What's coming up in theatres!

Apple TV+ Flies with MASTERS OF THE AIR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from Executive Producers Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman and developed by John Orloff is the miniseries about World War II fliers who are MASTERS OF THE AIR.

It is World War II and Major Cleven (Austin Butler), Commander of the 350, and Major Egan (Callum Turner) are leading the 100th Bomb Group to join up with the 8th Air Force in England to go up against Germany. Cleven is saying his goodbyes to sweetheart Marge (Isabel May) and makes his way with the group to fly some of the most dangerous missions of the war.

Major Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle), Capt. John D. Brady (Ben Radcliffe) and Lt. Biddick (Barry Keoghan) are more pilots who meets up with Cleven as the later pilot shows how dangerous landings can be. There is no time for them to learn the lay of the land as their first mission comes in to bomb a U-boat factory. Knowing they are flying into enemy territory; each man prepares in his own way. Cleven comes back from the mission a bit shell shocked wanting to know why buddy Egan didn’t warn him how brutal it could be.

Sgt. Lemmons (Rafferty Law) is a young man who is keeping the planes in the air. He and his on the ground crew patch, fix, repair and send up the planes going on the missions. Those staying at the base would spend every moment preparing each plane and its crew for the next mission, and in this case after German submarines.

Clevens learn who will be going on the next flight to Africa and getting there as a precision placed group of flyers is the only way to make the mission a success. Each mission is different, sending these men into different parts of the world to make it clear to Germany that what is coming toward them from the air is bravery and determination.

This is only a small part of a larger pictures with these masters of the air!

Butler as Cleven is a man who doesn’t indulge in the same things as his fellow pilots. Often made the end of jokes, he takes it all in stride with his very calm presence for his team and those who serve with him. Butler has that down home boy swagger and it comes across on the screen as his character is truly respected among the men.

Turner as Egan is the opposite of his friend Cleven. He is open, opinionated and sometimes can cause a bit of trouble but knows the mission and takes it very seriously. Turner gives his character a presence that enhances the friendship between Cleven and Egan and it works so very well. Boyle as Crosby is a pilot who is part of this group of flyers but there is a quiet about him until he is in the pilot’s seat. Then, Boyle’s intensity comes out as he tries to hold it together for the sake of his crew.

Keoghan as Biddick has his own flying ways and even has a few misses of his own. Keoghan is coming off recognition for his role in the film SALTBURN but in MASTERS OF THE AIR, he is showing his diverse talent in uniform. Law as Lemmons is an extremely young man of 19 who has great responsibility on the airfield. Being a bit of a kid still, he has come to make friends with the kids from the surrounding area. I enjoy when he is on the screen as he adds a little lightheartedness to the story.

It is important to mention as many actors as possible as MASTER OF THE AIR is brimming with talent and they should all be recognized for their stunning performances.

The extensive cast includes Nikolai Kinski as Col. Huglin, Stephen Moore as Major Bowman, Sawyer Spielberg as Lt. Claytor, Nate Mann as Major Rosenthal, Josipah Cross as Lt. Macon, Branden Cook as Alexander Jefferson, Ncuti Gatwa as Lt. Robert Daniels, Kai Alexander as Sgt. Quinn, James Murray as Major Harding, Fred Carter as Lt. Friedkin, Oaklee Pendergast as Sgt. Hinton, and Louis Greatorex as Capt. Payne.

Also, Adam Long as Capt. DeMarco, Jordan Coulson as Lt. Hamilton, Fionn O’Shea as Sgt. Bosser, Max Hastings as Lt. Allen, Nitai Levi as Sgt. Vrabec, Jr., Laurie Davidson as Lt. Nash, Fracis Lovehall as Captain Pruitt, Luke Whoriskey as Lt. Biller, Bradley Banton as Lt. Archer, Edward Ashley as Lt. Kidd, Kieron Moore as Sgt. Starkey, David Shields as Major Blakely, Luke Coughlan as Sgt. Johnson, Neil Pendelton as Sgt. Stewart, Jon Ewart as Lt. Couch, Daniel Briggs as Sgt. Crabb, George Smale as Lt. Nutting, Jonathan Halliwell as Sgt. DeBlasio, John Schwab as Lt. Lann, James Meunier as Lt. Lorch, and Elliott Ross as Lt. Strout.

Sam Hazeldine as Col. Clark, Darragh Cowley as Lt. Graham, Elliot Warren as Lt. Douglass, Adam Silver as Lt. Solomon, Josh Bolt as Lt. Lewis, Louis Sparks as Sgt. Saunders, Sonny Serkis as Lt. Evans, Jack Franklin as Charles Mylius, Kwame Agyei as Lt. Gordon, Phillip Lewitski as Lt. Harper, Alex Boxall as Sgt. Thornton, Rahshan Wall as Lt. Funderburg, Christopher Lakewood as Col. Jeffery, Ian Dunnett as Lt. Bailey, Sid Phoenix as Ralph Nist, Robert Hands as Major Smiloleit, Jojo Macari as Captain Petrich, George Webster as Lt. Dye, John Hopkins as Dr. Stover, Sam Rosenthal as A. Jacobs and Nathen Solly as Lt. Hoerr.

Joanna Kulig as Paulina, Bel Powey as Alexandra Wingate, Lauren McQueen as Rose, Amelia Gething as Isabel and Mimi Slinger as Sally.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019 viewable through the Apple 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/.

The series includes the first four episodes directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, episodes five and six directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, episodes seven and eight directed by Dee Rees and episode nine by Tim Van Patten.

The series is based on the 2007 book by Donald Miller Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany. Executive Producers Steven Spielberg (Amblin Television), Tom Hanks (Playtone) and Gary Goetzman are also responsible for bringing the series BAND OF BROTHERS in 2001 and THE PACIFIC in 2010.

One of the most important things I can say about this film is that the cast is seamless in portraying their characters. It is not only the story of war, but of these men who are trying to live some semblance of a life knowing that with every mission comes the severely high risk of not coming back. There is a camaraderie, even when they are tense with each other, that comes through when it counts the most.

The cinematography and special flying effects are stunning to watch and add richness, and intensity, to the story that is being told. We live in such a modern warfare and technological age that it can be incomprehensible what these pilots, crews and ground crews went through with the crudest of weapons to win the war again a cruel enemy.

Costuming and choice of where shooting the series brought me deep into each episode as I found myself feeling tensed up and a lot of the time with my jaw dropped and strong inhales of ‘whoa!’. I would expect nothing less from Spielberg, Hanks and Goetzman as they have proven with their other collaborations. They are truly interested in the authenticity, depth and intensity of the stories they put on screen and the result is another series that will keep audiences captivated.

This is a very vague review of this series and that is because I honestly believe that the entire series is one worth the time to experience on one’s own. So, knowing that, Apple TV+ brings nine episodes of MASTERS OF THE AIR and you can believe when I say that every single one of these episodes is iconic, historic and stunning!

In the end – join them in the air!

Sony Brings the Stunning Columbia Classics Vol. 4

Jeri Jacquin

On 4K Ultra HD is the stunning COLUMBIA CLASSICS COLLECTION Vol. 4 to include such iconic films as

HIS GIRL FRIDAY, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, KRAMER VS. KRAMER, STARMAN, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE.

Director Howard Hawk brings a 1940 comedy to theatres with HIS GIRL FRIDAY. Cary Grant plays Walter Burns, the editor for The Morning Post, discovers that his ex-wife Hildy Johnson, played by Rosalind Russell, is getting remarried. Hildy use to be Walter’s star journalist, seems ready to be a suburban housewife to new husband Bruce.

Walter has other plans as he tries to convince Hildy to do just one more story. A bookkeeper has been jailed and tried for the murder of a policeman and is to be executed. Hildy makes a side agreement with Walter but their past history makes working together full of ups and downs. But when the bookkeeper escapes, Hildy kicks her journalistic instincts into high gear and when chaos ensues, the two former spouses realize that nothing ever changes!

Grant and Russell together are a marvel in this film and director Hawk knew exactly how to bring the best out of both of them. The story is full of twists and turn but along with that is the camp that Walter and Hildy bring to it all. There is a reason that this will forever be a classic and the kudos go to Grant, Russell and Hawk for every bit of it.

The film also stars Ralph Bellamy, Gene Lockhart, Porter Hall, Ernest Truex, Cliff Edwards, Clarence Kolb, Pat West, and John Qualen as Earl Williams.

This disc includes 4K Ultra HD Feature Presentation in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Feature Presented in High Definition Sourced from the 4K Master, Audio Commentary Featuring Film Critic and Author Todd McCarthy, Screwball Style: The Iconic Costumes of Robert Kalloch Featurette, Breaking the Speed Barrier: The Dialogue of HIS GIRL FRIDAY Featurette, Lighting Up with Hildy Johnson Featurette, Ben Hecht Featurette and On Assignment: HIS GIRL FRIDAY Featurette.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER lands in 1967 as director Stanley Kramer takes on the issue of family and belief systems engrained into them. Joanna Drayton, played by Katharine Houghton, is a young woman with a strong mind of her own which she gets from her mother Christina, played by the stunning Katharine Hepburn. Just as stubborn is her father Matt, portrayed by the equally stunning Spencer Tracy who seems set in his ways.

Joanna brings a special guest home to meet her parents and when she announces their intentions, the Drayton’s are shaken. Arriving with her is Dr. John Prentice, played by the incomparable Sidney Poitier and now it is time for the family to face their beliefs. These two people are in love and while Christina understands, Matt does not and so begin the back and forth of how to come to terms with what is said and what is done.

This is Hepburn (who won the Academy Award for her performance) and Tracy’s ninth time on film together and it would be their last as well as Tracy was ill at the time. What this film did and has done is bring all the questions of love, family and race straight to the forefront and has made it an instant iconic classic. I can watch this movie again and again because not only is it beautifully done, but these four actors put everything out in the open and their portrayal is legendary.

Other cast include Cecil Kellaway, Beah Richards, Roy E. Gleen Sr., and Isabel Sanford as housekeeper Matilda Binx.

The disc includes 4K Ultra HD Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Audio Commentary Featuring Eddy Friedfeld, Lee Pfeiffer and Paul Scrabo, Theatrical Teaser, Introductions: Karen Kramer, Steven Spielberg, Tom Brokaw and Quincy Jones, A Love Story for Today Featurette, A Special Kind of Love Featurette, Stanley Kramer: A Man’s Search for Truth Featurette, Stanley Kramer Accepts the Irving Thalberg Award, 2007 Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award Presented to An Inconvenient Truth, and Photo Gallery.

In 1979, director Robert Benton brought the story by Avery Corman to the screen with KRAMER VS. KRAMER. Dustin Hoffman plays Ted Kramer, a man who works tirelessly as an advertising exec living in New York. Wife Joanna, played by Meryl Streep, turns his life around in a single moment when he comes home to her announcement that she’s leaving. Not only is she walking out the door, but leaving behind their very young son Billy, portrayed by Justin Henry.

Ted immediately goes into a mode thinking he knows exactly how to handle the situation, until he realizes he has no clue about what has been going on in his own home or raising a young son. Neighbor Margaret, superbly played by Jane Alexander, tries to not only clue Ted in on why Joanna left but then sees that they can be friends and help when she can.

Over a year later, after father and son finally have their life in a rhythm, Joanna returns and wants Billy back. Ted is hardly in the mood to give in to her demands and takes her to court. Once in front of a judge, Ted and Joanna go back and forth as to who is better for Billy as accusations fly. Somewhere in it all, it is Billy who will suffer the most.

Hoffman and Streep are not only superb in their roles but the issue of parents and children in a divorce are placed front and center. It is totally a heart-breaking story of a man who saw his career more important than his family and a woman who lost herself in the life of a wife and mother. In the middle is Billy, a young boy caught in the crossfire of the two adults who should be there for him.

Director Benton keeps the scenes tight without the superfluous noise from the outside world but instead let us get deep into the story. This is another film I can watch again and again because of its simplicity yet in-your-face courtroom scenes as they are relatable to so many. Winning 5 Academy Awards tells you that KRAMER VS. KRAMER falls sweetly into the icon category.

Other cast include Petra King, Melissa Morell, Howard Duff, George Coe, Howland Chamberlain, and JoBeth Williams as Phyllis Bernard.

The disc includes 4K Ultra HD Feature Presentation Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Audio Commentary with Film Professor Jennine Lanouette, Five Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Robert Benton on Directing, Justin Henry on Acting, Mothers and Daughters, Points of Pride, Theatrical Trailer, and Finding the Truth – The Making of Kramer vs. Kramer.

