What's coming up in theatres!

He Has THE BEAST WITHIN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Alexander J. Farrell and Well Go USA is summer frights in the night with THE BEAST WITHIN.

Willow (Caoilinn Springall) lives deep in the woods with her father Noah (Kit Harington), mother Imogen (Ashleigh Cummings) and grandfather Waylon (James Cosmo). In relative isolation, one evening Willow sees her parents going into the forest and decides to follow. What she sees is something ancient and frightening!

Noah loves his daughter but has a quick temper that upsets Waylon to the point of family arguments. When the family starts to become fractured, Willow begins to understand that the change in her father is going to force her to save her family.

Springall as Willow is a quiet young girl who lives in a world of the forest becoming a free spirit and her family that is full of secrets. This young actress gives a stoic and stellar performance that required equal parts childlike and survivalist at the same time. Watching Springall move through the world created by her parents is as much startling as it is riveting.

Harington as Noah clearly has anger issues that seem to be sparked by the smallest thing. Noah also lives in a world of duality from loving his wife and spending time with Willow, to setting the world around him on fire at the flip of a switch. Harington gives a broodish performance of a man attempting to navigate both worlds until the choice is made for him. Cummings as Imogen is a wife who is going to protect the family from itself but even then, it is a battle between love and family.

Cosmo as Waylan is a concerned grandfather who is tired of the tension in the family. His main concern is Willow and making sure that she is looked after. He gives the protective side that the family needs. This isn’t the first time that Cosmo and Harington have worked together. They spent a bit of time portraying Jeor Mormont and Jon Snow in the hit series GAME OF THRONES.

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.

THE BEAST WITHIN is the struggle of a family that is dealing with isolation, an ancient secret and the love of family. Filmed in the lush forest, it is the perfect setting to bring the story to the screen. It is another character in the film that has its own story to tell and has a place in the life of Noah and Willow. Watching them in the forest, father and daughter have a bond with everything around them, even the evil.

The cast brings everything to the table with the complexities of each character filled with anxiety, secrets and a way to survive it all. Young Springall is the middle of the two worlds and has learned to live in each, until one becomes stronger. Watching this young actress play the role of a struggling child brings the tension and concern for anyone watching leaving the adults to their own devices.

It's nice to have a summer thriller in the midst of everything thrown out in theatres for the summer, and it’s even better where there is a monster involved. Dim lights in the theatre, a tub of popcorn where a lot ends up on the floor from the jumps and a curse that can destroy a family is everything when looking for a film to embrace.

In the end – it is the night that brings the beast!

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Hits Home!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this week only on Digital and later this month on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD from director Shawn Levy and Marvel Studios comes the film and story everyone has been waiting for with DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.

Okay, so this is going to be a tad different because I am doing my best to write this up without laughing myself into fits again but here we go:

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is once again trying to figure his life out. Back living with Blind Al (Leslie Uggams) his Deadpool days seem to be a thing of the past. Trying to celebrate a birthday and feeling sad that he and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) are trying to work things out, it is all interrupted by Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) from the Time Variance Authority (you remember them, right? Loki’s reason for being irritated).

He convinced Wade that its time to take up his Deadpool mantel again because the timelines need saving. Suiting him up, he also tells Wade that there is one person in particular who’s timeline is fading fast, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Taking matters into his own hands, Deadpool slips through time to find Logan. Returning, Paradox has other ideas and sends them both into the Void where they meet a very calm Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin). She shows her power but Wolverine isn’t about it and they escape.

Meeting up with other (no, I’m not going to tell you who these others are so stop asking), the only way to get past Nova and get back home is by Juggernaut’s helmet. After a battle royal, Nova gives up how to get back as Deadpool and Wolverine make a jump through time. Nova isn’t happy about how this has all taken place and wants decides to make her own jump.

When Deadpool & Wolverine discover that Paradox is preparing to use a Time Ripper, they have had enough of his antics and decide its time to put him and Nova in their place! No one could have imagined what they were in for when these two came together!

Reynolds as Deadpool will always be Deadpool. There is no way he can ever be replaced and I absolutely okay with that. He delivers on every level with his delivery of insults, witticisms and even on emotion. His continual fourth-wall breaking is something audiences wait for sitting on the edge of their seats. This time out he has become a used car salesman which, if you think about it, is Wade in every way. Be prepared to go on a ride of pure insanity as Reynolds is the conductor of the crazy train.

Jackman as Wolverine is still in his feels with a coating of heavily alcoholic anger. Trying to deal with it all, Deadpool is not exactly the ideal person to be partnering up with. Believing that helping him will somehow fix the mistakes he’s made, it doesn’t mean its all love and light between these two. In fact, its hardly that as Wolverine pushes and pushes to get away from anyone coming close. That doesn’t stop Deadpool, in fact it causes him to push back in his usual hilariously antagonistic way. Jackman as Logan is absolutely amazing and, alongside Reynolds, makes these two the perfect pair – the characters both have issues and both have razor sharp wit, not to mention good at fighting.

Corrin as Cassandra Nova is as bald as she possibly can be and calmly as evil as she wants. There is a reason she is this way, which you will discover soon enough, and you don’t know whether to join her or choke her out, oh the duality of it all. Baccarin returns as Vanessa although her time on screen is short it does play into the storyline.

Let’s talk Macfadyen as Paradox! I fell for him in 2005 as Mr. Darcy in PRIDE & PREJUDICE, then I cheered for him in 2018 beat down character Tom Wambsgans in the series SUCCESSION and neither of these roles had real comedic timing to them, wisecracks maybe, but no real comedy. THIS is Macfadyen’s role for pure comedy and it had me laughing so hard at his antics. Well done Mr. Darcy, I mean Paradox!

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

Bonus Features include Finding Madonna: Making the Oner, Practical Approach: Celebrating the Art of Ray Chan, Loose Ends: The Legacy of Heroes, Wolverine, Filmmaker Commentary, Gag Reel, Deleted Scenes of: Elevator Ride, Do Nothing, Daddy’s in Love, and Fun Sack: Dr. Deadpool, Product Reviews, Wade is Back.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE blew up theatres and now it’s going to do the same at home. I am not going to list anyone else from the film because I truly want home viewers to find out for themselves what writers Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick came up with. There are stunners, more laughs than anyone has a right to have and visuals that stunning. Is it raunchy? Yes. Is there language that might make a few people cringe? Absolutely Are their references that can slip by if you’re not careful – seriously? Of course there are!

I remember when the news was that in 1984, the film RED DAWN had the 118 highest body count in film, but I’m willing to bet that this film will blow any 80’s body count out of the water. Of course, there is an amazing soundtrack to help the fight scenes have nostalgic meaning to those of us old folks.

It’s pretty much sure to this writer that DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE is going to be my favorite film of the year. I hope the Academy is paying attention because I think it’s really time that we acknowledge a superhero (or anti-superhero depending on your outlook on life) comedy with this particular dynamic duo to win a golden statue or two.

Gather up everybody you know, I mean everybody that loves Deadpool and that loves Wolverine because this is where people can come together. It is time to have the best movie going experience at home that we have had in a long time. There is nothing better than coming together to cheer, laugh (expect LOTS of laughs), action, twists, intertwining stories and recognizable faces as the MCU welcomes its newest and screwed-up beloved character – yes, that’s you Wade Wilson!

To Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, thanks for being at San Diego Comic Con, thanks for the popcorn bucket and thanks for knowing that the characters you represent are everything to fans. Don’t stay away too long!

In the end – everyone deserves a happy ending!

HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Pat Boonnitipat, GDH and Well Go USA is the story of a family struggling with HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES.

M (Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul) is a young man still living at home with his mother. Spending his days gaming, mom Sew (Sarinrat “Jear” Thomas) takes care of everything even though she is a bit frustrated with her son who constantly wants money from her. She is also worrying about her mother, Amah (Usha “Taew” Seamkhum) who is elderly and having a few health problems. During a trip out to visit the ancestors in the cemetary, Amah takes a fall landing in the hospital. It is there that Sew finds out her mother is very ill.

M hangs out with cousin Mui (Tontawan “Tu” Tantivejakul) who is a caregiver to her grandfather. She tells M that he should become a caregiver in hopes that he will receive something for his time out of family loyalty. That’s when M gets the idea to help Amah by moving in with her. At first Amah is suspicious of her grandson’s motives but M begins to see how the rest of the family actually treats Amah. At a family dinner, M’s uncle Kaing (Sanya “Duu” Kunakorn), wife Pinn (Duangporn Oapirat), their daughter Rainbow (Himawari Tajiri) and Uncle Soei (Pongsatorn "Phuak" Jongwilas) hover around Amah until she lets the cat out of the bag.

That’s when M really sees what his own family is all about. Uncle Kaing wants Amah to live with them but he has the feeling that came from Pinn, Soei is in financial trouble again and his mom is just struggling to work and take Amah where she needs to go. Mui tells M to step it up before he loses his chance to gain something from his grandma. The problem is, M is starting to see things different, see people differently and, more importantly, see himself differently!

Assaratanakul as M is just stunning! He is witty, charming, selfish, a bit narcissistic and a tad lazy but there is something about this character that just won me over. His motives aren’t the best for being with his grandmother but sometimes what you think you know about someone isn’t what you really knew at all. That’s what is interesting watching Assaratanakul play this role, he grows as a person but in the most interesting ways as in, one step forward and two steps back. Ahhh, such is a young undirected life, right?

Thomas as Sew is a woman raising a son alone, taking moments to realize her life has just imploded in so many ways and she can’t seem to get a grasp on her own mother emotionally. I get her actually because even though this is a different culture, those guilt-mother feelings are universal. Such a wonderful performance. Kunakorn as Kaing is a brother you just want to forget you have (okay maybe not totally forget). He is into his life and everyone else seems like a bother or inconvenience, that is until there is something in it for his family. Oapirat as wife Pinn backs her husband and it is one of those things where I give the character the side-eye as I’m watching. That the sign of a good performance when you can make me turn my lip up at you.

Jongwilas as Soei is what I refer to as a problem child. Always in trouble and never comes around unless he is in trouble is another character most families can relate to. He is charming when he wants to be but his motives are shifty. Well played sir! Tantivejakul as Mui is a young woman also trying to find her way in the world. Making a buck where ever she can, tutoring M on how to make it work isn’t exactly – well, working. Mui does have a good heart toward her cousin and that is so sweet to see. Tajiri as Rainbow is just so dang adorable and sweet.

Now, for the big shout out – to Seamkhum as Amah! What an outstanding, loving, opinionated, charming, aggravating character and Seamkhum’s performance is everything for this film. I about lost it several times in laughter at her antics and then I broke out a box of tissue several times in tears for the heart wrenching scenes that are brilliantly done by this actress. Seriously, she will take you on an emotional roller coaster of it all and you will be glad you paid the price of emotional admission. Ms. Seamkhum, you won me heart and soul with this performance.

GDH stands for “Gross Domestic Happiness,” which refers to our philosophy of measuring the success of a film by how happy it makes our audience rather than its financial success at the box office. GDH aims to create unique and globally appealing content by elevating the quality of Thai films and TV series to a world-class level. The GDH purpose is to inspire smiles, laughter, pleasure, and greater gross audience happiness.

HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES is a hot mess in the best of ways. Noticing his sensitive approach to directing actors, the producers of Bad Genius: The Series teamed up with him once again on HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES (2024), a personal project developed from the original idea of screenwriter Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn. He will be making his feature directorial debut with this film.

There is so much to love about this film from its twists of family antics and behaviors to the cultural aspects to the moment when they realize that family isn’t forever. This film captures the beauty we often forget to see in our families even in the midst of total chaos. What I love is that it is relevant to everybody even through we are seeing it through the eyes of the Asian culture and family dynamic. M learns that it is time that is the ultimate gift and the last 20 minutes just about ripped me apart.

Keeping the cast to a minimum allows us to truly get to learn about each character and what drives them. It isn’t always a good look on them but that’s part of life, right? The film is a sneak peak inside the home life of Amah, the stories she remembers and what her family has grown into and M does not understand it at all. Could it be that he doesn’t understand it because he is actually in the middle of it himself? There are so many questions but don’t worry, the film answers every one of them. What a tremendously beautiful film from start to finish.

In the end – trust your Amah!

A Family Adventure with THE WILD ROBOT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Chris Sanders, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is the story of THE WILD ROBOT.

It is the future and on a pristine island, a robotic unit has found herself on its shores. Waking up is Rozzum 7134 (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot that seems aimed to please and is looking for an assignment. Surrounded by wildlife that are a little more than freaked out, the takes some time to learn each of their languages. When no connection happens with them, the robot decides to send a message to the company that made her, Universal Dynamics.

When that goes haywire, Rozzum “Roz” finds a goose egg and also a fox that would like to take it from her. Red fox Fink (Pedro Pascal) decides in his own way to help Roz when the baby goose hatches. Giving advice on what to do with the newly named Brightbill (Kit Connor), now Roz has a program that she can work to fulfill. Watching all of this are the surrounding animals along with Pinktail (Catherine O’Hara) the mama possum, Thorn (Mark Hamill) the grouchy grizzly, falcon Thunderbolt (Ving Rhames) and busy beaver Paddler (Matt Berry).

Brightbill discovers other geese and realizes he is the smallest of them all. A goose that has taken notice is Longneck (Bill Nighy), the elder goose who believes in Roz and urges the caring robot to continue with Brightbill. As winter approaches, it is time for all the geese to fly south. In the meantime, a storm has called on Roz and Fink to be a part of the island community in ways they could have never seen.

As time passes, Roz sees a ship coming and out of it pops Vontra (Stephanie Hsu) who is sent to retrieve the robot. The problem is, Roz and the island wildlife have other plans!

Lupita Nyong’o gives Roz a distinctive personality with innocence and a hunger for learning about her surroundings. Eventually she understands that fitting in isn’t something she is capable of doing when everything is afraid of her. Finding the baby goose gives her something to accomplish and even with her many mistakes, the charm is undeniable.

Pascal as Fink is a larger-than-life fox who can be a bit sarcastic, self-centered only thinking of what makes him happy. That being said, he sees the connection between Roz and gosling Brightbill and it warms him. Even when he seems to not want to do the right thing, he does it and becomes more and more loveable wanting the best for his friends. Conor as Brightbill is a small duck who doesn’t see how he can possibly fit in with his own kind. Yet Roz doesn’t stop helping him become the best duck he can be enlisting help from other animals to make him strong. On his own, he realizes the sacrifices Roz has made for him, now its his turn to show his worth.

O’Hara as Pinktail is the motherly comic relief that is always there for her children but also there for those who just need that motherly shoulder. She is brilliant giving voice to Pinktail. Hamil as Thorn gives us the grouchy element of the animal world but he is who he is. Rhames as Thunderbolt is the best at the sky and Brightbill is lucky to have him around. Berry as Paddler has a mission as well and will not be laughed out of its finish! Hsu as Vontra is polite in a way that you know her intentions aren’t good!

Shout out to Nighy and its basically because I have adored his work over the years and I’d know that voice anywhere. Taking on the voice of the elder goose, he is wonderful. Also, to Boone Storm as the young Brightbill who had us all ‘awwwww’ing’ the moment he began to speak.

