit, it is so much deeper than that and should resonate that way.

In the end – stories have a life of their own!

STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror

Jeri Jacquin

The legacy comes to screens from director Linus O’Brien and Kaleidoscope Entertainment comes the story behind the story of STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror.

Linus O’Brien takes us on a journey of Richard O’Brien and I’d like, if I may (if you know you know), to talk about the life that led to the iconic ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Trixie Maxwell remembers, as many of us do, the first time he saw the film and the effect it had on his life. But let us start from the beginning, shall we?

It is 1964 and Richard O’Brien was living in New Zealand making his way to England. His jobs during those days were simple and at night was attending acting classes. Chrissie Shrimpton met O’Brien in those classes. He also met wife Kimi Wong and they had two children. O’Brien also found roles including in Jesus Christ Superstar. When that job ended, he was making the decision to return to New Zealand or keep pushing toward his acting career. That brought about sitting down to write THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW for the stage.

Jim Sharman and Richard Hartley heard a few of the songs from O’Brien and signed on. Nell Campbell as Columbia reflects on the musical and the process of putting it on the stage. Tim Curry read the script and knew how he was going to play it quickly. Patricia Quinn laughs about how she wanted to sing the songs but not necessarily play Magenta. Little could have of them know that they would take a slow skyrocket ride into the status of icon.

Opening night was a huge success and the word spread quickly as the show played for three weeks. The audience immediately fell in love with the character of Frank n’ Furter and Curry understood the power that came along with that. O’Briens openness in writing a show that was sexual in nature, he believes, came because of the close-off life he had in his younger years. It wouldn’t be until later in life that he felt it was time to be who he was.

Now, Lou Adler and the Roxy want to be a part of the Rocky phenomenon. A change in cast wouldn’t happen because Adler knew Curry and O’Brien were their characters. Adler wants to make a movie and, with the exception of Curry, O’Brien, Campell and Quinn, recast Susan Sarandon as Janet, Barry Bostwick as Brad, and Meatloaf as Eddie. Sarandon and Bostwick tell of their experience and how they got their roles which is a great story.

Oakley Court and Bray Studios became the places where the film would be shot. From the Time Warp scene to Meatloaf’s entrance that Curry called “marvelous”, it also had an impact on actor Jack Black. Of course, we cannot forget Rocky himself, Peter Hinwood, as Janet takes her character of a demure boyfriend pleaser and flips the switch. Accepting her sexuality and freedom, it is Hinwood’s Rocky who becomes the conduit for the release.

The song “I’m Going Home”, Curry talks about Frank n’ Furters vulnerability, Bostwick says Curry, “sand the hell” out of the song and Jack Black says, “he wants a few more magical moments” and we can all relate to that to this very day.

Released in September of 1975, the film had a short run. Tim Deegum of 20th Century wondered what to do in Santa Barbara. So, like anyone looking for success, they went looking for the right audience. The film began to run as a midnight showing in theatres and word of mouth about the film brought audiences in! Like-minded people who came together to have a good time! By 1978, midnight shows are sold out, so there are 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. shows that are equally sold out. Soon, the shout-outs begin, the costumes, props, and the shadow casts sharing the stage. Spreading like wildfire and a fan club shows what is happening. O’Brien says the first time he experienced all of this that it’s, “live theatre and a live audience come together and it was quite remarkable to see.”

The film brings together those who couldn’t seem to find their place. It was, and continues for me at least, to be a safe space of fun and adventure. Creating this community that belonged to one another no matter who you were/are, what your preferences may be don’t, in the greatness of it all, matter in the slightest.

Sharing their experiences are also Michael White, Sue Blane, Austin Fresh, Richard Hartley, John Goldstone, Lillias Piro and Belinda Sinclair.