The world is about to be introduced to the 1979 alien film STARMAN starring Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen and directed by John Carpenter. When an alien discovers a message on a disk sent with Voyager 2, the invitation is about to be accepted. Jenny Hayden is dealing with the death of husband Scott and is alone in her home not realizing that a very intense journey is about to happen. As the alien crash lands and finds Jenny’s home, he uses a piece of hair from Scott to bring himself into a human form, Jenny is shocked and scared.

But Starman wants only one thing, to go to the crater in Winslow, Arizona so that he can go home. Jenny agrees believing she doesn’t have any choice and as they start their road trip, they learn about one another. Jenny teaches about life on Earth and the Starman shows her that humanity isn’t just for humans.

Following them is scientist Mark Shermin, played by Charles Martin Smith, who doesn’t want to hurt the Starman, but instead just talk with him. But once the military is involved, there is only one thing left to do – run!

STARMAN is an epic film about love, loss, adventure, understanding, learning, the list is endless. Bridges and Allen create such chemistry in these roles that it is hard to take your eyes off the screen. Their differences aren’t so different and Smith’s character is just so endearing that the film flows beautifully. Carpenter takes a story and gives it such life and richness proving he can scare us one minute and root for the alien the next. That is a gift and he shares it exceedingly well.

Other cast include George Fox, Robert Phalen, John David, Ted White and Lu Leonard as Roadhouse Waitress.

The disc includes 4K Ultra HD Feature Presentation Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Audio Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Actor Jeff Bridges, Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Behind-The-Scenes Time Lapses, They Came from Hollywood: Revisiting STARMAN Featurette, Make-Of Featurette, Music Video, Still Gallery and Theatrical Trailer.

Also included as a Bonus is STARMAN – The Complete 1986-1987 22-Episode Follow-Up Series, and Based on the Feature Film – Exclusively Presented in High Definition.

Nora Ephron makes her way into the collection as director in one of the most beloved stories as Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan show us how to be SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE. Hanks is Sam, a widow who moves from Chicago to Seattle with son Jonah, played by Ross Malinger. On Christmas Eve Jonah decides he wants to help his dad deal with the grief. Listeners from all over are hearing what Sam has to say, including Annie Reed. Ryan is Annie, a writer for the Baltimore Sun and is engaged to Bill Pullman’s character Walter.

Annie hears Jonah and Sam and is drawn to what has been said. Boss Becky, played by Rosie O’Donnell, begins to encourage Annie to write Sam. Well, it is Jonah who replies and a meet is set up for the Empire State Building on Valentines Day, reminiscent of the 1957 film AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER.

Jonah decides that if dad isn’t going to meet up with Annie, then he is just going to have to make it happen for himself. Sam realizes that his son has gone to New York City on his own and takes off after him. What happens next is the stuff that romance is made of!

Hanks and Ryan made the 90’s with their films because of the fantastic chemistry these two actors had with one another. In this film it is endearing, cute, sweet, charming and full of love which should give anyone diabetes but it doesn’t. Instead, we follow along on this journey and it is absolutely everything. Director Ephron gives us one of the best and most iconic rom-com’s (well that and YOU’VE GOT MAIL in 1998) of all time.

Other cast include Gaby Hoffman, Victor Garber, Barbara Garrick, Caroline Aaron, Carey Lowell, David Hyde Pierce, Dana Ivey, Rita Wilson and Rob Reiner as Jay Mathews.

The disc includes 4K Ultra HD Feature Presented and Restored from the Original Camera Negative, 30th Anniversary Critic Commentary with Karen Han and David Sims, A Conversation on SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE with Gary Foster and Meg Ryan, Audio Commentary Featuring Nora and Delia Ephron, Four Deleted Scenes, Love in the Movies Featurette, “When I Fall in Love” Music Video and Theatrical Trailer.

Finally, in 2002, writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson bring together Adam Sandler as Barry Egan and Emily Watson as Lena Leonard to tell the story of PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. Barry is single and works in his company selling novelty goods. Dealing with seven sisters, he has serious anxiety from what they put him through. Seeing an accident, he meets Lena who happens to work with one of his sisters.

At his sister’s birthday party, all hades breaks loose and Barry wants a therapist. Instead, he settles for a little phone time but the therapist would have been cheaper. When Lena goes to Hawaii on a business trip, Barry arrives to her surprise. After spending time together and returning home, Lena is in a car accident and now Barry is set in motion for chaos and only Lena can turn it all around.

Sandler and Watson play their roles together in such a way that it is crazy but, in a way, they seem perfect together. Sandler’s performance with the social anxiety and range makes for strange situations that either cause jaw drops or laughing hysterically. That’s the way a good love story should make us feel – a little crazy. It is also dark but some of us find humor in that dark space. PUNCH-DRUNK love actually won for Best Director at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.

Other cast include Mary Lynn Rajskub, Luis Guzman, Robert Smigel and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Dean Trumbell.

The disc includes 4K Ultra HD Feature Presented and Approved by Director Paul Thomas Anderson, Two Deleted Scenes, Mattress Man Commercial, Blossoms and Blood, Twelve Scopitones, Jon Brion Featurette, Recording Sessions and Theatrical Trailer.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 4 is a breathtaking group of films that are iconic and even beloved. To make it even more enticing, is the way these films are packaged. Encased in a colorfully designed box are the six films with three on each side that have unique cover. In the middle is a truly beautiful hard bound book Columbia Classics: Love at The Cinema.

The book contains The Romantic Professionalism of HIS GIRL FRIDAY by Julie Kirgo, Provocation, Not Prescription: The Role of Art in Effecting Social Change by Sarita Cannon, Kramer Vs. Kramer: Whose Side Are You On? by Esther Zuckerman, The Hopeful Humanity of John Carpenter’s STARMAN by Mike Ryan, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE’s Affair to Remember by Katey Rich, and Stronger Than Anything You Can Imagine by Mark Kermode. The eighty-page book speaks on the history & Impact of Films.

Celebrating 100 Years of Columbia Pictures, this collection is a must have for film lovers for the generations!

It is the Story of POOR THINGS

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to Bluray from acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and Searchlight Pictures is the story of POOR THINGS.

Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) is a surgeon in London and he takes in Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef) as his assistant. Arriving to begin, he meets Bella (Emma Stone), a young woman who clearly is different as Dr. Baxter explains her circumstances and that she has the mind of a child. Max and Bella work together to help her mind grow.

There are still things Bella needs to learn about the world but Dr. Baxter encourages Max to marry Bella. She accepts but, when she meets unscrupulous lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) Bella decides she wants to explore the world and all it has to offer. Dr. Godwin tells Max to let her go while they start with a new experiment named Felicity (Margaret Qualley).

Bella and Duncan start in Lisbon as the couple are exploring each other as well as their surroundings. As Bella becomes more and more aware, she discovers that Duncan is actually just as trapping as her home in London. Duncan decides to smuggle her onto a ship where she meets Marth (Hanna Schygulla) and Harry (Jarrod Carmichael) who her expand her mind and Bella likes it. Duncan, however, is becoming possessive and Bella decides its time for a change.

She takes on the challenges of earning her own money in a way that doesn’t seem to bother because it allows her to explore the city and learn more about being a doctor. She returns to Godwin and Max asks if she has returned permanently. But there are more twists to this story and Bella is ready for whatever comes…are you?

Stone as Bella is extraordinary in the role as we watch a child become a woman in the weirdest set of circumstances. Being told what to do, how to behave, where she can go, what to think and what is possible is dictated by men and Bella isn’t about it. She is polite in listening but always makes her own choices with her own way of being emotional. It is all Stone from frame one to frame end and she deserves all the accolades she is receiving.

Ruffalo as Duncan is a man who has a narcissist attitude that he has won a prize in Bella. He spends his time keeping her uneducated on the world and very close to him. When Bella decides to explore her world, each time Duncan becomes more and more crazed. Watching Ruffalo go from up to the lowest was a bit entertaining for me in a strange way but no stranger than the whole story being told. Ruffalo is good at being a little nutty.

Dafoe as Dr. Baxter is an eccentric surgeon who clearly sees Bella as a daughter. Having a rough life himself and the results are clearly on his face, Dafoe still gives us an oddly touching man who wants only the best for Bella. Youssef as Max comes into Dr. Baxter’s life only to discover Bella and the twists that come with being in the situation. Having feelings for Bella complicate but he is a lot like Dr. Baxter in wanting the best for Bella. Yousseff gives his characters charm, loyalty and the ability to see past the flaws of others. I adore this character so much for that.

Other cast include Christopher Abbott as Alfie, Suzy Bemba as Toinette, Kathryn Hunter as Swiney, Vicki Pepperdine as Mrs. Prim, Keeley Forsyth as Allison, John Locke as David, Kate Handford as Kitty, and Owen Good as Gerald.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Bonus Features include Featurettes, Possessing Beauty - The Making of Poor Things. Join Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, cast and crew in the making of this fantastical film. Explore the costumes, makeup and prosthetics in detail. Take a tour with Willem Dafoe and see how Godwin and Bella’s home mirrors and accommodates them both, Deleted Things, Brothel Doctor, Alfie’s Chapter, and Bella’s Notebook.

POOR THINGS is the winner of Best Motion Picture and Best Actress/Emma Stone at the Golden Globe Awards. Also, the film is a winner for Best Actress/Emma Stone and Best Costume Design. POOR THINGS is currently nominated for eleven Academy Awards.

This film is stunning in cinematography with color, vibrance and the hints of the Victorian era splashes with fantasy. There isn’t a scene that isn’t full of beauty making it a character unto itself. I was fascinated by it. Adding to the story and bringing us into it with ease and grace is just amazing.

Stone and Ruffalo are the ‘crazy kids’ of the story with the twists that are just so stunning it is impossible to look away. Dafoe is the creator and Max is the man who is not judgmental regarding any of the behaviors around him. The rest of the wonderful cast adds the lovely border around this intensely beautiful story.

In the end – the world is her but they don’t know it yet!

Apple TV+ Takes us on a MANHUNT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from creator Monica Beletsky based on the Edgar Award winning non-fiction book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer from James L. Swanson and directors Carl Franklin,

John Dahl, and Eva Sorhaug is the stunning look at the chase for an assassin with MANHUNT.

It is April 14, 1865 and the states are celebrating the end of the Civil War welcoming home troops with parades and good cheer but some are not. President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater) and Mary Todd (Lili Taylor) is preparing for their own night of celebration at the theatre asking good friend Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies), who is the Secretary of War, to join him. What they don’t know is that a man named John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) has his own night of plans.

Booth, known in a few circles as an actor, sets up all that are part of what is about to happen. The timeline begins with an assassination attempt on the Secretary of State Seward. Stanton is alerted the horrific attempt on the Seward household and rushes to their aid. The Ford Theatre prepares as the performance of Our American Cousin is set to bring in the President. Enjoying the performance, the night rings out with a shot that reverberates into the future. Boothe makes his escape and now begins the biggest manhunt of its time.

Stanton arrives back in Washington only to find out that President Lincoln has been shot. Arriving at his home, Stanton walks into chaos of screaming, yelling and a doctor who is trying to save him. Mary and son Robert (Maxwell Korn) are full of rage and fear as Stanton tries to calm everyone but seeing the President, he, himself, is shaken to the core. Now, along with the help of Thomas Eckert (Damian O’Hare), the race is on to uncover the conspirators!

Menzies as Stanton is not only a friend to the President but works in his cabinet so the pain of his death is more than he can bear at moments yet, he gets what needs doing done. I have been following Menzies career since I first saw his performance in the 2005 series Rome, then really captured me in the 2014 Starz series Outlander in 2018 playing good guy Frank Randall and bad guy Jack Randall and I loved both characters, then, in the series The Terror as the Duke of Cornwall, got his time in with HBO’s Game of Thrones and Netflix’s The Crown as Prince Phillip. Each of these series and performances stand out with Menzies in the mix.

In Apple TV+ MANHUNT, he truly sets the standard leading this cast in an extraordinary direction. Menzies gives us the character of Stanton that understands what President Lincoln was trying to accomplish and is going to fight, almost to his death, to keep that legacy alive. He wants all those responsible for killing his friend and his president to be held accountable. Menzies performance is so rich, powerful and to the point where it is mesmerizing to see his characters struggle. This truly is one of his finest performances to date.