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

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

THE WILD ROBOT is an amazing film based on the work of author Peter Brown. The artistry is vibrant, stunning and lends itself to the story in the loveliest of ways. Roz, a robot, is the being that stands out as ‘what doesn’t belong here’ at the beginning. Surrounded by wildlife and wide-open spaces, a lush forest and clean water, Roz realizes in order to find her assignment, she must adapt. All of this is a comedy of errors that can be understood by anyone watching the film.

There is humor, love, connection, craziness, understanding, beauty, trial by learning, emotion and did I mention love? The animals learn from each other and there is a lesson in this film that is undeniable. The film will take everyone’s emotions on a roller coaster ride and all I can say is strap in because it is going to play on it all. I’d recommend a big box of tissue for all the laughing tears and the emotional ones as well.

My family intends to see THE WILD ROBOT again because we had such a great time together and this is definetly a film to be seen for the entire family. The film is pure perfection and pure joy in ever sense of the word. DreamWorks and Universal did the book justice from start to finish. This is one of the best animated films I have seen this year.

In the end – you must become more than you were programmed to be!

She Sees the WHITEBIRD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Marc Forster based on the book WhiteBird: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio and Lionsgate is the remarkable story with the help of WHITEBIRD.

Sara (Helen Mirren) is visiting her grandson Julian (Bryce Gheisar) to discover he is in trouble at school. She is an artist in town for a Retrospective about her work but feels it is time to talk to her grandson about something important in her life in order to help him.

It is 1942 and Sara (Ariella Glaser) lives in a quaint town in France with her father Max (Ishai Golan) and mother Rose (Olivia Ross). Attending school with her friends, life seems idyllic and happy for the young girl. Also in school is the young boy Julian (Orlando Schwerdt) who has a disability and longs to be friends with Sara. Both of their worlds are about to change when the Nazi’s arrive in their village. As the Jewish children try to escape, they are rounded up quickly, all except Sara.

Trying to evade the soldiers, she is found by Julian who leads her through tunnels under the school and to a barn near his home. Helping her settle in he warns her to stay out of sight so that others do not know she is there. Worried about her parents, Sara keeps quiet and tries to pass the days hoping it will all be over quickly. To help her think of something else, Julian visits her every evening to keep her up with school work and play games.

But the Nazi’s are relentless and Sara realizes that she must stay hidden for a long time. That doesn’t stop the two from creating their own world where life is good and wonderful. Even Julian’s parents Jean Paul (Jo Stone-Fewings) and Vivienne (Gillian Anderson) make her life inside the barn something to remember fondly. Outside the barn is a totally different world as Julian deals with his own difficulties. Sara discovers the results of war and what comes after.

Glaser as Sara is a young girl who is about to have a life changing experience. When it happens, everything she has known is gone and the future is uncertain. Glaser portrays Sara seamlessly and with an insight of emotion that could be hard for a young actress dealing with this period of time. Instead, she gives such a range of mixed emotion of fear and love.

Schwerdt as Julian is absolutely stunning as a young man always feeling on the outside of things. Helping Sara is not something he needed to think twice about and while she is trapped on the inside, he is trapped on the outside with those who want to hurt him. Schwedt is lovely, beautiful and gives his character all of that as well.

Anderson as Vivienne and Julians mother comes to love Sara. She spends all the time she can in the barn with Sara helping to be the mother she is away from. Vivienne is just as protective of Sara as she is her own son. Anderson gives her character everything we’d hope a mother would and then some. Stone-Fewings as Jean Paul keeps up the home front and is aware of his surroundings and what can happen if anyone knows the family secret.

Shout out to Mirren as Grandmother Sara is splendid as the story unfolds. She has always been a formidable actress and, in this film, she proves that even a smaller role can have a big impact. Gheisar as teen Julian

Other cast include Stuart McQuarrie as Pastor Luc, Jem Matthews as Vincent and Patsy Ferran as Mille Petitjean, Priya Ghotane as Rahmiya, Teagan Booth as Dillon, Laura Hudeckova as young Sara, Mia Kadlecova as Sophie, Selma Kaymakci as Mariann, Jordan Cramond as Jerome, Yelisey Kazakevich as Henri and Vladimir Javorsky as George.

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.

WHITEBIRD is a stunning film about love, loyalty and the will to fight against evil. The cast is so amazing taking on the roles of those who do the right thing against the wrong. The story is so filled with every emotion imaginable because, especially in this time, there is so much hate against people when there is no reason for it.

Sara and Julian are put in positions where they not only have to see the world as it has become for them, but also to create a world where they can find respite from the horrors happening in their town to family and friends. The story offers both worlds with so much emotion and reaction that it is very hard not to become emotionally invested just watching it all. Inside the barn, director Forster brings both worlds into Sara and Julian’s lives and we, as outsiders, are privy to see it all.

This is a beautiful film for all to see and embrace the lesson that Mirren’s character tries to imbue to us all and that is not to let history repeat itself.

In the end – kindness lives forever!

The Fear is LONGLEGS

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD and Bluray from writer/director Osgood Perkins and Neon comes a thriller when you fear LONGLEGS.

It is 1990 and Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is an FBI agent who seems to have an unusual gift for understanding crimes, one might even say clairvoyant. Working with boss William Carter (Blair Underwood), they are dealing with a case of unusual murder-suicides. In each of the incidences, they find a letter signed by someone named Longlegs. What is even more unusual, the note is not written by any of the family members.

Lee begins to take each case apart piece by piece to find some similarities, one being that each family involved had a 9-year-old-daughter with upcoming birthdays. Trying to get a handle on the case, she does make her daily call to mom Ruth (Alicia Witt) who is living on her own promising to find time to see her. Ruth is understanding about her work but mainly wants to know that she is well. When she and Carter find an unusal doll at the crime scene, it is a clue that they must visit the only survivor of one of the attacks.

As they continue to follow the clues, Lee begins to feel that something is drawing her closer and closer to the answers she seeks but it is going to come at a very high cost. The thing is – sometimes you go looking for answers, you might not like what you find!

Monroe as Lee portrays an agent who is clearly into her work and not much else. Wanting to solve crimes, she delves in deep and uses her unusual ability to sense things and that comes to the attention of her boss. Monroe gives this character a haunting look and feel but, then again, what she is being asked to do is bound to bring about a sense of foreboding. It is a eerie performance and I am here for every second of it.

Witt as Ruth is much like her daughter but clearly has mental health issues. It feels as if her disconnect is what keeps daughter Lee away. When she must question her mother about her childhood, the answers are vague and unnerving. Well done! Underwood as Carter takes up the mantle to follow every lead no matter where it takes him. Noticing that Lee has uncovered so much so quickly, they go together to find clues and it gets stranger and stranger. Underwood is a strong presence with Lee being the quieter of the two and his trust in her skills is everything.

The huge shout out goes to Cage as Kobble. What a fantastically frightening transformation but it is something we should be use to. From his character of the no conscience of FACE/OFF Castor Troy, the film MANDY as Red Miller, or even the devilish Dracula in the film RENFIELD, it is easy to realize that he can play good guys of course, but man when he lets out the bad, it is BAD in the best possible way!

Other cast include Lauren Acala as young Lee, Dakota Aulby as Agent Fisk, Kiernan Shipka as Carrie Anne Camera, Maila Hosie as young Carrie, Jason Day as Lee’s father, Lisa Chandler as Lee’s mother, Ava Kelders as Ruby Carter, Carmel Amit as Anna Carter, Peter Bryant as senior FBI Agent, and the fantastic Nicolas Cage as Dale Kobble.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

Bonus Features include On-Set Interviews with Osgood Perkins, Maika Monroe, Blair Under and Alicia Witt, Feature Commentary with Osgood Perkins, The Clues, The Evidence, Dirty & Sweet, Teaser and Trailer.

LONGLEGS is a film that can swim along with SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and probably be half a lap ahead. Set in the 1990s, it has the feel of films from that era and I absolutely love films from that time period. They aren’t all blood and gore but more mental freak outs and jumps which are much more fun. There is a solid story here and I was not prepared for all the twists and turns so had to pick my jaw up off the floor once or twice.

This is what a good thriller looks like on the big screen and a big flat screen with a good soundbar. Perkins knew exactly what he was doing while writing the script, he found a cast that absolutely embraces where the characters are going and found in it all, an actor who could deliver the evil required to take us all on this mind-bending ride. Turn the lights out and be prepared to pick up your own jaw off the floor!

In the end – it’s almost-birthday girl!

They are Going SIDEWAYS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming home on Digital and Sideways 4K is now available for the first time at digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango) from writer/director Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor and Searchlight Pictures

based on the book by Rex Pickett is the story of going SIDEWAYS.

Miles (Paul Giamatti) is a depressed English teacher living in San Diego who is trying to write a book and loves wine. He decides to take best friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a road trip through the Santa Ynez Valley to go wine tasting before he gets married. On their way, Miles decides to go visit his mother but its not really to visit, its to get in and get out before he is caught – in more ways than one.

All Miles wants to do is golf, eat and drink wine but bestie Jack wants to have one more fling before he says ‘I do’! Finally making it to wine country and stop for a bite to eat, Jack notices Maya (Virginia Madsen) who happens to notice Miles. Jack also manages to send Miles on a drunk when he lets slip that the ex has remarried and is coming to the wedding. Jack hooks up with Stephanie (Sandra Oh) and decides maybe he doesn’t want to get married after all.

As Miles is centered on his depression, Jack has decided he is going to have as many flings as possible even if there is an angry husband waiting in the wings. Back in San Diego, Miles receives an unexpected call and it sends him knocking on a door!

Giamatti as Miles is just stellar but I would expect nothing less. I have followed his career since he first caught my attention in the 1998 film THE NEGOTIATOR in the role of Rudy. I knew then that he was somebody to keep my eye on. Giamatti has the uncanny ability to take any role and make it memorable – comedy, drama, historical, good guy, bad guy, sad guy, you name it. In SIDEWAYS he once again gives us the role of a man who just can’t find his happy.

Church as Jack also has the same role qualities as Giamatti. He can play so many roles, and some of them caught me unexpectedly, yet I love when I see he in a new film. In SIDEWAYS he is the guy who wants the world and is going to do everything he can to do what he wants when he wants. Trying to keep his buddy’s spirits up led me to laughing a lot. Putting Church with Giamatti is a stroke of genius which is the reason the film holds up today.

Madsen as Maya is sweet, charming and seems to have a real interest in Miles. He doesn’t see it because he has spent to long in his closed off little world. He does manage to enjoy her company and it is in those moments that Madsen is just delightful to watch. Oh as Stephanie gets a chance to hook up with Jack but, as often happens in life, its just too good to be true. I loved her in THE RED VIOLIN and UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN and it becomes clear why she is a force to be reckoned with still today.

Other cast includes Marylouise Burke as Mrs. Raymond, Jessica Hecht as Victoria Cortland, Lee Brooks as Ken Cortland, Missy Doty as Cammi, MC Gainey as Cammi’s husband, Alysia Reiner as Christine Erganian, Stephanie Faracy as Ginny, and Natalie Carter as Siena.

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 Commentary by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, 8 Deleted Scenes and Making of Featurette.

SIDEWAYS is a film that is so memorable and it won Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) for Jim Taylor at the 2005 Academy Awards. Other awards include the Bost Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film, Best Supporting Actor for Church, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Paul Giamatti. Jim Taylor and Alexander Payne won a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, Critics Choice Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Church, Best Supporting Actress for Madsen and Best Acting Ensemble and the list of winnings goes on and on.

The ensemble cast is nothing short of fantastic and deserves to be recognized again and again. Giamatti and Church brought us into the story while Madsen and Oh kept us happy with a large glass of wine! They give us a story that is so memorable and relatable in the sense of heart ache and sometimes the recklessness we all deal in (maybe not so far as Jack!) when it comes to matters of the heart. Payne gets to direct us where he wants us to go and we go willingly, especially when it comes to watching and experiencing a film like SIDEWAYS.

In the end – wine can change their world!

The Thrill in Space with ALIEN: Romulus

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Digital (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Fede Alvarez and 20th Century Studios

is the science fiction thriller that comes from a legacy with ALIEN: Romulus.

It is 2142 and Rain (Cailee Spaeny) is a young girl trying to make it on her own in the Jackson’s Star LV-410 mining community taking care of her brother Andy (David Jonsson). After being forced to work under a contract wo the Weyland-Yutani company, Rain is angry that they have extended her contract when all she wants to do is go to the planet Yvaga. That’s when she received a call from ex-boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux) who wants her and Andy, along with sister Kay (Isabela Merced), Bjorn (Spike Fearn), and Navarro (Aileen Wu) to head to an abandoned ship to get cryostasis chambers that will help them get to Yvaga.

Of course they need Andy to make their personal mission work. Why? Because Andy can talk to the computer system on the ship and help them get the cryo-chambers. The idea is to get in and get out quickly before the ship falls into a destructive orbit. Agreeing, Rain, Tyler, Andy and the crew take off in the Corbelan IV to meet up with the abandoned ship and discover there are two sections called Romulus and Remus.

After a few miscalculations, they are learning as they go but not soon enough to release something deadly into the ship. They find a synthetic named Rook (Daniel Betts) who tells them that he has a prime directive and is loyal to the company. Rook is completely honest with the crew when something is happening to Navarro but Bjorn decides Navarro, Kay and the situation to take matters into his own hands. When the Corbelan spins out of control, it crashes into the ship’s dock and those inside are now susceptible to what is taking over the ship.

Andy has the idea that to get to the part of the ship that can help them, Rain and Tyler are told they must control themselves to walk through more of the xenomorphs. Rook is sending them to retrieve a compound that the company wants but when things become out of control, Rain takes over and does what she needs to helping to take out as many survivors as possible. Finding the fight in her, Rain isn’t about to go down easy!

Spaeny as Rain is a young woman who is trying to do right by adoptive brother Andy. Trying to start a new life on another planet, teaming up with Tyler seems to be the only way left. Frustrated about the extension of her contract, Rain has to make decisions that are now going to put her face to face with horror. Spaeny gives us a strong, empathetic yet very smart character and following in Sigourney Weaver’s footsteps, she does an excellent job to the very last frame.

Jonsson as Andy is a synthetic who has found a home with Rain. She takes care of him and when things go wrong, she is always there to turn the key. Jonsson gives us a tad different perspective of a synthetic showing care for one person even if it is his directive. Taking on this incarnation, Jonsson does an extremely good job of giving fans someone to root for besides Rain. Renaux as Tyler also wants to start a new life on Yvaga but also knows he needs something Rain has. Gathering his crew together to make the decision to go, he leads and fights for them all.

Fearn as Bjorn has a chip on his shoulder against Andy and does not try to hide it in the least little bit. Merced as Kay has a secret of her own that is so explosive (sorry, had to) but in a way fans are not going to expect. Wu as Navarro gets the opportunity to be the chest bursting victim because what would an ALIEN’s film be without it.

Huge shout-out to Betts as Rook because the way they bring Ian Holmes original character of Ash through Rook is stunning with the AI and, in a weird way, I was happy to see him!