Kaleidoscope Entertainment is a global independent all-rights entertainment with theatrical, digital and physical distribution with over 2,000 features. New titles include the magical family animation A TOOTH FAIRY TALE, BORLEY RECTOR: The Awakening, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN and the martial arts epic PRISONER OF WAR. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.kaleidoscopehomeentertainment.com

Linus O’Brien, son of Riff-Raff himself Richard O’Brien, says of the film, “I’m grateful to all those who participated, as well as the incredible crews who worked on the film, and I’m honored to have been entrusted with telling this story. We hope the audience enjoys this joyful and life-affirming celebration of a remarkable cultural touchstone – filled with amazing music, campy madness, tears, and laughter…To top it off, my own father, Richard O’Brien, was the one who created Rocky, playing a part in so many people’s lives. I knew this story needed to be told – and that it had never been explored in depth as a documentary feature.”

I was one of the first people in San Diego to see the film when it came to town in the 70’s. My sister and I ended up spending weekend after weekend to stand in line (gawd forbid it was sold out before we got there) waiting to get in. While waiting, we joked, laughed, told stories and had so much fun and could not imagine being anywhere else. Our dad asked us what we could possibly see in spending so much time on one film so, we did what any good daughters would do – we took him with us. He had the best time and never asked again what we were doing on Friday and Saturday nights and often threw us a $20 to get eats after at the diner next door to the theatre.

We sang, threw rice, sang some more, held newspaper over our heads, yelled at Brad, did the Time Warp, sang some more, and hated when “I’m Going Home” was on the screen because it meant the film was almost over. What wasn’t over was the thrill of it all, the togetherness, the joy and the community that allowed all of us in the theatre to be whoever we wanted to be. Every person in this documentary expresses exactly how my family felt the first time we saw the film. Not only was this an opportunity to go down memory lane, but also hear the stories from the literal creator Richard O’Brien, the cast and those who have a history.

On a personal note, thank you Mr. O’Brien for what you did and for who you brought along for this incredible ride. As a grandmother now, I can tell you that my kids and grandkids know of my admiration and love for THE ROCK HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Every time I watch the film, I am reminded of a time that always, always brings smile to my face and a certain song to my heart. As I write this, the words that sing out of me with a smile are, “…to the late night, double feature, picture show!”.

In the end – we are all freaks!

The Hills are Alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray available for the first time ever worldwide from 20th Century, Disney and director Robert Wise is the beloved Rogers & Hammerstein musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

It is 1938 Austria and Maria (Julie Andrews) is a young girl studying to be a nun at the Nonnberg Abbey. The problem is that all the nuns see the young girl as somewhat of a free spirit that might not exactly fit in at the Abbey. The Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) makes the decision to let Maria go outside the convent to see if there might be a place in the outside world that can keep up with her. Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) is a retired naval officer and widower with seven children needing a governess. Maria arrives to discover that the captain has been basically been running his house like the military.

Liesl (Charmian Carr), Fredrich (Nicholas Hammond), Louisa (Heather Menzies), Kurt (Duane Chase), Brigitta (Angela Cartwright), Marta (Debbie Turner) and Gretl (Kym Karath) have been scaring away governesses but they discover quite quickly that Maria doesn’t frighten so easily. While the captain is away in Vienna, Maria wins over the children as they spend time around Salzburg and bringing music back into their lives. When the captain returns, he brings the Baroness Elsa Schraeder (Eleanor Parker) and family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn) as well. Almost immediately, he is upset that his children are running around in play clothes and takes it out on Maria. When he hears his children singing, he becomes emotional.

The Baroness decides they should throw a formal ball inviting all around and isn’t happy when she sees the captain and Maria dancing together. Maria decides to return to the Abbey but it is the Mother Abbess who makes it clear that the young girl must decide for herself where her heart lies. Following that advise, Maria returns to the von Trapp household but that is the farthest problem for the family. The captain has been commissioned by the Third Reich to be a part of the Kriegsmarine. Determined to never follow the Nazis, the family must make the most daring decision of their lives!