As the series progresses, there are outstanding ensemble cast performances as well. O’Hare as Eckert is equally determined to help Stanton discover every dirty little plan and where it came from. Taylor as Mary Todd Lincoln gives us the performance of a woman who clearly loved her husband but also has other issues and Taylor gives it all.

Boyle as Booth is just eerie and not just because of what historically Booth was clearly capable of and did with narcissism. Boyle takes on the character of one of the most hated men in human history and lets us take a peek behind the Booth curtain. Watching Boyle twists, turn and slink his way through capture, there isn’t a moment where feeling sorry for him was even an issue. That’s what makes a strong performance, when 159 years later Booth still gets a second in the spotlight and all those years of the wrong kind of fame with Boyle’s performance reminding us why. Boyle shows his excellence and I am here for it.

Each performer in the cast is truly fantastic and that includes Lovie Simone as the very strong-willed housemaid Mary Simms, the liar and manipulator Dr. Samuel Mudd played by Matt Walsh, the next-in-line president who I came truly not like Gleen Morshower as Andrew Johnson, and the seriously intense Patton Oswalt as Lafayette Baker who didn’t take any guff from anyone either wanting to help capture those who tried to bring down the country.

Other cast include Brandon Flynn as Edwin Stanton Jr., Betty Gabriel as Elizabeth Keckley, Will Harrison as David Herold, Timothy Sigmund as Jebidiah Diggler, Anne Dudek as Ellen Stanton, Mark Rand as Salmon P. Chase, Tom McCafferty as Edward Gorsuch, Larry Pine as William Seward, William McCullough as Boston Corbett, Josh Stewart as Wallace, Spencer Clark as Lewis Powell, John Billingsley as Edward Bates, Josh Bowman as Freddie Seward, Joshua Mikel as John Surratt and Carrie Laar as Mary Surratt.

AppleTV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019 viewable through the Apple 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/.

Episodes include the pilot which Premiers March 15th, 2024 as it sets up the rest of the series to follow these episodes:

Post-Mortem: Facing a nation without a president, Stanton grapples with funeral arrangements, suspects, and piecing together a larger conspiracy. Premiers March 15th, 2024.

Let the Sheep Flee: The hunt expands to Quebec, where a nest of Confederate spies and expats reorganize. Booth is taken underground in Maryland. Premiers March 22nd, 2025,

The Secret Line: Stanton and Detective Baker investigate ties between Manhattan’s most elite Wall Street traders, the Confederacy, and Booth Premiers March 29th 2024.

A Man of Destiny: President Johnson interferes with Lincoln’s vital plans; Stanton’s health deteriorates as he closes in on Booth. Premiers April 5th, 2024.

Useless: Stanton gets a win, but not the way he wanted. He plans for the conspirators’ trial, which he must conquer to keep Lincoln’s legacy alive. Premiers April 12th, 2024.

The Final Act: In the series finale, risking his personal and professional standing, Stanton produces the trial of the century to seek justice against everyone responsible. Premiers April 19th, 2024.

MANHUNT is an intense story that is brilliantly told in this seven-part series. There is not a moment to rest as the manhunt is fast paced and maddening race to find not only those involved but the man responsible for murdering the President. The cast is extensive and the performances are stellar in every way. Each take their characters and show us what was/is possible in one of the most infamous assassinations in history.

Also drawing me into the story is the costuming and set designs. The feel of authenticity lends itself to telling the story and it is one of the things I love about period pieces. Surrounding the viewer with an easy way into the story takes one simple thing, the right visuals and MANHUNT definetly brings that in every way. As a reader of historical events, I am always thrilled to see how a series or film can do well in the telling and MANHUNT far exceeded my expectations.

Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producers Monica Beletsky says of the work, “The book is a treasure trove of research and an excellent jumping-off point to imagine an emotional, cat and mouse thriller. I designed the series as a conspiracy noir. Not a whodunnit, but a who else dun it? Every generation has the immense responsibility to tell a version of Lincoln’s story on screen and I am deeply honored to have this turn”.

In the end – the assassination was just the beginning!

ANYONE BUT YOU Arrives on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Will Gluck and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the rom-com of when two people believe it’s ANYONE BUT YOU.

Trying to come to terms with leaving school and a boyfriend, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) runs into the very charming Ben (Glen Powell) and after spending the day together they fall asleep in his sofa. In the morning, she wakes and makes a hasty exit but realizing quickly there was no reason too, turns around. Walking up to the door, Ben is in the middle of telling friend Pete (Ga Ta) some insulting things, Bea takes off.

Months go by and Bea discovers that her sister Halle (Hadley Robinson) is dating Pete’s sister Claudia (Alexandra Shipp). At a party, Bea sees Ben once again and gives him the cold shoulder and they each get their shots in. Halle and Claudia become engaged and everyone is invited to attend the ceremony in Sydney, including Bea and Ben.

The madness begins when the two are on the same plane and continues as Bea’s parents want her to reconcile the ex-boyfriend, Ben’s ex-girlfriend has been invited to the wedding and the tension between the two grows when family try to get the couple to see that they belong together. Bea and Ben have decided the only way to get everyone out of their hair is by pretending to be a couple.

Watch how that works out!

Sweeney as Bea plays a doe-eyed undecided young woman who isn’t sure where to go in life. Going to a wedding seems like the best way to avoid dealing with it all, that is until she sees Ben which is a whole new mess of things she is trying to avoid. Her guard is up and she has to keep it up when the two decide to play the cat and mouse game to keep the families at bay. Sweeny is charming and seems to enjoy the role.

Powell as Ben gets to play the charming and good-looking guy who has as quick of an insult wit as Bea does. Teaming up against the family seemed the only way for them to stop pushing the two together. Powell looks like he’s having a good time in this rom-com and it shows.

Ga Ta as Pete wants what’s best for his friend and teams up with Roger to push Bea and Ben together. Robinson as Halle sees what is going on with her sister and that gets hectic while trying to make sure a wedding goes off without much of a hitch. Shipp as Claudia loves coming to Australia for her wedding but worries that the mess between Bea and Ben will make things crazy. She ain’t wrong!

Other cast include Michelle Hurd as Carol, Darren Barnet as Jonathan, Bryan Brown as Roger, Rachel Griffiths as Innie, Charlee Fraser as Margaret and Dermot Mulroney as Leo.

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.

Disc Details and Bonus Materials included with the Bluray, DVD and Digital Extras include He Said She Said, Everyone Down Under, Outtakes & Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, ASMR Pickup Lines and Aussie Snacks.

ANYONE BUT YOU give the pat formula of a rom-com with girl meets boy, moment of connection, misunderstanding, family intervention and then connection. That is not a bad thing as audiences deserve to have fun, love, family and comedy all meshed together for a good time. Having it at home means a movie night with everyone who love a good rom-com!

In the end – they only look like the perfect couple!

THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH

The True Story of the Men Who Inspired MASTERS OF THE AIR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ and directed by Mark Herzog and Laurent Bouzereau is a documentary, narrated by Tom Hanks, about the men who served in the air and how they feel today about what combat they experienced being part of THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH.

Germany is invading all over Europe by sea, land and air and the world is in turmoil to stop the constant invasions. Hitler controls Europe and there had to be a way top it. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg speaks about how his own family is affected, Jimmy Stewart makes his feelings known as he was a pilot in the 453 Bomb Group announcing that they needed more men in the air and those to make it happen.

John “Lucky” Luckadoo was a pilot with the 100th Bomb Group, who tells his story about becoming an Air Force cadet. Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal, also a member of the 100th Bomb Group, saw what was happening around him at the time and wanted to be an effective part of the war as a young man. He also joined up to become an Air Force cadet.

The call was answered and thousands of men came from all walks of life to sign up to be part of flying in the war. There training was swift as John A. Clark of the 100th Bomb Group tells his story of flying. Harry Crosby of the 100th Bomb Group decided to become a navigator as flying didn’t work out so well. Joseph Armanini also became a navigator of the 100th Bomb Group. The ten-hour training moved the pilots swiftly to the Boeing “flying fortress” B-17 planes.

Loaded with weaponry, the pilots were trained for six months and in May of 1943, Frank Murphy of the 100th Bomb Group, was sent to England to become a part of the 8th Air Force. The pilots being told they were going “overseas to die” did not stop the men from arriving at Thorpe Abbotts, East Anglia, England. Sharing the bombing duties with the British, they spent day and night bombing the Germans.

Richard C. King, Owen “Cowboy” Roane, Robert Wolff, Robert Rosie Rosenthal, John “Bucky” Egan and Gale “Buck” Cleven, pilots of the 100th Bomb Group get a chance to know each other. Cleven and Egan stand out as the leaders with flare of the group. Seth Paridon, Historian at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum talks about these two men and what they believe in.

Bruce Alshouse, a Tail Gunner for the 100th Bomb Group talks about the plans they learn about as to what their missions would accomplish and what equipment the men would need to fly. One by one the planes take off and form a “combat box” to be able to fight their way to the drop point. The anti-aircraft guns firing from below, shrapnel made its way through the skins of the plane made of aluminum.

German pilots were proficient at fighting in the air but that didn’t stop the B-17’s from dropping their payloads from 12,000 feet up. Gene Bankston, Togglier with the 100TH Bomb Group says he could see the bombs drop and hit the ground from his window view. After the dropped their payload, they would go home with some damage to the plane as described by Thomas Jeffrey, commander of the 100th Bomb Group.

Now, the 100th is assigned to go deep into Germany to bomb factories in Regensburg while the 8th Bomb Group hits Schweinfurt at the same time. Dr. Conrad C. Crane, SSI Senior Historian, US Army War College describes what is planned and how it can go wrong. Retired Gen. Curtis Leman, Commander, 3rd Bombardment Division talks about that day. A two-hour fire-fight trying to reach their drop point doesn’t stop the pilots as the Regensburg mission crew pushes through.

In October 1943, there were over six targets and on Black Week the pilots were set to drop thousands of pounds of bombs. Planes are hit and Cleven’s plane was one of them as other ships are severely damaged. In all, only six bombers returned. Egan is furious and returns from leave to lead the group. Their next mission to Munster, Germany is told to the pilots and Egan refers to it as a ‘revenge raid’. It was after this that the name The Bloody Hundredth came about after losing so many men and planes.

Pilots were beginning to feel the stress of the war as men were suffering from combat fatigue. Going to Flak House in Oxford, England, the men had a chance to be away from the war enough to regather their thoughts. Sometimes it helped and sometimes it did not to the point of it affecting missions.

Being shot down over Germany, airmen were not trained on survival tactics. Taken to Dulag Luft, Frankfurt, Germany, captured airmen were interrogated in different and sometimes disarming ways. Transferred to Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Germany, the camp was huge but there was a surprised to discover that there were survivors of the 100th Bomb Group there that were thought dead. Cleven and Egan were two of the pilots that were there as the two men became leaders once again in the camp.

Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill and meet in Tehran to talk about an assault given the codename “Overlord”. The key to the success of the mission is that air superiority must happen. The P-51 Mustangs arrive in England, they are fast and the range to help the B-17’s reach their goal. Continual raids begin and they are non-stop as fighters keep attacking as Germany starts to feel their dominance in the air falling fast. Dr. Tami Davis Biddle, author of Rhetoric and Reality in Air Warfare talks about it.

Ships, warehouses, ball-bearing factories and bombing Berlin is affecting German morale. At the Stalag, prisoners are attempting to escape, some manage it and others do not. The 100th begins to work on more combat formations as Jeffries takes over and in two days they were flying the best formation. The basic rule was that after 25 missions, a pilot could rotate back to the states, but Rosenthal wanted to be a part of D-Day that was coming soon. Allied forces were to land in Normandy and the Air Force would be putting up every plane.

D-Day, June 6, 1944, the voice of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, gives a speech that lets each airman know that “they eyes of the world are upon you”. Looking out the window, airmen could see the vastness of planes in the air. As the men hit the beaches of Normandy, the bombs dropped, went back and gassed up collecting more bombs, and back in the air again. Germans are surrounded by Russia and the West and the discovery of what Hitler had done to people in camps.

In Luft III, Dr. Matthew F. Delmont, author of Half American talks about the Red-Tail pilots who were African American and also in the camps. Richard Macon was a pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group who believed they were better pilots than their German counterparts. J. Todd Moye, author of Freedom Flyers talks of the bomber pilot’s appreciation to the Red-Tail pilots.