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

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

Bonus Features include Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus, The Director’s Vision, Creating the Story, Casting the Faces, Constructing the World, Inside the Xenomorph Showdown, Alien: A Conversation, and Alternate/Extended Scenes.

An added note is that the original 1979 sci-fi thriller, ALIEN, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Fans can experience the terror in a 2-movie collection digital bundle (Alien & Alien: Romulus) on October 15 in 4K UHD, HD and SD.

Remembering vividly the first time I saw ALIEN in 1979, it was mind jolting because it was a new way to look at a thriller with space being the “box” this is all happening in. There was no where for Ripley, or anyone on the Nostromo, to run! The creation of a new cold, calculating and acid blood alien was and still is absolutely stunning in every way. Since then, any fan of ALIEN has followed each story that has come about and flocked to theatres to see them.

This new cast has given us another look at the space-horror-thrill but added easter eggs that are not hidden at all. They are there and when something works as effectively as they have from other films in the franchise, then use it right? The face-to-face scene between the xenomorph and Rain is an absolute classic scene as a nod to the original scene in ALIEN. Things like that just draw fans in and we are here for it. I’m thinking, it’s an ALIEN franchise binge weekend because ALIEN: Romulus is up on space deck!

In the end – in space no one can hear you!

It all Ends with THE CROWN – The Complete Final Season

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer Peter Morgan, directors Alex Gabassi, Christian Schwochow, May el-Toukhy, Erik Richter Strand, Stephen Daldry and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes

the royal finale of the most fascinating series to come to television with THE CROWN – The Complete Final Season.

Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) is attempting to have a life after her divorce from Charles (Dominic West) going on vacation with Mohamed Al-Fayed (Salim Daw) while Prince Charles is having a party for mistress Camilla (Olivia Williams). Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) is asked to attend but yet knows the repercussions of attending. One photograph of Diana upstages Camilla’s party sending Charles into a tizzy. When Dodi (Khalid Abdalla) arrives on his father’s yacht, he and Diana become closer.

Now the British government is being pressured to consider denying Mohamed’s application for citizenship but he is not going to take it lightly. Diana says goodbyes to William (Ed McVey) and Harry (Luther Ford) who are going with their father to Balmoral Castle, while she continues to support the Landmine Survivors Network charity. Charles takes the opportunity to use photographs of she and Dodi against her and coerces his sons to take a photo showing them happy with their father. The Queen is becoming irritated with the whole thing as Diana goes to France with Dodi.

Mohamed tells Dodi that if he marries Diana, he will work with him in the family business. Diana and Dodi are spending time together and to avoid the paparazzi go into a jewelry show where Diana points out a ring she likes. Jetting off to Paris, Dodi has a surprise planned but the surprise is that both he and Diana have a talk about their future. Back at Balmoral, Prince William is hunting in the vast lands of the castle and in Paris there is the sounds of a crash.

Mohamed goes to Paris to take his son home and the father is absolutely in grief but also returns Diana’s things to the royal family. Charles arrives to take Diana home and tells the family of the public response to her death. The Queen finds herself in a trap between what she believes should be the response to the Princess’ death and what the British outcry is telling her. Feeling pushed towards it, she agreed to a ceremonial funeral as Charles William, Harry and Philip (Jonathan Pryce), are followed with Diana’s brother Charles Spencer (Philip Cumbus) in the procession. The Queen does deliver a speech for Diana as well.

Charles is having trouble with William who wants to return to school even though the family tells him he can take his time. He starts receiving mail and becoming someone of a teenage heartthrob that makes him uncomfortable. On a skiing holiday, Williams makes it clear to his family that he is absolutely hating the press which Charles thinks is part of the struggle dealing with his mothers’ death. Thinking he is meeting the Queen but Charles is there setting William into accusing his father of Diana’s death. It takes Philip to calm the waters as William needs to visit Althrop.

Prime Minister Tony Blair is dealing with the invasion of Kosovo and wants US military help but Clinton isn’t as quick to give his support. When the Queen asks for ways he thinks will modernize the crown, she isn’t to keen to agree with his ideas. William meets a young woman named Kate (Meg Bellamy) who has a crush on the young prince. They meet again years later in college and he is now keen on her, unfortunately his awkwardness and a boyfriend get in the way. When Kate hears that William is thinking of leaving, she inserts her own opinion.

Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville) remembers a special time between she and her sister that is carefree but her life hasn’t been easy. Life choices and strokes are plaguing the now elderly royal. Taking care of her after a recent episode, they talk about that special night in 1945 as both become aware of their roles and how it, at times, kept them apart. More trouble is on the horizon as Mohamed accuses the royal family of being responsible for the death of Diana and Dodi and the Queen Mother has passes as well. William sees Kate once again and the two become roommates with friends.

The Queen’s 80th birthday is coming and advisers think its time for her to plan her state funeral and she already knows the bagpipe sound of Sleep, Dearie, Sleep must be played. Charles finally asks her if he may marry Camilla and at this point, she agrees to it after talking with the church bishops. William, Kate and Harry are put to the fire when a Halloween costume causes press trouble. After thinking of abdicating, the Queen reconsiders and Philip tells her it is the right decision as Charles and Camilla finally marry.

At the chapel, the Queen has a think on life and hears bagpipes.

Staunton as Queen Elizabeth was the absolute stellar choice to play the finale series look at the life of the Queen. She gave everything that showed what could have possibly happened in this remarkable woman’s life. Staunton gives poise, thoughtful choice, a bit of frustration and the care of a daughter/sister/wife/mother/grandmother that was not allowed to be seen to the public because of the raise she was taught to be a royal. Just brilliant actually. Let me just say that the final scene of the series absolutely gutted me.

Debicki as Diana is also a marvelous casting choice and I was in it for everything she gave. Playing someone with such a widely known public life is difficult enough, but to dive into the personal is another level difficult that Debicki did masterfully. Every award she received was absolutely well earned. West as Charles, well, of course he did it well. He is a diverse actor that can play good, bad and indifferent. In this case, that about sums up the portrayal of Charles and how the world sees this particular royal in the years prior to him becoming King. Williams as Camilla is portrayed as the sweet victim in all this which only lends to anyone watching to wonder how this portrayal came to be.

Daw as Mohamed Al-Fayed is a shrewd businessman but also wants a crown of his very own in the form of his son marrying Diana. That’s not to say he did honestly have a fondness for the royal but it is a duality in his character that Daw brings out. Abdalla as Dodi is a man who is trying to make a name for himself and doing it in a way that brings father and son tension. That is until he meets Diana but that in itself brings the media to the forefront in her life. Trying to find a way to share a life together. Abdalla is charming and frustrating all at the same time in his portrayal but it works in the story.

Pryce as Philip is by his wife’s side even when he doesn’t always agree with her decisions. He has an opinion and Pryce makes sure his character expresses it. McVey as William is a young man dealing with sad situation after sad situation and learns to come to terms with it in his own way. Ford as Harry is also trying but being younger, he is surrounded by those who jump in quickly to avoid the same situation that William finds himself in.

Manville as Margaret is so amazing but then again, I adore her as much as I do Staunton. The scenes between these two actresses are so beautiful as Manville puts her own touches on the lesser understood royal. Bellamy as Kate portrays the future Queen as actually how most people see her – open, genuine, lovely and outgoing. I secretly hope that in a few years they do THE CROWN again with Charles reign bringing Kate’s story out in the open.

Other cast include Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne, Eve Best as Carole Middleton, Viola Prettejohn as teenage Elizabeth, Beau Gadsdon as teenage Margaret, Harry Anton as Trevor Rees-Jones, Andrew Havill as Robert Fellowes, Jamie Parker as Robin Janvrin, Bertie Carvel as Tony Blair and Marcia Warren as the Queen Mother.

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.

The series includes the episodes Persona Non Grata, Two Photographs, Dis-Moi Oui, Aftermath, Willsmania, Ruritania, Alma Mater, Ritz, Hope Street, Sleep Dearie Sleep, Special Features include A Family Saga, Royal Weddings and A Lasting Legacy.

THE CROWN has won so many awards including Best Supporting Actress and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series at the Golden Globe Awards and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards for Elizabeth Debicki.

As a thrilled super-fan of THE CROWN, this is a series I absolutely can and will watch again and again. The performances of the cast from Claire Foy ending with Imelda Staunton is just so stellar and even that seems like such a small word to describe such a big event in the life of the beloved Queen Elizabeth. Portraying her has having the ups and downs of life all while trying to have a personal life along with her royal duties is unfathomable to most yet she did so with the dignity she believed was required of her position.

The Executive Producers, writers and directors has an outstanding formula in this storytelling and they took it and ran – taking us all along with them. Having all six seasons available means only one thing, those who have not seen the series have the opportunity to binge it all at one time (which I can absolutely see happening). The cast is exceptional, the cinematography and set designs are another character in the series and the costuming allows us to follow along with the changes in their lives keeping up with the times. Although, the Queen and her hats, gloves, shoes and the snap of the purse are iconic and can never be done again.

The complete series collector’s box set is now available on Buray! Winner of over 20 Emmys including Outstanding Drama Series, the box set contains all six seasons on high-definition with over 100 minutes of special features and a collectable 24-page photobook with a special message from Peter Morgan.

In the end – they are the family royal!

THE LAST FRONT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi and Enigma Releasing is the story of a village against an enemy on THE LAST FRONT.

During World War I, Leonard (Iain Glen) is a widowed farmer raising son Adrien (James Downie) and daughter Maria (Emma Mortgat) in the Belgian countryside. Adrien is in love with Louise (Sasha Luss) who comes from a prominent family that don’t agree with the relationship. Leonard tries to explain this to Adrien and is causing problems but what is to come put all problems aside.

Coming down the road are Nazi soldiers led by Maximilian Von Rauch (Philippe Brenninkmeyer) and vicious son Laurentz (Joe Anderson). Their first stop is at Leonard’s farm in order to take whatever they want, including Larentz threats of violent. When Adrien worries about his love Louise and dares to take on Larentz’ need for violence.

Now, Leonard rushes to the town being met by Father Michael (David Calder) who reminds Leonard of a hiding place inside the church. Knowing that he must help the townspeople hide, it takes no time before the soldiering force bear down on the town and wreak havoc and destruction among those who could not hide.

Leonard manages to bring some people out of the town and Laurentz is furious. Pushing Von Rauch into running after the townspeople, they set out to follow Leonard and the townspeople. The soldiers don’t know that those who have escaped are trying to get to France but it doesn’t mean they aren’t going to fight with everything they have.

Glen as Leonard is a quiet man living a farmer’s life with his children. He is respected by the town and is still dealing with the passing of his wife. When the Germany soldiers arrive, Leonard is pushed to save his family and the townspeople who trust him. Glen gives his character a strength based in a combination of sadness and anger. I will admit to totally enjoying the character of Jorah Mormont from the television series Game of Thrones and since the ending of that series, Glen has gone on to take on roles that prove he is an acting force. In this film, Glen’s character faces an enemy for the good of the town and his family.

Anderson as Laurentz is a vicious and cruel man who believes he has the right to do whatever he wants any way he wants as people have no value to him. That is a difficult role to play but Anderson wraps up in it to the point where the viewer is going to cheer for the good guys with enthusiasm. Brenninkmeyer as Von Rauch is a father who clearly sees what his son is capable of and even with a threat, it doesn’t seem to affect his decisions or path going after Leonard.

Luss as Louise is a young woman who is now living in a world that has changed so much and affect those she loves. Following Leonard toward France, she helps those in the group move forward. Luss is charming and portrays a girl in love during a dire time in history. Calder as Father Michael realizes that he must turn to Leonard in finding a way to save as many of the townspeople as possible.

Other cast include Julian Kostov as Thomas Bosmans, Leander Vyvey as Peer Schultz, Koen De Bouw as Dr. Janssen, Sam Rintoul as Henri Maes, Joren Seldeslachts as Enzo, Trine Thielen as Elise, Mathijs Scheepers as Corporal Weber, Tess Bryant as Mother Pascal, Anna Ballantine as Camille Maes, Caroline Stas as Brigitte and Steve Armand as Nicolas.

Discover the power of film to inspire, challenge, and connect. At Enigma Releasing, you are at the heart of THIS journey. Join a community driven by creativity and a love for the art of film. Your voice matters here, and we strive to create a space where every perspective is valued. For more please visit www.enigmareleasing.com.

THE LAST FRONT is an intense film that, although focuses on Leonard and his family, spreads quickly to the town and survival in the midst of war. The town manages to be far enough away from much of the war but eventually roars into the middle of their lives with just as much viciousness. Trying to save as many people as possible doesn’t stop a malicious soldier from making it his mission to destroy everyone in his path

The cinematography is so good as the forest becomes an integral part of the story and the small-town feel is absolutely there. The cast, each with an important role, bring together a powerful story with a message of strength, courage and hope in the midst of a very dark time in human history. THE LAST FRONT is a reminder of loyalty and the fight against those who would destroy a community.

In the end – family is worth dying for!

Do They Know Each Other from BEFORE?

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+, director Adam Bernstein and creator Sarah Thorp is a story of loss in a thriller that will keep you guessing till the very shocking end with BEFORE.

Eli (Billy Crystal) is a child psychologist who is dealing with the loss of his wife Lynn (Judith Light). One morning at his front door, a young boy named Noah (Jacobi Jupe) appears and tries to discover where he is from as the boy leaves. After his therapy appointment, Eli begins to question whether he will ever be able to help kids as he once did. When friend Gail (Sakina Jaffrey) asks him to take on a case of a troubled boy, Eli does so begrudgingly.

Later that night, the boy at the door is now the boy at his bedside. Following him home, he meets Denise (Rosie Perez), Noah’s foster mother who cares so much for the boy. He also learns that the boy has stopped talking and Denise does not know why. Eli visits his friend Jackson (Robert Townsend) to try and make sense of what is happening but isn’t thrilled with the answers. Arriving to meet Gail, Eli is stunned to learn that her client is none other than Noah!

Learning that if Eli doesn’t attempt to reach the boy, Noah will go to a state facility. During their session, things begin to happen that Eli cannot explain. Now Eli is even more intrigued with what could possibly be driving the boy and he is not going to stop until he has looked at every aspect of Noah’s life. The clues are there and they are frightening!

Crystal as Eli plays a man who needs to come to terms with the death of his wife but only in a way that he can accept. When Noah shows up in his life, everything turns upside down but he can not stay away from what is happening to him. Becoming involved means he does not have to deal with his own pain and the dreams that haunt him. Crystal is really quite thrilling in this role and to see him take this character to places that can be quite frightening is everything. This fine comedic actor is allowed moments of a chuckle or two and even pieces of sarcasm but when things become intense, Crystal goes deeper than I’ve ever seen him go before.

Jupe as Noah is a very young actor who has taken on a very big and powerful role. As the frightened Noah, Jupe gives the audience a look inside what is going through this young boy’s mind. Jupe’s performance is absolutely stellar and as each episode progresses, he continues to provide the audience a chance to follow him and I was hooked immediately. Yes, he is an adorable kid but he is also a young actor who is showing the audience what he can do given a role such as this. Absolutely well done!