Andrews are Maria is nothing short of brilliant in this role. Her charm, beauty, simplicity and voice bring such enjoyment to the film. As a young woman who knows so little of the world around her, finding herself at the von Trapps doorstep allowed her character to just, well, be herself in a way the children needed. The relationship with their father was equally as simple and lovely. There is no one on the planet who can find anything wrong with this portrayal and, if they tried, we might have words. Sharing the film with my granddaughter, she told me that is was one of the “coolest musicals” she had seen in a long while.

Plummer as Captain von Trapp begins with a military attitude to cover up the pain of being a widow. As anyone who comes from a military family back in the day can tell you, when dad tells you to jump – you ask, ‘how high?’. That being said, I always adored Plummer growing up and the diverse characters he played in films. In this film it is a pleasure to watch his character come alive because of a simple governess who loved life. Haydn as Detweiler wants his friend to be happy but also wants his children to be a part of the city’s festival. When the captain gives the thumbs down, it is Max who finds a way to turn that all around and it’s a good thing he did!

Parker as the Baroness is clearly on a mission to marry and she has her sights set on the captain. Playing this bit of a viper looks good on Parker and reminded me very much of one other actress that was good at it – Anne Baxter. Carr is so charming as Liesl, a very young girl who hasn’t quite outgrown needing a mother but wants to do what’s right in being a young adult. Hammond, Menzies, Turner and Chase are the middle children who are so full of life like Maria and just needed someone to navigate it in the right way for them. Cartwright is a familiar face as many might remember the television series Lost In Space. The cutie patootie of the film is Karath as Gretl with her charming smile and often saucy disposition.

Other cast include Anna Lee as Sister Margaretta, Portia Nelson as Sister Berthe, Doris Lloyd as Baroness Ebberfeld, Norma Varden as Frau Schmidt, Gil Stuart as Franz, Marni Nixon as Sister Sophia, Daniel Truhitte as Rolf, Evadne Baker as Sister Bernice and Ben Wright as Herr Zeller.

Bonus Features include on Disc 1 and 2 are 4K UHD THE SOUND OF MUSIC + Bonus Features- Sing-Along Version, Commentary by Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmain Carr, Dee Dee Wood and Johannes von Trapp, and Commentary by Robert Wise. Disc 3 includes the Bonus Features The Sound of a City Documentary – Julie Andrews returns to Salzburg, Austria, A City of Song – Filming locations in Salzburg, Austria, Music Stages – The songs, the show & the family, Vintage Programs – THE SOUND OF MUSIC Rodgers and Hammerstein, location interviews and audio interviews, Rare Treasures – Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall: The Pratt Family Singers, The Julie Andrews Hour: Julie Andrews and Maria Von Trapp, Screen Tests, 40th Anniversary DVD Introduction by Julie Andrews and galleries, and Publicity – Fox Movietone News – Academy Awards, trailers and teasers, TV spots and radio spots.

It is not surprising that awards rained down on the film including from the Writers Guild of America, New York Film Critics Circle, National Film Preservation Board, National Board of Review, Laurel Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Directors Guild of America, David di Donatello Awards, British Academy Film Awards, American Cinema Editor Awards and, of course, five Academy Awards. The film has been restored by an award-winning film restoration team and transferred to 4K in stunning color. Recently making its way around the globe with theatrical screenings, live concert events and fan experiences, it is now time to enjoy THE SOUND OF MUSIC at home.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC was a staple that my family would go to see in the theatre when it played. It was my mother that brought me up on musicals and Julie Andrews was one of her most beloved favorite actresses. This film brings such charm, love, and innocence set in the backdrop of war time Austria. The captain was a man who refused to follow the Nazi ideology and made it clear that nothing would change that even though it put people at risk. Maria was a woman who would never have settled for the children in her care to live in that way. Andrews and Plummer played those roles so well that it was an ending the film deserved. It is also based on the real story of the von Trapp family. The story of this family is not only one of struggle and survival, but one of dedication and a closeness that bring the film even more value.

Gather your own family together and discover a musical that will be one that is remembered for years to come. Everyone who sees it today will understand how THE SOUND OF MUSIC has come to be one of the most cherished and beloved films of all time.

In the end – it is radiance that floods the screen and warms the heart!