The air bombing continues and more missions send up 2,000 bombers as they drop, drop, drop on war manufacturing. The servicemen from Luft II are on the move as the Germans move them from Sagan, to Spremberg, to Stalag VII-A in Moosburg. In a short amount of time, they were rescued and free to finally go home.

On May 1, 1945, the 100th flew one more mission to drop food to 5 million people in the Netherlands happened. The crews were finally ready to go home and they were celebrated all along the way. The reunions were amazing and the recollection of the pilots are still bringing tears to their eyes. Rosenthal would return to Europe for the Nuremburg Trials.

Now, those who are able to speak on it today, share how they feel about their time with The Bloody Hundredth, how it changed them and how it makes them feel as Americans. “The World War II generation deserves to be remembered”.

What more can anyone say than that? The brave men and women who took up arms when they were needed the most, did so without fanfare, without a second thought and with the courage of their convictions that it was the right thing to do as an American.

AppleTV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019 viewable through the Apple 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/.

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have once again come together to bring us the stories of these brave individuals who have the courage of their convictions. These two filmmakers have covered space, battles at sea, battles on the ground, in the air and so much more. THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH is another chapter in their ability to bring such amazing stories and, with this documentary, from the words of those who are still alive to tell it today.

THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH is a look at what it took to fight evil from the air. It is absolutely incredible that these pilots were trained so quickly to do a job that was as dangerous as any other. It also examines the friendships, sorrows, death and survival in a time where being anything other than German could be a death sentence.

My grandparents did their part during that time and so did many of my family after becoming service members in all the branches of military. They were fathers, sons and uncles in my family that fought on land, in the air and on the sea giving their lives in some cases and some came back completely different. Those that did return always told me that they served with honor for their country. I never truly understood that until I was older and my own son went to war.

THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH would be a remarkable tool for teachers who cover this part of history. Hearing it from them men who served and the historians is a stunning way to show the history that always needs to be understood.

In the end – it honors the heroes of the 100th Bomb Group!

Coming for Families is the New MECHA BUILDERS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! Kids, the Sesame Workshop and created by Joe Fallonis the 3-disc family fun with SESAME STREET MECHA BUILDERS: The Complete Series.

The new superheroes on Sesame Street are Mecha-Abby Cadabby, Mecha-Cookie and Mecha-Elmo and their first adventure is when a mysterious pie hangs over the city. A note from aliens lets them know why the pie was sent but the three superheroes might have made a huge mistake. Now the Mecha’s have to go into problem solving mode working together using their powers!

The Singing Stonehenge are about to perform when the Mecha Builders show up. Berta is upset because the stones are sneezing instead of performing. Ranger Nat wants to show the world their show and this is where the Mecha Builders come in to help make the show a success! Ranger Nat finds himself in a situation where he needs help. They hear his cries for help as Mech-Abby flies over the park to find his location. Each of Mecha’s try to work out how to get him out but not before more of them get stuck!

The Mecha-Builders visit Farmer McFarm and see a space ship coming their way. Mecha-Cookie knows rockets belong in space and not on a farm. Next door is a rocket launching site and the Mecha’s want to return it. They want to help to get the rocket into space and its time to put their minds together to create a solution. When a Big Ole’ Boulder decides to take a roll down a hill, the Mecha-Builders need to find a way to put it back. Berta really needs it to happen so she can take her picture with it for Mr. Pinecone’s traditional wall!

Celebrating Food Day in the city park, putting up a banana split in the park, the workers forgot to put the split in it. No one can celebrate until someone can split the banana and the Mecha-Builders are up for the tasty task. The city is busy building and a local birdie mistakes a pretzel-magnet for food, mayhem happens as metal objects are caught up in the magnet’s powers. Its time for the Mecha-Builders to find a way to turn off the magnet! Heading to Tree Top Wood Station, the train loaded with eggs loses its brakes. The Mecha-Builders have a problem to solve getting the train under control!

It is Heroes Celebration Day and setting up a party screen in the city park, a series of events make setting up a mess. Needing a big screen to show all the heroes like teachers, firemen and police, the Mecha-Builders truly want to solve this problem. At the city park, an ice slide is up for the children to play with. The problem is that the ice slide is starting to melt. When the slide is closed, the children are sad and the Mecha-Builders need to find a way to slow down the melting.

On the farm, the chickens want to have a car race but, for some reason, the chickens in their cars aren’t moving. A race can’t be won by any chicken if the wheels aren’t moving and that’s a problem for the Mecha-Builders to solve. In the park, Ranger Nat is putting up his telescope to catch a comet that is due. When the telescope is blocked in the road, the Mecha-Builders find a solution to get the telescope where it needs to be before the comet arrives in the sky!

The city is about to have an amazing book reading day but when aliens land, they get the wrong idea when they see books and a trash can side by side. Now the Mecha-Builders have to find the books and do some earthly explaining to their new alien friends. While delivering slime, an accident happens and slime is all over the city. No one can reach the off switch, well, maybe one of the Mecha-Builders can!

Ranger Nat is hiking through the woods and finds a map that he thinks leads to buried treasure. The Mecha-Builders want to help find it since Ranger Nat can’t seem to read the map. They are thrilled to solve this particular mysterious problem. The Zee-Mobile comes to the farm to help create a maze in the farmers corn field. The problem is when the Zee-Mobile goes haywire, the Mecha-Builders come to help find Zee who is now lost in his own maze!

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street and the amazing television show. Teaching children since 1969, Sesame Workshop is a force for change and a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. Reaching over 150 countries, Sesame Workshop tailors to the needs of the culture and communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.

The episodes include on Disc One - They Sent Us a Pie, Dust in the Wind, Pull Together, Lift Up and Lift Off, That Ol’ Time Rock Rolls, Make Like a Banana and Split, Magnet Mayhem, Stop That Train, Picture Perfect Park Party, Sun Block, Roll Chicken Roll, Ramp Up Up and Away, Yip Yip Book Book, Stick to It, The Treasure of Tree Top Woods, and Zee Makes an Amazing Maze,

Abby, Cookie Monster and Elmo are heroes-in-training with a focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. There is more fun and adventure in store when Grover, Rosita and more come to visit the Mecha-Builders.

Each episode has a problem and the Mecha-Builders work through several possibilities until they create a solution that solves the problem. It is such a wonderful way to show children fun, adventure and four of the most wonderful learning tools with STEM. My own granddaughter is fascinated with science and, even at 8-years-old, she absolutely loved every episode talking her way through the Mecha-Builders problems.

These are only the episodes in Disc One so you can imagine, if these first sixteen episodes are so filled with adventure and inventions, that leaves two more discs of family fun. The Mecha-Builders each have their own set of powers and when they talk out the problems and realize that each brings something special to it, the solutions are creative and pretty darn amazing.

In the end – they have problems to solve!

Meet LISA FRANKENSTEIN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and digital from director Zelda Williams and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the introduction of LISA FRANKENSTEIN.

It is 1989 and Lisa Swallow (Kathryn Newton) is dealing with the axe murdering of her mother, dealing with dad Dale (Joe Chrest) and the new wife Janet (Carla Guigino) along with step-sister Taffy (Lisa Soberano). That’s kind of a lot, so Lisa spends her time in the Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery which is annoying to the family.

After a weird night out with Taffy, bumping into her crush Michael (Henry Eikenberry) and a near assault by fellow teen Doug (Bryce Romero), leads Lisa back to the cemetery. Sitting at the grave of someone who died in 1837, a bolt of lightening strikes and The Creature (Cole Sprouse) comes to life. He is a love-struck young man who died from a lightening strike as well! Following Lisa home, Lisa realizes who he is and she wants to help the newly risen zombie.

When Dad and Janet come home to a dirt and debris mess from The Creature, Lisa tells them a story to cover up the truth. Janet is up in arms and hurls accusations at Lisa which is going to cause step-mommy dearest problems. Lisa and The Creature begin to put him back together in the oddest ways with a bond forming between the two. It is a body building bond that can possibly last into the great beyond!

Newton as Lisa is a young woman who doesn’t quite fit in with the other kids. Once she realizes that lightening brings good things, it is time for her to find happiness in the oddest way. Newton is subtly funny and it still made me laugh a lot. Sprouse as The Creature gets the best job of groaning, walking like a zombie and body part hunting. His physical and facial performance is everything and it had me laughing knowing exactly what The Creature was trying “to say”. Sprouse knew the assignment and turned it in on time.

Guigino as Janet has serious control issues and a bit of OCD where her perfect house is concerned. She also has a hair up about Lisa and makes sure to be insulting with a smile on her face. Guigino proving she can be a good gal and a bad gal all in the same role. Chrest as Dale just goes along to get along with wife Janet.

Soberano as Taffy is the ‘good’ daughter who is funny, charming and well-liked by the family. She is the only one that seems to treat Lisa with any care, even if it is a little over the top. Eikenberry as Michael is good-looking school boy who uses his charm to but in the wrong way to get the wrong results.

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.

Bonus Features on Bluray and DVD include Deleted Scenes: Get Me Out of Hell!, Knock Knock, Music Lovers, Incredible Friend, Breaking News, and Gag Reel. Also, Resurrecting the 1980’s - Set in 1989, LISA FRANKENSTEIN is a loving tribute to the wacky, tacky, yet totally awesome 80s. Every department of production embraced the stylized world Diablo Cody created in her script and brought their A-game to making this colorful world a reality.

An Electric Connection – While it's no easy feat to turn a 19th century dead guy into the perfect boyfriend, this piece explores Lisa and her charming Creature and what makes their relationship work. Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, and filmmakers explore how Lisa and Creature really need each other to truly thrive, why Creature is the “perfect man,” and Lisa’s choice at the end of the film.

And, A Dark Comedy Duo - Well-known for her ability to subvert genres, Diablo Cody delves into the inspiration behind LISA FRANKENSTEIN, what made her want to give the Frankenstein story a youthful, modern twist full of both horror and hilarity, and why Zelda Williams was the perfect choice to bring her story to life and Feature Commentary with Director Zelda Williams.

LISA FRANKENSTEIN is not only a fun comedy-horror film but surrounds itself in a bit of nostalgia in a time when the world wasn’t wrapped in technology. There are moments of laughter followed by jaw dropping fright without actually grossing me out. When the time comes for The Creature to do what he needs to, it is all in our heads, where it should be.

It is just all out fun actually and it is a film I have added to my Halloween binge watching collection. All good zombie/Frankenstein movies belong on that shelf because comedy and horror are absolutely fantastic separate and even more so together. So, prepare yourself for a new love story that will have you in stiches!

In the end – if you can’t meet your perfect boyfriend then make him!

IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS

Jeri Jacquin

Currently playing in theatres from director Robert Lorenz and Samuel Goldwyn Films is the story of a fight for a small town in THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS.

It is Northern Ireland in 1974 and in Belfast, Doirean (Kerry Condon), brother Curtis (Desmond Eastwood), Conan (Conor MacNeill) and Seamus (Seamus O’Hara) have killed their target but also killed innocent children. Eager to leave his own killer past behind, Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson) has found some solace in the coastal town of Glencolmcille.

Informing Robert McQue (Colm Meaney) of his retirement, Finbar is taking time to befriend neighbor Rita (Niamh Cusack), hanging out with police friend Vincent (Ciaran Hinds) and young one Moya (Michelle Gleeson). Quickly discovering that Moya is being hurt, he tries to talk with mom Sinead (Sarah Greene) but realizes this is something he is going to have to handle.

Discovering it is Curtis that Moya is afraid of, Finbar turns to McQue who says no but secretly sends his newest apprentice Kevin Lynch (Jack Gleeson) to keep an eye on him. Doirean begins to search for Curtis and turns to the McQue for answers. When she doesn’t like what he has to say, Doirean enlists Conan and Seamus on a revenge spree until she finds the one man she is looking for – Finbar Murphy!

Neeson as Murphy once again takes the reigns as a man, who the local towns people thinks buys and sells books, who has secrets to keep. As he gets older, the questions of how he wants to spend the rest of his life come into play. Once retiring, he turns to his friendships, books and the town for a bit of peace in his life. Neeson comes head-to-head with bad guys and isn’t about to let the town pay for his mistakes. I enjoyed this character very much, perhaps because it is in Ireland where part of my heart lies, or perhaps all the Irish accents – no matter, it is a very cool film with Neeson running the show.

Condon as Doirean is a woman that has no issue with telling it like it is going to be, punching or shooting anyone that gets in her way. Believing she is fighting for Ireland, that all comes to a standstill when her family is being threatened. I will be totally honest when I saw that Condon’s character was frightening as she spoke with a straight face and never became shook up at any point in the story. I mean my jaw dropped but there Condon was, all in it and all about it – truly scary.