Perez as Denise is a woman who wants to give so much love to the young Noah. Having things go sideways for no reason, in her eyes, is a combination of frustration and total worry for her ward. She provides the audience with a safe link between Eli and Noah with her love for the child and the realization that only Eli seems to be able to reach him. Such a strong performance and a memorable one as well. Jaffrey as Gail believes that Eli is the only person who can help Eli but there comes a point when all becomes muddled. Following the case, she begins to see Eli as part of the problem rather than the solution.

Shout out to Townsend as Jackson is a sounding board for Eli but he is not listening to his friend. Perhaps he should as there might be some truth in what he is saying.

The cast that will expand as the series runs includes Rebecca Ruane as Sophie, Maria Dizzia as Barbara, Will Hochman as Benjamin Walker, Jorie Rosen as Nikki, Miriam Shor as Sue Ann, David Mattle as Alex, Christina Renee as Nurse Jo and Ava Lalezarzadeh as Cleo.

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/.

The 10-episode series includes The Imposter, the Scientist, The Liar, Symbols and Signs, Folie a Deux, Fever Dream, The Power of Belief, When We Dead Awaken, And the Darkness Was Called Night and Before.

Hailing from Paramount Television Studios, the limited series is created by Sarah Thorp. Thorp serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. Crystal executive produces alongside Academy Award winner Eric Roth, pilot director Adam Bernstein and producing director Jet Wilkinson.

BEFORE is a series that needs to be followed from start to the last episode. I am a huge fan of original pieces and this is one of them. The characters of Eli and Noah are complex with strings leading in every twisted direction. Crystal and Jupe are just amazing and as their story unfolds, the characters go deeper and deeper into a story that connects them together – but how?

Being a fan of thrillers with huge twists, BEFORE gives just that. Each episode is a piece of a larger puzzle and telling it means we have to be patient weekly and get a large bowl of popcorn ready because this…is going to get good.

In the end – the connection is real!

Bluray Brings the Secrets of CONCLAVE Home!

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray, DVD and coming to Digital from director Edward Berger based on the Robert Harris book of the same name and Focus Features is the story of secrets and desires for power in the CONCLAVE.

Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) arrives at the Vatican to discover that the Pope has passed. Gathering his emotions, he knows that now he must organize the election of the next head of the church. Turning to Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), they talk of the grief and who the rest of the cardinals are thinking of supporting.

Almost immediately there are three, Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) and Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow) who quietly make it known of their desire to be the next Pope. Preparing for the conclave, Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) brings other sisters in to prepare the rooms and cook the meals for the cardinals.

Cardinal Lawrence attempts to accommodate everyone and everything – especially the unexpected arrival of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz). This Cardinal is unknown to any but when presented papers from the previous Pope, Lawrence accepts him into the group even as the others are suspicious. Unfortunately, there isn’t any time to go deeper as the voting must begin.

There is no surprise that the three candidates are going to head-to-head with the votes, what it a surprise is a vote for Cardinal Lawrence. Shrugging it off, he begins to hear whispers of issues regarding the cardinals and he is not going to let it go, even if Cardinal Bellini suggest it is the best way to handle situations.

The problem is, now that Cardinal Lawrence has gone down the rabbit hole, he is confronted with the loss of a friend and a connection he could have never possibly ever seen.

Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence is absolutely the film in every way. There isn’t a scene where his portrayal of this character isn’t stunning. He is the anchor to this story with his calm manner as he tries to navigate what is a gambit of secrets all in the name of faith. Not wanting the position himself, he actually isn’t looking to rise but to scale back to a simpler life. That is what Fiennes gives us – the duality of a man who has his own desires and must confront the powerful desires to rise of other men. This actor’s career has shown his diversity and legendary in the choices of roles he takes and Fiennes is an actor that if I know he is in a film – I’m there.

Tucci as Cardinal Bellini makes it clear that he does not want the position but he is adamant about who does. Believing that the changes the previous pope made strengthened their faith and those who trusted their religious leaders. He doesn’t want a reversal of it all and sees some of the candidates as a threat to it all. Tucci, as always, just takes the role and runs full speed with it. Of course, I am in the Tucci fan club and this role cements my belief that you can throw any role at this exceptional actor and he will make it stick!

Rossellini as Sister Agnes is the eyes and ears of everything around her. Believing deeply in the church and what is requires of the faith, she is not going to let anyone interfere just to be the new pope. Her stern appearance reminds me of a nun who would have no problem whacking your knuckles with a ruler but also a compassionate human being. There is her roles duality. Rossellini continues to show that there is a place for her still in films, are you listening Hollywood?

Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay presents himself in a way that gave me the icks immediately. The words coming out of his mouth seem sincere but yet… That’s what makes this such a powerful role for Lithgow and he is amazing every second he is on the screen. Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi believes he is the change the Vatican needs and makes his determination quietly clear to supporters. Msamati gives his part of the story a punch that the audience will be wide eyed about. Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco is outspoken, rough in his beliefs and has no problem coming face to face with anyone who challenges him. Castellitto gives his character the outspoken fierceness that rocks the vote – literally.

The surprise here is Diehz as Cardinal Benitez! Arriving to bring a ripple in the waters, Diehz’ character is soft spoken, aware of what his presence brings to the conclave and a belief that is unshakable. Diehz is a strong presence in this role without overtaking any scene and the reason for this character’s presence shakes the films foundation completely.

Other cast include Brian F. O’Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O’Malley, Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin, Thomas Loibl as Archbishop Mandorff, Jacek Koman as Archibishop Wozniak and Loris Loddi as Cardinal Villanueva.

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

Exclusive Bonus Features include: Sequestered Inside CONCLAVE – Enter the mysterious world of CONCLAVE with the cast and filmmakers for a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to raise the curtain on one of the most secretive and secluded processes in the world, Feature Commentary with Director Edward Berger – Commentary with director Edward Berger.

CONCLAVE is a thriller but not the kind that is filled with car chases and people running for their lives. Instead, this is a thriller that is confined in a space that doesn’t allow secrets to go undiscovered for long. Fiennes carries this film from the first frame to the last and his character takes us on a ride of faith, deception, secrets and the want for power. Cardinal Lawrence begins to understand his reason for being and Fiennes portrays it all so beautifully. If he isn’t up for an Oscar, then those who chose need to think about their life choices!

The construction of the set is so beautiful and it is, in fact, another character in the film. Each scene is surrounded by a history and a belief that is steeped in tradition and mystery. CONCLAVE uses that tradition and mystery to bring the Harris book to the screen in such a fantastic way with an ensemble cast that slowly bring us in for the thrill ride.

In the end – what happens behind these walls changes everything!

He is THE NIGHT AGENT

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the first season of THE NIGHT AGENT.

When FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), after saving people from a bombing, comes to the attention of the White House Chief of Staff Diane Farr (Hong Chau). She asks him to become part of the Night Agent program. Meantime, Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) who had a career in cybersecurity, visits her family as the house is attacked and she has the telephone number that would get her to Sutherland. Farr gives instructions to Sutherland and he learns that Rose’s family were part of the Night Agent program but more becomes unraveled. Assassins are hot on their trail as Sutherland and Rose search for answers.

Someone has called the assassins Dale (Phoenix Raei) and Ellen (Eve Harlow) telling them where Larkin is located to finish what has been started. When Sutherland realizes that the posted Secret Service agents are gone, he finds Larkin and the chase is once again on with the assassins. Farr and Hawkins speak to the Campbell’s and begin to put the pieces of a puzzle together. Now the story of Farr and Hawkins comes together as well.

President Travers (Kari Matchett) wants an investigation and Farr wants more than that. When Larkin runs, Sutherland comes up with a cover in order to have time to deal with the encryption. When Farr finds out what is happening, she implicates the President. Chelsea Arrington (Fola Evans-Akingbola) is a Secret Service agent responsible for protecting the Presidents daughter Maddie (Sarah Desjardins) and is assigned with new partner Eric Monks (D.B. Woodside). Even with problems, there is something in Maddie’s school that needs attention.

Larkin, still working on the hard drive, discovers so much more than they could have imagined. Still leery of Farr, she agrees to work with her. Following leads, they meet Lorna and it becomes clear what the plans were for D.C. As everything unwinds, another target becomes clearer. Sutherland tries to question Arrington while Larkin finds a link to Andrej Pavelic. Sutherland is also investigating a link to a government contractor. The two come together to compare notes and just as quickly, Maddie is kidnapped.

Sutherland is following leads but tells Larkin she needs to stay away for her protection. Cisco is with her but Farr makes plans of her own and once again Sutherland is on the run. Ellen and Dale are following to do what they seem to do best but while that is going on, Redfield (Christopher Shyer) gives a press conference naming Sutherland as a kidnapper. Now Arrington and Monks are looking at Maddie’s art teacher and anyone associated with him. The name Matteo (Andre Anthony) is brought up and a rift between he and Redfield emerges. Wick Farr and Redfield are also dealing with footage from a nanny cam. Ellen, dealing with grief, is on a fierce and angry rampage of her own.

Sutherland and Larkin are working with Arrington and Monks as much as they can with each other. Arrington informs them about Omar “Osprey” Zadar from the Travers administration. Maddie discovers something that will help those looking find her and it leads to an all-out take down.

Redfield finally admits to Farr what he has been doing in the Balkins. Not happy, Farr does agree to work him on what should be done. Sutherland and Larkin are back on the run as Arrington wants to take Maddie back to her family and tell the truth about everything but it doesn’t go as planned. Larkin gets into Ellen’s phone and discovers Farr’s playing both ends against the middle. When Farr realizes what Redfield and Wick (Ben Cotton) have planned, she realizes how far out of the loop she actually is.

Arrington is taking Maddie to Redfield who is waiting at Camp David as he tries to use her. Farr once again works with Sutherland and Larkin and it is a whirl of events that could possibly cause the death of the President. Sutherland isn’t about to let that happen but instead, hold those accountable for everything that has happened, even if it means finding out things he must deal with on his own.

Basso as Sutherland is a strong lead in the series as a man shadowed with a rumor about a father and his own past mistakes. When he is asked to be the Night Agent, he tries to look at the role as one of upward momentum in the bureau instead of a position that might not go anywhere. Basso is quick in portraying his character as a man constantly on the move as he unravels a new mystery that might be connected to his own.

Chau as Farr is absolutely stunning. Portraying the trusted position and friendship with the President, there is nothing that gives her away. Presenting her character with monotone reactions, it seems like nothing shakes her. That doesn’t stop her from having a sharp tongue and letting those around her know that she will not fall for anything – or anyone. I loved her in the film THE MENU so to see her again in a stand out role is everything.

Buchanan as Larkin finds herself in the same position as Sutherland once was. When her family is under suspicion, she must follow the bread crumbs the best way she knows how and that is her ability to us the same technology as those around her. Buchanan is just as strong of a female lead as Chau and I love when they have moments together in scenes. Evans-Akingbola as Arrington is protecting the Vice Presidents’ daughter and also trying to find Sutherland and Larkin. She slowly learns that not everything is at it seems. Evans-Akingbola is another strong female character in the series who is trying to keep her balance in all the intrigue.

Woodside as Monk is an agent known for his duty with the former President, dealing with his own demons, he is partnered up with Arrington. They don’t trust one another at first but there comes a point where they realize they might have been put together for a reason. Desjardins as Maddie is a rebellious young woman who wants to live her own life out from under the shadow of her father’s position. Desjardins character finds herself in the middle of the intrigue but she isn’t going to go down quietly.

Raei as Dale and Harlow as Ellen are two of the strangest assassins and I’m all about following their assignment of terror. They are quick, ruthless, show no fear and Harlow’s character is the one that harbors intense rage. Throughout the series, you never know when these two show up but when they do, it’s not a good thing!

Special Features include Episode 1 Commentary with Executive Producer Shawn Ryan, 12 Deleted Scenes, Blooper Reel, Episode 1 VFX and Episode 10 VFX. The DVD includes the 10-part episodes of The Call & Redial directed by Seth Gordon, The Zookeeper & The Marionette directed by Guy Ferland, Fathoms directed by Ramaa Mosley, Best Served Cold & Redux directed by Adam Arkin and The Devil We Know & Fathers directed by Millicent Shelton.

THE NIGHT AGENT Season One is an introduction to these characters but by its end, it is clear that there is more of the story to tell. Already cleared for more seasons, this is definetly one you want to keep on your radar. There are twists, turns, betrayals, lies, deception and relationships that can be difficult to maintain through corruption. In the midst of all of it are chases, evasions, plotting, and shocks but that is what a good series brings.

The cast brings their best and it shows from start to finish. Working together to bring this puzzle to viewers is so well done with the ensemble of talent. This is definetly a show worth binge watching, especially preparing for the next season.

In the end – heroes aren’t born, they answer the call!

The Story How IT ENDS WITH US on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and on Digital from director Justin Baldoni and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of how IT ENDS WITH US.

Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) is dealing with the death of her father but not in the way mom Jenny (Amy Morton) understands. Back in Boston, Lily is up on a rooftop thinking about what happened with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) arrives on the rooftop as well and seems a bit unnerved. When he realizes Lily is there, a chemistry begins between the two and he is intrigued by the fact that Lily is not under his spell.

The next day, Lily is thrilled to get the keys to a shop she is going to open. Needing a caring touch, she is interrupted when Allysa (Jenny Slate) comes in with a big personality and wins Lily over and a job as well. Not too much later, Lily finds out that Ryle is Lily’s brother and is introduced to her husband Marshall (Hasan Minhaj). Spending time together, there is a mishap in Ryle’s kitchen and Lily gets injured.

When the shop opens, there is celebrating all around as the couple double date at a new eatery. Getting ready to order, Lily is shocked to see Atlas (Brandon Skylenar), someone who was extremely important in Lily’s younger years. They try to catch up but its an awkward situation and Ryle is unnerved. Then comes marriage and Lily believes things are going well. Even seeing Atlas one more time, she lets him know she is happy.

But a moment comes when Lily must decide what is true about her relationship, the memories that have come flooding back and is what she discovers going to become a generational pain.

Lively as Lily is absolutely stunning in this role. It seems a good fit actually as Lily is coming into her own yet there are so many shadows that she hasn’t come to terms with yet as Lively portrays all of it. This is a powerful role and it takes its time diving into it all and when it unwraps, so do all the emotions.

Baldoni as Ryle gives his role the right amount of everything to make his character believable. By this I mean it isn’t an out and out frightening performance but instead, subtle, in ways this character hasn’t been performed before. Baldoni gives the charm that, like Lily, allows us to see what we want to see. Well done.

Skylenar as Atlas has a history with Lily that not only does he refuse to forget but a love he can not let go of. When life separates them, it is the same life that brings them back together again. He sees her lot and once again feels the protectiveness over Lily. Skylenar is the quiet in the middle of the storm but also is the safe space that Lily hasn’t recognized yet.

Slate as Alyssa is a wild and whacky friend to Lily and sister to Ryle. She finds a friend in Lily but also sees what could be happening with her. I enjoyed watching her nuttiness and the relationship with co-star Minhaj as Marshall. He is just as charming and whacky as his wife so they are a perfect pairing for the film. Morton as mom Jenny has a secret past of her own that she refuses to acknowledge and instead focusing on trying to better her relationship with Lily.