Welcome Home FANTASTIC FOUR: First Steps

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios based on the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic is the FANTASTIC 4: First Steps.

It has been a few years since Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) went into space and came back with superpowers. Now Sue is expecting a child and Reed worries what that means as far as having powers. That celebration comes to a halt when a Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives on Earth and announces its pending destruction by a being called Galactus (Ralph Ineson).

Immediately, the Fantastic 4 suit up and fly through space to meet Galactus face to face but instead hear the conditions for leaving Earth alone. Reed makes it clear that Galactus will not get what he wants as the team races back to their own planet. The press meet the returning ship and learn what Galactus wants. Reed immediately begins to search for mathematical answers while Johnny takes it upon himself to try and understand the language of the Silver Surfer.

Coming up with a plan, their only option is to give Galactus what he wants but Reed, Sue, Ben and Johnny aren’t going to exactly make it easy for a being trying to ruin their world. Trusting the Fantastic 4 to save them, the world believes in their heroes!

Pascal as Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, is a man that thinks everything through mathematically and invents what he needs to not only take care of Sue but get his house in order. Pascal play his character with a stern seriousness but with one goal – to save his family. Watching Pascal hold a baby is probably going to cause women to lose their minds too but that’s a bonus.

Kirby as Storm, aka Invisible Woman, is a woman surrounded by men and making it clear that she is just as vital as they are. Once they hear the demand of Galactus, Kirby’s Storm makes it clear that no alien is going to destroy what they’ve worked so hard for, family and protecting the planet. She gives her character strength and determination to use her superpowers for both.

Moss-Bachrach as Grimm, aka The Thing, is the one most changed in appearance by their first trip into space. His appearance is difficult for him to deal with, especially when someone has caught his eye. Grimm is so kind and sensitive but don’t take that for granted because when the world needs his strength, he handles whatever is in the way. Moss-Bachrach plays the character of Ritchie on the hit Hulu series The Bear so I was thrilled to learn he took on the role of Grimm.

Quinn as Storm, aka Human Torch, gets the chance to once again play a misunderstood character but he does it so well. Proving he is more than Storm’s brother and Richards relative, Quinn gives his character the behavior of a lover boy but there truly is more to him. The upcoming season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things proves that he is an actor that can handle such diverse roles and makes them his own.

Garner as the Silver Surfer is the one who announces the destruction of Earth. The agent of destruction for Galactus, Garner gets the chance to play a character that has her own story to tell. Ineson as Galactus lends his voice to give the right amount of alien destructor

Other cast include Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert, and Natasha Lyonne as Rachel. Shout out to Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder aka Mole Man for his humor and presence, I just loved it so much.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Featurettes: Meet the First Family, Fantastic Furturism, From Beyond and Below and Audio Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani.

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com.

THE FANTASTIC 4: First Steps at home is going to make Marvel fans so thrilled. The film itself is done with a comic book feel from the suits of the four and the couture of the population. That also includes the futuristic look of the spaceships and the alien nature of Galactus. I love the look of the Richards home as it reminded me of the 60s shows I watched when I was younger. The mash of all of this is, well, fantastic.

From the first scene to the last, there is action and intensity even if there are a few clunky moments. The MCU needed this film and giving it the sci-fi feel along with a remarkable cast means that these superheroes in blue and white are pretty darn good all around. The literal ‘first steps’ have been taken and we all know where they lead – to AVENGERS: Doomsday and that is going to be a blockbuster!

In the end – they will save the world as a family!

They Are Part of ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Matt Sohn and Electric Entertainment comes a relatable story about family and what that really is when trying to be ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY.

Actress Rachel (Lisa Brenner) is celebrating her 40th birthday and planning daughter Sammie’s (Lumi Pollack) bat mitzvah. It doesn’t help that young daughter Amanda (Dylan Chance) and husband Marcus (Dante Basco) are the eternal optimist pep squad! While hanging out with bestie Gerry (Sabrina Cofield), she asks Rachel if has taken a look at the DNA test they took together. That being said almost immediately the results are in and Rachel’s Jewish heart doesn’t believe what she’s seeing. Apparently, she has a grandfather the same age as she is left with the only choice - to call mom Lenore (Linda Lavin) to ask what she knows but instead gets the Jewish mom response which is frustrating.