Hinds as Vincent plays off Neeson’s character as if they had been friends all their lives. When these two legends are on the screen, it made me wish they would do more together because they are equally stunning. As Vincent, Hinds is a man who loves the town he protects but doesn’t know everything he should.

Gleeson as Kevin, oh my goodness what can I say! First of all, those eyes, it is a dead giveaway who this young actor is no matter how much he tried to change it up. That being said, he is absolutely nuts but in a way that just gave this character everything believable to follow along with Kevin’s own journey.

Eastwood as Curtis is a young man who thinks that he is entitled to do anything because big sister will protect him. MacNeill as Conan is the muscle that will do what it takes to get the job done but flinches occasionally. O’Hara is a weapons maker and it always kind of makes me shake my head when a creator comes face to face with his creations.

Cusak as Rita is the sweet neighbor lady who is dealing with her own life issues, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have time for her friend Finbar. Meany as McQue runs his little death business and manages to keep it low-key but low-key doesn’t always mean protected from crazy people. Gleeson as Moya is so sweet and finds friendship with Finbar, Greene as Sinead is trying to be a good Mom doing the best she can.

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independent motion-picture company distrubting such films as ANOTHER ROUND, THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SKIN, LUNANA: A Yak in the Classroom and the upcoming film SIMONE: Woman of the Century, KLONDIKE and BANK OF DAVE.

Facing East is a production company formed in 2016 by Markus Barmettler and Philip Lee. The veteran duo boasts over twenty productions between them including THE REVENANT, CLOUD ATLAS, HERO, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, PURPLE MOUNTAIN AND DER HAUPTMAN. They are currently in collaboration with London Town Films THE UNTITLED PETER GREENAWAY and Michael Gracey’s BETTER MAN.

First, I must say, the lush green, beautiful ocean and small town portrayed in the film IN THE LAND OF SINNERS AND SAINTS just drew me in completely. I actually enjoy films that take a break from the norm of loudness in film. Here, it is a chance to get to know these characters and understand the motivation for each of them. This era is a time when Ireland was going through its paces and bombings were happening frequently.

The underlying story is that of a man who is coming into an age of questioning mortality and wanting a simpler life. Unfortunately, as per Neeson’s roles, Murphy doesn’t get to stay in retirement more than a day before things begin to unravel around him. It is a twist and turn of events, and the twist and turn of people that bring about the chaos that Murphy is determined to put a stop to.

Neeson, Hinds and Gleeson, along with the steely stares of Condon that make this film well done!

In the end – he is haunted by sins and hunted by sinners!

He is MONKEY MAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Dev Patel, Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures is the story of standing up against evil with MONKEY MAN.

Kid (Dev Patel) is a man who makes a living out of illegal fights run by Tiger (Sharlto Copley). Hiding his face, he uses a monkey mask using the fighter-name of Monkey Man. Long ago, his mother Neela (Adithi Kalkunte) told him of the legend of Hanuman.

What he wants more than anything, is to find those responsible for his childhood flashbacks. Corrupt individuals in the country are using the country to squeeze land from the poor. Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher), the chief of police in Yatana and a world-wide guru Baba Shakti (Makarand Deshpande) and the two biggest corruptors with their high life living through drugs and using women.

Following Queenie (Ashwini Kalsekar), the Kid sets up a way to get a job in the kitchen but works his way up to the penthouse exclusive club where he sees the beautiful Sita (Sobhita Dhulipala). Quickly he rises up into the VIP tower where Rana is a regular and makes his move. Unfortunately, the chase is on as all law enforcement go after the Kid.

Wounded and in the river, he is found by Alpha (Vipin Sharma) and a whole new world opens up to him. Becoming stronger, he takes on the task of saving those the rich and corrupt don’t see and continually hurt. They don’t seem him coming!

Patel as Kid is a man with a truck load of demons that he cannot seem to shake. Feeling the need to get vengeance, he is willing to put himself in harm’s way to find the man responsible. That being said, this character is also quick and knows how to get around. Patel gives his character a quiet nature as he spends more time observing those he wants to bring down. His fighting skills are pretty creative as well.

Kher as Rana is a man who doesn’t care about those he hurts and doesn’t feel the pinch of being held accountable. He is devoted to Baba Shakti but also enjoys the benefits of such devotion in the cruelest ways. Deshpande as Shakti is trying to convince the world that he knows the right path if they only follow him. He also knows that someone is trying to ruin everything and that has him on edge.

Sharma as Alpha is a gentle person who understands what the Kid is going through. Wanting to help, the group helps the Kid not only heal, but understand a new way of looking at things. When it comes time to take on Rana, Alpha and his people don’t mind helping in the slightest.

Copley as Tiger runs the fighting ring and doesn’t know yet what Monkey Man is capable of. It’s nice to see Copley again because he does so make an awesome bad guy. Kalkunte as Neela is a story within a story and explains why the Kid has issues. Kalsekar as Queenie is running things from the basement and she runs a tight ship.

Other cast include Pitobash as Alphonso, Zakir Hussain as Tabla Maestro, and Jatin Malik as the young kid.

Seems Patel decided to create his own world by not only writing, directing and starring in MONKEY MAN, but also added screenplay and producing at well. Patel says, “I think the action genre has sometimes been abused by the system. I wanted to give it real soul, real trauma, real pain and I wanted to infuse it with a little bit of culture.”

Let’s get to it, yes, there are several movie resemblances here from JOHN WICK, ROCKY, TAKEN (with a certain set of skills) and DUNE just to name a few. There is certainly nothing wrong with it because what Patel does is tell his story all the way through. You will figure it all out for yourself and enjoy it all the same. From start to finish this is a film that revves a person up, then lets us take a break and then revves us up again.

It is a two-hour ride that is going to make Patel the new world-wide action hero. Bringing in his own culture is actually quite beautiful as the stories reach a world-wide audience allowing them to understand the culture. The cinematography is equally as stunning whether it is the flashbacks or the constant action, both will keep your attention.

Let’s not forget the fight sequences which are insanely good with a few surprises here and there. From the ring to the streets and up to the VIP club, the action is swift, intense and does not leave anything to chance or the imagination. Well done!

Gather up the action-hero gang for a thrill ride that is courtesy of MONKEY MAN.

In the end – one small ember can burn down everything!

NIGHT SWIM Laps onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Bryce McGuire and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the horror in the darkness of the water with NIGHT SWIM.

The Waller family have just found their forever home with big rooms, wide spaces and a back yard swimming pool. Husband Ray (Wyatt Russell), wife Eve (Kerry Condon), daughter Izzy (Amelie Hoeferle) and young son Elliott (Gavin Warren) can’t wait to settle in. Ray is looking forward to cleaning out the pool to help with his illness that has kept him from his baseball career.

Having it inspected, they discover that they don’t need to do anything to it because the water comes from an underground spring. Spending a lot of time in the pool, Ray begins to feel better but Eve sees a change in him. What she doesn’t know is that Izzy and Elliot each have experienced something frightening in the pool. During a party with friends, the realtor that sold them the house talks about a young girl named Rebecca that had an accident in the pool.

Eve investigates the house and discovers that this isn’t the first event that has happened surrounding the pool. Finding the young Rebecca’s mother, Eve is shocked by what she learns. Experiencing the horror for herself, Elliot becomes trapped in the pool and a spirit helps Eve get to safety. Now Ray is out of control and they are all in danger because of the evil that lives in the water.

Yet, there is only one way to stop it, one way only.

Condon as Eve is thrilled with the new house and being able to stay in one place for a while. Getting the house in order, she is happy to see that Ray is using the pool and that the kids are having a good time. But when Ray starts to change, that’s when she discovers the fear, they are all experiencing. Condon gives us the strong mama bear but after seeing her role from the film IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNER, it is not hard to see her once again taking a strong female role.

Russell as husband Ray is dealing with the life changing illness and doing what ever he can to lighten the load for wife Eve. The pool starts out as a way to deal with the illness but when the pool works its magic it is not for the good. Russell slowly changes from an uncertain person to one that has no control. It is all subtle but when it happens, Russell gives it plenty of crazy.

Hoeferle as Izzy is a teen that is doing teen things, except she discovers first what trouble their new home is going to bring. Warren as Elliot is also enjoying the pool and spending a lot of time in the waters until he learns what the waters are capable of.

Other cast include Jodi Long as Lucy Summers, Nancy Lenehan as Kay, Eddie Martinez as Coach E, Elijah J. Roberts as Ronin, Ellie Araiza as Angel and Rahnuma Panthaky as Dr. Sridhar.

All New Bonus Features include Masters of Fear, Demons From the Depths, Into the Deep and more!

NIGHT SWIM has given us all a reason to now stay out of our swimming pools as sharks did going into the ocean. The Waller family learned quickly how to freak us all out and will probably keep up away from pools parties for the summer. That’s what a good spooky movie will do, check us about the weirdest fears in the most common of places.

This is one of those huge tub-of-popcorn, cuddle up on the sofa with the lights out kind of movie for the whole family to jump and scream from. I have to admit it is fun for my family, we pretty much all have been raised on these kinds of films and are thrilled when a film like NIGHT SWIM will be played again and again for so many fun scary nights to come.

Break out the pool floaties because you may just need them.

In the end – everything you fear is under the surface!

What is the MONOLITH?

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Matt Vesely and Well Go USA is the mystery behind the MONOLITH.

An Interviewer (Lily Sullivan) is a journalist who is currently dealing with issues that might get her fired. Alone in her parent’s home, she decides to start a podcast about the mysteries of the world. One story she finds out about is that a woman named Floramae (Ling Cooper Tang) tells her a strange story about a brick that changed her life. Upset that her black brick was sold without her permission, it leads to Klaus (Terence Crawford).

Klaus tells her almost the same story except he admits that he collects the black bricks. He also tells her the story of how the brick and the death of his brother feel related. After putting these two interviews together, she posts her podcast and it blows up with more and more people letting her know that they too have had strange things happen.

Then a knock at the door leads her to believe that Klaus is messing with her. Her partner Scott (Matt Crook) is worried about what is now happening to her and coming to terms with what she learns from her father. Trying to find out all she can, it becomes clear that all the warnings from people she has interviewed is about to come to pass and nothing can stop it.

Sullivan carries this film from start to finish without batting an eye. That is difficult enough to do with a small cast but being totally by one’s self on the screen leading us into the story until its conclusion is awesome. That’s what Sullivan does here, she starts out trying to figure out where she is going to go with a podcast and instantly strikes gold – or a black brick actually. Then, she guides us slowly but surely through till its frightening end and I’m all for it.

Other cast include Ansuya Nathan as Paula, Rashidi Edward as John, Erik Thomson as Dad, Kate Box as Laura, Brigid Zengeni as Shiloh, Belle Kalendra-Harding and Damon Herriman.

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.

Bonus Features include Writer, Producer and Director Audio Commentary, Behind the Scenes and Trailer.

Actress Lily Sullivan said in an interview that playing The Interviewer as a “challenge of a lifetime” and believed the roll was “terrifying…I ended up approaching it like theatre, almost, I’ve never been more aware of my voice”.

Nominated for Best Film at the FrightFest Awards and Sullivan won Best Actress, nominated fir a film prize at the CinefestOZ, nominated for the New Visions Award at Sitge Film Festival, Benjamin Speed was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2023 Screen Music Awards, Best Direction in a Debut Feature Film for director Vesely at the ADG Awards and nominated for Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards.

MONOLITH is the kind of story that is just so darn satisfying to watch. It is original, and sweeping without special effects (okay, maybe one), without fanfare or car chases. I so applaud films that can do all of that while keeping my attention focused on everything that is said during the film. Sullivan is the storyteller and kept me looking and listening because I wanted to know everything she wanted to know.

Portraying the Interviewer, we are constantly reminded to just listen and that’s the price we pay for going on this ride. It is all about what we hear, what we see and how much of it we actually comprehend that leads us to the end – with answers? That’s for the viewer to decide.

In the end – all you have to do is listen!

DAMAGED

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres, Digital and OnDemand from director Terry McDonough and Lionsgate is the twisted trail that is DAMAGED.

Dan Lawson (Samuel L. Jackson) is a detective from Chicago who, five years earlier, worked on a serial killer case that was never solved. In Scotland, Glen Boyd (Gianni Capaldi) similar killings are happening and they call Det. Lawson to come and help with their investigation. Boyd is dealing with his own demons at home as he and wife Marie (Laura Haddock) are grieving the loss of his son.