Other cast includes Isabela Ferrer as the younger Lily, Alex Neustaedter as the younger Atlas, Kevin McKidd as Andrew Bloom, Robn Lively as Ms. Byland and Emily Baldoni as Dr. Julie.

Author Colleen Hoover published It Ends With Us in 2016 and says it is the hardest book she has ever written because it explores the themes of emotional turmoil and domestic violence. The book has been translated into twenty different languages and sold over one million copies worldwide. It quickly debuted at number 1 on The New York Times best seller list. Hoover wrote her next book It Starts With Us in 2022 and the relationship between Lily and Atlas.

Lively, Baldoni and Skylenar bring the story to life with amazing performances. Delving deep into the story, there are so many connections and also disconnects that come through that it feels relatable. That is why I believe the film is so successful. Those who love the book are immediately drawn to the film and are not disappointed. This is a film I see watching again and again.

In the end – it does end with us!

They Stay BEYOND THE WASTELAND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital followed by Bluray in January from writer/director Vardan Tozija, Darijan Pejovski and Well Go USA is the world BEYOND THE WASTELAND.

Marko (Matej Sivakov) and his father (Sasko Kocev) live in the deep woods surviving after the world seems to have fallen apart and people have become infected called the Evil Ones. His father teaches Marko how to survive but little else in the way of a father/son relationship. Instead, the boy’s life is full of rules, what not to do, survivalist tactics and silence are what he is raised on.

Retrieving water one day, Marko comes upon a camper in the middle of the woods. Investigating, he discovers toys and to his shock, another boy! Miko (Aleksandar Nichovski) shares the afternoon of boyhood fun with Marko and it is only interrupted by Ana (Kamka Tocinovski), Miko’s mother who is just as surprised to see another boy.

Marko’s father is angry when the boy returns with no water and questions him about where he has been. Later, the boy asks questions about his mother, something he has not done before and isn’t given much in the way of answers. Deciding to deal with things on his own, Marko decides he needs to go to the Stone City to find answers and, after an incident, decides to take Miko with him.

When Marko’s father discovers him gone, the hunt is on to find him. It doesn’t stop Marko from continuing on his journey and what he discovers is frightening and an answer that will shake up everything!

Sivakov as Marko is absolutely amazing in this role of a young boy who begins to understand that following his fathers’ daily commands isn’t really living. As he begins to question his father about the family and life beyond the forest, circumstances begin to change. Sivakov gives us a performance of a savvy young boy who is still just a young boy. Once he leaves the forest, he realizes the reasoning’s for his father’s behavior. I just loved watching Sivakov develop the role of Marko and it is truly a beautiful performance.

Nichovski as Miko is just a loving, fun, giving, understanding and clever young man with a disability that survivors don’t understand. Being with Marko is important to the boy as their friendship is based on the understanding of being a boy. Nichovski’s portrayal of Miko does double duty on the heartstrings from warming it to squeezing the life out of it. Well done young man.

Kocev as Marko’s father is a man trying to survive while teaching his young son to be a survivalist. He has memories of his own and decisions that, instead of flowing with emotion, cause him to be harder toward Marko. He is taken by surprise when his son wants to know more and now there is a returning fear in this man’s eyes. Kocev takes his role and gives it the right amount of grit needed to understand Marko.

Other cast include Toni Mihajlovski as John, Vladimir Tuliev as Man in the Overcoat, Tara Popova as Mark’s sister, Verica Nedeska as Marko’s mother.

The film was Awarded Programmers’ Choice Award at the 26th Annual Dances With Films: NY., the city’s leading indie film festival. In addition, the film was awarded a Special Mention/Balkan Competition and nominated for the Grand Prix at the Sofia International Film Festival. The film came from the Republic of North Macedonia (a co-production between North Macedonia, France, Croatia, Luxembourg and Kosovo.

BEYOND THE WASTELAND is a slow-moving film that needs to be so. The story unravels at a pace one would expect survivors to live after human catastrophe. Going on that ride is one that will not disappoint because it is Marko’s story in the grand scheme of things. It is the story of a boy who lives as he should until the questions become larger and larger about his life and where he feels he needs to be to get answers.

Keeping the cast extremely small is what makes this film easy to go along with. Taking out the noise, we the viewers have our attention directed where it should be – with Marko and even Miko as young boys trying to make it to being young men. The world around them is beautiful when it is not being savage. This is a film that should be savored from start to shocking finish!

In the end – he is a truly special boy!

They Need to Stay at ELEVATION

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director George Nolfi and Vertical comes a story of survival and going below ELEVATION.

It is a post-apocalyptic world of fear filled with vicious creatures below 8,000 feet and in the Rocky Mountain above the line are people trying to survive. Will (Anthony Mackie) is a well-known man in the community who has a young son, Hunter (Danny Boyd, Jr.) who relies on a breathing machine at night. Realizing he is running out of canisters for the device, the only answer is to go below 8,000 feet to a hospital who would have what he needs.

Deciding to make the trip, Will turns to former scientist Nina (Morena Baccarin), a woman who stays secluded and drinks, for information since she is the only person to survive the first wave. Not receiving a warm welcome, it is Katie (Maddie Hasson) who makes it clear that Will is not going to be taking on the run on his own.

Coming up to the line, the three realize what will happen once they cross over. Every step they take is a signal to what is out there and they come with a fury. Will is looking for what his son needs but Nina is looking for something more. Back in her lab, she looks to see if the work they were doing has answers. It may seem simpler to go down 8,000 feet but it’s getting back up that will define their humanity.

Mackie as Will is a father who is not only dealing with a young son’s illness, but also the death of loved ones. His future depends on teaching his boy not to cross the line but also how to survive in their small community. When it’s time to go down the mountain, Mackie gives his character strength and something the creatures will never understand – a father’s love.

Baccarin as Nina is a woman on her own mission of survival. Spending her days in a bottle of booze for decisions she made, Nina also spends her time on a goal – how to defeat the terror. Maccarin gives the performance of a broken woman who doesn’t seem to fear anything as a way of mentally surviving. It’s a strong performance and along side Mackie brings a good story.

Hasson as Katie is a friend to Will and doesn’t so much care for Nina but, isn’t going to let either go down the mountain alone. Going head-to-head with Nina is the tension on the road. Boyd, Jr. as Hunter is a young boy who totally relies, as he should, on his father. His worse fear is about to come true with Will going down the mountain.

Vertical is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

Director Nolfi says of the film, “Imagine a world where 95% of the population has perished and the remaining people live in a community untouched by the death and destruction below. The question that intrigued me was, could humanity truly thrive in such a world? What would people become when all their physical needs are met, but they are isolated from the rest of the world? This is a gripping journey where our characters must venture below and it’s in this descent that we confront a deeper question: Is the very technology and intelligence that helped us evolve and create great civilizations also driving us toward destruction?

ELEVATION is a post-apocalyptic world that Nolfi has brought keeps this world focused and simple. Mackie, Baccarin and Hasson lead the story and take us on a literal step-by-quiet-step journey to not only save a boy but find an answer for the rest of humanity. I am a huge fan of this genre and actually love that the film has been done in this way. Of course, the creature element is always good but it is the human interaction to it all is what is compelling. The need to take care of those remaining and the desire for answers is equally as good when done as well as is here.

In the end – don’t go down without a fight!

BOGART: Life Comes in Flashes

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Kathryn Ferguson and Freestyle Digital Media is a documentary on one of the most iconic actors of our time with BOGART: Life Comes in Flashes.

Humphrey Bogart is a name that is synonymous with gangster/detective/tough guy roles but there is more to the man than that. Born in New York to a father, Belmont, who was a doctor and a mother, Maud, who was a famous illustrator, it seemed Bogart was going to find his own direction. It wasn’t through school where he couldn’t or wouldn’t fit in, or his time in the Navy as a way to avoid relying on family – it would begin as a young man doing odd jobs in a theatre.

Then Bogart finds himself on the Playhouse Theatre stage acting starting with Drifting and receiving reviews both good and bad. He found a bit of normalcy marrying fellow actor Helen Menken in 1926 but it only lasted a year. He also kept long hours and enjoyed drinking. He wouldn’t stay in New York as 20th Century Fox snapped him up and started with the 1930 John Ford film UP THE RIVER. In the middle of this, Bogart married his second wife actress Mary Phillips.

It is actor Leslie Howard who wants Bogart to star in the next film, THE PETRIFIED FOREST along with Bette Davis. Playing the role of escaped murderer Duke Mantee, Bogart is now a recognizable face to film goers. Howard made it clear that “No Bogart, No Deal” and now Warner Bros. knew they had to give it a go. After this, Bogar is now under contract and is typecast as a gangster and working tirelessly. With the ending of his second marriage, Bogart finds love again with third wife Mayo Methot. It became clear to their friends that drinking, fighting and making up was their “love” language.

In 1947, Bogart finds himself in the world of politics, not as a runner but more as a spokesman for what he sees as the ills of the world and those causing it. Then comes a role that is one of the most memorable in motion pictures industry and that is THE MALTESE FALCON in 1941 as Bogart takes on the trench coat wearing Sam Spade. This is followed by CASABLANCA in 1943. As his third marriage is ready to crumble – enter the stunning beautiful Lauren Bacall and in 1946, the star in THE BIG SLEEP together. During this time, Mayo is becoming more and more violent toward Bogart and that marriage ends.

At the age of 47, Bogart falls in love for the last time and marries Bacall in 1945 and they become Hollywood’s IT couple. They also find themselves back dealing with what the government is doing. Bogart speaks about what he saw in Washington and is disgusted with what is happening to his fellow Americans. Because of it, he feels the heat. In his marriage he finds himself becoming a father but continues working bringing his 1950 film A LONLEY PLACE followed by the 1952 film THE AFRICAN QUEEN and garners Bogart an Academy Award.

Bogart becomes a father again and decides to start his own production company, Santana Productions and is in Europe filming BEAT THE DEVIL IN 1954 and then THE CAINE MUTINY in 1954. Becall is also keeping busy filming HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE in 1953. In 1956, an opportunity for Bogart and Bacall to once again make a film together. That is put on hold as it becomes clear that Bogart is ill. In January 1957, he succumbs.

Freestyle Releasing specializes in releasing films theatrically and representing independent films. Releasing content through Freestyle Digital Media, their most successful film theatrically to date is the 2014 film GOD’S NOT DEAD. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.freestyledigitalmedia.tv

Archival footage speaking about Bogart come from Ingrid Bergman, son Stephen H. Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart himself and more with narration by Kerry Shale. These are Bogart’s own words from unseen archives, letters, interviews and those who were close to the actor.

When Bogart died, he left behind memories of a life off the big screen and a larger than life imagine on the big screen. It is wonderful to experience in this documentary to see the life of a man most only know as an amazing actor. I believe that sometimes we forget that there is a life history in the lives of our favorite performers and BOGART: Life Comes in Flashes gives us such deep insight to his beginnings.

To learn that he took a turn so far away from what his parents wanted and became successful for it is only half the story. It was not overnight fame but instead a long line of a constant pushing from Broadway to Hollywood. He looked for love and although each marriage was to an actress, it showed his need for something stable in the midst of the craziness of Hollywood. It would be the last years of his life that he would finally find exactly what he was looking for.

A Bogart fan since I was in my teens, I can honestly say that BOGART: Life Comes in Flashes is an amazing piece of filmmaking about an iconic actor. Hearing from his friends, fellow actors and final love, Bacall, is all brilliantly brought into the documentary by director Ferguson. Learning about his final days is equally stunning knowing that he was surrounded by love, friends, and family – these are things I never knew. Now, everyone will get a chance to experience it all and get to know the true Humphrey Bogart.

In the end – here’s looking at you Bogie!

A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS Starts the Holiday Season

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in selected theatres and major digital platforms and coming to DVD soon from writer/director Peter Chelsom, Tinker Lindsay and Shout! Studios comes the holiday film A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS.

Lawrence (Danny DeVito) owns a quaint hotel in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy and every year at Christmas the family visits. Now, it is summer and daughter Abbie (Lucy DeVito), husband Jacob (Wilmer Valderrama) and daughter Claire (Antonella Rose) are making a special mid-year trip. Lawrence believes he knows the reason why but is totally thrown when Abbie and Jacob explain that his reason couldn’t be more wrong. They couple has decided to separate and want Lawrence to break it to Claire.

When it comes out, Claire is frantic and spends some time alone. She then decides that if this is to be the families will be together for Christmas, then Christmas must come in August. Claire asks grandpa Lawrence to call her other grandparents, Rose (Andie MacDowell) and Mark (Jose Zuniga) to join them. All the while Lawrence is preparing the hotel for the “holiday” while still attending guests like Claudia (Valeria Cavalli).

Immediately Claire goes into high gear making a documentary of their summer holiday. When the grandparents arrive, Walter is beside himself to learn that Claudia is someone he knows. Looking to Lawrence for help, he becomes almost invisible and Rose goes on having fun where she can find it. Meeting Claudia, the two women hit it off and become fast friends over time spent at archery with the handsome Don Michele (Francesco Salvi).

Just when Claire thought things were going to be fun, everything turns on its head and only love can save it all.

DeVito as Lawrence is a grandfather who would do anything to help the granddaughter he loves so dearly. Realizing that the problems with her parents are affecting her, when Claire comes to him with the Christmas idea, he is immediately on it. He also deals with hotels guests, slightly different employees and a priest that is in the middle of it all. I have always loved DeVito and the characters he plays and, in this film, he gives us the grandfather who starts to question his own reasons for staying.

Rose as Claire is a young girl preparing herself for what her parents are attempting to do and relies heavily on her doting grandfather. She is a charming young lady who runs the gambit of emotions of family, love, traditions and how to understand the craziness of the adults around her. Lucy DeVito as Abbie is a mother who has been working very hard in a job that totally stresses her out. In the process of that, she has disconnected somehow with her family and husband. Stressing out about it all is taking a toll and DeVito portrays it until she realizes what has happened.

MacDowell as Rose is a woman struggling to decide how she wants to spend her time now that she is retired. Feeling like she is missing a life connection, she feels it even more when she hears the story of her new friend. MacDowell is so charming in this role and I love every bit of it. Cavalli as Claudia is a woman who once grieved for her husband and in one night found something that has carried her year after year back to the hotel. This time she found a friend in Rose. Cavalli just floats through the film with her smile and it is wonderful.

Valderrama as Jacob wants so much to be a good father but is dealing with his own struggles after losing his job. Trying to discover where he fits in to life, it also affects his relationship with wife Abbie and he doesn’t know how to fix it. Zuniga as Mark is a man who is hiding from his mistake in a rather humiliating way. Unable to face it, he’d rather hide under the cover until the Christmas week has passed. Salvi as Don Michele is the suave eye-candy for both Rose and Claudia and it is hilarious (and yes, he is handsome!).

Other cast include Antonella Slavucci as Delfina, Tommaso Sacco as Aldo, Kate Muda as Johanna, Matteo Miraglia as Niccolo, Adrian Dunbar as Otto, Treyston Braine as Walter, Luca Bagnoli as Elicotterista and Roderick Hill as Phil.