Deciding to talk with sister Sara (Kat Cunningham), the happy go lucky musician, Rachel is thrilled that she is going to take the test as well. The only other option is to talk to “grandpa” Bobby (Josh Fadem) to see what he knows about it all even though Rachel isn’t as thrilled as Bobby seems to be. All of this is just adding fuel to Rachel’s in-the-red stress level but no time to deal with it because she has to pick up mom from the airport. The ride takes a turn when Lenore admits a family secret to Rachel and the tailspin begins.

Now, Rachel and Lenore decide to follow the road into the past to discover what it truly means to be a family.

Brenner as Rachel is a over-reactive, neurotic, self-absorbed woman in the middle of a Jewish crisis. Believing that she now has no identity, it is emotional mayhem every step she takes. Wishing she could be more carefree like Sara or even as clever as mom Lenore, she feels that her life is one big lie. Brenner rides the rollercoaster of madness and it is a reminder that families are complicated. Lavin as mom Lenore is absolutely hilarious as she explains things with a what’s-the-problem? attitude and brushes things off with ease. I absolutely love her line delivery while be able to give goo-goo eyes at the same time. Lavin continued to be a star in her own right with her passing in 2024. Her comedic timing can be seen in the 1976 series ALICE which ran for nine seasons and still remains one of my favorite television shows.

Basco as Marcus is Rachel’s husband and a doctor who has all the optimism in the world for just about everything. If Basco seems familiar, well hope into your time machine and hit 1991 and you will see him as the young and slightly arrogant Rufio in the film HOOK with Robin Williams. As Marcus, he is a supportive husband and loving dad who tries to keep Rachel’s meltdowns to a minimum. Fadem as Bobby is a man who is thrilled at the idea of having a sister, even if she’s a little hard to handle. Fadem is such a calm, laid back dude who goes along to get along.

Cunningham as Sara is a mixture of Lenore and Rachel with the attitude of a hippie but the reaction of a crazed little sister. She adds the cherry on the frosted chaotic babka! Chance as Amanda is absolutely charming as is Pollack as Sammie. Both are seeing the adults act a little crazy yet they stay cute and cut ups. Cofield as Gerry is the one responsible for starting all the madness but is a supportive friend adding another layer of charm.

Other cast include Lydia Carter as young Rachel, Mark Parker as Jacob, Vincent Vargas as Javi, Kassandra Mahea as Denise, Charla Bocchicchio as Rabbi Josephine, Dave Martinez as Pablo, Keri Jackson as Quiet Jimmy, Sean Dillingham as Douglas Franklin and Tim Russ as Lawrence.

Electric Entertainment develops and produces full-length feature films which have included BAD SAMARITAN starring David Tennant and Robert Sheehan, the award-winning film SAY MY NAME starring Lisa Brenner and Nick Blood as well as the critically acclaimed documentary WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? Most recently, Sumalee Montano and Emma Fischer star in THE DEAL. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.electricentertainment.com.

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is actually a film I was looking forward to seeing. I’ve spent the past few years doing my own family tree after DNA test and trust me when I say it has been one jaw drop after another. I totally understood Rachel’s reaction and even understood her neurosis although once I got past a few generations, it becomes more like history than my own history. This film gave me reason to laugh understanding that families are more complicated with technology as secrets come to the surface.

The cast is an amazing mixture of personalities and reactionaries that are so different yet fit right in with each other. The film is fun, funny, heartwarming and a bit crazy in all the right ways. It feels as if director Sohn let the story flow effortlessly but that isn’t surprising as has worked on such fun shows as The Office, Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, all of which are hilarious. ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY was the Official Selection at the Miami Jewish Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Rehoboth Beach Jewish Film Festival and the Albuquerque Jewish Film Festival.