Immediately Lawson visits the crime site and helps Boyd decipher clues and look for suspects. He even calls upon friend Walker Bravo (Vincent Cassel) who was his partner in Chicago. Boyd suspects a man named McGregor (John Hannah) might be responsible when a witness identifies him.

When death gets closer and closer to them all, Boyd and Lawson must work faster to find who is responsible and do whatever it takes to stop it all!

Jackson as Lawson plays this character to a tee. A detective who understands the grief of another, it doesn’t stop him from following the clues left behind by the killer. Jackson’s swagger doesn’t speed up at all and his eye for clues while everyone is scurrying around him is one of his signature moves. The twists and turns are equally as Jackson-esque and it works completely.

Capaldi as Boyd is a man dealing with a family loss and is using his job as a way to avoid wife Marie. Spending more and more time away from home, there comes a time when he must choose how to handle so he can give his all to the investigation. Boyd gives his character all the emotions and anger of a man dealing with home and work life. This scattered range is perfect for the story telling of this film.

Cassel as Bravo is another smooth character who knows and understands the case that Lawson is working on. Helping where he can, Cassel also gives a smooth performance giving nothing away until he has to. Hannah as McGregor is a man who has is peccadillos but is he the man responsible? Hannah gives his character a straight face and no fear when the police come calling.

Other cast include Mark Holden as Captain Ford, Brian McCardie as Avery, and Kate Dickie as Kessler.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

First to get it out of the way, there are a few holes in the plot of the story. There are parts of the story that could have been developed much clearer. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of mystery and I’m all for that, but either play out stories or don’t use them at all. It will be easy to spot what I am speaking of.

DAMAGES is a murder-thriller-shocker not only because of the story that it is telling but the crimes themselves. Director McDonough pushes the boundaries of serial killing and showing the audience what the killer is capable of. I wasn’t sure at first it would but then, bam, there it is, right in your face. The visuals are stunning enough that, at times, it can be sidetracking from the story – but isn’t that the goal?

Keeping the audience in suspense with characters are definetly in the hands of Jackson, Capaldi and Cassell. Keeping the plot going is the characters reactions to everything around them. Twists and turns are everywhere and it is never clear where it will happen or when it will happen, but be very clear, its going to happen.

In the end – the clues are everywhere!

The Action Thriller ARGYLLE

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Apple TV+ from director Matthew Vaughn and Apple Original Films is the story of a writer and a chase for ARGYLLE.

Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) is a cat lady who is about to finish her fifth successful book. Running into problems finishing the book, she calls Mom Ruth (Catherine O’Hara) who agrees to come help with ideas, even her imaginary hero Argylle (Henry Cavill) wants to know what is next. Elly decides she’d rather pack it up and go visit Mom and dad Barry (Bryan Cranston).

On the train, she is met with a real spy Aidan Wilde (Sam Rockwell) who tells her that a group known as The Division want her because the books that are too close to the truth of things. Aidan wants Elly to write the next chapter so he can figure out a way to stop The Division. Elly makes it clear she doesn’t work that way.

When Wilde lets her know that there is a Masterkey to everything, she decides that she wants more answers after meeting Alfie (Samuel L. Jackson). There is something else that Wilde isn’t telling her but only time will tell if Elly, like her novels, discovers the mystery all on her own

Howard as Elly is so much fun to watch as her character comes out of her shell, as it were, yet manages to do it all while toting a cat! Not sure my cat would be happy with that kind of adventure. Watching Howard turn it out was nice to see and, I don’t think I’ll ever look at ice skating the same again. She gave her character so much in the way of action and adventure that I absolutely loved it.

Rockwell as Wilde gives such a casual character from start to finish. Nothing seems to phase him much as he takes Elly on the ride of her life – until it’s his life that comes into play. Rockwell also bring the dry humor and I would expect no less from him. It looks like he is just having fun playing the character of Wilde and why shouldn’t he, it all should be as much fun for him as it was for me.

Cavill as Argylle is smooth, suave, handsome, agile and sharp with one-liners. I can only hope that, when looking for a new Bond, they see what everyone else sees – he would be an amazing Bond. Okay, now, I’m not a fan of remakes but I have to say that his announcement at CinemaCon that he is working on HIGHLANDER gave me chills. He’s just amazing and that’s it.

O’Hara as Ruth is a mom who wants to help her daughter with her writer’s block and whatever else she is going through. I just love O’Hara so she could have just stood silent in the film and I’d be thrilled. Cranston as dad Barry is also someone else that Elly should watch out for. The thing about Cranston is he can be good as good can be but he can also be as bad as he wants to be.

Shout out to John Cena for being a Bond-ish sidekick and Jackson making vineyard living while spying look good.

Other cast include Rob Delaney as Deputy Powell, Richard E. Grant as Fowler, Louis Patridge as young Argylle, Sofia Boutella as Saba Al-Badr, Jua Lipa as LaGrange, and Ariana DeBose as Keira.

Apple+ 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/.

ARGYLLE has, and I have to say it, a bit of the 1984 film ROMANCING THE STONE with Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito. Yes, I realize I’ve just aged myself and also realize most people don’t remember this film. Perhaps that’s what ARGYLLE is counting on.

Now, that being said, it is a fun film full of twists, turns and surprises. Because of all of those things, I can honestly say I had a wonderful time watching it (being a cat person and all). The constant clues, jumping from place to place, never knowing who to trust and revelations makes ARGYLLE a good time to be had by all.

It’s travel, adventure and a bit of mystery in every frame of the film. There is a nice surprise at the end and I’m going to leave it at that!

In the end – once you know the secret, don’t let the cat out of the bag!

They Are THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Guy Ritchie and Lionsgate comes a story about a group with special talents as THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE.

It is 1940 World War II and Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear) is up against the ropes. Looking to Brigadier Grubbins aka M (Gary Elwes) to make something happen, he brings in Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox), Mr. Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) and Marjorie Stewart (Eiza Gonzalez) together so they can meet Gus March-Phillipps (Henry Cavill).

Gus is a man who knows how to get the job done but is constantly in trouble for it because he ignores orders. That’s what M is hoping for in a mission to destroy one important ship that could turn the tide for the U.S. to get involved and safe passage across the oceans. Gus agrees to the mission but he wants his team of misfits including Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding), Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin).

There is one member of the team Gus is requesting, Geoffrey Appleyard (Alex Pettyfer), who has been captured by the Nazi’s but the group agrees that rescue is on its way to their mission site. Meeting them there is Stewart and Heron who are setting things up. Heron makes it clear that Stewart needs to get in the good graces of Heinrich Luhr (Til Schweiger), a man who gives off evil vibes.

As the plan goes sideways, leave it to the group to make it work because they must!

Cavill as Gus is hilarious, focused and won’t do any mission without the help of the crew he trusts. He is a leader and allows his crew to help make Churchill’s plan come to fruition. I have to say, Cavill looks like he is having the time of his life being a bad guy doing bad things but for a good cause. He gives his character a calm and a bit of a twisted fashion sense that lends to a great character.

Golding as Alvarez plays off Cavill’s character with ease. Together, they are amazing with Golding’s character enjoying making mayhem with loud explosions. He is all in when it comes to making sure the plan happens, Golding gives us a different look at a role that just works for him. Tiffin as Hayes is a young man who has his reasons for being part of the crew, he believes in Gus as the leader and is ready for anything.

Gonzalez as Stewart learns who she must deal with and may be wary but it doesn’t stop her from handling herself through the mission. Olusanmokun as Mr. Heron knowns his assignment and sees it through. Elwes as M tries to be very military but underneath, he knows that choosing Gus and the gang that rules will be broken. I love his eyerolls at the introduction of Gus and I’m just thrilled to see Elwes on the screen.

Ritchson as Lassen is the strong and brutal type who makes Legolas from Lord of the Rings looks like an amateur and its hilarious. Ritchson can also be seen in the recently released ORDINARY ANGELS in a totally different role as a father with a child that is seriously ill. Pettyfer as Appleyard is witty and happy to be part of the group. His Magic Mike days have shown he has grown as an actor and in this film, he gets a chance to be part of an amazing group. Kinnear as Churchill is as unrecognizable in this role as he was in the Penny Dreadful performance. As Churchill, Kinnear follows the story of what the prime minister went through during a very difficult time for Britian during the war. Kinnear gives a wonderful performance.

Schwiger as Luhr is a very twisted character but then again it is not a difficult role since he is now the opposite of his 2099 role of Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz. That character hunted Nazi’s and now Luhr is the Nazi who is as brutal as his stone face.

Shout out to Danny Sapani as Bilil, he gets to be part of something that will rid his island of the Nazi’s. Sapani has a nice moment with Cavill’s Gus as both characters make it clear that their goal is destruction of evil.

Other cast include James Wilby as Viscount Algernon, Henrique Zaga as Captain Binea, Danny Sapani as Kambili Kalu, Matthew Hawksley as Sir Percy, Simon Paisley Day as Admiral Pound, and Mark Oosterveen as Air Marshall Dowding.

The film is based on the book from Damien Lewis The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops. The script was done by Arash Amel as Guy Ritchie signed on to direct the film.

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE is a thrill to watch from start to finish. Watching a plan come together is always a fun even if it doesn’t go exactly as everyone thought. There is something to be said for ignoring your superiors and that, in fact, is why the gang was asked to do what would be considered impossible.

The cast is amazing led by Cavill but, at the same time, he doesn’t overshadow anyone. Each character stands out in their own way based on what they were good at – like Golding’s Alvarez and explosives. That’s a talent in itself but you add Hayes driving the boat and Cavill’s twisted sense of humor – it all just works so well and its fun..

Gather up your own gang and see the impressive, thrilling and action-packed film so you can jaw drop and cheer a part of history that is now out for the world to know about.

In the end – together they are deadly but that’s what others count on!

She is MADAME WEB

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director S.J. Clarkson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of MADAME WEB.

Constance Webb (Kerry Bishe) is in the jungle of Peru in 1973 looking for a spider that has healing properties. Excited about finding one, Constance is attacked by researcher Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim) and left for dead. Pregnant, she is found by the local indigenous tribe and they can not save her but manage to save her birthed daughter Cassandra.

Some years later, Cassandra (Dakota Johnson) is a paramedic in New York City. Driving her patients to the hospital is her goal and partner Ben Parker (Adam Scott) knows exactly what it’s like to work with her. During a call, Cassie lands in the water and it causes a near-death experience but something begins to happen to her. Call it déjà vu, she begins to see things that haven’t happened yet and into the future.

Three girls Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Anya (Isabela Merced), and Mattie (Celeste O’Connor) are about to meet Cassie under the strangest of circumstances. While aboard a subway, Cassie sees what is about to happen to the girls and makes it her mission to protect them. It is Ezekiel who is hunting these girls and wants them disposed of because of his own premonitions. Hiding the girls and asking them to wait until she returns, the girls decide they know better and once again Ezekiel discovers where they are.

Cassie has to rescue them a second time and takes them to Ben’s house. Realizing she must go to Peru to find out what happened to her mother, the girls agree to wait for her return. Once in Peru, Cassie learns of what happened to her mother and what it is she is experiencing. Thinking that her mother just didn’t care about her, it now becomes clear what the true circumstances were to the trip to Peru in the first place.

In the states, Ben’s sister-in-law Mary (Emma Roberts) is going into labor and Cassie can feel what is about to happen. Ben loads up the girls and Mary to get her to the hospital as Ezekiel finds them once again. An epic battle between the two leads to another life for Cassie but one she clearly already knows as she promises the girls she will mentor them when the time comes!

Dakota as Cassie is a young woman who, after an accident, understands that perhaps it is time to discover what really happened to her mother. Once she does, it changes the way she sees her life. Now she wants to protect Julia, Anya and Mattie and the only way to do that is stop Ezekiel from capturing them.

Sweeney as Julia is the calm one who is trying to understand what is happening and counting on Cassie to find the answers. Merced as Anya clearly gets that someone wants to hurt all three of them and wants to stay together until they can figure it out. O’Connor as Mattie tends to push the limits of “stay here till I get back!” and each time is causing a lot of problems.

Rahim as Ezekiel knows what he did to Cassie’s Mom but the years has made him more bold and more powerful. He knows that three girls are going to try and stop him so his goal is to stop them first. Scott as Ben knows Cassie can be a mess in the way she handles things but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to help her. Mamet as Amaria has her own way of finding what Ezekiel needs.