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.

A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS is a wonderful holiday film set in the beauty and grandeur of Italy. The cast bring it all alive in such a way that families watching the film will forget they are in another country. That’s because the story is all about family and the constant changes, friends who will do anything for each other and a holiday that brings everyone together.

This is a creative and fun holiday film to start off the season. There is nothing better than being reminded that it isn’t about the items we get for Christmas. Instead, it is about the people in our lives that are so very important to us that we want to be close to, gather to celebrate traditions and make the simplest effort to let everyone know they are love. Let the holiday cheer begin!

In the end – as long as there is love there is Christmas!

THE MAGIC REINDEER: Saving Santa’s Sleigh

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Kari Juusonen, Jørgen Lerdam and Kaleidoscope Entertainment in time for the holidays is a lovely animated film about friendship and being THE MAGIC REINDEER: Saving Santa’s Sleigh.

Niko (voiced by Matthew Whelan) is a young reindeer having fun with his friends and family enjoying the snow life. As Christmas approaches, it is time for one lucky reindeer to become part of Santa’s Flying Forces. Niko wants to follow in dad Prancer’s (Paul Tylak) hoof-steps and become part of the team. What he needs to do is win a competition against newcomer Stella (Emma Jenkins). She is strong, fast and finds herself actually sharing in the rescue’s they both need!

Before the final task, Stella tells Niko that she just wants to see Santa’s sleigh. Niko decides to slip her in for a look and both are pretty astonished. The next morning, an alarm goes off and the announcement is made that Santa’s sleigh is missing, but so is Stella. Niko decides to go after the sleight and discovers an angry Ilmar (Dermot Magennis), who turns out to be Stella’s father. He has a grudge against Prancer and Santa and he is going to make sure there is no Christmas.

Knowing what her father is doing is wrong, Stella and Niko decide it is up to them to make things right again. It means calling on true friends and becoming braver than the young reindeers thought possible.

Other cast include Roger Gregg as Dasher, Aileen Mythen as Wilma, Lucy Smith as Lili, Harry Moore as Jonni, Justin Anene as Morten, Luke Griffin as Comet, Brendan McDonald as Blitzen, Rodger Gregg as Einar and Michael Sheehan as Lenni.

Kaleidoscope is a global independent all-rights entertainment distributor, with theatrical, digital, physical and international distribution operations. The catalogue now contains more than 2,000 features. New titles include this year’s hit festive family animation The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh, the third film in the hit Niko series, family animation Gracie and Pedro: Mission Impossible and World War I action-epic Before Dawn. For more please visit www.kaleidoscopehomenetertainment.com.

THE MAGIC REINDEER: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is from the producers of The Amazing Maurice, THE MAGIC REINDEER: Saving Santa's Sleigh is the third film in the Niko series from co-directors Kari Juusonen and Jørgen Lerdam.

The film is absolutely charming, let’s start with that for sure. The holidays are such a magical time and sharing films with family, friends and extended family are truly important. There are the standard films about Christmas, Santa etc., but this film goes in another direction that is wonderful. Niko and Stella are young reindeer just finding their way through a winter wonderland of growing up and wanting to become a part of Santa’s Christmas expectations.

Watching THE MAGIC REINDEER: Saving Santa’s Sleigh with my own family we were giggling, awwww’ing and cheering. Watching the adventure of saving Christmas is filled with learning, loyalty, friendship and what it takes to make things right when they go wrong. The animation is stunning and colorful that keep the viewer captivated from the first frame till the last.

This film is so much fun that it needs to become a part of any family’s holiday list of films to enjoy.

In the end – it is a race to find Santa’s sleigh!

THE BOY AND THE HERON on 4K Ultra HD and the Holidays

Jeri Jacquin

Just in time for the holidays from director Hayao Miyazaki, legendary Studio Ghibli and Shout! Studios comes the animated story of THE BOY AND THE HERON in time for gift giving.

Mahito Maki (Luca Padovan) is a young boy who lives in Tokyo during the Pacific War with father Shoichi (Christian Bale) who owns a munitions factory and mother Hisako. They are woken during the night to discover that the hospital is on fire and his mother Hisako is there. Trying to deal with her death, Mahito receives new that his father has married Natsuko (Gemma Chan) and is expecting a child.

Moving out of the city, the family takes up residence out in the country at an estate. Mahito doesn’t take to his new step-mother easily but is befriended by a Heron (Robert Pattinson). Finding ways to stay out of the house, Mahito follows the heron one day to a sealed tower! He is told it is the last place Natsuko’s granduncle (Mark Hamill) was seen. The heron returns and speaks to Mahito with a promise that Hisako is still alive. But Natsuko saves him from the words of the heron with an arrow giving Mahito the idea to create his own bow and arrows with the feathers of the heron.

Then Mahito begins to hear the maids calling out for Natusko who has disappeared into the forest. Deciding he should go help, Mahito and the maid Kiriko (Florence Pugh) go to the tower as he takes on the heron only to discover he is a Birdman. When a shadow of a wizard appears, Mahito and Kirko are taken to an ocean world and rescued again by Kiriko, a woman with a magic wand. He also meets Himi (Karen Fukuhara) who has pyrokinetic powers. In a world that entices Mahito with creatures, he finds a door back home still looking for Natsuko.

In the delivery room, Mahito and Natsuko still do not find a way to fix the gap between them. It is hurtful words that Mahito is Frozen in the world of paper. In a dream, he sees the wizard once again who wants him to create a better world by releasing malice by taking his place. When he doesn’t, The Parakeet King (Dave Bautista) attempts to do so but it fails. When flooding begins, Mahito, Himi and the Birdman find their way out reuniting with Natsuko.

It is time that Mahito realizes where he has been and what he truly wants for his family.

Other cast include Karen Takizawa as Warawara, Barbara Goodson as Aiko, Melora Harte as Eriko, Barbara Rosenblat as Utako, Denise Pickering as Izumi and Willem Dafoe as the Noble Pelican.

The Boy and The Heron is available on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray and DVD, and in a Limited Edition Steelbook that includes 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Bluray featuring Dolby Vision plus Dolby Atmos for the ultimate home entertainment experience from GKIDS with home entertainment distribution from Shout! Studios. This is the first title from Studio Ghibli to ever be released on 4K UHD.

Bonus features include Feature-Length Storyboard, Interview with Composer Joe Hisaishi, Interview with Producer Toshio Suzuki, Interview with Supervising Animator Takeshi Honda, Drawing with Takeshi Honda, “Spinning the Globe” Music Video, Teasers and Trailers.

THE BOY AND THE HERON is an absolutely stunning animated piece of filmmaking but then again, I would expect nothing less from director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The story is not just about a boy looking for more than one person but instead trying to discover how to release his own personal pain and accept the change that life brings. I love stories that are intertwined so that it becomes an adventure in itself to unravel the mysteries.

The animation is also absolutely stellar in every sense with amazingly bright colors, artistic renditions of the heron, the boy, the characters and the places that they go. Bringing the cast of famous voices is perfection and I am a huge fan of Dafoe and Hamill putting their voices to iconic character. The soundtrack isn’t overpowering but instead lets the story lead us all. That is what brings audiences to see Studio Ghibli’s work and why each one has resonated with fans. It is truly breathtaking and, I am thrilled that my own granddaughter has become a fan of this style of animation and of Hayao Miyazaki.

In the end – it is a boy’s journey discovering truths of who he is!

It is the Return of the GLADIATOR II

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ridley Scott and Paramount Pictures is the story of Rome, revelations and revenge with GLADIATOR II.

Versus (Paul Mescal) is a great warrior living in Numidia with family when the Romans come calling by sea lead by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Versus is taken prisoner while vowing under his breath to kill Acacius, and is taken back to Rome where he is bought by Macrinus (Denzel Washington) to become a gladiator. Seeing something in Versus, he decides to use him against the two vicious and cruel Roman emperors.

Rome is being ruled by Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his brother Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). They are led by greed and personal gain rather than the people of Rome. General Acacius knows this and is becoming disgusted by it all. Returning home to his wife Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), he makes it clear that he no longer desires to live this way. Lucilla reaches out to others like Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) to find a way to stop the corruption of Rome.

Versus proves that he has what it takes to be a gladiator by consistently taking on challenges to the delight of Macrinus as the mental wheels turn as to how he can rise even further in power. Pleasing Emperor Geta, Macrinus continues his frightful climb to the top by using everyone and anyone around him, including Versus.

There are secrets floating around Rome but one that is especially powerful enough to take down Emperors and those devious enough to believe they should be leader. In the tunnels of the colosseum, Versus finds the truth and the strength to take on the corruption of Rome!

Mescal as Versus is taking on a role that carries the story of the film. That is a monumental task following Crowe’s 2000 GLADIATOR story. That being said, Mescal gives us a strong performance of a man who is on his own journey of vengeance. Versus’ past is about to catch up with him in ways he could never have imagined. I truly enjoyed Mescal in this role and the final scenes, I believe, seal him as an actor that has a far reach, even back into the Roman era. I’m ready for GLADIATOR III if he is!

Pascal as Acacius is a man who follows the orders of the emperors, whether he likes it or not is another thing entirely. The horrors that happened in Numidia seem the final straw. Pascal is just such a presence on the screen and the brooding character looks for answers without realizing it is his wife that might hold the key to freeing Rome. Nielsen returns as Lucilla who has not forgotten the ideals her father Marcus Aurelius instilled in her. She also has not forgotten her family and love that it has cost her. Turning to those who still believe, Nielsen’s presence in the film brings the story full circle.

Quinn as Emperor Geta is clearly deranged and, at first, I didn’t realize it was Quinn! Blonde hair and psychopathic actions are what this half of the emperorship this actor plays marvelously. Geta is frightening, powerful, and downright insane and Quinn pours it on every second he is on screen. Hechinger is the other half of the Roman insanity as Emperor Caracalla and a monkey who seems to be the only thing Caracalla relates to. If insanity could look cool, then Hechinger brings that and so much more.

Washington as Macrinus gets the opportunity to have the most fun giving his role a huge amount of wicked, plotting and devious behavior. I swear that the times he is smiling is because of the way he seemed aimlessly free to be this character without boundaries. It is a stunning performance and I was all in! Jacobi’s return as Gracchus had to be there as a reminder of what the promise was of the original story. He is still standing for that and makes it clear he is willing to do whatever it takes to free Rome.

Other cast include Tim McInnerny as Thraex, Alexander Karim as Ravi, Rory McCann as Tegula, Alec Utgoff as Darius and Yuval Gonen as Arishat with appearances by Matt Lucas, May Calamawy and Peter Mensah.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

GLADIATOR II follows the same formula as its predecessor and it is well done. Instead of trying to reinvent the chariot wheels, Ridley reminds us from the moment the films starts where the story began leading up to Versus. I was completely wow’d by the beginning graphics and mentally applauded it all. Once the actors began their roles, I knew I was going to enjoy this film.

As a fan of this genre of film, films such as SPARTACUS (1960) with Kirk Douglas, I knew the bar would be high for any story that followed. In 2000, Russell Crowe proved that stories about gladiators during the Roman era can be just as amazing. Mescal has taken the reigns of this genre and did so spectacularly well. His castmates also brought the history thanks to Nielsen and Jacobi and the twisted rulers with Quinn, Hechinger and damn, Mr. Denzel Washington if you please.

The visuals are big, bold and stunning with special effects that are extremely cool. Yes, I am keeping things close to the vest because it is important so see the secrets, twists and visuals for yourself. The audience was cheering, making ‘ewwww’ faces, and shouting out which, and it must be said, seemed very colosseum like which actually made the film more fun to see.

GLADIATOR II takes the audience back to a violent time but, at the same time, captivates for its two hour and twenty-eight-minute running time. Trust me when I say, it certainly didn’t feel like it at all. That’s because of director Scott’s ability to tell this story, the casts keeping our attention from beginning to end and great special effects. This film is absolute entertainment!

In the end – strength and honor!

The Holidays are Here with RED ONE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday to really put a jingle in the holidays from director Jake Kasdan and Amazon MGM Studios is the story of RED ONE.

Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) is the ELF (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification) security for Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) and answers to M.O.R.A. (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority). Now Callum wants to retired after a few hundred years becoming disillusioned by how badly the world and those in it are behaving. Agreeing to one more flight, everyone is preparing and Ms. Claud (Bonnie Hunt) whips it all into shape.

All of a sudden, things go haywire and Callum realizes that Santa has been kidnapped on Christmas Eve! Who is responsible for this you might ask? Well one person is Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) who unknowingly helped someone hack into Santa’s business giving out top secret information. He also has an estranged relationship with son Dylan (Wesley Kimmel). Tracking him down is Director Zoe Harlow (Lucy Liu) and after questioning him realizes he doesn’t know where Santa is. However, teaming him up with a disgruntled Callum, the two may be able to track down where he is.

That’s when they discover that Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), the winter witch, is responsible for everything. Callum thinks maybe she is working with Santa’s adopted brother Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) since he and Gryla once had a thing together. While Callum and Jack are running around the world, Gryla has started her own idea of how to handle the naughty and she already has someone in mind to test it out on.

Taking on Gryla, Callum and Jack aren’t not about to give up and an unexpected bit of help comes from an unlikely place!

Johnson as Callum is a rugged, tough looking and a bit solemn bodyguard for Santa Claus. He has the job down pat and does not have the patience for anything other than doing his job. When “Red” goes missing, Callum is not about to let anybody else find him. This is the perfect role for Johnson because he does gruff with ease and that’s not a bad thing. This is the first of two films he’s bringing this holiday season with MOANA 2 just waiting in the wings. Here, he gets to jump back into an action hero role once again and we are here for it.

Evans as Jack is a man who has, since childhood, made it clear that he has his own opinion about everything and owes no one nothing. Jack makes his money working for the highest bidder and that’s where he gets in trouble. Also, not spending quality time with his son doesn’t seem to faze him relying on Dylan’s mom to do the rearing. Coming across someone like Callum who isn’t dealing with excuses or nonsense. takes Jack on an adventure that has pitfalls coming close to loved ones. Evans runs with the role and since his sordid moments in DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, he shows that adult humor pours out of him and it works.

Shipka as the winter witch has her reasons for wanting to take on the naughty list her way and it is ingenious actually. Her shapeshifting ways are very cool (with the help of special effects). Shipka gets a chance to be a bad girl herself and does so her own way. Hivju as Krampus is clever, hilarious and unexpected but I’d know that voice anywhere. He has a grudge against Santa so helping isn’t part of his master plan, he’d rather slap a few people around for fun.

Simmons as Santa is not what one would expect from a Claus. He is not round but he is physically fit and believes in what he does. Of course, his favorite part of the job is seeing the kids but he also takes care of the thousands of elves in his care and has a soft spot in his heart for Callum. I am thrilled Simmons gets to play Santa because I have always been a fan and followed his career. So, why not take on the role of Red and take it to levels we would never think of. He gives this ‘character’ just the right amount of twinkle in his eye and understanding in his spirit.