So gather together and discover the twists and turns of Rachel’s family which will make you appreciate the craziness of your own.

In the end – every family has their secrets!

GOOD BOY Sees What He Cannot

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ben Leonberg and Shudder is the story of something in the dark from a dog’s point of view because he is a GOOD BOY.

Todd (Shane Jensen) has found a friend in pup Indy and the two are inseparable. Deciding to head to his grandfather’s cabin deep in the woods, it is a getaway from home for them both. Almost immediately, Indy sense something is not right and is hesitant. Noises and shadows are keeping the canine on high alert in the night.

Daylight brings a welcome relief and a morning walk through the woods together. Exploring the family cemetery, Todd runs into the neighbor and they both remember his grandfather. Indy stands patiently but is still uncomfortable. As another night filled with creaking and sounds arrives, it also brings a fitful sleep for Indy. When Todd leaves him alone in the house, Indy refuses to move from the window.

Another rainy night and Indy is seeing and experiencing what has been making him uneasy since the very first night. What is moving all around them is clearly paranormal but Todd does not see it. Vera (Arielle Friedman), Todd’s sister, is constantly calling him feeling that something is happening not realizing it is only adding to his frustrations. The thing that lives in the house only Indy can see but how can he communicate it before everything falls apart.

Jensen as Todd is a young man who needs to get away from it all. Going to his grandfather’s house, it is a chance to take a breath but also holds strange memories for him. As the days begin to pass, it is clear something is wrong with Todd. Is it real or is it whatever seems to be taking over the house have plans of its own. Not seeing Jensen’s face, he relies on physical actions to tell his part of the story and it is so awesomely done. His body language has a story of its own to tell and Jensen pulls it off.

The voice of sister Vera, Friedman is clearly concerned with her brother and doesn’t understand his need to be at a house buried deep in the woods. Her voice tries to be sisterly in concern but tends to come off overtly motherly but then again, I’d sound that way as well.

Let us talk about the four-legged star INDY – a dog who sees everything past and present. He is on high alert the moment they pull up to the gate and seems almost ready for anything. That being said, what he sees is frightening. The line between what is real and what is dream is criss-crossed as this canine is nothing short of amazing. I followed everything he looked at, his expressive eyes, the whines as if to say ‘listen to me!’ and the protective nature against the blackness in the night. Admittedly, I cheered for Indy the whole time!

Other cast include Larry Fessenden as Grandpa, Stuart Rudin as Richard, Hunter Goetz as the Weatherman, Anya Krawcheck as the Doctor and Bandit as Max.

Shudder is an American over-the-top subscription video on demand service featuring horror, thriller, and supernatural fiction titles, owned and operated by AMC Networks. The streaming service offers original films, TV series—such as Creepshow, based on the 1982 film—and documentary series. Shudder's library also features non-original programming, including well-known horror films. For more information, please visit www.shudder.com.

GOOD BOY is exactly the kind of ‘horror’ film I love. Instead of trying to get frights from blood and gore, this film takes us to the dark places many people are scared to admit they hate. The shadows, the unexplained noises, the creaking doors and floors and – the ultimate fright – a dark, dank basement. Let me tell you, my grandparents had a basement like that and you could not get me down those stairs if you offered me all the treats in the world. Nope, not happening!

Making a horror film that is shown through the eyes of a dog is absolutely brilliant! Focusing on what he experiences and keeping the human faces mainly obscured, I found myself clutching the side of my chair at times. Keeping the story in one location allows the frights to build slowly wondering what is around every corner and in every room. What is in the darkness is so subtlety done that when confronted, silence is better than a scream.

This is director Leonberg’s directorial debut and he should be extremely proud of what he has done. The originality is something I have craved in all genres of film so when it is right in front of me, I’ll make it loud from the rooftops that everyone sees it for themselves. Take someone with you because having that arm to grab next to you is everything. Once the film is over you will once again remember why Indy would be called the ultimate ‘man’s best friend’.

In the end – trust his instincts!