Other cast includes Zosia Mamet as Amaria, Kathy-Ann Hart as Susan, Jose Yazpik as Santiago and Mike Epps as O’Neil.

Bonus Materials on 4K UHD, Bluray and Digital include Gag Reel, Easter Eggs, Oracle of the Page, Fight Like a Spider, Future Vision, Casting the Web and Deleted Scenes. On DVD is Future Vision and Casting the Web.

MADAME WEB has a good start in the story it wants to tell. Johnson as Cassie takes us on the adventure to Peru to find those answers. There are bits of the story that are lacking in the way it is told but for fans who have been waiting for this film, it isn’t about to stop them from filling in the blanks on their own.

The film definetly has superheroine written all over it in the style of the story, the special effects and destruction that they always seem to leave in their wake. There is a definite connection between Cassie and the girls but the connection between Cassie and Ezekiel is clearly one that is rage and greed filled, let’s see which one lets it get to them the most.

Gather the family, a huge bowl of popcorn, turn the lights out and watch for something crawling across the walls and if you need to call for MADAME WEB!

In the end – her web connects them all!

He Comes Home to ROLLING THUNDER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director John Flynn and Shout! Studios is the story of a man returning from war and discovering ROLLING THUNDER.

It is 1973 and after being held for seven years in a Hanoi prison, POW Major Charles Rane (William Devane) is returning home along with Master Sgt. Johnny Vohden (Tommy Lee Jones). Being welcomed back to San Antonio, Texas, Rane realizes that his son Mark (Jordan Gerler) does not remember him. Wife Janet (Lisa Richards) tries to make him feel at home but is nervous and a bit uncomfortable.

Once they have a chance to be alone, Janet confesses what her life has been like for the seven years Rane was gone and it is clear he cannot have his old life back. The town holds a ceremony to welcome home Rane and give him a new Cadillac and a chest of silver dollars, one for every day he was in captivity. An extra one is added by Linda (Linda Haynes) who wore Rane’s POW bracelet the entire time he was gone.

Going to the baseball field to watch son Mark play, Rane does not feel welcome so he heads home. Once there, he is jumped in his own living room by men who want the silver dollars he was given. The Texan (James Best), Automatic Slim (Luke Askew), T-Bird (Charles Escamilla) and Melio (Peter Ortega) don’t understand that Rane was tortured in Hanoi so anything these men do to him can’t possibly compare. When Janet and Mark return home, they are held until the men get what they want and chaos breaks out.

Recovering at the hospital, Linda and Vohden come for visits. Vohden tells Rane that he has signed up again for the military. Linda learns that Rane wants to go to Mexico and Linda decides to come along but doesn’t know what he is really going to be doing. When his plan begins to falter, Rane calls Vohden to follow the men to Juarez, Mexico where the two decide its time to settle up and they know how to do it.

Devane as Rane is a young actor here who gives the character of a stoic solder returning from a seven-year nightmare. Not reacting as others perhaps would wish, he goes along to get along. Knowing returning soldiers, he truly does grasp the assignment, even in 1977 when that phrase wasn’t even thought of.

Jones as Vohden is also trying to acclimate to being back in the United States. Feeling he can’t do that, rejoining the military seemed like the only answers. When his friend Rane reaches out, he knows exactly what has to happen to make it right in Rane’s world. Jones is also a very young actor in this film but that doesn’t mean his character isn’t all about business.

Haynes as Linda is a woman who made it clear from their first meeting that she is interested in Rane. She jumps at the chance to go with him to Mexico and once she realizes the purpose, the realization that what she wants from him isn’t going to happen.

Best, Askew, Escamilla and Ortega are the gang of men who have no qualms about hurting a hero or his family. They want what they want and will do anything to get it. From the moment they are on screen till the end, these actors give unscrupulous a scruffy, terrifying look that works for the film.

Other cast include Lawrason Driscoll as Deputy Cliff Nichols, Jacque Burandt as Bebe, Paul A. Partain as Ethan, James N. Harrell as Grandpa and Cassie Yates as Candy.

Disc One includes the 4K Ultra HD Disc in 2160p Ultra High-Definition HDR Widescreen and Master Audio. Disc Two includes the Bluray and New 4K Transfer from the 35mm Original Camera Negative, New Audio Commentary with Screenwriter/Novelist Heywood Gould and Author/Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner, New Audio Commentary with Filmmakers Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi, New “Lean and Mean: The Early Films of John Flynn” – An Interview with Author/Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner, and New “Coming Home to War: Scoring ROLLING THUNDER” – An Interview with Composer Barry De Vorzon.

Also, “The Making of ROLLING THUNDER” – Featuring Interviews with Actors William Devane, Tommy Lee Jones and Writers Paul Schrader and Heywood Gould, Trailers from Hell – Filmmakers Eli Roth on ROLLING THUNDER, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spot, Radio Spots, Still Gallery, 2160p Ultra High-Definition Widescreen and English DTS-HD Master Audio.

ROLLING THUNDER is a film about the return of seven years of captivity and torture to a place where is seems just as brutal. Devane gives the performance of a man who has had his life jumbled to the point of knowing that something has to give – and he’ll gladly give it. That is part and parcel of films around this time as well and it is done well.

It doesn’t give any moments of peace, just like the characters of Rane and Vohden, and continually assaults the senses. These two characters are well aware of pain, suffering and what it takes to survive. Once their fearless switch is hit, there is nothing or no one that will stand in their way of accomplishing their own personal mission.

In the end – they have no idea what they’ve done!

Celebrating the 35th Anniversary is STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Digital from director Herbert Ross and Sony Pictures Home Entertainments celebrating the 35th Anniversary of release is the beloved story of women who are STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

In the quaint southern town of Chinquapin Parish in Louisiana, a young Annelle Dupuy (Daryl Hannah) is looking to restart her life in the new town with a job at an at-home beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton). Cross town, M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Fields) is attempting to get her home together for a reception after the wedding of her daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts).

Causing problems is her husband Drum (Tom Skerritt) who thinks shooting birds is a good thing prior to the wedding. To get away, M’Lynn and Shelby head off to Truvy’s to get their hair done where they see the very intense Louisa Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine). Amused by her is Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis) who likes to poke her friend. While getting her hair done, Shelby, who suffers from diabetes, has an attack that brings the salon to a standstill.

At the wedding, Shelby marries Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott) and Annelle meets bartender Sammy DeSoto (Kevin J. O’Connor). Months go by and Shelby visits home for the Christmas gathering and announces she is expecting. M’Lynn is horrified knowing that her health is at risk.

The girls come together to help their friend and support everything that they are going through. M’Lynn, Truvy, Clairee, Annelle, and Louisa know there is nothing that they can not handle together. Life with their men, love of their friends and family and knowing that there isn’t anything they can’t do with words of love, support and laughter.

Fields as M’Lynn seems to be the calmest character in the film but with the most intensity in her life. She goes with the southern flow and tries to see the good in all things but sometimes, there are moments where it all catches up. I love Fields in this role and when the story calls for it, she is free to let loose with emotion and sane insanity.

Parton as Truvy is straight forward and doesn’t take a lot of guff from anyone. This character loves good gossip, a salon full of women and is there when she is truly needed. Taking Annelle under her wing, it can be testing at times but no friendship is too small for Truvy. Hannah as Annelle comes in shy, gets a bit crazy, goes Sunday southern but one of the girls when it counts.

MacLaine as Louisa is the typical a tad grumpy southern woman who just doesn’t have room in her life for nonsense. I always saw this character as not exactly wrong in her thinking and totally misunderstood outside her friendship group, okay, I just adore this character. Dukakis as Clairee is the town grande dame who knows everyone, everything and treats it all as her own little playground in a way. She is just cheeky when she needs and strong when her friends need her to be, just an absolutely delightful character and the friendship with Louisa is perfection.

Skeritt as Drum cracks me up totally and loves his family, Sheppard as Drum is laid back and doesn’t like to rock the boat but clearly loves his wife, McDermott as Jackson is just trying to live the life he always has but now with a wife and a bit of legal status, and O’Connor hasn’t yet learned the phrase “happy wife happy life” but tries.

Other cast include Bill McCutcheon as Owen Jenkins, Ann Wedgeworth as Fern Thornton, BiBi Besch as Belle Marmillion, Janine Turner as Nancy Beth, James Wlcek as Marshall Marmillion, Ronald Young as Drew, Tom Hodges as Louie, Norman Fletcher as Latcherie Sr., Jonathan Ward as Jonathan, Knowl Johnson as Tommy and Sam Shepard as Spud Jones.

Bonus Materials include 4K Ultra HD Disc, Newly remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative, with Dolby Vision, and All-new Dolby Atmos audio + 5.1 + 2-channel surround. The Special Features are NEW: Steel Magnolias 1990 TV Pilot, Director’s Commentary, In Full Bloom: Remembering Steel Magnolias, 10 Deleted Scenes and Theatrical Trailer.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a film of love, family, friendships, loyalty and loss from start to finish. It is full of laughter, common southern sense with a heaping spoonful of no-nonsense. The cast brings Louisiana into the homes of everyone who has never experienced their world. Spending years in Alabama, I laughed through the film absolutely because none of it was a stretch. My parents actually lived next door to a real-life Truvy with her own salon in what was once a garage!

There isn’t anything in the film, actually, that doesn’t take me back to that small town living, small town friendships and every-body-knows-every-body’s-business feel. It is just a total delight from start to finished as the cast brings it home with just as much ease as the story begins.

Curl up on the sofa with your favorite people, make sure there is Kleenex available and a cup of sweet tea and revisit or see this film for the first time. I can guarantee that STEEL MAGNOLIAS will be one you watch again and again.

In the end – the funny of the south that will bring you to tears!

RESISTANCE – They Fought Back

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in New York and coming to Los Angeles from directors Paula S. Apsell, Kirk Wolfinger and Abramorama is the stunning documentary RESISTANCE – They Fought Back.

At Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, Professor Richard Freund, a Jewish Historian, Archaeologist tells of student asking, “why didn’t the Jews resist the Nazis?”. It is 1944 and the Germans are losing the war but the death camps are going strong. It is the voice of Marcel Nadjari, an Auschwitz prisoner says they were taken from Greece to a crematorium. Nadjari was one of the Sonderkommando.

Professor Gideon Greif, a Holocaust Historian referred to the prisoners, and rightly so, of being slaves to the Germans. Nadjari tells of what happened to the people in the chambers keeping the death camps a secret. Nadjari tells his own secret of crematorium 3 and the discovery of nine letters. Buried in a thermos, he describes in detail of the schedule giving historians a perspective of what actually happened.

Pawel Sawicki of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, thought the find incredible. Professor Freund believes that resistance is where the stories begin. He believes that the Jews did not go to their death like sheep to a slaughter but, in fact, they fought back (both armed and unarmed).

The documentary calls BOOK 1: Amidah – Resistance by any other name, and begins in Warsaw, Poland in 1939. As the Germans attack Poland, the war has officially begun. Seventeen-year-old Feige Peltel (codename: Vladka), speaks about when the Germans entered their city. Feige’s father tells them that the Germans are human and is shocked to discover what they are truly capable of. Vladka’s son Steven and wife Rita talk about what the family was told about the Germans. Father Benjamin Meed (and later Vladka’s husband) at the tender age of 21 was part of the Warsaw Ghetto Resistance.

Poland has a large Jewish population and the Germans would make it a prison. Professor Avinoam Patt from New York University, tells of how half a million Jews were forced into a ghetto. Marek Edelman, 21, was also a part of the Warsaw Ghetto Resistance and describes the living conditions forced on the Jewish people. From the small spaces to the amount of food they could eat, the Germans even filmed the death of people as if they were to blame.

The question of “why didn’t they fight back?” is answered by Rita Meed of ‘collective punishment’. If one person did something to fight back, one thousand could be punished for it. Their resistance was more spiritual and taking care of one another. The unarmed resistance is called Amidah explains Professor Dina Porat, Yad Vashem/Tel Aviv University. It means ‘stand up’ – meaning they will not give in to what is happening. Professor Yehuda Bauer of Yad Vashem/Hebrew University expands the definition as to “sit, stand, lie, or swim or stand up – it makes absolutely no difference – it is Amidah.”