Lui as Director Harlow gets a chance to Charlies-Angels-up again with her moves but her job is to do one thing, get Red back to home before he misses Christmas! Lui is a strong character who matches Johnson’s toughness but then again, anyone in her role as Director would need to be I’m thinking. Kimmel as Dylan is a young boy who seems to resemble his father in the troubled department but it seems to happen in order to get his wayward father’s attention.

Other cast include Gursham Arya as Drako, Marc Evan Jackson as Uncle Rick, Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Olivia, Nick Kroll as Ted and Reinaldo Faberlle as Agent Garcia.

MGM is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television across all platforms. Owning one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content and is home to two of the longest-running and most successful film franchise in cinematic history with JAMES BOND and ROCKY. For more please visit www.mgm.com.

RED ONE is so much fun filled with adventure, lore, wonderment, surprises and twists. We screened it as a family and we all had such a good time watching the film. You can feel the holidays are just gearing up and in the air so starting it off with this particular story, well, it begs that families get together for a night out at the theatres.

Putting the Johnson and Evans together was a stroke of genius as they played off one another so well. Bouncing off with a good-guy-not-so-good guy seasonal relationship, it takes the film full circle in the best of ways. The film brings everything with action, adventure, polar bears, crazy snowmen, a dash of mythology and more. As the holidays approach, there will be a fair share of seasons greetings on the big screen and small and RED ONE is a fantastic way to start.

In the end – you better watch out!

They Take BONES AND ALL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director Luca Guadagnnino, MGM and Shout Studios is the love story with BONES AND ALL.

It is the Regan years and Maren (Taylor Russell) is a young woman living a secluded life. Dad Frank (Andre Holland) is doing all he can to protect the girl from the world. Coaxed to go against her father’s wishes, Maren starts to stretch her teen-legs. Sneaking out one night to hang out with girlfriends turns disastrous and the duo can only run out of town.

In the morning, Maren discovers Frank is gone leaving her with a birth certificate, a few dollars and some tapes. She decides it is time to go find the mother she never knew. At the bus stop, Maren meets Sully (Mark Rylance), and discovers that she is not the only person with her, shall we say, condition.

Sully shares things with Maren that surprises her. The behavior that drives her are considered normal to Sully and nothing to be ashamed of. After a night of feasting, Maren realizes she needs to go – and quickly.

At her next stop she meets Lee (Timothee Chalamet) and is even more shocked at his openness and finding someone else like her in such a short amount of time. The make a connection as they feed when they can and drive down the country’s back roads toward Maren’s mother. When Maren discovers that Sully is not far behind, things begin to come unraveled and that is never where Frank intended for his daughter to end up and a mother’s love has boundaries.

Russell as the young Maren is absolutely riveting to watch. Not quite understanding the world, it is the secrets that are what make it difficult for this character to survive it all. She is trusting and yet pensive, angry yet confused to just wanting to live some semblance of a free life without fear. Even with a father, this character basically raised herself in many ways. As Maren learns about her condition, she becomes more aware of the dangers. Russell captures and exudes every spectrum of emotion and yet it is all so subtle that it quietly screams out to be noticed.

Chalamet as Lee is laid back casual with his own past he is dealing with. Not accepted by his own family, he keeps moving on down the road. Finding Maren, he now has something and someone else to focus on, even if they tiff a tad. Chalamet makes no excuses for who he is and tries to share that with Maren who is still learning to accept it all. Chalamet’s gives his character charisma (which I’m assuming is necessary for their condition) and non-apologetic for anything he does. Yet, something comes out in Lee the longer he is with Maren.

Rylance as Sully – oh my gosh, I’m ready to hand him awards, I don’t care which ones. I’ll make one if I have to! The character of Sully is slow, deliberate, eerie, needy, and informative. Speaking about his performance I was telling a friend that it is ingenious that as Sully, Rylance has once again shown why he one of the best actors of our time even though he freaked me out. At the same time, my granddaughter sees him as the 2016 loveable BFG (Big Friendly Giant)! That is the diversity of Rylance. As Sully, he states his case to Maren and then skulks into the background and I mentally beg him to get back on the screen.

Shout out to Michael Stuhlbarg as Jake for making me hold my breath. Your beer talking back woods screeching behavior will have me forever shook!

Other cast include Madeleine Hall as Him, Sean Bridgers as Barry, Anna Cobb as Kayla, Kendle Coffey as Sherry, Ellie Parker as Jackie, David Green as Brad, Jessica Harper as Barbara Kerns, Burgess Byrd as Gail and Chloe Sevigny as Janelle.

Bonus Features include New 4K Presentation of the Original Elements, Presented in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and the Bluray includes New 4K Presentation of the Original Elements, A Look Inside, Luca Guadagnnino: The Vision of BONES AND ALL, Meet Lee, Meet Maren and Outsiders in Love.

The Venice Film Festival as awarded Taylor Russell with Best Actress with the Marcello Mastroianni Award, Best Director Silver Lion to Luca Guadagnino and nominated for the Best Film Golden Lion for director Guadagnino. The Gotham Awards nominated Mark Rylance for Outstanding Supporting Performance and nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance for Taylor Russell and UA/MGM.

The Hollywood Music in Media Awards gave a nominee nod to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for Best Original Song – Feature Film with ‘(You Made It Feel Like) Home’. Reznor is a member of the band Nine Inch Nails and took his music into films such as NATURAL BORN KILLERS, LOST HIGHWAY, THE SOCIAL NETWORK and THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.

Director Guadagnino says, “There is something about the disenfranchised, about people living on the margins of society that I am drawn towards and touched by. I love these characters. The heart of the movie is tender and affectionate towards them. I am interested in their emotional journeys. I want to see where the possibilities lie for them, enmeshed within the impossibility they face. The movie is for me a meditation on who I am and how I can overcome what I feel, especially if it is something I cannot control in myself. And lastly, and most importantly, when will I be able to find myself in the gaze of the other?”

BONES AND ALL is an intense story but with so many different layers. It is a story of a young girls search for who she is and where she belongs, it is a story of being different, it is a story of stranger-danger, it is a story of abandonment and so much more. Even if you took out one of the elements, the story would still hold together.

That being said, it is, well, a feast for the eyes also on several levels. The issue of cannibalism is a huge distraction from the other issues that each of the characters have but it is part of who they are. After a few jaw drops, I winced a bit but my jaw stayed in place as the film went on. I began to understand that as with most unusual things human beings do to each other, Maren and Lee do not shy away but instead keep pushing forward.

I loved this film on so many levels as well and the acting is so damn stellar. Watching BONES AND ALL again is something that I have to do because I want to understand even more about the direction Guadagnino takes these characters without the shock factor intruding. The cast has brought a story that is complex, complicated and worth every moment of big screen time.

In the end – it is a masticating love story!

WICKED

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures comes the much-anticipated film WICKED.

Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is a young woman who has been living with a difference, she happens to be green. While taking her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), a paraplegic, to her first day at Shiz University, she is noticed by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the Headmistress. Believing she has found something special; she makes sure that Elphaba is taken into Shiz as well. Looking for a room to place her, Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande) is unwittingly chosen.

Galinda is a very popular girl who has a dreamy pink-like quality that Elphaba doesn’t warm up to at first meeting. Setting boundaries makes Galinda unsure of how it is possible that someone doesn’t like her. No matter, Galinda has found something new to keep her in the clouds and that is the arrival of Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), a Winkie very good-looking prince. He sees Galinda as well and the two strike up a flirtation. But another, Boq (Ethan Slater) also has eyes for the floating beauty.

In history class, Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), a goat, is giving the students their first lessons but it is Galinda making it about her until Elphaba interjects. Once again Galinda is confused. When it is announced that a group is going out together, Boq tries to make his move but Galinda redirects him to Nessarose which makes the young girl so thrilled and Elphaba wonder if perhaps she might be too harsh on Galinda. At the dance is when everything beings to change for the two young women.

Elphaba now finds a way to include Galinda in her studies with Madame Morrible and Galinda finds ways to show others that Elphaba is one of them. Madame Morrible has decided, after seeing Elphaba’s powers, to write to the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) to see if a private audience can happen. Again, Elphaba includes Galinda in the exciting adventure but once there, both of them see what the Wizard is really about and what part Madame Morrible is playing.

The two young women must each make a decision on what path down the yellow brick road they are going to take. Elphaba now understands the strength of her powers and is about to unleash the Wicked Witch of the West!

Grande as Galinda and Erivo as Elphaba play off one another very well. They seem to be having fun play their respective roles and that is important to the audience watching. I just love Michelle Yeoh and when she gets the opportunity to play bad, she just plays it bad to the bone and as Madame Morrible it is as underhanded as it gets and I’m here for it.

Bailey as Fiyero is handsome, dashing and quite the dancer around books. He is the Ken to Galdina’s Barbie (outfits and all) but there will come a kitty-cat moment where he begins to question feelings he seems to have never had before. Slater as Boq is a love-struck young man and the problem is that the heart wants what the heart wants. We will see how this plays out.

Goldblum as the Wizard is exactly what I expected and actually waited to see out of the whole film. He is quirky, theatrical, and when the tables turn, he keeps up the wide-eyed innocent act with style. Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamomd is just so damn cool…period. He may be the voice of a goat but I cheered hearing him none-the-less.

Other cast include Karis Musongole as young Elphaba, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Teoh as Avaric, Grecia de la Paz as Gilligan, Colin Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, Courtney-Mae Briggs as Melena Thropp, Andy Nyman as Frexspar Thropp, and Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear.

Cameos includeIdina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Schwartz, Kerry Ellis, Luke Bayer, Georgina Onuorah and Dianne Pilkington.

WICKED has already won a few accolades from the Manaki Brothers Film Festival with the SUMOLIGHT Creative Synergy Award, the Heartland Film Festival for Truly Moving Picture AwardCameriage for Production Designer Award for Nathan Crowley, Celebration of Black Cinema and Television with Actress Award – film for Cynthia Erivo, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuoso Award for Ariana Grande.

This is where I suspect that my review will part ways with readers. I think the film is very colorful with a 2023 Willy Wonka and Harry Potter school type deal with spells, witches, wands and outlandish characters. That said, I can’t unsee Galinda being an Elle Woods LEGALLY BLONDE (“Whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed) mixed with BARBIE (“Don’t worry - everyone likes me and thinks I’m cool and pretty”) washed in Pepto Bismal so much than her brain is basically mush but enough left for her to be sweetly dastardly. Sorry folks but MY Galinda via 1939 is lovely, caring and wise and I completely get the “you’re of an era” quips, but to sit for two hours listening to a high pitched, bleached-blonde, narcissistic pink-lady just didn’t do it for me.

Elphaba, I can’t even so I just won’t other than to say although a nod to her basket bike riding skills. By the way, when did the Wizard get a side-kick? Not sure what a prince has to do with the story but I guess I’ll maybe find out in Part 2? Oh yes folks, as if three hours isn’t enough, there is actually a part deux. Look, I get it that this is created from a screenplay by Winie Holzman and Dana Fox but if the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman could do it in under three hours without a second part, why can’t the film? Let’s give credit that it all came about and is “loosely” based on the 1995 by Gregory Maguire. Now I have to go read the book because I’m not waiting a year to see how this plays out.

Okay, now that I’ve said my partial-piece (did you think that’s all I thought?), let me just say this. Upon exiting the theatre, I saw happy people, I saw thrilled people and my granddaughter was one of them and that’s all that matters right? People being happy to be in a theatre together basking in the glow of a shared experience? I’m here for that absolutely and see that WICKED is going to hit a target audience who are going to be just as thrilled this Friday as everyone at the screening was (well, almost all).

To be fair, it was a fun time to be with my granddaughter and see her elation. The color, the songs, the dancing, the few giggles is exactly what the audience will be expecting. I didn’t not like the film, I would say it is more indifference after seeing it, and so it is known, I was interested in the film from jump. I’d probably have enjoyed it more from my comfy chair at home and, if it helps, I will most likely actually do that when it comes to a streaming service. In the meantime, hey WICKED, run with it by all means. Get the kudos, get the awards and make the fans happy because I'm all for that absolutely.

So, all this yadda-yadda being said, look, grab up every musical lover in your home, grab up every WICKED fan who is excited, for the kids and the kid at heart, head to theatre this Friday and dressing in costume is optional but always fun, grab some eats (no belly buster drinks!), make sure you get a comfy theatre seat and prepare to look towards the western sky!

In the end – everyone deserves the chance to fly!

The Return of MOANA 2

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres to start the holiday weekend from directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Miller and Walt Disney Animation Studios come the next big adventure with MOANA 2.

Moana (Auli’I Cravalho) is keeping busy once again on the island of Motunui with her family and friends. Trying to find other people on different islands, she has become quite a wayfinder. As she’s about to be given an honor by the village, a blinding light hits her and visions of the most famous wayfinder tells her she must find the hidden island of Motufetu. Once she does, it will connect the island people.

Making sure father Tui (Temuera Morrison) and mother Sina (Nicole Scherzinger) understand why she must take on this adventure, she enlists Moni (Jualalai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo) and the elderly farmer Kele (David Fane) and takes Pua and Heihei along as well. Upset by the trip is Moana’s baby sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). When Moana and friends head out in a bigger boat, she follows the fire in the sky that she saw in her dream.

Along the way, Moana finds a friends with Kakamora and discovers something about them she didn’t know before. What Moana didn’t expect was to see Maui (Dwayne Johnson) who tells them that the god Nalo isn’t going to let them find the island because he hates humans! That is confirmed by Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), a mysterious woman who finds herself trapped by Nalo as well.

Yet, Moana knows that she must now rely on others to help her reach the hidden island of Motofetu which is something new for her. They come together and with the help of a charming demi-god, it is time to confront find an island that helps more than Moana could have ever realized.

Cravalho as Moana has returned to sing her way, Beyond, through the story as we would expect. She may be a little older but the problems of being a leader are the same. This time, she has the support of her parents and the entire village that she didn’t have before. The monster she faces this time doesn’t bother taking time to monologue, but instead packs a powerful punch and challenges Cravalho’s character to realize she is stronger than she ever imagined.

Johnson as Maui also returns with charm, fun, and even more protective of Moana. Knowing that he has his own reason’s for going after Nalo, when Moana is in the picture, he grabs his hook and knows what he needs to do. Having his share of time singing, Can I get a Chee Hoo?, Johnson get the opportunity again to prove he can have as much fun as he did the first time. He is a bit softer towards people and it his care for humanity is sweet.

Chung as Moni seems to be Motunui’s historian and that is why Moana needs him. After discovering that Moana had actually been up against danger, it is meeting Maui that gives him strength. Matafeo as Loto is the brainy builder who knows what will make Moana’s boats do what she needs them to do. Her strength is being able to adapt just as easily on water as on land. Fane as Kele is the elder and has a bit of a grumpy side wondering why he agreed to come along on the sea.

Fraser as Matangi is a mysterious woman who enjoyed toying with Maui but who she really wants is Moana. If you don’t mind mudskippers and creature boogers, as I assume she doesn’t, Matangi keeps focused on her own agenda. Lambert-Tsuda as the adorable baby sister of Moana, Simea loves her sister and wants her to be there always and not go on ocean adventures but starts to understand.

Shout out to House as Tala for continuing to be there for Moana when she needs her the most. Still feisty and still amazing, House absolutely needed to be in the film.

Other cast include Tofiga Fepulea’l as Nalo, Gerald Ramsey as Tautai Vasa and Rachel House as Tala.

Disney has won 135 Academy Awards and has produced some of the greatest films of all time including the 1934 feature-length animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Other amazing films include Fantasia, Dumbo, Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, and the more recent films such as Encanto.

MOANA hit theatres in 2016 and left such a last impression on audiences that MOANA 2 had to happen. It is a story of a young girl trying to discover who she is and where she fits in and a demi-god that also can’t seem to find his place that isn’t full of trouble. Putting these two characters together to go on an adventure was a stroke of Disney genius. Continuing with that theme. MOANA 2 picks up fairly quickly and although Moana feels she knows who she is, there is something more.

That also meant that she would have to rely on the help of others which she hadn’t done before. There are also a few surprises and even more secrets uncovered and that’s what makes the film so much fun. Of course, coming from Disney Animation, the colors are vivid, stunning and so very cool. The music fits every emotion that comes their way and a few memorable lines that find their way into the new story.

As the holidays start and the kids are wanting to do something as a family, pack up for a trip back to the island. The film is an adventure of family, love, loyalty, friendship and discovering who you are.

In the end – find the way!

The Secrets of THE PROGRAM

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from acclaimed Ufologist, filmmaker, director James Fox and narrated by Peter Coyote from Lab 9 Films is a look at how the search for answers regarding the question ‘are we alone?’ continues with THE PROGRAM.

UAPs (Unidentified Areal Phenomenon) are back in the headlines and being talked about in the United States Government. Speaking before Congress, those who know or have discovered there is more hidden, believe it is time to bring it out in the open. In 2023, Chuck Schumer (D) of New York and Mike Round (R) of South Dakota want transparency about UAPs. In a Congressional document, they ask about any remains of possible UAPs. Joining the conversation is Leslie Kean, an investigative reporter who discovers that the Pentagon is part of all the secrecy.

There are interviews and video that cause a 2017 resurgence of interest. This forces the Pentagon to admit there is something out there. US Pilot Ryan Graves, in 2015, had seen such UAPs. Kirk McConnell, Senate Armed Services Committee, between 2017 and 2024, has researched and confirmed the UAPs saying the Navy knows about the crafts and their speed and maneuver capabilities. Christopher Melon, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, realizes it is time to get to the bottom of it all. The activity is, as Melon says, so prolific. Pilots are now required to report UAPs without fear of retribution.

All of this push forces the Pentagon to release information confirming there was a “demonstration of advanced technology” and the number of near-misses by pilots. In May of 2022, it is brought out that 50 years ago, Project Bluebook was cancelled. In 2017, Congress learns a similar program had begun. Scott Bray and Roger Moltrie are brought to Congress to answer hard hitting questions. Bray talks about an incident in 2014 on the USS Nimitz off the San Diego coastline. It was Melon who brought the story to the New York Times. He finds the deck logs for that period of time are now missing!

The “Admiral Wilson” memo speaks about an ultra-secret UAP crash. The memo states that they have a craft. Dr. Hal Puthoff, former Senior Advisor on UAP Program, researches crash retrievals but has signed security oaths so his hands are tied. He doesn’t believe what he knows versus going to jail is worth it and admits there is a lot more to know. Congressman Andre Carson also chooses his words on UAPs carefully. He still wants to find more information before he speaks. In 2020, President Biden signs a mandate to report UAPs and any retrieved materials. Melon says, “The info will reveal we are not alone but the public might not be ready” to hear it.

Legitimate UAP “whistleblowers” now come forward to tell what they know. Lenval Logan, former Intelligence Analyst, USAF, wants to share what he knows. Jason Sands, Master Sergeant USAF, says there are true UAP data. Dr. Gary Nolan of Stanford University deals with unknown materials related to UAP reports around the world. SIPR, JNICS all have such information.

Gary McKinnon, System Administrator, was accused of hacking into government systems. He said he was looking for UAP information on the subnet at Johnson Space Center and downloaded something explaining what he saw. Facing prison, Prime Minister May of England refused to extradite him to the U.S. to face the courts. Now, he can never leave the country. Dr. David Clarke, in 1990, spoke with Craig Lindsay, Royal Air Force Office, Scotland, about the incident. Two employees in Calvin, Scotland, saw something in the sky hovering. They took six photographs before the craft disappeared. The photos were taken by the Military of Defense. One image was kept by Lindsay and will now finally be seen.

In 2023, NASA Headquarters gives a press conference on joining the UAP conversation and “try to find out” about the phenomenon. They promise to be transparent from this point on but, will they? Also in 2023, David Grusch, was asked to look into UAP events and now needs to speak as well. During his testimony to Congress, he makes clear that he knows where a location is of strange UAP material. The government has not allowed Grusch to get into a SCIF to give his classified testimony. Sands says that the government has “off world” vehicles. He speaks of the Legacy Program and believes Congress should hear about it and he would gladly show them what he knows at the infamous Area 51.

Finally, everyone who has spoken out knows they will be ridiculed or have their lives turned upside down. The dancing around the question of UAPs is still going on and it will continue until someone in power opens the vault for all of it to come spilling out – whether we are ready or not!

Other interviews include NASA Administrator Rep. Bill Nelson, Congressman Tim Burchett, Ministry of Defense UK Nick Pope, Senator Harry Reid, and Senior Defense Editor Politico Bryan Bender. Lab 9 Is a top-secret film production company specializing in UFO and paranormal feature documentaries.

There are several documentaries regarding the UAP phenomenon and changing the name from UFO to UAP is what? Is it suppose to confuse people or make them think they aren’t intelligent enough to know that switching letters around will make us forget? Hardly, changing the letters, for me, only shows that they continue to treat the American public as children. Will people freak out to know there are aliens roaming around the universe? There is no shock in knowing that because, personally, I find arrogance in thinking we are the only beings in the vastness of the universe.

So, the question then becomes, if there are beings flying around, are they dangerous? Really? Have you seen what we, as carbon-based units, do to one another on an hourly basis. The horror that we inflict on one another in the name of love, religion and politics probably scares the living daylights out of “them”. Then what is the hiding for? The only reasonable answer would be that the government wants the technology for themselves and are afraid it will fall into the wrong hands. This is also arrogant because I hardly thinking that “they” only fly around the United States when there is a whole planet to make their playground.

All of this being said, I find what director Fox has brought to our attention is that the government is still playing games. He has found those that need to speak and found leaders that say enough is enough with the hiding and how is this hiding funded? It reminds me of a line in the film INDEPENDENCE DAY when the “President” asks about area 51 by saying, “how do you get funding for something like this?” Judd Hirsch, playing Julius Levinson, says, “you don’t actually think they spend $20,000 on a hammer, $30,000 on a toilet seat, do you?”

There are laughable moments when agencies talk about “from this point on there will be complete transparency” because I don’t believe a word of it. Those in power have something they want to protect and they are going to do so at all cost, including making more false promises. Yet, one day, there will be a moment where all the hiding, lies, promises and evading won’t save them from what lands on their doorstep – pun intended. My only hope is that Fox is there with his camera rolling catching their expression. THE PROGRAM offers up a few blunt answers by those who speak as much as they can but oh how I wish they would say more and confirm what most of us already believe.

In the end – no one need tell us we are not alone!

MUFASA: The Lions King

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Barry Jenkins and Walt Disney Studios comes the story of two brothers and one MUFASA: The Lion King.

Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) is a young cub who, after an accident, finds himself alone in the world. He meets Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) after rescuing him and convinces his mother Eshe (Thandie Newton) to take him in. The one lion who isn’t happy is Obasi (Lennie James) who sees Mufasa as a stray that needs to be away from him son.

As Mufasa grows, so does the teachings of Eshe! He has learned to be still and reach out to the vastness of his world. He and Taka remain friends and when the pride is under attack, Obasi sees that Mufasa is a force to be reckoned with. Mufasa is put to the test again when a pride of white lions led by Kiros is destroying prides and taking everything for his own. Obasi tells Mufasa that he must take Taka and keep the bloodline.

On the road they meet Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) and her trusted bird Zazu (Preston Nyman). Agreeing to continue on, they also meet Rafiki (John Kani) who has a way about him that is intriguing to Mufasa. That doesn’t mean the white lions aren’t hot on their trail. When they arrive at their destination, Mufasa attempts to make the animals understand that they must fight Obasi together or lose their beautiful home.

Pierra as Mufasa lends his voice to the orphaned lion who is raised by Eshe after becoming lost to his own family. His voice gives us the feeling of loss, of growing up, of Mufasa finding his place in the plains of Africa and of becoming a leader he was always meant to be. Harrison Jr. lends his voice to Taka, beginning as a young cub who befriends Mufasa and sees him as a brother, to having a complicated relationship with his father. Taka is also attempting to discover where he fits in and coming to terms with his own fears.

James as Obasi believes being a leader is to parade around being judgmental and lying in the sun while everyone else does the heavy lifting. The one thing Obasi is sure of is keeping the bloodline when it all comes under attack. Newton as Eshe is a loving substitute mother for Mufasa and sees potential and encourages it when no one else in his adoptive pride does. Everything she believes about Mufasa is based on his instincts and receptiveness to learning.

Boone as Sarabi is a princess in her pride but having been chased off, she teams up with Mufasa and Taka along with her own personal winged protection in Zazu. She is strong willed and perfectly capable of handling situations as they arise. Nyman as Zazu is more confident than anyone else and has no problem saying so. He is also quite funny and charming in his own right.

Kani as Rafiki is the calmest of the new “pride” that has banded together. He knows what he knows and doesn’t get ruffled by much. Getting Mufasa, Taka, Sarabi and Zazu to Malaylay is his mission and they honestly couldn’t have made it without him. I just love the very straight forward fun Kami brings to Rafiki and its all bundle around such love.

Other cast include Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Anika Noni Rose as Afia, Keith David as Masego, Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, Tho Somolu as Taka cub, Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki, Donald Glover as Simba.

MUFASA: The Lion King should do well at the box office because it is being released during a time when kids are out of school and families are looking for holiday fun together. The small lions are charming and it’s nice to see Pumbaa and Timon again as they are still as wild and silly as ever. The adult lions show the relationships between prides, being a stray, brotherhood, belief, and what can happen when power corrupts absolutely.

The live-action special effects give the animals the look of reality with big paws, big claws and flowing fur mixed in with emotion in their eyes and strength in their voices. All of that lends itself to telling the story of Mufasa and how he became the unexpected King of Pride Rock. Jenkins and Disney seem to have taken great pains to make sure that the original 1994 THE LION KING story meshes in with MUFASA: The Lion King and that makes all the difference.

So, gather up your own pride this holiday weekend and return to Pride Rock for the story we didn’t know about MUFASA: The Lion King.

In the end – from orphan and outsider to King!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jeff Fowler and Paramount Pictures is the next adventure for the team with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3.

Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are spending a little quality time with Doughnut Lord Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). That is one of the gangs’ favorite things to do and they are soaking it up until a helicopter from G.U.N. shows up and Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) tells the three that they need help. With what?

Well, there is a new hedgehog on the loose named Shadow (Keanu Reeves) and he is angry and destructive. Sonic quickly realizes that his hostility is going to be difficult for Tails and Knuckles so it is decided they are going to call on the one person who might be able to help – Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) brings the group before a dilapidated Eggman but once he discovers what is happening to some of his hardware, he doctors up and agrees to help.

That is until he discovers who is responsible for Shadow plus the chaos and its none other than – well, I’ll let you find out for yourself. Robotnik is thriller at the chance to once again be a part of the master plan that calls for putting the hedgehogs in danger. With a new sense of purpose and a new, very tight outfit, Robotnik and his new friends are taking aim at G.U.N.

Now Sonic, Tails and Knuckles must do what they do best, find clever ways to outsmart Shadow and Robotnik before they carry out their twisted plan for revenge, each for their own reasons!

Schwartz voicing Sonic gets to, once again, come up with fast talk, fast one-liners and going fast on his feet. This character is so very funny and if you don’t think so then you might want to ask Santa for a new funny bone. O’Shaughnessey voicing Tails is the smart hedgehog who understands how to create and work technology – and, to quote Agent Stone, Tails is “adorable”. Elba voicing Knuckles is the muscle of the bunch who finds no problem in fighting and has no problem offering up his services.

Marsden as Doughnut Lord Tom is so supportive of the hedgehog gang. He treats them as family and offers up fatherly advice when needed. He also finds himself in the middle of the action whether he wants to or not but its not always a bad thing. Sumpter as Maddie supports the hedgehogs just as much as her husband Tom does. When the couple gets an opportunity to spend time alone together, it doesn’t take long before Maddie is happy to join the gang on an adventure.

Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is absolutely stellar, hilarious and falls back into this role with ease. He is a total crack-up with his one-liners and even a few references that you have to be quick to catch. I’m so happy to see Carrey again in any capacity but, to be honest, my family truly adores him as Dr. Robotnik. So having Dr. Robotnik during Grinch season is everything we could have asked for from Santa.

Reeves as the newest hedgehog Shadow gets to be the dark presence of power. He has a bone to pick with anyone that has been a part of his 50-year captivity and has no problem showing what he can do. Reeves voice goes deep and lets us know from the beginning that he is a force on a mission. Majdoub as Agent Stone is still loyal to Dr. Robotnik, even when he feels like something is coming between them. Majdoub gives his role the middle-man appearance because he cares about his boss but also is curious about the hedgehogs!

Shout out to Ritter as Director Rockwell. Her character doesn’t trust anyone and both sides keep her on her toes!

Other cast include Jorma Taccone as Kyle, Sofia Pernas as Gabriella, Cristo Fernandez as Pablo, Natasha Rothwell as Rachel, Shemar Moore as Randall, Tom Butler as Commander Walters, Adam Pally as Wade Whipple, and Alyla Browne as Maria.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 has so much going for it. First of all, the special effects are so much fun and amazingly done. Then we have the story of three hedgehogs that are part of Tom and Maddie’s family to the point that they can not imagine their lives without them. There is also the story of a friendship and teamwork that Sonic, Tails and Knuckles hold dear and is put to the test. Dr. Robotnik returns with a bit of a story all his own as well and the addition of another hedgehog in Shadow who also has a story to tell.

Normally, that would be a lot of stories to tell but here it works! There isn’t a moment to take a breath because everything plays out in a fast (what did you expect, its Sonic!) paced adventure scene after scene. I love the wit behind the one-liners and, if you are as quick as they are, you’ll catch things that will have you saying, “whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?” and then laughing hard. There is humor for the kids and for the adults and sometimes they meet in the middle. The applause during the movie was a fun surprise. It reminded us all the reasons why Sonic became so popular in the first place and yes, I still have my original Sega and we will be playing the game later tonight.

Just in time for the holidays, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 means a fantastically fun time at the theatre for those of us who remember Sonic’s start, to families that have been following his rise over these many years and those who have caught on to the fun in recent years. Basically, it means a good time will be had by all!

In the end – new adventure and new rival!