Benjamin Meed took it upon himself to start a school because, as Professor Bauer says, “educating the young for after the war was against the Germans way”. Rabbi Michael Schudrich, Chief Rabbi of Poland says, “the Germans wanted to undermine the humanity of the individual”. Germans wanted to show beggars and such to propagate their agenda. To keep their humanity together, people like Emanuel Ringelblum (codename: Oyneg Shabes) is going to make sure that it doesn’t happen by documenting life in the ghetto by becoming the Leader of Oyneg Shabes Archive. They documented life in the Warsaw ghetto, sealed it and buried it. David Graber, 19, buried the archive in the ground saying, “let history bear witness”.

Poland waits for the occupation to end not realizing that the goal of the Nazis is extermination. In Kovno, Lithuania, it is happening. A ghetto has sprung up and an underground resistance takes shape with more schools and an orchestra. At Fort IX in Kaunas/Kovno, Lithuania, Jews are disappearing. Paul Bauman, BGC Engineering Inc., talk of how people now do not know that 50,000 Jews died in this wide-open spot. Bauman’s team of engineers is trying to locate the death trenches. Ilya Lensky of the Jews in Latvia Museum says that no one could have believed what happened could happen. Professor Harry Jol, University of Wisconsin – EAU Claire, says what is important that stories are believed and they are here to verify stories.

The parents of the children of Kovno tried to save them. Professor Patrick Henry of Whitman College Emeritus says that only 11% of Jewish children survived to 1945. One such survivor is Dana Mazurkevich, Violinist, who’s parents found a way to smuggle her to safety as a small baby. She saw her parents doing so as a huge act of resistance.

In Vilnius Lithuania, also called Vilna, was considered the most Jewish city in the world as Professor David Fishman, from the Jewish Theological Seminary, explains. Samuel Bak, an artist, was a ghetto survivor from Vilna who saw his home as a center of learning and spirituality. The Germans arrived, attacking in 1941 and became overwhelmed with all things Jewish so they created The Paper Brigade to go through everything. Hadas Kalderon, granddaughter of the Yiddish Poet Avrom Sutzkever said the Germans wanted to make a Jewish Museum without Jewish people. Her grandfather was chosen to select the materials but instead, they spent time rescuing books and papers. What they could get through, they made a library and seen as a form of resistance.

Michael Kovner, son of Abba and Vitka Kempner-Kovner, is a painter like his father. The youth movement became important for the young. Two-thirds of the 70,000 population of Vilna were killed in the first six months of German occupation. In the Ponari Forest outside of Vilna are burial pits holding over 100,000 people. In 1941, Lovner calls out for the Jews to fight back knowing that once out of the gates, people will not come back. They are about to get help from a Finnish book. Now, Vilna has one goal – armed uprising.

But they were not the only ones preparing!

Also included, Professor Michael Berenbaum (American Jewish University), Margers Vestermanis (Historian, Riga Ghetto Survivor), Professor Yoel Yaari (Son of Bela Hazan), Lior Inbar (Ghetto Fighters’ House Museum), Professor Avinoam Patt (New York University), Professor Havi Dreifuss (Yad Vashem/Tel Aviv University), Michael Mackiewicz (Polish Army Museum), Mordecai Anielewicz (Commander, Warsaw Ghetto Uprising), Krystina Budnicka (Warsaw Ghetto Survivor), Svetlana Shtarkman (Historian/Tour Guide), Yonat Rotbain (Daughter of Ruzka Korchak), Michael Kagan (Son of Jack Kagan, Survivor), Chaim Melcer (Sobibor), Tomaz Oleksy-Zborowoski (Museum and Memorial in Sobibor), Esther Raab (Sobibor Resistance survivor), Alexander Pechersky (Soviet POW), Leon Felhendler (Son of a Rabbi), David Gur (Budapest Resistance Fighter), Professor Steven Bowman (University of Cincinnati Emeritus), Leon Cohen (Sonderkommando Prisoner), Eliezer Eisenschmidt (Sonderkommando Prisoner), and Ronnen Harran (Son of Ada Neufeld, Survivor).

Abramorama is the preeminent global theatrical distributions and rights partner for many documentary and music films and is recognized for the consistent high quality of its work on award winning features. Over the course of 20 years, Abramorama has successfully distributed and marketed hundreds of films including Ron Howard’s Grammy Award Winning THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK, Stanley Nelson’s MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, as well as Academy Award Nominee and IDA Best Documentary Winner THE LOOK OF SILENCE. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.abramorama.com.

RESISTANCE – They Fought Back was the Official Selection of the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Award Winner, Official Selection of the 2023 LA Indies – Award Winner, Official Selection of the 2023 Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival – Award Winner for Best Feature and Official Selection for the Boston Jewish Film Festival.

Filmed in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Israel and the United States, this film corrects the Jewish passivity myth. Eastern Europe held wide campaigns of resistance against the Nazis. This is a stunning documentary filled with stories that were never told in school or college. The documentary should now be considered a tool for teaching the truth about the Jewish Resistance. The question should never again be “why didn’t they fight the Nazis” but instead “tell us the story of the Jewish Resistance”.

I was moved beyond reason through the entire hour and a half of storytelling. It is intense, frightening, immensely sad but at the same time fascinating because of the stories being shared. Especially with the conflicts now, this documentary shares what it means to resist and on how many levels that applies to the Jewish people. Filmed in three “books”, it shows the heart of the Jewish people and the importance of never forgetting what happened so that it will never happen again. Yes, that phrase is said again and again but with this documentary, it has a whole new meaning.

In the end – you were taught they went like sheep to the slaughter, you were taught a Nazi lie!

MACBETH Comes to Theatres for Two Nights Only

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Sim Godwin and Trafalgar Releasing in the U.S. and globally is the wonderful production of William Shakespeare’s MACBETH.

Macbeth (Ralph Fiennes) is a Thane who believes he doesn’t deserve the combat accolades and upon his return home is finding it difficult to sleep. Wife Lady Macbeth (Indira Varma) is happy to have her husband home but has goals for them both. It is time for King Duncan to go away and a new king be crowned.

Murder seems to run rampant in the Scottish Thane household with a set that contains a set of stairs, a few doors and a grey-ish black interior, much like, I suspect, the hearts of a few of its residents. The witches (or weird sisters) chanting “double double toil and trouble” don’t seem to choose sides but clearly know more than anyone else.

After a brief intermission, we find Macbeth and Lady Macbeth having dinner not thinking of what has brought him to a royal status. At the table, Macbeth is seeing something that no one else does. Lady Macbeth is trying to keep him under control but she isn’t happy by his guilty behavior which continually goes from happy to fear ridden.

Knowing that his lack of sleep is causing his vexing, Fiennes gives the performance depth and the frailties of a man whose mental health is truly being challenged by unseen forced. The witches proclaim that “something wicked this way comes” as Macbeth has something to say about their presence once again. Getting the living to say exactly what they wish; the witches are having their way.

Macduff (Ben Turner) has made his way out of Macbeth’s reach to England and now the anger will fall upon his wife and children. It is Ross (Ben Allen) who must break the news and, in that moment, Turner’s Macduff must come to terms with what has happened and, in Ross’ words, “take it like a man”. Macduff replies, “and I shall feel it like a man”. That is such a powerful phrase as we are drawn into his pain.

Lady Macbeth is now becoming as her husband has been. In the midst of it, a battle is coming as Macbeth prepares. Scotland will have its justice!

Ralph Fiennes is a Tony and BAFTA Award winner who portrays Macbeth on a roller coaster of every human emotion with a thin wrap of madness for good measure. There is something so mystical about Fiennes’ interpretation of a man who clearly has lost his grasp on the realities around him.

Indira Varma is an Olivier Award winner is a wife who has plans of her owns when her husband returns. Trying to keep it together when husband Macbeth has mad moments, Varma is strong and powerful in the role of Lady Macbeth.

Ben Turner as Macduff is a man who knows he must get away from Macbeth’s grasp but what he doesn’t realize is that it will cost him more than he could ever have imagined. His scene of grief is one of the most powerful on the stage.

Other cast include Ewan Black as Malcolm, Levi Brown as Angus, Jonathan Case as Seyton, Danielle Fiamanya as the Second Witch, Keith Fleming as King Duncan/Siward, Michael Hodgson as the second murderer, Lucy Mangan as the First Witch, Jake Neads as the first murderer/Donalbain, Richard Pepper as Lennox, Steffan Rhodri as Banquo, Rose Riley as Menteith, Lola Shalan as the Third Witch, Rebecca Scroggs as Lady Macduff/Doctor, and Ethan Thomas as Fleance.

Trafalgar Releasing harnesses the power of cinema to bring fans together in more than 15,000 cinemas across 132 countries. Featuring live concerts, music documentaries, award-winning theatre, world-class opera and ballet, and more from leading names in entertainment such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay, The Royal Opera House, Concord Originals, Hasbro and others. Trafalgar Releasing has repeatedly shattered event cinema box office records, and most recently for TAYLOR SWIFT – THE ERAS TOUR, the highest-grossing concert film of all time. For more information, please visit www.trafalgar-releasing.com.

The Wessex Grove is a theatrical production company set up by Benjamin Lowy and Emily Vaughan-Barratt in 2020. Current and upcoming productions include Thomas Ostermeier’s An Enemy of the People with Matt Smith at The Duke of Yorks Theatre and many more.

Underbelly is a UK-based live entertainment company founded in 2000 by Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood that specializes in producing and programming ground-breaking theatrical productions and cultural events and festival from theatres to roundabouts from London to Asia.

Director Godwin who has also produced Antony & Cleopatra, Romeo & Juliet and Hansard brings Shakespeare in a way that, for me, it mesmerizing. Take away the outside noise of whittle it down to just the cast, there is nothing to distract from become totally engrossed in the story.

Spending time in Shakespeare’s world is always an amazing experience. You can see it done so many ways and on so many levels but the work of Macbeth is still strong, can be moving, cite to anger and even, if we dare, bring about a chuckle or two. I am one who enjoys Shakespearean performances in all the stories so to see Fiennes and Varma give their take with director Godwin, “performed in measure, time and place”.

To discover where MACBETH is playing in your local theatre on May 2nd and May 5th only, and obtain tickets, please visit www.macbethincinemas.com.

THE BARKERS: Mind the Cats

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon to On Demand and Digital from directors Elena Galdobina, Fyodor Dmitriev and Lionsgate comes the story of family only the furry side with THE BARKERS.

The Barkers are a family of canines who are about to spend the summer at Grandpa’s. Kid, the youngest pup, can’t seem to find anyone who is willing to play with him before they leave. Brother Alex is the inventor of the family and doesn’t have time to stop what he is doing. Brother Max spends all his time on social media trying to come up with ways to be a star. Sister Rose is all about being a teenager while babying a crush on Tim and Liza has a penchant for the dramatic.

Once arriving at Grandpa’s, Kid thinks he will finally have someone to play with but that doesn’t happen. Especially since Max has talked Alex into making him a rocket pack so he can make a splash on social media. The Kid walks into the forest where he meets two cats who have decided that The Barkers are infringing on their turf. After a conversation with the small pup, the idea comes to the cats to get their hands on the rocket pack!

The problem is, Alex hasn’t exactly perfected it. Grandpa asks the Kid to come and spend time with him. At first the pup says he can’t but then realizes he is hurting his Grandpa’s feelings. Sending a message to the cats about the rocket pack with Rose, things go even more wrong. When they all go visit the neighbor, the cats are in for a big surprise. Instead of causing problems for The Barkers, the cats realize it is better to be friends than do wrong.

That’s a lesson for us all!

The cast is voiced by Courtney Shaw, Wayne Grayson, Jessica Paquet, Tom Wayland, Erica Schroeder, Samantha Cooper, Laurie Hymes and Mike Pollock.

THE BARKERS: Mind the Cats is family fun from start to finish. Done is bright animation, it is fun to follow the talking & dancing dogs. It begins as a story about the youngest trying to find his place in a large family just wanting to spend quality time with the siblings. Thrilled to find friendship at Grandpa’s, he doesn’t realize that his ‘new’ friends don’t exactly have his best interest at heart.

Grandpa is so loving, wonderful and understanding with the Kid. This brings to the forefront that Grandpa and grandson have a lot in common in the way of wanting to spend time with those that are loved in the family. Even the relationship between the rest of the siblings is, for anyone who has siblings, totally relatable. They drive you crazy one minute and you love them dearly the next.

The songs are really catchy and the tunes are going to be fun for kids to sing the more they watch the film. I know in this family we are now Barker Family fans.

In the end – this is what being part of a family and making friends is all about!